Special underwater welding laser welding torch with transverse vent valve and using method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of underwater laser welding, in particular to a laser welding torch special for underwater welding and provided with a transverse vent valve, which comprises a sealing module, a collimation module, a focusing module, a gas distribution module, a drainage module and an optical component, the underwater laser welding torch is composed of a plurality of modules, and the modules are connected through threads. The laser optical assembly is fixed to the corresponding module through a clamping ring, the gas distribution module is provided with a transverse vent valve, and the drainage module is provided with a coaxial observation camera and a silica gel protection cover. According to the laser welding torch special for underwater welding and provided with the transverse vent valve, complete water entry of the laser welding torch and the optical fiber is creatively achieved through the sealing module, protective gas is introduced to the uppermost portion through the transverse vent valve for the first time during underwater positioning, and the influence of drainage bubbles on the underwater view is effectively avoided; the position searching speed is improved; after preliminary locating is completed, a transverse vent valve is closed, protective gas is used for drainage, precise welding locating is conducted through a coaxial observation camera, and real-time monitoring of the welding process is achieved; the silica gel protection cover is used for providing soft contact with the welding surface, the drainage efficiency is improved, fine adjustment of different defocusing amounts is achieved, the requirements of different welding defocusing amounts are met, and the industrial applicability of underwater laser welding can be effectively popularized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underwater laser welding, specifically relating to a laser welding torch with a transverse vent valve for underwater welding. It mainly solves the problem of the impact of air bubbles on underwater visibility and uses a coaxial observation camera to monitor the welding dynamics in real time, effectively promoting the industrial application of underwater laser welding. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater welding is a key technology in marine engineering, playing a vital role in marine resource development and the maintenance and construction of marine engineering equipment. With the rapid development of marine resource development, a large number of marine engineering equipment are placed in the ocean. When this equipment is damaged and cannot be moved to a dry dock, underwater welding becomes a necessary operation.

[0003] Underwater laser welding, as an advanced underwater welding technology, exhibits unique advantages in underwater environments due to its high energy density, high precision, and non-contact nature. Laser welding can produce high-quality welds underwater, and compared to traditional wet welding, it can reduce hydrogen permeation and improve the mechanical properties of the weld joint.

[0004] To achieve underwater laser welding, Chinese patent application No. 2017112526702 discloses an underwater laser welding device and its usage method simulating a shallow water environment. The laser torch and optical fiber are not fully submerged in water, making it suitable for shallow water environments, but it does not address the impact of drainage bubbles on underwater visibility in practical applications. Chinese patent application No. 202311669243X discloses a force-sensing-based local dry underwater laser welding control method and device, mainly achieving force compensation of the welding torch by an underwater robotic arm and dynamic sealing of the drainage device. It does not address the impact of drainage bubbles on underwater welding visibility in practical applications, nor does it specify whether the optical fiber and laser torch are fully submerged. Chinese patent application No. 2023109727190 discloses an underwater laser welding torch that ensures the torch structure's underwater sealing through a pressure balancing mechanism and drainage cover. It does not specify whether the optical fiber is submerged, nor does it address the impact of drainage bubbles on underwater visibility. In practical applications, the impact of drainage bubbles on underwater visibility is rarely addressed in patents; therefore, designing an underwater laser welding torch that can solve the problem of drainage bubbles affecting underwater visibility is essential. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a laser welding torch specifically designed for underwater welding, equipped with a transverse vent valve. This allows the laser welding torch to be fully submerged in water, effectively solving the problem of air bubbles affecting underwater visibility. Furthermore, it features a coaxial observation camera to improve welding positioning accuracy and monitor the welding status in real time, thereby enhancing the industrial applicability of underwater laser welding.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a laser welding torch for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve is provided, characterized in that a sealing module, a collimation module, a focusing module, a gas distribution module, a drainage module, and an optical component are provided, wherein the modules are connected by threads, and the optical component is fixed to the corresponding module by a retaining ring.

[0007] Preferably, the sealing module mainly seals the optical fiber and the laser welding torch through sealing gaskets and sealing rings, and fixes and locks the optical fiber insertion part and collimating lens tube through sealing end caps and sealing cylinders, which can both seal and fix, preventing water pressure from damaging the connection between the optical fiber and QBH.

