Integrated Gas Assist and Fume Suction for Laser Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser welding processes for lithium batteries face challenges in providing uniform gas shielding and effective fume suction, leading to oxidation, porosity, and impaired weld quality, particularly around the peripheries of the battery case cover plate and body.
Innovation Solution
A gas assistance device comprising an assistance gas unit with a slit-shaped nozzle and a fume suction unit, configured as an inner and outer ring structure, ensures uniform gas application and efficient fume removal by directing fumes away from the welding area, maintaining laminar gas flow and enhancing suction performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a separate suction pipe is provided to suck out fumes, then fume removal capability is improved, but it may be unable to cover the entire welding path and may destroy the uniformity of shielding gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fume suction function and shielding gas application function into a single integrated device. The suction pipe and gas nozzle are positioned adjacently and work simultaneously, allowing fume removal and gas shielding to occur together along the entire welding path without interfering with each other's flow uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow direction limiting structure as an intermediary element between the suction pipe and gas nozzle. This structure guides and regulates the flow of both fumes and shielding gas, ensuring that the suction action does not disrupt the laminar flow of the shielding gas while maintaining effective fume removal
2Reliability
If shielding gas is ejected from a nozzle on the laser head, then gas shielding is provided, but it is not suitable for sealing welding of peripheries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas shielding function into two parts: the laser head nozzle for general welding areas and the separate gas nozzle on the assistance device for peripheral sealing welding. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific function, with the separate gas nozzle able to reach and provide shielding for peripheral areas that the laser head nozzle cannot access
Solution Approach 2:
The assistance device with the separate gas nozzle provides multi-functionality by serving both as a gas shielding source for peripheral welding and as a platform for the fume suction pipe. This universal design allows the same device structure to perform multiple functions (gas application and fume removal) that a single laser head nozzle cannot achieve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device improves weld quality by preventing oxidation and porosity while ensuring uniform gas distribution and effective fume suction, enhancing the integration and performance of the laser welding process.
Implementation Method 1
it may destroy the uniformity, in particular the laminar flow performance of the shielding gas
Implementation Method 2
a fume suction unit, which is configured to suck fumes generated during laser welding
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a gas assistance device (1) for laser welding, comprising: an assistance gas unit (11), which is configured to apply an assistance gas, such as a shielding gas, to a site to be welded and is thus provided with an assistance gas nozzle (111); and a fume suction unit (12), which is configured to suck fumes generated during laser welding and is thus provided with a fume suction port (121), wherein the assistance gas nozzle (111) comprises a first slit-shaped opening (1111), the fume suction port (121) comprises a second slit-shaped opening (1211), the fume suction unit (12) is at least partially attached to the assistance gas unit (11), and in an operating state of the gas assistance device (1), the second slit-shaped opening (1211) is at least partially located above the first slit-shaped opening (1111). Further disclosed is a corresponding laser welding system. According to some exemplary embodiments, the structure can be simplified, with an enhanced level of integration of the device, and the suction performance and weld joint quality can also be improved.