CA1230935A - Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal - Google Patents
Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removalInfo
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- CA1230935A CA1230935A CA000521656A CA521656A CA1230935A CA 1230935 A CA1230935 A CA 1230935A CA 000521656 A CA000521656 A CA 000521656A CA 521656 A CA521656 A CA 521656A CA 1230935 A CA1230935 A CA 1230935A
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- current
- command signal
- voltage
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A control system which senses arc current and arc voltage and controls the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by either a constant potential power source or a constant current power source comprising:
a device for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command signal; a device for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal; feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal; and switching means for alternately applying as the input signal to the feedback means (1) the arc current command signal when the constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc current at a predetermined value, or (2) the arc voltage command signal when the constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
A control system which senses arc current and arc voltage and controls the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by either a constant potential power source or a constant current power source comprising:
a device for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command signal; a device for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal; feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal; and switching means for alternately applying as the input signal to the feedback means (1) the arc current command signal when the constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc current at a predetermined value, or (2) the arc voltage command signal when the constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
Description
~.~23q~?3S
CONSTANT POTENTIAL/CONSTANT CURRENT AUTOMATIC CONTROL
SYSTEM FOR AIR-CARBON ARC ~ETAL REMOVA~
This application is a divisional of co-pending Application Serial Number 451,844, filed April 12, 1984.
This invention relates to the automatic control of the current or voltage of an arc drawn between an electrode and a workpiece for purposes of air-carbon arc cutting and gouging.
In air-carbon arc cutting and gouging of metal, it is highly desirable to be able to accurately control the spaclng of an electrode with respect to a workpiece so as to eEfect an accurate cut. AS described in U.S. Patent 3,659,071, it has previously been possible to control the spacing of an electrode with respect to the workpiece to a close tolerance by sensing any variation in arc voltage from a steeply drooping voltage source. The electrode then would be automatically moved in a direction to cancel the variation.
Prior air-carbon arc metal removal systems have been limited in that they have not been compatible with both constant potential and constant current sources nor have they provided certain control and auto-mation features. U. S. Patent 4,320,282 shows control of arc sustaining parameters to mitigate arc quenchingimpulse noise.
~.
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One embodiment of the presen-t invention is a system for automatically controlling the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by ei-ther a constant potential source or a constant current source.
A preerred embodiment of the invention automatically turns the arc source off if the arc voltage drops below or rises above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined amount of time.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control sys-tem which senses arc current and arc voltage and controls the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by either a constant potential power source or a constant current power source comprising:
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command siynal;
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal;
feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal;
and switching means for alternately applying as the input signal to the feedback means ~1) the arc current command signal when the constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc ~.~3~3~;
current at a predetermined value, or (2) the arc voltage command signal when the constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
In greater detail of the above, and in a preferred embodiment, in air-carbon arc metal removal a control system in provided for automatically controlling the arc between a carbon electrode and a conductive workpiece when powered from either a constant potential or constant current power source~ The electrode is controlled to alternately feed and retract from the conductive workpiece to maintain either a specific arc voltage or arc current level as set by an operator. For a constant potential source, the arc current is maintained at a predetermined value by sensing the magnitude of the arc current and thereby 3q3~3S
controlling the electrode. For a constant current source, the arc voltage is maintained at a predetermined value by sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and thereby controlling the electrode. The control system senses the presence of an arc current above a threshold for a predetermined interval and provides relative mo-tion between the workpiece carriage and the electrode thus allowing the electrode arc to cut to a controlled depth groove in the ~orkpiece, In the event that the electrode arc current drops below the predeter~ined threshold, a low current sensing circuit is activated.
If the electrode arc current remains below the thres-hold for a predetermined time interval as a result, typically, of reaching the ed~e of the workpiece, the workpiece carriage travel is terminated. If the arc current remains below the threshold for longer than a predetermined amount of time, the electrode power is turned off. This may also be accomplished if the arc voltage rises above a predetermined threshold. The con-trol system also senses if the arc voltage drops and remains below a threshold for a predetermined time period. This latter capability permits automatic detec-tion and shutdown in the presence of electrode-to-work-piece shortouts.
~ Z3~35 s--Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the interconnection of the automatic arc control system invention with a welding power source and a carbon electrode;
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Fig. 2 ls a functional block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the automatic arc control system;
Fig. 3 is a schematic of the functional block diagram of Fig. 2.
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Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the block diagrams of Figs. 1 and
CONSTANT POTENTIAL/CONSTANT CURRENT AUTOMATIC CONTROL
SYSTEM FOR AIR-CARBON ARC ~ETAL REMOVA~
This application is a divisional of co-pending Application Serial Number 451,844, filed April 12, 1984.
This invention relates to the automatic control of the current or voltage of an arc drawn between an electrode and a workpiece for purposes of air-carbon arc cutting and gouging.
In air-carbon arc cutting and gouging of metal, it is highly desirable to be able to accurately control the spaclng of an electrode with respect to a workpiece so as to eEfect an accurate cut. AS described in U.S. Patent 3,659,071, it has previously been possible to control the spacing of an electrode with respect to the workpiece to a close tolerance by sensing any variation in arc voltage from a steeply drooping voltage source. The electrode then would be automatically moved in a direction to cancel the variation.
