An automatic spherical electrode cap polishing apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device, which comprises a support, the upper end of the support is provided with an adjusting assembly, the output end of the adjusting assembly is provided with a grinding disc, and the adjusting assembly adjusts and controls the movement of the grinding disc. The adjusting assembly further comprises an X-axis assembly, a Z-axis assembly, a Y-axis assembly and an R-axis assembly, which adjust the rotation of the grinding disc about the Z-axis, the Y-axis and the R-axis, and the movement of the X-axis. The automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device provided by the application drives the diamond grinding disc to form various postures through the combined movement of the four axes, so that the grinding process of the spherical electrode cap of the welding gun is realized. The working angle of the diamond grinding disc is changed through the self-developed virtual rotating mechanism, the XYZ three-axis linkage realizes the switching of an arbitrary radian curve, and thus the grinding work of the spherical electrode cap is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated welding technology, specifically to an automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive and locomotive manufacturing industries, resistance spot welding equipment is commonly used. The workpieces are pressed between two electrodes, and an electric current is passed through them. The resistance heat generated by the current flowing through the contact surface and adjacent areas of the workpieces heats them to a molten or plastic state, forming a metallic bond. However, with the increasing demand for lightweight automotive and locomotive bodies, and the replacement of steel plates with aluminum plates for welding materials, the lifespan of the previously used electrode caps has decreased by at least 70%, the frequency of re-grinding has increased, and problems such as protruding or collapsed weld points on aluminum plates have emerged.

[0003] Research has shown that conventional spherical electrode caps tend to squeeze aluminum parts during welding. The molten aluminum adheres to the conical surface of the copper electrode cap. Conventional grinding uses a cutting method, which produces a large amount of chips, thus shortening the lifespan of the electrode cap.

[0004] A novel grinding method uses a polishing technique to resurface the electrode cap, removing brittle intermetallic compounds such as Al2Cu and Al4Cu9 (which have poor conductivity) from aluminum alloy spot welding. This resurfaces the electrode cap into a spherical surface with an interlaced texture and a slight roughness, improving the contact resistance after the upper and lower electrode caps come into contact during resistance spot welding. This enhances the welding performance of the spherical electrode cap, slows down pitting corrosion during continuous spot welding, reduces the frequency of electrode cap resurfacing, and increases its service life. The specific surface texture can penetrate the aluminum oxide layer during welding, further reducing the amount of material removed during each electrode cap resurfacing process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device, aiming to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device includes a support frame, an adjustment component is installed at the upper end of the support frame, a grinding disc is installed at the output end of the adjustment component, and the adjustment component controls the movement of the grinding disc.

[0008] Preferably, the adjustment assembly further includes an X-axis assembly, a Z-axis assembly, a Y-axis assembly, and an R-axis assembly for the rotation of the grinding disc about the Z-axis, Y-axis, and R-axis, and the movement of the X-axis.

[0009] Preferably, the X-axis assembly further includes a linear module fixedly connected to the upper end of the bracket, and the upper end of the linear module is equipped with a first screw and a first limiting plate to achieve a limiting effect;

[0010] The first rack is installed on the upper end of the first mounting plate and serves a positioning function.

[0011] Preferably, the Z-axis assembly further includes a second mounting plate mounted on the upper side of the X-axis assembly. A first positioning wheel is installed inside the second mounting plate. An adjustment plate is rotatably connected to the upper side of the second mounting plate. A first motor is mounted on the upper end of the adjustment plate. The output shaft of the first motor is connected to a first gear, and the first gear meshes with a first rack.

[0012] Preferably, the number of the first positioning wheels is four sets, and the first positioning wheels are fitted together with the first rack.

[0013] Preferably, the Y-axis assembly further includes an L-shaped base fixedly connected to the rear end of the second mounting plate, a third mounting plate fixedly connected to the rear end of the L-shaped base, a second screw fixedly connected to the upper end of the third mounting plate, and a second limiting plate installed below the second screw, thereby achieving a limiting function through the second screw and the second limiting plate.

[0014] A second positioning wheel is fixedly connected to one end of the third mounting plate near the L-shaped base. The second positioning wheel is configured in four groups, with a limit block installed between every two groups of the second positioning wheel. A second motor is installed at the rear end of the third mounting plate, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to a second gear.

