Laser processing apparatus

Abstract

To sufficiently secure working distance during laser welding when laser welding and laser filler welding are switched and performed.SOLUTION: Distance WD2 from an emitting end of a second emitting portion 22 to a focal point of a laser beam LB is set to be shorter than distance WD1 from an emitting end of a first emitting portion 21 to the focal point of the laser beam LB. An operation of laser-welding a workpiece W by emitting the laser beam LB from the first emitting portion 21 and an operation of laser-filler welding the workpiece W by feeding a filler wire 26 toward the focal point of the laser beam LB emitted from the second emission portion 22 are selectively performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a laser welding system that includes a laser irradiation device that can irradiate laser light to any welding location, and a wire delivery torch that can deliver filler wire to the welding location that is irradiated with laser light from the laser irradiation device.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 describes that remote welding as laser welding without using a filler wire and filler welding as laser welding with a filler wire can be performed at different times. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-150384 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the distance from the laser irradiation device to the focus of the laser light (working distance) is adjusted to an out-of-focus position farther than the just-focus position during remote welding, and to an in-focus position closer than the just-focus position during filler welding.

[0006] Here, for example, even when it is necessary to avoid interference between the laser irradiation device and jigs and the like around the workpiece, there is a problem in that a sufficient working distance cannot be ensured during remote welding.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its object is to ensure a sufficient working distance during laser welding when switching between laser welding and laser filler welding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first invention is a laser processing apparatus including a laser oscillator that oscillates a laser beam, a laser head that emits the laser beam oscillated by the laser oscillator toward a workpiece, and a wire feeder that feeds a filler wire toward a focal point of the laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser head includes an incident portion into which the laser beam oscillated by the laser oscillator is incident, a first exit portion that emits the laser beam, a second exit portion that is provided at a position different from the first exit portion and emits the laser beam, and a first optical path that extends from the incident portion toward the first exit portion, a light path switching unit that selectively switches between a first light path from the entrance portion to the second exit portion, and a second light path from the entrance portion to the second exit portion, wherein the distance from the exit end of the second exit portion to the focus of the laser light is set shorter than the distance from the exit end of the first exit portion to the focus of the laser light, and a control unit that controls the operation of the light path switching unit and the wire feeding unit to selectively perform an operation of emitting the laser light from the first exit portion to laser weld the workpiece, and an operation of feeding the filler wire toward the focal point of the laser light emitted from the second exit portion to laser filler weld the workpiece.

[0009] In the first invention, the distance from the emission end of the second emission portion to the focal point of the laser beam is set shorter than the distance from the emission end of the first emission portion to the focal point of the laser beam. During laser welding, the laser beam is emitted from the first emission portion, while during laser filler welding, the filler wire is fed toward the focal point of the laser beam emitted from the second emission portion.

[0010] This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient working distance during laser welding when switching between laser welding and laser filler welding.

[0011] Furthermore, when performing laser welding or laser filler welding, it is not necessary to use multiple laser heads, which allows for space saving for the entire device and reduces capital investment costs.

[0012] A second invention is a laser processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the laser head has a focusing lens arranged upstream of the optical path switching unit in the emission direction, and the optical path switching unit has a switching mirror and a drive unit that adjusts the position of the switching mirror, and the drive unit selectively switches between a first position in which the switching mirror is retracted from the first optical path to emit the laser light along the first optical path, and a second position in which the switching mirror is positioned on the first optical path to reflect the laser light toward the second optical path.

[0013] In the second invention, by switching the position of the switching mirror in the optical path switching unit between the first position and the second position, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece.

[0014] A third invention is the laser processing apparatus according to the second invention, wherein the laser head has a position adjustment mechanism that moves the condenser lens along the optical axis direction.

[0015] In the third aspect of the present invention, the working distance of the laser light emitted from the first emission portion can be changed by moving the condenser lens along the optical axis direction.