Prior air-carbon arc metal removal systems have been limited in that they have not been compatible with both constant potential and constant current sources nor have they provided certain control and auto-mation features. U. S. Patent 4,320,282 shows control of arc sustaining parameters to mitigate arc quenchingimpulse noise.
~.
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One embodiment of the presen-t invention is a system for automatically controlling the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by ei-ther a constant potential source or a constant current source.
A preerred embodiment of the invention automatically turns the arc source off if the arc voltage drops below or rises above a predetermined threshold for a predetermined amount of time.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control sys-tem which senses arc current and arc voltage and controls the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by either a constant potential power source or a constant current power source comprising:
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command siynal;
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal;
feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal;
and switching means for alternately applying as the input signal to the feedback means ~1) the arc current command signal when the constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc ~.~3~3~;
current at a predetermined value, or (2) the arc voltage command signal when the constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
In greater detail of the above, and in a preferred embodiment, in air-carbon arc metal removal a control system in provided for automatically controlling the arc between a carbon electrode and a conductive workpiece when powered from either a constant potential or constant current power source~ The electrode is controlled to alternately feed and retract from the conductive workpiece to maintain either a specific arc voltage or arc current level as set by an operator. For a constant potential source, the arc current is maintained at a predetermined value by sensing the magnitude of the arc current and thereby 3q3~3S
controlling the electrode. For a constant current source, the arc voltage is maintained at a predetermined value by sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and thereby controlling the electrode. The control system senses the presence of an arc current above a threshold for a predetermined interval and provides relative mo-tion between the workpiece carriage and the electrode thus allowing the electrode arc to cut to a controlled depth groove in the ~orkpiece, In the event that the electrode arc current drops below the predeter~ined threshold, a low current sensing circuit is activated.
If the electrode arc current remains below the thres-hold for a predetermined time interval as a result, typically, of reaching the ed~e of the workpiece, the workpiece carriage travel is terminated. If the arc current remains below the threshold for longer than a predetermined amount of time, the electrode power is turned off. This may also be accomplished if the arc voltage rises above a predetermined threshold. The con-trol system also senses if the arc voltage drops and remains below a threshold for a predetermined time period. This latter capability permits automatic detec-tion and shutdown in the presence of electrode-to-work-piece shortouts.
~ Z3~35 s--Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the interconnection of the automatic arc control system invention with a welding power source and a carbon electrode;
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Fig. 2 ls a functional block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the automatic arc control system;
Fig. 3 is a schematic of the functional block diagram of Fig. 2.
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Detailed Description of the Invention Referring to the block diagrams of Figs. 1 and
2, an automatic arc control system ln i5 connected to an electrical welding power source 20, electrode feed retract motor 30, carbon electrode 58, and workpiece travel motor ~0. One signal monitored by automatic control system 10 is the weld feedback "F~" volts on cable 21. This signal is used to monitor the electrode-to-workpiece voltage across arc 70. Si~ilar-ly, the weld P~ current derived from arc current shunt 60 is monitored by automatic control system 10 via cable 61. The weld ~B current is proportional to the current passing through arc 70. Automatic outputs of control system 10 include the operation of contactor relay contacts 184b, feed/retract signals by way of conductors 11,12 to electrode feed/retract motor 30, and the travel enable signal by way of conductor 13 to the workpiece travel motor 4QO
The operator begins operation of system 10 by adjusting the mode select switch 90 to either a constant current or constant potential setting depending upon the kind (constant potential ~CP" or constant current "CCn) of welding power source 20 being used. He then adjusts the arc level command ~0 to a prescribed arc current or voltage level consistent with the mode switch 90 setting: e.g., if a constant potential power source 20 is used, a specific arc current level is set. If a constant current source ~0 is used, an arc voltage level ~.~3G~935 i5 set. The operator adjusts the travel delay 100 to a satisfactory value and initiates the arc cutting process by way of a conventional process start, stop control 110.
Assuming that the mode select switch 90 is in the constant potential scurce mode when the electrode arc 70 is first struck, the weld FB current will ini-tially exceed the value set into arc level command 80.
The weld FB current, appropriately filtered and convert-ed to a voltage analog for computational purposes by signal conditioner 23Q, is ~ed to feedback command arc control system 150 and feedback command arc control system 140. These two arc control systems alternately energize the feed and retract modes of electrode feed retract motor 30 to cause carbon electrode 58 to alter-nately feed and retract from the conductive workpiece 60 thereby to maintain arc 70 at a specific feedback current level. This is in response to a prescribed arc level com~and 80 as set into the automatic arc control system 10 by the operator.
If the mode select switch 90 was in the constant current source mode 92 the magnitude of the weld FB voltage 21 is then sensed. The weld F~ voltage is filtered by signal conditioner 220 and applied to feedback command arc control systems 140 and 150.
These two arc control systems alternately energize feed retract motor 30 so that electrode 5~ alternately feeds and retracts from workpiece 121 thereby to maintain arc 70 at a specific voltage level.
