Optical apparatus for providing multiple light beams and method for providing multiple light beams using same

Abstract

In an optical apparatus for providing multiple light beams and a method for providing multiple light beams using same, the optical apparatus comprises a light generation unit, a first light control unit, and a light control unit. The light generation unit individually provides n light beams having mutually different wavelengths, where n is a natural number. The first light control unit simultaneously controls a first focus of a first light beam and a k-th focus of a k-th light beam, where k is at least one natural number satisfying 2 ≤ k ≤ n. The light control unit independently controls the k-th focus of the k-th light beam at a position upstream of the first light control unit.

Description

Optical device for providing multiple light and method for providing multiple light using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device for providing multiple light and a method for providing multiple light using the same, and more specifically, to an optical device for providing multiple light having multiple wavelengths and a method for providing multiple light using the same, wherein at least two laser beams having different wavelengths are controlled individually or in combination to provide multiple light having multiple wavelengths when performing welding or processing using a laser beam.

[0002] Laser beams possess high output energy and can perform precise control, so their applications are recently expanding to a wider variety of fields, such as machining as well as welding.

[0003] However, when performing welding or processing using the aforementioned laser beam, it is common practice to use a laser beam with a single wavelength. Nevertheless, in the case of composite materials or materials with high reflectivity, a single-wavelength laser beam has a low absorption rate, resulting in low processing or welding efficiency. While it is possible to improve processability by increasing the laser beam output, this leads to problems such as a complex system configuration and increased power consumption.

[0004] Accordingly, technology utilizing multiple laser beams with multiple wavelengths is being developed; for example, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1435404 discloses a technology for performing processing using laser beams of different wavelengths. However, since this merely involves individually controlling laser beams of different wavelengths to perform processing, there is a problem in that high precision is required when focusing or aligning laser beams with individually controlled wavelengths onto a single target object.

[0005] Furthermore, although a technology for performing welding using mutually overlapping laser beams is being developed through U.S. Patent No. 10668565, it similarly discloses only the concept of simply overlapping laser beams; therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that focuses or aligns multiple laser beams onto a single target.

[0006] Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is conceived from this point, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an optical device for providing multiple light having multiple wavelengths that can be varied by controlling at least two laser beams having different wavelengths individually or in combination when performing welding or processing using a laser beam, and can improve the precision of focusing and alignment to a single target object.

[0007] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for providing multiple lights using the optical device.

[0008] An optical device according to one embodiment for realizing the purpose of the present invention described above includes a light generating unit, a first light control unit, and a light control unit. The light generating unit individually provides n lights having different wavelengths (n is a natural number). The first light control unit simultaneously controls a first focus of the first light and a k-th focus of the k-th light (k is at least one of the natural numbers such that 2 ≤ k ≤ n). The light control unit independently controls the k-th focus of the k-th light at the front end of the first light control unit.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light generating unit includes an n-th light generating part that provides the n-th light, and the light control unit may include a k-th light control part that controls the k-th focus of the k-th light.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first light provided by a first light generating unit is provided to a first light control unit, and a k-th light provided by a k-th light generating unit may be provided to the first light control unit together with the first light after passing through the k-th light control unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, a filter unit may be further included that is disposed between the light generating unit and the first light control unit and propels the first light and the k-th light along the same path to the first light control unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the filter unit may include a dichroic prism.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light control unit may include a k-th light control unit that varies the focus of the k-th light with respect to the first light in the k-th light provided together with the first light.

[0014] In one embodiment, the k-th light control unit may include a k-th scanner that receives the k-th light and moves the k-th focus of the k-th light on a plane.

[0015] In one embodiment, the k-th light control unit may include a k-th moving unit that receives the k-th light and moves the k-th focus of the k-th light in one direction, and a k-th rotating unit that receives the k-th light and rotates the k-th focus of the k-th light.

[0016] In one embodiment, the k-th rotating part may be a dove prism or a K-mirror.

[0017] In one embodiment, the k-th light control unit may further include a focus control unit that receives the k-th light, moves the focus of the k-th light in one direction, and simultaneously rotates the focus of the first light and the k-th light proceeding along the same path.

