19
`
`FEDERAL REPUBLIC
`GERMANY
`GERMANY
`
`12 Patent application
`10 DE 102 22 248 A1
`
`51
`
`Int. Cl.7:
`B 23 K 11/10
`
`DE10222248A1
`
`21 Case number:
`filing date:
`22
`43 Patent application
`date:
`
`102 22 248.7
`16 5 2002
`27. 11. 2003
`
`GERMAN PATENT
`AND
`TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`71 applicant:
`REU-Schweißtechnik GmbH, 34225 Baunatal, DE
`
`74 Representatives:
`Hanewinkel, L, Dipl.-Phys., Pat. appl., 33102 Paderborn
`
`72
`
`Inventor:
`Kässler, Werner, 34225 Baunatal, DE; Driessen, Heinz-
`Peter, 34117 Kassel, DE
`
`FEDERAL PRINTING
`
`10:03
`
`103 480/610/1
`
`2
`
`The following data are taken from documents filed by the applicant
`54 Feeder spot welding electrode caps
`57
`Feeding device for spot welding electrode caps (E) to change the
`same with a welding tool shank of a welding robot, wherein an elongated
`block-shaped magazine (20), which directs in a row parallel
`to the
`longitudinal axis of the magazine recesses (21) for receiving the spot-
`welding electrode, caps with a respective projection (US), and which in a
`steeply inclined chute (10) is guided slidingly downward, which has an
`opening (11) with a stop (12) on which each case the lowest spot welding
`electrode cap (e) from the recesses (21) on the magazine ( 20) protrudes,
`is held against the stop (12) in a defined pickup position.
`
`DE10222248A1
`
`Ex. 1020, page 1
`
`

`
`DE 102 22 248 A 1
`
`1
`description
`
`invention relates to a device for
`[0001] The present
`changing the spot welding electrode caps, each supported
`on a coaxial welding tool shank of a spot welding robot. This
`spot welding electrode caps are replaced by wear of the
`welding electrode shaft
`in a Elektrodes dependent
`Maintenance, as described for example in DE 101 24 243,
`thereafter unused caps are placed on the shaft of
`the
`welding tool and held therein by friction.
`[0002] The object of the invention is to provide a feeding
`magazine of such spot welding electrode caps, which allows
`a simple way to keep available each spot welding electrode
`at a predetermined location, which can accommodate the
`automatically controlled welding tool shank, and a further
`spot welding electrode after removal of a first spot welding
`electrode at the same location as the first is provided, so
`that
`the automatic control of
`the welding tool shank to
`receive a new spot welding electrode can always drive the
`same place.
`
`[0003] The solution is that the spot welding electrode caps
`are to be kept in a magazine, the spot welding electrode
`caps are arranged in a straight
`row parallel
`to the
`longitudinal axis of
`the magazine. The spot welding
`electrode caps are employed in recesses in the magazine,
`for example, holes, received and retained therein by a
`laterally disposed spring mechanism by pinching. The spot
`welding electrode caps are inserted into the magazine, so
`that its opening, which serves to accommodate the welding
`tool shank, remains accessible. Providing each of a spot
`welding electrode cap at one place and a further spot
`welding electrode cap at the same location after the first
`electrode cap was removed from the magazine, is possible
`by the fact that the magazine itself is performing in a feed
`chute of a specially designed opening for the removal
`respectively of an including spot welding electrode cap. The
`chute can accommodate a magazine including this
`outstanding spot welding electrode caps contained in the
`recesses in its cross section, and the magazine itself can
`freely glide through the cross section of the feed chute in
`the longitudinal direction of the magazine. The cross section
`of the feed chute is designed so that a magazine contained
`in the receptacle openings spot welding electrode caps can
`freely glide through its cross section to the point
`in the
`longitudinal direction of the magazine, where a protrusion
`into the shaft stop strikes the outstanding cap edge from the
`magazine and the magazine is prevented from any further
`downward movement. Such a stop area is, for example, a
`narrowing of the cross section of the feed chute or a so
`arranged nose that when the spot welding electrode cap
`abuts said stop area, it is located just before the opening of
`the feed chute for removal.
