Automatic electrode cap replacement device and its automatic electrode cap replacement method

By designing an automatic electrode cap replacement device, which utilizes a robotic arm and components working together, the automatic disassembly and replacement of electrode caps is achieved. This solves the problems of long replacement time and high cost in existing technologies, improving work efficiency and reducing costs.

CN115609131BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30GUANGZHOU AEOLUS AUTOMOBILE CO LTD +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGZHOU AEOLUS AUTOMOBILE CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-09-30
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing process of replacing electrode caps on robotic welding torches is cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, existing automatic replacement devices are costly, require motors and power sources, occupy production time, and are produced in large quantities.

Method used

Design an automatic electrode cap replacement device, including a cap removal component, a cap delivery component, and a detection component. The device utilizes a robotic arm to automatically disassemble and replace the electrode cap. The cap removal component separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod, the cap delivery component delivers the new electrode cap, and the detection component detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod.

Benefits of technology

It enables automated replacement of electrode caps, saving manpower, improving work efficiency, reducing costs, and eliminating the need for external power components such as motors or cylinders.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic electrode cap replacement device, comprising a base, a cap removal assembly, a cap feeding assembly, and a detection assembly. The cap removal assembly, the cap feeding assembly, and the detection assembly are all mounted on the base. The cap removal assembly separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod, the cap feeding assembly delivers a new electrode cap, and the detection assembly detects whether an electrode cap is on the electrode rod. This invention also discloses an automatic electrode cap replacement method. This invention achieves automatic disassembly and replacement of electrode caps through the cap removal assembly, cap feeding assembly, and detection assembly, saving manpower, improving the efficiency of electrode cap replacement, and reducing costs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electrode cap replacement, and more particularly to an automatic electrode cap replacement device and method. Background Technology

[0002] The following issues currently exist in replacing the electrode caps of robotic welding torches:

[0003] 1. The workflow for replacing the electrode cap of the robotic welding torch during production is as follows: power off -> open safety door -> padlock -> remove cap -> replace cap -> remove lock -> close door -> equipment reset -> restart. Each electrode cap replacement takes approximately 120 seconds.

[0004] 2. Large-scale introduction of high-strength materials: High-strength materials cause greater wear and tear on the electrode caps. Under a 10.5-hour production system, the electrode caps need to be replaced 6-7 times.

[0005] Therefore, the current electrode cap replacement takes about 120 seconds, which takes up a long time in the production system, and one robot takes 480 seconds per day.

[0006] Currently, there are automatic electrode cap replacement devices in the industry, but they are generally expensive and require motors and corresponding power sources for driving. The number of electrode cap replacement devices used on production lines is enormous.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to design an automatic electrode cap replacement device and method that can improve the efficiency of cap replacement work, save manpower, and reduce costs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automatic electrode cap replacement device and method that can improve the efficiency of cap replacement work, save manpower, and reduce costs.

[0009] The present invention provides an automatic electrode cap replacement device, including a base, a cap removal component, a cap feeding component, and a detection component. The cap removal component, the cap feeding component, and the detection component are all mounted on the base. The cap removal component is used to separate the old electrode cap from the electrode rod, the cap feeding component is used to transport the new electrode cap, and the detection component is used to detect whether there is an electrode cap on the motor rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the cap removal assembly includes a swing arm, a rocker plate, and a fixed frame. The fixed frame is fixedly connected to the base, and a sliding groove is provided on the fixed frame. The swing arm is slidably connected to the sliding groove via a sliding shaft. The rocker plate is located at the front end of the swing arm, and a locking groove is provided on the rocker plate. The locking groove is used to engage the old electrode cap and the electrode rod. When the swing arm tilts downward, the rocker plate separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the slide groove includes a vertical groove and a horizontal groove, and the slide shaft includes a first slide shaft and a second slide shaft. The first slide shaft is installed at the front of the swing arm and located behind the rocker arm, and the second slide shaft is installed at the rear end of the swing arm. The end of the first slide shaft is located in the vertical groove, and the end of the second slide shaft is located in the horizontal groove.

