GB1113412A - Improvements in or relating to multi-purpose apparatus for separating,chamfering and welding - Google Patents

Abstract

1,113,412. Welding and cutting by fusion. ROHRWERKE BITTERFELD VEB. 19 July, 1965, No. 30594/65. Headings B3R and B3V] A machine for arc-welding, cutting and chamfering the periphery of a tube comprises a split ring carrier 1a, 1b, adjustable clamps 8 for securing the carrier to the tube 2, one or more arc-welding or cutting torches 99 interchangeably mountable on the carrier so as to be driven in an orbital path around the tube 2 and gas and current supplies connected to a stationary part of the carrier which has means for passing the supplies to the torch 99. The torch 99 may be an arc or plasma arc torch for cutting or welding and have a consumable or non-consumable electrode 75. The torch 99 is adapted to be fitted with a collet or a contact tube for a non-consumable or consumable electrode respectively. The ring carrier is in two halves 1a 1b connected by removable hinge pins. The carrier mounts three clamps 8 actuated by threaded rods and loaded by springs 16. Ring halves 17a, 17b mounted in a groove in the carrier are rotated by a worm 21 driven by a motor on the carrier or by a flexible connection to a remote motor. Half annular plates 25, 26 are attached to the ring halves 17a, 17b and carry one or more torch mountings 52 adjustable radially and longitudinally of the tube 2. The torch 99 and a guide wheel 69 engaging the tube 2 are adjustably secured to a plate 60, adjustably urged by a spring 59 towards the tube 2. The plate 60 may be secured in two positions so that the torch and the guide wheel may be side-by-side or in tandem. The plate 60 has a lockable hinge 108 to enable chamfering to be performed. Current for the torches is picked up by brushes mounted on the plates 25, 26 and engaging slip rings 41 mounted on the carrier. Gas is fed to a groove 30 in the ring halves 17a, 17b and passes through one or more bores in the ring halves 17a, 17b to the torch or torches. In similar manner current may be supplied to a torch having a feed motor for a consumable electrode. In a modification for welding tubes to plates, the torch is mounted at a suitable angle to the axis of the ring carrier, which is secured on a support received in the tube to be welded.