[0018] In one embodiment, the focus control unit may be a dove prism.

[0019] In one embodiment, a focus control unit that simultaneously rotates the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light may be further included.

[0020] In one embodiment, the k-th light control unit may receive the k-th light and move the k-th focus of the k-th light in one direction and provide it to the focus control unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the focus control unit may be a dove prism.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first light control unit may include a first scanner that simultaneously moves the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, which are proceeding along the same path, on a plane.

[0023] In one embodiment, the light may be a laser beam.

[0024] In one embodiment, as the k-th focus of the k-th light is controlled independently, the k-th focus of the k-th light is varied in position relative to the first focus of the first light, and as the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light are controlled simultaneously, the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light can be varied in position simultaneously while maintaining the same relative position.

[0025] A method for providing multiple lights according to one embodiment for realizing another objective of the present invention described above may include the steps of: providing a first light having a first wavelength; providing a k-th light having a k-th wavelength (where k is at least one of two or more natural numbers); independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light; and simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light.

[0026] In one embodiment, as the k-th focus of the k-th light is controlled independently, the k-th focus of the k-th light is varied in position relative to the first focus of the first light, and as the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light are controlled simultaneously, the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light can be varied in position simultaneously while maintaining the same relative position.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, the k-th light is provided, and the k-th focus of the k-th light can be moved on a plane.

[0028] In one embodiment, in the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, the k-th light is provided, the k-th focus of the k-th light is moved in one direction, and then the k-th focus of the k-th light can be rotated.

[0029] In one embodiment, in the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, the k-th focus of the k-th light is moved in one direction, and in the step of simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light can be rotated simultaneously.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, when performing welding or processing using a laser beam, by controlling laser beams having multiple different wavelengths independently or in conjunction with each other, welding or processing can be performed on a wider variety of materials or structures.

[0031] In particular, when providing laser beams having the plurality of wavelengths, not only can the foci of the laser beams be controlled to have relatively diverse separation distances, but the entire group of laser beams having a predetermined separation distance can also be controlled to vary their positions as if moving a single beam, thereby enabling optimal welding or processing to be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the material or structure.

[0032] In other words, by controlling multiple focal points as a whole or individually, welding or processing can be performed with a more uniform heat distribution, thereby improving the quality of the welding or processing, and achieving high energy efficiency and improved speed compared to existing individual control technologies for each focal point.

[0033] At this time, since lights of different wavelengths with individually controlled focus are aligned into a single path through a filter unit and provided, lights with different focus can also be integrated and provided through a single path, thereby enabling independent or overall control of the focus.

[0034] In particular, by adding an optical path provided by the filter unit to a conventional configuration that controls the focus in a single optical path, a system for individually controlling multiple laser beams is added to a conventional system for controlling a single laser beam. This allows the focus of the multiple laser beams to be controlled independently or collectively, thereby increasing the flexibility and versatility of the system design.

[0035] In addition, in a system that controls multiple laser beams individually, in addition to a 2D scanner, a device combining a 1D scanner and a Dove prism or K-mirror can also be applied, allowing for various system design changes and further improving the flexibility and usability of the system design.

[0036] In contrast, a system in which the laser beams are individually or collectively focused can also be implemented by providing a first laser beam and other focused laser beams in a single path and then applying a focus control unit that utilizes a Dove prism or a K-mirror.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical device of Figure 1.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first and second light control units of FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the optical device of Figure 4.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the second rotating part of FIG. 5.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the optical device of FIG. 7.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing multiple lights using the optical device of FIG. 1.

[0046] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0047] 10 : Optical device 100 : Light generating unit

[0048] 110, 120, 130, 140: Light generating unit

[0049] 111, 112: First Light 121, 122: Second Light

[0050] 200: Filter unit 201, 202: Collimator

[0051] 300, 700, 800: Optical control unit

[0052] 320, 330, 340, 400, 720, 730, 740, 820, 830, 840 : Optical control unit

[0053] 321, 420: Scanner 322, 410: Reflector

[0054] 500 : Focusing part 600 : Object

[0055] 721, 731, 741: Moving part 722, 732, 742, 725: Rotating part

[0056] 900 : Focus control unit

[0057] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments are to be described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each figure. Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms.

