Welding machine with an aperture plate

Abstract

Welding machine (10) for welding a workpiece (12), comprising: an energy source (14) for generating a melt pool (18) in a zone of a workpiece (12); a device (32) for filling material comprising a nozzle (34); an aperture plate (300) comprising a body with an opening (302); and an optic (24) arranged such that it focuses a beam (16) from the energy source (14) through the opening (302) onto the zone of the workpiece (12), the body of the aperture plate (300) further comprises: a first end (304); a second end (306) opposite the first end (304); a planar first surface (308) that runs between the first and second ends (304, 306); and a concave second surface (312) opposite the first surface (308), which begins at the first end (304) at a height (H3) and then slopes towards the first surface (306), so that the aperture plate (300) tapers towards the second end (306) and the concave second surface (312) directs the reflection of the beam (38) away from the nozzle (34) to prevent the reflection (40) from affecting the nozzle (34).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a welding device with an aperture plate as overheating and line nozzle protection. BACKGROUND

[0002] Welding is a manufacturing process in which materials are joined together to form a permanent bond. Generally, welding involves the fusion of materials; that is, a single-component bond is created by melting the base materials together. The melting of the base materials creates a weld pool in which the bond is formed. Often, a filler metal is added to the weld pool to improve the properties of the joint and to fill gaps where an acceptable edge fit cannot be achieved.

[0003] Beam welding is a method for joining materials. Examples include laser beam welding and electron beam welding. Laser beam welding is a fusion welding process in which a concentrated beam of light is focused by an optical system onto a specific point on the materials to be joined. Some laser welding systems have an aperture plate or aperture screen between the workpiece and the welding head to protect the welding head and the optical system from beam reflections and spatter during the welding process.

[0004] A device for processing circular heating of an optical fiber is known from publication WP 2014 / 190193A1. A nozzle for the split coaxial delivery of powder for laser fusion is described in publication CN 1255411A. US 3797908A discloses optical arrangements and devices therefor. A mounting arrangement for a right-angled telescopic reflector system is described in US 4089595A. JP H07290259A discloses a detection device for an abnormal laser beam.

[0005] One of the purposes of the present disclosure is to specify an improved welding device. SUMMARY

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The above - as well as further - features and advantages of the present teachings will be readily apparent from the following detailed description regarding the best implementation, if the attached drawings are also taken into account. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other properties, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following detailed description is read together with the accompanying drawings; identical designations refer throughout to identical parts in the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a device for welding a workpiece; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of an aperture plate for use with a welding machine; Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of an aperture plate for use with a welding machine; Fig. Figure 4 shows a bottom view of an aperture plate for use with a welding machine; Fig. Figure 5 shows a view of the end of the aperture plate. Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic end view of the welding machine using the aperture plate. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5; and Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an aperture plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Referring to the illustrations, the examples in the disclosure show an aperture plate for deflecting or scattering energy directed from an energy source onto the workpiece and reflected by it. As described, various surface configurations are implemented for the aperture plate to dissipate the reflected energy and reduce its concentration on adjacent components.

[0010] Aspects of the revelation show further aperture plate configurations for reducing its absorption of energy and heat. In these examples, elements of the aperture plate can be configured to dissipate heat from the aperture plate, reflect energy away from it, or both.