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~ 23a?~3s ~ he output of signal conditioner 230 is also fed to low current threshold 240. If the output voltage of signal conditioner 230 represents a weld current greater than threshold, (threshold typically being 200 amperes) then workpiece travel system 160 initiates a travel timing interval. If the weld current remains above threshold during the travel timing interval, the work-piece carriage 120 moves rearward with respect to the stationary carbon electrode 58, thus cutting a groove of prescribed depth in workpiece 60.
The electrode feed retract process previously described is sufficiently accurate so as to allow an electrode 58 to workpiece 121 gap 70 as small, typical-ly, as one hundredth of an inch. At such spacing, the electrode may occasionally weld to the workpiece causing a shortout. A sustained shortout can damage the work-piece 121 as well as the power source 20. The weld FB
voltage, suitably filtered and adjusted in amplitude by signal conditioner 220 is fed to low arc voltage monitor 190. Low arc voltage monitor 190 contains an arc volt-age threshold detector ~typically set at 27 volts when maximum weld voltage is 100 volts). If the weld F~
voltage analog at the output of signal conditioner 220 falls below the arc voltage threshold for a predeter-mined length of time (as would happen during a shortout) low arc voltage monitor 190 provides a process stop signal to process stop system 180. The contactor reiay in the process stop system 180 is thereby disabled, ~ ~3~93~ii g opening contactor relay contacts 184b and thus turning the arc cutting process of~ and avoiding damage due to a sustained shortout.
Absence oE an arc current (because the contactor is off) is now sensed by arc off retract system 200. Relay contacts in relay switching system 210 are closed by the arc off retract system 200. The electrode 5~ is thereby caused to retract from workpiece 121. Electrode retraction is timed by a retraction interval timer in the arc off retract system 200. The retraction interval is long enough to ensure that electrode 58 safely exits from workpiece 121. Thus arc control system 10 automatically retracts the electrode 58 during process shutdown.
An alternate process leading to shutdown results if the weld FB current analog at the output of signal conditioner 230 drops below the low current threshold, as measured by low current threshold detector 240, for a predetermined time as measured by low arc current monitor 170. This condition, caused by the electrode 58 reaching the end of the workpiece 121, causes the process stop system 180 to disable the contactor relay 184, shutting down the process. The foregoing may also be accomplished in a further embodiment by sensing a high arc voltage threshold instead o~ a low arc current threshold. Specifically, a switch assembly (not shown) would connect the input of monitor 170 to ~I.Z3~35 the arc FB voltage analog at the output of signal condi-; tioner 220 instead of the output oE detector 24a.
Accordingly, monitor 170 would then be effective to operate as a high voltage threshold detector. When the output of conditioner 220 rises above a high voltage threshold for a predetermined time as measured by monitor 170, process stop system 180 would disable relay 184 thereby shutting down the process.
A more detailed understanding of the preferred embodiment of the automatic arc control system 10 may be had by a review of the functional blocks and logic elements of Fig. 3.
Mode Switch 90 Switch 90 is ganged by way of arm 101 to a three pole double throw switch 99 in relay switching block 210. In combination these switches select either the constant current or constant potential modes of operation. When mode switch 90 is in the CC position, switch contacts 91,92 connect a voltage feedback signal at the output of signal conditioner 220 to the inputs of the feedback command system 150 and feedback command system 140. In this position, switch 99 contacts 94,95 connect relay contacts 143a to electrode retract line 12 and contacts 96,97 connect relay contact 154a to elec-trode feed line 11.
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When switch 90 is in the CP position, contacts 91,93 connect a current feedback signal at the output of signal conditioner 230 to the inputs of systems 140,150.
In this CP position, switch 99 contacts 95,98a connect relay contacts 143a to electrode feed line 11 and switch contacts 97,98 connect relay contacts 154a to line 12.
Thus, the action of swtiches 90 and 99 is: (1) to select either a voltage or current feedback signal, and (2) to directly apply or reverse the connection of relay contacts 143a,154a to electrode feed line 11 and electrode retract line 12.
Feedback Command System 140 The feedback command system 140 comprises command feedback comparator 141, relay driver 142, and lS solid state relay 143. The principal function of the feedback command system 140 is the activation of the electrode feed retract motor 30 via the solid state relay 143 when the weld voltage or current feedback signal (which feedback signal is present depends on mode switch 90 position) is less than the arc level command set 80 as entered by the operator.
~.2~3~i In the constant current mode of operation, the arc level command set ~0 i5 a voltage analog of the desired arc voltage. ~hen the weld voltage feedback signal drops below the arc level command set ~0, then feedback command system 140 causes electrode 58 to retract from the workpiece 121 raising the voltage feedback signal~ In the constant potential mode of operation, the arc level command se~ 80 is a voltage analog of a desired arc current. ~hen the weld current feedback signal drops below the arc level co~mand set 80, then feedback command system 140 causes the electrode 58 to feed into the workpiece 121 raising the weld current feedback signal.
Solid state relay 143 will control either the electrode feed or retract mode of the electrode feed retract motor 30 depending upon the mode switch 90 posi-tion. If the mode switch 90 were in the constant cur-rent position for reading voltage feedback, then acti-vating relay 143 enables the electrode retract mode of the electrode feed retract motor 30. If switch 90 were in its CP position for reading current feedback, then relay 143 enables the feed mode.
