Device for disassembling electrode cap from electrode stem

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for detaching an electrode cap from an electrode stem, which comprises a clamping jaw mechanism, a clamping jaw mechanism, a cutting mechanism and a clamping jaw mechanism, the clamping jaw mechanism comprises at least two clamping jaws, and each clamping jaw is provided with a cutting part; the actuator is used for driving the clamping jaw to rotate relative to the electrode cap, so that the cutting part cuts out a spiral groove in the outer surface of the electrode cap and applies torsional force to the electrode cap; the floating machine head, the clamping jaw mechanism and the actuator are both arranged on the floating machine head, and the floating machine head can move in the axial direction of the electrode stem. The clamping jaw mechanism rotates and cuts the outer surface of the electrode cap to apply torsional force so as to achieve unscrewing, and axial counter-acting force generated in the rotating and cutting process is utilized to drive the floating machine head to move, so that the elastic element stores energy; when the electrode cap is loosened and the axial counter-acting force is reduced, the elastic element immediately releases energy to drive the floating machine head to move reversely, and the loosened electrode cap is pulled out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of welding equipment technology, and in particular to a device for removing electrode caps from electrode rods. Background Technology

[0002] Electrode caps are key consumable components in resistance welding equipment, primarily used in various spot welding machines. Because electrode caps withstand high temperatures during welding, their welding surfaces wear and deform after prolonged use, typically requiring grinding or replacement after 30-50 welds. Traditionally, milling is used to maintain the electrode cap's shape, and a pair of new electrode caps can be replaced after approximately 70 milling operations.

[0003] The electrode cap is connected to the electrode rod using a conical fit to ensure a good seal and prevent cooling water leakage. The electrode cap can be removed manually or automatically. Manual removal requires stopping the production line, which delays production time; therefore, large production lines typically use automated mechanical removal.

[0004] There are two main existing automatic disassembly methods: one is "tightening," which involves rotating the electrode cap relative to the electrode rod to disengage the tapered fit; the other is "pulling," which uses a cylinder or other equipment to pull the electrode cap out along the tapered direction of the electrode rod. However, both methods have their drawbacks: the "tightening" method cannot guarantee complete disassembly of the electrode cap, and to achieve stable disassembly, the number of rotations needs to be increased, leading to accelerated wear on the electrode rod; the "pulling" method requires a large pulling force, and the moment of pulling out will generate a large vibration, which can easily cause the welding clamp to malfunction, and long-term use will cause the electrode rod to deform and become unusable.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a device that can achieve high-efficiency and high-success-rate electrode cap removal without damaging the electrode rod. Utility Model Content

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a device for removing the electrode cap from the electrode rod, thereby solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] The objective of this utility model can be achieved by adopting the following technical solution:

[0008] An apparatus for removing an electrode cap from an electrode rod, comprising:

[0009] A chuck mechanism, comprising at least two chucks, each chuck having a cutting portion;

[0010] An actuator is used to drive the jaws to rotate relative to the electrode cap, so that the cutting part cuts a helical groove on the outer surface of the electrode cap and applies a torsional force to the electrode cap;

[0011] A floating head, wherein the jaw mechanism and the actuator are both disposed on the floating head, and the floating head is capable of moving along the axial direction of the electrode rod; and

[0012] An elastic element is connected to the floating head and is configured such that when the floating head moves axially toward the electrode rod in response to a torsional force applied when the chuck rotates relative to the electrode cap, the elastic element stores energy; and when the electrode cap loosens relative to the electrode rod, the elastic element releases the stored energy to drive the floating head to move axially away from the electrode rod.

[0013] The spiral grooves cut by the cutting parts of different jaws on the outer surface of the electrode cap are axially offset from each other.

[0014] The cutting portion of each of the jaws includes at least two inclined teeth spaced vertically apart.

[0015] The claw mechanism includes three or more claws, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the electrode rod.

[0016] Each of the jaws pivots about a pin.

[0017] The actuator includes a drive gear and a motor that drives the drive gear. The drive gear has multiple notches corresponding to the number of jaws. Each jaw has a tail that engages with the corresponding notch, so that the rotation of the drive gear drives the jaw to pivot around the pin, thereby moving the cutting part toward or away from the electrode rod.

[0018] The floating head includes a housing, a drive gear is disposed within the housing, the drive gear has an inner cavity, the claw mechanism and the pin are both disposed within the inner cavity of the drive gear, and a first limiting structure is also disposed within the housing, the first limiting structure being used to limit the angular range of each claw pivoting around the corresponding pin.

