Handheld laser processing head

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of laser processing. Provided is a handheld laser processing head, by means of which problems, such as high consumption of a protective gas during processing of a laser processing apparatus, and inconvenience in terms of a user operation are solved. The handheld laser processing head comprises a body (1) and a gas supply assembly, wherein the body (1) comprises a laser channel (54) for conveying laser; and the gas supply assembly comprises a gas channel (521) for conveying a gas, at least part of the gas supply assembly being integrally arranged in the body (1), and the gas channel (521) and the laser channel (54) being arranged independently from each other.

Description

Handheld laser processing head

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 2023112572710, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on September 27, 2023, entitled “A Handheld Laser Processing Head,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference;

[0002] At the same time, this application claims priority to the Chinese patent application submitted to the China Patent Office on August 12, 2024, with application number 2024111023617 and application name "A Handheld Laser Processing Head", all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application belongs to the field of handheld laser welding technology, and in particular relates to a handheld laser processing head and laser processing equipment. Background Art

[0004] At present, handheld laser welding is a laser welding method that transforms the laser processing head into a laser welding method that is directly operated by human hands. Compared with general platform laser welding, handheld laser welding is more flexible and changeable, and its application scenarios are more diverse. Compared with traditional handheld arc welding, argon arc welding and other welding methods, handheld laser welding has the unique advantages of laser welding. In addition, with the accompanying light source swing and intelligent structural system, handheld laser welding has greatly reduced the requirements for the welder's welding level, which can fully liberate the demand for welding capabilities and has huge market application potential.

[0005] However, conventional handheld welding equipment has two gas circuit configurations. The first utilizes the same channel for both the gas circuit and the laser beam. However, due to the laser beam's oscillation, the inner diameter of the laser channel must be large, resulting in high shielding gas usage and a waste of resources. The second configuration utilizes a separate external pipe located outside the welding equipment. This reduces the operational flexibility of the entire welding equipment. Application Contents

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present application, a handheld laser processing head and laser processing equipment are provided to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution employed in this application provides a handheld laser processing head, comprising a main body and an air supply assembly. The main body comprises a laser channel for conveying laser light. One end of the laser channel has a light outlet. The air supply assembly comprises an airway for conveying gas, one end of which has an outlet. At least a portion of the air supply assembly is integrated within the main body, and the airway and the laser channel of the main body are arranged independently of each other.

[0008] Because at least part of the air supply assembly is integrated within the main body, and the airway and laser channel are arranged independently—that is, their central axes are non-coaxial—the integration of the airway within the main body achieves a compact layout for the processing head. Separate from the laser channel, the independent airway spray creates a protective layer that isolates the air, preventing overspray and conserving air usage while ensuring effective protection.

[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the present application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or conventional technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0011] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an air path, an optical path, a silk path, and a body according to one or more embodiments;

[0012] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the details of E in Figure 1;

[0013] FIG3 is a perspective view of a first rod and a second rod;

[0014] FIG4 is a partial exploded schematic diagram of a laser processing head;

[0015] FIG5 is a detailed diagram of the assembly of the wire guide tube and the body;

[0016] FIG6 is a top view of the air film, the workpiece processing surface, and the light spot action position O;

[0017] FIG7 is a perspective view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0018] FIG8 is a front view of one of the light-emitting end faces of the nozzle;

[0019] FIG9 is another perspective view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0020] FIG10 is another front view of the light emitting end face of the nozzle;

[0021] FIG11 is another perspective view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0022] FIG12 is another front view of the light emitting end face of the nozzle;

[0023] FIG13 is another front view of the light-emitting end face of the nozzle;

[0024] FIG14 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0025] FIG15 is another cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] FIG16 is another cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle, a workpiece, and an airflow;

[0028] FIG18 is an enlarged view of the details of FIG17 .

[0029] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0030] 1. Main body; 103. Wire feed tube installation channel; 41. Flexible wire feed tube; 411. Welding wire; 42. Drag reduction device; 43. Slot; 44. Pressing piece; 45. Handle; 46. Wire feed tail tube; 47. Nut; 48. Main body; 33. Laser emission assembly;

[0031] 511, first rod; 512, second rod; 513, nozzle; 521, air channel; 522, air outlet; 523, air inlet; 532, wire outlet channel; 534, wire inlet; 535, wire outlet; 54, laser channel;

[0032] X, welding movement direction; O, spot action position; Y, laser transmission direction; Z, weld; 70, first channel; 20, auxiliary air outlet channel group; 71, second channel; 22, third channel; 210, micro channel; 31, main airflow; 72, auxiliary airflow; 721, first auxiliary airflow; 722, second auxiliary airflow; 73, laser processing beam; 34, secondary airflow; 40, avoidance part; 50, fourth channel; 613, pressure transfer chamber. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be configured to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the present application proposes a handheld laser processing head, including a main body 1 and an air supply component, the main body 1 includes a connected main body 48 and a handle 45, the main body 1 includes a laser channel 54 for transmitting laser, and the laser channel 54 has a light outlet; the air supply component includes an air duct 521 for transmitting gas, and the air duct 521 has one or more air outlets 522. At least part of the air supply component is integrated inside the main body 1, and the air duct 521 and the laser channel 54 are arranged independently of each other.

