Weld electrode-to-workpiece arc gap setting apparatus and method
US5187348A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/067
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for setting an arc gap between a weld electrode and a workpiece includes a control arrangement and a direct current stepping motor operated in a forward mode by the control arrangement to move the weld electrode toward and away from the workpiece to respectively advance and retract the electrode into and from physical contact with the workpiece. The apparatus also includes an electrical circuit connected to the weld electrode and the workpiece for defining an electrical path to supply electrical energy sufficient to generate a welding arc between the electrode and workpiece, and an electrical continuity sensor connected to the electrical path and being operable for sensing the opening and closing of electrical continuity of the electrical path and for generating a trigger signal to the control arrangement in response to sensing the closing of continuity of the electrical path by the electrode making physical contact with the workpiece. The control arrangement in response to receipt of the trigger signal from the continuity sensor causes the electric motor to operate in a reverse mode to retract the electrode from physical contact with the workpiece to a welding positio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.