[0016] A fourth invention is a laser processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the laser head has a first focusing lens arranged upstream of the first emission section in the first optical path in the emission direction, and a second focusing lens arranged upstream of the second emission section in the second optical path in the emission direction and having a focal length shorter than that of the first focusing lens, and the optical path switching section has a switching mirror and a drive section that adjusts the position of the switching mirror, and the drive section selectively switches between a first position in which the switching mirror is retracted from the first optical path to emit the laser light along the first optical path, and a second position in which the switching mirror is positioned on the first optical path to reflect the laser light toward the second optical path.

[0017] In the fourth invention, by switching the position of the switching mirror in the optical path switching unit between the first position and the second position, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece.

[0018] A fifth invention is a laser processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the laser head has a first focusing lens arranged upstream of the first emission section in the first optical path in the emission direction, and a second focusing lens arranged upstream of the second emission section in the second optical path in the emission direction and having a focal length shorter than that of the first focusing lens; the optical path switching section has a parallel plate arranged in an attitude inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the laser light, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the parallel plate around the optical axis, and the rotation mechanism selectively switches between a first attitude in which the laser light that has passed through the parallel plate is guided toward the first optical path, and a second attitude in which the laser light that has passed through the parallel plate is guided toward the second optical path.

[0019] In the fifth invention, by switching the posture of the parallel plate in the optical path switching unit between a first posture and a second posture, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the laser processing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, further comprising an emission position adjustment unit that adjusts the emission position of the laser light emitted from the first emission unit toward the workpiece.

[0021] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, by adjusting the emission position of the laser light emitted from the first emission part, the laser light can be emitted to any position on the workpiece.

[0022] A seventh invention is a laser processing apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the laser head has a first focusing lens arranged upstream of the first emission section in the first optical path in the emission direction, and a second focusing lens arranged upstream of the second emission section in the second optical path in the emission direction and having a focal length shorter than that of the first focusing lens, and the optical path switching section is composed of a galvanometer scanner having a mirror, and the galvanometer scanner adjusts the angle of the mirror to selectively switch between a first angle at which the laser light is reflected toward the first optical path and a second angle at which the laser light is reflected toward the second optical path by adjusting the angle of the mirror.

[0023] In the seventh invention, by switching the angle of the mirror in the optical path switching unit between a first angle and a second angle, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece.

[0024] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the laser processing apparatus of any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, further comprising an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes an exit port of the laser light in the first emission part.

[0025] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, during laser welding, the opening / closing mechanism opens the opening of the first emission part, allowing the laser beam to be emitted from the first emission part, while during laser filler welding, the opening / closing mechanism closes the opening of the first emission part, and the laser beam is emitted from the second emission part.

[0026] This makes it possible to prevent spatters and fumes generated from the workpiece from adhering to the protective glass covering the opening of the first emission portion during laser filler welding, which is performed by bringing the laser head close to the workpiece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, when laser welding and laser filler welding are alternately performed, a sufficient working distance can be ensured during laser welding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a laser processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser welding. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an optical path switching unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser filler welding. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a laser head according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the working distance during laser welding is changed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser filler welding. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a laser head according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser filler welding. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a laser head according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser filler welding. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a laser head according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the laser head during laser filler welding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0030] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the laser processing device 1 includes a laser oscillator 2, a transmission fiber 3, a robot 6, a control unit 7, a laser head 10, and a wire feeder 25.

[0031] The laser oscillator 2 oscillates a laser beam LB based on a command from the control unit 7. An incident end of a transmission fiber 3 is connected to the laser oscillator 2. A connector 3a is provided at the output end of the transmission fiber 3. The connector 3a is connected to an incident unit 20 (described later) of the laser head 10. The laser beam LB is transmitted from the laser oscillator 2 to the laser head 10 via the transmission fiber 3.