Feedback Command System 1~0 The feedback command system 150 comprises command feedback comparator 151, a unity gain signal -~ 23~35;
inverter 152, relay driver 153, ancl solid state relaty 154. The principal function of the feedback command system 150 is the actuation of the electrode feed re-tract motor 30 via the solid state relay 154 when the weld voltage or current feedback signal is greater than the level of the operator-set command 80. If switch 90 were in its CC ~osition for reading voltage feedback, then relay 154 enables the feed ~ode. Alternatively, if switch 90 were in its CP position for reading voltage feedback, then relay 154 enables the retract mode. The feedback command logic 150 and the feedback command logic 140 previously discussed work in opposition: if one causes retraction of the electrode 58 under its co~-parator threshold conditions the other causes electrode 58 to feed under its comparator threshold conditions.
In this manner, the null adjust 130 causes an offset in the threshold of comparator 141 which results in a delay or hysteresis effect minimizing oscillation between the retract and feed modes.
Signal Conditioner 230 The signal conditioner 230 includes an opera-tional amplifier configured as a conventional ~utter-worth filter. Additionally the gain of the operational amplifier is set to convert the arc current shunt 60 full scale output of 5Q millivolts to 10 volts. The ~andwidth limi~ing of the ~utterworth filter is ..
~ 23~?35i necessary to re~ove high frequency components fro~ the arc current derived signal.
Low Current Threshold Detector 240 The low current threshold detectcr 241 is ad-justed to change state (typically from +15v to -15v) when the weld FB current signal analog at the output of the signal conditioner 230 is greater than a predeter mined threshold (typically 2 volts when the full scale is 10 volts).
Workpiece Travel System 160 The workpiece travel system 160 comprises an operational amplifier configured as a positive~going integrator 163 and having an input potentiometer 100, relay driver 164 and travel relay 165. System 160 en-; 15 ables the workpiece carriage travel ~otor 40 via the travel relay 165 after the weld current exceeds the low current threshold 240 setting for a prescribed travel ti~ing interval.
The travel timing interval measure~ent is accom-plished by setting integrator 163 output initially at zero volts and linearly increasing the output with re-spect to time until relay driver 164 enables travel re-lay 165. The workpiece travel system 60 disables the workpiece travel motor 40 if the weld current drops ~.23 (:~3~
below the low current threshold longer than a prescribed interval. As shown in Fig. 1, workpiece 60 travels beneath a stationary electrode 58. In a further embodi-ment the workpiece may be stationary while the electrode carriage may travel, with control by the workpiece travel syste~ 160.
Low Arc Current Monitor The low arc current monitor 170 comprises a sig-nal inverting unity gain operational amplifier 171 and an operational amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 172. Monitor 170 disables the contactor relay 182 if the weld current drops below the low current threshold detector 240 setting for a prescribed "low arc current" length of time (typically .6 seconds~. The measurement of the low arc current ti~e interval is achieved by causing the output of integrator 172 to linearly drop from a maximum positive signal towards zero volts. Relay driver 182 (in the process stop system 180~ disables relay 182 when integrator 172 output approaches zero voltsO
As shown in Fig. 3~ the input of integrator 172 is connected through resistor 17S and potentiometer 176.
In addition, integrator 172 may be shunted so that it does not provide low current shutoff by means of a switch 1770 These components are provided since conven-tional power supplies 20 have differing characteristics ~2~
upon start up. Some power supplies may have a violent flow of current which has the effect of blowing the tip off the electrode causing shutdown. Other power supplies have more gentle start-up. Potentiometer wiper 176a may be adjusted to match many of these characteris-tics. For example, moving wiper to the left may match so-called nor~al characteristics of power supplies with less violent start-up. As wiper 176a is moved to the right, it would match special characteristics of more violent start-up by increasing the input resistance to ti~ing integrator 172. When the operator does not want low current shutoff to occur at all, he may control this manual].y by closing switch 177 to clamp off the inte-grator.
Signal Conditioner 220 The signal conditioner 220 is similar to signal conditioner 230 previously described. A Butterworth filter is used to eliminate high frequency co~ponents contained in the weld voltage which is actually the voltage across arc 70. The gain of signal conditioner 220 is set to provide a full scale output of 10 volts when the weld voltage lon cable 21) is at about 100 volts.
Low Arc Voltage Monitor 190 The low arc voltage monitor 190 co~.prises low voltage threshold detector 192, and an operational ~.23~3~35i amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 193.
Monitor 190 provides a signal to process stop system 180 to disable the contactor relay 182 if the weld FB
voltage drops below a prescribed "low arc voltage"
threshold (typically 27 volts when the maximum weld voltage is 100 volts) for a pres~ribed "low arc voltage"
length of time (typically .6 seconds). Dropping below the prescribed 'low arc voltageK threshold for an ex-tended period is an indication of electrode 58 shorting to workpiece 121. The shortout is a situation requiring that the arc cutting process be shut down relatively quickly if damage to the workpiece 121 and power supply 20 is to be avoided. Timing the shortout is necessary to avoid shutting down on a momentary electrode-to-workpiece contact. Normally ti-e., when the weld F~
voltage analog exceeds the low voltage threshold setting of threshold detector 192) the output of ti~ing integrator 193 is positive causing relay driver 182 to enable contactor relay 182. When the weld FB voltage ; 20 drops below the threshold detector 192 setting, the output of threshold detector-192 changes from a negative maximum to a positive maximum (typically from -15 volts to +15 volts). The out~ut of integrator 193 begins to linearly drop with respect to time. The integration time constant of integratOr 193 is set to allow the integrator to drop to the voltage where relay driver 182 changes state in a time period of about .6 second from the start of low weld ~ voltage.
