Laser welding method

Abstract

To provide an improved new laser welding method that enables laser welding by a simpler procedure.SOLUTION: A laser welding method for laser-welding a first end part of a first member in a first direction and a second end part of a second member in the first direction and adjacent to the first member, the second end part being disposed such that a distance of the first end part from the second end part in the first direction is 0 or more, comprises the steps of: emitting a laser beam toward the first end part to form a first molten pool extending toward at least the second end part side of the first end part; after forming the first molten pool, emitting a laser beam toward at least the first end part to form an installed molten pool containing a flowable metal material contained in the first molten pool and spanning between the first end part and the second end part; emitting a laser beam to the installed molten pool; and, after emitting the laser beam to the installed molten pool, solidifying the installed molten pool.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser welding method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a technique for performing pre-processing to correct steps and gaps at the ends of a plurality of metal members such as rectangular wires before laser welding the metal members together (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6551961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such pretreatment increases the manufacturing time and costs.

[0005] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved laser welding method that allows laser welding to be performed with simpler procedures, for example. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The laser welding method of the present invention is a laser welding method for laser welding, for example, a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, arranged adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being arranged so that the distance along the first direction from the second end of the first end is 0 or more, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first molten pool that extends at least toward the second end of the first end by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end; forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end and the second end by irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end after the step of forming the first molten pool; and solidifying the installation molten pool.

[0007] In the laser welding method, in the process of forming the first molten pool, laser light may be irradiated toward an area closer to the second end than the center of the first end in the second direction.

[0008] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the installation molten pool, the installation molten pool may be formed by moving the first molten pool so as to fall toward the second end portion.

[0009] The laser welding method may include a step of irradiating the second end with laser light after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool.

[0010] In the laser welding method, in the step of irradiating laser light toward the second end portion, the laser light may be irradiated toward an area closer to the first end portion than the center of the first end portion in the second direction.

[0011] In the laser welding method, in the process of irradiating laser light toward the second end, a second molten pool may be formed at least on the first end side of the second end, and in the process of forming the erection molten pool, the first molten pool and the second molten pool may be integrated to form the erection molten pool.

[0012] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the installation molten pool, the installation molten pool may be irradiated with laser light at a plurality of locations.

[0013] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam may be swept in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam may be swept a plurality of times in the third direction.

[0015] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam may be irradiated at least at one fixed point.

[0016] The laser welding method may include, after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the erection molten pool, a step of irradiating laser light toward the second end portion by sweeping the laser light in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0017] In the laser welding method, in the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the laser beam may be swept in the third direction a plurality of times.

[0018] The laser welding method may include a step of irradiating laser light toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the erection molten pool, in which the laser light is irradiated at a fixed point at at least one location.

[0019] In the laser welding method, the first end portion may have a protruding portion protruding in the first direction, and in the process of forming the first molten pool, the laser light may be irradiated toward the protruding portion.

[0020] In the laser welding method, the protruding portion may protrude from a side closer to the second end portion than a center of the first end portion in the second direction.

[0021] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light may be irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and approaching the second end portion.

[0022] In the laser welding method, in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light may be irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and away from the second end.

[0023] In the laser welding method, in the process of forming the first molten pool, the laser light may be irradiated toward a position shifted in the opposite direction to the first direction from the tip of the first end portion in the first direction.

[0024] In the laser welding method, the first member may extend in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction and have a first side surface extending in the first direction, and the second member may have a second side surface extending in the third direction and the first direction and facing the first side surface.

[0025] In the laser welding method, the first member and the second member may be rectangular conductor wires.

[0026] In the laser welding method, the second end portion may be disposed at a different position from the first end portion in the first direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the laser welding method of the present invention is a laser welding method for laser welding, for example, a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material and arranged adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being shifted from the first end in the opposite direction to the first direction, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first molten pool at least on the second end side of the first end by irradiating laser light toward the first end; forming an installation molten pool containing the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spanning between the first end and the second end by irradiating laser light toward at least the first end after the step of forming the first molten pool; and solidifying the installation molten pool.

[0028] Furthermore, the laser welding method of the present invention is, for example, a laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material and arranged adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and includes the steps of: detecting the relative positional relationship between the first end and the second end in the first direction; forming a first molten pool at one of the first end and the second end by irradiating a laser beam toward the other end that is a distance from one of the first end and the second end along the first direction of the other end with the other end; forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end and the second end by irradiating a laser beam toward at least the other end after the step of forming the first molten pool; and solidifying the installation molten pool.

[0029] In addition, the laser welding apparatus of the present invention is a laser welding apparatus that laser welds a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metal material and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metal material and arranged adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is equipped with a light source that emits laser light and an optical head that irradiates the laser light from the light source, wherein the optical head irradiates laser light toward a region of one of the first and second ends, the other end being closer to the one end than the center in the second direction, and the other end being at a distance of 0 or more along the first direction from the other end, thereby forming a first molten pool at least on the one end side of the other end that extends toward the one end, and after forming the first molten pool, irradiating laser light toward at least the other end, forms a bridge molten pool that contains the fluid metal material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end and the second end.