[0019] The device also includes a base, a guide rod on one side of the base, a helical spring as the elastic element, the helical spring being sleeved on the guide rod, and a slider between the housing and the guide rod, the slider abutting against one end of the helical spring.

[0020] It also includes a second limiting structure, which is used to limit the maximum stroke of the floating head moving axially toward the electrode rod.

[0021] It also includes sensors used to monitor the axial movement of the floating head.

[0022] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0023] This invention utilizes a chuck mechanism to apply torsional force to the outer surface of the electrode cap through rotary cutting, achieving "loosening." The axial reaction force generated during this rotary cutting process drives the floating head to move, storing energy in the elastic element. When the electrode cap loosens, causing the axial reaction force to decrease, the elastic element releases energy, driving the floating head to move in the opposite direction, thus "springing off / pulling out" the loosened electrode cap. This two-stage synergistic mechanism combining "loosening" and "springing off" overcomes the problem of incomplete disassembly in existing "tightening" methods by clearly defining the axial separation action. It also reduces rotational wear on the electrode rod by requiring only loosening rather than complete removal. Furthermore, the "pulling out" force applied to the loosened electrode cap requires far less force than a direct "pulling" method, and the energy release process is relatively smooth, reducing the risk of tensile damage to the electrode rod. Ultimately, this invention effectively solves the problems in the background technology, achieving efficient and reliable automatic disassembly of the electrode cap without damaging the electrode rod. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded view of a device for removing an electrode cap from an electrode rod, provided as an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly state of the device for removing the electrode cap from the electrode rod, provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of the device for removing an electrode cap from an electrode rod, provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sensor and control system working together in the device for removing the electrode cap from the electrode rod provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the second limiting structure located on the electrode rod in the device for removing the electrode cap from the electrode rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] In the diagram: 10-Electrode rod, 11-Electrode cap, 12-Shoulder, 40-Floating head, 50-Helical spring, 130-Claw, 131-Pivot hole, 140-Cutting part, 170-Pin, 180-Drive gear, 190-Motor, 200-Notch, 210-Tail, 230-Inner cavity, 240-First limiting structure, 250-Upper end cover, 260-Lower end cover, 270-Base, 280-Guide rod, 290-Slider, 310-Sensor, 320-Control system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0033] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0034] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0036] like Figures 1-4As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a device for removing an electrode cap from an electrode rod, comprising: a chuck mechanism including at least two chucks 130, each chuck 130 having a cutting portion 140; an actuator for driving the chucks 130 to rotate relative to the electrode cap, causing the cutting portion 140 to cut a helical groove on the outer surface of the electrode cap and apply a torsional force to the electrode cap; a floating head 40, on which the chuck mechanism and the actuator are both disposed, and the floating head 40 is capable of moving axially along the electrode rod; and an elastic element connected to the floating head 40, the elastic element being configured such that: when the floating head 40 moves axially toward the electrode rod in response to the torsional force applied when the chucks 130 rotates relative to the electrode rod, the elastic element stores energy; when the electrode cap loosens relative to the electrode rod, the elastic element releases the stored energy to drive the floating head 40 to move axially away from the electrode rod.

[0037] In this embodiment, the device mainly includes: a jaw mechanism, an actuator, a floating head 40, and an elastic element. The jaw mechanism is used to directly interact with the electrode cap to be removed. In this embodiment, the jaw mechanism includes at least two jaws 130. Each jaw 130 has a cutting portion 140. The cutting portion 140 is designed to contact the outer surface of the electrode cap to be removed during device operation and to cut the electrode cap.

[0038] An actuator drives the jaw mechanism to perform the disassembly action. Specifically, the actuator drives the jaw mechanism (jaws) to rotate relative to the electrode cap. During rotation, as the cutting portion 140 of the jaw 130 contacts the outer surface of the electrode cap, the cutting portion 140 cuts at least a portion of the helical grooves on the outer surface of the electrode cap. This cutting process itself generates significant cutting resistance, which creates a force between the jaw 130 and the electrode cap. This force includes a tangential component, which constitutes a torsional force applied to the electrode cap. The direction of this torsional force is to attempt to rotate the electrode cap relative to the electrode rod it mates with, thereby overcoming the friction or locking force generated by the tapered fit between them.

[0039] The floating head 40 is the component that supports the chuck mechanism and the actuator. That is, both the chuck mechanism and the actuator are mounted on the floating head 40. The floating head 40 can move along the axial direction of the electrode rod (i.e., the direction of the tapered axis where the electrode cap mates with the electrode rod). This axial movement capability allows the device to adapt to changes in force and achieve specific action sequences during disassembly.

