WELDING HOLDER AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURE

Abstract

A holder for carrying a tool comprises a housing defining an opening that receives a projection of the holder, a shaft extending through the opening and into the housing, the shaft comprising a series of external threads, and an adjusting wheel screwed onto the threads of the shaft and comprising an engagement surface in contact with a surface of the projection, the adjusting wheel being configured to set a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjusting wheel is rotated relative to the shaft and moves along the shaft.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Neither the work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, nor those aspects of the description that do not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing are expressly or implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fixtures and, more particularly, to a fixture for use with a projection welder.

[0003] Fixtures are commonly used in manufacturing to hold a tool or workpiece during a manufacturing process. For example, in the automotive industry, a fixture can be used to hold two or more pieces of sheet metal relative to each other and to a spot welder. The fixture can hold the pieces of sheet metal in a desired position relative to each other, ensuring that the desired relative position is maintained during welding by the spot welder.

[0004] Such fixtures can also be used in conjunction with projection welders to hold a workpiece relative to a projection welder. The workpiece can be held relative to the projection welder to allow the projection welder to attach a component to the workpiece. For example, a threaded nut or stud can be welded to the workpiece by the projection welder while the workpiece is held in place by the fixture relative to the component and the projection welder. The fixture can include a component-specific tool that is received by the fixture and connected to the workpiece. The component-specific tool can be designed to form an interface with the specific workpiece to properly position the workpiece relative to the projection welder during assembly.If the projection welder is used in conjunction with another workpiece, a different tool can be used with the fixture so that the fixture can properly position the tool and thus the workpiece relative to the projection welder.

[0005] When one or more tools are used with a fixture, adjustments to the fixture are often necessary to ensure that the specific tool is properly positioned relative to the projection welder. Such adjustments may include adjusting a height of the fixture, adjusting a fitting connected to the fixture that accommodates the specific tool, and / or adjusting a position of the projection welder relative to the fixture. While all of the aforementioned processes help ensure that the tool and workpiece are properly positioned relative to the projection welder during manufacturing, the aforementioned adjustments each require time to perform properly. When a fixture is used with multiple tools, switching between tools can be a time-consuming process, impacting manufacturing efficiency.Furthermore, if adjustments to the fixture, tool, and / or projection welder are not made properly, manufacturing defects can occur. For example, if the height of the tool relative to the projection welder is not properly adjusted, the resulting weld performed by the projection welder may not adhere a component to the workpiece at the desired location.

[0006] In addition to the foregoing, even if a tool is properly secured to the fixture, a resulting weld may not be properly completed if the projection welder is not maintained. Specifically, projection welders require maintenance after a certain number of welds, which often involves removing material from the tip of the projection welder. While removing material from the tip of the welder allows the projection welder to continue operation without needing to replace the tip, such material removal can affect the position of a workpiece while held in a tool relative to the tip of the projection welder, potentially resulting in an ineffective weld.

[0007] To avoid ineffective welding, the fixture connected to the tool can be adjusted to account for the material removal from the tip of the projection welder. To account for the material removal from the tip of the projection welder, the fixture often needs to be adjusted using tools and shims to ensure that the fixture, and thus the resulting tool and the workpiece held by the fixture, are properly positioned relative to the projection welder during manufacturing. Although such fixture adjustments adequately adjust the position of the fixture relative to the projection welder, such adjustments are time-consuming and consequently reduce manufacturing efficiency.

[0008] Based on the foregoing, conventional fixtures adequately support the tools during the manufacturing process, allowing the tools to hold a workpiece in a suitable position relative to a welding machine. However, adapting such fixtures to different tools and / or to an external welding machine, such as a projection welder, is time-consuming and results in a loss of manufacturing efficiency. Accordingly, there is a need for a fixture that can be easily adapted to different tools and to changes in a welding machine used in conjunction with the fixture. SUMMARY

[0009] In one configuration, a holder for supporting a tool is provided, comprising a housing defining an opening that receives a projection of the holder, a shaft extending through the opening and into the housing and having a series of external threads, and an adjustment wheel threaded onto the threads of the shaft and having an engagement surface in contact with a surface of the projection, the adjustment wheel being configured to adjust a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjustment wheel is rotated relative to the shaft and moves along the shaft.

[0010] The holder may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the shaft may include a first end extending from the opening and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the first end and secured to the housing. A knob may be threaded onto the shaft at the first end. The knob may be configured to move along the shaft when rotated relative to the shaft, wherein the knob moves 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 the housing and / or the dial can be formed from a thermoplastic. The thermoplastic can be acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), and / or the housing and / or the dial can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

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

[0013] In one configuration, the opening may have a shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of the projection. Additionally, a portion of the shaft may extend through the tool near the opening.

