An automatic cap changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automatic cap changer for uncertain length electrode cap, including body support and the cap-off mechanism and cap installation mechanism being set on body support, the cap installation mechanism includes the cartridge loaded with the electrode cap to be installed, cartridge center is provided with middle shaft, cartridge is rotatably connected between middle shaft, rotating mechanism for rotating cartridge to switch electrode cap is set in cartridge, setting mechanism is set below cartridge for pushing electrode cap to lift in cartridge, and the upper end of electrode cap is kept at the same height position;The utility model can make the height position where electrode cap end is kept consistent when installing electrode cap each time by setting setting mechanism, not affected by the length of electrode cap itself, robot welding tongs can use uncertain length electrode cap when cap installation under the same trajectory each time, realize the purpose of automatic replacement electrode cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrode cap installation equipment, specifically to an automatic cap changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length. Background Technology

[0002] The automatic electrode cap changer is a key piece of equipment for automatically replacing the electrode cap in the welding gun, and it is an important part of the fully automated welding production line. The automatic electrode cap changer, in conjunction with the robotic welding gun, completes two stages of work: the first stage is removing the old electrode cap from the welding gun; the second stage is installing the new electrode cap from the magazine onto the welding gun.

[0003] Currently, because the robot's trajectory is identical each time, the automatic cap-changing machine requires that the new electrode caps in the magazine be of the same specification and length during the second stage of cap loading. This does not cause problems in most cases. Typically, the welding clamp removes the oxide layer using a grinder and continues to be used, in a cycle where the electrode caps continuously shorten until they reach their length limit and are then replaced. Therefore, the electrode caps that need to be loaded are generally new electrode caps of the same specification, allowing the robot to load caps according to the same trajectory.

[0004] However, in some cases, the welding clamps are processed by a shaping machine to remove the oxide layer. This shaping machine does not remove material, and the electrode caps, after multiple shaping processes, need to be removed and their surface layer machined off before being reinstalled in the welding clamp. This cycle continues until the electrode caps are machined to their limit dimensions. In this situation, during the second-stage cap loading, the automatic cap changer needs to use either electrode caps that have undergone one or more machining processes or new electrode caps—that is, a mixture of electrode caps of uncertain lengths. This makes existing cap changers unusable on welding production lines where cap changing is based on fixed robot trajectories, hindering the full automation of production lines using shaping machines. Utility Model Content

[0005] Technical objective: To address the shortcomings of existing electrode cap replacement equipment, this utility model discloses an automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length.

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

[0007] An automatic cap changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length includes a machine body support and a cap removal mechanism and a cap installation mechanism mounted on the machine body support. The cap installation mechanism includes a magazine containing electrode caps to be installed, a central shaft is provided at the center of the magazine, and the magazine and the central shaft are rotatably connected. A rotating mechanism is provided inside the magazine to drive the magazine to rotate and switch electrode caps. A leveling mechanism is provided below the magazine to push the electrode caps up and down inside the magazine to keep the upper ends of the electrode caps at the same height.

[0008] Preferably, the leveling mechanism of this utility model includes a leveling seat and a leveling shaft disposed within the leveling seat. The axial position of the leveling shaft corresponds to the position of the electrode cap to be installed. A sealed sliding cavity for cooperating with the leveling shaft is formed in the leveling seat. The lower end of the leveling shaft is located in the sealed sliding cavity and slides in cooperation with the sealed sliding cavity. The sealed sliding cavity is divided into a hydraulic oil cavity located at the bottom and an air cavity located at the top. The air cavity and the hydraulic oil cavity are connected to a gas-liquid adjustment mechanism. The axial position of the leveling shaft is adjusted by changing the height of the hydraulic oil in the sealed sliding cavity through the gas-liquid adjustment mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the magazine of this invention is provided with a cover above it to limit the lifting height of the electrode cap. The cover is concentrically arranged with the magazine. A notch is provided on the cover corresponding to the installation position of the electrode cap. A rotating mechanism is connected above the cover. The rotating mechanism drives the cover to rotate and switch the circumferential position of the notch.