[0040] The elastic element is connected to the floating head 40. This connection allows the elastic element to deform (e.g., compress or stretch) in response to the axial movement of the floating head 40, and to store or release elastic potential energy. The configuration and function of the elastic element in this embodiment are as follows:

[0041] When the device operates, the actuator drives the chuck mechanism to rotate. As the cutting portion 140 of the chuck 130 cuts the outer surface of the electrode cap and applies a torsional force, there is not only a tangential force generating the torsional force between the chuck 130 and the electrode cap, but also a reaction force component along the axial direction of the electrode rod due to the geometric relationship of the cutting action (e.g., the direction of the cutting force is not completely perpendicular to the axis). This axial reaction force acts on the chuck mechanism and is transmitted to the floating head 40 through it. The direction of this axial reaction force is towards the electrode rod (electrode cap).

[0042] Driven by this axial reaction force, the floating head 40 will overcome the initial balance force (such as the preload of the elastic element or its own weight component) and move towards the electrode rod along the axial direction of the electrode rod.

[0043] During the aforementioned axial movement of the floating head 40, the elastic element connected to it will deform (e.g., be compressed) and store the work done by the reaction force in the form of elastic potential energy.

[0044] As the torsional force applied by the actuator continues to increase, it eventually becomes sufficient to overcome the engagement force between the electrode cap and the electrode rod. At the moment when the electrode cap loosens relative to the electrode rod, the axial reaction force generated between the chuck 130 and the electrode cap due to cutting and torsion will be significantly reduced or disappear.

[0045] At this point, as the axial reaction force that drives the floating head 40 to move toward the electrode rod disappears, the elastic element that was previously compressed (or deformed in other ways) and stored energy will quickly return to its original shape and release its stored elastic potential energy.

[0046] The process of the elastic element releasing energy will generate a reverse thrust (or pull, depending on the specific form and installation method of the elastic element, but the effect is to move the floating head 40 away from the electrode rod), driving the floating head 40 (and the chuck mechanism fixed thereon, still in contact with the electrode cap) to move rapidly away from the electrode rod along the electrode rod axis.

[0047] This axial movement, driven by an elastic element and moving away from the electrode rod, directly pulls the loosened electrode cap completely out of the tapered end of the electrode rod, completing the disassembly process.

[0048] In this embodiment, the helical groove refers to a groove cut by the cutting part 140 on the outer surface of the electrode cap that is not a simple ring shape, but rather distributed along a helical path like a thread. This means that when the chuck 130 rotates, it not only moves tangentially but also undergoes relative displacement changes in the axial direction, thereby forming a groove with a certain lead (pitch). At least a partial helical groove means that when the chuck 130 of the device rotates, it must cut a groove with helical characteristics on the surface of the electrode cap, but it is not required that this helical groove be continuous, cover the entire circumference, or have a specific length. As long as a groove segment that sufficiently reflects the helical direction is formed, even if it is very short, it will fall within the scope of this description.

[0049] In this embodiment, the background art mentions that the "tightening" method may only loosen the electrode cap but not completely detach it. In this embodiment, not only is the torsional force generated by the rotating cutting of the jaw mechanism used to "tighten" the electrode cap, but more importantly, the axial reaction force generated in this process is used to move the floating head 40 and compress the elastic element to store energy. Once the electrode cap is loosened, the torsional force weakens, causing the axial reaction force to disappear. The elastic element immediately releases energy to drive the floating head 40 to move in the opposite direction (away from the electrode rod). This reverse movement provides a clear and powerful "pulling" action, ensuring that even a slightly loosened electrode cap can be completely separated from the electrode rod, thus solving the problem of incomplete "tightening" and improving the disassembly success rate.

[0050] Furthermore, the background technology mentions that the "pull-out" method requires a large initial pulling force, which is prone to impact and damage. This embodiment first applies a torsional force through rotary cutting, breaking the static friction or locking state between the electrode cap and electrode rod in a relatively small and smooth manner, thus loosening them. Only after loosening is the energy stored in the elastic element used for "pulling out." This "pulling out" force is provided by the controllable energy released by the elastic element and acts on the already loosened electrode cap. The required force is far less than that required for a direct "hard pull," and the process is smoother, avoiding huge impacts and vibrations, and reducing damage to the welding clamp and electrode rod. At the same time, by combining the "loosening" and "springing out" stages, it also avoids the problem of simply "tightening" which might require excessive turns and wear on the electrode rod.