[0008] Preferably, the collimation module is connected to the focusing module via threads, and there are sealing rings between them to seal the collimation module; the collimation module has a positive pressure air inlet, which is mainly used to ensure that the air pressure of the laser welding torch is slightly higher than that of the external environment, thereby improving the reliability of underwater laser sealing.

[0009] Preferably, the focusing module is connected to the air distribution module via threads, and there is a sealing ring between them to seal the focusing module; the focusing module has an air inlet located below the protective lens, mainly for drainage of the welding area, while preventing splashes and improving the life of the protective lens.

[0010] Preferably, the gas distribution module has two working states. It mainly opens or closes the transverse vent valve by driving the motor. During the positioning process, the transverse vent valve is opened, and the positive pressure gas above the protective mirror and the drainage gas below the protective mirror are introduced to the top through the transverse vent valve. This can effectively solve the impact of drainage bubbles on underwater visibility and improve the positioning speed.

[0011] Preferably, the drainage module is equipped with a coaxial observation camera, which is mainly used for precise positioning of the welding and monitoring of the welding dynamics.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a laser welding torch with a transverse vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding is characterized by comprising the following steps: Step 1: Connect the sealing module, fiber optic cable, and laser welding torch. Perform a sealing check. Complete the connection of each air inlet pipe. Adjust the flow rate of the positive pressure air inlet to 15L / min and the flow rate of the air inlet to 25L / min. Adjust other welding parameters according to the welding object. Step 2: After opening the horizontal vent valve, the laser welding torch enters the water, and the welding position is initially located based on the vision positioning module; Step 3: Close the horizontal ventilation valve and use the coaxial observation camera to achieve precise positioning. Ventilation is required throughout this process. Step 4: After precise positioning is completed, turn on the laser and weld according to the set welding parameters and planned route. After welding is completed, open the horizontal vent valve and repeat Step 3 to weld the next position. Step 5: After all welding is completed, water will be discharged from the laser welding torch. After the water discharge from the laser welding torch is complete, continue to ventilate for 1 minute and then stop ventilating. Clean the surface of the laser welding torch.

[0013] This invention provides a laser welding torch specifically designed for underwater welding, featuring a transverse vent valve. A designed sealing module ensures complete immersion of the laser welding torch and optical fiber in water, enhancing the applicability of underwater laser welding torches. Before welding, the transverse vent valve allows gas to be introduced into the upper part through transverse vent holes, reducing the impact of air bubbles on welding positioning. After initial positioning, the transverse vent valve is closed, and the gas acts axially on the welding area through the laser welding torch, facilitating drainage of the welding area. Furthermore, a coaxial observation camera enables precise welding positioning and real-time monitoring of welding dynamics, further improving the industrial applicability of underwater laser welding. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 Axonometric drawing of a laser welding torch with a lateral vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding; Figure 2 Exploded view of a laser welding torch sealing module with a lateral vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a laser welding torch alignment module with a lateral vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a laser welding torch focusing module with a lateral vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a gas distribution module for a laser welding torch specifically designed for underwater welding, featuring a lateral vent valve; Figure 6 A working diagram of a gas distribution module for a laser welding torch specifically designed for underwater welding, featuring a lateral vent valve; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a drainage module for a laser welding torch specifically designed for underwater welding, featuring a lateral vent valve; In the diagram, 1 is the sealing module, 2 is the collimation module, 3 is the focusing module, 4 is the gas distribution module, 5 is the drainage module, 101 is the sealing upper end cap, 102 is the sealing gasket, 103 is the inner sealing ring, 104 is the outer sealing ring, 105 is the lower sealing ring, 106 is the sealing lower end cap, and 107 is the sealing cylinder; 201 is the QBH, 202 is the positive pressure air inlet, 203 is the collimation tube, 204 is the collimation lens, 205 is the retaining ring, and 206 is the sealing ring; 301 is the focusing tube, 302 is the focusing lens, 303 is the air inlet, 304 is the protective lens, and 305 is the retaining ring; 401 is the motor, 402 is the lateral vent, and 403 is the lateral vent valve; 501 is the drainage nozzle, 502 is the coaxial observation camera, 503 is the replaceable drainage cover, and 504 is the silicone protective cover. Specific implementation methods

[0015] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0016] See Figure 1 The present invention provides a laser welding torch with a transverse vent valve specifically for underwater welding, comprising a sealing module 1, a collimation module 2, a focusing module 3, a gas distribution module 4, and a drainage module 5.

