Air guiding device for splash reduction, splash deflection and weld quality improvement in laser beam welding, and welding device

Abstract

The invention relates to an air guiding device (100) for influencing welding spatter during the machining of a workpiece, comprising at least one annular nozzle (110) for generating an air flow (300) guided to a welding point, said nozzle (110) having at least one air inlet (140) and at least one air outlet (130), the air inlet (140) is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle (110) and opens into an air duct (150) of the nozzle (110) substantially radially. The invention further relates to a welding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air guiding device for reducing spatter, deflecting spatter and improving weld seam quality during machining of workpieces, for example by influencing welding spatter and vapor plume and process stabilization of machining light. The invention also relates to a welding device for machining workpieces, having at least one set of welding optics and an air guiding device, in particular an optically fixed air guiding device. Background Art

[0002] A laser welding system has a laser beam source. The welding head is fixed to a robot arm or other manipulator and has a set of welding optics that focus the laser beam on the workpiece. In the welding of coated or uncoated workpieces consisting of weldable materials, the high energy density of the laser beam and the highly active molten pool often lead to the formation of weld spatter, which means that molten particles are thrown away. In addition, the incineration residues or coatings of the workpiece lead to the formation of smoke or flue gases. These substances can easily damage or contaminate the welding optics. Therefore, the welding optics are usually protected by a protective glass. However, this protective glass must also have a high optical quality and is therefore relatively expensive. This is particularly true for scanning welding devices and / or welding optics, in which the laser beam is deflected by means of a mirror system and the protective glass must therefore have a relatively high diameter.

[0003] For example, from DE 20 2015 102 740 U1, a laser welding device is known which has a set of welding optics for beam forming a laser beam directed onto a workpiece and a spatter protection device in the form of a nozzle for generating an air flow in the space between the welding optics and the workpiece. Summary of the invention

[0004] Purpose

[0005] The object of the invention is to improve an air guiding device of the type specified at the outset, in particular by continuously generating or by continuously forming an air flow which can be guided or directed towards the welding point, which serves to control and reduce the extent of the vapor plume and the processing light, and to optimize the weld quality by process stabilization, and to reduce and guide welding spatter and welding fumes during the welding operation. The integration of an air flow booster enables simple retrofitting and energy-saving operation. A further object of the invention is to provide a corresponding welding device, in particular a laser welding device, comprising the aforementioned air guiding device, wherein the air guiding device is in particular in an optically fixed arrangement and acts with a diabolo-shaped free-form jet, in particular a diabolo-shaped air flow, without being connected to the workpiece.

[0006] Achievement of goals

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an air guiding device for influencing welding spatter during machining of a workpiece, the air guiding device comprising at least one annular nozzle for generating an air flow directed toward the welding location, wherein the nozzle has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, wherein the air inlet is arranged on the outer circumference of the nozzle and opens essentially tangentially into an air duct of the nozzle.

[0008] The air inlet, in particular the inlet duct or the inlet pipe, opens essentially tangentially into the air duct of the nozzle. For example, the air duct has an annular shape. In particular, the expression that the air inlet opens essentially tangentially into the air duct of the nozzle means that the essentially linear air inlet opens into the annular air duct, so that there is a transition moment where the linear tangential air inlet flow turns into a circular air flow in the air duct.

[0009] Since the at least one air inlet is arranged on the outer circumference of the nozzle and opens tangentially into the air duct of the nozzle, the welding spatter, in particular the diffuse welding spatter, can be influenced to an improved extent.

[0010] The tangential arrangement of the air inlet and the fact that the air inlet opens tangentially into the air duct of the nozzle results in a shortening of the air supply path and / or the air flow generation path. This enables the air inlet to have less air deflection.

[0011] The air flow generated by means of the air guiding device according to the invention, in particular by means of the nozzle according to the invention, leads to a reduction and / or deflection of welding spatter and / or vapor plume. Such an air flow, in particular a diabolo-shaped air flow, contains a rotational component in the form of a so-called vortex, which can substantially stabilize the welding process and achieve a flat, compact processing light. In addition, the beam path remains free of welding spatter and welding fumes, which increases the service life of the optical device.

[0012] For example, at least one air inlet with an inlet opening and an inlet duct or inlet pipe can be arranged such that the inlet duct or inlet pipe extends tangentially relative to the outer circumference of the annular nozzle and opens tangentially into the air duct, in particular into the air space or cavity. The air supply into the air duct is thus tangential.

[0013] The tangential arrangement of the air inlet allows for improved monitoring and control of the air flow directed towards the welding site. In addition, the tangential arrangement of the air inlet enables the formation of an air flow with a desired flow rate and / or a desired air pressure. A diabolo-shaped air flow below the nozzle, in particular a so-called vortex, can be generated in a simple and fast manner.