[0011] Aperture plates are used in various applications, including welding processes. In welding systems, aperture plates can be used to shield other system components—such as an optical system—from reflected energy. For example, in laser welding, the beam and / or weld spatter can be reflected from the material surface and / or the weld zone back to the laser welding machine, such as onto the welding head or the optical system.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the welding machine. The welding machine 10 can be used to weld a workpiece 12. The workpiece 12 can be made of either a ferrous or a non-ferrous metal suitable for welding. These include, among others, steel, magnesium, aluminum, and alloys thereof. In this example, the workpiece 12 can be made of a material with high reflectivity, such as aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0013] The welding machine 10 includes a power source 14 that uses electromagnetic radiation in the form of a beam 16 to generate a weld pool 18 on the workpiece 12. In some examples, the welding machine 10 has multiple power sources 14. For instance, another welding machine could have a first power source for one current and a second power source for another. Or it could have at least two power sources that provide the same current. However, the welding machine 10 can have any number and combination of power sources to ensure its operation as described here.Furthermore, the energy source 14 can be any energy source for generating the melt pool 18 on the workpiece 12, for example, an energy source for generating laser, electron, or plasma beams, an electric arc, or a hybrid energy source for laser-arc hybrid welding. In one example, a laser is the energy source 14, which generates a concentrated beam of coherent, monochromatic light for laser beam welding.

[0014] Laser beam welding of aluminum-based materials, or those with a high reflectivity, is challenging due to the poor absorption of laser energy by highly reflective materials. For example, when laser beam welding aluminum, the beam 16 is frequently reflected back from the workpiece 12 to the welding machine 10. Furthermore, some aluminum alloys contain magnesium or zinc, materials that evaporate readily. The evaporated material forms a vapor cloud 20 around the weld pool 18 and weakens the effect of the beam 16 on the workpiece 12. During the laser beam welding process, energy is generated in the form of electromagnetic radiation or optical emissions through the interaction between the beam 16 and the workpiece 12. The vapor cloud 20, the weld pool 18, and the reflection of the beam 16 are sources of such optical emissions. These optical emissions can affect the welding machine 10, the aperture screen, or the workpiece.the aperture plate 30, damaged by excessive thermal stress and resulting overheating.

[0015] Although emissions also include optical emissions, it should be noted that the use of the term "optical" cannot be equated with "visible." The optical emissions described here cover a broad spectral range. Optical emissions include light (i.e., electromagnetic radiation) with wavelengths in the ultraviolet range (approximately 200–400 nanometers (nm)), the visible range (approximately 400–700 nm), the near-infrared range (approximately 700–1200 nm), and the infrared range (approximately 1200–10000 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0016] In this example, the energy source, or laser 14, is optically coupled to a mirror 22 and an optic 24 to achieve a higher power density by directing and focusing the beam 16 onto a concentrated area of ​​the workpiece 12. In some examples, the mirror 22 can be a galvanometer to control the scanning of the beam 16 across the workpiece 12. In these examples, 2D, 3D, or galvanometer scanners with dynamic focusing can be used, and / or any other galvanometer system capable of deflecting the radiation 16 from the energy source 14.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the optics 24 are coupled to the welding head 26, which is typically connected to a laser robot arm (not shown). The optics 24 are adjusted so that the beam 16 is focused through the opening 28 of the aperture plate 30 onto a concentrated area on the workpiece 12. In this embodiment, the welding machine 10 has a device for filler material 32. This device 32 has a nozzle 34 with a through-hole (not shown). In applications where filler material is used, the device for filler material 32 can also contain the filler material 36; it is applied through the hollow hole of the nozzle 34 near the weld pool 18 produced by the radiation 16 on the workpiece 12. Any suitable material known to welding professionals can be used as filler material 36. The nozzle 34 can also be configured for the supply of shielding gas, e.g.,an inert or semi-inert gas to protect the welding area from air and / or water vapor.