Should the weld FB voltage rise above the low voltage threshold before relay driver 182 changes state, the process remains unaffected. The integrator 193 merely integrates back to a positive maximum.
Arc Off Retract System 200 The arc off retract system 200 comprises an operational amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 201, a voltage comparator 202, relay driver 203, and retract override relay 206. Retract system 200 initiates the electrode retract mode of electrode feed retract motor 30 via the retract override relay 206 when the arc current drops below the prescribed low current threshold in low c~rrent threshold detector 240.
Retract timing integrator 2Ql causes arc off comparator 202 and relay driver 203 to deenergize retract override relay 206 after sufficient time has passed to ensure : that electrode feed retract motor 30 has retracted elec-trode 58 safely from ~orkpiece 121. Deenergization of retract override relay 206 terminates the electrode re-tract mode of electrode feed retract motor 30.
Process Stop System 180 The process stop system 180 comprises a logic "or" r~lay driver 182 and contactor relay 18~. Process stop 180 stops the electrode arc generation process if either of the inputs to low arc voltage monitor lgO or ~.Z~3~
low arc current monitor 170 drop below threshcld. Like-wise, if both the low arc voltage monitor 190 and lo~J
arc current monitor 170 outputs are above threshold, the contactor relay 1~4 can be disabled by the start stop control 110.
Relay Switching 210 Relay switching 210 comprises contacts of relays 184, 165, 206, 154, 143. The function of the relay switching 210 is the initiation of the electrode feed, electrode retract, weld volts, and workpiece travel functions in response to enabling signals. Normally open contacts 1~4a-b and 165a are actuated by relays 184 and 165 respectively. ~lormally open contacts 206a are activated by retract override relay 206. Further normally open contacts 154a, 143a are actuated by relays 154 and 143 respectively.
Relays 143,154 are solid state devices to ensure rapid actuation (less than 5 ~illiseconds) of the feed and retract actions of the electrode motor 30.
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In automatic control system 10, the following components have been used for the function and operation described and shown:
Ref NumeFal Component ~y~
141,151,152,163, Quad. Operational MC4741 171,172,1921193, Amplifier 201,202,221 142,153,164, Relay ~river EXAR
182,203 XP~2201 :~ 10 231,241 Dual Operational XR1458 A~plifier .
.
The operator begins operation of system 10 by adjusting the mode select switch 90 to either a constant current or constant potential setting depending upon the kind (constant potential ~CP" or constant current "CCn) of welding power source 20 being used. He then adjusts the arc level command ~0 to a prescribed arc current or voltage level consistent with the mode switch 90 setting: e.g., if a constant potential power source 20 is used, a specific arc current level is set. If a constant current source ~0 is used, an arc voltage level ~.~3G~935 i5 set. The operator adjusts the travel delay 100 to a satisfactory value and initiates the arc cutting process by way of a conventional process start, stop control 110.
Assuming that the mode select switch 90 is in the constant potential scurce mode when the electrode arc 70 is first struck, the weld FB current will ini-tially exceed the value set into arc level command 80.
The weld FB current, appropriately filtered and convert-ed to a voltage analog for computational purposes by signal conditioner 23Q, is ~ed to feedback command arc control system 150 and feedback command arc control system 140. These two arc control systems alternately energize the feed and retract modes of electrode feed retract motor 30 to cause carbon electrode 58 to alter-nately feed and retract from the conductive workpiece 60 thereby to maintain arc 70 at a specific feedback current level. This is in response to a prescribed arc level com~and 80 as set into the automatic arc control system 10 by the operator.
If the mode select switch 90 was in the constant current source mode 92 the magnitude of the weld FB voltage 21 is then sensed. The weld F~ voltage is filtered by signal conditioner 220 and applied to feedback command arc control systems 140 and 150.
These two arc control systems alternately energize feed retract motor 30 so that electrode 5~ alternately feeds and retracts from workpiece 121 thereby to maintain arc 70 at a specific voltage level.
....
~ 23a?~3s ~ he output of signal conditioner 230 is also fed to low current threshold 240. If the output voltage of signal conditioner 230 represents a weld current greater than threshold, (threshold typically being 200 amperes) then workpiece travel system 160 initiates a travel timing interval. If the weld current remains above threshold during the travel timing interval, the work-piece carriage 120 moves rearward with respect to the stationary carbon electrode 58, thus cutting a groove of prescribed depth in workpiece 60.
