Welding fixture device and related method

Abstract

A fixture for supporting a tool includes a housing defining an aperture to receive a protrusion of the fixture; a shaft extending through the aperture and into the housing, the shaft including a series of external threads; and an adjustment dial threadingly connected to the thread of the shaft and including an engagement surface in contact with the surface of the protrusion, the adjustment dial configured to adjust a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjustment dial rotates relative to and moves along the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fixtures, and more particularly to fixtures for use with projection welders. Background Art

[0003] Fixtures are often used in manufacturing settings to hold tools or workpieces during manufacturing operations. For example, fixtures may be used in an automotive setting to hold two or more pieces of metal sheets relative to each other and relative to a spot welder. Fixtures may hold several pieces of metal sheets in a desired position relative to each other to ensure that the desired relative position is maintained during welding by a spot welder.

[0004] Such a fixture may also be used in conjunction with a projection welder to hold a workpiece relative to the projection welder. The workpiece may be held relative to the projection welder to allow the projection welder to attach the component to the workpiece. For example, a threaded nut or stud may be welded to the workpiece by the projection welder while the workpiece is held in place relative to the component and the projection welder by the fixture. The fixture may include a component-specific tool received by the fixture and engaged with the workpiece. The component-specific tool may be designed to engage with a specific workpiece to properly position the workpiece relative to the projection welder during assembly. When the projection welder is used in conjunction with different workpieces, different tools may be used with the fixture to allow the fixture to properly position the tool relative to the projection welder and thus the workpiece.

[0005] When one or more tools are used with a fixture, it is usually necessary to adjust the fixture to ensure that the specific tool is properly positioned relative to the projection welder. Such adjustments may include adjusting the height of the fixture, adjusting accessories associated with the fixture that receives the specific tool, and / or adjusting the position of the projection welder relative to the fixture. Although all of the aforementioned processes help to ensure that the tool and workpiece are properly positioned relative to the projection welder during manufacturing, the aforementioned adjustments each require time to be properly performed. Therefore, when a fixture is used with multiple tools, switching between tools may be a time-consuming process, which has a negative impact on manufacturing efficiency. In addition, if the adjustment of the fixture, tool and / or projection welder is not properly performed, manufacturing errors may occur. For example, if the tool is not properly set relative to the height of the projection welder, the resulting welding performed by the projection welder may not adhere the component to the workpiece at the desired position.

[0006] In addition to the above, even when the tool is properly attached to the fixture, if the projection welder is not maintained, the resulting weld may not be properly performed. Specifically, the projection welder requires maintenance after performing a certain number of welds, which generally includes removing a certain amount of material from the tip of the projection welder. While removing material from the tip of the welder allows the projection welder to continue operating without having to replace the tip, such removal of material may affect the position of the workpiece held in the tool relative to the tip of the projection welder, which may result in an ineffective weld.

[0007] To avoid ineffective welding, a fixture associated with the tool may be adjusted to account for material removed from the tip of the projection welder. Accounting for material removal from the tip of the projection welder typically requires adjustment of the fixture using tools and shims to ensure that the fixture, and thus the tool and workpiece supported by the fixture, are properly positioned relative to the projection welder during manufacturing. While such adjustment of the fixture adequately adjusts the position of the fixture relative to the projection welder, such adjustment is time consuming and, therefore, reduces manufacturing efficiency.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, conventional fixtures adequately support the tool during the manufacturing process to allow the tool to hold the workpiece in a proper position relative to the welding machine. However, adjusting such fixtures to account for different tools and / or to account for adjustments made to an external welding machine (e.g., a projection welding machine) is time consuming and results in a loss of manufacturing efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for a fixture that can be easily adjusted to account for different tools and changes to the welding machine used in conjunction with the fixture. Summary of the invention

[0009] In one construction, a fixture for supporting a tool is provided, the fixture comprising: a housing defining an aperture for receiving a protrusion of the fixture; a shaft extending through the aperture and into the housing, the shaft including a series of external threads; and an adjustment dial threaded onto threads of the shaft and including an engagement surface that contacts a surface of the protrusion, the adjustment dial being configured to adjust a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjustment dial is rotated relative to and moved along the shaft.

