Joining apparatus

• US 6,326,580 B1
• Filed: 08/22/2000
• Issued: 12/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Miyachi Corporation (Amada Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Miyachi Corporation (Amada Company Limited)
• Inventors: Hiiro, Shigeyuki
• Primary Examiner(s): Shaw, Clifford C.
• Application Number:
  US09/642,693
• Time in Patent Office: 469 Days
• Field of Search: 219/110, 219/91.21, 219/92, 219/56.1, 219/56.21, 219/56.22
• US Class Current: 219/110
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 11/241 Electric supplies B23K11/248 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 11/252 using digital means
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 11/257 the measured parameter being an electrical current
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 2101/38 Conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/0228 without preliminary removing of insulation before soldering or welding

Abstract

After the initiation of a first current-supplying time an insulator of a coated wired W₁ cuts off an electrically conductive path and hence a secondary current I₂ for melting and removing the insulator is caused to flow from an upper electrode 20 by way of an intermediate electrode 26. An interior conductor is exposed to form an electrically conductive path leading to workpieces (W₁ and W₂) between the upper electrode 20 and a lower electrode 22, allowing a branch current I_B to flow into the lower electrode 22. A control unit monitors a current detection signal <I_B> from a current detecting circuit 34. When the signal <I_B> has reached a skip level SK, the control unit terminates the supply of current of a first current-supplying time and initiates the current supply of a second current-supplying time for joining the wire W₁ to a terminal member W₂.

Claims

1. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said second electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

2. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said second electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

3. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said third electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reduced to a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

4. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said third electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reduced to a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

5. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said second electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said current flowing through said second electrode to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

6. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said second electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said current flowing through said second electrode to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

7. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said third electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reduced to a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said current flowing through said second electrode to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

8. A joining apparatus for joining coated wires each consisting of a conductor covered with an insulator, said apparatus comprising:

first and second electrodes arranged to clamp said coated wires laid one on top of the other or said coated wire and a terminal member laid one on top of the other, to apply a pressure thereto from both sides;

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals electrically connected to said first and second electrodes, respectively, said power supply circuit supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a third electrode having a portion in intimate contact with a fore-end of said first electrode, said third electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through said third electrode and detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reduced to a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said current flowing through said second electrode to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining said conductor and said terminal member together during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

9. A joining apparatus for joining together a pair of members to be joined that are laid one on top of the other, at least one of said pair of members being a coated wire, said apparatus comprising:

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals and supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a first electrode formed of an electrically conductive, high-heat generating member having first and second terminals electrically connected to said first and second output terminals, respectively, of said power supply circuit, said first electrode having a fore-end between said first and second terminals, said fore-end coming into contact with one of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

a second electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and coming into contact with the other of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through a path extending between said second electrode and said second output terminal of said power supply circuit, said current monitoring means detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power-supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

10. The joining apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a first switch disposed between said first output terminal of said power supply circuit and said second terminal of said first electrode;

a second switch disposed between said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and said second terminal of said first electrode; and

switching control means, during said first current-supplying time, keeping said first switch open but said second switch closed, said switching control means, during said second current-supplying time, keeping said second switch open but said first switch closed.

11. The joining apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:

a switch disposed between said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and said second terminal of said first electrode; and

switching control means keeping said switch closed during said first current-supplying time, but open during said second current-supplying time.

12. A joining apparatus for joining together a pair of members to be joined that are laid one on top of the other, at least one of said pair of members being a coated wire, said apparatus comprising:

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals and supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a first electrode formed of an electrically conductive, high-heat generating member having first and second terminals electrically connected to said first and second output terminals, respectively, of said power supply circuit, said first electrode having a fore-end between said first and second terminals, said fore-end coming into contact with one of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

a second electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and coming into contact with the other of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through a path extending between said second electrode and said second output terminal of said power supply circuit, said current monitoring means detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

13. A joining apparatus for joining together a pair of members to be joined that are laid one on top of the other, at least one of said pair of members being a coated wire, said apparatus comprising:

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals and supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a first electrode formed of an electrically conductive, high-heat generating member having first and second terminals electrically connected to said first and second output terminals, respectively, of said power supply circuit, said first electrode having a fore-end between said first and second terminals, said fore-end coming into contact with one of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

a second electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and coming into contact with the other of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through a path extending between said second terminal of said first electrode and said second output terminal of said power supply circuit, said current monitoring means detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power-supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining during a second current-supplying time starting from the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.

14. A joining apparatus for joining together a pair of members to be joined that are laid one on top of the other, at least one of said pair of members being a coated wire, said apparatus comprising:

a power supply circuit having first and second output terminals and supplying a main current to an electrically conductive path extending between said first and second output terminals;

a first electrode formed of an electrically conductive, high-heat generating member having first and second terminals electrically connected to said first and second output terminals, respectively, of said power supply circuit, said first electrode having a fore-end between said first and second terminals, said fore-end coming into contact with one of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

a second electrode electrically connected to said second output terminal of said power supply circuit and coming into contact with the other of said pair of members to be joined with a predetermined pressurizing force;

current monitoring means monitoring a current flowing through a path extending between said second terminal of said first electrode and said second output terminal of said power supply circuit, said current monitoring means detecting a timing when a current value of said current has reached a predefined level; and

current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a first current set value for melting and removing of said insulator during a first current-supplying time starting from the initiation of the supply of current and ending by the detection of said timing, said current control means providing a control of said power supply circuit so as to allow said main current to be substantially coincident with a second current set value for joining during a second current-supplying time starting after the elapse of a predefined current OFF time following the detection of said timing and ending by the termination of the supply of current.