`least one
`[0004] The opening of
`the feed chute has at
`cross-section such that the spot welding electrode can be
`taken out by an introduced welding tool-shank respectively
`after removal of a spot welding electrode cap slides the
`magazine now in the direction of the stop and the next spot
`welding electrode cap until it against the stop present and
`positioned in the same position as the previous spot welding
`electrode before the opening of the feed chute
`
`2
`Positioned in one embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to
`an a-centric spot welding electrode caps, so that a-centric
`spot welding electrode caps are accessible through the
`opening on the chute respectively in the same orientation.
`In this way it is achieved that acentric electrode caps can be
`opened in a predeterminable position on the shaft of a
`welding tool. In this embodiment, the magazine comprises
`receiving openings, which are provided with a conical bore,
`wherein the large opening of this bore is covered by a cover
`a-centrically with a circular opening. Preferably, the tapered
`bore corresponds to the flank angle of the electrode cap.
`Further preferably the edge of the hole flushes to one side
`with the edge of the conical bore. In this way, an acentric
`spot welding electrode cap depends upon insertion into the
`receiving opening of the magazine in the receiving opening,
`so that their edge is out of the conical bore and can be
`determined in accordance with this position of
`the spot
`welding electrode cap in the magazine.
`[0005]
`the feed chute is preferably equipped with a
`matching magazine for two parallel
`inner cross-sections.
`The magazines are arranged in opposite directions with
`their used electrode caps, and the attacks and extraction
`openings in the shaft are respectively arranged on both
`sides. The welding gun can thus with two tong arms have
`access simultaneously or sequentially after a short
`positioning on the two new electrode caps.
`[0006] In the vicinity of the electrode cap removal openings,
`the cap extractor is arranged, which is to be used from both
`sides and is thus used by the two robot arms successively
`before the new caps are placed.
`[0007] The cross sections of the magazine and of the feed
`chute are mutually fitting formed asymmetrically by e.g. an
`edge tapered in that the magazines always contribute only
`in a certain direction in the correct orientation to the removal
`opening and also under asymmetric cap formation.
`Preferably several magazines can be used lined, with a
`detector at bay emitting a signal before taking out the last
`cap.
`In the area between the cap extractor and the
`[0008]
`electrode caps-removal openings preferably two oppositely
`directed test bores at their base a test sensor are arranged,
`introduced into an inspection station which is served by the
`welding tool shank, which acts on the relevant page where
`each is checked after pulling the cap if it has actually been
`removed and is checked after putting the new cap, whether
`it was taken up properly. On error,
`respectively the
`previously applied procedure of withdrawing or the picking
`up is repeated.
`[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention
`are shown in Figures 1-6.
`[0010] Fig. 1 shows a side view of the feeding device for the
`spot welding electrode caps with a feed chute, which is
`fastened next to a electrode cap supplier on a common
`mounting rail.
`[0011] Fig. 2 shows the other side of the device shortened.
`[0012] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a magazine for use in the
`present feeder.
`[0013] FIG. 4 shows a cross section in the direction of the
`longitudinal axis through a magazine.
`
`Ex. 1020, page 2
`
`

`
`DE 102 22 248 A 1
`
`3
`[0014] Fig. 5 shows a detail of a cross section through a
`magazine for asymmetric electrode caps.
`[0015] Fig. 6 shows a cross section of a shaft with two
`magazines.