[0038] Among them, the central axis of the laser channel 54 extends along the first axis, and the central axis of the air channel 521 extends along the second axis. The central axes of the air channel 521 and the laser channel 54 are non-coaxially arranged, and the first axis and the second axis can intersect or remain parallel.

[0039] The handheld processing head further includes a nozzle 513 having one or more ejection ports formed on an end surface of the workpiece. The air outlet 522 of the air channel 521 and the light outlet of the laser channel 54 can be configured to be used separately, partially separately, partially shared, or shared.

[0040] This application integrates the air duct inside the main body, realizing a compact layout of the processing head and solving the problem of limited operational flexibility of the processing head due to scattered air pipes in traditional technology; at the same time, independent air pipes can save air usage while ensuring the protective effect, resulting in better economic benefits.

[0041] 1 to 4 , the solution of independently built-in phosgene in the present application will be explained in detail.

[0042] In one embodiment, the air delivery assembly is built-in at the handle 45, partially built-in at the body 48, or partially external.

[0043] The main body 1 is provided with internal components made of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. The air channel 521 of the present application is directly opened in the internal components, eliminating the need for an additional air pipe, thus saving practical parts. Compared with the conventional structure of coaxial phosgene output, the structure of the present application is more energy-efficient and more compact.

[0044] In one embodiment, the welding device includes a wire feeding assembly, which includes a wire outlet channel 532 configured to convey the welding wire 411. At least part of the wire feeding assembly is integrated inside the main body 1, and the wire outlet channel 532 and the laser channel 54 are arranged independently of each other, and the wire outlet channel 532 and the air channel 521 are at least partially arranged independently.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the wire feed assembly is internal to the handle 45 and partially internal or external to the main body 48. The main body 48 comprises the front end (along the optical path) of the gun barrel and the gun body that houses the various optical lenses. Specifically, the wire feed assembly is internal to the handle 45 and partially internal / external to the gun barrel; alternatively, it can be external at the junction of the gun barrel and handle 45. The wire feed assembly 3, handle 45, and gun body form a hollow structure to facilitate the user's grip and enhance stability during welding.

[0046] In one embodiment, the wire feed assembly 3 has a wire outlet 535, the gas feed assembly has an air outlet 522, and the body 1 has a light outlet connected to the laser channel 54. The laser processing head includes at least one detachable gun barrel, and the light outlet, air outlet 522, and wire outlet 535 can be located on the same gun barrel. In this case, the light outlet, air outlet 522, and wire outlet 535 are separated and independently arranged from each other. Any two of the light outlet, air outlet 522, and wire outlet are connected, but the light outlet and wire outlet are not connected to prevent the welding wire inside the nozzle from being melted by the laser beam.

[0047] In one embodiment, the light outlet, the air outlet 522 and the light outlet are located in different gun rods, respectively. The light outlet, the air outlet 522 and the light outlet are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the gun rods.

[0048] In one embodiment, any two of the light outlet, the air outlet 522, and the light outlet are located on the same gun rod, and the other is located on another gun rod. For example, in one of the cases shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the light outlet and the wire outlet 535 are located on the same rod, configured as the first rod 511, and the light outlet is located on a single gun rod, configured as the second rod 512.

[0049] As shown in FIG4 , the processing head includes a base 13 and an adapter 14 connected to each other; wherein, a gun rod, a base 13 , an adapter 14 , a gun rod and a handle 45 are connected in sequence.

[0050] The base 13 and the adapter 14 are provided with corresponding airway adapters, wire outlet adapters and light outlet adapters configured for adapter, and the two adjacent components are sealed and connected.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the arrangement of the second rod 512 and the first rod 511 shown in this application is such that the second rod 512 is positioned above the first rod 511, and a notch is provided at the top of the first rod 511 to facilitate the intersection and convergence of the laser and the welding wire 411. Furthermore, the extension length of the second rod 512 is slightly shorter than that of the first rod 511, ensuring the maximum distance between the light outlet and the welding area while ensuring safety, thereby effectively preventing welding slag from clogging the laser channel 54.