[0032] The wire feeder 25 has a pair of feed rollers 27 and a wire nozzle 28. The feed rollers 27 are rotated by a feed motor (not shown). The feed rollers 27 feed a filler wire 26 for welding.

[0033] The wire nozzle 28 is supported by the laser head 10 via a support portion 29. The wire nozzle 28 guides the filler wire 26 toward the processing point of the workpiece W.

[0034] The robot 6 has a plurality of arms. The laser head 10 is attached to the tip of the arm of the robot 6. The robot 6 moves the laser head 10 relative to the workpiece W based on a command from the control unit 7.

[0035] The control unit 7 controls the operations of the robot 6, the laser head 10, and the wire feeder 25. The control unit 7 also has a function of controlling the start and stop of output of the laser light LB, the output intensity of the laser light LB, etc., in addition to the movement speed of the laser head 10 by the robot 6. The control unit 7 controls the operation of the optical path switching unit 30 of the laser head 10, which will be described later.

[0036] 2, the laser head 10 emits a laser beam LB oscillated by a laser oscillator 2 toward a workpiece W. The laser head 10 has an incident portion 20, a first emitting portion 21, and a second emitting portion 22. Inside the laser head 10, a first optical path L1 and a second optical path L2 are provided.

[0037] The incident part 20 is provided at the incident end of the laser head 10. The incident part 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A connector 3a of the transmission fiber 3 is connected to the incident part 20. The laser light LB oscillated by the laser oscillator 2 is incident on the incident part 20 via the transmission fiber 3.

[0038] The first emission section 21 is provided at the emission end of the laser head 10. The first emission section 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second emission section 22 is provided at a position different from the first emission section 21 at the emission end of the laser head 10. The second emission section 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0039] A gas nozzle 23 is provided at the tip of the second emission part 22. The gas nozzle 23 blows a shielding gas supplied from a gas supply part (not shown) onto the workpiece W. The shielding gas prevents the workpiece W from being oxidized during laser filler welding.

[0040] The first optical path L1 is the optical path of the laser beam LB traveling from the incident portion 20 toward the first exit portion 21. The second optical path L2 is the optical path of the laser beam LB traveling from the incident portion 20 toward the second exit portion 22 (see FIG. 4).

[0041] The first emitting unit 21 emits the laser light LB that has passed through the first optical path L1 toward the workpiece W. The second emitting unit 22 emits the laser light LB that has passed through the second optical path L2 toward the workpiece W (see FIG. 4). A filler wire 26 is fed from a wire feeding unit 25 to the focal point of the laser light LB emitted from the second emitting unit 22.

[0042] Inside the laser head 10, a collimating lens 11, a first protective glass 15, a second protective glass 16, an optical path switching unit 30, a condenser lens 40, and a first reflecting mirror 45 are housed.

[0043] The collimator lens 11 collimates the laser light LB that has entered the incident portion 20 of the laser head 10 via the transmission fiber 3 .

[0044] The first protective glass 15 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the first emission part 21. The first protective glass 15 prevents foreign matter such as fumes and spatters from entering the inside of the laser head 10 through the first emission part 21.

[0045] The second protective glass 16 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the second emission part 22. The second protective glass 16 prevents foreign matter such as fumes and spatters from entering the inside of the laser head 10 through the second emission part 22.

[0046] The condenser lens 40 condenses the laser light LB that has been collimated by the collimator lens 11. The condenser lens 40 is disposed upstream of the optical path switching unit 30 in the emission direction.

[0047] The optical path switching unit 30 selectively switches the optical path of the laser light LB between a first optical path L1 (see FIG. 2) and a second optical path L2 (see FIG. 4).

[0048] The first reflecting mirror 45 is disposed in the middle of the second optical path L2. Specifically, the first reflecting mirror 45 is disposed at a position where it reflects the laser light LB reflected by a switching mirror 31 of the optical path switching unit 30 (described later) toward the second emission unit 22.

