A powder feeding assembly and laser welded joint

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of laser welding technology. On one hand, it discloses a powder feeding assembly, which includes a nozzle and an inner core disposed within the nozzle. The inner core has a light-transmitting channel for light to pass through. The nozzle includes a locking ring and a first connector and a second connector sleeved on the inner core along the light path. The first connector and the inner core form a first annular cavity. The first connector has multiple powder feeding channels communicating with the first annular cavity. The second connector and the inner core form a second annular cavity. The locking ring is detachably connected to and surrounds the first connector. The second connector is abutted against and locked to the first connector by the locking ring, and the first annular cavity communicates with the second annular cavity. On the other hand, it provides a laser welding head including the above-described powder feeding assembly. This invention allows for replacement of the second connector simply by removing the locking ring, which not only reduces maintenance costs but also simplifies operation, reduces maintenance time, and ensures production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser welding technology, and in particular to a powder feeding assembly and a laser welding head. Background Technology

[0002] Because the light energy of a laser can be converted into heat energy and kept within a very small area, and the laser beam can have extremely strong energy at a very small point of action after being focused, it is widely used in equipment such as laser cutting, laser welding and 3D printing.

[0003] When a laser beam irradiates metal powder, the heat input from the laser beam can rapidly melt the metal powder, thus enabling laser welding operations. With the improvement of processing efficiency, laser welding heads are gradually being applied to various high-power welding processes.

[0004] The powder feeding assembly is usually located at the end of the laser welding head. The powder feeding assembly includes a nozzle and an inner core. The inner core has a light-transmitting channel for the light path. The nozzle and the inner core together form a powder feeding channel. However, during high-power laser processing, a large amount of heat is generated, especially at the end of the nozzle that ejects powder. During laser welding, the nozzle is exposed to a high-temperature environment for a long time. Sparks generated during welding can easily burn the nozzle. In the existing technology, the entire nozzle usually needs to be replaced, which increases maintenance costs. Furthermore, since the nozzle is usually connected by bolts, disassembly is difficult and inconvenient during replacement, which increases maintenance time and reduces production efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, it is urgent to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder feeding assembly and a laser welding head to solve the problems of long maintenance time, reduced production efficiency and increased maintenance costs caused by the complicated operation and difficult disassembly when replacing nozzles.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides a powder feeding assembly, which includes a nozzle and an inner core disposed within the nozzle. The inner core has a light-transmitting channel for light to pass through. The nozzle includes:

[0008] A first connector is sleeved on the inner core, and the first connector and the inner core form a first annular cavity. The first connector is provided with a plurality of powder feeding channels that communicate with the first annular cavity.

[0009] A second connector is sleeved on the inner core and positioned downstream of the first connector along the optical path; the second connector and the inner core together form a second annular cavity.

[0010] A locking ring is detachably connected to and surrounds the first connecting body, the second connecting body is abutted against the first connecting body by the locking ring, and the first annular cavity communicates with the second annular cavity, the locking ring having a locked state that locks the second connecting body to the first connecting body.

[0011] Preferably, a first annular groove and a second annular groove are respectively provided on the end faces of the first connector and the second connector that abut against each other, and the first annular groove and the second annular groove form a first cooling channel that can communicate with the external water channel.

[0012] Preferably, the locking ring and the first connector form a second cooling channel, and the second cooling channel is connected to the first cooling channel.

[0013] Preferably, the powder feeding assembly further includes a partition, which is disposed upstream of the locking ring along the optical path and is connected to the first connecting body.

[0014] Preferably, the powder feeding assembly further includes a third connector, on which a third cooling channel is provided, and a fourth cooling channel is provided on the partition plate. The third connector is connected to the partition plate and the nozzle, and the fourth cooling channel is connected to the first cooling channel via the third cooling channel.

[0015] Preferably, the powder feeding assembly further includes a sealing portion for sealing the first cooling channel.

