A laser output head assembly, a welding gun and a welding system cooled by air

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of laser welding and provides a wind-cooled laser output head assembly, welding torch, and welding system. The output head has an isolation sleeve and a locking head fitted externally at its front and rear ends, respectively. These three components are then inserted into a handle sleeve. A first air inlet is located at the end of the handle sleeve. A first air groove is located between the output head and the locking head. A connecting groove is located inside the output head. A second air groove is located between the output head and the isolation sleeve. A third air groove is located between the isolation sleeve and the handle sleeve, and the third air groove is connected to an air outlet. The first air inlet, first air groove, connecting groove, second air groove, third air groove, and air outlet are sequentially connected to form a cooling air path. The cooling air path designed in this invention passes through the inside of the output head, carrying away internal heat while employing a radially layered heat dissipation method relative to the output head. This reduces heat transfer through contact heat conduction, dissipating heat from both inside and outside the output head through the air grooves. Compared to water cooling, this achieves lightweight design and rapid heat dissipation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser welding, and more particularly to a laser output head assembly with air cooling, a welding torch, and a welding system. Background Technology

[0002] Handheld laser welding is a welding device that uses a high-energy laser beam to process materials. A fiber laser emitter outputs laser light, which is collimated, reflected, and focused by optical lenses inside the handheld welding torch, forming a high-energy laser beam capable of processing materials. This beam locally heats a small area of ​​the material, and the energy of the laser radiation diffuses into the material through heat conduction, melting the material to form a specific molten pool, thus achieving welding. Because the light is reflected from the material surface, and the reflectivity of the optical lenses inside the welding torch is less than 95%, heat accumulates inside the torch, especially in the reflecting mirror area and the laser output head. Existing welding torches typically incorporate cooling channels within the torch body to dissipate heat from the laser output head and collimating mirror area; cooling methods generally employ water cooling or air cooling.

[0003] However, water cooling would make the welding torch heavier, increasing the operator's workload. Therefore, in some low-power laser welding torches, air cooling is usually achieved through the design of air channels. For example, a simple air-cooled laser output head disclosed in application number 202310423110.8 has spiral air channels on its surface and uses an external pump for heat dissipation. However, most of the heat from the laser output head is generated by light reflection, and the heat is concentrated inside. Using air cooling on the surface of the laser output head results in low heat dissipation efficiency, especially since the surface of the laser output head needs to be in contact with the collimating lens. The heat from the surface of the laser output head will be further transferred to the welding torch shell through the collimating lens, but due to the user's grip, the heat cannot be dissipated smoothly. Moreover, when the user holds the welding torch, the temperature of their hand will be further conducted to the laser output head, resulting in poor heat dissipation efficiency.

[0004] Some handheld laser welders have copper tubes inside, and the output head is installed separately from the copper tubes, resulting in a thicker and heavier handheld part, which greatly increases the difficulty of operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the existing defects and provide a laser output head assembly, welding torch and welding system with air cooling, thereby solving the problem of poor air cooling effect in the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A laser output head assembly with air cooling includes an output head, an isolation sleeve covering the front end of the output head, and a locking head covering the rear end of the output head. When these three components are combined, they are inserted into a handle sleeve through an output head inlet. The handle sleeve has at least one first air inlet at its end. A first air groove is provided between the output head and the locking head. At least one connecting groove is provided inside the output head. A second air groove is provided between the output head and the isolation sleeve. A third air groove is provided between the isolation sleeve and the handle sleeve. The third air groove is connected to an air outlet. The first air groove, the connecting groove, the second air groove, and the third air groove are all relatively independent sealed spaces. The first air inlet, the first air groove, the connecting groove, the second air groove, the third air groove, and the air outlet are sequentially connected to form a cooling air path.

[0008] Furthermore, the lock head has at least one second air inlet on its side wall, and the first air inlet communicates with the first air groove through the second air inlet; the output head has at least one first through hole and at least one second through hole, the first air groove communicates with the connecting groove through the first through hole, and the connecting groove communicates with the second air groove through the second through hole; the isolation sleeve has at least one third through hole on its side wall, and the second air groove communicates with the third air groove through the third through hole; the first air groove, the second air groove, and the third air groove are all circumferential annular air grooves relative to the output head.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner side of the glove sleeve is provided with a venting groove, which communicates with the first air inlet. The side wall of the lock head has four second air inlets evenly distributed circumferentially corresponding to the position of the venting groove. The connecting groove is a cylindrical groove coaxial with the output head. There are four first and two second through holes, which are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the connecting groove. There are four third through holes, which are evenly distributed circumferentially on the side wall of the isolation sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, when there are two or more connecting slots, each connecting slot is provided with at least one first through hole and at least one second through hole. The first and second air slots are divided into several first air slot segments and second air slot segments. The first and second through holes in the same connecting slot are each connected to different first air slot segments or second air slot segments. The second through holes and first through holes of adjacent connecting slots are connected to the same first air slot segment or second air slot segment or adjacent and connected first air slot segments and second air slot segments.