[0049] 3, the optical path switching unit 30 has a switching mirror 31 and a driver 32. The switching mirror 31 is attached to the driver 32. The driver 32 is configured with, for example, a stepping motor or the like that is capable of adjusting the angle. The switching mirror 31 is rotated by the driver 32.

[0050] The optical path switching unit 30 selectively switches the position of the switching mirror 31 between a first position (see Figure 2) where the switching mirror 31 is retracted from the first optical path L1 and a second position (see Figure 4) where the switching mirror 31 is positioned on the first optical path L1.

[0051] At the first position, the switching mirror 31 is retracted from the first optical path L1. As a result, the laser beam LB collimated by the collimator lens 11 passes through the first optical path L1. The laser beam LB passing through the first optical path L1 is emitted from the first emission portion 21 toward the workpiece W. As a result, the laser beam LB can be emitted from the first emission portion 21 to perform the operation of laser welding the workpiece W.

[0052] 4, at the second position, the switching mirror 31 is disposed on the first optical path L1. As a result, the laser light LB collimated by the collimator lens 11 is reflected by the switching mirror 31 and passes through the second optical path L2. The laser light LB passing through the second optical path L2 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 45 and emitted from the second emission portion 22 toward the workpiece W.

[0053] At this time, the wire feeder 25 feeds the filler wire 26 toward the focal point of the laser beam LB emitted from the second emission part 22. This allows the operation of laser filler welding the workpiece W to be performed.

[0054] With this configuration, the optical path of the laser light LB can be selectively switched between the first optical path L1 and the second optical path L2, so that laser welding and laser filler welding can be switched between using a single laser head 10.

[0055] Furthermore, since it is only necessary to switch the position of the switching mirror 31, switching between laser welding and laser filler welding can be performed in a short time (for example, within 0.5 seconds).

[0056] Furthermore, since the distance WD1 from the emission end of the first emission section 21 to the focus of the laser light LB and the distance WD2 from the emission end of the second emission section 22 to the focus of the laser light LB can be set separately, the working distance during laser welding and the working distance during laser filler welding can be set appropriately.

[0057] Specifically, at the focal point of the laser beam LB, the energy density is high, resulting in a high processing speed. Furthermore, the laser beam LB has a wide range of emission direction tolerance, resulting in stable welding. On the other hand, at the defocused point of the laser beam LB, the energy density is low, resulting in a slow processing speed. Furthermore, the laser beam LB has a narrow range of emission direction tolerance, resulting in unstable welding.

[0058] Therefore, by appropriately setting the working distance during laser welding and the working distance during laser filler welding, the workpiece W can be laser processed at the focal point of the laser light LB.

[0059] Here, a distance WD2 from the emission end of second emission part 22 to the focal point of laser light LB is set to be shorter than a distance WD1 from the emission end of first emission part 21 to the focal point of laser light LB. During laser welding, laser light LB is emitted from first emission part 21, while during laser filler welding, filler wire 26 is fed toward the focal point of laser light LB emitted from second emission part 22.

[0060] This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient working distance during laser welding when switching between laser welding and laser filler welding.

[0061] Specifically, when performing laser welding, the distance WD1 from the emission end of first emission part 21 to the focal point of laser light LB may be set to, for example, 300 mm or more. On the other hand, when performing laser filler welding, the distance WD2 from the emission end of second emission part 22 (more precisely, the tip of gas nozzle 23) to the focal point of laser light LB may be set to, for example, 150 mm or more.

[0062] 2, the first emission unit 21 is provided with an opening / closing mechanism 60. The opening / closing mechanism 60 has an opening / closing lid 61 and a central axis 62. The central axis 62 extends in a direction intersecting the emission direction of the laser light LB. The opening / closing lid 61 can be rotated about the central axis 62 by a drive mechanism (not shown) to open and close the emission port of the first emission unit 21.