[0030] The laser welding device may include a detection unit that detects the relative positional relationship between the first end and the second end in the first direction, and a control unit that determines the one end and the other end for the first end and the second end based on the detection result of the detection unit, and controls the controlled object so that the first molten pool and the installation molten pool are formed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, for example, a new and improved laser welding method can be obtained that allows laser welding to be performed using a simpler procedure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic configuration diagram of a laser welding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic side view of an object before welding in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic side view of the object after welding according to the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a rectangular wire including a member as an object of the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic side view of an object at one stage of aging caused by the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic side view of the change over time of the object caused by the laser welding method of the embodiment at a later stage than that of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic side view of the change over time of the object caused by the laser welding method of the embodiment at a later stage than that of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic side view at a stage in the time course of the object subjected to the laser welding method of the embodiment, where the object changes to a state different from that shown in FIG. 6 after the state shown in FIG. 5 . [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing an example of a sweep path on an end portion in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing an example of a sweep path on an end portion in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing an example of a sweep path on an end portion in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing an example of a sweep path on an end portion in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary schematic plan view showing an example of a sweep path on an end portion in the laser welding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exemplary schematic side view of a stage of aging of an object by the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an exemplary schematic side view of the change over time of the object caused by the laser welding method of the embodiment at a later stage than that of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary schematic side view of the change over time of the object caused by the laser welding method of the embodiment at a later stage than that of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a member as an object to be welded by the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another modified example of members as objects to be welded by the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing yet another modified example of members as objects to be welded by the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a modification of the direction and position of irradiation of laser light onto members as objects in the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side view showing another modified example of the direction and position of irradiation of laser light onto members as objects in the laser welding method of the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exemplary block diagram of a laser welding apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exemplary flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the laser welding apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an exemplary schematic configuration diagram of a laser welding device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications shown below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by these configurations, are merely examples. The present invention can also be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the following embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain at least one of the various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the configurations.

[0034] The following embodiments and modifications have similar components, and in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the similar components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0035] In each figure, the direction X is represented by an arrow X, the direction Y is represented by an arrow Y, and the direction Z is represented by an arrow Z. The directions X, Y, and Z intersect with each other and are perpendicular to each other. The Z direction is the direction in which multiple members that make up the target object W extend. Note that the Z direction is approximately vertically upward, but may be inclined relative to the vertically upward direction.

[0036] In this specification, ordinal numbers are given for convenience to distinguish between parts, portions, directions, etc., and do not indicate priority or order.

[0037] [First embodiment] [Laser welding equipment and laser welding overview] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser welding apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the laser welding apparatus 100 includes a laser device 110, an optical head 120, an optical fiber 130, a drive mechanism 140, a sensor 150, and a controller 200.

[0038] The laser welding apparatus 100 irradiates a laser beam L onto the surface of an object W to be laser welded. The object W is partially melted by the energy of the laser beam L, and then cooled and solidified, thereby welding the object W. The object W has a plurality of members, and the plurality of members are joined by laser welding.

[0039] The plurality of members that make up the target object W may each be made of, for example, a copper-based metal material such as copper or a copper alloy, or an aluminum-based metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The plurality of members may be made of the same metal material, or may be made of different metal materials. Note that the plurality of members that make up the target object W may or may not be conductive.

[0040] The laser device 110 includes a laser oscillator and is configured to output, for example, a single-mode laser beam with a power of several kW. The laser device 110 may also include, for example, a plurality of semiconductor laser elements therein, configured to output a multi-mode laser beam with a power of several kW as the total output of the plurality of semiconductor laser elements. The laser device 110 may include various laser light sources, such as a fiber laser, a YAG laser, or a disk laser. The laser device 110 may output a continuous wave of laser beam or a pulsed laser beam. In this embodiment, the laser device 110 outputs, for example, a laser beam with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The laser oscillator included in the laser device 110 is an example of a light source.

[0041] The optical fiber 130 optically connects the laser device 110 and the optical head 120. In other words, the optical fiber 130 guides the laser light output from the laser device 110 to the optical head 120. When the laser device 110 outputs a single-mode laser light, the optical fiber 130 is configured to propagate the single-mode laser light. In this case, the M of the single-mode laser light 2 The beam quality is set to 1.3 or less. 2 The beam quality is M 2 It may also be referred to as a factor.

[0042] The optical head 120 is an optical device for irradiating the laser light input from the laser device 110 toward the target W. The optical head 120 has a collimator lens 121, a condenser lens 122, a mirror 124, and a galvanometer scanner 126. The collimator lens 121, the condenser lens 122, the mirror 124, and the galvanometer scanner 126 may also be referred to as optical components.

[0043] The collimating lenses 121 collimate the laser light input via the optical fibers 130. The collimated laser light becomes parallel light.

[0044] The mirror 124 reflects the laser light that has been collimated by the collimator lens 121, and directs it toward the galvanometer scanner 126. Note that depending on the input direction of the laser light from the optical fiber 130 and the arrangement of the collimator lens 121, the mirror 124 may not be necessary.

[0045] The galvano scanner 126 has multiple mirrors 126a and 126b, and by controlling the angles of the multiple mirrors 126a and 126b, the emission direction of the laser light L from the optical head 120 can be switched, thereby changing the irradiation position of the laser light L on the surface of the object W. The angles of the mirrors 126a and 126b are each changed by a motor (not shown) controlled by, for example, the controller 200. By changing the emission direction of the laser light L while irradiating the laser light L, the laser light L can be swept over the surface of the object W.

[0046] The condenser lens 122 condenses the laser light coming from the galvano scanner 126 as parallel light, and irradiates the object W with the laser light L (output light).

[0047] Note that the optical components included in the optical head 120 are not limited to these, and the optical head 120 may include other optical components. As an example, the optical head 120 may include a DOE (diffractive optical element) as a beam shaper that shapes the laser light beam.

[0048] The drive mechanism 140 changes the relative position of the optical head 120 with respect to the object W. The drive mechanism 140 includes, for example, a rotation mechanism such as a motor, a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation output of the rotation mechanism, and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotation reduced by the speed reduction mechanism into linear motion. The controller 200 can control the drive mechanism 140 to change the relative position of the optical head 120 with respect to the object W in the X, Y, and Z directions. The drive mechanism 140 can change (switch) the object W to be laser welded among multiple objects W supported by a support mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism 140 can also change the irradiation position of the laser light L on the object W. The drive mechanism 140 can also be used to change the irradiation point in conjunction with changing the irradiation direction of the laser light with respect to the object W. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 140 can change the irradiation position of the laser light L while the laser light L is irradiated on the surface of the object W. That is, the driving mechanism 140 can sweep the laser light L over the surface of the object W.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a side view showing the state of the object W before welding. As shown in Fig. 2, the object W has two members 20 (21, 22). Both of the two members 20 are made of a metal material.