[0014] The annular nozzle can be fixed on a set of welding optics, for example on a set of laser welding optics. For example, in the case of scanner optics and / or optics with a standard lens system, the annular nozzle can be used with a fixed central welding jet. For example, a specific air flow generated by a gassing unit leads to optimized process robustness and controlled formation of a vapor plume and / or controlled spatter in any welding process with any seam geometry.

[0015] The function of the air guiding device can be described as follows: the annular nozzle generates a rotationally symmetrical air flow, in particular an air vortex, in the region of the jet axis. At least one air inlet tangentially leading into the air duct at the periphery of the annular nozzle can lead to the generation or formation of a tangential high-speed air flow. This air flow can be generated by at least one so-called air flow supercharger (hereinafter also referred to as air flow supercharger element).

[0016] The air rotating in the nozzle leaves the air duct, also called chamber, at high speed along the air outlet. Due to the pressure conditions created, additional ambient air flows from the area above and / or below the nozzle down through the diameter of the annular nozzle (also called annular chamber, annular nozzle or nozzle ring) to the weld plane.

[0017] Advantageous configurations which can be used alone or in combination with one another are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0018] The annular nozzle may be divided into sectors. For example, the nozzle may comprise two, three or more air inlets.

[0019] In the case of multiple air inlets, the nozzle can be divided into a corresponding number of sections. In the case of two sections, these sections are each in the form of a semicircle. Each semicircular section of the nozzle can be assigned an air inlet. The two air inlets can be arranged on two mutually opposite outer peripheral surfaces of each section. The air inlets can be arranged spaced apart or offset from each other within an angular range of 180°.

[0020] In the case of three air inlets, the nozzle can be divided into three sections. In particular, the nozzle can be divided into three identical sections, in particular sections of equal size. Here, each section of the nozzle can be assigned an air inlet. The three air inlets can be distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference. The air inlets can each be arranged spaced apart or offset from one another within an angle range of 120°.

[0021] The annular nozzle can be divided into four sections and have four air inlets. Each section here can be assigned an air inlet. The four sections can have equal sizes. The four air inlets can each be in an arrangement spaced apart from each other at equal distances and / or equal angles. The air inlets can be distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle. The air inlets can each be in an arrangement spaced apart from each other or offset within an angle range of 90°.

[0022] The function of the air guiding device can be described as follows: the annular nozzle generates a rotationally symmetrical air flow, in particular an air vortex, in the region of the jet axis. This is achieved with the aid of a segmented nozzle in the form of an annular duct, in particular with the aid of its air duct or its air chamber, each segment having an air inlet, wherein the air inlet enables a tangential high-speed air flow to be introduced into the air duct or air chamber at the circumference of the nozzle and then discharged from the air outlet. This air flow can be generated by a so-called air flow supercharger operated with compressed air or with the aid of a ventilation system with appropriate characteristics.

[0023] By means of an annular nozzle (also referred to as an annular nozzle) with a plurality or a plurality of air inlets arranged tangentially, a diabolo-shaped air flow, such as an air vortex or a vortex tube or a vortex duct, can be generated. For example, a rotationally symmetrical air vortex can be generated below the nozzle. Such an air vortex can be achieved by a segmented nozzle in the form of an annular duct, each segment having an air inlet. The air rotating in the segment can leave the air duct, i.e. the nozzle, at high speed in the direction of the air outlet.

[0024] By means of the air outlets, for example in the form of outlet gaps, the swirling air can be focused obliquely downwards and slightly radially inwards, in particular in the direction of the weld, through the inner circumference.

[0025] The air outlet may be in the form of a gap extending around the inner circumference of the nozzle. The air outlet may be in the form of an annular opening or an annular gap. The air outlet may be in the form of an air outlet opening or an air outlet gap. The air outlet may be formed with the two nozzle walls in a mutually spaced arrangement.

[0026] The air outlet can be aligned at a defined angle relative to a vertical axis extending through the nozzle. The air outlet can be aligned at a defined angle with a plane defined by the inner circumference. The air outlet can be directed radially inwards toward the welding location at an angle of approximately 30° to 50°, in particular 45°. For example, the annular air outlet points downwards at an angle of approximately 45° in the direction of the workpiece.

[0027] The air inlet can have an attachment interface, by means of which the air inlet can be coupled or coupled to the air flow supercharger element. The attachment interface can also be used to couple the air inlet to a conventional ventilation unit, a fan and / or a compressed air supply unit. The attachment interface can be an assembly interface and has a plurality of connecting elements, such as an opening, for example a threaded opening and / or a screw or a bolt. The air inlet can be releasably or non-releasably connected to the air flow supercharger element or the ventilation unit. The air inlet can be force-fitted, form-fitted and / or adhesively bonded to the air flow supercharger element or the ventilation unit.

