Equipment for forming wire harnesses

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an apparatus for forming a wire bundle. The apparatus includes a laser source, a telescope unit, a beam converter unit, a Fourier transform unit, a long-axis optical unit, and a short-axis optical unit. The laser source is configured to generate input light. The telescope unit is configured to amplify the input light in an X-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis, which is the direction of travel of the input light. The beam converter unit is configured to divide the light incident from the telescope unit into multiple sub-columns. The Fourier transform unit is configured to uniformly mix the multiple sub-columns. The long-axis optical unit is configured to uniformly disperse the light mixed by the Fourier transform unit in the X-axis direction. The short-axis optical unit is configured to focus the light passing through the long-axis optical unit onto a reference plane, wherein the short-axis optical unit includes a concave reflective surface, and the curvature of the reflective surface remains constant in the X-axis direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0049483, filed on April 23, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to an apparatus for forming a linear bundle. Background Technology

[0004] A laser device is a means of emitting light in a focused beam (called a laser beam). The laser beam generated from a laser device can have a Gaussian or quasi-Gaussian energy distribution. A laser beam with a Gaussian energy distribution provides beam convergence with a fine focus. However, achieving uniform illumination of a large area with a laser beam can be difficult.

[0005] In the semiconductor crystallization process, a uniform laser beam can be irradiated over a predetermined area. In some cases, the laser beam has a linear or rectangular shape. When irradiating a linear laser beam, the power per unit area of ​​the laser beam can be increased by reducing the cross-sectional width of the beam. This can improve the efficiency of the laser irradiation process.

[0006] In some cases, when the beam passes through a focusing lens, it is converged, resulting in a reduction in the beam's cross-sectional width. However, the focusing lens may thermally expand as the beam passes through, and its focal length may change. This can lead to defects during laser irradiation. Therefore, there is a need in the art to reduce the thermal expansion of the lens. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One or more embodiments include an apparatus for forming a wire harness, wherein the focal length of the focusing lens associated with the wire harness is prevented from changing during laser irradiation by reducing the thermal expansion of the focusing lens. Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments of this disclosure presented.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus for forming a beam includes: a laser source configured to generate input light; a telescope unit configured to amplify the input light in an X-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis to generate amplified light, wherein the optical axis is the direction of travel of the input light; a beam transform unit configured to divide the amplified light from the telescope unit into a plurality of sub-columns; a Fourier unit configured to uniformly mix the plurality of sub-columns to generate mixed light; a long-axis optical unit configured to uniformly disperse the mixed light from the Fourier unit in the X-axis direction to generate dispersed light; and a short-axis optical unit configured to focus the dispersed light from the long-axis optical unit onto a reference plane, wherein the short-axis optical unit includes a concave reflective surface, and the curvature of the reflective surface is constant in the X-axis direction.

[0009] The harness may include a major axis in the X-axis direction and a minor axis in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and the minor axis optical element may reduce the minor axis width of light passing through the major axis optical element. The minor axis optical element may include fused silica or glass ceramic. The minor axis optical element may be rotatable relative to an axis parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0010] The cross-section of the reflective surface perpendicular to the X-axis direction can include at least one shape selected from cylindrical, elliptical, and parabolic surfaces. A first portion of the cross-section of the reflective surface can have a first curvature, and a second portion of the cross-section of the reflective surface can have a second curvature. Multiple sub-arrays can be arranged in the X-axis direction, and the beam transform unit can rotate each of the multiple sub-arrays approximately 90° relative to the optical axis. The Fourier unit can include a cylindrical convex lens having a focal length of approximately 3000 mm to approximately 15000 mm.

[0011] The telescope unit may include a first lens and a second lens spaced apart from each other, wherein the concave surface of the incident surface of the first lens and the convex surface of the exit surface of the first lens may extend to intersect each other, and the convex surface of the incident surface of the second lens and the convex surface of the exit surface of the second lens may extend to intersect each other.

