Apparatus and method for automatically aligning a welding device for butt welding workpieces
US5045668A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/348
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for aligning a welding device along the center of a gap defined by confronting edges of at least two workpieces to be joined, wherein relative motion between the welding device and the workpiece gap occurs along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the gap such that the proximal edges of the workpieces can be joined by forming a weld seam along the gap during the relative motion. The apparatus preferably includes an imaging system for determining the location of the gap center relative to a predetermined two dimensional coordinate system by monitoring an image of a vision area along the gap downstream of the welding zone. In a preferred embodiment, the imaging system is effectively isolated from the welding zone through use of a high magnification optics system, a shroud structure, an independent light source, and a vectored jet of inert gas supplied to the welding zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.