[0016] Preferably, the powder feeding assembly further includes an adjustment section configured to adjust the size of the cross-section of the second annular cavity along the extension direction of the light-transmitting channel.

[0017] Preferably, the first connector is provided with at least four powder feeding channels, and the at least four powder feeding channels are respectively connected to at least four through holes of the first annular cavity and are evenly arranged around the optical axis of the optical path in the circumferential direction.

[0018] Preferably, the inner core is provided with knurling for dispersing the powder ejected from the through hole.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a laser welding head, which includes the powder feeding assembly described above.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: When changing the nozzle, the powder feeding assembly of the present invention only requires replacing the second connecting body, which reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the second connecting body can be replaced simply by removing the locking ring, which simplifies the operation, reduces maintenance time, and thus ensures production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the powder delivery component in the image;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the powder feeding component;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point AA;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view at point BB;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the powder feeding component provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 1. Inner core; 11. Light transmission channel;

[0030] 2. Base;

[0031] 3. First connector; 31. Powder feeding channel; 32. First annular groove; 33. Water injection channel;

[0032] 4. Second connector; 41. Second annular groove;

[0033] 5. Locking ring; 6. Partition plate; 7. Third connecting body;

[0034] 81. First annular cavity; 82. Second annular cavity;

[0035] 91. First cooling channel; 92. Second cooling channel; 93. Third cooling channel; 94. Fourth cooling channel. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] This embodiment provides a laser welding head, which includes an optical fiber connection assembly, a collimation assembly, a focusing assembly, and a powder feeding assembly connected in sequence. The optical fiber connection assembly is connected to a laser generator. The laser beam generated by the laser generator passes through the collimation assembly and the focusing assembly, and is emitted from the light-transmitting channel on the inner core of the powder feeding assembly and focused on the workpiece. However, during high-power laser processing, a large amount of heat is generated, especially at the end of the powder feeding assembly nozzle that ejects powder. During laser welding, this end is exposed to a high-temperature environment for a long time. Sparks generated during welding can easily burn the nozzle, requiring the replacement of the entire nozzle, which increases maintenance costs. Furthermore, the nozzle is usually bolted, making disassembly difficult and inconvenient during replacement, thus increasing maintenance time and reducing production efficiency.

[0042] To address the aforementioned problems, this embodiment provides a powder feeding component, such as... Figures 1 to 5As shown, the powder feeding assembly includes a nozzle and an inner core 1 disposed within the nozzle. The inner core 1 has a light-transmitting channel 11 for passing light through. The nozzle includes a first connector 3, a second connector 4, and a locking ring 5. The first connector 3 is sleeved on the inner core 1, and the first connector 3 and the inner core 1 form a first annular cavity 81. The first connector 3 has multiple powder feeding channels 31 communicating with the first annular cavity 81. The second connector 4 is sleeved on the inner core 1 and disposed downstream of the first connector 3 along the light path. The second connector 4 and the inner core 1 form a second annular cavity 82. The locking ring 5 is detachably connected to the first connector 3. The second connector 4 abuts against the first connector 3 by the locking ring 5, and the first annular cavity 81 communicates with the second annular cavity 82. The locking ring 5 has a locking state that locks the second connector 4 to the first connector 3. During welding, when the sparks can damage the nozzle, the locking ring 5 surrounding the first connector 3 can prevent the first connector 3 from being damaged by the sparks. When replacing the nozzle, only the second connector 4 needs to be replaced, which reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the second connector 4 can be replaced simply by removing the locking ring 5, which is easy to operate, reduces maintenance time, and thus ensures production efficiency.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, the nozzle includes a base 2, a first connecting body 3, a second connecting body 4, and a locking ring 5. The base 2, the first connecting body 3, and the second connecting body 4 are sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the optical path and sleeved on the inner core 1. One end of the inner core 1 is provided with a first external thread, and the base 2 is provided with a first internal thread. The first external thread engages with the first internal thread so that the inner core 1 is connected to the base 2. The base 2 is provided with multiple through holes for connecting with the first connecting body 3, and multiple bolts correspond one-to-one with the multiple through holes. The first connecting body 3 is connected to the base 2 by multiple bolts. The first connecting body 3 is provided with a second external thread, and the locking ring 5 is provided with a second internal thread. The second external thread engages with the second internal thread so that the locking ring 5 is detachably connected to the first connecting body 3. When the locking ring 5 is tightened, the locking ring 5 abuts against and locks the second connecting body 4 onto the first connecting body 3.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to reduce the nozzle temperature during welding operations, in this embodiment, a first annular groove 32 and a second annular groove 41 are respectively provided on the end faces of the first connecting body 3 and the second connecting body 4 that abut against each other. The first annular groove 32 and the second annular groove 41 form a first cooling channel 91 that can communicate with the external water channel, thereby setting a cooling circuit on the nozzle, thereby reducing the nozzle temperature during welding operations and improving the nozzle's service life. Specifically, the first connecting body 3 is provided with a water injection channel 33 that communicates with the outside. The water injection channel 33 can communicate with the first annular groove 32, thereby enabling the first cooling channel 91 to communicate with the external water channel.