[0012] The convex surface of the exit surface of the first lens and the convex surface of the incident surface of the second lens can extend parallel to each other, and the concave surface of the incident surface of the first lens and the convex surface of the exit surface of the second lens can extend parallel to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for forming a wire harness according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 It is used to illustrate based on Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the bundle-forming principle of a device used to form wire harnesses;

[0016] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example telescope unit;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a beam transform unit;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the arrangement of components of a device for forming a wire harness;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a short-axis optical unit;

[0020] Figure 8 It is used to explain why Figure 7 A cross-sectional view showing the reduction in the short axis of the wire bundle caused by the short axis optical unit;

[0021] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 A graph showing the energy distribution of the input light;

[0022] Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 The curve showing the energy distribution of the output light;

[0023] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the focal length variation of the output light according to the prior art; and

[0024] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A graph showing the change in focal length of the output light. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure generally relates to a laser device. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a laser device capable of forming a laser beam. Some embodiments reduce the thermal expansion of the lenses in the laser device.

[0026] A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The term "laser" originates from the acronym for "optical amplification through stimulated emission of radiation." What distinguishes a laser from other light sources is that it emits spatially coherent light. Spatial coherence allows the laser to be focused to a narrow point, enabling applications such as laser cutting and photolithography. Spatial coherence also allows the laser beam to remain narrow (collimated) over long distances, enabling applications such as laser pointers and lidar. Lasers can also exhibit high temporal coherence, which allows them to emit light with a very narrow spectrum (e.g., monochromatic light). Alternatively, temporal coherence can be used to generate light pulses with a broad spectrum but short duration.

[0027] It is possible to form a laser beam with a wider beam width in one direction than in another perpendicular direction. Such a beam configuration is called a beam. In some cases, laser devices may include a focusing lens for focusing or guiding the beam. As the beam passes through the focusing lens, the lens expands due to heat. This can change the focal length of the lens. Changes in focal length can cause defects during laser irradiation. For example, the beam may not be guided accurately.

[0028] Therefore, the beamforming apparatus of this disclosure includes a laser source, a telescope unit, a beam converter unit, a Fourier transform unit, a long-axis optical unit, and a short-axis optical unit. The laser source is configured to generate input light. The telescope unit is configured to amplify the input light in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis, which is the direction of travel of the input light. The beam converter unit is configured to divide the light incident from the telescope unit into multiple sub-columns. The Fourier transform unit is configured to uniformly mix the multiple sub-columns. The long-axis optical unit is configured to uniformly disperse the light mixed by the Fourier transform unit in the X-axis direction.

[0029] A short-axis optical unit is configured to focus light passing through a long-axis optical unit onto a reference plane. The short-axis optical unit includes a concave reflective surface, and the curvature of the reflective surface remains constant in the X-axis direction. In some embodiments, a cylindrical reflective surface may be used on the short-axis optical unit to reduce the short-axis width of the laser beam. Therefore, changes in the focal length of the focusing lens (i.e., changes due to thermal expansion) can be reduced or prevented.

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the disclosure. These embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0031] Because this disclosure allows for various modifications and numerous embodiments, exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the written description. The effects and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments and drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0032] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the (described)” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components. It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being “formed” “on” another layer, region, or component, that layer, region, or component may be formed directly or indirectly on the other layer, region, or component. For example, intermediate layers, regions, or components may exist.

[0033] For ease of illustration, the dimensions of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. In other words, since the dimensions and thicknesses of the parts in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of illustration, the following embodiments are not limited thereto. When an embodiment can be implemented differently, a particular process may be performed in an order different from that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. In the following, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or corresponding elements.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for forming a wire harness according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is used to illustrate based on Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the bundle-forming principle of a device used to form wire harnesses. Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example telescope unit. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a beam transformation unit. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the arrangement of components of a device used to form a wire harness.

[0035] The wire harness formed by the apparatus for forming a wire harness according to the embodiment has a major axis and a minor axis. In this specification, the direction of light travel is referred to as the optical axis (Z-axis), the major axis of the wire harness that is perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) is referred to as the X-axis, and the minor axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis (Z-axis) and the major axis (X-axis) and has the shape of a wire harness is referred to as the Y-axis.

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The apparatus for forming a wire bundle according to an embodiment may include a laser source 100, a telescope unit 300, a beam transform unit (MTU) 400, a Fourier unit (FO) 500, a long-axis optical unit (LAO) 600, and a short-axis optical unit (SAPO) 700, wherein the laser source 100 is configured to generate an input light Lo.