[0028] The air flow booster element may be a conventional metal product.The air flow booster element may utilize the so-called Coanda effect in order to increase the volume flow rate forced through the annular nozzle.

[0029] In all the embodiments described, at least one of the air inlets or all of the air inlets may be provided with an air flow booster element.

[0030] The annular nozzle with the air inlet and the air outlet can be produced by a 3D printing method or an injection molding method. The annular nozzle can be made of plastic, for example of a heat-stable plastic, such as PLA.

[0031] In the case of welding optics that are dynamically positioned by means of so-called handling systems (eg robots), relatively lightweight materials may be advantageous.Other materials may also be an option, for example, if the air guiding device is fixedly mounted.

[0032] The annular nozzle may comprise at least one fixing element for fixing the nozzle to a set of welding optics, a welding unit and / or a welding device. The fixing element may take the form of a fixing opening, such as a passage opening, or a fixing bolt or a fixing screw or a fixing point, such as a welding point or a brazing point. The fixing element may be an interface for assembling the device.

[0033] The annular nozzle may comprise two, three, four or more fixing elements. Each section of the nozzle may be assigned a fixing element. The fixing element(s) may be arranged on the outer circumference of the nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element(s) may be formed on the top side and / or the bottom side and / or the inner circumference.

[0034] In the case of two fixing elements, these fixing elements can be arranged on two mutually opposite outer peripheral surfaces of the nozzle. The fixing elements can be arranged spaced apart or offset from each other within an angular range of 180°. For example, one fixing element can be arranged between every two air inlets. The fixing element and the air inlet can be spaced apart or offset from each other within an angular range of 90°. The fixing element can be arranged in the middle between two air inlets.

[0035] In the case of three fixing elements, these can be distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the nozzle. The fixing elements can each be in a mutually spaced or offset arrangement within an angular range of 120°. The fixing elements and the air inlet can be mutually spaced or offset within an angular range of 60°. The fixing element can be arranged in the middle between two air inlets.

[0036] In the case of four fixing elements, these fixing elements can each be in a mutually spaced arrangement at equal distances and / or equal angles. The fixing elements can be distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle. The fixing elements can each be in a mutually spaced or offset arrangement within an angular range of 90°. In each case, the fixing element can be arranged between the end of the first air inlet and the start of the second air inlet. The end of the air inlet can be an open part or a transition part where the air inlet tangentially leads to the air duct. The fixing element can be arranged in the middle between the two air inlets.

[0037] The fixing element(s) may be an area embossed into the nozzle body. The fixing element(s) may take the form of a channel opening, a channel bore or a channel hole extending coaxially with the channel of the annular nozzle. The nozzle may have one or more fixing elements which may be in a single piece with the nozzle body. The fixing element(s) may take the form of a ring or lug mounted on or embossed into the nozzle.

[0038] The fixing element(s) can be used for a releasable connection of a corresponding fixing element provided on the welding device, the welding unit and / or the welding optics.

[0039] According to the invention, this object is also achieved by a welding device for processing a workpiece, which has at least one set of welding optical devices and an air guiding device, the at least one set of welding optical devices being used to form a welding jet directed onto the workpiece, and the air guiding device being connected to the set of welding optical devices and, according to the preceding description, being used to generate an air flow directed onto the welding location.

[0040] The welding device may be a laser welding device having a set of welding optics for forming a laser beam. The welding device may comprise a holding device for fixing an air guiding device for generating an air flow guided onto the welding location.

[0041] An air guiding device may be arranged in the space between the welding optics and the workpiece.

[0042] The air guiding device can be arranged relative to the welding optics in such a way that the welding jet from the welding optics passes through the nozzle opening in the annular nozzle. The annular nozzle can surround the welding jet in an annular manner. The air outlet can be arranged in such a way that the air flow is directed radially inwards and obliquely in the direction of the welding location. The annular nozzle can be fixed to the welding optics by means of at least one fixing element, which can be arranged on the outer circumference of the nozzle in such a way that the beam path of the welding jet is not affected.

[0043] In summary, in other words, the invention provides an air guiding device in the form of an air flow generator, wherein the air flow generated between the annular or torus nozzle and the welding point leads to the continuous formation of a vapor plume with a reduced optical density during welding. In addition, the amount and intensity of weld spatter are reduced. In addition, a radially outward deflection of spatter is achievable. As a result of these effects, the stability of the welding process, in particular the laser welding process, is significantly increased. In addition, better protection of sensitive optical components from contamination or even damage can be achieved.

[0044] The air guiding device simultaneously generates a downward vortex. The air guiding device can be constructed from a heat-stable plastic and manufactured as a 3D-printed part.

