Method of Laser Welding Without Filler Material, and an Electrical Device Suitable for Being Made by the Method

摘要

The welding method is for connecting together first and second metal elements ( 20, 16 ). The first element ( 20 ) forms a support or is for being fitted onto a support ( 12 ). During the method, a welding portion ( 20 A) is formed in the first element ( 20 ), the welding portion having a connection end ( 22 ) connected to a support portion ( 20 B) of the first element ( 20 ). A free end face (F) is formed in the welding portion ( 20 A) of the first element ( 20 ) remote from the connection end ( 22 ). A high-energy beam ( 24 ) is directed onto the welding portion ( 20 A) of the first element ( 20 ) in such a manner that the axis (X) of the beam ( 24 ) passes through the welding portion ( 20 A) from the free end face (F) towards the connection end ( 22 ), thereby causing at least a portion of the mass of said first element ( 20 ) to melt, the molten mass coming into contact with the second element ( 16 ) by said mass collapsing.