[0012] In the initial state, the first sliding shaft is located at the upper end of the vertical groove, and the second sliding shaft is located at the front end of the horizontal groove;

[0013] When the slot is engaged between the old electrode cap and the electrode rod, the front end of the swing arm is pushed downward, the first sliding shaft slides downward, the second sliding shaft slides backward, and the front end of the swing arm tilts downward.

[0014] Furthermore, the cap feeding assembly includes a guide groove, a clamp, a pusher, and a compression spring. Multiple new electrode caps are sequentially arranged and placed in the guide groove. The pusher and the compression spring are installed at the tail end of the guide groove, and the clamp is installed at the front end of the guide groove. The compression spring applies pressure to the pusher toward the clamp, and the pusher presses the new electrode caps inserted into the guide groove toward the clamp. The clamp is used to prevent the new electrode caps from coming out of the guide groove, and the clamp is rotatably connected to the side wall of the guide groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the cap feeding assembly also includes a rotating seat, in which a rotating shaft is installed. The chuck is rotatably connected to the rotating seat via the rotating shaft. A torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring applies a force to the chuck toward the guide groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the cap feeding assembly also includes a cover plate, which is installed on the top surface of the guide groove. An observation window is provided on the cover plate, and the observation window is aligned with the interior of the guide groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the cap feeding assembly also includes a spring guide sleeve, one end of the compression spring is connected to the push head, and the other end is inserted into the spring guide sleeve, which is fixedly connected to the tail of the guide groove.

[0018] Furthermore, the detection assembly includes a detection arm and a detection base, wherein the detection arm is rotatably connected to the detection base.

[0019] The present invention also provides an automatic electrode cap replacement method for the automatic electrode cap replacement device described in any of the above claims, comprising the following steps:

[0020] The robotic arm moves the electrode rod and the old electrode cap to the cap removal assembly, which separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod.

[0021] The robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the detection component, and the detection component detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod.

[0022] When the detection component detects that there is no electrode cap on the electrode rod, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the cap delivery component;

[0023] The robotic arm inserts the electrode rod into the new electrode cap at the foremost end of the cap delivery assembly, and the new electrode cap is fitted onto the electrode rod;

[0024] The robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the detection component, and the detection component checks again whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod.

[0025] When the detection component detects an electrode cap on the electrode rod, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the pressure point;

[0026] At the pressure point, the welding torch of the robotic arm closes and applies pressure to the electrode rod, fastening the new electrode cap onto the electrode rod.

[0027] Furthermore, the electrode rod includes an upper electrode rod and a lower electrode rod, and each of the upper electrode rod and the lower electrode rod is equipped with a used electrode cap;

[0028] The robotic arm first moves the upper electrode rod to the cap removal assembly, and then the lower electrode rod replaces the new electrode cap;

[0029] The robotic arm then moves the lower electrode rod to the cap removal assembly.

[0030] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] This invention achieves automatic disassembly and replacement of electrode caps through a cap removal component, a cap feeding component, and a detection component, which can save manpower, improve the efficiency of electrode cap replacement, and reduce costs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The disclosure of this invention will become more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an automatic electrode cap replacement device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic electrode cap replacement device in one embodiment of the present invention, omitting the base;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the decapping assembly of the automatic electrode cap replacement device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is an internal structural diagram of the decapping assembly of the automatic electrode cap replacement device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode cap removal assembly of the automatic electrode cap replacement device in one embodiment of the present invention after swinging.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rocker arm being inserted between the electrode rod and the electrode cap;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the separation of the electrode cap and electrode rod after the rocker is tilted.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the cap feeding assembly of the automatic electrode cap changing device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a top view of the cap feeding assembly of the automatic electrode cap changing device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged view of the front end of the cap-feeding assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 11 This is a partial enlarged view of the rear end of the cap feeding assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a detection component in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of an automatic electrode cap replacement method in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Reference table for attached figures:

[0047] Base 1;

[0048] Hat removal assembly 2: swing arm 21, rocker plate 22, fixed frame 23, first sliding shaft 24, second sliding shaft 25, slot 221, vertical slot 231, horizontal slot 232;

[0049] The cap feeding assembly 3 includes: guide groove 31, chuck 32, pusher 33, compression spring 34, rotating seat 35, cover plate 36, rotating shaft 37, spring guide sleeve 38, discharge port 311, and observation window 361.

