Solid state switch for arc welding
OwnerGino Saccon, Jeff Jouperinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solid-state contactor for an arc welder is provided. The contactor includes a processor assembly configured to generate a logical signal. The processor assembly includes an output and a processor. The processor is configured to generate the logical signal at the output. A switch is configured to conduct electrical current from a power source to a wire conductor in response to the logical signal at the output.
Claims20
A solid-state contactor for an arc welder, the contactor comprising:
- a controller assembly being configured to generate a logical triggering signal, the controller assembly including:
- an input including:
- an input stage configured to receive a logical signal indicative of a trigger being depressed:
- an input stage configured to receive a signal indicative of a volume of current at a welding arc:
- and
- an input stage configured to receive a logical signal indicative of activation of a wire feed motor:
- an output;
- and
- a processor, the processor being configured to generate the logical triggering signal at the output based upon the received signals indicative of the volume of current and of the activation of the wire feed motor;
- and
- a switch configured to conduct electrical current from a power source to a wire conductor in response to the logical triggering signal at the output.
An arc welding machine including a solid-state contactor, the contactor comprising:
- a power source, the power source being configured to provide an electrical current;
- a controller assembly being configured to generate a logical triggering
- signal, the controller assembly including:
- an input including:
- an input stage configured to receive a logical signal indicative of a trigger being depressed;
- an input configured to receive a signal indicative of a volume of current at a welding arc;
- and
- an input configured to receive a logical signal indicative of activation of a wire feed motor;
- an output;
- and
- a processor, the processor being configured to generate the logical triggering signal at the output based upon the received signals indicative of the volume of current and of the activation of the wire feed motor;
- and
- a switch configured to conduct electrical current from a power source to a wire conductor in response to the logical triggering signal at the output.
A method for welding with an arc welding wire feed machine, the method comprising:
- receiving a signal indicative of depression of a trigger;
- receiving a signal indicative of feeding a wire electrode at a welding arc;
- receiving a signal indicative of a current volume at the welding arc;
- conducting an electrical current from a power source to a drain of at least one transistor;
- and
- energizing a gate of the at least one transistor, in response to the signals indicative of depression of the trigger, feeding the wire electrode, and the volume of current at the welding arc, the transistor configured to admit an electrical current from the power source to a wire conductor in response to energizing the gate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.