[0050] Both of the two members 20 extend in the Z direction and have Z-direction end portions 20a (21a, 22a). The end portions 20a extend across the Z direction. That is, the end portions 20a extend in both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction is an example of a first direction.

[0051] The two members 20 are adjacent to each other in the X direction, which intersects with the Z direction, and are lined up in the X direction. A gap g is formed between the side surfaces 21b, 22b (20b) that face each other in the X direction. The size of the gap g is 0 or more. In other words, the two members 20 may be in at least partial contact. The X direction is an example of a second direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, the offset δ in the Z direction of the end 21a of the member 21 relative to the end 22a of the member 22 is set to be 0 or greater. That is, of the two members 20 having such a relative positional relationship, the end 21a that is in the same position as the end 22a in the Z direction or offset in the Z direction from the end 22a is an example of a first end, and the end 22a that is offset in the opposite direction in the Z direction from the end 21a is an example of a second end. The member 21 having the end 21a is an example of a first member, and the member 22 having the end 22a is an example of a second member. The member 21 (first member) may also be referred to as a member that protrudes relatively in the Z direction, and the member 22 (second member) may also be referred to as a member that recedes relatively in the Z direction.

[0053] The sensor 150 (see FIG. 1) acquires detection values ​​and data for detecting the relative positional relationship between the two ends 20a in the Z direction. The sensor 150 is, for example, a 2D camera, a 3D camera such as an RGB-D camera, a non-contact displacement meter, or the like.

[0054] The controller 200 can detect the Z-direction deviation δ (≧0) of the end 21a relative to the end 22a based on the detection value or data acquired from at least one sensor 150. That is, the controller 200 can determine the end 21a for which the Z-direction deviation δ relative to the other end 22a is 0 or greater.

[0055] When welding the workpiece W, i.e., two members 20, the optical head 120 irradiates the end 20a with laser light L. The irradiation direction of the laser light L is either the opposite direction to the Z direction or a direction inclined relative to the opposite direction to the Z direction.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the state of the object W after welding. As shown in FIG. 3, when the end portions 20a are irradiated with laser light L, the two members 20 melt at the end portions 20a, forming a weld 23 spanning the two ends 20a. The weld 23 is formed when a molten pool formed spanning the two ends 20a cools and solidifies. The molten pool, which is a fluid metal material, bulges in the Z direction due to surface tension. Accordingly, the weld 23, formed by solidifying the molten pool, also bulges in the Z direction. The weld 23 mechanically connects the two members 21 and 22. Furthermore, if the two members 21 and 22 are made of conductive metal, the weld 23 electrically connects the two members 21 and 22.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rectangular wire 10 including a member 20. The member 20 is, for example, the core (internal conductor) of the rectangular wire 10 shown in FIG. 4. The rectangular wire 10 includes a member 20 and a coating 30 for the member 20. The member 20 is made of a conductive metal material. The cross section of the member 20 perpendicular to the extension direction is substantially rectangular. The coating 30 is insulating and is made of, for example, enamel or a synthetic resin material. The coating 30 may include an enamel layer and an extruded resin layer surrounding the enamel layer. The laser welding device 100 is used to weld the end portions 20a of the members 20 serving as the core wires of such rectangular wires 10 together. In this case, the coating 30 is removed near the ends of the two rectangular wires 10 in the extension direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, end portions 20a of two members 20 arranged adjacent to each other and facing in the same direction (extension direction) are welded by a laser welding device 100.

[0058] The rectangular wire 10 may form a coil provided in a rotating electrical machine. The laser welding method using the laser welding apparatus 100 of this embodiment can be applied to welding the ends of adjacent coils set in a stator core.

[0059] However, the member 20 that becomes the object W is not limited to the core wire of the rectangular wire 10, but may be any member that extends in the Z direction, is adjacent to each other in the X direction, has end portions 20a close to each other, and has side surfaces 20b facing each other in the X direction, as shown in Fig. 2. The member 20 may be a plate-like member or a wire material.

[0060] [Laser welding method] 5 to 7 are diagrams showing changes over time in laser welding of two members 21 and 22 in the initial state shown in Fig. 2. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the laser light L irradiated to end portion 21a will be referred to as laser light L1, and the laser light L irradiated to end portion 22a will be referred to as laser light L2, but these laser lights L1 and L2 are both emitted from the same optical head 120.

[0061] First, as shown in Fig. 5, the end portion 21a of the member 21 is irradiated with a laser beam L1 (L). At this time, the laser beam L1 is irradiated, for example, toward an edge 21a1 of the end portion 21a on the end portion 22a side or its vicinity. By irradiating the end portion 21a with the laser beam L1, a molten pool 23W1 is formed on the end portion 21a. The molten pool 23W1 is formed by melting the metallic material of the member 21. In other words, the molten pool 23W1 contains the metallic material of the member 21 that has fluidity.