[0010] The fixing device may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the shaft may include a first end protruding from the aperture and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the first end and fixed to the housing. The knob may be threadedly connected to the shaft at the first end. The knob may be configured to move along the shaft when rotated relative to the shaft, the knob moving in a direction toward the adjustment dial when rotated in a first direction to clamp the tool between the knob and the engagement surface when the adjustment dial is in a predetermined position relative to the housing.

[0011] In one configuration, at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial may be formed from a thermoplastic. The thermoplastic may be acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) and / or at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial may be formed via an additive manufacturing process.

[0012] A set screw supported by the housing may be configured to engage an outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial to fix a position of the adjustment dial relative to the housing.

[0013] In one configuration, the aperture may include a shape that matingly conforms to a cross-sectional shape of the projection. Additionally, a portion of the shaft may extend through the tool adjacent the aperture.

[0014] In another configuration, a method for adjusting a position of a tool relative to a fixture includes providing a housing having an aperture, extending a shaft through the aperture and into the housing, the shaft including a series of external threads, and threading an adjustment dial onto the threads of the shaft, the adjustment dial including an engagement surface. The method also includes extending a protrusion of the fixture through the aperture and into the housing, contacting a distal end of the protrusion with the engagement surface of the adjustment dial, rotating the adjustment dial relative to the housing to move the adjustment dial along the shaft, and moving the tool with the adjustment dial relative to the housing to adjust the position of the tool relative to the housing.

[0015] The method may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the method may include providing the shaft with a first end projecting from the aperture and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the first end and fixed to the housing. In addition, the knob may be threadedly connected to the shaft at the first end. The knob may be rotated relative to the shaft to move the knob along the shaft, the knob moving in a direction toward the adjustment dial when rotated in a first direction to clamp the tool between the knob and the engagement surface when the adjustment dial is in a predetermined position relative to the housing.

[0016] In one configuration, the method may include forming at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA).In addition, at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial may be formed via an additive manufacturing process.

[0017] In one configuration, the method may include forming at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial from a thermoplastic. Forming at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial from a thermoplastic may include forming at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Furthermore, at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial may be formed via an additive manufacturing process.

[0018] A set screw may engage an outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial to fix a position of the adjustment dial relative to the housing.

[0019] In one configuration, the method may include providing an aperture having a shape that matingly conforms to a cross-sectional shape of the projection. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the shaft may extend through the tool adjacent the aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixture according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the fixing device;

[0023] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 The line 3-3 is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fixing device;

[0024] Figure 4 It is shown in combination with the tool Figure 1 A perspective view of the fixture and a cross-sectional view of the workpiece;

[0025] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the position of the fixture, tool and workpiece relative to the projection welding machine Figure 4 A side view of a fixing device;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of a fixture showing a device used in conjunction with the fixture Figure 4 tools; and

[0027] Figure 7 is a top view of another fixture used in conjunction with a tool in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example construction, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0033] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0034] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0035] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0036] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0037] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0038] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0039] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, the programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the at least one programmable device being either special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to a storage system.

[0040] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The process and logic flow can also be performed by a dedicated logic circuit (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, a processor suitable for executing a computer program includes both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more large-capacity storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably connected to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0041] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0042] Special References Figure 1-3, a fixture 10 is provided. The fixture 10 includes a receiver 12 and an adjustment assembly 14 rotatably supported by the receiver 12. The receiver 12 includes a body 16 and a flange 18 extending from the body 16. As shown, the flange 18 can extend from the base of the body 16 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the body 16. The body 16 includes an opening 20 extending through the body 16, a recess 22 ( Figure 3 ), a hole 24 extending between and connecting the opening 20 and the recess 22, an orifice 26, and a threaded through hole 28 communicating with the opening 20. The opening 20 is defined by a pair of opposing side walls 30 of the body 16, and the side walls 30 are connected to each other by a top wall 32. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the side walls 30 are opposed to one another across the width of the body 16 and extend substantially parallel to one another, with one of the side walls 30 including a through hole 28 formed through its thickness.