[0018] During operation, the energy source 14 directs the beam 16 precisely and in a focused beam onto a specific point on the workpiece 12. The increased power density of the beam 16 at the point of impact on the workpiece 12 creates the melt pool 18. The melt pool 18 forms when the irradiated material liquefies due to the intensity of the beam 16. As the melt pool 18 cools, a weld is formed. During laser beam welding, at least part of the beam 16 can be reflected back towards the welding device 10 by the workpiece 12, the melt pool 18, and the vapor cloud 20, as indicated by arrow 38 in the figure. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this. Furthermore, electromagnetic radiation can be emitted towards the welding machine 10 by the molten pool 18 and the vapor cloud 20. Additionally, the aperture plate 30 can reflect the reflected radiation 38 and the electromagnetic radiation from the molten pool 18 onto the nozzle 34 of the filler material device 32, as indicated by arrow 40. This could, for example, melt the filler material in the nozzle 34 or the nozzle 34 itself. Such reflected radiation 38, 40 and electromagnetic radiation emissions from the molten pool 18 can damage the welding machine 10 due to excessive thermal stress on its components, including, for example, the aperture plate 30, the optics 24, the nozzle 34, and / or the power source 14. The aperture plate 30 provides protection for the welding machine 10 and, in particular, the optics 24.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the aperture plate 30 has the opening 28 through which the beam 16 reaches the workpiece 12. The aperture plate 30 consists of a first end 42 and an opposing second end 44. In the illustrated example, the aperture plate 30 has a flat top surface 46 facing the optics, which is aligned with the optics 24 and extends between the first and second ends 42, 44 of the aperture plate 30. Additionally, the aperture plate 30 has a bottom surface 48 opposite the top surface 46. In other examples, the top surface 46 can have any suitable shape, as long as the function of the aperture plate 30 described here is ensured.

[0020] The underside 48 can be of any shape, including convex, planar, concave, freeform, or any combination thereof. The shape of the underside 48 can serve to deflect or reflect the beam reflections 38 away from the filler material device 32 or from the welding machine 10. For example, a convexly shaped base surface 48 can scatter the beam 16 in such a way that the power density of the beam 16 at the point of impact on the welding machine 10 is reduced. In another example, a concavely shaped base surface 48 facilitates the deflection of the beam 16 away from the filler material device 32 by shifting the overall focusing area away from it. By scattering and / or deflecting the beam away from the filler material device 32, the operating time of the welding machine 10 can be increased.The increased service life of the welding machine 10 results in lower operating costs of the machine, which in turn reduces the manufacturing costs of the workpieces produced by the welding machine.

[0021] With reference to Fig. In the illustrated example, the base surface 48 is convex. In this example of a convex base surface 48, the radius R1 can, for instance, range from approximately 10 millimeters (mm) (0.4 in.) to approximately 500 mm (19.7 in.). Alternatively, the radius R1 can be any dimension, as long as the base surface 48 functions as described here. The base surface 48 begins at the first end 42 and edge 50 and then rises in an arc to the first surface 46, where it terminates near the second end 44 of the aperture plate 30. For example, the height H1 of the aperture plate can range from approximately 2 mm (0.08 in.) to approximately 15 mm (0.6 in.), with the maximum height being located at the first end 42. Alternatively, the height H1 can be any dimension, as long as the aperture plate 30 functions as described here.The convex base surface 48 is designed such that the power density of the reflected beam 40 is reduced on the nozzle 34 by the scattering of the reflected beam 38.

[0022] In these examples, the aperture plate 30 is detachably connected to the welding head 26. In one example, the aperture plate 30 can have a spring 52 at each end 42, 44, onto which the welding head 26 can be slid thanks to corresponding opposing grooves 54. Alternatively, the aperture plate 30 can be detachably connected to the welding head 26 in any way, including by means of mechanical fasteners, as long as the function of the aperture plate 30 – as described here – is guaranteed.

[0023] The aperture plate 30 can be made of copper or other materials, including ceramic, metal, or a refractory composite material. Copper, for example, could be used for the manufacture of the aperture plate 30 because it has a high reflectivity of approximately 95% at room temperature. This allows the aperture plate 30 to reduce the absorption of electromagnetic radiation from the reflected beam 38 and radiation emissions from the molten pool 18. However, the reflectivity of the material generally decreases with increasing heating of the metal. As the aperture plate 30 heats up, the reflectivity of the copper decreases, resulting in more energy from the beam 16 being absorbed by the aperture plate and accelerating the thermal stress on the material. To reduce energy absorption by the aperture plate 30, the base surface 48 can be polished to a high gloss to achieve high reflectivity.The base surface 48 can be treated with any known polishing technique that ensures the aperture plate functions as described. Thus, the base surface 48 can be polished both mechanically and electrically. Polishing the base surface 48 reduces energy absorption by the aperture plate 30 during operation of the welding machine 10, thereby increasing the service life of the aperture plate 30 and the operating time of the welding machine 10. An increased service life of the aperture plate 30 results in lower operating costs for the welding machine, which in turn reduces the manufacturing costs of workpieces produced with the welding machine 10.