[0017] See Figure 2 The sealing module 1 consists of an upper sealing cover 101, a sealing gasket 102, an inner sealing ring 103, an outer sealing ring 104, a lower sealing ring 105, a lower sealing cover 106, and a sealing cylinder 107. The upper sealing cover 101, the lower sealing cover 106, and the sealing cylinder 107 are all threaded. The optical fiber is connected to the underwater laser welding torch collimation module 2 via the upper sealing cover 101, the sealing gasket 102, the inner sealing ring 103, the outer sealing ring 104, and the sealing cylinder 107. The underwater laser welding torch collimation module 2 is connected via the lower sealing cover 106 and the sealing cylinder 107. The sealing module 1 is mainly used for sealing the optical fiber and the underwater laser welding torch.

[0018] See Figure 3 The collimation module 2 consists of a QBH 201, a positive pressure air inlet 202, a collimation tube 203, a collimation lens 204, a retaining ring 205, and a sealing ring 206. The QBH 201 is used to lock the laser fiber, the positive pressure air inlet 202 introduces argon gas to ensure that the underwater laser welding torch is under positive pressure, thereby improving the service life of the underwater laser welding torch and the transmission efficiency of the laser. The retaining ring 205 is used to fix the collimation lens 204, and the sealing ring 206 is used to seal the collimation module 2 and the focusing module 3.

[0019] See Figure 4The focusing module 3 consists of a focusing lens barrel 301, a focusing lens 302, an air inlet 303, a protective lens 304, and a retaining ring 305. The focusing lens 302 and the protective lens 304 are fixed inside the focusing lens barrel 301 by the retaining ring 305. The air inlet 303 is located above the protective lens 304, and protective gas is axially applied to the underwater welding area through the air inlet 303 for drainage of the welding area. The sealing ring 304 is used to seal the focusing module 3 and the gas distribution module 4.

[0020] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 The air distribution module 4 consists of a motor 401, a transverse vent 402, and a transverse vent valve 403. The motor 401 can drive the transverse vent valve 403 to work. When the transverse vent valve 403 is opened, the protective air introduced from the positive pressure air inlet 202 and the air inlet 303 will be introduced to the top through the transverse vent 402, reducing the impact of air bubbles on the underwater positioning visibility. When the transverse vent valve 403 is closed, the protective air introduced from the positive pressure air inlet 202 and the air inlet 303 will act axially on the welding area, mainly for drainage, creating a local dry environment.

[0021] See Figure 7 The drainage module 5 consists of a drainage nozzle 501, a coaxial observation camera 502, a replaceable drainage cover 503, and a silicone protective cover 504. The coaxial observation camera 502 is used for precise positioning during welding and real-time monitoring of welding dynamics. The replaceable drainage cover 503 is made of brass, which facilitates the heat dissipation of plasma generated during underwater welding. The silicone protective cover 504 provides soft contact with the welding surface, improves drainage efficiency, and allows for fine adjustment of the defocus amount to meet the needs of different welding defocus amounts.

[0022] The present invention provides a laser welding torch with a lateral vent valve specifically designed for underwater welding, and a method for using it as follows: Step 1: Connect the sealing module, fiber optic cable, and laser welding torch. Perform a sealing check. Complete the connection of each air inlet pipe. Adjust the flow rate of the positive pressure air inlet to 15L / min and the flow rate of the air inlet to 25L / min. Adjust other welding parameters according to the welding object. Step 2: After opening the horizontal vent valve, the laser welding torch enters the water, and the welding position is initially located based on the vision positioning module; Step 3: Close the horizontal ventilation valve and use the coaxial observation camera to achieve precise positioning. Ventilation is required throughout this process. Step 4: After precise positioning is completed, turn on the laser and weld according to the set welding parameters and planned route. After welding is completed, open the horizontal vent valve and repeat Step 3 to weld the next position. Step 5: After all welding is completed, water will be discharged from the laser welding torch. After the water discharge from the laser welding torch is complete, continue to ventilate for 1 minute and then stop ventilating. Clean the surface of the laser welding torch.