[0015] Preferably, the R-axis assembly further includes a second rack installed between four sets of second positioning wheels, the outer end of the second rack is fixedly connected to a third gear, a connector is fixedly connected to the end of the third gear away from the Y-axis assembly, and a support shaft is installed on the side of the connector away from the Y-axis assembly;

[0016] The support shaft is configured as two sets, both sets of support shafts pass through the interior of the connecting plate, the connecting plate and the support shaft are slidably connected, a spring is sleeved on the outside of the support shaft, and the spring is located inside the connecting plate, a third motor is installed inside the connecting plate, and the output end of the third motor is connected to the grinding disc.

[0017] Preferably, the grinding disc is a diamond grinding disc, and the grinding operation is performed by the grinding disc.

[0018] Preferably, the second gear meshes with the second rack, and the second rack is located between the four sets of second positioning wheels and is fitted to the second positioning wheels.

[0019] Preferably, the limiting blocks are configured as two sets, and a second rack is slidably connected between the two sets of limiting blocks to limit the second rack.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention provides an automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device. By adjusting the combined motion of four axes, it drives the diamond grinding discs to various postures, thus achieving the grinding process of the spherical electrode caps for welding torches. A self-developed virtual rotation mechanism changes the working angle of the diamond grinding discs, and the XYZ three-axis linkage enables switching to arbitrary arc curves, thereby facilitating the grinding of the spherical electrode caps. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the X-axis assembly of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of the Z-axis assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a front view of the Y-axis assembly of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a side view of the R-axis assembly of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the grinding disc of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 000, bracket; 100, R-axis assembly; 101, connecting plate; 102, connector; 103, third gear; 104, support shaft; 105, second rack; 106, spring; 107, third motor; 108, ball bearing; 200, Y-axis assembly; 201, L-seat; 202, third mounting plate; 203, second screw; 204, second limiting plate; 205, second positioning wheel; 206, limiting block; 207, second motor; 208, second gear; 300, Z-axis assembly; 301, second mounting plate; 302, adjusting plate; 303, first positioning wheel; 304, first gear; 305, first motor; 400, X-axis assembly; 401, linear module; 402, first limiting plate; 403, first mounting plate; 404, first screw; 405, first rack; 500, grinding disc. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Please see Figure 1An automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device includes a support 000, an adjustment component, and a grinding disc 500. The adjustment component is fixed to the upper end of the support 000, and the grinding disc 500 is installed at the output end of the adjustment component. The position of the grinding disc 500 is adjusted by the adjustment component. The adjustment component consists of an X-axis component 400, a Z-axis component 300, a Y-axis component 200, and an R-axis component 100.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 Furthermore, the X-axis assembly 400 adjusts the linear movement of the X-axis and is composed of a linear module 401, a first limiting plate 402, a first mounting plate 403, a first screw 404, and a first rack 405. The linear module 401 is fixed to the upper end of the bracket 000 and is a linear module unit. The first mounting plate 403 is located at the upper end of the linear module 401. The upper end of the first mounting plate 403 is provided with the first screw 404 and the first limiting plate 402. The first screw 404 and the first limiting plate 402 do not contact each other, and both the first screw 404 and the first limiting plate 402 are fixed to the linear module 401 by bolts, so that the first screw 404 and the first limiting plate 402 can limit the movement range of the Z-axis assembly 300. The first rack 405 is located at the upper end of the first mounting plate 403 and is fixed to the first mounting plate 403 by bolts to position the Z-axis assembly 300.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 Furthermore, the Z-axis assembly 300 adjusts the rotation of the Z-axis and is composed of a second mounting plate 301, an adjusting plate 302, a first positioning wheel 303, a first gear 304, and a first motor 305. The second mounting plate 301 is disposed on the upper side of the X-axis assembly 400, the first positioning wheel 303 is disposed inside the second mounting plate 301, the adjusting plate 302 is rotatably connected to the upper side of the second mounting plate 301, the first motor 305 is disposed on the adjusting plate 302, and the first gear 304 is connected to the output shaft of the first motor 305. The specific connection method can adopt existing technology. The first gear 304 is located on the lower side of the second mounting plate 301 and is meshed with the first rack 405. When the first motor 305 is started, it can drive the first gear 304 to rotate, thereby causing the first gear 304 to move along the first motor 305.

[0033] Specifically, the number of first positioning wheels 303 is set to four sets, and the four first positioning wheels 303 are in contact with the first rack 405 so that the Z-axis assembly 300 can be tightly in contact with the X-axis assembly 400 through the first positioning wheels 303.