[0043] The top wall 32 of the body extends between and joins the side walls 30 and extends along the width of the body 16. The top wall 32 extends substantially perpendicular to the side walls 30 and includes an aperture 26 formed therethrough. Thus, the opening 20 is accessible from the top wall 32 via the aperture 26. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aperture 26 is aligned with the hole 24 such that the center of the aperture 26 is substantially aligned with the center of the hole 24 .

[0044] As described above, the flange 18 extends from the body 16 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body 16. Figure 1-3 As shown, the flange 18 includes a series of apertures 34 formed through the thickness of the flange 18 that can be used to secure the flange 18, and thus the body 16, to an external structure ( Figure 5 ).

[0045] Continue to refer Figure 1-3 , the adjustment assembly 14 is shown to include a threaded shaft or rod 36, an adjustment dial 38, a knob 40, and a series of nuts 42. As shown, the threaded rod 36 includes a series of threads 44 extending from a first end 46 to a second end 48 along the length of the threaded rod 36. The adjustment dial 38 is threaded onto the threaded rod 36 and includes an engagement surface 50, an orifice 52, and a flange 54 extending around the outer periphery of the adjustment dial 38. The engagement surface 50 may be substantially planar ( Figure 2 ), or alternatively, may include a series of engagement features 56 ( Figure 3), as will be described in more detail below. The aperture 52 is centrally located on the adjustment dial 38 and includes a series of flats 58 for engaging with one of the nuts 42. The aperture 52 may additionally include an angle slot (not shown) around the aperture 52 that facilitates attaching one of the nuts 42 to the adjustment dial 38 within the aperture 52. Specifically, one of the nuts 42 may be received within the aperture 52 of the adjustment dial 38 such that an outer flat 59 of one of the nuts 42 is opposed to and engaged with a corresponding flat 58 defined by the aperture 52. The nut 42 may be retained within the aperture 52 by an adhesive to secure the nut 42 for rotation with the adjustment dial 38.

[0046] The flange 54 surrounds the periphery of the adjustment dial 38 and extends in a direction away from the bottom surface 60 of the adjustment dial 38 ( Figure 3 ). In this way, and if Figure 3 As shown, once the adjustment assembly 14 is assembled to the receiver 12, the flange 54 extends in a direction away from the top wall 32 of the body 16. The flange 54 provides a grip for manipulating and rotating the adjustment dial 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36.

[0047] The knob 40 includes a series of gripping features 62 extending around the periphery of the knob 40 and an aperture 64 formed through the knob 40. The aperture 64 is centrally located on the knob 40 and includes a series of flats 66. Like the flats 58 of the adjustment dial 38, when the nut 42 is received within the aperture 64 of the knob 40, the flats 66 of the knob 40 engage corresponding flats 59 of one of the nuts 42. In addition, the aperture 64 of the knob 40 may include a groove (not shown) surrounding the aperture 64 in a manner similar to the aperture 52 of the adjustment dial 38 to provide an increased surface area for the adhesive to bond the nut 42 to the knob 40. Once the adhesive bonds the nut 42 to the knob 40, the nut 42 is secured for rotation with the knob 40.

[0048] Special References Figure 1-3 , the adjustment assembly 14 is shown assembled to and received by the receiver 12. As shown, the nut 42 attached to the adjustment dial 38 is threadedly connected to the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36, so that when a force is applied to the adjustment dial 38 to rotate the adjustment dial 38 relative to the threaded rod 36, the threads 68 associated with the nut 42 attached to the adjustment dial 38 engage the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36, thereby moving the adjustment dial 38 along the threaded rod 36. Specifically, the adjustment dial 38 moves along the threaded rod 36 between the first end 46 and the second end 48, which in turn causes the adjustment dial 38 to move closer to the first end 46 or away from the first end 46 depending on the direction of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise) when the adjustment dial 38 is rotated relative to the threaded rod 36.