[0024] In some examples, the base surface 48 can be provided with a reflective layer, either glued on or applied using a coating process. For example, this coating could be a reflective plate in silver or gold, a thin foil in silver or gold, or a mirrored foil glued to the base surface 48. In another example, the reflective coating could be applied to the base surface 48 using a suitable coating technology. For example, the base surface 48 could be coated with a reflective material, such as chromium, nickel, silver, or gold, using electroplating or electroless plating. These coating methods are merely examples of usable coating processes; various other methods can be employed.

[0025] As described here, the reflectivity of the material decreases as the aperture plate 30 heats up. Accordingly, the aperture plate 30 can absorb an increased amount of energy from the beam 16, which accelerates the heating if the aperture plate is not actively cooled. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the aperture plate 30 optionally has a fluid channel 56 between the upper surface 46 and the lower surface 48. The fluid channel 56 can have any cross-sectional shape, as long as the function of the aperture plate 30 is as described here. Additionally, the fluid channel 56 can run along any route within the aperture plate 30; this can include straight, curved, serpentine sections, or any combination thereof.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 1. The welding machine 10 can optionally have a liquid source 58 connected to the liquid line 56 of the aperture plate 30. The term "liquid" used here refers generally to liquids and gases, such as water and air. During operation, the liquid source 58 supplies the liquid line 56 with liquid (not shown). Heat from the material of the aperture plate 30 is transferred to the liquid. The liquid is pumped back to the liquid source, and the heat can be dissipated to the environment or to another liquid via a heat exchanger (not shown). In these examples, the aperture plate 30 can be actively cooled during operation of the welding machine 10, thereby increasing the service life of the aperture plate 30 and the operating time of the welding machine 10.An increase in the service life of the aperture plate 30 results in lower operating costs of the welding machine, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the workpieces with the welding machine 10.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 is a side sectional view of an aperture plate 200 for use with a welding machine, such as the model 10 from Fig. 1. The aperture plate 200 combines a continuous opening 201, a first end 202, and an opposing second end 204. In this example, the top surface 206 of the aperture plate 200 is mainly planar. In other examples, the top surface 206 can have any suitable shape, as long as the function of the aperture plate 200 is as described here. In this example, the aperture plate 200 can have opposing tongues 216 at the first and second ends 202, 204, which engage in the grooves 54 ( Fig. 1) of the welding head 26 ( Fig. 1) can be moved. Optionally, the top surface 206 can have a variety of surface-enhancing features 208. These surface-enhancing features 208 can, for example, consist of grooves milled into the surface 206. The surface-enhancing features 208 can be, for example, without limitation, parallel passages, curved channels, or serpentine passages. In addition, the surface-enhancing features 208 can have any cross-section, including, without limitation, curved, rectangular, semicircular, and any combination thereof. Another example of surface-enhancing features 208 can be a variety of detached structures, including, but not limited to, offset ribs, pin ribs, and / or cooling configurations made of dimples.An airflow (not shown) can be directed over the surface area enlargement elements 208 to increase the convective heat transfer from the aperture plate 200. Optionally, in some examples of the aperture plate 200, the surface area enlargement elements 208 and the elements shown in . Fig. The liquid line 56 described in section 1 is used to achieve increased convective heat transfer from the aperture plate 200.