[0037] Using a device for forming a beam, the input light Lo generated from the laser source 100 can be transformed into a linear or rectangular output light Li and focused onto the reference plane RP.

[0038] Laser source 100 may include an Nd-YAG laser or an excimer laser. As another example, laser source 100 may emit a linearly polarized laser beam. Laser source 100 may include a conventional laser source and a linear polarizer. Laser source 100 may include, for example, a fiber laser. Fiber lasers are capable of power tunability over a wide range, have low maintenance costs, and are highly efficient.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the telescope unit 300 can magnify the input light Lo in the X-axis direction. For example, the telescope unit 300 can increase the width of the beam formed by the input light Lo in the X-axis direction. In some cases, the telescope unit 300 can also decrease or magnify the input light Lo in the Y-axis direction. The telescope unit 300 may include cylindrical or spherical lenses. For example, the input light Lo can be magnified by approximately 5 to approximately 30 times in the X-axis direction by the telescope unit 300, and can be modified by approximately 0.2 to approximately 1.5 times in the Y-axis direction by the telescope unit 300.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments, the laser device can generate an input light Lo, which can be transformed into a beam. For example, the input light Lo can be processed by at least one of a telescope unit 300, a beam transformation unit 400, a Fourier unit 500, and a long-axis optical unit 600. The transformed input light can then be reflected by a short-axis optical unit 700 to focus the beam (i.e., reduce the beam width in the short-axis direction (i.e., the linear direction of the beam) perpendicular to the long-axis direction). Both the short-axis direction and the long-axis direction can refer to the beam width direction perpendicular to the beam propagation direction.

[0041] By using a reflective surface to focus the beam, the expansion of the focusing lens due to thermal expansion can be reduced. Therefore, the focused beam can become more consistent over time, which reduces defects caused by illuminating a surface (e.g., at a reference plane RP) with the beam.

[0042] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An example of a telescope unit 300 is shown, which is configured to amplify the distribution of the input light Lo in the X-axis direction to produce amplified light. In some cases, the telescope unit 300 also reduces the distribution of the input light Lo in the Y-axis direction. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The telescope unit 300 may include a first lens 310 and a second lens 320 that are separated from each other in the optical path.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first lens 310 has an incident surface for light incidence and an exit surface. The incident surface has a concave shape in the XZ plane, and the exit surface has a convex shape in the YZ plane. Therefore, the curvature of the incident surface can remain constant in the Y-axis direction, and the curvature of the exit surface can remain constant in the X-axis direction. For example, the concave surface of the incident surface and the convex surface of the exit surface can extend to intersect each other.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the second lens 320 has an exit surface and an incident surface. The exit surface may be convex in the XZ plane. The incident surface may be convex in the YZ plane. Therefore, the curvature of the exit surface of the second lens 320 may remain constant in the Y-axis direction, and the curvature of the incident surface may remain constant in the X-axis direction. For example, the convex surfaces of the incident surface and the exit surface of the second lens 320 may extend to intersect each other.

[0045] The convex surface of the exit surface of the first lens 310 and the convex surface of the incident surface of the second lens 320 can extend parallel to each other. Similarly, the concave surface of the incident surface of the first lens 310 and the convex surface of the exit surface of the second lens 320 can extend parallel to each other. Therefore, as... Figure 3 As shown, since the input light Lo in the XZ plane can be incident on the concave incident surface of the first lens 310 and emitted from the convex exit surface of the second lens 320, the light distribution can be extended in the X-axis direction. Conversely, as Figure 4 As shown, since the convex exit surface of the first lens 310 faces the convex incident surface of the second lens 320 in the YZ plane, the distribution of the input light Lo in the Y-axis direction can be reduced.

[0046] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An example of a telescope unit 300 is shown. The telescope unit 300 may include various configurations, such as various optical components, lenses, and mirrors.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the beam conversion unit 400 divides the light (i.e., the amplified light) incident from the telescope unit 300 into multiple sub-columns L arranged in the X-axis direction, and rotates each sub-column L approximately 90° relative to the optical axis (Z-axis). The beam conversion unit 400 may include a beam splitter and a light rotation unit. In some cases, the intensity of the light within each sub-column L may be greater than the intensity of the light between sub-columns L.

