초록 ▼

A laser operation such as a laser welding operation or a laser cutting operation is improved in its quality and a consistently high quality is achieved by arranging auxiliary tool units upstream and/or downstream of a main laser tool unit including a primary laser head on a common tool carrier. The

A laser operation such as a laser welding operation or a laser cutting operation is improved in its quality and a consistently high quality is achieved by arranging auxiliary tool units upstream and/or downstream of a main laser tool unit including a primary laser head on a common tool carrier. The secondary tool units upstream of the laser operation are intended for a preliminary surface treatment to present the most appropriate surface conditions for the following laser operation. Similarly, the tool units arranged downstream of the laser operation are intended for subsequent work operations such as an immediate cleaning operation, a coating operation or the like to avoid a reoxidation of the welding seam or of the cut edge of the work piece. The secondary tools make sure that the laser operation is enhanced or improved either by presenting optimal conditions for the laser operation or by improving the work piece subsequent to the laser operation. The subsequent operation in this sense also results in an improved laser operation.

대표청구항 ▼

A robot type apparatus for performing a plurality of operations on a work piece, comprising main laser tool means for performing a primary operation with a laser beam, a first set of auxiliary tool means for performing secondary operations on said work piece prior to said primary operation, a second

A robot type apparatus for performing a plurality of operations on a work piece, comprising main laser tool means for performing a primary operation with a laser beam, a first set of auxiliary tool means for performing secondary operations on said work piece prior to said primary operation, a second set of auxiliary tool means for performing secondary operations on said work piece subsequent to said primary operation, tool carrier means for supporting said main laser tool means for said primary operation and for supporting said first and second set of auxiliary tool means in such positions on said tool carrier means relative to said main laser tool means that said secondary operations can be performed to enhance or improve said primary operation, said apparatus further comprising control means for controlling the operation of said main laser tool means and said first and second sets of auxiliary tool means in a closed loop or open loop manner, drive means (15) connected to said control means for operating said main laser tool means and said first and second sets of auxiliary tool means in response to said control means, sensor means (12) arranged for sensing a surface condition on a work piece surface next to the respective auxiliary tool means to provide control signals for said control means, wherein said control means comprise a memory (22) and a computer (25) for operating said main laser tool means and said first and second sets of auxiliary tool means in response to control values stored in said memory and in response to said control signals provided by said sensor means (12), and for controlling a relative motion between said tool carrier means and said work piece.