[0050] Detection component 4: Detection arm 41, detection base 42;

[0051] Electrode rod 10, old electrode cap 20, new electrode cap 30. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this invention, various structural and implementation methods can be interchanged by those skilled in the art without altering the essential spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this invention and should not be considered as the entirety of the invention or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of the invention.

[0054] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the automatic electrode cap replacement device includes a base 1, a cap removal assembly 2, a cap feeding assembly 3, and a detection assembly 4. The cap removal assembly 2, the cap feeding assembly 3, and the detection assembly 4 are all mounted on the base 1. The cap removal assembly 2 is used to separate the old electrode cap from the electrode rod, the cap feeding assembly 3 is used to transport the new electrode cap, and the detection assembly 4 is used to detect whether there is an electrode cap on the motor rod.

[0056] The base 1 extends longitudinally, which makes it easier for the cap removal assembly 2, the cap delivery assembly 3 and the detection assembly 4 to be closer to the robotic arm, so that the robotic arm can move the electrode rod 10 and the electrode cap to the cap removal assembly 2, the cap delivery assembly 3 and the detection assembly 4.

[0057] During operation, the robotic arm grips the electrode rod 10, with the old electrode cap 20 connected to the end of the electrode rod 10. The robotic arm first moves the electrode rod 10 to the cap removal assembly 2, which then separates the old electrode cap 20 from the electrode rod 10.

[0058] Then the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the detection component 4, and the detection component 4 detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod 10.

[0059] When it is determined that there is no electrode cap on the electrode rod 10, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the cap delivery assembly 3, and the cap delivery assembly 3 delivers new electrode caps 30 in sequence, and the electrode rod 10 is connected to the new electrode caps 30.

[0060] Finally, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the detection component 4, which detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod 10. Once an electrode cap is detected, the robotic arm removes the electrode rod 10, completing the entire cap-changing operation.

[0061] In this embodiment, the automatic disassembly and replacement of electrode caps is achieved through a cap removal component, a cap feeding component, and a detection component. This saves manpower, improves the efficiency of electrode cap replacement, and is also cost-effective.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the cap removal assembly 2 includes a swing arm 21, a rocker plate 22, and a fixed frame 23. The fixed frame 23 is fixedly connected to the base 1. A sliding groove is provided on the fixed frame 23. The swing arm 21 is slidably connected to the sliding groove through a sliding shaft. The rocker plate 22 is located at the front end of the swing arm 21. A slot 221 is provided on the rocker plate 22. The slot 221 is used to engage between the old electrode cap 20 and the electrode rod 10. When the swing arm 21 tilts downward, the rocker plate 22 separates the old electrode cap 20 from the electrode rod 10.

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, a groove is formed between the electrode rod 10 and the old electrode cap 20, and the slot 221 is inserted into the groove.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, in the initial state of the swing arm 21, the front end of the swing arm 21 is located above and the rear end is located below, and the rocker plate 22 extends along the horizontal plane.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, after the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the rocker 22 and engages the electrode rod 10 into the slot 221 of the rocker 22 (see...), Figure 6 The robotic arm pushes the electrode rod 10 downward, which in turn pushes the front end of the swing arm 21 downward, and the rear end of the swing arm 21 backward.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, as the front end of the swing arm 21 tilts downward, the rocker plate 22 tilts along with the swing arm 21. After the rocker plate 22 tilts, it pushes down on the old electrode cap 20, causing the old electrode cap 20 to separate from the electrode rod 10.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the slide includes a vertical groove 231 and a horizontal groove 232, and the slide shaft includes a first slide shaft 24 and a second slide shaft 25. The first slide shaft 24 is installed at the front of the rocker arm 21 and located behind the rocker plate 22. The second slide shaft 25 is installed at the rear end of the rocker arm 21. The end of the first slide shaft 24 is located in the vertical groove 231, and the end of the second slide shaft 25 is located in the horizontal groove 232.