[0048] The beam conversion unit 400 may include two lens arrays 400A with the same lenses. Figure 5 A lens array 400A is shown. The number of lenses 410 included in a lens array 400A can be from about 5 to about 20, and each of the plurality of lenses 410 can include a flat first surface S1 and a convex second surface S2. The plurality of lenses 410 can be arranged such that the flat first surface S1 of one of two adjacent lenses 410 contacts the convex second surface S2 of the other lens 410.

[0049] The lens 410 of the beam conversion unit 400 may include a surface perpendicular to the XZ plane and is formed by the intersection of a plane of a cuboid 401 having a thickness t in the X-axis direction and a cylindrical lens 402 tilted at approximately 45° relative to the Y-axis direction around the optical axis (Z-axis). In an embodiment, the lens 410 may be formed by cutting the cylindrical lens 402 in the vertical direction while the cylindrical lens 402 is tilted at approximately 45°.

[0050] The pitch dimension of each of the plurality of lenses 410 can be t = 2fm (fm is the focal length of lens 410). Here, the pitch dimension can represent the thickness of lens 410 in the arrangement direction of lens 410, and the radius of curvature of the second surface S2 of lens 410 can have a value between about 100 mm and about 500 mm.

[0051] Multiple sub-arrays L emitted from beam transform unit 400 are incident on Fourier unit 500. In an embodiment, Fourier unit 500 may include a cylindrical convex lens. For example, the focal length of the convex lens may be from about 3000 mm to about 15000 mm. The light emitted from beam transform unit 400 may appear discontinuous in coordinate space. However, the multiple sub-arrays L emitted from beam transform unit 400 undergo a one-dimensional Fourier transform in angular space through Fourier unit 500.

[0052] Therefore, multiple sub-columns L form a uniform pattern in coordinate space. For example, the Fourier unit 500 uniformly mixes multiple sub-columns L to generate mixed light, and the light emitted from the Fourier unit 500 has a continuous distribution in coordinate space. For example, the light emitted from the Fourier unit 500 can have a continuous distribution in the X-axis direction, and the differences in light intensity and spatial differences between sub-columns L can be reduced.

[0053] Light passing through Fourier unit 500 passes through long-axis optical unit 600 and short-axis optical unit 700, and can be focused onto reference plane RP in a linear shape with length in the X-axis direction. The light from multiple sub-arrays L mixed by Fourier unit 500 can have its distribution uniformly transformed in the X-axis direction by long-axis optical unit 600. Short-axis optical unit 700 can reduce the beam width in the Y-axis direction, and the light can be focused onto reference plane RP in a thin linear beam shape.

[0054] The long-axis optical unit 600 may include means configured to uniformly transform the light distribution on the XZ plane in the X-axis direction to generate dispersed light. For example, light distributed in multiple sub-columns L arranged along the X-axis direction can be dispersed so that the light is no longer arranged in sub-columns L. Figure 6 In the example shown, the long-axis optical unit 600 may include a pair of cylindrical lens arrays 610, a first cylindrical convex lens 620, and a second cylindrical convex lens 630, the pair of cylindrical lens arrays 610 facing each other. The first cylindrical convex lens 620 and the second cylindrical convex lens 630 may be arranged in the optical path.

[0055] Each of the cylindrical lens arrays 610 may have a shape in which a plurality of cylindrical convex lenses are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the convex lenses, and the pair of cylindrical lens arrays 610 may be arranged such that the convex surfaces of the convex lenses face each other.

[0056] The first cylindrical convex lens 620 may have a convex shape for its exit surface. Similar to the first cylindrical convex lens 620, the second cylindrical convex lens 630 may have a convex shape for its exit surface.