[0051] In summary, this embodiment utilizes a synergistic mechanism that generates torsional force through the rotational cutting of the jaw mechanism, moves the floating head 40 using axial reaction force to store energy in the elastic element, and releases energy from the elastic element when the electrode cap becomes loose to drive the floating head 40 to move in the opposite direction, thus achieving complete separation. This effectively solves the problems existing in the prior art and enables efficient and reliable automatic disassembly of the electrode cap without damaging the electrode rod.

[0052] In one embodiment, the spiral grooves cut by the cutting portions 140 of different jaws 130 on the outer surface of the electrode cap are axially offset from each other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the chuck mechanism includes at least two chucks 130, each chuck 130 having a cutting portion 140. When the actuator drives the chuck mechanism to rotate relative to the electrode cap, the cutting portion 140 of each chuck 130 cuts a helical groove on the outer surface of the electrode cap. In particular, the helical grooves cut by the cutting portions 140 of different chucks 130 on the outer surface of the electrode cap are axially offset from each other.

[0054] Specifically, if the electrode cap is unfolded into a plane along its axial direction, the spiral grooves formed by different jaws 130 at the same rotation angle (or at their respective initial cutting points) are offset in the axial coordinates, rather than completely coincident. For example, assuming there are two jaws 130, when the groove cut by the cutting part 140 of the first jaw 130 at a certain rotation position is located at an axial height Z1 (not shown in the figure), when the cutting part 140 of the second jaw 130 starts cutting or performs cutting at (different) rotation positions, the groove it forms may be located at an axial height Z2 (not shown in the figure) at the corresponding rotation position, where Z1 ≠ Z2. This axial offset (|Z1-Z2|) is a preset value, which can be a few tenths of a millimeter, such as 0.3 mm.

[0055] As the chuck mechanism continues to rotate, the cutting portion 140 of the subsequent chuck 130 will not fall completely into the bottom of the groove already formed by the preceding chuck 130. It may cut the sidewall of the groove, or cut new material or deepen / widen the groove at a slightly off-axis position. Compared to all chucks 130 cutting a single, perfectly overlapping helical groove, this axially offset, staggered cutting method effectively increases the total cutting resistance, resulting in a greater cumulative torsional force. This helps to overcome the engagement force between the electrode cap and the electrode rod more quickly and reliably, improving the efficiency and success rate of loosening the electrode cap.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, the chuck mechanism has three chucks (chuck A, chuck B, and chuck C, not shown in the figures). The axial height of the cutting portion 140 on chuck A relative to a certain reference point of the chuck itself (such as the pivot hole 131 or the mounting surface) is H1; the axial height of the corresponding cutting portion 140 on chuck B is H2; and the axial height of the corresponding cutting portion 140 on chuck C is H3. H1, H2, and H3 are different from each other and have a preset difference (for example, H2 = H1 + ΔZ, H3 = H2 + ΔZ, or other preset offset relationships, where ΔZ is the axial offset). When these three chucks rotate simultaneously around the electrode cap, the spiral grooves they cut on the outer surface of the electrode cap will have an initial axial offset that is maintained during rotation.

[0057] In one embodiment, the cutting portion 140 of each chuck 130 includes at least two inclined teeth arranged at vertical intervals.

[0058] In this embodiment, the jaw mechanism includes at least two jaws 130, each jaw 130 having a cutting portion 140 for cutting the outer surface of the electrode cap. In particular, the cutting portion 140 of each jaw 130 includes at least two inclined teeth arranged vertically at intervals.

[0059] Here, "vertical" refers to a direction roughly parallel to the electrode rod axis, that is, along the height of the electrode cap when the chuck 130 acts on the electrode cap. "Intermittent setting" means that these teeth are not continuous in the vertical direction, but are spaced apart. "Inclined teeth" refers to the fact that the cutting surfaces of these teeth have a certain angle of inclination relative to the surface of the electrode cap, in order to facilitate the cutting action.

[0060] Specifically, the portion of each jaw 130 that contacts the electrode cap and performs the cutting function is no longer a single, straight, or simply shaped cutting edge, but is designed with at least two (or three or more) independent tooth-like structures. These tooth-like structures are arranged separately on the cutting surface of the jaw 130 along the axial direction of the electrode cap. For example, one tooth is located at a lower position, and another tooth is located a certain distance above it (along the axial direction). Furthermore, the tooth surfaces are inclined, a design that helps the teeth to effectively cut into the surface material of the electrode cap like a cutting tool when the jaw 130 rotates relative to the electrode cap, rather than simply scraping or slipping on its surface.