[0014] In another configuration, a method for adjusting a position of a tool relative to a fixture comprises providing a housing having an opening, inserting a shaft through the opening 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 having an engagement surface. The method further comprises passing a projection of the fixture through the opening and into the housing, contacting a distal end of the projection 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 relative to the housing along with the adjustment dial to adjust a 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 extending from the opening and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the first end and secured to the housing. Further, a knob may be threaded onto the shaft at the first end. The knob may be rotatable relative to the shaft to move the knob along the shaft, wherein the knob moves 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 the housing and / or the dial from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Furthermore, the housing and / or the dial may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0017] In one configuration, the method may include forming the housing and / or the dial from a thermoplastic material. Forming the housing and / or the dial from a thermoplastic material may include forming the housing and / or the dial from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). Furthermore, the housing and / or the dial may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0018] A set screw can be engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment wheel to fix a position of the adjustment wheel relative to the housing.

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

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; they show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket according to the principles of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the bracket of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the bracket of Fig. 1 along line 3-3 from Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 1, shown in conjunction with a tool and a sectional view of a workpiece; Fig. 5 a side view of the bracket of Fig. 4, showing the fixture, tool and workpiece relative to a projection welder; Fig. 6 a top view of the bracket of Fig. 4, which is the tool of Fig. 4 shows, which is used in conjunction with the bracket; and Fig. 7 is a plan view of another fixture according to the principles of the present disclosure used in conjunction with a tool.

[0021] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols designate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "including," "containing," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0024] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging with," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaging with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging with," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there need not be any intervening 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 combination of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0025] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms may be used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0026] 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 group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a 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.

[0027] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" encompasses non-transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0028] 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 access stored data.

[0029] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In certain examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," an "app," or a "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.

[0030] Non-transitory memory may be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory may 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) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (which, for example, is typically used for firmware such as boot programs).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.

[0031] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to a computer program product, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, an apparatus, and / or a device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, which contains a machine-readable medium that embodies machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to a signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0032] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronics and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose and coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0033] The processes and logic flows described in this application text may 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 processes and logic flows may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. In general, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, receive data from and / or send data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic storage media, magneto-optical storage media, or optical storage media. However, a computer is not required to include such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor storage devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic storage devices, e.g., internal hard disks or removable storage devices; magneto-optical storage devices, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM storage devices.The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0034] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display monitor), or a touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally, a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with a user; e.g., feedback provided to the user may include any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback; and input may be received from the user in any form including auditory, verbal, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to an internet browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the internet browser.

[0035] With particular reference to the Fig. 1-3, a bracket 10 is provided. The bracket 10 includes a receiver 12 and an adjustment assembly 14 rotatably supported by the receiver 12. The receiver 12 includes a main body 16 and a flange 18 extending from the main body 16. As shown, the flange 18 may extend from a base of the main body 16 and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the main body 16. The main body 16 includes an opening 20 extending through the main body 16, a recess 22 ( Fig. 3), a bore 24 extending between and connecting the opening 20 and the recess 22, an opening 26, and a threaded through-bore 28 communicating with the opening 20. The opening 20 is defined by two opposite side walls 30 of the main body 16, which are connected to each other by a top wall 32. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the side walls 30 are opposite one another across a width of the main body 16 and extend substantially parallel to one another, one of the side walls 30 including the threaded through-bore 28 formed in its thickness direction.

[0036] The top wall 32 of the main body extends between and connects the side walls 30 and extends along the width of the main body 16. The top wall 32 extends substantially perpendicular to the side walls 30 and includes the opening 26 formed therethrough. Accordingly, the opening 20 is accessible from the top wall 32 through the opening 26. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the opening 26 is aligned with the bore 24 such that the center of the opening 26 is substantially aligned with the center of the bore 24.

[0037] As described above, the flange 18 extends from the main body 16 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the main body 16. As shown in the Fig. 1-3, the flange 18 includes a series of openings 34 formed through the thickness of the flange 18 which can be used to attach the flange 18 and hence the main body 16 to an external structure ( Fig. 5).

[0038] In the Fig. 1-3, the adjustment assembly 14 is shown with a threaded shaft or rod 36, an adjustment wheel 38, a knob 40 and a series of nuts 42.