[0010] Preferably, the gas-liquid regulating mechanism of this utility model includes a gas-liquid conversion cup with a hydraulic oil control chamber and a gas control chamber, an air passage opened in the flat seat, and a hydraulic oil passage connected to the hydraulic oil control chamber of the gas-liquid conversion cup. The air passage and the gas control chamber of the gas-liquid conversion cup are respectively connected to a telescopic solenoid valve. By changing the relative pressure between the air chamber and the gas control chamber through the telescopic solenoid valve, the hydraulic oil level in the sealed sliding chamber is adjusted.

[0011] Preferably, the flat seat of this utility model is provided with a cut-off push rod on the hydraulic oil channel for cutting off the channel. By cutting off the push rod, the backflow of hydraulic oil can be prevented when installing the electrode cap.

[0012] Preferably, the rotating mechanism of this utility model includes a coil spring disposed in the magazine. The inner end of the coil spring is fixedly connected to the central shaft, and the outer end is fixedly connected to the magazine. The magazine is rotated by the coil spring to switch the electrode cap. A stop is provided in the circumferential direction at the electrode cap installation position of the magazine. The stop blocks the electrode cap in the installation position. After the electrode cap is pushed up by the leveling mechanism and the installation is completed, the magazine automatically rotates under the elastic force of the coil spring to switch the next electrode cap to the installation position.

[0013] Preferably, both the cap-mounting mechanism and the leveling mechanism of this utility model are installed and fixed on the machine body support through a balancing mechanism. The balancing mechanism includes a mounting block and an elastic guide component disposed between the mounting block and the machine body support. The elastic guide component buffers the force generated during the installation of the electrode cap.

[0014] Preferably, the automatic hat-changing machine of this utility model has a control box installed on the machine body support. The control box is electrically connected to the hat-removal mechanism, the hat-installation mechanism and the leveling mechanism to control the hat-changing process.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The automatic cap changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length disclosed in this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. By setting up a leveling mechanism, this utility model can ensure that the height position of the end of the electrode cap remains consistent each time the electrode cap is installed, regardless of the length of the electrode cap itself. The robot welding gun can use electrode caps of uncertain lengths when installing the caps, thus achieving the purpose of automatic electrode cap replacement, under the same trajectory each time.

[0017] 2. This utility model utilizes a gas-liquid regulating mechanism to change the capacity of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic oil chamber, thereby enabling the pushing of electrode caps of different lengths. In conjunction with the cutting push rod, the position of the electrode cap can be kept stable, providing stable support during installation, thus allowing the electrode cap to be smoothly connected and assembled with the welding clamp.

[0018] 3. This utility model achieves automatic switching of the position of the electrode caps in the magazine by using a coil spring inside the magazine and a stop block set in the circumferential direction at the electrode cap installation position, rotating them one by one to the electrode cap installation position for assembly, thereby improving the automation level of electrode cap installation.

[0019] 4. This utility model is equipped with a balancing mechanism, which provides elastic support. During the installation of the electrode cap, the force can be controlled, avoiding damage caused by rigid contact. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the cap-attaching mechanism of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the leveling mechanism and the electrode cap of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the leveling mechanism of this utility model;