The electrode feed retract process previously described is sufficiently accurate so as to allow an electrode 58 to workpiece 121 gap 70 as small, typical-ly, as one hundredth of an inch. At such spacing, the electrode may occasionally weld to the workpiece causing a shortout. A sustained shortout can damage the work-piece 121 as well as the power source 20. The weld FB
voltage, suitably filtered and adjusted in amplitude by signal conditioner 220 is fed to low arc voltage monitor 190. Low arc voltage monitor 190 contains an arc volt-age threshold detector ~typically set at 27 volts when maximum weld voltage is 100 volts). If the weld F~
voltage analog at the output of signal conditioner 220 falls below the arc voltage threshold for a predeter-mined length of time (as would happen during a shortout) low arc voltage monitor 190 provides a process stop signal to process stop system 180. The contactor reiay in the process stop system 180 is thereby disabled, ~ ~3~93~ii g opening contactor relay contacts 184b and thus turning the arc cutting process of~ and avoiding damage due to a sustained shortout.
Absence oE an arc current (because the contactor is off) is now sensed by arc off retract system 200. Relay contacts in relay switching system 210 are closed by the arc off retract system 200. The electrode 5~ is thereby caused to retract from workpiece 121. Electrode retraction is timed by a retraction interval timer in the arc off retract system 200. The retraction interval is long enough to ensure that electrode 58 safely exits from workpiece 121. Thus arc control system 10 automatically retracts the electrode 58 during process shutdown.
An alternate process leading to shutdown results if the weld FB current analog at the output of signal conditioner 230 drops below the low current threshold, as measured by low current threshold detector 240, for a predetermined time as measured by low arc current monitor 170. This condition, caused by the electrode 58 reaching the end of the workpiece 121, causes the process stop system 180 to disable the contactor relay 184, shutting down the process. The foregoing may also be accomplished in a further embodiment by sensing a high arc voltage threshold instead o~ a low arc current threshold. Specifically, a switch assembly (not shown) would connect the input of monitor 170 to ~I.Z3~35 the arc FB voltage analog at the output of signal condi-; tioner 220 instead of the output oE detector 24a.
Accordingly, monitor 170 would then be effective to operate as a high voltage threshold detector. When the output of conditioner 220 rises above a high voltage threshold for a predetermined time as measured by monitor 170, process stop system 180 would disable relay 184 thereby shutting down the process.
A more detailed understanding of the preferred embodiment of the automatic arc control system 10 may be had by a review of the functional blocks and logic elements of Fig. 3.
Mode Switch 90 Switch 90 is ganged by way of arm 101 to a three pole double throw switch 99 in relay switching block 210. In combination these switches select either the constant current or constant potential modes of operation. When mode switch 90 is in the CC position, switch contacts 91,92 connect a voltage feedback signal at the output of signal conditioner 220 to the inputs of the feedback command system 150 and feedback command system 140. In this position, switch 99 contacts 94,95 connect relay contacts 143a to electrode retract line 12 and contacts 96,97 connect relay contact 154a to elec-trode feed line 11.
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When switch 90 is in the CP position, contacts 91,93 connect a current feedback signal at the output of signal conditioner 230 to the inputs of systems 140,150.
In this CP position, switch 99 contacts 95,98a connect relay contacts 143a to electrode feed line 11 and switch contacts 97,98 connect relay contacts 154a to line 12.
Thus, the action of swtiches 90 and 99 is: (1) to select either a voltage or current feedback signal, and (2) to directly apply or reverse the connection of relay contacts 143a,154a to electrode feed line 11 and electrode retract line 12.
Feedback Command System 140 The feedback command system 140 comprises command feedback comparator 141, relay driver 142, and lS solid state relay 143. The principal function of the feedback command system 140 is the activation of the electrode feed retract motor 30 via the solid state relay 143 when the weld voltage or current feedback signal (which feedback signal is present depends on mode switch 90 position) is less than the arc level command set 80 as entered by the operator.
~.2~3~i In the constant current mode of operation, the arc level command set ~0 i5 a voltage analog of the desired arc voltage. ~hen the weld voltage feedback signal drops below the arc level command set ~0, then feedback command system 140 causes electrode 58 to retract from the workpiece 121 raising the voltage feedback signal~ In the constant potential mode of operation, the arc level command se~ 80 is a voltage analog of a desired arc current. ~hen the weld current feedback signal drops below the arc level co~mand set 80, then feedback command system 140 causes the electrode 58 to feed into the workpiece 121 raising the weld current feedback signal.
Solid state relay 143 will control either the electrode feed or retract mode of the electrode feed retract motor 30 depending upon the mode switch 90 posi-tion. If the mode switch 90 were in the constant cur-rent position for reading voltage feedback, then acti-vating relay 143 enables the electrode retract mode of the electrode feed retract motor 30. If switch 90 were in its CP position for reading current feedback, then relay 143 enables the feed mode.
Feedback Command System 1~0 The feedback command system 150 comprises command feedback comparator 151, a unity gain signal -~ 23~35;
inverter 152, relay driver 153, ancl solid state relaty 154. The principal function of the feedback command system 150 is the actuation of the electrode feed re-tract motor 30 via the solid state relay 154 when the weld voltage or current feedback signal is greater than the level of the operator-set command 80. If switch 90 were in its CC ~osition for reading voltage feedback, then relay 154 enables the feed ~ode. Alternatively, if switch 90 were in its CP position for reading voltage feedback, then relay 154 enables the retract mode. The feedback command logic 150 and the feedback command logic 140 previously discussed work in opposition: if one causes retraction of the electrode 58 under its co~-parator threshold conditions the other causes electrode 58 to feed under its comparator threshold conditions.