[0039] As shown, the threaded rod 36 includes a series of threads 44 extending along the length of the threaded rod 36 from a first end 46 to a second end 48. The adjustment wheel 38 is threaded onto the threaded rod 36 and includes an engagement surface 50, an opening 52, and a flange 54 extending around the outer periphery of the adjustment wheel 38. The engagement surface 50 may be substantially flat ( Fig. 2) or alternatively comprise a series of intervention features 56 ( Fig. 3) which facilitate engagement with an external tool, as will be described in more detail below. The opening 52 is centrally located on the adjustment wheel 38 and includes a series of flats 58 for engagement with one of the nuts 42. The opening 52 may additionally include a square groove (not shown) surrounding the opening 52 which facilitates the attachment of one of the nuts 42 to the adjustment wheel 38 within the opening 52. In particular, one of the nuts 42 may be received in the opening 52 of the adjustment wheel 38 such that the outer flats 59 of one of the nuts 42 oppose and engage the corresponding flats 58 defined by the opening 52. The nut 42 may be held in the opening 52 by an adhesive to fix the nut 42 for rotation with the adjustment wheel 38.

[0040] The flange 54 extends around the circumference of the adjustment wheel 38 and in a direction away from the underside 60 of the adjustment wheel 38 ( Fig. 3). As in Fig. 3, the flange 54 extends in a direction away from the top wall 32 of the main body 16 once the adjustment assembly 14 is mounted to the receiver 12. The flange 54 provides a grip for manipulating and rotating the adjustment wheel 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36.

[0041] The knob 40 includes a series of grip features 62 extending around the outer periphery of the knob 40 and an opening 64 formed through the knob 40. The opening 64 is located in the center of the knob 40 and includes a series of flats 66. Like the flats 58 of the dial 38, the flats 66 of the knob 40 engage the corresponding flats 59 of one of the nuts 42 when the nut 42 is received in the opening 64 of the knob 40. Further, the opening 64 of the knob 40 may include a groove (not shown) surrounding the opening 64 in a similar manner to the opening 52 of the dial 38 to provide a larger surface area for the adhesive bonding the nut 42 to the knob 40. Once the adhesive bonds the nut 42 to the knob 40, the nut 42 is fixed to the knob 40 for rotation.

[0042] With particular reference to the Fig. 1-3, the adjustment assembly 14 is shown mounted on and received by the receiver 12. As shown, the nut 42 attached to the adjustment wheel 38 is threaded onto the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36 so that when a force is applied to the adjustment wheel 38 to rotate the adjustment wheel 38 relative to the threaded rod 36, the threads 68 connected to the nut 42 attached to the adjustment wheel 38 engage the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36, thereby moving the adjustment wheel 38 along the threaded rod 36. In particular, the adjustment wheel 38 moves along the threaded rod 36 between the first end 46 and the second end 48, which in turn causes the adjustment wheel 38 to move either 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 wheel 38 is rotated relative to the threaded rod 36.

[0043] Similarly, the knob 40 is screwed onto the threaded rod 36 at the first end 46 by 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 wheel 38, when a rotational force is applied to the knob 40 at the grip features 62, the knob 40 moves either 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).

[0044] When the threaded rod 36 is initially attached to the receiver 12, the threaded rod 36 is inserted into the opening 26 of the main body 16. At this time, the adjustment wheel 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 opposes the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38. The second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 can be inserted into the opening 52 of the adjustment wheel 38 to allow the threads 68 of the nut 42 attached to the adjustment wheel 38 to engage the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36. At this time, a rotational force can be applied to the adjustment wheel 38 at the flange 54 to move the adjustment wheel 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.

[0045] After the adjustment wheel 38 has been screwed onto the threaded rod 36 and moved along the threaded rod 36 far enough from the second end 48, one of the nuts 42 can be screwed onto the threaded rod 36 at the second end 48 and moved in the direction of the adjustment wheel 38, as shown in Fig. 3. Once the nut 42 has been moved far enough along the threaded rod 36 toward the adjustment wheel 38, the second end 48 of the threaded rod 36 can be inserted into and through the bore 24 of the main body 16. The second end 48 can protrude from the bore 24 and 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 main body 16. During assembly, the nut 42 disposed in the opening 20 can be rotated toward the second end 48, while the nut 42 disposed in the recess 22 can be rotated in a direction away from the second end 48 to secure the threaded rod 36 to the main body 16. In this case, a position of the threaded rod 36 relative to the main body 16 is maintained by the threaded nut 42 arranged in the recess 22 and the threaded nut 42 arranged in the opening 20.

[0046] Once the threaded rod 36 is secured to the main body 16, the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 can receive the nut 42 connected to the knob 40. Rotation of the knob 40 relative to the threaded rod 36 causes the threads 68 of the nut 42 connected to 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 of the top wall 32 of the main body 16. As described in more detail below, movement of the knob 40 toward the top wall 32 enables the knob 40 to secure an external structure relative to the main body 16.