[0049] In a similar manner, the knob 40 is threadedly connected to the threaded rod 36 at the first end 46 via engagement between the threads 68 of the nut 42 attached to the knob 40 and the threads 44 of the rod 36. As with the adjustment dial 38, when a rotational force is applied to the knob 40 at the gripping feature 62, the knob 40 will move toward or away from the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 depending on the direction of rotation of the knob 40 (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0050] When the threaded rod 36 is initially assembled to the receiver 12, the threaded rod 36 is inserted into the aperture 26 of the body 16. At this point, the adjustment dial 38 can be positioned relative to the threaded rod 36 within the opening 20 such that the second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 is opposite the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38. The second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 can be inserted into the aperture 52 of the adjustment dial 38 to allow the threads 68 of the nut 42 attached to the adjustment dial 38 to engage the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36. At this point, a rotational force can be applied to the adjustment dial 38 at the flange 54 to move the adjustment dial 38 in a direction away from the second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 and toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36.

[0051] After the adjustment dial 38 is threaded onto the threaded rod 36 and moved along the threaded rod 36 sufficiently away from the second end 48, one of the nuts 42 can be threaded onto the threaded rod 36 at the second end 48 and can be moved in a direction toward the adjustment dial 38, such as Figure 3 As shown. Once the nut 42 is fully moved along the threaded rod 36 toward the adjustment dial 38, the second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 can be inserted into and passed through the hole 24 of the body 16. The second end 48 can extend from the hole 24 and can receive one of the nuts 42. The nut 42 is threaded onto the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36 within the recess 22 to secure the threaded rod 36 to the body 16. During assembly, the nut 42 disposed within the opening 20 can be rotated in a direction toward the second end 48, and the nut 42 disposed within the recess 22 can be rotated in a direction away from the second end 48 to attach the threaded rod 36 to the body 16. In doing so, the position of the threaded rod 36 relative to the body 16 is maintained by the nut 42 disposed within the recess 22 and the nut 42 disposed within the opening 20.

[0052] Once the threaded rod 36 is attached to the body 16, the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 can receive the nut 42 associated with the knob 40. Rotation of the knob 40 relative to the threaded rod 36 causes the threads 68 of the nut 42 associated with the knob 40 to engage the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36, which in turn causes the knob 40 to move in a direction away from the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 and in a direction toward the top wall 32 of the body 16. As will be described in more detail below, movement of the knob 40 in a direction toward the top wall 32 allows the knob 40 to secure an external structure relative to the body 16.

[0053] In one configuration, the threaded rod 36 and the nut 42 can be formed of a ridged material, such as a metal. Each of the other components associated with the receiver 12 and the adjustment assembly 14 can be formed by an additive manufacturing process, and can therefore be formed of a lighter material than the threaded rod 36 and the nut 42. For example, the receiver 12, the adjustment dial 38, and the knob 40 can all be formed via an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing, and can be formed of a synthetic amorphous thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Forming the receiver 12, the adjustment dial 38, and the knob 40 from ASA via an additive manufacturing process allows these components to be formed of relatively lightweight materials, which in turn improves ease and efficiency of manufacturing during setup and assembly. In addition, using an additive manufacturing process to form these components reduces the time required to manufacture each component.

[0054] Specific reference Figure 4-7 , the operation of the fixing device 10 will be described in detail. Figure 4 As shown, the fixture 10 can be used in conjunction with a tool 70 to properly position a workpiece 72 relative to the fixture 10. The tool 70 can be attached to the fixture 10 by removing the knob 40 from the threaded rod 36. When the knob 40 is removed from the threaded rod 36, the tool 70 can be inserted into the aperture 26 formed in the top wall 32 of the body 16. Figure 2 As shown, the aperture 26 includes a unique shape that is specific to the shape of the protrusion 74 of the tool 70. Therefore, the protrusion 74 can only be inserted into the aperture 26 in a single orientation. In doing so, the interface between the protrusion 74 and the aperture 26 of the body 16 ensures that the tool 70 can only be positioned relative to the body 16, and therefore, only positioned relative to the fixture 10 in a single position. For example, if the tool 70 is relative to Figure 4 If the view shown is rotated 90 degrees (90°), the protrusion 74 will not mate with the aperture 26 of the body 16, thus preventing it from being attached to the fixture 10. Figure 4When positioned in the orientation shown, the protrusion 74 will properly engage the aperture 26 of the body 16. In short, the protrusion 74, and therefore the tool 70, can only be installed in the fixture 10 in a single position based on the shape of the protrusion 74 and the shape of the aperture 26 in which it is received.

