Orbital welder with integrated track and gear drive
An orbital welding device for forming a circumferential weld bead to engage adjoining segments of pipe is provided. The device features an annular track ring having an opening for engagement around the pipe. A travel carriage rotationally engaged with the annular track ring has a first motor for rotating the travel carriage and an engaged welding head around the pipe for forming a weld thereon. A second motor is provided to adjust a distance of the welding head from the pipe.
1. An orbital welding apparatus for forming a weld bead to engage adjoining segments of pipe, comprising:
an annular track ring having an opening defined by an interior circumference and having an exterior circumference, said opening adapted for engagement with an exterior circumference of a said pipe;
said track ring having a circular recess formed therein on a side surface;
a travel carriage slidably engaged within said recess;
a first motor engaged to said travel carriage, said first motor having a first axle engaged with a first gear;
said first gear engaged with a gear track positioned in communication with said recess;
rotation of said first motor imparting a translation of said travel carriage within said recess;
a second motor engaged with said travel carriage, said second motor rotating a second axle;
an arm having a first end engaged with said second axle;
said arm having a second end engaged with a welding head; and
whereby said welding head is positionable around an exterior circumference of said pipe to position a weld thereon by said translation of said carriage within said recess, and a distance of said welding head from said exterior circumference along a first axis, is adjustable by rotation of said second motor.
2. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said opening is adapted for engagement with an exterior circumference of a said pipe by a plurality of adjustably translatable members extending away from said interior circumference.
3. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising:
said annular track ring being formed of two track ring segments;
a pivot engaging respective first ends of each of said two track ring segments; and
a lock engageable between respective second ends of said track ring segments.
4. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising:
said annular track ring being formed of two track ring segments;
a pivot engaging respective first ends of each of said two track ring segments; and
a lock engageable between respective second ends of said track ring segments.
5. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising:
said arm formed of a first portion of said arm extending from said second axle to a first portion of a secondary mount and a second portion of said arm extending from said welding head to a second portion of said secondary mount which is in sliding engagement with said first portion of said secondary mount;
a third motor engaged to translate said sliding portion of said secondary mount, whereby said welding head is translatable along a second axis, normal to said first axis.
6. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising:
said arm formed of a first portion of said arm extending from said second axle to a first portion of a secondary mount and a second portion of said arm extending from said welding head to a second portion of said secondary mount which is in sliding engagement with said first portion of said secondary mount;
a third motor engaged to translate said sliding portion of said secondary mount, whereby said welding head is translatable along a second axis, normal to said first axis.
7. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 3 additionally comprising:
said arm formed of a first portion of said arm extending from said second axle to a first portion of a secondary mount and a second portion of said arm extending from said welding head to a second portion of said secondary mount which is in sliding engagement with said first portion of said secondary mount;
a third motor engaged to translate said sliding portion of said secondary mount, whereby said welding head is translatable along a second axis, normal to said first axis.
8. The orbital welding apparatus of claim 4 additionally comprising:
said arm formed of a first portion of said arm extending from said second axle to a first portion of a secondary mount and a second portion of said arm extending from said welding head to a second portion of said secondary mount which is in sliding engagement with said first portion of said secondary mount;
a third motor engaged to translate said sliding portion of said secondary mount, whereby said welding head is translatable along a second axis, normal to said first axis.