[0061] This cutting section 140 structure, which includes at least two inclined teeth spaced vertically, provides multiple cutting points, enabling it to cut into the electrode cap material more effectively and "bite" more firmly onto the outer surface of the electrode cap. This increases the effectiveness of contact and friction / embedding, thereby enabling the transmission of greater and more stable torsional forces and helping to overcome tighter taper fits.

[0062] In one embodiment, the claw mechanism includes three or more claws 130, which are evenly distributed around the axis of the electrode rod.

[0063] In this embodiment, the jaw mechanism includes three or more jaws 130. In a preferred embodiment, the jaw mechanism includes three jaws 130. Furthermore, these three or more jaws 130 are evenly distributed around the axis of the electrode rod.

[0064] Taking the case with three claws 130 as an example, these three claws 130 are arranged to surround the electrode cap to be removed at approximately equal angular intervals. Specifically, with reference to the central axis of the electrode rod (or electrode cap), the positional distribution of these three claws 130 can be approximately 120 degrees apart from each other.

[0065] The design employing three or more evenly distributed jaws 130, compared to using only two jaws 130, allows for simultaneous contact and clamping of the electrode cap from multiple directions, providing more stable and reliable positioning and reducing wobbling or skewing during operation. Furthermore, when the actuator drives the jaws 130 to rotate, the evenly distributed jaws 130 can apply the cutting force and generated torsional force more evenly across the entire circumference of the electrode cap, avoiding force concentration and helping to smoothly and effectively overcome the mating force, while potentially reducing the risk of localized damage to the electrode cap.

[0066] In one embodiment, each claw 130 pivots about a pin 170.

[0067] In this embodiment, in order for the claws 130 to effectively approach and act on the electrode cap, and to detach from the electrode cap after disassembly, each claw 130 is designed to pivot about a corresponding pin 170.

[0068] Specifically, each jaw 130 is connected to a support structure (e.g., the housing mentioned in a later embodiment) on the floating head 40 via a pin 170. This pin 170 defines the axis of rotation of the jaw 130. The jaw 130 can swing within a certain angular range around this pin 170. When the jaw 130 pivots inward (i.e., towards the electrode rod axis), its cutting portion 140 approaches and presses against the outer surface of the electrode cap, achieving clamping before operation. When the jaw 130 pivots outward (i.e., away from the electrode rod axis), its cutting portion 140 leaves the surface of the electrode cap, achieving release after disassembly.

[0069] This pivoting design via pin 170 provides a simple and reliable way for the pawl 130 to move radially (relative to the electrode cap), allowing the actuator to control the contact state between the pawl 130 and the electrode cap by driving this pivoting motion.

[0070] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a drive gear 180 and a motor 190 that drives the drive gear 180. The drive gear 180 has a plurality of notches 200 corresponding to the number of pawls 130. Each pawl 130 has a tail 210 that engages with the corresponding notch 200, such that rotation of the drive gear 180 drives the pawl 130 to pivot about a pin 170, thereby moving the cutting portion 140 toward or away from the electrode rod.

[0071] In this embodiment, each pawl 130 pivots about a pin 170 to move its cutting portion 140 toward or away from the electrode cap. The actuator includes a drive gear 180. To drive the pivoting of the pawls 130, the drive gear 180 has a plurality of notches 200. The number of these notches 200 corresponds to the number of pawls 130. For example, if a three-pawl design is used, the drive gear 180 will have three corresponding notches 200.

[0072] Accordingly, each jaw 130 has a tail 210. This tail 210 is the portion of the jaw 130 that is away from its front cutting portion 140 and close to its pivot pin 170.

[0073] The tail 210 of each claw 130 is engaged with the notch 200 on its corresponding drive gear 180. That is, the tail 210 of each claw 130 extends at least partially into a corresponding notch 200 of the drive gear 180, or contacts the edge of the notch 200.

[0074] Based on this mating relationship, the rotation of the drive gear 180 (i.e., rotation about its own central axis) can drive the pawls 130 to pivot about their respective pins 170. The specific working principle is as follows: The drive gear 180 is driven by a motor 190 located at the bottom of the housing, with the output shaft of the motor 190 facing upwards and connected to the drive gear 180. When the motor 190 starts and drives the gear 180 to rotate, the sidewall of the notch 200 pushes or drives the tail 210 of the mating pawl 130. Since the pawl 130 is fixed at the pin 170, the force applied to the tail 210 generates a torque about the pin 170, thereby forcing the pawl 130 to pivot.