In this manner, the null adjust 130 causes an offset in the threshold of comparator 141 which results in a delay or hysteresis effect minimizing oscillation between the retract and feed modes.
Signal Conditioner 230 The signal conditioner 230 includes an opera-tional amplifier configured as a conventional ~utter-worth filter. Additionally the gain of the operational amplifier is set to convert the arc current shunt 60 full scale output of 5Q millivolts to 10 volts. The ~andwidth limi~ing of the ~utterworth filter is ..
~ 23~?35i necessary to re~ove high frequency components fro~ the arc current derived signal.
Low Current Threshold Detector 240 The low current threshold detectcr 241 is ad-justed to change state (typically from +15v to -15v) when the weld FB current signal analog at the output of the signal conditioner 230 is greater than a predeter mined threshold (typically 2 volts when the full scale is 10 volts).
Workpiece Travel System 160 The workpiece travel system 160 comprises an operational amplifier configured as a positive~going integrator 163 and having an input potentiometer 100, relay driver 164 and travel relay 165. System 160 en-; 15 ables the workpiece carriage travel ~otor 40 via the travel relay 165 after the weld current exceeds the low current threshold 240 setting for a prescribed travel ti~ing interval.
The travel timing interval measure~ent is accom-plished by setting integrator 163 output initially at zero volts and linearly increasing the output with re-spect to time until relay driver 164 enables travel re-lay 165. The workpiece travel system 60 disables the workpiece travel motor 40 if the weld current drops ~.23 (:~3~
below the low current threshold longer than a prescribed interval. As shown in Fig. 1, workpiece 60 travels beneath a stationary electrode 58. In a further embodi-ment the workpiece may be stationary while the electrode carriage may travel, with control by the workpiece travel syste~ 160.
Low Arc Current Monitor The low arc current monitor 170 comprises a sig-nal inverting unity gain operational amplifier 171 and an operational amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 172. Monitor 170 disables the contactor relay 182 if the weld current drops below the low current threshold detector 240 setting for a prescribed "low arc current" length of time (typically .6 seconds~. The measurement of the low arc current ti~e interval is achieved by causing the output of integrator 172 to linearly drop from a maximum positive signal towards zero volts. Relay driver 182 (in the process stop system 180~ disables relay 182 when integrator 172 output approaches zero voltsO
As shown in Fig. 3~ the input of integrator 172 is connected through resistor 17S and potentiometer 176.
In addition, integrator 172 may be shunted so that it does not provide low current shutoff by means of a switch 1770 These components are provided since conven-tional power supplies 20 have differing characteristics ~2~
upon start up. Some power supplies may have a violent flow of current which has the effect of blowing the tip off the electrode causing shutdown. Other power supplies have more gentle start-up. Potentiometer wiper 176a may be adjusted to match many of these characteris-tics. For example, moving wiper to the left may match so-called nor~al characteristics of power supplies with less violent start-up. As wiper 176a is moved to the right, it would match special characteristics of more violent start-up by increasing the input resistance to ti~ing integrator 172. When the operator does not want low current shutoff to occur at all, he may control this manual].y by closing switch 177 to clamp off the inte-grator.
Signal Conditioner 220 The signal conditioner 220 is similar to signal conditioner 230 previously described. A Butterworth filter is used to eliminate high frequency co~ponents contained in the weld voltage which is actually the voltage across arc 70. The gain of signal conditioner 220 is set to provide a full scale output of 10 volts when the weld voltage lon cable 21) is at about 100 volts.
Low Arc Voltage Monitor 190 The low arc voltage monitor 190 co~.prises low voltage threshold detector 192, and an operational ~.23~3~35i amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 193.
Monitor 190 provides a signal to process stop system 180 to disable the contactor relay 182 if the weld FB
voltage drops below a prescribed "low arc voltage"
threshold (typically 27 volts when the maximum weld voltage is 100 volts) for a pres~ribed "low arc voltage"
length of time (typically .6 seconds). Dropping below the prescribed 'low arc voltageK threshold for an ex-tended period is an indication of electrode 58 shorting to workpiece 121. The shortout is a situation requiring that the arc cutting process be shut down relatively quickly if damage to the workpiece 121 and power supply 20 is to be avoided. Timing the shortout is necessary to avoid shutting down on a momentary electrode-to-workpiece contact. Normally ti-e., when the weld F~
voltage analog exceeds the low voltage threshold setting of threshold detector 192) the output of ti~ing integrator 193 is positive causing relay driver 182 to enable contactor relay 182. When the weld FB voltage ; 20 drops below the threshold detector 192 setting, the output of threshold detector-192 changes from a negative maximum to a positive maximum (typically from -15 volts to +15 volts). The out~ut of integrator 193 begins to linearly drop with respect to time. The integration time constant of integratOr 193 is set to allow the integrator to drop to the voltage where relay driver 182 changes state in a time period of about .6 second from the start of low weld ~ voltage.
Should the weld FB voltage rise above the low voltage threshold before relay driver 182 changes state, the process remains unaffected. The integrator 193 merely integrates back to a positive maximum.