[0058] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical device of FIG. 1.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical device for providing multiple light (hereinafter referred to as the optical device) (10) according to the present embodiment includes a light generating unit (100), a filter unit (200), a light control unit (300), a first light control unit (400), a focusing unit (500), and an object (600).

[0062] As illustrated, the light generating unit (100) includes first to nth light generating units (110, 120, 130, ..., 140) (n is a natural number). In the present embodiment, in the light generating unit (100), the first light (111) provided through the first light generating unit (110) is provided to the filter unit (200) via a different path from the second to nth lights provided through the remaining second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140).

[0063] That is, the second to nth lights generated from the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140) all pass through the light control unit (300) and are provided to the filter unit (200), but the first light (111) provided through the first light generating unit (110) is provided directly to the filter unit (200) without passing through a separate filter unit.

[0064] Of course, as described below, the second to nth lights generated from the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140) each pass through the second to nth light control units (320, 330, ..., 340) respectively and are provided to the filter unit (200).

[0065] Accordingly, for convenience of explanation, the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140) are also described below as the kth light generating unit (a natural number such that 2 ≤ k ≤ n), and the kth light generating unit refers to at least one of the second to nth light generating units. In particular, in this embodiment, in addition to the first light generating unit (110), at least one of the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140) may be provided, and thus, k in the kth light generating unit is defined as a natural number such that it is 2 or more and n or less, and at least one may be provided.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, only the second light generating unit (120) is illustrated in the schematic diagram illustrating an example of the optical device (10). At this time, not only may the second light generating unit (120) be provided, but third to nth light generating units may also be provided. Furthermore, even when the third to nth light generating units are provided in addition to the second light generating unit (120), each of the third to nth light generating units is controlled in the same way as the second light generating unit (120) and proceeds along the same path.

[0067] As previously explained, the first light generating unit (110) generates and provides a first light (111), and the first light (111) thus provided passes through the first collimator (201) and is provided to the filter unit (200). At this time, the first light (111) may be a laser beam, and the first light generating unit (110) may include a laser source that generates a laser beam. In addition, the first light (111) may have a first wavelength (λ1).

[0068] The first collimator (201) focuses the first light (111) in a specific direction or provides it in parallel. The first light (111) provided through the first light generating unit (110) passes through the first collimator (201) to be generated as parallel light and is provided to the filter unit (200).

[0069] The second light generating unit (120) generates and provides a second light (121), and the second light (121) thus provided passes through a second collimator (202) and is provided to the second light control unit (320) of the light control unit (300). At this time, the second light (121) may also be a laser beam, and the second light generating unit (120) may include a laser source that generates a laser beam. Additionally, the second light (121) may have a second wavelength (λ2) different from the first wavelength (λ1).

[0070] In addition, the second light (121) provided through the second light generating unit (120) also passes through the second collimator (202) to be generated as parallel light and is provided to the second light control unit (320).

[0071] The light control unit (300) comprises second to nth light control units (320, 330, ..., 340), wherein each of the second to nth light control units (320, 330, ..., 340) controls each of the second to nth lights individually, that is, independently. At this time, the specific light control method is substantially the same for each of the second to nth light control units (320, 330, ..., 340), except that the light to be controlled is different from one another.

[0072] In the drawing, only the second light generating unit (120) is illustrated, so only the second light control unit (320) among the light control units (300) is shown in conjunction, and as previously explained, each of the third to nth light generating units is controlled by the third to nth light control units.

[0073] The second light control unit (320) controls the second light (121), which is parallel light having the second wavelength (λ2), by passing through the second collimator (202).

