Arc welding torch
US6130407A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/0956
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An arc welding torch for robotic applications having sensing capabilities to provide intelligent diagnostics monitoring of the welding process in real time. A plurality of modular sensors are integrated with the torch to provide real-time monitoring of wire speed, arc voltage, gas flow, seam-tracking, welding current temperature and contact tip wear. The torch includes a contact tip wear sensor for sensing the wearing of the tip during the welding process. The shielding gas flow is measured by a gas flow sensor mounted between the main housing and the gooseneck. A seam-tracking sensor is mounted on the outside of the housing to detect the position of the seam to be welded. The speed of the consumable electrode is measured by a wire speed sensor module. To ensure that operating temperatures of components near the arc region are within predetermined ranges for optimum performance of the torch, temperature sensors are mounted on the torch. An arc voltage sensor is located in the housing of the torch to provide a more accurate measurement of the arc voltage near the arc region. Lastly, a current sensor is located between the main housing and the gooseneck to measure the current flow th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.