[0063] During laser welding, the laser beam LB passes through the first optical path L1. The opening / closing mechanism 60 rotates the opening / closing lid 61 about the central axis 62 to retract it from the first optical path L1 so as to open the exit port of the first emission part 21. The laser beam LB is emitted from the first emission part 21 toward the workpiece W.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4, during laser filler welding, laser beam LB passes through second optical path L2. Opening / closing mechanism 60 rotates open / close lid 61 about central axis 62 to move it onto first optical path L1 so as to close the exit port of first emission part 21. Laser beam LB is emitted from second emission part 22 toward workpiece W. At this time, filler wire 26 is fed from wire feeder 25 toward the focal point of laser beam LB.

[0065] In this way, by rotating the openable / closable cover 61 around the central axis 62, the exit port of the first emission part 21 can be opened and closed.

[0066] This makes it possible to prevent spatters and fumes generated from the workpiece W from adhering to the first protective glass 15 when laser filler welding is performed by bringing the laser head 10 close to the workpiece W.

[0067] During laser filler welding, shielding gas is blown out from gas nozzle 23 of second emission part 22, which prevents spatter and the like from adhering to second protective glass 16 from second emission part 22. On the other hand, during laser welding, a sufficiently long working distance can be ensured, which reduces the risk of spatter and the like adhering to second protective glass 16. Therefore, there is no need to provide opening and closing mechanism 60 on the second emission part 22 side.

[0068] If necessary, shielding gas may be blown out from the gas nozzle 23 of the second emission part 22 during laser welding as well, thereby preventing spatter and the like from adhering to the second protective glass 16.

[0069] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be described.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the laser head 10 houses a collimating lens 11, a first protective glass 15, a second protective glass 16, an optical path switching unit 30, a focusing lens 40, a first reflecting mirror 45, and a position adjustment mechanism 43.

[0071] The position adjustment mechanism 43 holds the condenser lens 40. The position adjustment mechanism 43 is configured to be able to move the condenser lens 40 along the optical axis direction.

[0072] Here, when the condenser lens 40 is moved upstream in the emission direction of the laser light LB by the position adjustment mechanism 43, the distance WD1 from the emission end of the first emission part 21 to the focal point of the laser light LB becomes, for example, 300 mm.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, when the position adjustment mechanism 43 moves the focusing lens 40 downstream in the emission direction of the laser light LB, the distance WD3 from the emission end of the first emission section 21 to the focus of the laser light LB becomes longer than the distance WD1.

[0074] In this way, by moving the condenser lens 40 along the optical axis direction, the working distance of the laser light LB emitted from the first emission part 21 can be changed.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 7, during laser filler welding, the condenser lens 40 is moved upstream in the emission direction of the laser light LB by the position adjustment mechanism 43. In addition, the switching mirror 31 of the optical path switching unit 30 is disposed on the first optical path L1. As a result, the laser light LB, which has been collimated by the collimator lens 11 and condensed by the condenser lens 40, is reflected by the switching mirror 31 and passes through the second optical path L2. The laser light LB passing through the second optical path L2 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 45 and is emitted from the second emission unit 22 toward the workpiece W.

[0076] At this time, the wire feeder 25 feeds the filler wire 26 toward the focal point of the laser beam LB emitted from the second emission part 22. This allows the operation of laser filler welding the workpiece W to be performed.

[0077] Third Embodiment As shown in FIG. 8, the laser head 10 houses a collimating lens 11, a first protective glass 15, a second protective glass 16, an optical path switching unit 30, a first focusing lens 41, a second focusing lens 42, and a first reflecting mirror 45.

[0078] The first collecting lens 41 is disposed on the first optical path L1 upstream in the emission direction of the first exit part 21. The second collecting lens 42 is disposed on the second optical path L2 upstream in the emission direction of the second exit part 22. The focal length of the second collecting lens 42 is shorter than the focal length of the first collecting lens 41.