[0011] Furthermore, the air outlet is located at the front end of the handle sleeve, and the third air groove is connected to the air outlet through a cooling channel.

[0012] Furthermore, the cooling channel includes a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel, the third air groove is connected to the first cooling channel through a fourth through hole, the first cooling channel is connected to the second cooling channel through a fifth through hole, and the other end of the second cooling channel relative to the fifth through hole is connected to the air outlet.

[0013] A welding torch includes the aforementioned air-cooled laser output head assembly. An optical fiber is axially inserted through the output head. The rear end of the optical fiber is connected to a fiber laser transmitter. An output window mirror is connected to the front end of the optical fiber. A collimating mirror is disposed in front of the output window mirror's output optical path. A reflecting mirror is disposed in front of the collimating mirror's output optical path. A focusing mirror is disposed in front of the reflecting mirror's output optical path. A protective mirror is disposed in front of the focusing mirror's optical path.

[0014] Furthermore, the handle sleeve includes a handle portion and a corner optical portion. The rear end of the corner optical portion is connected to the front end of the handle portion, and the front end of the corner optical portion is connected to a gun head. The reflector is disposed at the corner of the corner optical portion, and the air outlet is located at the connection between the corner optical portion and the gun head and communicates with the gun head. The outer side of the handle sleeve is covered with a housing, and the grip portion of the housing is provided with a control button. The control button is connected to a circuit board with a control chip, and the circuit board is used to connect to the control terminal of the fiber laser transmitter.

[0015] Furthermore, the reflector is connected to a galvanometer motor, and the circuit board is connected to the galvanometer motor.

[0016] A welding system includes the aforementioned welding torch, the welding torch being connected to a fiber laser emitter for outputting laser light and an air-cooled pump for outputting inert gas.

[0017] This invention discloses a laser output head assembly, welding torch, and welding system with air cooling. The designed cooling air path passes through the interior of the output head, which can carry away the heat inside the output head. At the same time, it adopts a radial layering method for heat dissipation relative to the output head, reducing the heat transfer through contact heat conduction. The heat inside and outside the output head is discharged through the air grooves between the parts. Compared with water cooling, it achieves lightweight and rapid heat dissipation. In addition, this invention eliminates the built-in heat dissipation copper pipe structure. The air cooling connector used for the cooling air path is directly installed on the handle sleeve, reducing the thickness and weight of the handheld part, thereby reducing the difficulty of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the laser output head assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the laser output head assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the glove sleeve (with air-cooled connector) in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the glove sleeve in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the welding torch in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the glove sleeve (with air-cooled connector) in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow direction in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a wind-cooled laser output head assembly includes an output head 1, an isolation sleeve 2 covering the front end of the output head 1, and a locking head 3 covering the rear end of the output head 1. When these three components are combined, they are inserted into a handle sleeve 4 through the output head 1's inlet. A first air inlet 5 is provided at the end of the handle sleeve 4. A first air groove 6 is provided between the output head 1 and the locking head 3. A connecting groove 7 is provided inside the output head 1. A second air groove 8 is provided between the output head 1 and the isolation sleeve 2. A third air groove 9 is provided between the isolation sleeve 2 and the handle sleeve 4. The third air groove 9 is connected to an air outlet 10. The first air groove 6, the connecting groove 7, the second air groove 8, and the third air groove 9 are all relatively independent sealed spaces. The first air inlet 5, the first air groove 6, the connecting groove 7, the second air groove 8, the third air groove 9, and the air outlet 10 are sequentially connected to form a cooling air path.