[0062] After approximately 0.2 seconds have passed since the start of irradiation with the laser beam L1, the molten pool 23W1 bulges in the Z direction on the end portion 21a due to surface tension and extends from the edge 21a1 toward the end portion 22a, i.e., toward the component 22. In other words, the molten pool 23W1 has a protruding portion 23a extending toward the end portion 22a. This is thought to be because the laser beam L1 is irradiated onto a region A1 closer to the end portion 22a than the center C1 of the end portion 21a in the X direction, forming a molten pool 23W1 centered on the region A1. Another reason is that the end portion 21a melts more toward the end portion 22a, causing the end portion 21a to tilt downward, lowering its position closer to the end portion 22a and increasing its position farther from the end portion 22a. This is thought to be because gravity acts on the molten pool 23W1, which is in a fluid state, due to the melting of the end portion 21a. When the width of the member 21 is wider in the X direction, the molten pool 23W1 is formed on the end portion 21a closer to the end portion 22a. That is, the molten pool 23W1 is formed on at least the end portion 22a side of the end portion 21a. It can also be said that the molten pool 23W1 is formed on the edge 21a1. The molten pool 23W1 is an example of a first molten pool.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a stage subsequent to FIG. 5, approximately 0.3 seconds after the start of irradiation with the laser beam L1. At this stage, the molten pool 23W has increased in volume compared to the stage shown in FIG. 5. Gravity causes the molten pool 23W to deform toward the end 22a, causing it to contact the end 22a. In other words, the molten pool 23W spans between the end 21a and the end 22a. Here, the molten pool 23W corresponds to an increased volume of the molten pool 23W1 shown in FIG. 5, and therefore contains components of the metallic material contained in the molten pool 23W1, i.e., components of the metallic material of the member 21. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the irradiating of the laser beam L2 (L) toward or near the edge 22a1 on the end 21a side of the end 22a melts the end 22a due to the heat of the molten pool 23W. As a result, the molten pool 23W also contains components of the metallic material of the member 22. At this stage, it is preferable that the laser beam L2 is irradiated onto an area A2 closer to the end 21a than the center C2 of the end 22a in the X direction. The molten pool 23W spanning between the ends 21a and 22a is an example of an erection molten pool.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a stage after Figure 6, approximately 0.4 seconds after the start of irradiation with laser beam L1. At this stage, the volume of molten pool 23W has increased compared to the stage shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, melting of end 22a has progressed more than in the stage shown in Figure 6, end 22a has moved downward, and the positions of end 21a and end 22a in the Z direction are closer than in the stage shown in Figure 6. After the stage shown in Figure 6, laser beams L1 and L2 (L) may be irradiated onto molten pool 23W to maintain the molten state or to shape it into a predetermined shape until the molten pool 23W reaches a certain volume or a predetermined shape.

[0065] After the stage of FIG. 7, when the irradiation of the laser beam L is stopped, the molten pool 23W is cooled and becomes the welded portion 23 as shown in FIG.

[0066] The method for forming the molten pool 23W that forms the weld 23 is not limited to the methods shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Laser beam L may be applied after the step shown in FIG. 5 to achieve the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a stage different from that shown in FIG. 6, which is a stage after FIG. 5 and before FIG. 7. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, after the molten pool 23W1 is formed on the end portion 21a, as in FIG. 5, the end portion 22a of the member 22 is irradiated with laser beam L2(L). At this time, the laser beam L2 is irradiated toward, for example, the edge 22a1 of the end portion 22a on the end portion 21a side or its vicinity. By irradiating the end portion 22a with the laser beam L2, a molten pool 23W2 is formed on the end portion 22a. The molten pool 23W2 is formed by melting the metal material of the member 22. That is, the molten pool 23W2 contains the fluid metal material of the member 22.

[0067] Due to surface tension, the molten pool 23W2 bulges in the Z direction above the end 22a and extends from the edge 22a1 toward the end 21a, i.e., toward the component 21. In other words, the molten pool 23W2 has a protruding portion 23a extending toward the end 21a. This is thought to be because the laser beam L2 is irradiated onto a region A2 closer to the end 21a than the center C2 of the end 22a in the X direction, forming a molten pool 23W2 centered on the region A2. Another reason is that the end 22a melts more deeply toward the end 21a, causing the end 22a to slope downward, lowering closer to the end 21a and increasing farther from the end 21a. This is thought to be because gravity acts on the molten pool 23W2 while it is still fluid. Note that when the width of the component 22 is wider in the X direction, the molten pool 23W2 is formed on the end 21a side of the end 22a. That is, the molten pool 23W2 is formed at least on the end portion 21a side of the end portion 22a. It can also be said that the molten pool 23W2 is formed on the edge 22a1. In this case, the molten pool 23W2 does not necessarily have to extend toward the end portion 21a side. The molten pool 23W2 is an example of a second molten pool.

[0068] After the stage of Fig. 8, the molten pool 23W1 formed on the end portion 21a and the molten pool 23W2 formed on the end portion 22a are integrated to form the molten pool 23W as shown in Fig. 7. Thereafter, the molten pool 23W is cooled and solidified, thereby forming the welded portion 23 shown in Fig. 3.

[0069] 5 to 8 illustrate an example in which there is a gap g greater than 0 between the members 21 and 22, but even when the gap g is 0, that is, when the members 21 and 22 are in contact in the X direction, changes over time similar to those shown in Figures 5 to 8 can occur. Furthermore, when the members 21 and 22 are in contact and the end portions 21a and 22a are close to each other, it is possible that when the molten pool 23W1 is formed, the molten pool 23W1 becomes a molten pool 23W spanning the end portions 21a and 22a.

[0070] 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sweep paths of the laser beams L1 and L2 at the end portions 21a and 22a. At each stage of irradiation with the laser beams L1 and L2 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the laser beam L1 is linearly swept in the Y direction intersecting with the X direction in, for example, a region A1 closer to the end portion 22a than the center C1 in the X direction of the end portion 21a. The laser beam L2 is linearly swept in the Y direction intersecting with the X direction in, for example, a region A2 closer to the end portion 21a than the center C2 in the X direction of the end portion 22a. The laser beams L1 and L2 may be swept multiple times in the regions A1 and A2, respectively, or may travel back and forth between both ends in the Y direction. The Y direction is an example of a third direction.

[0071] In this way, by linearly sweeping the laser beams L1 and L2 along the Y direction within the regions A1 and A2, weld pools 23W1 and 23W2 extending in the Y direction along the edges 21a1 and 22a1 are formed. Furthermore, linear sweeping has been shown to reduce voids and other defects in the weld 23. This is believed to be due to the suppression of turbulence in the flow of the fluid metal material within the fluid weld pools 23W1, 23W2, and 23W. Furthermore, linear back-and-forth sweeping allows thermal energy to be applied to a wider range of the weld pools 23W1, 23W2, and 23W at any time, preventing localized cooling and solidification of the weld pools 23W1, 23W2, and 23W.

[0072] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the sweep paths of the laser beams L1 and L2 at the ends 21a and 22a, different from that shown in FIG. 9. In the example of FIG. 10, the laser beams L1 and L2 are swept linearly along the Y direction in each of the regions A1 and A2, both near and far from the ends 21a and 22a. In addition, in order to perform continuous irradiation of the laser beams L1 and L2, the regions A1 and A2 also include sweeps in the X direction near the ends in the Y direction. Note that the sweep direction is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10.