[0045] For example, at least one air inlet with an inlet opening and an inlet duct or inlet pipe can be arranged such that the inlet duct or inlet pipe extends tangentially relative to the outer circumference of the annular nozzle and opens tangentially into the air duct, in particular into the air space or cavity. The air supply into the air duct is therefore preferably substantially tangential.

[0046] The tangential arrangement of the air inlet allows for improved monitoring and control of the air flow directed toward the welding site. In addition, the tangential arrangement of the air inlet enables the accelerated formation of an air flow with a desired flow rate and / or desired air pressure. A diabolo-shaped air flow below the nozzle, in particular a so-called vortex, can be generated in a simple and fast manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The invention is explained in detail below with reference to advantageous working examples shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to these working examples. The accompanying drawings show:

[0048] Figure 1 : A perspective view of an air guiding device according to a first working example of the present invention, the air guiding device having an annular nozzle for generating an air flow directed toward a welding location,

[0049] Figure 2 : A top view of an air guiding device according to a first working example of the present invention,

[0050] Figure 3 : Along Figure 1 The cross section of line II in

[0051] Figure 4 : A side view of an air guiding device according to a first working example of the present invention,

[0052] Figure 5 : A top view of an air guiding device according to a second working example of the present invention, the air guiding device having an annular nozzle and an air flow supercharger element for generating an air flow directed toward a welding location,

[0053] Figure 6 : A perspective view of the air flow supercharger components, and

[0054] Figure 7 : A three-dimensional view of a welding device according to the invention, in particular a laser welding device, which has a set of welding optical devices and an air guiding device connected thereto.

[0055] In all the figures, mutually corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1 An air guiding device 100 according to a first working example is shown for influencing welding spatter 210 and / or a vapor plume and / or processing light and / or welding fumes during processing of a workpiece 200, in particular a welding operation, as shown Figure 4 As shown in Figure 9.

[0057] Figure 1 A coordinate system is shown in schematic form for illustrating three mutually perpendicular spatial directions: a longitudinal direction x, a transverse direction y extending at right angles to the longitudinal direction x, and a vertical direction z extending at right angles to the longitudinal direction x and to the transverse direction y.

[0058] The air guiding device 100 comprises an annular nozzle 110 for generating an air flow 300 directed toward the welding location 202, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0059] The nozzle 110 includes an annular body 112 having an inner wall 114, an outer wall 116, a bottom side 118, and a top side 120. The top side 120 connects the inner wall 114 and the outer wall 116. The outer wall 116 is connected to the bottom side 118. A gap S is formed between the bottom side 118 and the inner wall 114. The gap S forms an air outlet 130 of the nozzle 110. The body 112 may be in a single piece. The air outlet 130 is an annular gap S formed between the inner wall 114 and the bottom side 118 of the nozzle 110. The air outlet 130 is formed by the gap S formed between the inner wall 114 and the bottom side 118. The air outlet 130 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 110.

[0060] In addition, the nozzle 110 has four air inlets 140 distributed on the outer circumference in a rotationally symmetrical manner. The air inlet 140 is arranged on the outer circumference of the body 112 and tangentially leads to the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air duct 150 extends through the body 112 in an annular manner. The air duct 150 is formed by the inner wall 114, the outer wall 116, the bottom side 118 and the top side 120.

[0061] The air inlets 140 each open tangentially into the air duct 150. The air inlets 140 protrude tangentially from the circumference of the nozzle 110, in particular from the outer wall 116. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the drawings, the air inlets 140 each comprise an inlet opening 142 and an inlet duct 144, wherein the inlet duct 144 extends tangentially relative to the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110 defined by the outer wall 114 and opens tangentially into the air duct 150, in particular into an air space or cavity. Thus, the air supply into the air duct 150 is tangential.

[0062] The corresponding inlet opening 142 and / or the corresponding inlet duct 144 can have, for example, a smaller cross-sectional area than the air duct 150. The shape of the air duct 150 can vary. For example, the air duct 150 is circular or oval. The air duct 150 can have a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding inlet opening 142 and / or the corresponding inlet duct 144.

[0063] In the working example shown, the respective air inlet 140 is essentially tubular in form or may have a different shape.

[0064] The air inlet 140 each has an attachment interface 146, and the corresponding air inlet 140 can be coupled or coupled to the ventilation unit 400 shown in Figure 9, such as a fan and / or a compressed air supply unit, by means of the attachment interface 146. In the working example shown, the corresponding attachment interface 146 extends in the vertical direction z. Optionally, the corresponding attachment interface 146 can also extend in the lateral direction y and / or the longitudinal direction x. The attachment interface 146 takes the form of, for example, an attachment plate. The corresponding attachment interface 146 includes, for example, a plurality of attachment openings 148, such as channel drillings or channel holes, for example, for screws, bolts and / or pins. In the working example shown, each attachment interface 146 includes four attachment openings 148 distributed around the corresponding air inlet 140, in particular around the corresponding inlet opening 142.