[0029] Lock assembly and disassembly principle:

[0030] The lock head 3 consists of two parts. The first part is a tube 301 with the same diameter as the isolation sleeve 2. The connection between this part and the isolation sleeve 2 is sealed internally and externally with O-rings. The second part is a metal threaded connector 302, whose internal thread connects with the external thread of the first part for fixation. Based on this structure, to ensure positioning, a bolt 303 passes through the side of the end of the handle sleeve 4 to radially position the first part of the lock head 3. The bolt end abuts against a pre-drilled limiting groove on the side of the first part of the lock head 3 for positioning. The disassembly sequence is as follows: first, unscrew the bolt 303; then, rotate the metal threaded connector 302 to eliminate the axial positioning of the first part; finally, pull out the first part.

[0031] A second air inlet is provided on the side wall of the lock head 3, and the first air inlet 5 is connected to the first air groove 6 through the second air inlet; a first through hole 11 and a second through hole 12 are provided on the output head 1, the first air groove 6 is connected to the connecting groove 7 through the first through hole 11, and the connecting groove 7 is connected to the second air groove 8 through the second through hole 12; a third through hole 13 is provided on the side wall of the isolation sleeve 2, and the second air groove 8 is connected to the third air groove 9 through the third through hole 13; the first air groove 6, the second air groove 8 and the third air groove 9 are all circumferential annular air grooves relative to the output head 1.

[0032] A ventilation groove 14 is provided on the inner side of the glove sleeve 4, which is connected to the first air inlet 5. Four second air inlets are evenly distributed circumferentially on the side wall of the lock head 3 corresponding to the positions of the ventilation groove 14. The connecting groove 7 is a cylindrical groove coaxial with the output head 1. Four first through holes 11 and four second through holes 12 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the connecting groove 7. Four third through holes 13 are evenly distributed circumferentially on the side wall of the isolation sleeve 2. This circumferentially even distribution method ensures a more uniform and stable airflow.

[0033] The air outlet 10 is located at the front end of the glove sleeve 4, and the third air groove 9 is connected to the air outlet 10 through a cooling channel.

[0034] The cooling channel includes a first cooling channel 15 and a second cooling channel 16. A third air groove 9 communicates with the first cooling channel 15 through a fourth through hole 17. The first cooling channel 15 communicates with the second cooling channel 16 through a fifth through hole 18. The other end of the second cooling channel 16, relative to the fifth through hole 18, communicates with the air outlet 10. The first cooling channel 15 is located on the outer side of the glove sleeve 4, achieving a tight seal when the glove sleeve 4 is combined with the welding torch housing. The second cooling channel 16 is located inside the glove sleeve 4.

[0035] Heat dissipation principle:

[0036] The pipe connecting the air pump is connected to the first air inlet 5. Gas enters the first air groove 6 through the second air inlet. The first air groove 6 is a space formed by the grooves on the side walls of the lock head 3 and the output head 1. After entering the first air groove 6, the gas enters the connecting groove 7 inside the output head 1 through the first through hole 11. After carrying away the heat inside the connecting groove 7, it enters the second air groove 8 through the second through hole 12. The second air groove 8 is a space formed by the grooves on the side wall of the isolation sleeve 2. To ensure the airtightness of the first air groove 6 and the second air groove 8, and to ensure that the gas only communicates with each other through the first through hole 11 and the second through hole 12, sealing rings are installed between the side walls of the lock head 3 and the output head 1, and between the side walls of the isolation sleeve 2 and the output head 1. Gas enters the third gas groove 9 formed between the inner wall of the isolation sleeve 2 and the handle sleeve 4 through the third through hole 13 in the second gas groove 8, enters the first cooling channel 15 through the fourth through hole 17 at the end of the isolation sleeve 2, enters the second cooling channel 16 through the fifth through hole 18, enters the inside of the welding torch through the gas outlet 10, and is finally discharged through the torch head.

[0037] In this embodiment, the third air groove 9 is closer to the optical lens part inside the glove sleeve 4. The main reason is that when lenses such as reflectors and focusing lenses conduct laser light, they do not reflect or refract the laser light 100%. Therefore, the heat generated inside the gun is usually concentrated at the lens position. In order to prevent the heat of the upper optical lens from being transferred downward to the isolation sleeve 2 and the output head 1, the third air groove 9 is set at this position to reduce contact heat conduction.

[0038] The above heat dissipation process can effectively reduce heat conduction between the output head 1, lock head 3, isolation sleeve 2 and handle sleeve 4, and also isolate hand heat to prevent hand heat from being transferred to the inside of the welding torch. Experiments have shown that the improved welding torch can reduce heat by at least 20% and the temperature by at least 7 degrees Celsius.

