Workpiece attachment part delivery system, stud detection circuit and method for operating welding gun

Abstract

A stud welding gun includes a closed conductivity path indicating a stud properly positioned for welding. Another aspect includes a conductivity detection circuit closed when a stud is present. A further aspect provides a method to operate a stud welding gun including closing a conductivity path to permit a welding operation. A still further aspect provides a method to detect a stud presence by passing a conductivity current from a conductivity detection circuit through a conductivity path closed by a stud.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to stud welding and more particularly to a stud welding gun and method of using a stud welding gun that secures a stud in a welding position prior to commencing a welding sequence. Background technique [0002] Stud welding guns are used to weld studs of various sizes to different workpieces to further attach attached items to the workpieces. Stud welding is widely used in the automotive industry to secure multiple studs for further attachment of trim parts to the vehicle. Furthermore, stud welding guns can be used not only in manual systems but also in automatic systems. Studs used in stud welding guns consist of a shaft or body, usually with smooth or fastening threaded surfaces, and are made of electrically conductive material. A welding current is passed through the stud, creating an arc to weld the stud to a conductive surface (ie, workpiece). [0003] Typically a stud welding gun operates by feeding an ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004]In any of the above situations, where the stud is knocked out and the process must be repeated to set the stud in place, or the collet is inadvertently welded to the workpiece Either way, additional time and cost are incurred due to delays in setting the studs or the need for rework to remove the welded collets from the workpiece

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