[0065] The tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 allows for more effective monitoring, alignment and control of the air flow 300. The flow rate of the air flow 300 can be adjusted individually by the ventilation unit 400. In addition, the tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 enables the formation of an air flow 300 with a desired flow rate and / or a desired air pressure. The tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 shortens the supply path and therefore shortens the formation distance of the air flow 300. The diabolo-shaped air flow 300 below the nozzle 110, in particular the so-called vortex, can be generated in a simple, fast and controlled manner.

[0066] The function of the air guiding device 100 can be described as follows: the annular nozzle 110 generates a rotationally symmetrical air flow 300, in particular an air vortex, in the region of the jet axis extending in the longitudinal direction x, wherein the air is fed simultaneously or with a time delay via the air inlet 140 into the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110. This is done with the aid of a segmented nozzle 110 in the form of an annular duct, wherein each segment 160 has one air inlet 140, wherein the air inlet 140 causes a tangential high-speed air flow to be introduced into the air duct 150 at the circumference of the nozzle 140 and subsequently discharged from the air outlet 130. This air flow 300 can be generated by a so-called air flow supercharger operated with compressed air and / or by means of a ventilation system with suitable characteristics.

[0067] The air rotating in the nozzle 110 exits the air duct 150 at high speed along the air outlet 130. Due to the pressure conditions created, additional ambient air flows from the area above and / or below the nozzle 110 downwardly through the diameter of the annular nozzle 110 (also referred to as an annular chamber, annular nozzle, or nozzle ring) to the weld plane.

[0068] The annular nozzle 110 is divided into four sections 160. Each section 160 is assigned an air inlet 140. The four sections 160 have equal sizes. The four air inlets 140 are each arranged to be spaced apart from each other at equal distances and / or equal angles. The air inlets 140 are distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110. The air inlets 140 are each arranged to be spaced apart from each other or offset within an angle range of 90°.

[0069] The annular nozzle 110 comprises four fixing elements 170 distributed on the outer wall 116 and thus on the outer circumference for fixing the nozzle 110 to the welding device 500. A respective fixing element 170 may comprise at least one passage opening extending in the longitudinal direction x. The fixing elements 170 each form an interface for assembling the device.

[0070] The fixing element 170 extends in the vertical direction z over the total height of the nozzle 110, in particular along the outer wall 116. The fixing element 170 takes the form of an elevation which projects from the outer wall 116, for example.

[0071] The fixing elements 170 are each arranged at equal distances and / or equal angles. The fixing elements 170 are distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110. The fixing elements 170 are each arranged at an angle of 90° and spaced or offset from each other. In each case, the fixing element 170 is arranged in the middle between two air inlets 140.

[0072] The fixing element 170 can be a surface, a dimple, and / or a ring stamped into the body 112 of the nozzle 110. The fixing element 170 can be used for releasable connection to a corresponding fixing element (such as a screw) provided on the welding device 500 and / or on the set of welding optics 502.

[0073] Figure 2 A top view of an air guiding device 100 according to a first working example of the present invention is shown.

[0074] The body 112 of the nozzle 110 is divided into four sections 160. Each section 160 is assigned an air inlet 140 and a fixing element 170. The air inlet 140 each opens tangentially into the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110. The fixing elements 170 each have two passage openings.

[0075] By virtue of this way of fixing the nozzle 110 to the welding device 500 and / or the set of welding optics 502 and / or the ventilation unit 400, the function of the nozzle 110 can be performed in an unhindered and unrestricted manner.

[0076] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 The cross section of line II in .

[0077] The air outlet 130 is aligned at a defined angle with respect to a vertical axis extending through the nozzle 110. In the working example shown, the outer wall 116 and the inner wall 114 extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction z and / or the vertical axis.

[0078] Thus, the air outlet 130 is aligned inwardly at a defined angle relative to the outer wall 116 and / or the inner wall 114. The air outlet 130 is aligned at a defined angle with a plane defined by the inner peripheral surface.

[0079] The air outlet 130 is directed radially inwards and is at an angle of about 30° to 50°, in particular 45°, relative to the vertical axis. The annular air outlet 130 can be oriented, for example, at this angle of about 45° in the direction of the workpiece 200 to be machined, or in the direction of a point above the workpiece 200 to form a diabolo waist.

[0080] The respective air inlet 140, in particular the inlet duct 144, may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct 150. The cross-sectional area of ​​the respective air inlet 140, in particular the inlet duct 144, may optionally be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct 150. In another variant, the respective air inlet 140, in particular the inlet duct 144, may have the same cross-sectional area as the cross-sectional area of ​​the air duct 150.