[0039] In this embodiment, an air-cooled connector 501 is installed on the outer end of the glove barrel 4 at the first air inlet 5, eliminating the design of the built-in copper pipe and adopting a two-section air duct design. The first section of the air duct is in the output head 1, the isolation sleeve 2 and the rear end of the glove barrel 4 corresponding to the assembly positions of the two. The second section of the air duct is the first cooling channel 15 and the second cooling channel 16 at the front end of the glove barrel 4. The entire air duct directly acts on the heat dissipation of the gun body, without the need for additional copper pipes, effectively reducing the volume and weight of the handle, achieving lightweighting, and reducing the operating difficulty for the user.

[0040] A welding torch includes the aforementioned air-cooled laser output head assembly. An optical fiber 19 is axially inserted through the output head 1. The rear end of the optical fiber 19 is connected to a fiber laser emitter, and the front end of the optical fiber 19 is connected to an output window mirror 20. A collimating mirror 21 is positioned in front of the output light path of the output window mirror 20. A reflecting mirror 22 is positioned in front of the output light path of the collimating mirror 21. A focusing mirror 23 is positioned in front of the output light path of the reflecting mirror 22. A protective mirror 24 is positioned in front of the optical path of the focusing mirror 23. The output window mirror 20 is located at the end of the output head 1. The collimating mirror 21 can be located at the end of the output head 1, on the isolation sleeve 2, or on the handle sleeve 4, as long as it is positioned between the output window mirror 20 and the reflecting mirror 22. The focusing mirror 23 and the protective mirror 24 are located within a pre-set lens mounting slot 25 in the handle sleeve 4.

[0041] Optical path principle:

[0042] The laser beam emitted from the end of the optical fiber 19 inside the output head 1 is diffused through the output window mirror 20, straightened by the collimating mirror 21, reflected by the reflector 22, focused by the focusing mirror 23 to form a light spot, and then passed through the protective mirror 24 before finally exiting from the tip of the welding torch.

[0043] The sleeve 4 includes a handle and a corner optical section. The rear end of the corner optical section is connected to the front end of the handle, and the front end of the corner optical section is connected to the gun head. The reflector 22 is located at the corner of the corner optical section, and the vent 10 is located at the connection between the corner optical section and the gun head and is connected to the gun head. The vent 10 is located in the optical channel between the protective lens 24 and the gun head, which not only achieves heat dissipation but also prevents slag from entering the gun body, effectively protecting the optical lens.

[0044] The outer side of the glove sleeve 4 is covered by a housing 26. A control button 27 is located on the grip portion of the housing 26. The control button 27 is connected to a circuit board (not shown in the figure) with a control chip. The circuit board is used to connect to the control terminal of the fiber laser emitter. A galvanometer motor 28 is connected to the reflector 22, and the circuit board is connected to the galvanometer motor 28. Pressing the control button 27 enables laser emission and starts the galvanometer motor 28, causing the laser spot to oscillate along a certain pattern, achieving an oscillating welding effect.

[0045] A welding system includes the aforementioned welding torch, which is connected to a fiber laser emitter (not shown) for outputting laser light and an air-cooled pump (not shown) for outputting inert gas.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the first cooling channel 15 is sealed with a sealing member 1501, and the two ends of the sealing member 1501 are fixed to the sleeve 4 with bolts.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that, due to the addition of a reflector A or fiber optic positioning clip A inside the output head, the number of connecting slots is two. Each connecting slot is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The first and second air slots are divided into two first air slot segments 29 and two second air slot segments 30. The first and second through holes in the same connecting slot are connected to different first air slot segments 29 or second air slot segments 30. The second through holes and first through holes of adjacent connecting slots are connected to adjacent and connected first air slot segments 29 and second air slot segments 30. With the above structure, the gas passes through in the following order: first air slot segment 29, the previous connecting slot B, the connected first air slot segment 29 and second air slot segment 30, the next connecting slot C, the second air slot segment 30, and the third air slot 9, thereby ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of heat dissipation.