[0045] With the above structure, since the area around the laser welding head is in a high-temperature environment during welding, in order to reduce the impact of the high-temperature environment on the laser welding head, in this embodiment, the powder feeding assembly also includes a partition 6. The partition 6 is disposed upstream of the locking ring 5 along the optical path and is connected to the first connector 3. The partition 6 can shield the area around the powder feeding assembly to prevent the high temperature generated during the welding process from being transmitted to the air around other components located upstream of the laser welding head, thereby effectively reducing the ambient temperature around other components located upstream of the powder feeding assembly, thereby reducing the impact of the high-temperature environment on the laser welding head and improving the service life of the laser welding head.

[0046] To prevent coolant leakage in the first cooling channel 91, in this embodiment, the powder feeding assembly further includes a sealing part for sealing the first cooling channel 91. The sealing part includes a pair of annular sealing grooves respectively disposed on both sides of the first cooling channel 91 and annular sealing rings respectively disposed in the pair of annular sealing grooves. The annular sealing rings are squeezed and confined in the annular sealing grooves by the first connector 3 and the second connector 4, thereby forming sealing rings on both sides of the first cooling channel 91, effectively sealing the first cooling channel 91 and ensuring the airtightness of the first cooling channel 91.

[0047] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the adjustment of the flow rate of powder ejected from the nozzle of the powder feeding assembly, in this embodiment, the powder feeding assembly also includes an adjustment part, which is configured to adjust the size of the cross-section of the second annular cavity 82 along the extension direction of the light-transmitting channel 11, thereby enabling the adjustment of the flow rate of powder ejected from the nozzle of the powder feeding assembly.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the adjustment part includes a first conical surface disposed on the inner core 1, a second conical surface disposed on the second connecting body 4, a first external thread and a first internal thread. The first conical surface has a first taper relative to the extension direction of the light path, and the second conical surface has a second taper relative to the extension direction of the light path. The extension directions of the first external thread and the first internal thread are parallel to the extension direction of the light path. The inner core 1 is connected to the base 2 through the first external thread and the first internal thread, and the distance between the first conical surface and the second conical surface can be adjusted by rotating the inner core 1, thereby adjusting the size of the cross-section of the second annular cavity 82 along the extension direction of the light path, and thus adjusting the flow rate of the powder ejected from the second annular cavity 82.

[0049] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the powder is uniformly ejected from the nozzle, in this embodiment, the first connecting body 3 is provided with at least four powder feeding channels 31. These at least four powder feeding channels 31 are respectively connected to at least four through holes in the first annular cavity 81 and are uniformly arranged circumferentially around the optical axis of the optical path, thereby allowing the powder to uniformly fill the first annular cavity 81 and subsequently uniformly enter the second annular cavity 82. Preferably, the inner core 1 is provided with knurling for dispersing the powder ejected from the through holes. The knurling can uniformly disperse the powder ejected from each through hole, thereby making the powder in the first annular cavity 81 more uniform.