[0073] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sweep paths of the laser beams L1 and L2 at the ends 21a and 22a, different from those shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the example of FIG. 11, the laser beam L1 is swept in the opposite direction to the Y direction in the region A1, and the laser beam L2 is swept in the Y direction in the region A2. The sweep in the opposite direction to the Y direction in the region A1 and the sweep in the Y direction in the region A2 may be repeated multiple times. Note that the sweep directions in the regions A1 and A2 may be opposite to those shown in FIG. 11, or both may be in the Y direction, or both may be in the opposite direction to the Y direction.

[0074] Furthermore, although not shown, the laser light L1 may be irradiated at at least one fixed point in the region A1. As an example, the laser light L1 may be irradiated once or multiple times onto a central portion between both ends of the region A1 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the laser light L1 may be irradiated at multiple points in the region A1 spaced apart in the Y direction, or may be irradiated multiple times at each of the multiple points. The laser light L2 may be irradiated at at least one fixed point in the region A2. As an example, the laser light L2 may be irradiated once or multiple times onto a central portion between both ends of the region A2 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the laser light L2 may be irradiated at multiple points in the region A2 spaced apart in the Y direction, or may be irradiated multiple times at each of the multiple points.

[0075] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the sweep path of the laser beams L1 and L2 at the end portions 21a and 22a, different from those shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the sweep path passes through areas other than the areas A1 and A2, i.e., areas of the end portions 21a and 22a that are farther from the other end portions 22a and 21a than the centers C1 and C2 in the X direction. Even with this sweep path, the molten pools 23W1 and 23W2, and thus the molten pool 23W, as described above, can be formed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the sweep path may include a curved section. In this case, the range of change in the sweep speed can be made smaller than when the sweep path includes a turn-back or bent section.

[0076] 13, the ends 21a and 22a may be offset from each other in the Y direction. Even in this case, the above-described molten pools 23W1 and 23W2, and therefore the molten pool 23W, can be formed.

[0077] 9 to 13 is relatively fast, and is therefore realized mainly by the operation of the galvanometer scanner 126. However, without being limited to this, the sweeping may be realized by the operation of the driving mechanism 140, or may be realized by a combination of the operation of the galvanometer scanner 126 and the driving mechanism 140.

[0078] 14 to 16 are diagrams showing changes over time when the molten pools 23W1, 23W2 and the molten pool 23W are formed through states different from those shown in FIGS.

[0079] First, as shown in FIG. 14, molten pools 23W1 and 23W2 are formed at the ends 21a and 22a by irradiation with laser beams L1 and L2, respectively.

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the molten pools 23W1 and 23W2 grow on the ends 21a and 22a, respectively, and extend in directions intersecting the Z direction, including directions approaching the other ends 22a and 21a.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 16, the adjacent molten pools 23W1 and 23W2 are integrated by overhanging each other, and a molten pool 23W spanning the ends 21a and 22a, that is, an erection molten pool, is formed.

[0082] 14 and 15, the laser beams L1 and L2 are irradiated toward and swept over the approximate centers C1 and C2 (centers in the X direction, on the center line) of the ends 21a and 22a, but the laser beams L1 and L2 may be irradiated toward regions of the ends 21a and 22a that are closer to the other than the centers C1 and C2, or toward regions of the ends 21a and 22a that are farther from the other than the centers C1 and C2.

[0083] [Modification of components] Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified example of two members 20. As shown in Fig. 17, the member 20 may have a protruding portion 20c protruding from the end portion 20a in the Z direction, i.e., in the extension direction of the member 20. The protruding portion 21c (20c) of the member 21 is provided along the edge 21a1 on a side closer to the end portion 22a than the center in the X direction of the end portion 21a, and protrudes so as to become higher in the Z direction as it approaches the edge 21a1. On the other hand, the protruding portion 22c (20c) of the member 22 is provided along the edge 22a1 on a side closer to the end portion 21a than the center in the X direction of the end portion 22a, and protrudes so as to become higher in the Z direction as it approaches the edge 22a1.

[0084] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing another modified example of two members 20. As shown in Fig. 18, in the example of Fig. 18, member 20 also has protrusion 20c. Protrusion 21c (20c) of member 21 is provided on the side closer to end 22a than the center of end 21a in the X direction, and protrusion 22c (20c) of member 22 is provided on the side closer to end 21a than the center of end 22a in the X direction. However, in this modified example, protrusion 21c has a wall-like shape that has a substantially constant thickness in the X direction and extends in the Y direction.

[0085] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing another modified example of two members 20. As shown in FIG. 19, the member 20 also has a protrusion 20c in the example of FIG. 19. However, in this modified example, the protrusion 20c has a plane-symmetrical shape with a symmetry plane passing through the center of the end portion 20a in the X direction as the center of symmetry. That is, the end portion 21a has two protrusions 21c (20c), and the protrusion 21c on the edge 21a1 side protrudes higher in the Z direction as it approaches the edge 21a1, and the protrusion 21c on the opposite side from the edge 21a1 protrudes higher in the Z direction as it moves away from the edge 21a1. The end portion 22a has two protrusions 22c (20c), and the protrusion 22c on the edge 22a1 side protrudes higher in the Z direction as it approaches the edge 22a1, while the protrusion 22c on the opposite side from the edge 22a1 protrudes higher in the Z direction as it moves away from the edge 22a1. This plane-symmetric shape allows the two end portions 20a to be adjacent to each other, regardless of the bending direction of the rectangular wire 10, with the adjacent edges 21a1 and 22a1 protruding more than the center. The protrusions 21c in FIG. 19 have a plane-symmetric shape based on the protrusion 21c similar to that in FIG. 17, but may instead have a plane-symmetric shape based on the protrusion 21c similar to that in FIG. 18.