[0074] Specifically, the second light control unit (320) can perform control to vary the position of the second light (121) having the second wavelength (λ2) to various positions on a two-dimensional plane. As described above, varying the position of the second light (121) to various positions on a two-dimensional plane means controlling the focus of the second light (121) to vary to various positions on a two-dimensional plane.

[0075] Accordingly, through the position control of the focus of the second light (121) by the second light control unit (320), the second light (121) can ultimately be controlled to have a focus whose position is variable relative to the focus of the first light (111). That is, the position of the focus relative to the first light (111) on the plane of the second light (121) can be controlled through the second light control unit (320).

[0076] As described above, the second light (121), whose focus position is controlled through the second light control unit (320), is provided to the filter unit (200).

[0077] Meanwhile, if additional third to nth lights are provided in addition to the second light (121), each light is provided to the filter unit (200) after the position of the focal point of the corresponding light is independently controlled on a two-dimensional plane through the third to nth light control units (330, ..., 340). Thus, the position of the focal point relative to the first light (111) on the plane of the kth light is controlled and provided to the filter unit (200).

[0078] Accordingly, the filter unit (200) may simultaneously provide the first light (111) and at least one of the second to nth lights. Thus, the filter unit (200) may provide at least two lights having different wavelengths, and through the optical device (10), at least two lights having different wavelengths, i.e., lights having multiple wavelengths, are provided.

[0079] The filter unit (200) combines the first light (111) and the second light (121) to provide them in a single path, and the first and second lights (111, 121) that have passed through the filter unit (200) are subsequently provided in the same path. At this time, the filter unit (200) may be, for example, a dichroic prism.

[0080] That is, the filter unit (200) uses the principle of dichroism to simultaneously transmit and provide first and second lights (111, 121) of different wavelengths, thereby inducing the first and second lights (111, 121) to be provided to the first light control unit (400) through the same path.

[0081] Of course, the filter unit (200) can be replaced with a device or mechanism that, in addition to the dichroic prism, guides the first and second lights (111, 121) to be provided along the same path while maintaining their respective wavelengths as described above.

[0082] At this time, as previously explained, additional light having a different wavelength can be provided to the filter unit (200) in addition to the first light and the second light. Even when three or more different wavelengths of light are provided in this manner, the light is provided to the first light control unit (400) through the same path while maintaining the different wavelengths of the light through the filter unit (200).

[0083] The first light control unit (400) simultaneously controls first and second lights (111, 121) of different wavelengths provided through the filter unit (200) (of course, there may be three or more different lights). The first light control unit (400) can perform control to vary the entire first and second lights (111, 121) to various positions on a two-dimensional plane, as in the k-th light control unit described above.

[0084] At this time, varying the positions of the first and second lights (111, 121) to various positions on a two-dimensional plane means controlling the foci of the first and second lights (111, 121) to vary to various positions as a whole, that is, simultaneously, on a two-dimensional plane. That is, since the first foci of the first light (111) and the second foci of the second light (121) have already been controlled to have a relative position with a predetermined interval through the second light control unit (320) as previously explained, the relative position between the first foci and the second foci is not varied, and the positions of the first foci and the second foci as a whole can be varied to a predetermined position.

[0085] Thus, the first light control unit (400) controls the focusing position of the entire first and second light (111, 121) having the first and second foci, i.e., the entire multi-beam, while the relative position between the first and second foci is fixed.

[0086] At this time, in addition to including two lights as described above, even in cases where three or more lights are included, the relative positional relationship between the three or more focal points is fixed, and the focusing position of all three or more lights can be controlled through the first light control unit (400).

[0087] Afterward, the light, in which the focusing position of the first and second lights (111, 121) is controlled through the first light control unit (400), is provided to the object (600) through the focusing unit (500). The focusing unit (500) may be, for example, an F-theta lens, and maintains the planar focus of the first and second lights (111, 121) provided through the first light control unit (400) to perform more uniform scanning and minimize distortion, thereby inducing focusing on the object (600).