[0047] In one configuration, the threaded rod 36 and the nuts 42 can be made from a grooved material, such as metal. Each of the other components connected to the receiver 12 and the adjustment assembly 14 can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process and therefore from a lighter material than the threaded rod 36 and the nuts 42. For example, the receiver 12, the adjustment wheel 38, and the knob 40 can all be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing and can be made from a synthetic, amorphous thermoplastic such as acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA).By manufacturing the pickup 12, adjustment dial 38, and knob 40 from ASA using an additive manufacturing process, these components can be manufactured from a relatively lightweight material, which in turn improves the ease and efficiency of manufacturing during setup and assembly. Furthermore, using an additive manufacturing process to manufacture these components reduces the time required to manufacture each component.

[0048] With particular reference to the Fig. 4-7 the operation of the bracket 10 is described in detail. As in Fig. 4, 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 secured 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 opening 26 formed in the top wall 32 of the main body 16. As shown in Fig. 2, the opening 26 has a particular shape that is specific to the shape of a projection 74 of the tool 70. Accordingly, the projection 74 can only be inserted into the opening 26 in a single orientation. The interface between the projection 74 and the opening 26 of the main body 16 ensures that the tool 70 can only be arranged in a single position relative to the main body 16 and thus to the holder 10. For example, if the tool 70 were to be rotated 90 degrees (90°) relative to the Fig. 4, the projection 74 would not engage the opening 26 of the main body 16 and therefore could not be attached to the bracket 10. Only when the projection 74 is rotated in the direction shown in Fig. 4, the projection 74 properly engages the opening 26 of the main body 16. In short, the projection 74, and hence the tool 70, can only be installed in a single position in the holder 10, based on the shape of the projection 74 and the shape of the opening 26 that receives the projection 74.

[0049] When the projection 74 extends sufficiently into the opening 26, the projection 74 extends into the opening 20 and contacts the engagement surface 50. The projection 74 may include a series of projections and recesses (not shown) that mate with the engagement features 56 of the engagement surface 50 if the engagement features 56 are present on the engagement surface 50. Alternatively, the projection 74 may have a distal end that is substantially flat and engages the substantially flat engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38. Once the projection 74 is in contact with the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38, a force may be applied to the adjustment wheel 38 to rotate the adjustment wheel 38 relative to the threaded rod 36 until a desired height of the tool 70 is achieved.In particular, a rotational force can be applied to the adjustment wheel 38 to move the adjustment wheel 38 either toward or away from the upper wall 32, depending on whether the tool 70 needs to be moved closer to or farther from the upper wall 32. Once the adjustment wheel 38 is in a desired position relative to the threaded rod 36, a set screw 29 (. Fig. 1) into the threaded through hole 28 to engage with the adjustment wheel 38 and fix a position of the adjustment wheel 38 relative to the main body 16.

[0050] The knob 40 can be attached to the threaded rod 36 to maintain a position of the tool 70 relative to the receiver 12. In particular, the threads 68 of the nut 42 connected to the knob 40 can be screwed onto the threads 44 of the threaded rod 36 and 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 can contact the tool 70 to exert a force on the tool 70 between the knob 40 and the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38. In short, the knob 40 and the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38 cooperate to clamp the tool 70 in a desired position relative to the receiver 12.

[0051] With particular reference to Fig. 5, the fixture 10 is shown in conjunction with a plate 76 and a projection welder 78. The fixture 10 may be secured to the plate 76 via a series of fasteners 80. In particular, the fasteners 80 may be received in corresponding openings 34 of the flange 18 to secure the flange 18, and thereby the receiver 12, to the plate 76. The projection welder 78 may also be secured to the plate 76 by inserting one or more fasteners 80 through a plate 82 of the projection welder 78 to secure the projection welder 78 to the plate 76. Although the fixture 10 is described and shown below in conjunction with a projection welder 78, the fixture 10 could be used to properly locate the tool 70 and workpiece 72 relative to any external structure.For example, the fixture 10 may be used to properly position the tool 70 and workpiece 72 relative to a spot welder.