[0052] In one embodiment, the wire outlet 535 and the light outlet are always separated from each other to prevent the laser from melting the welding wire 411 .

[0053] In one embodiment, the light outlet, gas outlet 522 and wire outlet 535 are arranged along a preset shape. That is, the welding wire 411 can be output from the top, left and right sides or other angles of the laser beam through the wire outlet 535.

[0054] The number of the wire outlet 535, light outlet, and gas outlet 522 of the present application can be one or more. When there are multiple light outlets, there can also be multiple corresponding laser channels 54, enabling multi-beam output. When there are multiple wire outlets 535, composite welding of multiple welding wires 411 can be achieved. When there are multiple gas outlets 522, both protection of the welding area and blowing away of welding slag can be achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, the number of the air outlet 522 can be one, or a mesh structure formed by multiple air outlets 522, or a ring-shaped air channel 521 structure formed by multiple air outlets 522 connected together, and the light outlet and the wire outlet 535 are located inside the ring of the ring-shaped air channel 521.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the gas outlets 522 are all located at the end of the gun barrel. In other embodiments, the gas outlets 522 are arranged around the circumference of the gun barrel, spaced apart around the outer or inner wall of the gun barrel to form a uniform gas wall, configured to prevent oxidation of the welding area or to dispose of welding slag.

[0057] In other embodiments, a sub-air channel is provided in the air channel 521 on the gun barrel, which is configured to divert the airflow of the air channel 521 so that the outlet direction of the sub-airflow is inclined, that is, it is intersected with the optical axis, so as to be configured to blow away tiny substances such as welding slag entering the gun barrel toward the side of the welding area.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the opening direction of the air outlet 522 of the present application intersects with the opening direction of the light outlet and forms a predetermined angle, such as 0-90 degrees; specifically, for example, 90 degrees, 30 degrees, 15 degrees, etc. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle is as large as possible, such as 45 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the wire outlet 535 and the light outlet of the present application are arranged so as to intersect with each other (i.e., the optical axis and the welding wire are arranged so as to intersect with each other) and form a predetermined angle, such as 0-90 degrees; specifically, 90 degrees, 30 degrees, or 15 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle is as small as possible, such as 15 degrees or 10 degrees.

[0060] 1 to 5 , the wire feeding tube structure of the present application is explained in detail.

[0061] In one embodiment, the air supply assembly includes a wire feeding tube 41 , which has a wire outlet channel 532 . The wire feeding tube 41 (as shown in FIG. 1 ) is extended along an arcuate surface on any side surface of the body 1 .

[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the air outlet 522 and the wire outlet 535 are located on the same gun barrel, the wire feed tube 41 is a partially built-in flexible wire feed tube, that is, it leaks out at the junction of the main body 48 and the handle 45 .

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, when the light outlet, the air outlet 522 and the wire outlet 535 are located on the same gun barrel, the wire feed tube 41 is a fully built-in flexible wire feed tube. The drag reduction device 42 can be a linear bearing or a ball structure.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the handheld laser welding head of the present application includes a main body 1, a wire feed tube 41 and a drag reduction device 42. The main body 1 has a wire feed tube installation channel 103; the wire feed tube 41 is arranged along the inner wall of the wire feed tube installation channel 103 and is configured to transport welding wire. Taking into account the smoothness of wire output and production costs, the front end of the wire feed tube installation channel 103 is arranged near the light output position of the main body 1, and the rear end is arranged at the upstream position of the light path. And the wire feed tube 41 is at least partially arranged inside the wire feed tube installation channel 103 to improve the integration of the welding head. The overall volume of the gun head is reduced, and the flexibility of the gun head is improved during the actual welding process. When the wire guide tube is bent, it is not easy to get stuck, which improves the welding effect and production efficiency.

[0065] In one embodiment, the drag reducing device 42 is provided on the wire feeding tube 41 to be configured to guide and reduce the drag of the welding wire. In one or more embodiments, the wire feeding tube 41 can be made by splicing multiple sections of wire feeding tubes, and the drag reducing device 42 is located between two adjacent wire feeding tubes 41.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the drag reduction device 42 may be built into the wire feeding tube 41 , achieving a higher degree of integration.

[0067] In one embodiment, the drag reduction device 42 is a linear bearing or a ball bearing.

[0068] In one embodiment, at least one resistance reducing device is provided in the bending area of ​​the wire feeding tube 41 to reduce the resistance to the welding wire, thereby ensuring that the welding wire passes smoothly during use and ensuring the welding effect.