[0055] When the protrusion 74 is fully extended into the aperture 26, the protrusion 74 extends into the opening 20 and contacts the engagement surface 50. The protrusion 74 may include a series of protrusions and recesses (not shown) that cooperate with the engagement features 56 of the engagement surface (50) if the engagement features 56 are present on the engagement surface 50. Alternatively, the protrusion 74 may include a substantially flat distal end that engages the substantially flat engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38. Once the protrusion 74 contacts the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38, a force may be applied to the adjustment dial 38 to rotate the adjustment dial 38 relative to the threaded rod 36 until the desired height of the tool 70 is achieved. Specifically, a rotational force may be applied to the adjustment dial 38 to move the adjustment dial 38 toward the top wall 32 or away from the top wall 32, depending on whether the tool 70 needs to be moved closer to the top wall 32 or farther away from the top wall 32. Once the adjustment dial 38 is in the desired position relative to the threaded rod 36, the set screw 29 ( Figure 1 ) is inserted into the through hole 28 to engage with the adjustment dial 38, thereby fixing the position of the adjustment dial 38 relative to the main body 16.

[0056] The knob 40 may be attached to the threaded rod 36 to maintain the position of the tool 70 relative to the receiver 12. Specifically, the threads 68 of the nut 42 associated with the knob 40 may be threaded onto the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36 and may be rotated relative to the threaded rod 36 such that the knob 40 moves in a direction away from the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 and toward the receiver 12. Once the knob 40 is sufficiently moved in a direction away from the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36, the knob 40 may contact the tool 70 to exert a force on the tool 70 between the engagement surfaces 50 of the knob 40 and the adjustment dial 38. In short, the engagement surfaces 50 of the knob 40 and the adjustment dial 38 cooperate to clamp the tool 70 in a desired position relative to the receiver 12.

[0057] refer to Figure 5, the fixture 10 is shown in conjunction with a plate 76 and a projection welder 78. The fixture 10 can be attached to the plate 76 via a series of fasteners 80. Specifically, the fasteners 80 can be received within the corresponding apertures 34 of the flange 18 to attach the flange 18 and, therefore, the receiver 12 to the plate 76. The projection welder 78 can likewise be attached to the plate 76 by inserting one or more fasteners 80 through a plate 82 of the projection welder 78 to attach the projection welder 78 to the plate 76. Although the fixture 10 will be described and shown below in conjunction with the projection welder 78, the fixture 10 can be used to properly position the tool 70 and the workpiece 72 relative to any external structure. For example, the fixture 10 can be used to properly position the tool 70 and the workpiece 72 relative to, for example, a spot welder.

[0058] When the fixture 10 is initially attached to the plate 76 and the tool 70 is inserted into the aperture 26 of the body 16, the proper height of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 can be achieved by rotating the adjustment dial 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36. That is, the height of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 is determined by the position of the adjustment dial 38 along the threaded rod 36. As described above, the protrusion 74 of the tool 70 contacts and is supported by the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38. Therefore, movement of the adjustment dial 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36 adjusts the height of the protrusion 74, and thus adjusts the height of the tool 70 relative to the plate 76 and the projection welder 78. When the protrusion 74 of the tool 70 is initially inserted into the aperture 26 of the body 16 and contacts the adjustment dial 38, the position of the tool 70 relative to the welding tip 84 of the projection welder 78 can be observed. If the tool 70 is too close to the welding tip 84, a rotational force may be applied to the adjustment dial 38 to move the adjustment dial 38 in a direction toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36. In doing so, the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38 is also moved in a direction toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36. Furthermore, because the projection 74 of the tool 70 rests on and is supported by the adjustment dial 38, movement of the adjustment dial 38 in a direction toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 also causes the tool 70 to move in a direction away from the plate 76. Once the proper position of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 is achieved, the knob 40 may be rotated into engagement with the tool 70 to clamp the tool 70 between the knob 40 and the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment dial 38.

