Laser welding apparatus employing a tilting mechanism and seam follower
US5925268A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/04
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In general, the present invention pertains to an apparatus and control system for working sheet material employs a tilting mechanism which automatically tilts a head about a theoretical point disposed upon the sheet material. In another aspect of the present invention, the head is defined as a laser head and the pivot point corresponds with the laser beam focal point. A further aspect of the present invention provides a seam tracking device and control system which automatically adjust a welding head height relative to the sheet material as a datum rather than relative to a gantry or other structure supporting the welding head. In yet another aspect of the present invention, an optical seam tracking device is employed to automatically tilt the welding head along differing rotational planes. In still another aspect of the present invention, various axial slides are employed in combination with a gantry. A further aspect of the present invention uses a seam tracking device and microprocessor to track a welding seam and move a welding head predetermined amounts due to sensed pre-weld gap widths. Another aspect of the present invention uses an automated tilting mechanism for creating a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.