[0069] In one embodiment, the extension direction of the outlet end of the wire feeding tube 41 and the extension direction of the laser beam form a preset angle to ensure that the welding wire can be fully heated and melted.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, in order to further increase the overall volume of the welding head, the preset angle is preferably 0-60 degrees, for example, set to 60 degrees, 30 degrees or 10 degrees.

[0071] In one embodiment, the arc-shaped inner wall of the wire feeding tube installation channel 103 is provided with a card slot 43, and the wire feeding tube 41 is clamped in the card slot 43 to prevent the wire feeding tube 41 from deviating and sliding under the drive of the welding wire 411, thereby affecting the wire output speed and welding effect.

[0072] In one embodiment, the handheld laser welding head includes a pressing piece 44 , which connects the wire feeding tube 41 and the body 1 to fix the wire feeding tube 41 inside the slot 43 .

[0073] In one embodiment, the handheld laser welding head includes a nut 47 , the inlet end of the wire feeding tube 41 is threadedly connected to the nut 47 , and the nut 47 is provided on the body 1 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the handheld laser welding head includes a wire feeding tail tube 46, and the main body 1 includes a main body 48 and a handle 45 that are connected to each other. The wire feeding tail tube 46 is detachably arranged in the handle 45, and the wire feeding tail tube 46 is connected to the wire feeding tube 41 and extends out of the handle 45.

[0075] In one embodiment, the wire outlet channel is arranged along the curved surface of any side surface of the main body 48, including the inner wall of the wire feed tube installation channel 103 at the connection position between the handle 45 and the main body 48 being arranged as a curved surface, and the wire feed tube 41 being arranged along any curved inner wall surface of the main body. Furthermore, the outer wall of the main body 48 is arranged as a curved surface, and the wire feed tube 41 is arranged along any curved outer wall surface of the main body 48.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the wire feed tube 41 of the present application may also be configured as a deformable conduit that expands or contracts when subjected to force, and may have a mesh structure or a spiral structure.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the drag reducing device 42 is disposed between two adjacent sections of the wire feed tube 41 to guide the welding wire 411. It is understood that the drag reducing device 42 is connected to the wire feed tube 41, the base 13, and the channel on the adapter 14 to form a complete wire outlet channel.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the wire feed tube 41 is partially built into the body 1 to form a hollow structure. The wire feed tube installation channel 103 is formed inside the body 1 and can be a channel configured on the inner space 12 or formed on the outer shell of the body 1.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, in other embodiments, the wire feed tube installation channel 103 is a guide groove structure provided on the outer wall of the body 1. The wire feed tube 41 can be fixed to the body 1 by providing a decorative outer cover. This allows compatibility with a wider range of welding wire sizes, improves the versatility of the structure, and enhances the convenience of replacing welding wires. The corresponding decorative outer cover can adopt a buckle or elastic buckle structure to achieve quick removal and quick installation.

[0080] In one embodiment, the welding device includes a laser output assembly, and one end of the laser output assembly and / or the air supply assembly for air intake and / or the air supply assembly for wire feeding is integrated into the body 1 through a threaded seal. In other words, the laser output assembly and / or the air supply assembly for air intake and / or the air supply assembly can be integrated into an integrated structure at the position of the handle 45, solving the problem of the conventional technology of the wire being messy and resulting in a limited welding space.

[0081] The light outlet, the air outlet 522 and the wire outlet 535 can be located in the same nozzle. In order to facilitate readers to deeply understand the technical solution of this application, some of the terms in this application are defined and explained with reference to Figure 6:

[0082] Welding movement direction X: As shown in Figure 6: The positive direction of arrow X is the movement direction of the processing head.

[0083] Spot action position O: During the laser radiation process, the defocus amount is appropriately selected based on factors such as the material type, reflectivity, and thickness of the workpiece. Therefore, the laser radiation on the workpiece weld surface is not necessarily at the focal plane position. Therefore, the point where the laser processing beam is radiated on the workpiece surface is defined here as: spot action position O. Spot action position O is the high-temperature concentrated area. Moreover, with spot action position O as the origin, the weld behind the arrow X is the welded area, and the weld in front of the arrow X is the area to be welded. A temperature zone with a certain temperature gradient and a heat-affected zone are formed inside and outside the processed surface along the extension direction of the weld, which is called the "temperature field."

[0084] Length and width of the weld: Taking a straight weld as an example, the length of the weld along its extension direction is the length direction, and the distance between the workpieces is the width of the weld.

[0085] Laser transmission direction Y: positive direction of arrow Y in the figure.

[0086] The auxiliary materials used in the laser processing process are shielding gas or welding materials. The channels configured for outputting the auxiliary materials (such as the first channel 70, the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20, and the fourth channel 50) are collectively referred to as auxiliary material delivery channels.