[0079] The optical path switching unit 30 selectively switches the posture of the switching mirror 31 between a first position (see FIG. 8) in which the switching mirror 31 is retracted from the first optical path L1 and a second position (see FIG. 9) in which the switching mirror 31 is positioned on the first optical path L1.

[0080] At the first position, the switching mirror 31 is retracted from the first optical path L1. As a result, the laser light LB collimated by the collimator lens 11 passes through the first optical path L1. The laser light LB passing through the first optical path L1 is condensed by the first condenser lens 41 and then emitted to the workpiece W.

[0081] 9, at the second position, the switching mirror 31 is disposed on the first optical path L1. As a result, the laser beam LB collimated by the collimator lens 11 is reflected by the switching mirror 31 and passes through the second optical path L2. The laser beam LB passing through the second optical path L2 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 45, condensed by the second condenser lens 42, and then emitted toward the workpiece W. At this time, the filler wire 26 is fed from the wire feeder 25 toward the condensing point of the laser beam LB.

[0082] In this way, by switching the position of the switching mirror 31 in the optical path switching unit 30 between the first position and the second position, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece W and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece W.

[0083] Furthermore, by arranging the first condenser lens 41 close to the first emission part 21, the distance WD1 from the emission end of the first emission part 21 to the focal point of the laser light LB can be increased. This makes it possible to prevent fumes, spatters, and the like from adhering to the first protective glass 15.

[0084] Fourth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 10, the laser head 10 contains a collimating lens 11, a first protective glass 15, a second protective glass 16, an optical path switching unit 30, a first focusing lens 41, a second focusing lens 42, a first reflecting mirror 45, a second reflecting mirror 46, a third reflecting mirror 47, and an output position adjustment unit 50.

[0085] The first collecting lens 41 is disposed on the first optical path L1 upstream in the emission direction of the first exit part 21. The second collecting lens 42 is disposed on the second optical path L2 upstream in the emission direction of the second exit part 22. The focal length of the second collecting lens 42 is shorter than the focal length of the first collecting lens 41.

[0086] The optical path switching unit 30 has a parallel plate 33 and a rotation mechanism 34. The parallel plate 33 is disposed in a position inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the laser light LB.

[0087] The rotation mechanism 34 rotates the parallel plate 33 about the optical axis. The rotation mechanism 34 selectively switches the attitude of the parallel plate 33 between a first attitude (see FIG. 10) and a second attitude (see FIG. 11).

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, in the first posture, the laser light LB that has passed through the parallel plate 33 is guided toward the first optical path L1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11, in the second posture, the laser beam LB that has passed through the parallel plate 33 is guided toward the second optical path L2.

[0090] The first reflecting mirror 45 is disposed on the first optical path L1. The laser light LB that passes through the parallel plate 33 and is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 45 enters the emission position adjusting unit 50.

[0091] The second reflecting mirror 46 and the third reflecting mirror 47 are disposed on the second optical path L2. A second condenser lens 42 is disposed between the second reflecting mirror 46 and the third reflecting mirror 47. The laser light LB passes through the parallel plate 33 and is reflected by the second reflecting mirror 46 and the third reflecting mirror 47, and is emitted from the second emission section 22 to the workpiece W.

[0092] The emission position adjustment unit 50 is configured by, for example, a galvanometer scanner. The emission position adjustment unit 50 has a mirror 51 and a driver 52. The driver 52 adjusts the angle of the mirror 51 to reflect the laser light LB toward the first condenser lens 41.

[0093] The first condenser lens 41 is configured by, for example, an fθ lens. The laser light LB condensed by the first condenser lens 41 is emitted to the workpiece W from the first emission part 21.

[0094] In this way, by switching the posture of the parallel plate 33 in the optical path switching unit 30 between the first posture and the second posture, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece W and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece W.

[0095] Furthermore, by adjusting the emission position of the laser light LB emitted from the first emission part 21 onto the workpiece W using the emission position adjustment part 50, it is possible to perform, for example, wobbling (spin scanning) of the laser light LB.