[0034] Please see Figure 4Furthermore, the Y-axis assembly 200, which adjusts the rotation of the Y-axis, is composed of an L-base 201, a third mounting plate 202, a second screw 203, a second limiting plate 204, a second positioning wheel 205, a limiting block 206, a second motor 207, and a second gear 208. The L-base 201 is located on the upper rear side of the second mounting plate 301 and is fixed to the second mounting plate 301 by bolts. The L-base 201 is located on the lower side of the second mounting plate 301. The third mounting plate 202 is fixed to the rear end of the L-base 201 by screws. The second screw 203 is fixed to the upper end of the third mounting plate 202. The second limiting plate 204 is fixed to the third mounting plate 202 and is located on the lower side of the L-base 201. Below the two screws 203, the movement range of the R-axis assembly 100 is limited by the second screw 203 and the second limiting plate 204. The second positioning wheel 205 is fixed on the side of the third mounting plate 202 near the L-base 201, and the number of the second positioning wheels 205 is set to four. The limiting block 206 is fixed to the third mounting plate 202 and located between the two second positioning wheels 205. The number of the limiting block 206 is set to two. The second motor 207 is fixed to the rear end of the third mounting plate 202. The second gear 208 is connected to the output shaft of the second motor 207. The specific connection method can adopt the existing technology, which can drive the second gear 208 to rotate when the second motor 207 is started.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 Furthermore, the R-axis assembly 100 adjusts the rotation of the R-axis. The R-axis assembly 100 consists of a connecting plate 101, a connecting piece 102, a third gear 103, a support shaft 104, a second rack 105, a spring 106, a third motor 107, and a ball bearing 108. The second rack 105 is disposed between four sets of second positioning wheels 205. The third gear 103 is fixed to the outer end of the second rack 105. The connecting piece 102 is fixed to the third gear 103 at one end away from the Y-axis assembly 200. The support shaft 104 is fixed to the connecting piece 102 on the side away from the Y-axis assembly 200, and the support shaft 104 passes through the interior of the connecting piece 102.

[0036] The number of support shafts 104 is set to two sets, and the two sets of support shafts 104 pass through the interior of the connecting plate 101. The connecting plate 101 is slidably connected to the support shafts 104. The spring 106 is sleeved on the outside of the support shafts 104 and located on the inside of the connecting plate 101. Under the elastic force of the spring 106, the connecting plate 101 can be pushed to move on the support shafts 104.

[0037] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The third motor 107 is located inside the connecting plate 101, and the output shaft of the third motor 107 is connected to the grinding disc 500. The grinding disc 500 is a diamond grinding disc. The diameter and size of the grinding particles are precisely calculated to obtain the precise required texture of the electrode cap spherical surface. When the third motor 107 is started, it can drive the grinding disc 500 to rotate and grind. Furthermore, the grinding disc 500 is located on the outside of the connecting plate 101. The number of ball bearings 108 is set to multiple sets, and the ball bearings 108 are located inside the connecting plate 101 on the side close to the grinding disc 500. The ball bearings 108 reduce the axial and radial forces of the third motor 107.

[0038] Specifically, the second gear 208 is meshed with the second rack 105, so that when the second motor 207 drives the second gear 208 to rotate, the second gear 208 moves on the internal teeth of the second rack 105.