[0087] This application designs a flow splitting nozzle for a handheld laser processing head. The specific structure of the nozzle is now explained with reference to Figures 7 to 18.

[0088] The nozzle includes at least two air flow channels for outputting protective air flow, wherein at least one air flow channel is used to emit a laser processing beam 73 to the area to be processed of the workpiece, and the other air flow channel is used to output an auxiliary air flow 72.

[0089] Specifically, the nozzle includes a first channel 70 and an auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 disposed thereon. Both the first channel 70 and the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 are interconnected at both ends, with the first channel 70 extending along the nozzle's axial direction (i.e., the laser transmission direction Y) to simultaneously output the primary airflow 31 and the laser processing beam 73 used to process the workpiece weld seam Z. The auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 includes at least one channel (described later as a second channel 71 and a third channel 22) for outputting an auxiliary airflow 72. The auxiliary airflow 72 outputted by the channels of the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 can selectively act on the front or rear end of the laser spot application location O on the weld seam Z. The laser spot application location O and its rearward region form a designated area, i.e., a specific temperature zone or temperature field; alternatively, the laser spot application location O and its forward region form a designated area, i.e., a specific temperature zone or temperature field. The auxiliary airflow 72 and the primary airflow 31 form an air film on the temperature field surface of the processing surface (the area to be processed).

[0090] To orient the airflow, the channels can be arranged so that they intersect the central axis of the nozzle, with the central axis of the first channel 70 coaxial with the central axis of the nozzle. Furthermore, to prevent interference between the primary airflow 31 and the auxiliary airflow 72, if there is only one channel in the auxiliary outlet channel group 20, it can be located on either side of the first channel 70. Alternatively, if there are multiple channels in the auxiliary outlet channel group 20, the channels can be spaced apart circumferentially around the first channel 70.

[0091] This technical solution aims to install the above-mentioned structure on the nozzle to achieve the goal of delivering an air film adapted to the designated area of ​​the surface to be processed (machined surface). This prevents oxidation by isolating the internal and external temperature zones of the molten pool. While ensuring the effectiveness of isolating the plasma cloud and air, it also minimizes the amount of shielding gas flow, achieving a beautiful weld seam Z, and has significant economic benefits.

[0092] The arrangement of the channels of the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 and the first channel 70 of the present application will now be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 18 .

[0093] The specific area on the surface of the weld Z can be measured and selected with the aid of infrared temperature testing equipment.

[0094] In other embodiments, the auxiliary gas outlet channel group comprises only a plurality of spaced and independently arranged second channels 71, such as the second channel 71a and the second channel 71b in Figure 7, for respectively outputting the first auxiliary airflow 721a and the first auxiliary airflow 721b. Therefore, the second channels 71a and 71b are symmetrically arranged about a line perpendicular to the center of the outlet of the first channel 70. The first auxiliary airflows 721a and 721b act together on a specific area on the weld seam Z surface behind the spot action location O, i.e., behind the molten pool. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary airflows 721a and 721b are blown side by side onto the weld seam Z surface. In this case, the main airflow 31 can be considered to act on the front end of the molten pool. The main airflow 31, the first auxiliary airflows 721a, and the first auxiliary airflows 721b collectively cover the specific area on the weld seam Z surface behind the spot action location O, forming an insulating air film adapted to the specific area.

[0095] Compared to existing solutions that apply large-scale airflow to the entire weld surface Z, this solution precisely adapts to the temperature field, significantly reduces gas consumption, and effectively improves weld pool stability and processing quality. The figure only illustrates two schematic diagrams of the first auxiliary airflow 721 (first auxiliary airflow 721a and first auxiliary airflow 721b), and the actual solutions covered are not limited to these.

[0096] In one embodiment, the radial cross-sections (or outlet shapes) of each channel (second channel 71 and third channel 22) and first channel 70 along their respective outlet directions may have regular geometric shapes or irregular shapes. For example, the cross-sections of first channel 70, second channel 71, and third channel 22 illustrated in FIG7 may at least partially be a single racetrack circle (or waist-shaped hole). The opening directions of each hole may be adjusted to achieve airflow output at different points of application.

[0097] In other embodiments, the first channel 70, the second channel 71, and the third channel 22 may be in the shape of a circle, an arc, an ellipse, a rectangle, etc. Of course, the first channel 70, the second channel 71, and the third channel 22 may be in the shape of a plum blossom, a petal, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0098] Furthermore, the shapes of the first channel 70, the second channel 71 and the third channel 22 may be the same or different, and the air volume corresponding to each channel (the second channel 71 and the third channel 22) and the first channel 70 may be the same or different, which helps to save air and provide precise protection.