[0057] Through the pair of cylindrical lens arrays 610, light is repeatedly reflected and diffused between them to achieve uniform characteristics. Light can diffuse uniformly in the X-axis direction as it passes through the first cylindrical convex lens 620 and the second cylindrical convex lens 630. Therefore, the long-axis optical unit 600 can make the light distribution in the XZ plane more uniform in the X-axis direction. In some examples, the long-axis optical unit 600 makes the light distribution in the XZ plane approximately uniform in the X-axis direction above a width corresponding to the beam width.

[0058] The short-axis optical unit 700 does not alter the light in the X-axis direction, but can reduce the light width in the Y-axis direction. The short-axis optical unit 700 includes a cylindrical concave reflective surface. Therefore, the curvature of the reflective surface can remain constant in the X-axis direction. For example, light incident on the short-axis optical unit 700 is reflected without passing through it. Therefore, the light width in the Y-axis direction can ultimately be reduced. Thus, since the short-axis width of the output light Li, which is focused on the reference plane RP, is reduced, and the laser beam energy per unit area is increased, the efficiency of the laser irradiation process can be improved. Additionally or alternatively, since a focusing lens configured to reduce the short-axis width of the laser beam is not used, focal length changes due to thermal expansion of the focusing lens, as is common in the prior art, can be prevented. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The example implementation is described in more detail.

[0059] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a short-axis optical unit 700, and Figure 8 It is used to explain the passage of wire harnesses. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view showing the short axis reduction effect of the short axis optical unit 700.

[0060] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The short-axis optical unit 700 includes a cylindrical concave reflective surface 710. Therefore, the curvature of the reflective surface 710 can remain constant along the long axis of the beam. Thus, when the laser is reflected by the reflective surface 710 of the short-axis optical unit 700, the long axis between the incident laser L and the reflected output light Li remains unchanged. Additionally or alternatively, the short-axis width Y2 of the reflected output light Li can be reduced compared to the short-axis width Y1 of the incident laser L. Therefore, the output light Li can have increased beam power per unit area compared to the incident laser L.

[0061] The short-axis optical unit 700 may comprise a material with high thermal stability, such as fused silica or glass ceramic. Therefore, since the shape of the short-axis optical unit 700 (i.e., the shape of the reflective surface 710 of the short-axis optical unit 700) does not change due to the reflection of the laser L, changes in the focal length of the short-axis optical unit 700 can be prevented.

[0062] Since the short-axis optical unit 700 can rotate relative to an axis parallel to the major axis (X-axis) of the laser beam, the focal length and the position of the emitted light can be adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-section of the reflective surface 710 perpendicular to the X-axis direction can include at least one shape, such as a cylindrical surface and a non-spherical surface like an elliptical or parabolic surface. For example, one portion of the cross-section of the reflective surface 710 perpendicular to the X-axis direction can have a first curvature, and another portion of the cross-section can have a second curvature different from the first curvature. Therefore, the first and second curvatures can remain constant in the X-axis direction. Thus, the width of the laser beam's minor axis (Y-axis) and the focal length can be adjusted using the short-axis optical unit 700, but the width of the laser beam's major axis (X-axis) can remain unchanged.

[0063] Figure 9 It shows Figure 1 The curve showing the energy distribution of the input light. Figure 10 It shows Figure 1 The curve showing the energy distribution of the output light. Figure 11 It is a graph showing the change in focal length of the output light according to the prior art. Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A graph showing the change in focal length of the output light.

[0064] Figure 9 The input light Lo (see) is shown Figure 1 The bundle profile in the Y-axis direction, and Figure 10 The output light Li (see) is shown Figure 1 The bundle profile in the Y-axis direction. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the input light Lo (see Figure 1 It has a Gaussian energy distribution. Conversely, such as Figure 10 As shown, the output light Li (see Figure 1 The beam profile is concentrated at a predetermined value in the Y-axis direction. For example, according to this embodiment, a beam formed by a device for forming a beam can provide a flat-top laser beam with a uniform spatial distribution in the Y-axis and X-axis directions.

[0065] Figure 11 This shows when the input light Lo (see Figure 1 ) passes through a focusing lens according to the prior art and is illuminated onto a reference plane RP (see Figure 1When ), at the reference plane RP (see Figure 1 The change in the energy profile measured on the surface, and Figure 12 This shows when the input light Lo (see Figure 1 ) by short-axis optical unit 700 (see Figure 1 The reflective surface of the object reflects and is illuminated onto the reference plane RP (see [reference]). Figure 1 When ), at the reference plane RP (see Figure 1 The change in the energy profile measured on the surface.