[0068] In the initial state, the first sliding shaft 24 is located at the upper end of the vertical groove 231, and the second sliding shaft 25 is located at the front end of the horizontal groove 232;

[0069] When the slot 221 is engaged between the old electrode cap 20 and the electrode rod 10, the front end of the swing arm 21 is pushed downward, the first sliding shaft 24 slides downward, the second sliding shaft 25 slides backward, and the front end of the swing arm 21 tilts and swings downward.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the swing arm 21 is bent. In the initial state, the front end of the swing arm 21 is horizontal, and the rear end extends downward at an angle. A first sliding shaft 24 is installed at the inflection point of the swing arm 21, and a second sliding shaft 25 is installed at the rear end.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the vertical groove 231 extends longitudinally, and the horizontal groove 232 extends laterally. When the front end of the swing arm 21 is pushed downward, the first sliding shaft 24 slides downward along the vertical groove 231, and the second sliding shaft 25 slides from front to back along the horizontal groove 232, thereby realizing the downward tilting and swinging of the front end of the swing arm 21.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 8-11 As shown, the cap feeding assembly 3 includes a guide groove 31, a chuck 32, a pusher 33, and a compression spring 34. Multiple new electrode caps 30 are sequentially placed into the guide groove 31. The pusher 33 and the compression spring 34 are installed at the tail of the guide groove 31, and the chuck 32 is installed at the front of the guide groove 31. The compression spring 34 applies pressure to the pusher 33 toward the chuck 32. The pusher 33 presses the new electrode caps placed in the guide groove 31 toward the chuck 32. The chuck 32 is used to prevent the new electrode caps from coming out of the guide groove 31. The chuck 32 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the guide groove 31.

[0073] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the guide groove 31 includes upper and lower layers, and each layer of guide groove 31 extends in a straight line, so that multiple new electrode caps 30 are arranged in sequence.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the front end of the guide groove 31 is the discharge port 311, and the clamp 32 is installed at the front end. The new electrode cap 30 at the very front is restricted by the clamp 32 and will not come out of the discharge port 311.

[0075] like Figure 11As shown, a pusher 33 and a compression spring 34 are installed at the tail of the guide groove 31. The compression spring 34 applies a forward thrust to the pusher 33, causing the pusher 33 to push multiple new electrode caps 30 toward the chuck 32, so that the chuck 32 presses against the foremost new electrode cap 30.

[0076] When the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the cap feeding assembly 3, the electrode rod 10 is inserted into the new electrode cap 30 at the foremost end. The robotic arm then pulls the new electrode cap 30 out of the discharge port 311, and the chuck 32 is pushed open. After the robotic arm moves away, the chuck 32 returns to the clamping position, clamps the next new electrode cap 30, and the pusher 33 pushes multiple new electrode caps 30 forward.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figure 9-10 As shown, the cap feeding assembly 3 also includes a rotating seat 35, in which a rotating shaft 37 is installed. The chuck 32 is rotatably connected to the rotating seat 35 via the rotating shaft 37. A torsion spring (not shown) is sleeved on the rotating shaft 37, and the torsion spring applies a force to the chuck 32 toward the guide groove 31.

[0078] like Figure 10 As shown, the torsion spring presses the front end of the chuck 32 against the new electrode cap 30. As the robotic arm pulls the new electrode cap 30 out of the discharge port 311, the chuck 32 opens outwards, and the torsion spring stores energy. After the new electrode cap 30 is removed, the chuck 32 returns to its inward clamping position under the action of the torsion spring.

[0079] When the new electrode cap 30 is installed into the guide groove 31, press the rear end of the chuck 32 to open the front end of the chuck 32, and then send multiple new electrode caps 30 into the guide groove 31 one by one from the discharge port 311.