[0099] Micropore arrangement at the nozzle

[0100] In one embodiment, each channel (second channel 71 and third channel 22) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart microchannels 210, each channel group having a regular geometric shape or an irregular profile. Specifically, each channel (second channel 71 and third channel 22) is not a single channel, but rather a gas channel group formed by a plurality of microchannels 210 in a specific shape. Each microchannel 210 outputs a micro-shielding gas flow. This structure can evenly refine the first auxiliary gas flow 72 and the second auxiliary gas flow 72, helping to improve the shielding effect and enhance the aesthetics of the weld. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the cross-section of the second channel 71 is a racetrack-shaped channel group formed by a plurality of spaced-apart circular, elliptical, or other shaped microchannels 210. Correspondingly, the outlet cross-section of the second channel 71 can also be a racetrack-shaped gas hole group formed by a plurality of spaced-apart circular, elliptical, or other shaped micro-openings. Similarly, the third channel 22 is similarly configured, and further description is omitted here.

[0101] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the microchannels 210 in the same channel, that is, the same channel group, may be the same or different.

[0102] In another embodiment, each channel (second channel 71 and third channel 22) is a single channel. By providing an adjustment structure at the light entrance end of the nozzle, the adjustment structure sets micro-channels in different areas to adjust the airflow volume and direction, and even the corresponding airflow cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape of the air film) to accommodate non-linear weld seam Z trajectories (such as curved or circular), further reducing airflow consumption.

[0103] In summary, the shapes of each channel (the second channel 71 and the third channel 22) and the first channel 70 can be varied. No matter what the air flow rate of the first channel 70, the second channel 71 and the third channel 22 (auxiliary air flow hole group) is set to, or how large the size is set, the projection area of ​​the shape covered by the main air flow 31 output by the first channel 70 on the processing surface is larger than the area of ​​the specific temperature zone (temperature field) of the processing surface, so as to ensure that the molten pool near the weld Z can be covered by the above-mentioned air film.

[0104] The third channel 22 and the first channel 70 are arranged vertically with an interval therebetween. The second channel 71 and the second channel 71 are provided above the third channel 22 and are arranged symmetrically along the vertical median line in the figure.

[0105] When the outlets of each channel of the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 and the outlet of the first channel 70 are both arranged on one side of the light outlet end face of the nozzle, the first channel 70, the second channel 71 and the third channel 22 are arranged vertically and spaced apart in a straight line.

[0106] The above are only a few of the arrangements shown in this application. The first channel 70, each second channel 71, and each third channel 22 can be arranged in any position, as long as the main airflow 31, each first auxiliary airflow 721, and each second auxiliary airflow 722 do not interfere with each other. The user can choose the arrangement of the first channel 70, second channel 71, and third channel 22 as long as the unit volume of shielding gas is less than 4L.

[0107] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the first channel 70 is closely adapted to the spot shape of the passing laser processing beam in the plane where the outlet is located; further, the axial cross-sectional shape of the first channel 70 can closely correspond to the shape of the laser processing beam to achieve blocking of the returning welding slag and melt.

[0108] Cross-sectional shape of each channel

[0109] As shown in Figure 14, the nozzle has a light output end and a light input end, respectively. The light input end is used to receive the collimated laser processing beam 73. The first channel 70 is used to output the collimated laser processing beam 73. Therefore, the axial channel of the first channel 70 can be configured as a straight channel or a tapered channel, and its cross-sectional diameter gradually decreases along the direction of emission of the laser processing beam 73 (the direction of transport of the primary airflow 31) to accelerate and buffer the primary airflow 31. Correspondingly, the second channel 71 and the third channel 22 of the auxiliary airflow channel group can be configured as straight channels or tapered channels, and their diameters gradually decrease along the directions of transport of the first auxiliary airflow 721 and the second auxiliary airflow 722, respectively.

[0110] As shown in Figure 16, when the outlets of each channel of the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 and the outlet of the first channel 70 are not arranged on the side of the light-emitting end face of the nozzle at the same time, the outlets of each channel of the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20, that is, the outlets of the second channel 71 and the third channel 22, or the second channel 71a and the second channel b can be arranged on the circumferential side wall of the nozzle.

[0111] Nozzle end face structure

[0112] In one embodiment, to minimize the overall nozzle footprint and facilitate machining in confined spaces, the nozzle's profile tapers gradually along the light-emitting direction. A relief 40 (as shown in Figures 7 and 10) is provided on the nozzle's axial outer wall to prevent jamming or interference between the nozzle's outer wall and the workpiece surface. Furthermore, the connecting contours on each side of the nozzle's outer wall are rounded.