[0096] As a result, by adjusting the emission position of the laser light LB emitted from the first emission part 21, the laser light LB can be emitted to any position on the workpiece W.

[0097] Fifth Embodiment As shown in FIG. 12, the laser head 10 houses a collimating lens 11, a first protective glass 15, a second protective glass 16, an optical path switching unit 30, a first focusing lens 41, a second focusing lens 42, a first reflecting mirror 45, a second reflecting mirror 46, a third reflecting mirror 47, a fourth reflecting mirror 48, and an emission position adjustment unit 50.

[0098] The first collecting lens 41 is disposed on the first optical path L1 upstream in the emission direction of the first exit part 21. The second collecting lens 42 is disposed on the second optical path L2 upstream in the emission direction of the second exit part 22. The focal length of the second collecting lens 42 is shorter than the focal length of the first collecting lens 41.

[0099] The optical path switching unit 30 is configured by, for example, a galvanometer scanner. The optical path switching unit 30 has a mirror 35 and a driver 36. The driver 36 adjusts the angle of the mirror 35 to selectively switch the angle of the mirror 35 between a first angle (see FIG. 12) and a second angle (see FIG. 13).

[0100] As shown in FIG. 12, at the first angle, the laser beam LB reflected by the mirror 35 is reflected toward the first optical path L1.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 13, at the second angle, the laser beam LB reflected by the mirror 35 is reflected toward the second optical path L2.

[0102] The first reflecting mirror 45 and the second reflecting mirror 46 are disposed on the first optical path L1. The laser light LB reflected by the mirror 35 of the optical path switching unit 30 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 45 and the second reflecting mirror 46, and then enters the emission position adjusting unit 50.

[0103] The third reflecting mirror 47 and the fourth reflecting mirror 48 are disposed on the second optical path L2. The second condenser lens 42 is disposed between the third reflecting mirror 47 and the fourth reflecting mirror 48. The laser light LB reflected by the mirror 35 of the optical path switching unit 30 is reflected by the third reflecting mirror 47 and the fourth reflecting mirror 48 and is emitted from the second emission unit 22 to the workpiece W.

[0104] The emission position adjustment unit 50 is configured by, for example, a galvanometer scanner. The emission position adjustment unit 50 has a mirror 51 and a driver 52. The driver 52 adjusts the angle of the mirror 51 to reflect the laser light LB toward the first condenser lens 41.

[0105] The first condenser lens 41 is configured by, for example, an fθ lens. The laser light LB condensed by the first condenser lens 41 is emitted to the workpiece W from the first emission part 21.

[0106] In this way, by switching the angle of the mirror 35 in the optical path switching unit 30 between the first angle and the second angle, it is possible to selectively switch between an operation of laser welding the workpiece W and an operation of laser filler welding the workpiece W.

[0107] Other Embodiments The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0108] In this embodiment, the distance WD1 from the emission end of the first emission part 21 to the focal point of the laser light LB is ensured to be sufficiently long (for example, 300 mm) to prevent spatter and the like from adhering to the first protective glass 15. Here, for example, if it is necessary to perform laser welding with the distance WD1 short (for example, 200 mm or less), an air blow unit (not shown) may be installed to blow away spatter and the like.

[0109] In this embodiment, if it is necessary to increase the optical path length of the laser light LB inside the laser head 10, the number of reflecting mirrors may be increased. [Industrial Applicability]

[0110] As described above, the present invention has the highly practical effect of being able to ensure a sufficient working distance during laser welding when switching between laser welding and laser filler welding, and is therefore extremely useful and has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Laser processing equipment 2 Laser oscillator 7 Control Unit 10 Laser Head 20 Input part 21 First exit section 22 Second exit section 25 Wire feeder 26 Filler wire 30 Optical path switching unit 31 Switchable mirror 32 Drive unit 33 parallel plate 34 Rotation mechanism 35 Mirror 40 Condenser lens 41 First condenser lens 42 Second focusing lens 43 Position adjustment mechanism 50 Output position adjustment section 60 Opening and closing mechanism L1 1st optical path L2 2nd optical path LB laser light double work

