Laser welding apparatus
US4578554A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1984 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/042
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A welding head is mounted for movement relative to a fixed base about a plurality of axes. A laser beam, is transmitted from a laser generator to the welding head by an axially flexible but torsionally rigid transmission tube including one or more optically transmitting fibers. The transmission tube is rotatably mounted on the welding head for free rotation about the axis of the emitted laser beam. A lens or other focusing means is provided to focus the laser beam relative to the workpiece, and moving means is provided to move the welding head relative to the laser generating means and the fixed base. A mini-computer or other control means allows control of the moving means to direct the laser beam along the workpiece in a predetermined path. An apertured hood provides protection for the focusing means, and an optional removable probe member provides assistance in programming the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.