[0086] 17 to 19, compared to when protrusion 21c is not provided, end 20a can efficiently melt the vicinity of edges 21a1, 22a1 of ends 21a, 22a that are close to each other in a shorter time by irradiating protrusion 21c with laser light L, thereby further shortening the time required for welding. Note that protrusion 21c is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 as long as it has a portion (high portion) that is shifted in the Z direction from the center of end 21a in the X direction closer to end 22a than the center of end 21a in the X direction, and it is also sufficient that protrusion 21c has a portion (high portion) that is shifted in the Z direction from the center of end 22a in the X direction closer to end 21a than the center of end 22a. 19, the end portion 20a may have protrusions 20c having a shape different from that of FIG. 19, which have portions (higher portions) shifted in the Z direction from the center of the end portion 20a on both sides in the X direction. The end portion 20a may have a shape having portions (higher portions) shifted in the Z direction from the center around the center. In other words, the end portion 20a may have a recessed portion recessed in the center.

[0087] [Variations of irradiation direction and irradiation position] 20 is a side view showing a modified example of the irradiation direction and irradiation position of the laser beam L1(L). As shown in Fig. 20, the irradiation direction of the laser beam L1 with respect to the end portion 21a may be a direction in which the laser beam L1 approaches the end portion 22a as it moves in the opposite direction to the Z direction. In this case, the power of the laser beam L1 makes it easier for the molten pool 23W1 to move more quickly toward the end portion 22a.

[0088] Fig. 21 is a side view showing another modification of the irradiation direction and irradiation position of the laser beam L1(L) that is different from that shown in Fig. 20. As shown in Fig. 21, the irradiation direction of the laser beam L1 with respect to the end portion 21a may be a direction that moves away from the end portion 22a as it moves in the opposite direction to the Z direction (i.e., the laser beam L1 may irradiate the region of the side surface 21b that protrudes from the end portion 22a before the end portions 21a, 22a are melted). In this case, the energy of the laser beam L1 can be applied closer to the edge 21a1 (end portion 22a), and the molten pool 23W1 can be formed closer to the end portion 22a, thereby more quickly forming the molten pool 23W (erection molten pool). In this case, by irradiating the laser light L1 onto the side surface of the protrusion 21c on the end 22a side, in other words, at a position shifted in the opposite direction of the Z direction from the Z-direction tips of the end 21a and the protrusion 21c, the molten pool 23W1 can be formed in a shorter time, which, combined with the effect of irradiating the laser light L1 in a direction moving away from the end 22a as it moves in the opposite direction of the Z direction as described above, can further shorten the time required for welding.

[0089] [Laser welding equipment block diagram and processing procedure] 22 is a block diagram of the laser welding apparatus 100. The laser welding apparatus 100 includes, for example, a controller 200, a storage unit 210, a sensor 150, a laser device 110, a galvanometer scanner 126, and a drive mechanism 140.

[0090] The controller 200 is a computer and includes a processor (circuit) such as a CPU (central processing unit) and a main memory such as a RAM (random access memory) and a ROM (read only memory). The controller 200 is, for example, an MCU (micro controller unit). The memory 210 includes a non-volatile memory device such as an SSD (solid state drive) or an HDD (hard disk drive). The memory 210 may also be referred to as an auxiliary memory device.

[0091] The processor operates as the detection control unit 201, the irradiation procedure determination unit 202, the movement control unit 203, and the irradiation control unit 204 by reading out programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 210 and executing each process. The programs may be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may also be referred to as a program product. Values, tables, maps, and other information used in the program and the processor's arithmetic processing may be stored in the ROM or the storage unit 210 in advance, or may be stored in the storage unit of a computer connected to a communication network and downloaded to the storage unit 210 via the communication network. The storage unit 210 stores data written by the processor. The arithmetic processing by the controller 200 may also be performed at least in part by hardware. In this case, the controller 200 may include, for example, an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0092] 23 is a flowchart of a processing procedure for one location on the target object W by the laser welding apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 23, first, the controller 200 operates as the detection control unit 201 and acquires the detected values ​​and data by the sensor 150 (S1). Furthermore, in this S1, the detection control unit 201 detects the relative positional relationship between the end portions 21a and 22a based on the detected values ​​and data by the sensor 150. The sensor 150 and the detection control unit 201 are an example of a detection unit.

[0093] Next, the controller 200 operates as the irradiation procedure determination unit 202 and determines the irradiation procedure of the laser light L (S2). In S2, the irradiation procedure determination unit 202 first determines the end 21a (first end) and the end 22a (second end) based on the relative positional relationship of the two end parts 20a in the Z direction. That is, the irradiation procedure determination unit 202 determines one of the two end parts 20a, which is located at the same position as one of the end parts 20a in the Z direction or is shifted in the Z direction from the one end part 20a, as the end part 21a, i.e., the first end part, and determines the other end part 20a as the end part 22a, i.e., the second end part.

[0094] Next, in S2, the irradiation procedure determination unit 202 generates a sequence of control commands for controlled objects, such as the laser device 110, the galvanometer scanner 126, and the drive mechanism 140, to execute the above-described irradiation procedure of the laser beam L, i.e., the welding method. The irradiation procedure of the laser beam L may be, for example, first irradiating the end portion 21a with the laser beam L1, then irradiating the end portion 22a with the laser beam L2, and then irradiating the molten pool 23W with the laser beam L. The irradiation procedure determination unit 202 stores the generated sequence of control commands in the storage unit 210. The irradiation procedure may be set so that parameters related to the irradiation of the laser beam L in the laser welding method, such as the output power of the laser beam L, the irradiation position, irradiation direction, sweep speed, and irradiation timing, are appropriately changed depending on the relative positional relationship between the end portions 21a and 22a. The controlled object is a mechanism capable of changing the irradiation state of the laser beam, and may also be referred to as a variable mechanism.