[0050] This invention discloses a laser output head assembly, welding torch, and welding system with air cooling. The designed cooling air path passes through the interior of the output head, which can carry away the heat inside the output head. At the same time, it adopts a radial layering method for heat dissipation relative to the output head, reducing the heat transfer through contact heat conduction. The heat inside and outside the output head is discharged through the air grooves between the parts. Compared with water cooling, it achieves lightweight and rapid heat dissipation. In addition, this invention eliminates the built-in heat dissipation copper pipe structure. The air cooling connector used for the cooling air path is directly installed on the handle sleeve, reducing the thickness and weight of the handheld part, thereby reducing the difficulty of operation.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wind-cooled laser output head assembly, comprising an output head, an isolation sleeve fitted over the front end of the output head, and a locking head fitted over the rear end of the output head, wherein the three parts are combined and inserted into a handle sleeve through an output head socket, characterized in that: The end of the handle sleeve is provided with at least one first air inlet, the output head and the lock head are provided with a first air groove, the inside of the output head is provided with at least one connecting groove, the output head and the isolation sleeve are provided with a second air groove, the isolation sleeve and the handle sleeve are provided with a third air groove, and the third air groove is connected to an air outlet. The first air slot, the connecting slot, the second air slot, and the third air slot are all relatively independent enclosed spaces; The first air inlet, the first air slot, the connecting slot, the second air slot, the third air slot, and the air outlet are connected in sequence to form a cooling air passage; At least one second air inlet is provided on the side wall of the lock head, and the first air inlet is connected to the first air groove through the second air inlet; The output head is provided with at least one first through hole and at least one second through hole. The first air groove is connected to the connecting groove through the first through hole, and the connecting groove is connected to the second air groove through the second through hole. At least one third through hole is provided on the side wall of the isolation sleeve, and the second air groove communicates with the third air groove through the third through hole; The first air groove, the second air groove, and the third air groove are all circumferential annular air grooves relative to the output head; The connecting groove is a cylindrical groove coaxial with the output head.

2. The air-cooled laser output head assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the glove sleeve is provided with a ventilation groove, which is connected to the first air inlet. The side wall of the lock head is provided with four second air inlets evenly distributed circumferentially corresponding to the position of the ventilation groove. There are four of each of the first and second through holes, and they are evenly distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the communicating groove; The number of the third through holes is four, which are evenly distributed circumferentially on the side wall of the isolation sleeve.

3. The air-cooled laser output head assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When there are two or more connecting slots, each connecting slot is provided with at least one first through hole and at least one second through hole. The first and second air slots are divided into several first air slot segments and second air slot segments. The first and second through holes in the same connecting slot are each connected to different first air slot segments or second air slot segments. The second through holes and first through holes of adjacent connecting slots are connected to the same first air slot segment or second air slot segment or adjacent and connected first air slot segments and second air slot segments.

4. The air-cooled laser output head assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet is located at the front end of the handle sleeve, and the third air groove is connected to the air outlet through a cooling channel.

5. The air-cooled laser output head assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cooling channel includes a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel. The third air groove is connected to the first cooling channel through a fourth through hole. The first cooling channel is connected to the second cooling channel through a fifth through hole. The other end of the second cooling channel relative to the fifth through hole is connected to the air outlet.

6. A welding torch, characterized in that: The laser output head assembly with air cooling as described in any one of claims 1-5 includes an optical fiber axially extending through the output head. The rear end of the optical fiber is used to connect to a fiber laser transmitter, and the front end of the optical fiber is connected to an output window mirror. A collimating mirror is disposed in front of the output window mirror's output optical path, a reflecting mirror is disposed in front of the collimating mirror's output optical path, a focusing mirror is disposed in front of the reflecting mirror's output optical path, and a protective mirror is disposed in front of the focusing mirror's optical path.

7. A welding torch according to claim 6, characterized in that: The handle sleeve includes a handle and a corner optical part. The rear end of the corner optical part is connected to the front end of the handle. The front end of the corner optical part is connected to the gun head. The reflector is set at the corner of the corner optical part. The air outlet is located at the connection between the corner optical part and the gun head and is connected to the gun head. The outer side of the glove sleeve is covered with an outer shell, and the grip part of the outer shell is provided with a control button. The control button is connected to a circuit board with a control chip, and the circuit board is used to connect to the control terminal of the fiber laser transmitter.

8. A welding torch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The reflector is connected to a galvanometer motor, and the circuit board is connected to the galvanometer motor.

9. A welding system, characterized in that: The welding torch includes the welding torch according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein the welding torch is connected to a fiber laser emitter for outputting laser light and an air-cooled pump for outputting inert gas.

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