Orbital head laser welder
US5422456A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/282
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A laser welder is provided comprising an optical fiber, a wheel including a slot for receiving an article to be welded, the optical fiber mounted to and wound upon the wheel as the wheel is rotated to bring the fiber around the article, and a sleeve for sealing to the article to establish a chamber surrounding the weld zone, the sleeve having a curved window for transmitting the laser light from the fiber to the weld zone. In another aspect, the invention provides the sealing sleeve for use in laser welding. The sleeve preferably includes a ring deformable to clamp the sleeve to the article and center the article along an axis of the sleeve. A pump is preferably also provided which removes oxygen from the weld zone chamber, so that pressurized inert gas can be introduced to reduce oxidation and vaporization. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of welding articles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.