[0028] The aperture plate 200 has a base surface 210 opposite the top surface 206. The base surface 210 is not parallel to the top surface 208 and meets the first end 212 at edge 202. In this example, the base surface 210 extends diagonally upwards from edge 212 towards the top surface 206 and terminates near the second end 204 at edge 214 of the aperture plate 200. In one example, the aperture plate 200 has a total height H2 in the range between approximately 2 mm (0.08 in.) and approximately 15 mm (0.6 in.) of the maximum height at the first end 212, and a total width W1 in the range between approximately 40 mm (1.6 in.) and approximately 100 mm (3.9 in.). Alternatively, height H2 and width W1 can have any value, as long as the aperture plate 200 functions as described here. Furthermore, in one example, the surface enlargement elements 208 have a depth D in the range between about 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) and about 5 mm (0.2 in.) and a width W2 in the range between about 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) and approximately 10 mm (0.4 in.). Alternatively, the depth D and width W2 of the surface area enlargement elements 208 can have any values, as long as they function as described here. With the inclined base surface 210, this is an example of designing an aperture plate to deflect at least some of the beam reflections 38 away from the nozzle 34 in order to reduce heat absorption by the nozzle 34.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 is a side sectional view of an aperture plate 300 for use with a welding machine, such as the model 10 from Fig. 1. The aperture plate 300 has a through opening 302 as well as a first end 304 and an opposing second end 306. In this example, the top surface 308 of the aperture plate 300 is mainly planar and has opposing tongues 310 at the first and second ends 304, 306, which engage in the grooves 54 (shown in Fig. 1) of the welding head 26 (shown in Fig. 1) can be moved. The aperture plate 300 has a base surface 312 opposite the top surface 308. In other suitable examples, the top surface 308 can have any suitable shape, as long as the aperture plate 300 functions as described here.

[0030] In this example, the base surface 312 has a concave shape. For this concave base surface 312, the radius R2 can range from approximately 10 millimeters (mm) (0.4 in.) to approximately 500 mm (19.7 in.). Alternatively, the radius R2 can be any value, as long as the base surface 312 functions as described here. The base surface 312 meets the first end 304 at edge 314. From edge 314, the base surface 312 slopes upwards towards surface 308, where it terminates at the second end 306 at edge 316 of the aperture plate 300. In this example, the height H3 of the aperture plate can range from approximately 2 mm (0.08 in.) to approximately 15 mm (0.6 in.), with the maximum height occurring at the first end 304. Alternatively, the height H3 can have any value, as long as the aperture plate 300 functions as described here. For example, the width W3 of the aperture plate 300 can be in the range of approximately 40 mm (1.6 in.).) and approximately 100 mm (3.9 in.). Alternatively, the width W3 can have any value as long as the aperture plate 300 functions as described here. The concave base surface 312 is designed to direct the reflection of the beam 38 away from the nozzle body 34 to prevent the reflection 40 from affecting the nozzle 34.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows an explanatory underside view of the aperture plate 400 for use with a welding machine, such as the welding machine 10 from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 shows a front view of the aperture plate 400. Fig. 4. The aperture plate 400 has a continuous opening 402. The opening 402 can have any suitable shape, as long as the beam 16 from the energy source 14 functions as described here. In this example, the aperture plate 400 has a first end 404, an opposite second end 406, a first side 408, and an opposite second side 410. Furthermore, the aperture plate 400 has a top surface 412 and a bottom surface 414 opposite the top surface 412. The top surface 412 can have any suitable shape, as long as the aperture plate 400 functions as described here.