[0075] The rotation direction of the drive gear 180 can be controlled by controlling the rotation direction of the motor 190 (e.g., forward or reverse). When the drive gear 180 rotates in one direction, the notch 200 pushes the tail of the pawl 130, causing the cutting portion 140 at the front end of the pawl 130 to move toward the electrode cap (e.g., tighten inward) to clamp the electrode cap. When the drive gear 180 rotates in the opposite direction, the notch 200 drives the tail of the pawl 130 to move in the other direction, causing the cutting portion 140 at the front end of the pawl 130 to move away from the electrode cap (open outward) to release the electrode cap.

[0076] Therefore, this embodiment provides an effective mechanism for precisely and synchronously controlling the opening and closing of all jaws 130 (i.e., pivoting around the pin shaft 170) through the structure of the drive gear 180 cooperating with the tail notch 200 of the jaw 130. This is the key to realizing the clamping of the electrode cap, cutting rotation and final release.

[0077] In one embodiment, the floating head 40 includes a housing, a drive gear 180 disposed within the housing, the drive gear 180 having an inner cavity 230, a pawl mechanism and a pin 170 both disposed within the inner cavity 230 of the drive gear 180, and a first limiting structure 240 disposed within the housing, the first limiting structure 240 being used to limit the angular range of each pawl 130 pivoting around the corresponding pin 170.

[0078] In this embodiment, the device includes a pawl 130 pivoting via a pin 170, and a drive gear 180 with a notch 200 that engages with the tail of the pawl 130 and is driven to rotate by a motor 190 to control the pivoting of the pawl 130. The floating head 40 includes a housing that forms an internal space.

[0079] A drive gear 180 driven by a motor 190 is disposed inside the housing. The drive gear 180 is located in the internal space defined by the housing, and its axis of rotation is coaxial or parallel to the axis of the electrode rod.

[0080] The drive gear 180 is annular and has an inner cavity 230. The pawl mechanism (i.e., all the pawls) and the pins 170 supporting the pivoting of each pawl 130 are both located within the inner cavity 230 of the drive gear 180. Specifically, the pins 170 are fixed between the upper and lower portions of the housing and pass through this inner cavity 230 of the drive gear 180. Each pawl 130 pivots about its corresponding pin 170, with its main portion located within the inner cavity 230 region of the drive gear 180, while its tail 210 extends out of the inner cavity 230 and engages with a notch 200 in the inner wall of the drive gear 180. This arrangement results in a compact structure, allowing the drive gear 180 to effectively surround and drive the pawl mechanism located within it.

[0081] To control the range of motion of the jaws 130 and prevent them from exceeding preset working limits (e.g., clamping too tightly) during pivoting, a first limiting structure 240 is also provided inside the housing. This first limiting structure 240 restricts the angular range of pivoting of each jaw 130 around its corresponding pin 170. For example, the first limiting structure 240 may be a protrusion provided on the inner bottom wall of the housing (the upper surface of the lower end cover). When the jaw 130 pivots inward to its maximum closed position, it impacts the limiting point on the first limiting structure 240. Through this physical blocking effect, the first limiting structure 240 ensures that each jaw 130 can only pivot within a predetermined, safe, and effective angular range.

[0082] In one embodiment, the housing includes an upper end cover 250 and a lower end cover 260. The upper end cover 250 and the lower end cover 260 are fixedly connected together by bolts or other fasteners, together defining the internal accommodating space of the housing.

[0083] A drive gear 180 (as part of an actuator) is disposed within the internal space of the housing formed by the upper end cover 250 and the lower end cover 260. A pin 170 is vertically disposed, with its two ends fixedly connected to the upper end cover 250 and the lower end cover 260 respectively, and physically passes through the inner cavity 230 region of the drive gear 180. A motor 190 is fixed to the bottom surface of the lower end cover 260, and its output shaft passes through the lower end cover 260 and is connected to the drive gear 180.

[0084] In one embodiment, the device further includes a base 270, a guide rod 280 is provided on one side of the base 270, the elastic element is a helical spring 50, the helical spring 50 is sleeved on the guide rod 280, and a slider 290 is provided between the housing and the guide rod 280, the slider 290 abuts against one end of the helical spring 50.

[0085] In this embodiment, the device also includes a base 270. The base 270 is a relatively fixed part of the device, providing a reference and support for the movement of the floating head 40.

[0086] Multiple guide rods 280 are provided on one side of the base 270. These guide rods 280 are parallel to the axis of the electrode rod (i.e. the direction in which the floating head 40 needs to move), providing guidance for the axial movement of the floating head 40.

[0087] The elastic element is specifically a helical spring 50. This type of spring has a simple structure, stable performance, and is easy to achieve the required elastic force characteristics.