[0095] Next, the controller 200 operates as the movement control unit 203, reads the sequence stored in the memory unit 210, and controls the drive mechanism 140 to move the optical head 120 to a position determined by the irradiation procedure according to the sequence (S3). The controller 200 also operates as the irradiation control unit 204, reads the sequence stored in the memory unit 210, and controls the laser device 110 and the galvanometer scanner 126 to irradiate the laser light L according to the irradiation procedure according to the sequence (S4). Note that S3 and S4 may be executed repeatedly as appropriate. The processing procedure according to the flow chart of FIG. 23 by the laser welding apparatus 100 is executed sequentially for multiple locations on the target W. The irradiation procedure determination unit 202, the movement control unit 203, and the irradiation control unit 204 are examples of a control unit.

[0096] As described above, in the laser welding method of this embodiment, for example, by irradiating laser beam L toward region A1 that is closer to end 22a (second end) than the center of end 21a (first end), a molten pool 23W1 (first molten pool) that extends toward end 22a is formed at least toward end 22a of end 21a. Next, by irradiating laser beam L toward at least end 21a, a molten pool 23W (installation molten pool) that contains the fluid metallic material contained in molten pool 23W1 and spans between end 21a and end 22a is formed. Next, molten pool 23W is cooled and solidified to form weld 23.

[0097] According to this laser welding method and the laser welding apparatus for performing this laser welding method, preprocessing such as aligning the heights of the ends 21a and 22a can be omitted, and the ends 21a and 22a can be welded more quickly or efficiently. This reduces, for example, the labor, time, and cost required for welding, and ultimately reduces the labor, time, and cost required for manufacturing a device including the welded portion 23. Another advantage is that by irradiating the laser beam L onto the end 21a, whose Z-direction offset from the end 22a is 0 or more, to form the molten pool 23W, it is easier to reduce the Z-direction offset between the ends 21a and 22a.

[0098] Alternatively, as in this embodiment, the molten pool 23W1 may be moved by gravity so as to fall toward the end portion 22a, thereby becoming the molten pool 23W.

[0099] This allows, for example, the ends 21a and 22a to be melted and the welded portion 23 to be formed more quickly or more efficiently.

[0100] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, a step of irradiating the laser beam L2 toward the region A2 closer to the end 21a than the center of the end 22a may be included before the step of forming the molten pool 23W.

[0101] This provides advantages such as, for example, forming a molten pool 23W2 on region A2 of end portion 22a, thereby enabling the molten pool 23W to be formed more quickly, or preheating region A2 to melt end portion 22a more quickly when molten pool 23W comes into contact with end portion 22a, thereby enabling the desired molten pool 23W to be obtained more quickly.

[0102] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, a molten pool 23W2 (second molten pool) may be formed at least on the end portion 21a side of the end portion 22a, and the molten pool 23W1 and the molten pool 23W2 may be integrated to form the molten pool 23W.

[0103] This allows, for example, the ends 21a and 22a to be melted and the welded portion 23 to be formed more quickly or more efficiently.

[0104] Furthermore, if the positions of end 21a and end 22a are misaligned in the Z direction, it is preferable to configure the amount of misalignment to be less than the higher of the amount of protrusion in the Z direction from edge 21a1 or edge 22a1 of molten pool 23W (erection molten pool) when the molten pool 23W (erection molten pool) is solidified in this embodiment (for example, 1.5 mm or less), which enables the members 21 and 22 to be welded quickly.

[0105] [Second embodiment] 24 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a laser welding apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the laser welding apparatus 100A includes two laser devices 111 and 112 as the laser device 110.

[0106] The laser device 111 outputs laser light with a wavelength of, for example, 800 nm or more and 1200 nm or less, and the laser device 112 outputs laser light with a wavelength of, for example, 550 nm or less. More preferably, the laser device 112 outputs laser light with a wavelength of, for example, 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less. Here, the laser oscillators possessed by the laser devices 111 and 112 are an example of a light source. The laser light output by the laser device 111 is an example of a first laser light, and the laser light output by the laser device 112 is an example of a second laser light. The laser devices 111 and 112 may output continuous wave laser light or pulsed laser light.

[0107] The controller 200 can control the operation of each of the laser devices 111 and 112. For example, the controller 200 can control the laser devices 111 and 112 to output laser light, stop output of laser light, or change the output intensity.

[0108] The laser beams output from the laser devices 111 and 112 are input to the optical head 120 via the optical fiber 130, respectively.

[0109] The mirror 124 reflects the first laser light that has been collimated by the collimator lens 121-1. The first laser light reflected by the mirror 124 travels toward a wavelength filter 125 serving as an optical component.

[0110] The wavelength filter 125 is a high-pass filter that transmits the first laser light from the laser device 111 and reflects the second laser light from the laser device 112 without transmitting it. The first laser light passes through the wavelength filter 125 and heads toward the galvanometer scanner 126. On the other hand, the wavelength filter 125 reflects the second laser light that has been collimated by the collimator lens 121-2. The second laser light reflected by the wavelength filter 125 heads toward the galvanometer scanner 126. The galvanometer scanner 126 operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0111] The condenser lens 122 condenses the laser light coming from the galvano scanner 126 as parallel light, and irradiates the laser light L (output light, irradiation light) onto the object W. The laser light L includes a first laser light La and a second laser light Lb.

[0112] The second laser beam Lb has a shorter wavelength than the first laser beam La, resulting in higher absorption in metal materials such as copper-based materials and aluminum-based materials. Furthermore, the first laser beam La has a longer wavelength than the second laser beam Lb, resulting in higher convergence and easier power density. Therefore, compared to laser beam L containing only the first laser beam La or only the second laser beam Lb, laser beam L containing the first laser beam La and the second laser beam Lb can more effectively stabilize the molten pools 23W1, 23W2 (23W) due to the effect of the second laser beam Lb, and can more efficiently melt metal materials due to the effect of the first laser beam La. Therefore, according to this embodiment, higher-quality laser welding with fewer voids and spatter can be more efficiently performed.

[0113] While the above describes exemplary embodiments and modifications of the present invention, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of each configuration, shape, and the like (structure, type, direction, model, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be modified as appropriate.

[0114] For example, when irradiating the laser beam, known wobbling, weaving, output modulation, etc. may be performed to adjust the surface area of ​​the molten pool.