[0032] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the underside is convexly shaped. With reference to Fig. 5 form the first and second ends 404, 406 corresponding vertices 416, 418. Between the vertices 416, 418 runs according to Fig. The bottom surface 414 has a longitudinal axis 420. It has a first section 422 descending from the longitudinal axis 420 to the first side 408. It also has a second section 424 descending from the longitudinal axis 420 to the second side 410. Sections 422 and 424 each have a radius, R3 and R4, which can range from approximately 10 millimeters (mm) (0.4 in.) to approximately 500 mm (19.7 in.). Alternatively, the radii R3 and R4 can have any value, as long as the bottom surface 414 functions as described here. In one example, the aperture plate 400 has a total height H4 ranging from approximately 2 mm (0.08 in.) to approximately 15 mm (0.6 in.). Alternatively, the height H4 can have any value, as long as the aperture plate 400 functions as described here. The convexly shaped base surface 414 causes the reduction of the strength of the reflection beam 40 acting on the nozzle 34 by scattering the reflected beam 38.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows alternative examples of the Aperture Plate 400, indicated by dashed lines 426, 428, 430, and 432. In one example, the convex sections 422 and 424 can be replaced by planar sections, as shown by dashed lines 426 and 428. In another example, the convex sections 422 and 424 can be replaced by concave sections, as shown by dashed lines 430 and 432. In this example, the concave sections are shown with radii ranging from 10 millimeters (mm) (0.4 in) to approximately 500 mm (19.7 in). Alternatively, the radii can be any value, as long as the Aperture Plate 400 functions as described here. In other examples of the aperture plate 400, the first and second sections 422, 424 can be formed from any combination of shapes, flat, concave, convex; for example, the first section 422 can be convex, but the second section 424 can have a flat surface.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6 shows an illustrative schematic front view of a welding device 600 using the aperture plate 400. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. During operation, the beam 602 can be directed and focused at the point of contact between the two workpieces 604 and 606. The increased power density of the beam 602 at the point of contact with the workpieces 604 and 606 generates the weld pool 608. During the welding process with the laser beam, at least part of the beam 602 is reflected back onto the welding device 600 by one or more of the workpieces 604 and 606, as indicated by arrows 610 and 612. The aperture plate 400 deflects the reflected beams 610 and 612 away from the nozzle 614 of the welding device 600, as indicated by arrows 616 and 618.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of Method 700 for the fabrication of an aperture plate. Method 700 describes the fabrication of aperture plates 30, 200, 300, and 400, as shown in Fig. 1-5, shown, for use with the welding device 10 made of Fig. 1. For the sake of simplicity, only the aperture plate 30 is described; however, the method described herein can be applied to any aperture plate, including models 30, 200, 300, and 400, as well as other alternative examples listed. Reference 702 provides the body of an aperture plate 30 with a through opening 28. The opening 28 allows the beam 16 of the welding device 10 access to the workpiece 12 to be welded. The body of the aperture plate 30 can have a first end 42 and an opposing second end 44. A first surface 46 can exist between the first and second ends 42 and 44, as described in reference 704. The first surface is located between the two ends 42 and 44 of the aperture plate 30 and has common points of intersection. Generally, it is aligned towards the energy source 14 of the welding device 10 when the aperture plate is connected to the welding device 10.

[0036] According to 706, the body of the aperture plate 30 has a second surface 48 opposite the first surface 46. The second surface 48 can also be configured as not parallel to the first surface 46. In one example, the second surface 48 is designed such that at least part of the second surface 48 includes one or more of the following shapes: planar, concave, convex, and a freeform. The second surface 48 can be oriented such that it extends obliquely from the edge 50 at the first end 42 of the aperture plate 30 towards the first surface 46 of the aperture plate, while extending towards the second end 44 of the aperture plate 30.

[0037] The in Fig.The seven listed operational examples in no way represent restrictions on the sequence, nature of the steps, or processes involved in the manufacture of an aperture plate. Any number of suitable alternatives can be employed during the manufacturing process to achieve improved energy absorption and refraction capabilities. For example, in addition to shaping the underside to deflect reflected energy, surface treatments can be performed on the underside to further enhance its reflectivity.

[0038] The singular forms "ein", "eine", "die", and "der" used here include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "if applicable" means that the process or circumstance described below may occur, but does not necessarily have to; the description includes situations in which the event occurs as well as those in which it does not.