[0113] In one embodiment, the outlets of the first channel 70 and each channel of the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 are located on the same end surface or different end surfaces of the light outlet end of the nozzle.

[0114] In one embodiment, the nozzle's light-emitting end face is not a single, flat surface, but rather is composed of at least two non-parallel (or non-coplanar) small facets. The outlets of the first channel 70 and each channel of the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 are located on these two small facets (or can be directly located on the avoidance portion 40). This reduces the size of the nozzle's light-emitting end face. Furthermore, the outlets of the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 can be located on a plane closer to the weld seam Z to reduce diffusion of the auxiliary gas. Furthermore, the outlets of the first channel 70 and each channel of the auxiliary gas outlet channel group 20 are located on the same end face of the nozzle's light-emitting end face, with the cross-section of this end face forming a geometric shape, such as a triangle, triangle, or circle, as shown in FIG7 .

[0115] In another embodiment, the nozzle is constructed from multiple sleeves nested within each other, with the outlets of the first channel 70 and the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 located on the end faces of two adjacent sleeves, i.e., on different end faces. In this manner, the sidewalls of the adjacent sleeves are in close contact or have a gap. The axial distance between the inner and outer sleeves can be adjusted so that the light-emitting end face of the inner sleeve protrudes or is recessed relative to the light-emitting end face of the outer sleeve. As shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting end faces of the outer sleeve are protruding relative to the light-emitting end face of the inner sleeve, so that when the welding head abuts against the surface of the workpiece, the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 on the outer sleeve outputs the auxiliary airflow 72 closer to the surface of the workpiece weld, ensuring that the output auxiliary airflow 72 is blown to the weld surface in a straight state as much as possible to isolate the plasma cloud close to the weld.

[0116] The above structures can deliver the auxiliary gas farther, closer to the workpiece's processing area, while conserving gas consumption. Because when the nozzle is some distance from the weld seam, the auxiliary gas disperses in the air, significantly reducing the amount of gas reaching the weld surface and thus reducing the insulation effect on the weld surface. Therefore, this solution further ensures that the airflow reaching the weld surface is concentrated and nearly straight, while also improving shielding gas utilization and saving shielding gas usage.

[0117] In one embodiment, at the nozzle position, the welding wire is internally or externally positioned relative to the nozzle, and when the welding material is internally positioned relative to the nozzle, the nozzle has a fourth channel 50 extending along a predetermined angle. The fourth channel 50 can also be located on the inner or outer sleeve.

[0118] In some embodiments, the number of inner sleeves is set to multiple, and the fourth channel 50, the first channel 70 and the auxiliary air outlet channel group 20 are respectively located on one sleeve, and the two adjacent sleeves can be relatively telescopic along their axial direction to achieve primary telescopic adjustment of each channel and the fourth channel.

[0119] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG15 , the nozzle further comprises a channel or channel group for outputting a secondary airflow 34 . The secondary airflow 34 acts on both sides of the weld seam Z (not in a specific area on the surface of the weld seam Z, i.e., the peripheral area of ​​the temperature field, or limited to the heat-affected zone) to cool and clean the area near the weld seam of the workpiece, and to prevent splashing. For example, a plurality of spaced channels are provided around the periphery of the nozzle, with the channels opening toward the periphery of the nozzle. A secondary air film is formed around the periphery of the nozzle. The channels can also be configured as multiple microchannels to form a fine secondary air film to provide a certain degree of shielding from splashing at the spot action position O (near the molten pool).

[0120] In one embodiment, a pressure transfer chamber 613 is provided at the light incident end of the nozzle. The pressure transfer chamber 613 is arranged in a ring shape around the axial direction of the nozzle and is used to connect the air flow channel from the nozzle.

[0121] The split flow nozzle of this application has the following advantages over the conventional coaxial air outlet nozzle:

[0122] 1. Output at least one type of shielding gas to act on different areas before and after the spot action position O on the weld seam Z, forming at least one layer of gas film to isolate the air and plasma cloud on the workpiece processing surface, so as to protect the temperature field area covered by the gas film, maintain the stability of the molten pool and accurately control the temperature; at the same time, precise gas delivery can save gas consumption and reduce unnecessary gas consumption while ensuring the processing effect;

[0123] 2. The structural space is small, which can realize processing tasks in narrow scenes;

[0124] 3. The main airflow and laser processing beam are output in the same channel, which can also block smoke and dust overflow to a certain extent, protect the lens, and prevent channel blockage;

[0125] 4. It has strong versatility and can be applied to welding with or without filler wire.

