Patent · US Expired

Method for determining a condition of a resistance spotwelding system or a workpiece in the system

US6342686B1 · kind B1 · utility

9Cited by
28References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 9, 2000
Grant dateJan 29, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 9, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K11/311
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

This invention relates to methods to control the resistance spotwelding process using an electric servomotor actuator to move the welding electrodes to the work and apply force to them. Measurements of actuator position, servomotor drive voltage, servomotor drive current, voltage across the welding electrodes, welding transformer primary current, welding transformer secondary current and power factor in the primary circuit of the welding transformer are used separately and in combination to determine various conditions such as identify defects in the welding machine, the electric cabling, the welding process and in the weld itself. Depending upon the defect found, the welding parameters are changed to overcome the defect, and/or the need for an additional weld is indicated and/or an error indication is generated.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.