[0023] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention provides a laser welding torch with a transverse vent valve specifically for underwater welding, which innovatively achieves complete immersion of the laser welding torch and optical fiber in water. During underwater positioning, the transverse vent valve is used for the first time to introduce protective gas to the uppermost part, effectively solving the impact of drainage air bubbles on underwater visibility and improving positioning speed. After the initial positioning is completed, the transverse vent valve is closed, the protective gas is drained, and precise welding positioning is achieved through a coaxial observation camera, realizing real-time monitoring of the welding process. The silicone protective cover provides soft contact with the welding surface, improving drainage efficiency and enabling fine adjustment of different defocus amounts to meet the needs of different welding defocus amounts.

[0024] Finally, it should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description, and any obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A laser torch dedicated to underwater welding with a transverse vent valve, characterized in that Including sealing module, collimation module, focusing module, gas distribution module, drainage module and optical components, the sealing module is connected with the optical fiber and the collimation lens barrel by extruding the sealing ring, the collimation and focusing modules are composed of common optical components, the gas distribution module is fixed between the focusing module and the drainage module, and has two working states.

2. A laser welding torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The sealing module is used for sealing the optical fiber and the collimation lens barrel, and is composed of a sealing upper end cover, a sealing gasket, an inner sealing ring, an outer sealing ring, a lower sealing ring, a sealing lower end cover and a sealing barrel.

3. A laser welding torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The collimation module is composed of QBH, a positive pressure air inlet, a collimation lens barrel, a collimation lens, a snap ring and a sealing ring, and is connected with the focusing module by threads.

4. A laser welding torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 3, characterized in that The positive pressure air inlet ensures that the internal gas pressure of the laser torch is slightly greater than the external gas pressure of the environment.

5. A laser welding torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1 characterized in that The focusing module is composed of a focusing lens barrel, a focusing lens, a protective lens, a sealing ring, a snap ring and an air inlet hole, and is connected with the gas distribution module by threads.

6. A laser torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1 characterized in that The gas distribution module is composed of a motor, a transverse air hole and a transverse air valve.

7. A laser torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 6, characterized in that The transverse air valve of the gas distribution module is opened during the initial positioning process, the gas is introduced into the uppermost part through the transverse air hole to reduce the influence of bubbles on the field of view, and after the initial positioning is completed, the transverse air valve is closed, at this time the gas is used for drainage of the welding area through the axial, which is beneficial to the accurate positioning of the welding area, and after the welding is completed, the transverse air valve is opened, which is convenient for the positioning and positioning of the next welding.

8. A laser torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1 characterized in that The drainage module is composed of a drainage nozzle, a coaxial observation camera, a replaceable drainage cover and a silica gel protective cover.

9. A laser torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1 characterized in that The coaxial observation camera is installed in the drainage nozzle, and is used for detecting the welding condition and feeding back the welding dynamic in real time, and the silica gel protective cover is used to provide soft contact with the welding surface, so as to improve the drainage efficiency and realize the fine adjustment of the defocus amount.

10. A laser torch dedicated for underwater welding with a transverse vent valve according to claim 1 characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: Step one: connect the sealing module, the optical fiber and the laser torch, check the sealing, connect the air inlet pipes, adjust the flow of the positive pressure air inlet to 15L / min, the flow of the air inlet hole to 25L / min, and adjust other welding parameters according to the welding object; Step two: after opening the transverse air valve, the laser torch enters the water, and the welding position is preliminarily found according to the visual positioning module; Step three: close the transverse air valve, realize accurate positioning according to the coaxial observation camera, and need to ventilate all the time in this process; Step four: after accurate positioning is completed, open the laser to weld according to the set welding parameters and planned route, open the transverse air valve after welding is completed, repeat step three, and weld the next position; Step five: after all the welding is completed, the laser torch is taken out of the water, and after the laser torch is taken out of the water, ventilation is continued for 1min and then stopped, and the surface of the laser torch is cleaned.

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