[0025] Among them, 1-body bracket, 2-cap removal mechanism, 3-cap installation mechanism, 4-electrode cap, 5-scaffold, 6-central shaft, 7-flat seat, 8-flat shaft, 9-sealed sliding cavity, 10-cover, 11-notch, 12-gas-liquid conversion cup, 13-gas passage, 14-hydraulic oil passage, 15-cut-off push rod, 16-coil spring, 17-mounting block, 18-elastic guide assembly, 19-control box. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of which are set forth herein. Each embodiment and example is provided by way of explanation of the apparatus, composition, and materials of the present disclosure, and not by way of limitation. Rather, the following description provides convenient illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0027] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model discloses an automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length, including a machine body support 1 and a cap-removing mechanism 2 and a cap-installing mechanism 3 mounted on the machine body support 1. The cap-removing mechanism 2 can directly adopt existing mature cap-removing structures to remove the original electrode caps on the welding clamp without affecting the implementation of this utility model. The cap-installing mechanism 3 includes a magazine 5 containing the electrode cap 4 to be installed. A central shaft 6 is set at the center of the magazine 5, and the magazine 5 and the central shaft 6 are rotatably connected. A rotating mechanism is set inside the magazine 5 to drive the magazine to rotate and switch the electrode cap 4. The rotating mechanism can be driven by a motor or cylinder to drive the cover to rotate back and forth. A leveling mechanism is set below the magazine 5 to push the electrode cap up and down inside the magazine to keep the upper end of the electrode cap 4 at the same height. The automatic cap-changing machine is equipped with a control box 19 on the machine body support 1. The control box 19 is electrically connected to the cap-removing mechanism 2, the cap-installing mechanism 3 and the leveling mechanism to control the cap-changing process.

[0028] The leveling mechanism of this utility model includes a leveling seat 7 and a leveling shaft 8 disposed within the leveling seat 7. The axial position of the leveling shaft 8 corresponds to the position of the electrode cap 4 to be installed. A sealed sliding cavity 9 is formed in the leveling seat 7 for cooperating with the leveling shaft 8. The lower end of the leveling shaft 8 is located in the sealed sliding cavity 9 and slides in cooperation with the sealed sliding cavity 9. The lower end of the leveling shaft 8 can be designed as a piston. The sealed sliding cavity 9 is divided into a hydraulic oil cavity located at the bottom and an air cavity located at the top. The air cavity and the hydraulic oil cavity are connected by a gas-liquid adjustment mechanism. The capacity of the hydraulic oil in the sealed sliding cavity 9 is changed by the gas-liquid adjustment mechanism to adjust the axial position of the leveling shaft 8. Several electrode cap placement holes are provided on the magazine 5 along the circumferential direction. The end of the leveling shaft 8 can extend into the placement hole to push the electrode cap upward for position adjustment and provide axial support for the electrode cap during the cap installation process.

[0029] like Figure 4As shown, the gas-liquid regulating mechanism of this utility model includes a gas-liquid conversion cup 12 with a hydraulic oil control chamber and a pneumatic control chamber, a pneumatic passage 13 opened in the flat seat 7, and a hydraulic oil passage 14 connected to the hydraulic oil control chamber of the gas-liquid conversion cup 12. The hydraulic oil control chamber and the pneumatic control chamber are in a connected state. The gas-liquid conversion cup 12 is filled with hydraulic oil, and the volume of the injected hydraulic oil is greater than the volume of the sealed sliding chamber in the flat seat, but less than the volume of the gas-liquid conversion cup. Under the action of gravity, the hydraulic oil naturally sinks to the lower side, and the air naturally floats to the upper side to form the pneumatic control chamber. The gas passage 13 and the gas-liquid conversion cup are connected. A telescopic solenoid valve is installed on the pneumatic control chamber of 12. The flow of compressed air is controlled by the telescopic solenoid valve. By utilizing the principle of pneumatic-hydraulic pressure transmission, the relative pressure between the air chamber and the pneumatic control chamber is changed. The flow of hydraulic oil is controlled by controlling the compressed air. When the pressure in the air chamber is greater than that in the pneumatic control chamber, the hydraulic oil flows back to the hydraulic control chamber through the hydraulic oil channel 14. When the pressure in the pneumatic control chamber is greater than that in the air chamber, the pressure in the air hole chamber is used to force the hydraulic oil into the hydraulic oil chamber. This achieves the adjustment of the hydraulic oil capacity in the sealed sliding chamber. The change in hydraulic oil capacity is directly reflected in the change of the lifting height of the leveling shaft 8.