[0059] The aforementioned adjustability not only helps to adjust the relative position between the tool 70 and the projection welder 78 during the initial setup of the tool 10, but also helps with adjustments required during manufacturing. For example, after a predetermined number of welds, the welding tip 84 often requires maintenance. This maintenance often results in material being removed from the welding tip 84, and therefore, it is necessary to adjust the relative position between the welding tip 84 and the tool 70 to optimize the relative position between the tool 70 and the welding tip 84. After removing material from the welding tip 84, the knob 40 can be removed from the threaded rod 36, and the adjustment dial 38 can be moved relative to and along the threaded rod 36 until the tool 70 is properly positioned relative to the welding tip 84. At this point, the knob 40 can be reattached to the threaded rod 36 to clamp the tool 70 between the engagement surfaces 50 of the knob 40 and the adjustment dial 38.

[0060] Special References Figure 7 Given that fixture 10a is substantially similar in structure and function to fixture 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like parts, while like parts with letter extensions are used to identify those parts that have been modified.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the fixture 10a is the same as the fixture 10 except for the receiver 12a and the associated aperture 26a. Specifically, the receiver 12a includes an aperture 26a having a different shape and / or orientation than the aperture 26 of the fixture 10. The different shape and / or orientation of the aperture 26a is specific to the tool 70a and the protrusion 74a, which are different from the tool 70 and the protrusion 74 used in conjunction with the fixture 10. The use of the aperture 26a with the tool-specific aperture 26, 26a ensures that only the appropriate fixture 10, 10a is used in conjunction with the appropriate tool 70, 70a. For example, when the aperture 26 of the fixture 10 is rotated 180 degrees (180°) relative to the aperture 26a of the fixture 10a, the fixture 10 may not receive the protrusion 74a of the tool 70a. Providing the receiver 12, 12a with a tool-specific aperture 26, 26a ensures that only the appropriate tool 70, 70a is used with the appropriate fixture 10, 10a.

[0062] The aforementioned fixture 10, 10a provides a tool-specific solution that allows easy adjustment of the position of the tool 70, 70a relative to an external structure (e.g., a projection welding machine 78). In addition, the fixture 10, 10a allows adjustment of the position of the tool 70, 70a relative to the projection welding machine 78 during initial installation and subsequent maintenance of the projection welding machine 78. Therefore, the fixture 10, 10a improves manufacturing efficiency and facilitates maintenance of such a projection welding machine 78.

[0063] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0064] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fixing device for supporting a tool, the fixing device comprising: a housing defining an aperture for receiving a projection of the securing device; a shaft extending through the aperture and into the housing, the shaft including a series of external threads; as well as An adjustment dial is threaded onto the threads of the shaft and includes an engagement surface that contacts a surface of the projection, the adjustment dial being configured to adjust a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjustment dial is rotated relative to and moved along the shaft. 2 . The fixing device according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft includes a first end protruding from the aperture and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite to the first end and fixed to the housing.

3. The fixture of claim 2, further comprising a knob threadably connected to the shaft at the first end.

4. The fixing device of claim 3, wherein the knob is configured to move along the axis when rotated relative to the axis, and when the adjustment dial is in a predetermined position relative to the housing, the knob moves in a direction toward the adjustment dial when rotated in a first direction to clamp the tool between the knob and the engagement surface.

5. The fixture of claim 1, wherein at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial is formed of a thermoplastic.

6. The fastening device of claim 5, wherein the thermoplastic is acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA).

7. The fixture of claim 5, wherein at least one of the housing and the adjustment dial is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

8. The fixture of claim 1, further comprising a set screw supported by the housing, the set screw configured to engage an outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial to fix a position of the adjustment dial relative to the housing.

9. The fastening device of claim 1, wherein the aperture comprises a shape that matingly conforms to a cross-sectional shape of the protrusion.

10. The fixture of claim 1, wherein a portion of the shaft extends through the tool proximate the aperture.

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