Claims

1. A laser processing apparatus including: a laser oscillator that oscillates a laser beam; a laser head that emits the laser beam oscillated by the laser oscillator toward a workpiece; and a wire feeder that feeds a filler wire toward a focal point of the laser beam emitted from the laser head, The laser head includes: an incident portion into which the laser light oscillated by the laser oscillator is incident; a first emission unit that emits the laser light; a second emission section provided at a position different from the first emission section and configured to emit the laser light; an optical path switching unit that selectively switches the optical path of the laser light between a first optical path from the incident unit toward the first exit unit and a second optical path from the incident unit toward the second exit unit, a distance from an emission end of the second emission section to a focal point of the laser light is set to be shorter than a distance from an emission end of the first emission section to a focal point of the laser light, a control unit that controls operations of the optical path switching unit and the wire feeding unit so as to selectively perform an operation of emitting the laser light from the first emission unit to laser weld the workpiece, and an operation of feeding the filler wire toward a focal point of the laser light emitted from the second emission unit to laser filler weld the workpiece. Laser processing equipment.

2. 2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, the laser head has a condenser lens arranged upstream of the optical path switching unit in the emission direction, the optical path switching unit includes a switching mirror and a driver that adjusts the position of the switching mirror; The drive unit is a first position where the switching mirror is retracted from the first optical path to cause the laser light to be emitted along the first optical path; a second position in which the switching mirror is disposed on the first optical path and reflects the laser light toward the second optical path; Laser processing equipment.

3. 3. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 2, The laser head has a position adjustment mechanism that moves the condenser lens along the optical axis direction. Laser processing equipment.

4. 2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, The laser head includes: a first condenser lens disposed on the first optical path upstream of the first exit portion in an exit direction; a second condenser lens that is disposed on the second optical path upstream of the second exit portion in the emission direction and has a focal length shorter than that of the first condenser lens, the optical path switching unit includes a switching mirror and a driver that adjusts the position of the switching mirror; The drive unit is a first position where the switching mirror is retracted from the first optical path to cause the laser light to be emitted along the first optical path; a second position in which the switching mirror is disposed on the first optical path and reflects the laser light toward the second optical path; Laser processing equipment.

5. 2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, The laser head includes: a first condenser lens disposed on the first optical path upstream of the first exit portion in an exit direction; a second condenser lens that is disposed on the second optical path upstream of the second exit portion in the emission direction and has a focal length shorter than that of the first condenser lens, the optical path switching unit includes a parallel plate disposed at an angle inclined with respect to an optical axis of the laser light, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the parallel plate around the optical axis; The rotation mechanism includes: a first attitude in which the laser light having passed through the parallel plate is guided toward the first optical path; a second attitude in which the laser beam that has passed through the parallel plate is guided toward the second optical path; Laser processing equipment.

6. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 5, an emission position adjustment unit that adjusts the emission position of the laser light emitted from the first emission unit toward the workpiece; Laser processing equipment.

7. 2. The laser processing apparatus according to claim 1, The laser head includes: a first condenser lens disposed on the first optical path upstream of the first exit portion in an exit direction; a second condenser lens that is disposed on the second optical path upstream of the second exit portion in the emission direction and has a focal length shorter than that of the first condenser lens, the optical path switching unit is configured by a galvanometer scanner having a mirror, The galvanometer scanner a first angle at which the mirror is adjusted to reflect the laser light toward the first optical path; a second angle at which the mirror is adjusted to reflect the laser light toward the second optical path; Laser processing equipment.

8. In the laser processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the laser beam exit port of the first exit unit; Laser processing equipment.

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