[0030] The corresponding channels are connected to the air chamber and hydraulic oil chamber. The flat seat 7 of this utility model is equipped with a cutting push rod 15 on the hydraulic oil channel for cutting off the channel. The movement of the cutting push rod is realized by the cylinder or other pushing mechanism. The cutting push rod 15 prevents the backflow of hydraulic oil when the electrode cap 4 is installed. When the electrode cap is installed, the hydraulic system provides stable support so that the electrode cap can maintain a stable position and realize the docking assembly with the welding clamp.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the magazine 5 of this invention is provided with a cover 10 above it to limit the lifting height of the electrode cap 4. The cover 10 is concentrically arranged with the magazine 5. A notch 11 corresponding to the installation position of the electrode cap 4 is provided on the cover 10. A rotating mechanism is connected above the cover 10. The rotating mechanism drives the cover 10 to rotate and switch the circumferential position of the notch. When the electrode cap needs to be positioned, the notch 11 is offset from the installation position of the electrode cap. The cover 10 is used to prevent the electrode cap from moving upward, thereby ensuring that the upper end of all the electrode caps to be installed is at the height limited by the cover 10. After positioning is completed, the notch is rotated to the position corresponding to the electrode cap to be installed, so that the welding clamp can be smoothly assembled with the positioned electrode cap.

[0032] To facilitate the positioning of the motor cap installation position, the rotating mechanism of this utility model includes a coil spring 16 disposed in the spring clip 5. The inner end of the coil spring 16 is fixedly connected to the central shaft 6, and the outer end is fixedly connected to the spring clip 5. The spring spring 16 drives the spring clip to rotate to switch the electrode cap 4. A stop block is set in the circumferential direction of the electrode cap installation position of the spring clip 5 to block the electrode cap in the installation position. After the electrode cap 4 is pushed up by the leveling mechanism and the installation is completed, the spring clip 5 automatically rotates under the elastic force of the coil spring 16 to switch the next electrode cap to the installation position. The position of each newly switched electrode cap remains uniform, eliminating the need to adjust the trajectory of the welding clamp and reducing the difficulty of electrode cap installation.

[0033] Furthermore, both the cap-mounting mechanism 2 and the leveling mechanism of this utility model are mounted and fixed on the body support 1 through a balancing mechanism. The balancing mechanism includes a mounting block 17 and an elastic guide component 18 disposed between the mounting block and the body support. The elastic guide component 18 buffers the force generated during the installation of the electrode cap. The elastic guide component 18 can adopt an existing elastic support structure. In the embodiment of this utility model, it is achieved by a guide shaft passing through the mounting block 17 and a spring sleeved on the guide shaft. The spring is located below the mounting block 17 to provide elastic support force.

[0034] In use, this invention first closes the top cover 10 to activate the limiting mechanism, then opens the cut-off push rod 15 to control the flow path. Compressed air enters the gas-liquid conversion cup 12 via the telescopic solenoid valve. At this point, the pressure in the pneumatic control chamber is greater than that in the pneumatic chamber, injecting hydraulic oil into the hydraulic oil chamber of the leveling shaft 8. The leveling shaft 8 pushes the electrode cap 4 of uncertain length to the top until it contacts the limiting cover 10. Then, the cut-off push rod 15 is closed, cutting off the hydraulic oil flow path, and the position of the leveling shaft 8 is locked. The airflow direction is reversed via the telescopic solenoid valve, opening the top cover 10 and rotating the notch 11 to the position corresponding to the electrode cap, exposing the electrode cap 4. At this time, the conical hole of the electrode cap 4 is exactly in the fixed capping position, and the other end is held in place by the leveling shaft 8. Since the position of the leveling shaft 8 is locked, it can withstand the pressure applied by the welding clamp during the capping process. After the welding clamp is capped, the cut-off push rod 15 is opened to open the hydraulic oil flow path. The flat shaft 8 retracts to its initial state. At the same time, the spring clip 5, under the action of the coil spring 16, sends the next electrode cap 4 to the discharge position. The work cycle ends. The above process is repeated to position and cap the next electrode cap. The electrode caps on the spring clip 5 of this utility model are evenly distributed along the circumference. Through the preset tension of the coil spring 16, the coil spring 16 can drive the spring clip 5 to rotate one revolution to complete the installation of all electrode caps.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length, characterized in that, It includes a body support (1) and a cap removal mechanism (2) and a cap installation mechanism (3) set on the body support (1). The cap installation mechanism (3) includes a magazine (5) containing an electrode cap (4) to be installed. A central shaft (6) is set at the center of the magazine (5). The magazine (5) and the central shaft (6) are rotatably connected. A rotating mechanism is set inside the magazine (5) to drive the magazine to rotate and switch the electrode cap (4). A leveling mechanism is set below the magazine (5) to push the electrode cap to rise and fall inside the magazine and keep the upper end of the electrode cap (4) at the same height.

2. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leveling mechanism includes a leveling seat (7) and a leveling shaft (8) disposed in the leveling seat (7). The axial position of the leveling shaft (8) corresponds to the position of the electrode cap (4) to be installed. A sealed sliding cavity (9) for cooperating with the leveling shaft (8) is opened in the leveling seat (7). The lower end of the leveling shaft (8) is located in the sealed sliding cavity (9) and slides in cooperation with the sealed sliding cavity (9). The sealed sliding cavity (9) is divided into a hydraulic oil cavity located at the bottom and an air cavity located at the top. The air cavity and the hydraulic oil cavity are connected to a gas-liquid adjustment mechanism. The height of the hydraulic oil in the sealed sliding cavity (9) is changed by the gas-liquid adjustment mechanism to adjust the axial position of the leveling shaft (8).

3. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 2, characterized in that, A cover (10) is provided above the magazine (5) to limit the lifting height of the electrode cap (4). The cover (10) is concentric with the magazine (5). A notch (11) is provided on the cover (10) corresponding to the installation position of the electrode cap (4). A rotating mechanism is connected above the cover (10). The rotating mechanism drives the cover (10) to rotate and switch the circumferential position of the notch.

4. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-liquid regulating mechanism includes a gas-liquid conversion cup (12) with a hydraulic oil control chamber and a gas control chamber, a gas passage (13) opened in the flat seat (7), and a hydraulic oil passage (14) connected to the hydraulic oil control chamber of the gas-liquid conversion cup (12). The gas passage (13) and the gas control chamber of the gas-liquid conversion cup (12) are respectively connected to the telescopic solenoid valve.

5. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flat seat (7) is provided with a cut-off push rod (15) on the hydraulic oil channel (14) for cutting off the channel. The cut-off push rod (15) prevents the backflow of hydraulic oil when the electrode cap (4) is installed.

6. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes a coil spring (16) installed in the magazine (5). The inner end of the coil spring (16) is fixedly connected to the central shaft (6), and the outer end is fixedly connected to the magazine (5). The magazine is rotated by the coil spring (16) to switch the electrode cap (4). A stop is set in the circumferential direction of the electrode cap installation position of the magazine (5). The stop blocks the electrode cap (4) in the installation position. After the electrode cap (4) is pushed up by the leveling mechanism and the installation is completed, the magazine (5) automatically rotates under the elastic force of the coil spring (16) to switch the next electrode cap to the installation position.

7. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap-mounting mechanism (2) and the leveling mechanism are both installed and fixed on the body support (1) through the balancing mechanism. The balancing mechanism includes a mounting block (17) and an elastic guide component (18) disposed between the mounting block and the body support. The elastic guide component (18) buffers the force generated during the installation of the electrode cap.

8. An automatic cap-changing machine for electrode caps of uncertain length according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic cap changing machine has a control box (19) on the machine body support (1). The control box (19) is electrically connected to the cap removal mechanism (2), the cap installation mechanism (3) and the leveling mechanism to control the cap changing process.

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