[0115] Alternatively, the laser light may be irradiated simultaneously to both the first end and the second end. [Industrial Applicability]

[0116] The present invention can be used in a laser welding method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10...Rectangular wire 20...Components 20a...End 20b…side 20c…Protrusion 21...Component (first component) 21a...End (first end) 21a1…edge 21b...side 21c...Protrusion 22...member (second member) 22a...End (second end) 22a1...edge 22b…side 22c...Protruding part 23...Welded section 23a...Protruding part 23W...Molten pool (construction molten pool) 23W1...molten pool (first molten pool) 23W2...molten pool (second molten pool) 30...Coating 100,100A...Laser welding equipment 110, 111, 112...Laser device (light source, controlled object) 120...Optical head 121, 121-1, 121-2...Collimating lenses 122...Condenser lens 124...Mirror 125...wavelength filter 126...Galvano scanner (controlled object) 126a, 126b...Mirror 130...Optical fiber 140...Drive mechanism (controlled object) 150...Sensor (detection part) 200...Controller 201...Detection control unit (detection unit) 202... Irradiation procedure determination unit (control unit) 203...Movement control unit (control unit) 204... Irradiation control unit (control unit) 210...Storage section A1…area A2…area C1…center C2…center g...gap L, L1, L2...Laser light La: First laser beam Lb: Second laser beam W...Object X…direction (second direction) Y…direction (third direction) Z…direction (first direction) δ…deviation

Claims

1. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the installation molten pool, the first molten pool is moved so as to fall toward the second end portion, thereby forming the installation molten pool.

2. 2. The laser welding method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool.

3. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion, The laser welding method, wherein the protruding portion protrudes on a side closer to the second end than the center of the first end in the second direction.

4. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and away from the second end.

5. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion.

6. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and approaching the second end portion.

7. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, The laser welding method, wherein the second end is positioned at a different position from the first end in the first direction.

8. 8. The laser welding method according to claim 3, wherein in the step of irradiating the laser light toward the second end portion, the laser light is irradiated toward a region of the second end portion closer to the first end portion than to a center of the second end portion in the second direction.

9. In the step of irradiating the laser beam toward the second end portion, a second molten pool is formed at least on the first end portion side of the second end portion, A laser welding method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein in the step of forming the installation molten pool, the first molten pool and the second molten pool are integrated to form the installation molten pool.

10. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating a laser beam toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion, The laser welding method, wherein the protruding portion protrudes on a side closer to the second end than the center of the first end in the second direction.

11. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating a laser beam toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and away from the second end.

12. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating a laser beam toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion.

13. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating a laser beam toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and approaching the second end portion.

14. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating a laser beam toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; The laser welding method, wherein the second end is positioned at a different position from the first end in the first direction.

15. 15. The laser welding method according to claim 10, wherein in the step of sweeping the laser beam in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the laser beam is swept a plurality of times in the third direction.

16. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of irradiating the laser beam at at least one fixed point; the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion, The laser welding method, wherein the protruding portion protrudes on a side closer to the second end than the center of the first end in the second direction.

17. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of irradiating the laser beam at at least one fixed point; A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and away from the second end.

18. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of irradiating the laser beam at at least one fixed point; the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion.

19. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of irradiating the laser beam at at least one fixed point; A laser welding method, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction opposite to the first direction and approaching the second end portion.

20. A laser welding method for laser welding a first end in a first direction of a first member made of a metallic material, and a second end in the first direction of a second member made of a metallic material, the second end being disposed adjacent to the first member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second end being disposed such that a distance from the second end of the first end along the first direction is 0 or greater, forming a first molten pool extending from the first end portion toward at least the second end portion by irradiating a laser beam toward the first end portion; a step of irradiating a laser beam toward at least the first end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool, thereby forming an installation molten pool that contains the fluid metallic material contained in the first molten pool and spans between the first end portion and the second end portion; irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light; a step of irradiating the installation molten pool with laser light and then solidifying the installation molten pool; and a step of irradiating the second end portion with a laser beam after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the installation molten pool, the step of irradiating the laser beam at at least one fixed point; The laser welding method, wherein the second end is positioned at a different position from the first end in the first direction.

21. the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, In the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated toward the protruding portion, The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 7, 11 to 14, and 17 to 20, wherein the protruding portion protrudes on a side closer to the second end portion than the center of the first end portion in the second direction.

22. A laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 10, 12 to 14, 16, and 18 to 20, wherein in the process of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction away from the second end as it moves in the opposite direction to the first direction.

23. the first end portion has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, and 20, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated toward the protruding portion.

24. A laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 7, 10 to 12, 14, 16 to 18, and 20, wherein in the process of forming the first molten pool, the laser light is irradiated in a direction approaching the second end as it moves in the opposite direction to the first direction.

25. The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 13, and 16 to 19, wherein the second end portion is disposed at a position different from the first end portion in the first direction.

26. A laser welding method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising, after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the erection molten pool, a step of irradiating laser light toward the second end portion by sweeping the laser light in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

27. A laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and 26, comprising a step of irradiating laser light toward the second end portion after the step of forming the first molten pool and before the step of forming the erection molten pool, in which the laser light is irradiated at a fixed point at at least one location.

28. A laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein in the process of forming the first molten pool, laser light is irradiated toward an area closer to the second end than the center of the first end in the second direction.

29. The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein in the step of forming the installation molten pool, the installation molten pool is irradiated with laser light at a plurality of locations.

30. A laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein in the process of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is swept in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

31. The laser welding method according to claim 30, wherein in the forming of the first molten pool, the laser beam is swept in the third direction a plurality of times.

32. 32. The laser welding method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of forming the first molten pool, the laser beam is irradiated at least at one fixed point.

33. the first member extends in the first direction and a third direction intersecting the second direction and has a first side surface extending in the first direction; The laser welding method according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the second member has a second side surface extending in the third direction and the first direction and facing the first side surface.

34. 34. The laser welding method according to claim 33, wherein the first member and the second member are rectangular conductor wires.

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