[0039] Specifically, the second rack 105 is located between the four sets of second positioning wheels 205, and the second rack 105 is in close contact with the second positioning wheels 205. The number of limiting blocks 206 is set to two sets, and the second rack 105 is slidably connected between the two sets of limiting blocks 206. This allows the second positioning wheels 205 and the limiting blocks 206 to limit the sliding of the second rack 105, so that the second rack 105 slides in an arc between the second positioning wheels 205 on both sides. This allows the sliding of the second rack 105 to drive the R-axis assembly 100 to slide as a whole.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] The Z-axis assembly 300 mounted on the X-axis assembly 400 is designed as a virtual Z-axis axis of the electrode cap, with its axis coinciding with the Z-axis of the electrode cap. The mechanism adopts a suspended design to avoid the electrode cap grinding work area to the greatest extent. The Z-axis assembly 300 is driven by the first motor 305, the first gear 304, and the first rack 405, enabling the grinding disc 500 to rotate with high precision in the Z-axis plane of the electrode cap. To achieve grinding of any spherical radius and any spherical point of the spherical electrode cap, the Z-axis assembly 300 provides a rotational degree of freedom. Combined with the Y-axis assembly 200, it can achieve any angle of the grinding disc on the spherical surface of the electrode cap, thus realizing the grinding of the spherical surface.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The grinding disc 500 moves via the X-axis assembly 400, rotates via the Y-axis assembly 200, rotates via the Z-axis assembly 300 and the R-axis assembly 100, and adjusts the grinding disc 500 to form various arc segments to grind the multi-spherical electrode cap, remove the oxide layer generated during electrode cap welding, and grind the appearance of the electrode cap to give the surface of the spherical electrode cap a specific surface texture.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic spherical electrode cap grinding device, characterized in that, include: A bracket (000) is provided with an adjustment component at its upper end. A grinding disc (500) is provided at the output end of the adjustment component. The adjustment component controls the movement of the grinding disc (500). The adjustment assembly also includes an X-axis assembly (400), a Z-axis assembly (300), a Y-axis assembly (200), and an R-axis assembly (100) for the rotation of the grinding disc (500) about the Z-axis, Y-axis, and R-axis, and the movement of the X-axis; The X-axis assembly (400) also includes a linear module (401) fixedly connected to the upper end of the bracket (000). The upper end of the linear module (401) is equipped with a first screw (404) and a first limiting plate (402) to achieve a limiting effect. The X-axis assembly (400) adjusts the linear movement of the X-axis and is composed of a linear module (401), a first limiting plate (402), a first mounting plate (403), a first screw (404), and a first rack (405). The first mounting plate (403) is located at the upper end of the linear module (401). The first rack (405) is installed on the upper end of the first mounting plate (403) to serve a positioning function; The Z-axis assembly (300) also includes a second mounting plate (301) mounted on the upper side of the X-axis assembly (400). A first positioning wheel (303) is installed inside the second mounting plate (301). An adjustment plate (302) is rotatably connected to the upper side of the second mounting plate (301). A first motor (305) is mounted on the upper end of the adjustment plate (302). The output shaft of the first motor (305) is connected to a first gear (304), and the first gear (304) meshes with the first rack (405). The Y-axis assembly (200) also includes an L-shaped base (201) fixedly connected to the rear end of the second mounting plate (301). A third mounting plate (202) is fixedly connected to the rear end of the L-shaped base (201). A second screw (203) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the third mounting plate (202). A second limiting plate (204) is installed below the second screw (203). The second screw (203) and the second limiting plate (204) serve as limiting devices. A second positioning wheel (205) is fixedly connected to one end of the third mounting plate (202) near the L seat (201). The second positioning wheel (205) is set in four groups, and a limit block (206) is installed between every two groups of second positioning wheels (205). A second motor (207) is installed at the rear end of the third mounting plate (202), and the output shaft of the second motor (207) is connected to a second gear (208). The R-axis assembly (100) also includes a second rack (105) installed between four sets of second positioning wheels (205). The outer end of the second rack (105) is fixedly connected to a third gear (103). A connector (102) is fixedly connected to one end of the third gear (103) away from the Y-axis assembly (200). A support shaft (104) is installed on the side of the connector (102) away from the Y-axis assembly (200). The support shaft (104) is configured as two sets, and both sets of support shafts (104) pass through the interior of the connecting plate (101). The connecting plate (101) and the support shaft (104) are slidably connected. A spring (106) is sleeved on the outside of the support shaft (104), and the spring (106) is located inside the connecting plate (101). A third motor (107) is installed inside the connecting plate (101). The output end of the third motor (107) is connected to the grinding disc (500). Multiple ball bearings (108) are provided on the side of the connecting plate (101) near the grinding disc (500).

2. The automatic spherical electrode cap grinding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the first positioning wheels (303) is four sets, and the first positioning wheels (303) are fitted together with the first rack (405).

3. The automatic spherical electrode cap grinding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grinding disc (500) is a diamond grinding disc, and grinding operations are performed through the grinding disc (500).

4. The automatic spherical electrode cap grinding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second gear (208) meshes with the second rack (105), which is located between the four sets of second positioning wheels (205) and is fitted to the second positioning wheels (205).

5. The automatic spherical electrode cap grinding equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting block (206) is configured in two sets, and a second rack (105) is slidably connected between the two sets of limiting blocks (206) to limit the second rack (105).

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