[0088] The helical spring 50 is fitted onto the guide rod 280. This means that the guide rod 280 passes through the center hole of the helical spring 50, and the helical spring 50 is arranged around the guide rod 280. This mounting method uses the guide rod 280 to guide the spring and prevent it from bending during compression or extension.

[0089] To achieve a sliding connection between the floating head 40 (specifically its housing) and the guide rod 280, and to interact with the helical spring 50, a slider 290 is provided between the housing and the guide rod 280. The slider 290 is fixed to the housing and has a hole that mates with the guide rod 280, allowing the housing to slide smoothly along the guide rod 280 via the slider 290.

[0090] The slider 290 rests against one end of the helical spring 50. The other end of the helical spring 50 rests against the base 270. Thus, when the floating head 40 (and its housing) moves towards the electrode cap due to the axial reaction force, the slider 290 fixed to the housing moves synchronously, compressing the helical spring 50 sleeved on the guide rod 280 and storing energy in the spring. When the electrode cap loosens and the axial reaction force disappears, the compressed helical spring 50 releases the stored energy, pushing the slider 290, and thus causing the entire floating head 40 (housing and its internal components) to move in the opposite direction (away from the electrode rod) along the guide rod 280.

[0091] In one embodiment, the device further includes a second limiting structure (not shown in the figures) for limiting the maximum stroke of the floating head 40 moving axially toward the electrode rod.

[0092] In this embodiment, the device includes a base 270, a guide rod 280 disposed on the base 270, a helical spring 50 sleeved on the guide rod 280 as an elastic element, and a floating head 40 including a housing. The floating head 40 is slidably connected to the guide rod 280 via a slider 290 and acts with the helical spring 50, enabling it to move along the guide rod 280 (i.e., the electrode rod axis). The device also includes a second limiting structure. The function of the second limiting structure is to limit the maximum stroke of the floating head 40 moving axially toward the electrode rod. In other words, when the floating head 40 compresses the helical spring 50 and moves toward the electrode rod under axial reaction force, the second limiting structure will prevent the floating head 40 from continuing to move in that direction when it reaches a predetermined limit position, even if the axial reaction force still exists or continues to increase at this time.

[0093] This second limiting structure can be implemented in several ways. For example, a fixed stop (such as a flange or pin, not shown in the figure) can be set at a specific position on the guide rod 280. When the slider 290 on the floating head 40 or a part of the housing moves to that position, it will contact the stop and be stopped. Alternatively, a boss (not shown in the figure) can be set on the base 270. When the floating head 40 (e.g., the lower end face of its housing) moves to a preset distance, it will directly abut against the boss of the base 270. It can also be a stroke limiting design integrated into the mating structure of the guide rod 280 and the slider 290.

[0094] The purpose of setting up the second limiting structure includes at least the following: preventing the floating head 40 from moving too much, causing the helical spring 50 to be over-compressed beyond its design limit, thereby avoiding permanent deformation of the spring and failure. It also provides a clear and repeatable physical endpoint for the movement of the floating head 40 toward the electrode cap, so that this "bottoming out" state can be used to trigger a "hard pull" operation.

[0095] In this embodiment, the actuator drives the chuck mechanism to rotate, and the cutting portion 140 of the chuck 130 cuts a helical groove on the outer surface of the electrode cap and applies a torsional force to the electrode cap. Simultaneously, the floating head 40 responds to the generated axial reaction force, compressing the helical spring 50 and moving axially toward the electrode rod. However, in certain situations (e.g., the electrode cap and electrode rod are abnormally tightly joined due to an abnormal condition such as a thermoforming fit), even if the axial movement of the floating head 40 has reached its maximum stroke and is restricted by the second limiting structure, the applied torsional force is still insufficient to loosen the electrode cap.

[0096] Even if the floating head 40 is blocked by the second limiting structure and cannot continue to move axially, the drive gear 180 is still driven by the motor 190, causing the chuck mechanism to continue to rotate. Since the rotational motion of the chuck mechanism itself is accompanied by a tendency to move along the spiral groove path, at this time, the cutting part 140 of the chuck 130 will still have a strong interaction force with the electrode cap.

[0097] Specifically, because the axial position of the floating head 40 (i.e., the housing) is fixed, the pawl 130 still attempts to rotate and move axially under the driving force. This generates a significant axial component in addition to the torsional torque component (which may not be sufficient to loosen it). This axial component tends to and has the effect of forcibly pulling the electrode cap axially off the electrode rod.