`[0016] Specifically, Fig. 1 shows a slightly inclined to the
`vertical chute 10, in which two adjacent and behind each
`other several magazines 20 are placed. The chute 10 has to
`view site in an opening 11 at the other side, a stop 12 is
`present. The stop 12 is so arranged that a spot welding
`electrode cap E, which is located in a recess 21 in the
`magazine 20, is prevented by the stop 12 to the further
`movement downwards and so the recess 21 with the therein
`spot welding electrode cap E in front of the opening 11 of
`the feed chute 10 is positioned. On a vertical mounting rail
`40 of the feed chute 10 something is fixed inclined so that
`an internal magazine 20 due to gravity slides through the
`chute 10. This movement of the magazine 20 in the feed
`chute 10 is stopped in each case by the abutment of a spot
`welding electrode cap, which is located in a recess 21 of the
`magazine 20 against
`the stop 12. The stop 12 may be
`arranged in the direction by the outer wall of the feed chute
`10 of the magazine 20 nose or adjustable plate consist of a
`on the inner wall of the feed chute or be formed in the
`region in which the stop 12 is formed, namely on the lower
`side of
`the opening 11,
`is bent
`in the direction of
`the
`magazine, so that the inner cross-section of the feed chute
`10 is reduced in this region of the stop.
`[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the magazine 20 slips
`due to gravity through the chute 10 and falls after taking the
`last spot welding electrode cap from the top recess 21
`below the chute 10. In a preferred embodiment, the feed
`chute 10 goes a length such that a plurality of magazines 20
`are superimposed in space. In order that a further delivery
`with new magazines can be carried out without close time
`limits, a plurality of electrode caps is arranged with a sensor
`SM in front of the opening 11 at a distance A, which signals
`the absence of a magazine there to a signal lamp L.
`[0018] Fig. 2 shows the lower portion of
`the feeding
`apparatus 10 from the other side as to Fig. 1. From the
`guide channel,
`the magazine 20 is inserted widely in
`inverted front area, which can be seen with its back closed.
`Behind exits the second magazine 20, which can be seen
`with the emptied recesses 21 and located in the removal
`opening 11 electrode cap E.
`[0019] Also you see on the frame 40 of the cap extractor 30
`with its draw-out 31 in which a used electrode cap E stands,
`which is pressed out during the next stripping operation
`respectively on the opposite side from accessing welding
`arm SA1, SA2. The three pivot axes 32 of the inner clamps
`and the tension spring 4, which spends the jaws in their
`basic position are shown.
`[0020] Approximately halfway between the evacuation port
`31 and the discharging port 11 is an inspection station 50,
`which includes bon oth sides test bores 51 with inside test
`sensors 52. The test bores are each matching the cap
`shape centric or acentric electrode caps E.
`[0021] Under the changing device is a collecting container
`60, in which the withdrawn caps and emptied magazines 20
`fall.
`
`4
`[0022] In the feed chute 10 a plurality of cap positions are in
`front of the removal opening 11 at a distance A ordened
`each with a magazine sensor SM which is connected to a
`lamp L as a signal generator.
`[0023] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a magazine 20 for use in
`the present invention with approximately cylindrical recesses
`21 for receiving the spot welding electrode caps. One edge
`the recess 21 penetrating hole 23, which merges into an
`adjoining it bore 22 of smaller diameter, accommodates a
`clamping device, such as a pin or spring rod 24. This pin 24
`is locked in the narrow bore 22 and can move resiliently
`evasive within the further subsequent bore 23 when it is
`pushed out by a spot welding electrode cap E in the recess
`21 from its original position. In the example, only one recess
`21 is equipped with an electrode cap E.
`[0024] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through a
`magazine 20 according to Fig. 2 and shows the edge side of
`the recesses 21 arranged pins 24, which runs in the edge of
`recess 21 arranged bores 22, 23. The recesses 21 are blind
`holes in an approximately cylindrical shape, so that inserted
`into the recesses 21 spot welding electrode caps E can be
`introduced into the recesses 21 so that they protrude to a
`certain extent
`from the US magazine. The extent of
`projection of US corresponds functionally with the position of
`the stop 12 on the chute 10.