[0088] At this time, the object (600) may be, for example, a workpiece to be welded or a workpiece to be processed, and laser welding or laser processing can be performed on the object (600) through the first and second lights (112, 122), that is, a multi-focus laser beam having multiple wavelengths, provided through the optical device (10) according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, in addition to processes such as welding or laser processing, additive processes such as performing stacking using a base material may also be performed, and such processes are not particularly limited.

[0089] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the first and second light control units of FIG. 2.

[0090] Although only the second light control unit (320) is illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the third to nth light control units (330, ..., 340) may also include the same structure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 3, the second light control unit (320) includes a second scanner (321) and a second reflector (322). As previously described, the second light control unit (320) performs control to vary the position of the second light (121) having the second wavelength (λ2) to various positions on a two-dimensional plane.

[0092] To implement this, the second light control unit (320) may be, for example, a 2-D Galvo scanner. That is, the movement of the second light (121) on the XY plane can be precisely controlled using the second scanner (321), and the second light (121) thus controlled can be provided to the filter unit (200) through the second reflection unit (322).

[0093] Likewise, the first light control unit (400) may also be, for example, a 2-D Galvo scanner (2-D Galvo scanner) including a first scanner (410) and a first reflector (420). Thus, the movement of the entire first and second lights (111, 121) provided along a single path on the XY plane can be precisely controlled using the first scanner (410), and the first and second lights (111, 121) thus controlled can be provided to the focusing unit (500) through the first reflector (420).

[0094] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the optical device of FIG. 4.

[0095] The optical device (20) according to the present embodiment is substantially identical to the optical device (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, except for the configuration of each light control unit (720) included in the light control unit (700). Therefore, the same reference numbers are used for identical components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the optical device (20) according to the present embodiment, the light control unit (700) includes second to nth light control units (720, 730, ..., 740), and each of the second to nth light control units individually controls the second to nth lights provided through the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140).

[0097] For example, the second light control unit (720) includes a second moving unit (721) and a second rotating unit (722). The second moving unit (721) controls the position of the second light (121) having a second wavelength (λ2) provided through the second collimator (202) by moving it in one dimension, that is, along a single axis. That is, the second moving unit (721) may be, for example, a one-dimensional galvo scanner (1-D Galvo scanner).

[0098] Thus, the second light (121) of the second wavelength (λ2), whose position is varied in one dimension through the second moving part (721), passes through the second rotating part (722) and rotates, thereby further controlling its position. That is, the second rotating part (722) may be, for example, a rotary dove prism. Thus, as the second rotating part (722) rotates about one axis, the position of the second light (121) is further controlled.

[0099] Ultimately, when the position of the second light (121) is controlled by passing through the second moving part (721) and the second rotating part (722), the position of the second light (121) can be controlled on a two-dimensional plane. Accordingly, just as in the second light control part (320) in FIG. 3, the position of the focal point of the second light (121) on a two-dimensional plane can also be controlled through the second light control part (720) in this embodiment. Thus, the position of the focal point of the second light (121) is controlled so that its position varies relative to the first light (111).

[0100] Furthermore, the second light (121) having the second wavelength (λ2), in which the position of the focal point on a two-dimensional plane is independently controlled in this manner, is provided to the filter unit (200). Subsequently, the first and second lights (111, 121) are controlled and processed through the filter unit (200) in substantially the same manner as previously described. That is, while the relative positions of the focal points of the first and second lights (111, 121) are maintained identically, the entire set of focal points of the first and second lights (111, 121) is controlled and processed as a whole.

[0101] In addition, just like the operation of the second light control unit (720), the third to nth light control units (730, ..., 740) each independently control the focal points of the third to nth lights and provide them to the filter unit (200), and as previously explained, the relative focal point positions between the third to nth lights and the first light are maintained the same while the positions of all focal points are simultaneously varied.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the second rotating part of FIG. 5.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6, the second rotating part (725) may be, for example, a K-mirror. That is, the second rotating part (725) may include a plurality of first to third sub-reflectors (726, 727, 728) arranged in succession, thereby variably controlling the position of the focus of the second light (121) provided to the second rotating part (725).