[0098] In other words, once the floating head 40 is "locked" by the second limiting structure, the continuous rotational driving force is effectively converted into an axial pull-out force that pulls the electrode rod away through the meshing action of the cutting part 140 of the chuck 130 and the electrode cap. This force acts directly on the electrode cap, which is sufficient to overcome the abnormally tight fit force and achieve a "hard pull" effect, thereby ensuring that the electrode cap can be successfully removed even under difficult conditions.

[0099] Therefore, this embodiment utilizes a second limiting structure and continuous rotation drive to convert rotational motion into a powerful axial pull-out force under specific conditions. As a reliable backup disassembly mechanism, it ensures that the device has an extremely high disassembly success rate for electrode caps with various tightness levels.

[0100] In other embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the second limiting structure may be a shoulder 12 (or flange) provided on the electrode rod 10. The shoulder 12 (or flange) is located below the mounting area of ​​the electrode cap 11 and is used to abut against the lower end cover 260 of the floating head 40 when the floating head 40 moves toward the electrode rod 10, thereby preventing the floating head 40 from continuing to approach.

[0101] In one embodiment, the device further includes a sensor 310 for monitoring the axial movement of the floating head 40.

[0102] In this embodiment, the moment the electrode cap is successfully removed, the potential energy stored in the elastic element is immediately released, which quickly and forcefully "squeezes" the floating head 40 back to its initial position or a further position, causing it to move away from the electrode rod quickly.

[0103] To effectively utilize and monitor this defined physical movement, the device also includes a sensor 310 positioned to sense the axial movement of the floating head 40. For example, it can be mounted on the base 270, with its sensing range covering the movement area of ​​the corresponding component on the floating head 40; or it can be mounted on the floating head 40 to sense its positional change relative to a fixed feature on the base 270 or guide rod 280.

[0104] The sensor 310 is configured to accurately monitor the axial movement of the floating head 40, particularly to capture the aforementioned "retraction" action from its initial position or further away. The type of sensor 310 is optional, such as a proximity switch, limit switch, or displacement sensor 310, as long as it can reliably detect whether the floating head 40 has completed a specified retraction action away from the electrode rod.

[0105] The main purpose and function of the sensor 310 is to automatically determine whether the electrode cap has been successfully loosened and separated from the electrode rod by monitoring the axial rebound of the floating head 40 (i.e., the elastic element releasing potential energy to drive its movement away from the electrode rod). Based on the signal confirming successful disassembly fed back by the sensor 310, the control system 320 (such as a PLC) connected to it can safely and automatically instruct the device to perform the next operation, such as removing or discarding the old cap and taking the new cap.

[0106] This embodiment adds a sensor 310 to monitor the rebound action of the floating head 40, realizing automatic monitoring and confirmation of the key status of the electrode cap disassembly process, and improving the reliability and automation of the electrode cap replacement process in the entire automated welding production line.

[0107] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for removing an electrode cap from an electrode stem, characterized by, The electrode cap is provided with a plurality of spiral grooves, each of which is formed by a corresponding cutting portion of a jaw of the jaw mechanism. The jaw mechanism and the actuator are arranged on a floating head, and the floating head is capable of moving along the axial direction of the electrode rod. The elastic element is connected to the floating head, and is configured to store energy when the floating head moves along the axial direction towards the electrode rod in response to the torque applied by the rotation of the jaw relative to the electrode cap, and release the stored energy to drive the floating head to move away from the electrode rod along the axial direction when the electrode cap is loosened relative to the electrode rod. The cutting portions of different jaws cut out spiral grooves on the outer surface of the electrode cap, and the spiral grooves have an axial offset between each other. The cutting portion of each jaw includes at least two inclined teeth arranged vertically and spaced apart.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The jaw mechanism includes three or more jaws, and the three or more jaws are uniformly distributed around the axis of the electrode rod.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Each jaw is pivoted around a pin.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a drive gear and a motor driving the drive gear, and the drive gear has a plurality of notches corresponding to the number of jaws.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The floating head includes a housing, the drive gear is arranged in the housing, the drive gear has an inner cavity, the jaw mechanism and the pin are arranged in the inner cavity of the drive gear, and the housing is provided with a first limiting structure for limiting the angle range of each jaw pivoted around the corresponding pin.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The base is provided with a guide rod on one side, the elastic element is a spiral spring, the spiral spring is sleeved on the guide rod, a sliding block is arranged between the housing and the guide rod, and the sliding block abuts against one end of the spiral spring.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The second limiting structure is used to limit the maximum stroke of the floating head moving along the axial direction towards the electrode rod.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The sensor is used to monitor the axial movement state of the floating head.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, ​ 10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, ​

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