Patent · US Expired

Methods of and apparatus for welding workpiece with laser beams

US6127647A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
7References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 8, 1998
Grant dateOct 3, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 8, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K26/067
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A laser beam welding apparatus has a first laser oscillator for applying a laser beam to a right-hand automobile door, a second laser oscillator for applying a laser beam to a left-hand automobile door, and first through fourth laser beam path changing mechanisms for changing the laser beam path of the laser beam from the first laser oscillator in the event of a failure of the second laser oscillator, and changing the laser beam path of the laser beam from the second laser oscillator in the event of a failure of the first laser oscillator. Even when one of the laser beam oscillators fails to operate due to a malfunction, an overall welding line combined with the laser beam welding apparatus does not need to be shut down, and the laser beam welding apparatus can smoothly and efficiently weld the workpieces.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.