[0081] The air inlet 140, in particular the inlet duct 144, may open into the air duct 150 above its direction of extension or expansion. Optionally or alternatively, the air inlet 140, in particular the inlet duct 144, may open into the air duct 150 laterally relative to its direction of extension or expansion.

[0082] Figure 4 A side view of an air guiding device 100 according to a first working example of the present invention is shown.

[0083] By means of a tangentially arranged annular nozzle 110 (also referred to as annular nozzle) with an air inlet 140, a diabolo-shaped air flow 300, such as an air vortex or a vortex tube or a vortex duct, can be generated. In particular, the diabolo-shaped air flow 300 is an air flow generated in the form of a double cone or in the form of two opposite and mutually overlapping (especially rotationally symmetrical) cones or two opposite and mutually overlapping (especially rotationally symmetrical) hemispheres. The mutually opposing forms, especially hemispheres, can, for example, have the same convex outer surface.

[0084] For example, a rotationally symmetrical air vortex can be generated below the nozzle 110. Such an air vortex can be achieved by a segmented nozzle 110 in the form of an annular duct, each segment 160 having an air inlet 140 (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). The air rotating in the section 160, in particular the torus section 160, can leave the air duct 150, ie the nozzle 110, at high speed via the air outlet 130. In a working example not shown in detail, the nozzle 110 can be in the form of a substantially torus.

[0085] By means of the air outlets 130 , the rotating air coming from the inner circumference can be concentrated radially, in particular in the direction of the welding point 202 .

[0086] The air flow 300 generated by means of the air guiding device 100 of the present invention, in particular by means of the nozzle 110 of the present invention, leads to a reduction and / or deflection of the welding spatter 210. Such an air flow 300 can substantially stabilize the welding process and achieve a flat, compact processing light and a reduced vapor plume. In addition, the beam path remains free of welding spatter 210 and welding fumes.

[0087] Figure 5 A top view of an air guiding device 100 according to the invention according to a second working example is shown, which has an annular nozzle 110 and an air flow supercharger element 600 for generating an air flow 300 directed toward a welding point 202 .

[0088] The nozzle 110 includes an annular body 112 having an inner wall 114, an outer wall 116, a bottom side 118, and a top side 120. The top side 120 connects the inner wall 114 and the outer wall 116. The outer wall 116 is connected to the bottom side 118. A gap S is formed between the bottom side 118 and the inner wall 114. The gap S forms an air outlet 130 of the nozzle 110. The body 112 may be in a single piece. The air outlet 130 is an annular gap S formed between the inner wall 114 and the bottom side 118 of the nozzle 110. The air outlet 130 is formed by the gap S formed between the inner wall 114 and the bottom side 118. The air outlet 130 extends along the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle 110.

[0089] In addition, the nozzle 110 has four air inlets 140 distributed on the outer circumference in a rotationally symmetrical manner. The air inlet 140 is arranged on the outer circumference of the body 112 and tangentially leads to the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air duct 150 extends through the body 112 in an annular manner. The air duct 150 is formed by the inner wall 114, the outer wall 116, the bottom side 118 and the top side 120.

[0090] The air inlets 140 each open tangentially into the air duct 150. The air inlets 140 protrude tangentially from the circumference of the nozzle 110, in particular from the outer wall 116. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the drawings, the air inlets 140 each comprise an inlet opening 142 and an inlet duct 144, wherein the inlet duct 144 extends tangentially relative to the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110 defined by the outer wall 114 and opens tangentially into the air duct 150, in particular into an air space or cavity. Thus, the air supply into the air duct 150 is tangential.

[0091] In another working example, the air inlets 140 can each open into the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110 at an azimuth angle. For example, such an angle can be 20° to 50°, in particular 45°.

[0092] In the working example shown, the respective air inlet 140 is substantially in tubular form. Alternatively, the respective air inlet 140 may have an elliptical cross section or one of a different shape.

[0093] The air inlets 140 each have an attachment interface 146 by means of which the respective air inlet 140 can be coupled to a ventilation unit 400 shown in FIG9 , for example a fan and / or a compressed air supply unit. In the working example shown, the respective air inlet 140 has been provided with an air flow booster element 600 .

[0094] The respective air inlet 140 may be releasably or non-releasably connected to the air flow booster element 600 .

[0095] The air flow booster element 600 may be a conventional metal product. The air flow booster element 600 may utilize the so-called Coanda effect in order to increase the volume flow rate forced through the annular nozzle 110 .

[0096] In the assembled state, the air flow booster element 600 is connected between the nozzle 110 and the ventilation unit 400. The air flow booster element 600 can be operated with compressed air and / or by means of the ventilation unit 400 with suitable characteristics.

[0097] The air flow booster elements 600 are distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the nozzle 110. The air flow booster elements 600 protrude tangentially from the outer circumference of the nozzle 110.