[0039] The ambiguous language used in the specification and the patent claims may be employed to vary a quantitative representation where the change does not affect the fundamental operation. Accordingly, a value is not a specific value if it is augmented by terms such as "about," "approximately," and "essentially." In some cases, the ambiguous language may correspond to the precision of a device used to determine value. Here, and in the specifications and patent claims, the example ranges described may be combined and / or interchangeable; these ranges are determined and include all sub-ranges unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0040] The devices and systems described here enable the reduction of energy absorption by an aperture plate in a welding fixture, thereby reducing the thermal stress on the aperture plate. Furthermore, the aperture plate configurations allow for the scattering and deflection of reflected laser beams and emissions, with the aim of reducing or eliminating contact between these beams and a nozzle of the welding fixture, such as the one for filler material or shielding gas. By reducing the energy absorption of the aperture plate and deflecting beam reflections away from the nozzle body, the service life of the aperture plate and the operating time of the welding fixture are increased. An increased service life of the aperture plate reduces the operating costs of the welding fixture, thereby lowering the manufacturing costs of the workpieces produced by the welding fixture.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition to the other examples described here, examples may contain any combination of the following possibilities: - the first surface includes at least one element for increasing the surface area; - at least one element for increasing the surface area has a channel incorporated into the first surface; - at least part of the second surface is polished; - the second surface has a reflective coating on at least part of the area; - at least one fluid channel is incorporated between the surfaces of the body; - the first end has a first edge, the second surface starts at the first edge and then runs diagonally towards the first surface; - at least part of the second surface consists of a concave section that begins at the first end and then curves towards the first surface; - the second surface has a convex shape, starts at the first end and then curves towards the first surface; - a first and a second page opposite the first page; - the shape of the first end forms a first point, that of the second end a second point, the body has an axis between the first and second points, the second surface has a first section that starts at the axis and then runs at an angle to the first side; as well as a second section that runs at an angle from the axis to the second side; - the first part and second part have one or more of the following components: a flat surface section, a concave surface section and a convex surface section; - the body is made of a fire-resistant material; - a nozzle; - a first surface facing the energy source that creates the melt pool; - a first and an opposite second end, between which the first surface extends; - a second surface facing the workpiece, opposite the first surface and not parallel to it, so that electromagnetic radiation is reflected away from the nozzle; - the first surface includes at least one element for increasing the surface area; - the electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the workpiece and / or the melt pool, or originates in the melt pool; - at least part of the second surface has one or more of these components: a flat surface, a concave surface, and a convex surface; - the shape of the first end forms a first point, that of the second end a second point, the aperture plate has an axis between the first and second points and is aligned with the nozzle; the second surface has a first and a second section opposite the first, both sections start at the axis and then run inclined towards the first surface; - The formation of the second surface includes at least one of the following components: a flat surface, a concave surface and a convex surface; the second surface begins at the first and then slopes towards the first surface.

Claims

[1] Welding apparatus (10) for welding a workpiece (12), comprising: an energy source (14) for generating a melt pool (18) in a zone of a workpiece (12); a device (32) for filling material comprising a nozzle (34); an aperture plate (300) comprising a body with an opening (302); and an optic (24) arranged such that it focuses a beam (16) from the energy source (14) through the opening (302) onto the zone of the workpiece (12), the body of the aperture plate (300) further comprises: a first end (304); a second end (306) opposite the first end (304); a planar first surface (308) that runs between the first and second ends (304, 306); and a concave second surface (312) opposite the first surface (308), which begins at the first end (304) at a height (H3) and then slopes towards the first surface (306), so that the aperture plate (300) tapers towards the second end (306) and the concave second surface (312) directs the reflection of the beam (38) away from the nozzle (34) to prevent the reflection (40) from affecting the nozzle (34). [2] Welding apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the second surface (312) has a polished surface. [3] Welding apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the second surface (312) is provided with a reflective coating. [4] Welding apparatus (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one fluid line (56) inside the body between the first and the second surface (308, 312).

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