[0066] Figure 11 (A) and Figure 12 (A) illustrates when a laser is irradiated onto a reference plane RP (see [reference]). Figure 1 In the case of ), Figure 11 (B) and Figure 12 (B) illustrates the situation when a laser is irradiated onto a reference plane RP (see [reference]). Figure 1 The situation at five seconds (t = 5 seconds), and Figure 11 (C) and Figure 12 (C) illustrates when a laser is irradiated onto a reference plane RP (see [reference]). Figure 1 The situation after ten seconds (t=10 seconds).

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, by using a focusing lens according to the prior art to focus the input light Lo (see...) Figure 1 Irradiation onto reference plane RP (see Figure 1 In the case of ), as the laser irradiation time increases, at the reference plane RP (see... Figure 1 The energy distribution of the laser measured on the focusing lens changes over time. As time passes, the focusing lens thermally expands by absorbing heat from the laser. Therefore, the focal length of the focusing lens changes.

[0068] Figure 12 This shows the effect on the reference plane RP (see Figure 1) as the laser irradiation time elapses. Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment in which the energy distribution of the laser measured on the ) remains unchanged. This is due to the short-axis optical unit 700 (see...) Figure 1 ) includes a reflective surface, therefore the short-axis optical unit 700 (see Figure 1 The shape may remain unchanged.

[0069] For example, according to an embodiment, since the device for forming the wire bundle includes a short-axis optical unit with a reflective surface that can reduce the short-axis width of the wire bundle, the focal length associated with the laser beam can be prevented from changing during the laser irradiation process even if the laser beam power per unit area increases. Therefore, the reliability of the laser beam irradiation process can be improved.

[0070] According to an embodiment, since the device for forming the wire bundle includes a short-axis optical unit with a reflective surface that can reduce the short-axis width of the wire bundle, the focal length associated with the laser beam can be prevented from changing during the laser irradiation process.

[0071] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for forming a wire harness, the apparatus comprising: A laser source is configured to generate input light; A telescope unit is configured to amplify the input light in an X-axis direction perpendicular to the optical axis to produce amplified light, wherein the optical axis is the direction of travel of the input light; A beam conversion unit is configured to divide the amplified light from the telescope unit into multiple sub-columns; Fourier units are configured to uniformly mix the plurality of sub-columns to produce mixed light; A long-axis optical unit is configured to uniformly disperse the mixed light from the Fourier unit in the X-axis direction to produce dispersed light; as well as A short-axis optical unit is configured to focus the scattered light from the long-axis optical unit onto a reference plane. The short-axis optical unit includes a concave reflective surface, and the curvature of the reflective surface is constant in the X-axis direction. The short-axis optical unit is rotatable relative to an axis parallel to the X-axis direction, and Wherein, the first portion of the cross section of the reflective surface perpendicular to the X-axis direction has a first curvature, and the second portion of the cross section of the reflective surface has a second curvature.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The wire harness includes a major axis in the X-axis direction and a minor axis in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and The short-axis optical unit is configured to reduce the short-axis width of the scattered light from the long-axis optical unit.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The short-axis optical unit comprises fused silica or glass-ceramic.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the reflective surface includes at least one of a cylindrical surface, an elliptical surface, and a parabolic surface.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of sub-columns are arranged in the X-axis direction, and The beam transformation unit rotates each of the plurality of sub-columns by 90° relative to the optical axis.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The Fourier unit includes a cylindrical convex lens having a focal length of 3000mm to 15000mm.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The telescope unit includes a first lens and a second lens spaced apart from each other. The concave surface of the incident surface of the first lens extends to intersect the convex surface of the exit surface of the first lens, and The convex surface of the incident surface of the second lens extends to intersect with the convex surface of the exit surface of the second lens.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The convex surface of the exit surface of the first lens extends parallel to the convex surface of the incident surface of the second lens, and The concave surface of the incident surface of the first lens extends parallel to the convex surface of the exit surface of the second lens.

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