Guidance system for arc welder

Abstract

This guidance system for an automatic welder includes a probe, sensing means in the probe, feedback means from the probe to actuating means and appropriate motors and switches to cause the welding unit to move in response to signals from the probe. The probe has a casing with a concentric actuating rod. The actuating rod is supported in the casing by means of a pivot plate which is movably mounted on a fixed plate. A probe finger is attached to the lower end of the actuating rod. The upper end of the actuating rod passes through a series of switches. The switches sense movement of a pivotably mounted actuating rod in a horizontal and vertical plane. The switches themselves are paired and are mounted along planes which are perpendicular to each other. The probe is mounted at a 45 degree angle. Additional switches provide a means for biasing the probe for movement in a given direction without receiving any external signal. An optional switching system may also be used for two speed travel of the entire unit. Control relay coils are actuated by signals through the switches within the probe and move control relay switches. Motors respond to the control relay switches and move the guidance and welding systems until new information is received from the probe. Dynamic braking is used to stop the motors without any substantial coasting once the actuating signal stops.