[0098] The attachment interface 146 takes the form of an attachment plate, for example. The respective attachment interface 146 comprises, for example, a plurality of attachment openings 148, for example passage bores or passage holes, for example for screws, bolts and / or pins. In the working example shown, each attachment interface 146 comprises four attachment openings 148 distributed around the respective air inlet 140, in particular around the respective inlet opening 142.

[0099] The tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 allows for more effective monitoring, alignment and control of the air flow 300. The flow rate of the air flow 300 can be adjusted individually by the ventilation unit 400. In addition, the tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 enables the formation of the air flow 300 with a desired flow rate and / or a desired air pressure to be accelerated. The tangential arrangement of the air inlet 140 shortens the supply path and therefore shortens the formation distance of the air flow 300. A diabolo-shaped air flow 300, in particular a so-called vortex or vortex tube, can be generated in a simple, fast and controlled manner.

[0100] The function of the air guiding device 100 can be described as follows: the annular nozzle 110 generates a rotationally symmetrical air flow 300, in particular an air vortex, in the region of the jet axis extending in the longitudinal direction x, wherein the air is fed simultaneously or with a time delay via the air inlet 140 into the air duct 150 of the nozzle 110. This is done with the aid of a segmented nozzle 110 in the form of an annular duct, wherein each segment 160 has one air inlet 140, wherein the air inlet 140 causes a tangential high-speed air flow to be introduced into the air duct 150 at the circumference of the nozzle 140 and subsequently discharged from the air outlet 130. This air flow 300 can be generated by a so-called air flow supercharger operated with compressed air and / or with the aid of a ventilation system with suitable characteristics.

[0101] The air rotating in the nozzle 110 exits the air duct 150 at high speed along the air outlet 130. Due to the pressure conditions created, additional ambient air flows from the area above and / or below the nozzle 110 downwardly through the diameter of the annular nozzle 110 (also referred to as an annular chamber, annular nozzle, or nozzle ring) to the weld plane.

[0102] The annular nozzle 110 is divided into four sections 160. Each section 160 is assigned an air inlet 140. The four sections 160 have equal sizes. The four air inlets 140 are each arranged to be spaced apart from each other at equal distances and / or equal angles. The air inlets 140 are distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110. The air inlets 140 are each arranged to be spaced apart from each other or offset within an angle range of 90°.

[0103] The annular nozzle 110 comprises four fixing elements 170 distributed on the outer wall 116 and thus on the outer circumference for fixing the nozzle 110 to the welding device 500. A respective fixing element 170 may comprise at least one passage opening extending in the longitudinal direction x. The fixing elements 170 each form an interface for assembling the device.

[0104] The fixing elements 170 are each arranged at equal distances and / or equal angles. The fixing elements 170 are distributed rotationally symmetrically on the outer circumference of the annular nozzle 110. The fixing elements 170 are each arranged at an angle of 90° and spaced or offset from each other. In each case, the fixing element 170 is arranged in the middle between two air inlets 140.

[0105] The fixing element 170 can be a surface, a dimple, and / or a ring stamped into the body 112 of the nozzle 110. The fixing element 170 can be used for releasable connection to a corresponding fixing element (such as a screw) provided on the welding device 500 and / or on the set of welding optics 502.

[0106] Figure 6 A perspective view of an air flow booster element 600 is shown.

[0107] The air flow booster element 600 comprises a conical booster body 602. The booster body 602 comprises an inlet opening 604 arranged substantially at right angles to an inlet duct 606. The inlet opening 604 and the inlet duct 606 are connected to each other for air supply.

[0108] The inlet opening 604 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the supercharger body 602. In the assembled state of the air flow supercharger element 600 and the nozzle 110, the inlet duct 606 is coaxially and fluidically connectable or connected to the corresponding air inlet 140 of the nozzle 110.

[0109] At the end with the larger diameter, the booster body 602 has a suction funnel 608 for drawing in ambient air when compressed air is supplied through the inlet opening 604. At the end with the smaller diameter, the booster body 602 has an outlet opening 610.

[0110] In the assembled state of the airflow booster element 600 and the nozzle 110, the outlet opening 610 is coaxially and fluidly connectable or connected to the corresponding air inlet 140 of the nozzle 110. Furthermore, the airflow booster element 600 may include a closure element 612 to control the clearance in the booster body 602.

[0111] The closing element 612 may be an annular sealing element. The closing element 612 is inserted into the supercharger body 602, for example.

[0112] Figure 7 A perspective view of a welding device 500 according to the invention, in particular a laser welding device, is shown, having a set of welding optics 502 and an air guiding device 100 connected to the welding optics.

[0113] The air guiding device 100 is arranged in the space between the welding optics 502 and the workpiece 200. In the working example shown, the air guiding device 100 is provided with an air flow booster element 600, by means of which the air guiding device 100 is connected to the ventilation unit 400.