`[0025] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the magazine 20 in
`cross-section, which is particularly suitable for acentric
`electrode caps. The recess 21 for receiving the acentric
`electrode caps EA is designed as a conical bore in the base
`body 20a. This conical bore has the same flank angle as the
`electrode cap. Above the conical bore 25 is a circular end
`bore 26, which is arranged within a plate-like lid 20b and the
`diameter of which corresponds to the electrode cap in a
`loose fit.
`[0026] Such a magazine 20 thus has both a base member
`20a with conical holes 25 and a plate-shaped lid part 20b.
`The arrangement of the bore 26 is eccentric to the conical
`bore 25 achieves that acentric electrode caps EA when they
`are pressed in any position rotated in the magazine, turn
`over so far that its edge rests completely on the wall of the
`conical bore. This rotation is effected to the side which is
`adjacent to the taper hole of the edge of the closest cover
`bore. In a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated, the
`edge of the cover bore 26 ends with an edge of the taper
`hole 25 so that the opposite edge of the cover bore 26 has
`the largest possible distance to the underlying edge of the
`conical bore 25.
`In a further preferred embodiment,
`the
`diameter of the cover bore 26 in a loose fit corresponds to
`the outer diameter of the spot welding electrode caps. As
`previously described in Fig. 3, a pin 24 is in the cover 20b as
`a clamping mechanism which can move within bore 23. The
`pin 24 intersects the outer periphery of the cover bore 26 so
`that a spot welding electrode cap that is inserted, is clamped
`by the pin 24.
`[0027] Fig. 6 shows a cross section of the feed chute 10
`with two magazines 20. These are used directed with their
`electrode supernatants US respectively at stop 12, which
`protrudes into the free cross section.
`
`Ex. 1020, page 3
`
`

`
`5.
`[0028] The magazines 20 are provided on a rear edge with
`a bevel 28, which is respectively associated with a
`respective orientation insert 29 in the shaft.
`[0029] Figs. 3 and 4 also show phases 27 at one end of the
`magazine 20, which serve to facilitate the introduction into
`the feed chute.
`
`LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
`
`10 feed chute
`11 removal openings
`12 stop
`20 Magazine
`20a base body of 20
`20b cover of 20
`21 recess
`22 narrow bore
`23 wide bore
`24 spring pin
`25 conical bore
`26 cover bore
`27 phases
`28 Park Bevel
`29 orientation inserts
`30 puller
`31 evacuation port
`32 axes
`4 spring
`40 frame
`50 inspection
`51 test hole
`52 test sensor
`60 receptacle
`A distance
`E electrode cap
`EA acentric electrode cap
`L rechargeable light / signal transmitter
`SA1 welding arm
`SA2 welding arm
`SM magazine sensor
`US supernatant
`
`Patent claims
`
`1. Feeding device for spot welding electrode caps (E) to
`change the same with a welding tool shank of a welding
`robot, characterized in that near the suction area (30)
`an elongated block-shaped magazine (20) is arranged,
`which in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
`magazine recesses (21)
`for
`receiving each a spot
`welding electrode cap with a respective supernatant
`(US) and the steeply inclined chute (10) is guided
`slipping down, having an opening (11) with a stop (12)
`on which each the lowest spot welding electrode cap (e)
`consisting of the recesses (21) protrudes through the
`magazine (20), the stop (12) is held in a defined pickup
`position.
`
`2. Feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in
`that the stop (12) to the opening (11) adjacent portion of
`the wall of the feed chute (10) has a reduced cross
`section.
`3. Feeding device according to one of the preceding
`claims, characterized in that the recesses (21) of the
`magazine (20) are cylindrical and in each case at the
`outer portion there is a pin (24)
`
`DE 102 22 248 A 1
`
`6
`extends, which with one end in a bore (23) transversely
`respectively inserted and the
`to the recess (21)
`inserted electrode cap (E) keeps with spring.
`4. Feeding device according to one of the preceding
`claims, characterized in that
`the magazine (20)
`comprises a base body (20a) with conical bores (25)
`matching the taper of an asymmetric electrode cap
`(EA) and disposed above cover part (20b) eccentric to
`the conical bores (25) arranged on circular electrode
`cap diameter matching bores (26), so that
`firmly
`inserted acentric spot welding electrode caps (EA) are
`always inserted in the same orientation therein.