[0104] Accordingly, just as the second rotating part (722) in FIG. 5 acts as a rotary dove prism to rotate and vary the focal position of the second light (121), the focal position of the second light (121) can be varied by using the sub-reflective parts (726, 727, 728) included in the K-mirror. Thus, even when the second rotating part (725) is provided to replace the aforementioned dove prism, the second light (121) passing through the second light control part (720) can be controlled so that the focal position is varied in a two-dimensional plane.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an optical device for providing multiple lights according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the optical device of FIG. 7.

[0106] The optical device (30) according to the present embodiment further includes a focus control unit (900), and since it is substantially identical to the optical device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 except that the structure and function of the light control unit (800) are different, the same reference number is used for the same components and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the optical device (30) according to the present embodiment, the light control unit (800) includes second to nth light control units (820, 830, ..., 840) and controls second to nth lights provided through each of the second to nth light generating units (120, 130, ..., 140).

[0108] At this time, the second light control unit (820) may be, for example, a 1-D Galvo scanner as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the second light control unit (820) controls the position of the second light (121) having a second wavelength (λ2) provided through the second collimator (202) by moving it in one dimension, that is, along a single axis.

[0109] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the second light (121) provided to the filter unit (200) is light controlled so that its position is varied along a one-dimensional axis. Therefore, in the case of the first and second lights (111, 121) provided through the filter unit (200) with the same light path, since the position of the second light (121) can be varied along only one axis, a position variation control that is relatively one dimension lower than that of the optical device (10, 20) described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 is implemented. That is, the focus of the second light (121) is varied on a plane without varying its position relative to the focus of the first light (111), and the relative position is varied only along one axis.

[0110] However, in the case of the present embodiment, for the first and second lights (111, 121) provided with the same light path through the filter unit (200), the focus control unit (900) additionally controls the focus of the first and second lights (111, 121).

[0111] At this time, the focus control unit (900) may be, for example, a rotating dove prism. That is, the focus control unit (900) rotates the first and second lights (111, 121) around a predetermined axis of rotation and controls the focal points of the first and second lights (111, 121). Meanwhile, the focus control unit (900) rotates the first and second lights (111, 121) that proceed along the same path, but if, for example, it rotates around the focal point of the first light (111), the focal point of the second light (121) eventually rotates around the focal point of the first light (111).

[0112] Thus, as the second light (121) passes through the focus control unit (900), its position can be varied in one additional dimension relative to the first light (111). Accordingly, while the position is varied and controlled in one dimension, that is, in one direction, relative to the focus of the first light (111) through the second light control unit (820), as the position is varied and controlled in one additional dimension, that is, in a rotational direction, relative to the focus of the first light (111) while passing through the focus control unit (900), the focus of the second light (121) can be controlled in two dimensions, that is, relative to the focus of the first light (111), in a plane.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, controlling the focus of the second light (121) through the second light control unit (820) and the focus control unit (900) can substantially produce the same effect as controlling the focus of the second light (121) through the second light control unit (320) in FIG. 1 and the second light control unit (720) in FIG. 4. That is, the position of the focus of the second light (121) can be variably controlled in two dimensions centered on the focus of the first light (111).

[0114] Of course, although not shown, the focus control unit (900) may be configured with the K-mirror described above, and even when configured with the K-mirror in this way, the relative positions of the focal points of the first and second lights (111, 121) can be controlled through the same driving.

[0115] Meanwhile, the control of the focus of the k-th light through the k-th light control unit (820, 830, ..., 840) and the focus control unit (900) described above can be performed in the same way even when additional light is provided in addition to the second light.

[0116] Furthermore, the first and second lights (111, 121) that have passed through the focus control unit (900) are provided to the first light control unit (400), and the control of the lights after the first light control unit (400) is the same as previously described.

[0117] Hereinafter, a method for providing multiple lights using the optical device (10) of FIG. 1 will be described. However, as the detailed configuration and operation of the optical device (10) have already been described in detail with reference to FIG. 1, the following description will focus on the sequence of the method for providing multiple lights.