[0114] The air guiding device 100 can be arranged relative to the welding optical device 502 so that the welding jet from the welding optical device 502 passes through the central nozzle hole in the annular nozzle 110. The annular nozzle 110 can surround the welding jet in an annular manner. The air outlet 130 can be arranged so that the air flow 300 is radially inwardly and obliquely aligned in the direction of the welding position 202. The annular nozzle 110 can be fixed to the welding optical device 502 by means of a fixing element 170 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 110 in a manner that does not affect the beam path of the welding jet. The nozzle 110 is connected to the welding optical device 502, for example, via four holding elements 504. The holding element 504 is fixed to the corresponding fixing element 170 of the nozzle 110, for example, by means of screws. The holding element 504 is, for example, a support arm. The holding element 504 surrounds the fixing element 170 at the upper end and the lower end in the vertical direction z. For example, the upper and lower ends terminate flush with the top side 120 and the bottom side 118 , respectively, of the nozzle 110 , and particularly the body 112 thereof.

[0115] In summary, in other words, the present invention provides an air guiding device 100 in the form of an air flow generator, wherein the air flow 300 generated between the annular or torus nozzle 110 and the welding point 202 leads to the continuous formation of a vapor plume with a reduced optical density during the welding operation. In addition, the amount and intensity of the welding spatter 210 are reduced. In addition, an outward deflection of the welding spatter 210 in the radial direction is achievable. As a result of these effects, the stability of the welding process, in particular the laser welding process, is significantly increased. In addition, a better protection of the sensitive welding optics 502 from contamination or even damage can be achieved.

[0116] The features disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawings can be of significance for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments both individually and in combination, as long as they remain within the scope of protection of the claims.

[0117] Reference numerals list

[0118] 100 Air guiding equipment

[0119] 110 Nozzle

[0120] 112 Main Body

[0121] 114 Inner wall

[0122] 116 outer wall

[0123] 118 bottom side

[0124] 120 Top side

[0125] 130 Air outlet

[0126] 140 Air Inlet

[0127] 142 Entrance opening

[0128] 144 Inlet pipe

[0129] 146 Attachment interface

[0130] 148 Attachment opening

[0131] 150 Air duct

[0132] 160 Segment

[0133] 170 Fixing elements

[0134] 200 artifacts

[0135] 202 welding part

[0136] 210 Welding spatter

[0137] 300 Air Flow

[0138] 400 ventilation units

[0139] 500 Welding Equipment

[0140] 502 Welding Optics

[0141] 504 Holding element

[0142] 600 Air flow booster element

[0143] 602 Supercharger body

[0144] 604 Entrance Opening

[0145] 606 Inlet pipe

[0146] 608 Suction funnel

[0147] 610 Exit opening

[0148] 612 Closure element

[0149] S Gap

[0150] x longitudinal direction

[0151] y horizontal direction

[0152] z vertical direction

Claims

1. An air guiding device (100) for influencing welding spatter (210) during machining of a workpiece (200), comprising at least one annular nozzle (110) for generating an air flow (300) directed toward a welding point (202), It is characterized in that The nozzle (110) has at least one air inlet (140) and at least one air outlet (130), wherein the air inlet (140) is arranged on the outer circumference of the nozzle (110) and opens substantially tangentially into an air duct (150) of the nozzle (110), wherein a diabolo-shaped air flow (300) can be generated by means of the nozzle (110) in such a way that the at least one air inlet (140) is in a tangential arrangement.

2. The air guiding device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nozzle (110) is divided into at least two sections (160), wherein each section (160) is assigned an air inlet (140).

3. The air guiding device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nozzle (110) is divided into four sections (160), wherein each section (160) is assigned an air inlet (140).

4. The air guiding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The air inlets (140) are distributed in a rotationally symmetrical manner on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle (110).

5. The air guiding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The air outlet (130) is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle (110).

6. The air guiding device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The air outlet (130) takes the form of a gap (S) extending around the inner circumference of the nozzle (110).

7. The air guiding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The air outlet (130) is aligned at a defined angle with a plane defined by the inner peripheral surface.

8. The air guiding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The air inlet (140) has an attachment interface (146), by means of which the air inlet (146) can be coupled or coupled to an air flow supercharger element (600) and / or a ventilation unit (400).

9. The air guiding device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The nozzle (110) comprises at least one fixing element (170) for fixing the nozzle (110) to a welding device (500).

10. A welding device (500) for machining a workpiece (200), comprising at least one set of welding optics (502) for forming a welding jet directed onto the workpiece (200), and an air guiding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, connected to the set of welding optics (502), the air guiding device for generating an air flow (300) directed onto the welding location (202), It is characterized in that The air guiding device (100) is in an optically fixed arrangement.

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