Apparatus and method for automatically aligning a welding device for butt welding workpieces

摘要

Apparatus and method for aligning a welding device along the center of a gap defined by confronting edges of at least two workpieces (55,56) to be joined, wherein relative motion between the welding device and the workpiece gap (G) occurs along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the gap (G) such that the proximal edges of the workpieces (55,56) can be joined by forming a weld seam along the gap during the relative motion. The apparatus preferably includes an imaging system (77) for determining the location of the gap center relative to a predetermined two dimensional coordinate system by monitoring an image of a vision area along the gap downstream of the welding zone. In a preferred embodiment, the imaging system is effectively isolated from the welding zone through use of a high magnification optics system, a shroud structure, an independent light source (84), and a vectored jet of inert gas supplied to the welding zone.