[0118] In addition, the following description will only explain the method of providing multiple light using the optical device (10) of FIG. 1, but the method of providing multiple light using the optical device (20, 30) described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 is substantially the same as the method of providing multiple light described below, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0119] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing multiple lights using the optical device of FIG. 1.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 9, in the method for providing multiple light using the optical device (10), first, a first light (111) having a first wavelength (λ1) is provided at the first light generating unit (110) (step S10).

[0121] The first light (111) provided in this way is provided as is to the filter unit (200).

[0122] Afterward, the second light (121) having a second wavelength (λ2) is provided from the second light generating unit (120) (step S20). At this time, the second light (121) is provided to the second light control unit (320), and the second light control unit (320) controls the second focus of the second light (121) (step S30). Here, controlling the second focus of the second light (121) means, as previously explained, varying the position of the second focus of the second light (121) on the XY plane, and accordingly, the second focus of the second light (121) can be controlled so that its position is varied relative to the first focus of the first light (111) on the plane.

[0123] At this time, the drawing illustrates that the first light (111) is provided first and the second light (121) is provided sequentially thereafter, but this is not necessarily limited to being performed sequentially. That is, at the same time as the first light (111) is provided to the filter unit (200), the second light (121) can be provided to the filter unit (200) while the second focus is controlled. Thus, the first and second lights (111, 121) can be provided to the filter unit (200) simultaneously.

[0124] Meanwhile, in addition to the second light generating unit (120), third to nth light generating units (130, ..., 140) may additionally provide third to nth lights, and in this case, each of the third to nth light controlling units (330, ..., 340) independently controls the focus of each of the third to nth lights on the XY plane. Thus, the focus of each of the second to nth lights can be controlled so that its position is variable relative to the first focus of the first light.

[0125] At this time, the third to nth lights are also provided to the filter unit (200) with their focus controlled, and at this time, the first light (111) as well as the second light (121) can be provided to the filter unit (200) simultaneously.

[0126] As described above, the second light (121) (or the k-th light) with a controlled focal position is provided to the filter unit (200), and the first light (111) and the second light (121) are provided to the first light control unit (400) via the same path.

[0127] Afterward, the first light control unit (400) simultaneously controls the focus for the first light (111) of the first focus and the second light (121) of the second focus (step S40). Thus, the first and second lights (111, 121), having a relatively preset focus position difference, can have their focus further varied to a predetermined position by the first light control unit (400).

[0128] Thus, the first and second lights (111, 121), whose focus is controlled as described above, pass through the focusing unit (500) and are focused onto the target (600), and a predetermined welding, processing, or lamination process is performed on the target (600).

[0129] As described above, laser welding or laser processing of an object can be performed with multiple focal points by using a laser beam having multiple wavelengths.

[0130] According to the embodiments of the present invention as described above, when performing welding or processing using a laser beam, by controlling laser beams having multiple different wavelengths independently or in conjunction with each other, welding or processing can be performed on a wider variety of materials or structures.

[0131] In particular, when providing laser beams having the plurality of wavelengths, not only can the foci of the laser beams be controlled to have relatively diverse separation distances, but the entire group of laser beams having a predetermined separation distance can also be controlled to vary their positions as if moving a single beam, thereby enabling optimal welding or processing to be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the material or structure.

[0132] In other words, by controlling multiple focal points as a whole or individually, welding or processing can be performed with a more uniform heat distribution, thereby improving the quality of the welding or processing, and achieving high energy efficiency and improved speed compared to existing individual control technologies for each focal point.

[0133] At this time, since lights of different wavelengths with individually controlled focus are aligned into a single path through a filter unit and provided, lights with different focus can also be integrated and provided through a single path, thereby enabling independent or overall control of the focus.

[0134] In particular, by adding an optical path provided by the filter unit to a conventional configuration that controls the focus in a single optical path, a system for individually controlling multiple laser beams is added to a conventional system for controlling a single laser beam. This allows the focus of the multiple laser beams to be controlled independently or collectively, thereby increasing the flexibility and versatility of the system design.