[0080] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cap feeding assembly 3 also includes a cover plate 36, which is installed on the top surface of the guide groove 31. An observation window 361 is provided on the cover plate 36, and the observation window 361 is aligned with the inside of the guide groove 31. The new electrode cap 30 will not fall out of the observation window 361. The number of new electrode caps 30 in the guide groove 31 can be observed through the observation window 361, which facilitates the timely addition of new electrode caps 30.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the cap feeding assembly 3 also includes a spring guide sleeve 38. One end of the compression spring 34 is connected to the push head 33, and the other end is inserted into the spring guide sleeve 38. The spring guide sleeve 38 is fixedly connected to the tail of the guide groove 31.

[0082] Specifically, the spring guide sleeve 38 is a hollow cylindrical shape, connected to the tail of the guide groove 31, one end of the compression spring 34 is connected to the push head 33, and the other end abuts against the bottom of the spring guide sleeve 38.

[0083] Alternatively, the spring guide sleeve 38 may be omitted, and the other end of the compression spring 34 may rest against the inner wall of the tail of the guide groove 31.

[0084] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the detection assembly 4 includes a detection arm 41 and a detection base 42, and the detection arm 41 is rotatably connected to the detection base 42.

[0085] When the robotic arm carrying the electrode rod 10 reaches the detection assembly 4, if a new electrode cap 30 is installed on the motor rod 10, the new electrode cap 30 contacts the detection arm 41, causing the detection arm 41 to rotate relative to the detection base 42. The detection assembly 4 then generates a signal indicating that the new electrode cap 30 has been installed. If the electrode rod 10 does not have an electrode cap, the electrode rod 10 will not contact the detection arm 41, the detection arm 41 will not rotate, and the detection assembly 4 will not generate a signal, indicating that the electrode cap has been removed.

[0086] In this embodiment, the electrode cap replacement is accomplished using the cap removal assembly 2, the cap feeding assembly 3, and the detection assembly 4, greatly saving manpower and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by utilizing the robotic arm's movements, no external motors, cylinders, or other power components are required, significantly reducing processing costs.

[0087] like Figure 13 As shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, an automatic electrode cap replacement method for the automatic electrode cap replacement device of any of the above embodiments is also provided, comprising the following steps:

[0088] S001: The robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 and the old electrode cap 20 to the cap removal assembly 2, and the cap removal assembly 2 separates the old electrode cap 20 from the electrode rod 10.

[0089] S002: The robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the detection component 4, and the detection component 4 detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod.

[0090] S003: When the detection component 4 detects that there is no electrode cap on the electrode rod 10, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the cap delivery component 3;

[0091] S004: The robotic arm inserts the electrode rod 10 into the new electrode cap 30 at the front end of the cap delivery assembly 3, and the new electrode cap 30 is fitted onto the electrode rod 10;

[0092] S005: The robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the detection component 4, and the detection component 4 checks again whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod;

[0093] S006: When the detection component 4 detects that there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod 10 to the pressure point;

[0094] S007: At the pressure point, the welding torch of the robotic arm closes and applies pressure to the electrode rod 10, fastening the new electrode cap 30 onto the electrode rod 10.

[0095] Furthermore, the electrode rod 10 includes an upper electrode rod and a lower electrode rod, and a used electrode cap 20 is installed on each of the upper electrode rod and the lower electrode rod;

[0096] The robotic arm first moves the upper electrode rod to the cap removal assembly 2, and then the lower electrode rod replaces the new electrode cap 30;

[0097] The robotic arm then moves the lower electrode rod to the cap removal assembly 2.

[0098] Specifically, the robotic arm drives the upper electrode rod to perform all steps S001-S007, and then drives the lower electrode rod to perform steps S001-S007. In step S004, the upper electrode rod is inserted into the new electrode cap 30 on the upper layer of the cap feeding assembly 3, and the lower electrode rod is inserted into the new electrode cap 30 on the lower layer of the cap feeding assembly 3.

[0099] This invention achieves automatic disassembly and replacement of electrode caps through a cap removal component, a cap feeding component, and a detection component, which can save manpower, improve the efficiency of electrode cap replacement, and reduce costs.

