Laser welding system and method
US4205216A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1978 |
| Grant date | May 27, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S198/95
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser welding system is disclosed having a housing formed with an opening through which workpieces may be passed, and a laser for generating and directing a laser beam into a welding station within the housing. The system further includes a light trap for inhibiting light from passing from the welding station through the housing opening to the exterior to the housing and a conveyor for conveying workpieces between workpieces loading and unloading stations located exteriorly of the housing and the welding station through the housing opening and the light trap. A method of laser welding a succession of workpieces is also disclosed comprising the steps of successively loading workpieces onto a conveyor at a loading station and conveying the workpieces through a light trap to a welding station located within a housing. The workpieces are illuminated with laser radiation at the welding station and then conveyed through a light trap out of the housing to an unloading station where they are unloaded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.