[0126] In summary, this application has the following advantages:

[0127] 1. This application creatively integrates the air supply assembly and the wire supply assembly into the main body, avoiding the spatial structure limitation problem caused by the side-axis wire and air supply structure, making the use of the processing head wider;

[0128] 2. Through the independent air duct structure, the air supply component can be partially built into the main body, realizing a side-axis air supply structure with a small air flow rate, breaking through the coaxial air supply structure on the market, while improving the welding processing performance, saving the practicality of shielding gas.

[0129] 3. The main airflow and laser are output in the same channel, which can block the smoke and dust from overflowing to a certain extent, protect the lens, and prevent the channel from being blocked.

[0130] 4. Accurately deliver gas through the diverter nozzle, saving gas and reducing unnecessary gas consumption while ensuring the processing effect;

[0131] 5. The structural space occupies a small area, which can realize processing tasks in narrow scenes;

[0132] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A handheld laser processing head, comprising: body and air supply assembly; wherein, The body includes a laser channel for transmitting laser light, and the laser channel has a light outlet; The gas supply component comprises an air channel for conveying gas, the air channel has an air outlet, at least part of the gas supply component is integrated inside the body, and the air channel and the laser channel are arranged independently of each other.

2. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 1, wherein: comprising a nozzle, the nozzle comprising one or more ejection ports; The air outlet and the light outlet can be separated, partially separated, partially shared, or shared.

3. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 1 comprises a wire feeding assembly, wherein the wire feeding assembly comprises a wire outlet channel configured to convey welding wire, wherein the wire outlet channel extends along the arc surface of any side surface of the body, and at least a portion of the wire feeding assembly is integrated inside the body, and the wire outlet channel and the laser channel are completely independently arranged, and the wire outlet channel and part or all of the air channel are independently arranged, and the wire outlet channel has a wire outlet.

4. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3, wherein: The laser processing head comprises a detachable gun rod, and the light outlet, the air outlet and the wire outlet are located on the same gun rod.

5. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3, wherein: The laser processing head comprises a plurality of detachable gun rods, and the light outlet, the air outlet and the wire outlet are respectively located on different gun rods.

6. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3, wherein: The laser processing head comprises a plurality of detachable gun rods, any two of the light outlet, the air outlet and the wire outlet are located on the same gun rod, and the other one is located on another gun rod.

7. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3, wherein: The light outlet, the air outlet and the wire outlet are integrated in the same nozzle, two of the light outlet, the air outlet and the wire outlet are connected to each other, and the light outlet is not connected to the wire outlet.

8. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 7, wherein: The axial length of the light outlet along the light path transmission direction is equal to or less than the length of the air outlet or the wire outlet.

9. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle comprises a first channel and a second channel; wherein: The first channel and the second channel are arranged independently and are configured to blow straight main airflow and auxiliary airflow respectively toward the processing surface, so that the main airflow and the auxiliary airflow accurately cover the designated area of ​​the processing surface, and the projection area of ​​the airflow covered by the first channel and the second channel on the processing surface is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the designated area.

10. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 9, wherein: The first channel is configured to emit laser light simultaneously, and the cross-sectional shape of the outlet of the first channel is closely matched with the shape of the light spot, and the main airflow is configured to cover the front end of the light spot action position; The second channel includes one or more channels, which are configured to output one or more auxiliary airflows respectively, and the auxiliary airflows are configured to cover at least one of the specific temperature areas at the front side or the rear side of the light spot action position; The main airflow and the auxiliary airflow cooperate together to form an air film with an insulating effect that is adapted to the specific temperature region.

11. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 2, wherein: The nozzle comprises a nozzle body and an airflow extension portion extending from a light outlet end surface of the nozzle body. The nozzle body is provided with at least one penetrating airflow channel configured to output an auxiliary airflow, and the airflow channel is in communication with the airflow extension portion.

12. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 2, wherein: The outer contour of the nozzle is tapered along the light emitting direction, and a plurality of inclined surface avoidance portions are arranged on the circumferential side wall of the light emitting port end surface of the nozzle.

13. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3, wherein: The nozzle comprises a wire outlet channel and a wire outlet extension portion extending from the light outlet end face of the nozzle body. The wire outlet extension portion can be adjusted in length along the axial direction, and the inner diameter of the wire outlet extension portion can be adjusted according to the welding wire.

14. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 3 comprises a laser emitting assembly, and at least one of one end of the laser emitting assembly, the air inlet of the air supply assembly and the wire inlet end of the wire feeding assembly are integrated into the interior of the body through threaded sealing.

15. The handheld laser processing head according to claim 5, wherein: The gun rod where the wire outlet is located is a flexible wire feeding tube, and at least one drag reducing device for reducing the drag of the welding wire is arranged inside the wire feeding tube.

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