[0052] When the bracket 10 is first secured to the plate 76 and the tool 70 is inserted into the opening 26 of the main body 16, the appropriate height of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 can be achieved by rotating the adjustment wheel 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36. Indeed, the height of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 is determined by the position of the adjustment wheel 38 along the threaded rod 36. As described above, the projection 74 of the tool 70 is in contact with and supported by the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38. Accordingly, the movement of the adjustment wheel 38 relative to and along the threaded rod 36 adjusts the height of the projection 74 and thus of the tool 70 relative to the plate 76 and the projection welder 78.When the projection 74 of the tool 70 is initially inserted into the opening 26 of the main body 16 and contacts the adjustment wheel 38, a position of the tool 70 relative to a 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 can be applied to the adjustment wheel 38 to move the adjustment wheel 38 toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36. In doing so, the engagement surface 50 of the adjustment wheel 38 also moves toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36. Since the projection 74 of the tool 70 rests on and is supported by the adjustment wheel 38, movement of the adjustment wheel 38 toward the first end 46 of the threaded rod 36 further causes the tool 70 to move in a direction away from the plate 76.Once a suitable position of the tool 70 relative to the projection welder 78 is achieved, the knob 40 can 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 wheel 38.

[0053] The aforementioned adjustability not only assists in setting a relative position between the tool 70 and the projection welder 78 during initial setup of the tool 10, but also in adjustments required during manufacturing. For example, the welding tip 84 usually requires maintenance after a certain number of welds. Such maintenance often results in material being removed from the welding tip 84, so that the relative position between the welding tip 84 and the tool 70 must be adjusted to optimize the relative position between the tool 70 and the welding tip 84. After material has been removed from the welding tip 84, the knob 40 can be removed from the threaded rod 36 and the adjusting disk 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 knob 40 and the engagement surface 50 of the adjusting disk 38.

[0054] With particular reference to Fig. 7, a bracket 10a is provided. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of the bracket 10a with respect to the bracket 10, like reference numerals are used below and in the drawings to identify like components, while like components containing a letter extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0055] As in Fig.7, the holder 10a is identical to the holder 10 with the exception of the receiver 12a and the associated opening 26a. In particular, the receiver 12a includes an opening 26a that has a different shape and / or orientation than the opening 26 of the holder 10. The different shape and / or orientation of the opening 26a is specific to a tool 70a and a projection 74a that are different from the tool 70 and projection 74 used in conjunction with the holder 10. The use of an opening 26A with a tool-specific opening 26, 26a ensures that only the proper holder 10, 10a is used in conjunction with the proper tool 70, 70a. For example, the holder 10 cannot receive the projection 74a of the tool 70a because the opening 26 of the holder 10 is rotated 180 degrees (180°) relative to the opening 26a of the holder 10a.By providing the receiver 12, 12a with tool-specific openings 26, 26a, it is ensured that only the correct tool 70, 70a with the correct holder 10, 10a is used.

[0056] The aforementioned brackets 10, 10a represent a tool-specific solution that enables easy adjustment of the position of a tool 70, 70a relative to an external structure, such as a projection welder 78. Furthermore, the brackets 10, 10a enable adjustment of the position of a tool 70, 70a relative to the projection welder 78 during initial installation and after maintenance of the projection welder 78. Accordingly, the brackets 10, 10a improve the manufacturing efficiency and the ease with which maintenance of such a projection welder 78 is performed.

[0057] Several implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0058] The foregoing description has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in a chosen configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many respects. Such variations are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] A holder for carrying a tool, the holder comprising: a housing defining an opening that receives a projection of the bracket; a shaft extending through the opening and into the housing, the shaft including a series of external threads; and an adjustment wheel screwed onto the threads of the shaft and including an engagement surface in contact with a surface of the projection, the adjustment wheel configured to adjust a position of the tool relative to the housing when the adjustment wheel is rotated relative to the shaft and moves along the shaft. [2] The mount of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a first end extending from the opening and a second end disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the first end and secured to the housing. [3] The bracket of claim 2, further comprising a knob screwed onto the shaft at the first end. [4] The holder of claim 3, wherein the knob is configured to move along the shaft when rotated relative to the shaft, the knob moving toward the dial when rotated in a first direction to clamp the tool between the knob and the engagement surface when the dial is in a predetermined position relative to the housing. [5] Holder according to claim 1, wherein the housing and / or the adjustment wheel are formed from a thermoplastic material. [6] Holder according to claim 5, wherein the thermoplastic is acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). [7] Holder according to claim 5, wherein the housing and / or the adjustment wheel are manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process. [8] The mount of claim 1, further comprising a set screw supported by the housing, the set screw configured to engage the outer peripheral surface of the adjustment dial to fix a position of the adjustment dial relative to the housing. [9] The holder according to claim 1, wherein the opening has a shape that matches a cross-sectional shape of the projection. [10] The holder of claim 1, wherein a portion of the shaft extends through the tool near the opening.

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