[0135] In addition, in a system that controls multiple laser beams individually, in addition to a 2D scanner, a device combining a 1D scanner and a Dove prism or K-mirror can also be applied, allowing for various system design changes and further improving the flexibility and usability of the system design.

[0136] In contrast, a system in which the laser beams are individually or collectively focused can also be implemented by providing a first laser beam and other focused laser beams in a single path and then applying a focus control unit that utilizes a Dove prism or a K-mirror.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A light generating unit that individually provides n lights having n different wavelengths (n is a natural number); A first light control unit that simultaneously controls the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light (where k is at least one of natural numbers such that 2 ≤ k ≤ n); and An optical device comprising a light control unit that independently controls the k-th focus of the k-th light at the front end of the first light control unit.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above light generating unit includes an nth light generating part that provides the nth light, and The optical device is characterized in that the above-mentioned light control unit includes a k-th light control section that controls the k-th focus of the k-th light.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first light provided by the first light generating unit is provided to the first light control unit, and An optical device characterized in that the k-th light provided by the k-th light generating unit passes through the k-th light control unit and is then provided to the first light control unit together with the first light.

4. In Paragraph 3, An optical device further comprising a filter unit disposed between the light generating unit and the first light control unit, which propels the first light and the k-th light along the same path to the first light control unit.

5. In paragraph 4, the filter unit is, An optical device characterized by including a dichroic prism.

6. In paragraph 3, the light control unit is, An optical device characterized by including a k-th light control unit that varies the focus of the k-th light with respect to the first light, in the k-th light provided together with the first light.

7. In paragraph 6, the k-th light control unit is, An optical device characterized by including a k-th scanner that receives the k-th light and moves the k-th focus of the k-th light on a plane.

8. In paragraph 6, the k-th light control unit is, A k-th moving unit that receives the k-th light and moves the k-th focus of the k-th light in one direction; and An optical device characterized by including a k-th rotating part that receives the k-th light and rotates the k-th focus of the k-th light.

9. In paragraph 8, the k-th rotating part is, An optical device characterized by being a dove prism or a K-mirror.

10. In Paragraph 6, An optical device further comprising a focus control unit that simultaneously rotates the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light.

11. In Clause 10, the k-th light control unit is, An optical device characterized by receiving the k-th light, moving the k-th focus of the k-th light in one direction, and providing it to the focus control unit.

12. In Clause 10, the focus control unit above is, An optical device characterized by being a dove prism.

13. In paragraph 1, the first light control unit is, An optical device characterized by including a first scanner that simultaneously moves the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, which proceed along the same path, on a plane.

14. In Paragraph 1, An optical device characterized in that the light is a laser beam.

15. In Paragraph 1, As the k-th focus of the k-th light is independently controlled, the k-th focus of the k-th light is positioned relative to the first focus of the first light, and An optical device characterized by the fact that, by simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light have their positions varied while maintaining the same relative position.

16. A step of providing a first light having a first wavelength; A step of providing the k-th light having the k-th wavelength (where k is at least one of 2 or more natural numbers); Step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light; and A method for providing multiple lights, comprising the step of simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light.

17. In Paragraph 16, As the k-th focus of the k-th light is independently controlled, the k-th focus of the k-th light is positioned relative to the first focus of the first light, and A method for providing multiple lights, characterized by simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, such that the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light have their relative positions maintained identically while their positions are simultaneously varied.

18. In Paragraph 17, In the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, A method for providing multiple lights characterized by receiving the k-th light and moving the k-th focus of the k-th light on a plane.

19. In Paragraph 17, In the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, A method for providing multiple lights characterized by receiving the k-th light, moving the k-th focus of the k-th light in one direction, and then rotating the k-th focus of the k-th light.

20. In Paragraph 16, In the step of independently controlling the k-th focus of the k-th light, the k-th focus of the k-th light is moved in one direction, and A method for providing multiple lights, characterized in that, in the step of simultaneously controlling the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light, the first focus of the first light and the k-th focus of the k-th light are simultaneously rotated.

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