[0100] The above description is merely the principle and preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several other modifications can be made based on the principle of the present invention, and these modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic electrode cap replacement device, characterized in that, The device includes a base, a cap removal assembly, a cap delivery assembly, and a detection assembly. The cap removal assembly, cap delivery assembly, and detection assembly are all mounted on the base. The cap removal assembly separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod, the cap delivery assembly delivers a new electrode cap, and the detection assembly detects whether an electrode cap is on the electrode rod. The cap removal assembly includes a swing arm, a rocker arm, and a fixed frame. The fixed frame is fixedly connected to the base and has a sliding groove. The swing arm is slidably connected to the sliding groove via a sliding shaft. The rocker arm is located at the front end of the swing arm and has a locking groove for engaging the old electrode cap with the electrode rod. When the swing arm tilts downwards, the rocker arm separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod. The sliding groove includes a vertical groove and a horizontal groove. The sliding shaft includes a first sliding shaft and a second sliding shaft. The first sliding shaft is mounted at the front of the swing arm and behind the rocker arm, and the second sliding shaft is mounted at the rear end of the swing arm. The end of the first sliding shaft is located in the vertical groove, and the end of the second sliding shaft is located in the horizontal groove. In the initial state, the first sliding shaft is located at the upper end of the vertical groove, and the second sliding shaft is located at the front end of the horizontal groove; When the slot is engaged between the old electrode cap and the electrode rod, the front end of the swing arm is pushed downward, the first sliding shaft slides downward, the second sliding shaft slides backward, and the front end of the swing arm tilts downward.

2. The automatic electrode cap replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap feeding assembly includes a guide groove, a clamp, a pusher, and a compression spring. Multiple new electrode caps are sequentially placed into the guide groove. The pusher and the compression spring are installed at the tail end of the guide groove, and the clamp is installed at the front end of the guide groove. The compression spring applies pressure to the pusher toward the clamp, and the pusher presses the new electrode caps inserted into the guide groove toward the clamp. The clamp is used to prevent the new electrode caps from coming out of the guide groove, and the clamp is rotatably connected to the side wall of the guide groove.

3. The automatic electrode cap replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cap feeding assembly also includes a rotating seat, in which a rotating shaft is installed. The chuck is rotatably connected to the rotating seat via the rotating shaft. A torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the torsion spring applies a force to the chuck toward the guide groove.

4. The automatic electrode cap replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cap feeding assembly also includes a cover plate, which is installed on the top surface of the guide groove. An observation window is provided on the cover plate, and the observation window is aligned with the interior of the guide groove.

5. The automatic electrode cap replacement device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cap feeding assembly also includes a spring guide sleeve, one end of the compression spring is connected to the push head, and the other end is inserted into the spring guide sleeve, which is fixedly connected to the tail of the guide groove.

6. The automatic electrode cap replacement device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection assembly includes a detection arm and a detection base, wherein the detection arm is rotatably connected to the detection base.

7. A method for automatically replacing electrode caps in the automatic electrode cap replacement device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The robotic arm moves the electrode rod and the old electrode cap to the cap removal assembly, which separates the old electrode cap from the electrode rod. The robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the detection component, and the detection component detects whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod. When the detection component detects that there is no electrode cap on the electrode rod, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the cap delivery component; The robotic arm inserts the electrode rod into the new electrode cap at the foremost end of the cap delivery assembly, and the new electrode cap is fitted onto the electrode rod; The robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the detection component, and the detection component checks again whether there is an electrode cap on the electrode rod. When the detection component detects an electrode cap on the electrode rod, the robotic arm moves the electrode rod to the pressure point; At the pressure point, the welding torch of the robotic arm closes and applies pressure to the electrode rod, fastening the new electrode cap onto the electrode rod.

8. The automatic electrode cap replacement method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electrode rod includes an upper electrode rod and a lower electrode rod, and each of the upper electrode rod and the lower electrode rod is equipped with a used electrode cap; The robotic arm first moves the upper electrode rod to the cap removal assembly, and then the lower electrode rod replaces the new electrode cap; The robotic arm then moves the lower electrode rod to the cap removal assembly.