Arc Off Retract System 200 The arc off retract system 200 comprises an operational amplifier configured as a positive-going integrator 201, a voltage comparator 202, relay driver 203, and retract override relay 206. Retract system 200 initiates the electrode retract mode of electrode feed retract motor 30 via the retract override relay 206 when the arc current drops below the prescribed low current threshold in low c~rrent threshold detector 240.
Retract timing integrator 2Ql causes arc off comparator 202 and relay driver 203 to deenergize retract override relay 206 after sufficient time has passed to ensure : that electrode feed retract motor 30 has retracted elec-trode 58 safely from ~orkpiece 121. Deenergization of retract override relay 206 terminates the electrode re-tract mode of electrode feed retract motor 30.
Process Stop System 180 The process stop system 180 comprises a logic "or" r~lay driver 182 and contactor relay 18~. Process stop 180 stops the electrode arc generation process if either of the inputs to low arc voltage monitor lgO or ~.Z~3~
low arc current monitor 170 drop below threshcld. Like-wise, if both the low arc voltage monitor 190 and lo~J
arc current monitor 170 outputs are above threshold, the contactor relay 1~4 can be disabled by the start stop control 110.
Relay Switching 210 Relay switching 210 comprises contacts of relays 184, 165, 206, 154, 143. The function of the relay switching 210 is the initiation of the electrode feed, electrode retract, weld volts, and workpiece travel functions in response to enabling signals. Normally open contacts 1~4a-b and 165a are actuated by relays 184 and 165 respectively. ~lormally open contacts 206a are activated by retract override relay 206. Further normally open contacts 154a, 143a are actuated by relays 154 and 143 respectively.
Relays 143,154 are solid state devices to ensure rapid actuation (less than 5 ~illiseconds) of the feed and retract actions of the electrode motor 30.
-~ 23~3~
In automatic control system 10, the following components have been used for the function and operation described and shown:
Ref NumeFal Component ~y~
141,151,152,163, Quad. Operational MC4741 171,172,1921193, Amplifier 201,202,221 142,153,164, Relay ~river EXAR
182,203 XP~2201 :~ 10 231,241 Dual Operational XR1458 A~plifier .
.
Claims (7)
1. A control system which senses arc current and arc voltage and controls the feed of a carbon electrode in an air-carbon arc metal removal system having arc power produced by either a constant potential power source or a constant current power source comprising:
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command signal;
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal;
feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal;
and switching means for alternately applying as said input signal to said feedback means (1) said arc current command signal when said constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc current at a predetermined value, or (2) said arc voltage command signal when said constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc current and providing an arc current command signal;
means for sensing the magnitude of the arc voltage and providing an arc voltage command signal;
feedback control means for controlling the feed of the carbon electrode toward and away from a workpiece in accordance with an applied input signal;
and switching means for alternately applying as said input signal to said feedback means (1) said arc current command signal when said constant potential source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc current at a predetermined value, or (2) said arc voltage command signal when said constant current source provides weld power thereby to maintain the arc voltage at a predetermined value.
2. The control system of claim 1 in which said arc current sensing means and arc voltage sensing means each includes means for filtering high frequency com-ponents from the respective sensed arc current and arc voltage.
3. The control system of claim 2 in which said feedback control means comprises a first and a second feedback command system each having a comparator circuit and a relay means.
4. The control system of claim 3 in which said switching means includes a first switch for applying either said arc current command signal or said arc volt-age command signal to both the first and second feedback command systems.
5. The control system of claim 4 in which there is provided means for feeding and for retracting the electrode and in which said switching means includes a second switch ganged to said first switch for connecting the output of said first and second feedback command systems to respective feeding and retracting means in accordance with the position of the first and second switches for controlling the feed and retract of the carbon electrode in accordance with the magnitude of the arc current or arc voltage command signal.
6. The control system of claim 1 in which there is provided:
threshold means for determining when the arc voltage signal has a value below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined amount of time for providing a command signal; and stop means coupled to said threshold means for disconnecting the arc power source from the electrode upon application of said command signal.
threshold means for determining when the arc voltage signal has a value below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined amount of time for providing a command signal; and stop means coupled to said threshold means for disconnecting the arc power source from the electrode upon application of said command signal.
7. The control system of claim 1 in which there is provided:
threshold means for determining when the arc current signal has a value above a predetermined value for a predetermined amount of time for providing a command signal; and stop means coupled to said threshold means for disconnecting the arc power source from the electrode upon application of said command signal.
threshold means for determining when the arc current signal has a value above a predetermined value for a predetermined amount of time for providing a command signal; and stop means coupled to said threshold means for disconnecting the arc power source from the electrode upon application of said command signal.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000521656A CA1230935A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1986-10-28 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US485,804 | 1983-04-18 | ||
| US06/485,804 US4492841A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-04-18 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal |
| CA000451844A CA1230166A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1984-04-12 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal systems |
| CA000521656A CA1230935A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1986-10-28 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000451844A Division CA1230166A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1984-04-12 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal systems |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1230935A true CA1230935A (en) | 1987-12-29 |
Family
ID=25670360
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000521656A Expired CA1230935A (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1986-10-28 | Constant potential/constant current automatic control system for air-carbon arc metal removal |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1230935A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-10-28 CA CA000521656A patent/CA1230935A/en not_active Expired
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