`
`5. Feeding device according to claim 4, characterized
`in that the circular lid bore (26) is arranged so the
`conical bore (25) so that the edge of the circular lid
`bore (26) on one side is flush with the edge of the
`conical bore (25).
`
`6. Feeding device according to one of claims 4 or 5.
`characterized in that a pin (22) disposed in a bore (23)
`is held with a loose fit, in the edge region of the circular
`bore (26), an electrode cap (EA) is resiliently holding.
`
`7. associated with feeding apparatus according to one
`of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed
`chute (10) has a free internal cross-section in the
`adjacent two magazines (20) are guided with parallel
`longitudinal axes in a loose fit, wherein the electrode
`caps are directed (E) opposite and this in each case on
`both sides, the openings (11) and the stops (12) are
`mounted on the feed shaft (10).
`
`8. Feeding device according to one of the preceding
`claims, characterized in that the magazine (20) has an
`asymmetric cross section and the feed chute (10) has
`in each case a matching guiding cross-sectional area
`for the magazine (20) or the two magazines (20) so
`that acentric electrode caps (EA) are always in the
`same orientation in the opening (s) (11) and ready.
`
`9. Feeding device according to one of the preceding
`claims, characterized in that the feed chute (10) has a
`capacity of at
`least
`three superimposed inserted
`magazines (20).
`the
`10.
`Feeding device according to one of
`preceding claims, characterized in that
`in each
`magazine the guide region of the feed chute (10), a
`sensor
`(SM)
`lead to a plurality of electrodes cap
`distances from an outlet of the feed chute (10) which is
`arranged at a distance, which is connected to a signal
`transmitter (L).
`11 Feeding device according to one of the preceding
`claims, characterized in that adjacent to the outlet of
`the feed chute (10) we have a puller (30) on a frame
`(40) arranged, on which the feed shaft (10) is attached.
`12. The feeding apparatus according to claim 11,
`characterized in that puller (30) for welding equipment
`is open on both sides and can therefore be used
`alternately by these and the axes of
`the deducted
`electrode caps are oriented parallel to the male.
`13.
`Feeding
`device
`according
`to
`claim 12,
`characterized in that under the electrode cap taking
`device (30) and below the outlet of the feed
`
`Ex. 1020, page 4
`
`

`
`8th
`
`DE 102 22 248 A 1
`
`7
`shaft (10) a collecting container (60) is arranged for
`consumed electrode caps (E) and empty magazines
`(20).
`14. includes feeding apparatus according to one of the
`preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of
`the openings (11) there is in each case a test bore (51)
`which fits into a respective incorporation from the
`welding tool shank electrode cap (E, EA), and a test
`sensor (52) is disposed which signals each faulty or
`properly impersonated electrode cap (e, EA)
`to a
`control device.
`For this purpose, 3 page(s) drawings
`
`Ex. 1020, page 5
`
`

`
`DRAWINGS PAGE 1
`
`Number:
`Int. Cl.7:
`Patent application date:
`
`DE 102 22 248A1
`B23K 11/10
`November 27 2003
`
`Fig. 1
`
`103 480/610
`
`Ex. 1020, page 6
`
`

`
`DRAWINGS PAGE 2
`
`Number:
`Int. Cl.7:
`Patent application date:
`
`DE 102 22 248A1
`B23K 11/10
`November 27 2003
`
`Fig. 2
`
`Fig. 6
`
`103 480/610
`
`Ex. 1020, page 7
`
`

`
`DRAWINGS PAGE 3
`
`Number:
`Int. Cl.7:
`Patent application date:
`
`DE 102 22 248A1
`B23K 11/10
`November 27 2003
`
`Fig. 3
`
`Fig. 4
`
`Fig. 5.
`
`103 480/610
`
`Ex. 1020, page 8