[0050] Example 2

[0051] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the cooling circuit is different.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the cooling circuit also includes a second cooling channel 92, which is formed by the locking ring 5 and the first connector 3. The second cooling channel 92 is connected to the first cooling channel 91, thereby effectively reducing the temperature of the locking ring 5.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] The cooling structure of the powder feeding component in this embodiment is different from that in Embodiment 2, and the cooling performance of the powder feeding component in this embodiment is better.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the powder feeding assembly further includes a third connector 7, on which a third cooling channel 93 is provided, and a fourth cooling channel 94 is provided on the partition 6. The third connector 7 is connected to the partition 6 and the nozzle, and the fourth cooling channel 94 is connected to the first cooling channel 91 by the third cooling channel 93 and the second cooling channel 92. This not only cools the nozzle but also the partition 6, reducing the temperature of the nozzle and the partition 6, thereby effectively improving the cooling performance of the powder feeding assembly. This allows the laser welding head to perform welding operations at higher power, ensuring the service life of the powder feeding assembly and the laser welding head.

[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A powder delivery assembly comprising a nozzle and an inner core (1) arranged in the nozzle, the inner core (1) being provided with a light passage (11) for passing a light beam, characterized in that The nozzle includes: A first connector (3) is sleeved on the inner core (1). The first connector (3) and the inner core (1) form a first annular cavity (81). The first connector (3) is provided with a plurality of powder feeding channels (31) that communicate with the first annular cavity (81). The second connector (4) is sleeved on the inner core (1) and positioned downstream of the first connector (3) along the optical path. The second connector (4) and the inner core (1) together form a second annular cavity (82). A locking ring (5) is detachably connected to and surrounds the first connecting body (3), the second connecting body (4) is abutted against the first connecting body (3) by the locking ring (5), and the first annular cavity (81) communicates with the second annular cavity (82), the locking ring (5) having a locked state that locks the second connecting body (4) to the first connecting body (3); The first connecting body (3) and the second connecting body (4) are respectively provided with a first annular groove (32) and a second annular groove (41) on their abutting end faces. The first annular groove (32) and the second annular groove (41) form a first cooling channel (91) that can be connected to the external water channel. The powder feeding assembly also includes a partition (6), which is disposed upstream of the locking ring (5) along the optical path, and the partition (6) is connected to the first connector (3); The powder feeding assembly further includes a third connector (7), on which a third cooling channel (93) is provided, and on which a fourth cooling channel (94) is provided on the partition (6). The third connector (7) is connected to the partition (6) and the nozzle, and the fourth cooling channel (94) is connected to the first cooling channel (91) by the third cooling channel (93).

2. The powder delivery assembly of claim 1, wherein, The locking ring (5) and the first connecting body (3) form a second cooling channel (92), which is connected to the first cooling channel (91).

3. The powder delivery assembly of claim 1, wherein, The powder feeding assembly also includes a sealing portion for sealing the first cooling channel (91).

4. The powder delivery assembly of claim 1, wherein, The powder feeding assembly further includes an adjustment section configured to adjust the size of the cross-section of the second annular cavity (82) along the extension direction of the light-transmitting channel (11).

5. The powder delivery assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first connector (3) is provided with at least four powder feeding channels (31), and the at least four powder feeding channels (31) are respectively connected to at least four through holes of the first annular cavity (81) and are evenly arranged around the optical axis of the optical path in the circumferential direction.

6. The powder delivery assembly of claim 5, wherein, The inner core (1) is provided with knurling for dispersing the powder ejected from the through hole.

7. A laser welded joint, characterized by Includes the powder feeding component as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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