Light guide for laser welding
US6528755B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4203
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus using a light guide for directing a laser beam to a weld zone. The light guide includes an entrance end, an exit end and a flexible body therebetween. The entrance end of the light guide is operatively coupled to a laser source such as a diode and is adapted to receive and communicate the laser radiation through the light guide. The light guide is formed of a flexible material to permit the exit end of the light guide to be spaced from and aligned with complex two-dimensional and three-dimensional weld zone configurations. The internal reflection of the light guide contains the laser radiation therein as it passes from the entrance end and through the exit end of the light guide. The light guide and corresponding methods of welding parts permit laser welding of complex geometric configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.