Electrical machining equipment

The electrical machining device with an eccentric slide guide and roller bearing system addresses inefficiencies in existing techniques by enabling rapid and precise electrode movements, achieving efficient and safe electrical machining for battery cell connectors with short process times.

DE202024100963U1Active Publication Date: 2025-07-10AMADA WELD TECH GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202024100963
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-29
Publication Date
2025-07-10
Estimated Expiration
2034-02-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrical machining techniques are inefficient, time-consuming, and lack process safety and economic efficiency, particularly in applications like resistance pressure welding of battery cell connectors.

Method used

An electrical machining device with an eccentric slide guide and roller bearing system allows for rapid, precise movements of electrodes, utilizing direct current for short process times, and modular components for adaptable configurations.

Benefits of technology

Enables quick and efficient electrical machining with high precision, reduced moving masses, and enhanced process safety, suitable for applications such as battery cell connector welding with process times as short as a few milliseconds.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Electrical machining device, in particular electrical resistance pressure welding device, comprising a plurality of electrodes (2, 3) which are movable relative to one another along a preferably linear process axis (10), wherein the machining device (1) has a feed device (9) with a first movable electrode (2), which comprises a drive (11) and a guide device (12) with a frame (14) and with a preferably rod-shaped drive element (20), wherein the drive element (20) is connected to the drive (11) and the electrode (2) and is mounted on the frame (14) by means of a bearing (27) along the process axis (10) running through the drive element (20), wherein the bearing (27) of the drive element (20) is arranged eccentrically to the process axis (10) and is designed as a preferably linear,Carriage guide (28) is formed with a base part (30) and a carriage part (31) movably guided thereon, wherein the base part (30) is fastened to the frame (14) and the carriage part (31) is fastened to the movable and driven drive element (20), characterized in that the drive element (20) has a spring (45) acting in the direction of the process axis (10), in particular a spring integrated in an inner cavity (21) of the drive element (20).
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Description

The invention relates to an electrical processing device, in particular an electrical resistance pressure welding device having the features in the preamble of the independent claims.Such an electrical processing device is known from DE 20 2019 106 288 U1. The machining device has a dynamic drive for the drive element, which is designed as a spindle drive and the spindle nut of which is rigidly connected to the upper wall of the drive element. The electrode movements are determined exclusively by the movements of the spindle drive.Another electrical processing device is known from WO 2013 / 068 481 A1. It comprises a plurality of electrodes which are movable relative to one another along a linear process axis. For this purpose, the processing device has an adjusting device with a first movable electrode, wherein the adjusting device comprises a drive and a guide device with a frame and with a rod-shaped drive element which is connected to the drive and the electrode. The process axis runs through the drive element and can coincide with its longitudinal axis. Along the process axis, the feed movements and pressing forces applied by the drive to the movable electrode are also exerted. The drive element is mounted on the frame of the guide device in an oscillatingly movable manner along the process axis by means of a concentric mounting.The bearing is designed as a cylindrical bearing bush which is arranged and aligned concentrically with the process axis and with the central longitudinal axis of the drive element. The previously known electrical processing device is designed as an electrical pressure welding device and is designed for use in production plants in which workpieces are introduced between the electrodes designed like tongs and are pressure welded with longer welding times.KR 10 2012 0051 557 A is concerned with a carrier of a robot-guided, width-adjustable double spot welding gun with servo drives and ball screws.It is an object of the present invention to show a better electrical machining technique.The invention achieves this object with the features in the independent claims.The claimed electrical machining technique, in particular the electrical machining device and the electrical machining method, have various advantages.The electric machining technique has a wide range of applications and is particularly suitable for the field of electric machining of workpieces by means of pressing force and with electric energy. The process time, in particular the application time with electrical energy, can be very short. The workpieces can be electrically processed more quickly and changed more quickly. The claimed electrical machining technique offers a higher efficiency, process safety, performance and economic efficiency of the electrical machining technique compared to the prior art.In a preferred embodiment, the electrical processing device is designed as an electrical resistance pressure welding device and the method is designed as an electrical resistance pressure welding method. A short process time, in particular welding time, is particularly advantageous here. It may be in the range of a few milliseconds. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical processing technique may involve electrical soldering, electrical compacting, and other techniques.An advantageous field of application is in the resistance pressure welding of strips and tabs, so-called battery cell connectors, on electric battery cells, forming battery packs. The short process times, in particular welding times, have a particularly positive effect here. The electrical machining technique is also suitable for the electrical machining of other workpieces.In resistance pressure welding, in particular in the aforementioned battery welding, pressing forces of, for example, 40-150N can be applied. The electrical machining current, in particular welding current, can be a direct current. This can be generated, for example, via a converter or inverter or a capacitor discharge. The current range can vary within wide limits, for example between 500 and 10,000 A. The process times can be short, in particular also ramp-shaped. In battery welding, for example, 1-3 ms for the current rise, 5-10 ms welding time and 0 ms current drop can be used.The electrical processing device can comprise a plurality of electrodes which can be moved relative to one another along a preferably linear process axis. For this purpose, the electrical processing device has an adjusting device with a first movable electrode, wherein the adjusting device comprises a controllable drive and a guide device with a frame and with a preferably rod-shaped, pressure-resistant drive element. The driving element may be connected to the driver and the first movable electrode. It can be mounted on the frame by means of a bearing arrangement so as to be movable in an oscillating manner along the process axis running through the drive element. The bearing can be arranged eccentrically to the process axis and can be designed as a preferably linear carriage guide aligned along the process axis, with a base part and a carriage part guided movably thereon. The base part can be fastened to the frame, wherein the carriage part can be fastened to the movable and driven driving element.The controllable drive can feed the driving element and the first movable electrode to the workpiece to be machined, in particular to be welded, with a feed stroke along the process axis and press the electrode against the workpiece with a predeterminable force.The driving element can be present individually or several times, for example in the form of a pair of two or more, preferably parallel, driving elements. Accordingly, a plurality of first movable electrodes may also be provided. The carriage guide can have one or more movable carriage parts. A plurality of, for example two, first movable electrodes can also be arranged on a driving element.The electrical machining technique makes it possible to move the electrode moved by the guide device along the process axis in a feed stroke with short paths, high forces and high speeds and a fast, delay-free response behavior. The mounting, which is designed as an eccentric slide guide, is particularly advantageous for such rapid movements. By the fixed connection of the driving element to the movable slide part, the driving movement can be guided safely, with little friction and directly. The storage can be better defined and also optimized, in particular with regard to stick-slip effects, settling phenomena or the like. In addition, due to the eccentric arrangement of the carriage guide relative to the process axis, a rotation prevention for the driving element can be integrated into the bearing.The eccentrically arranged carriage guide has particular advantages for reducing the moving masses, in particular the driving element. This is favorable for a fast response behavior and for short process times. The bearing surfaces can be displaced away from the driving element to the low-mass carriage guide. The claimed driving element no longer has to form a bearing surface on its element jacket and does not have to meet the associated hardness and strength requirements. The previously known driving element was made in practice from steel and was correspondingly heavy. The claimed driving element can be designed as a lightweight component. It can be made, for example, from light metal or another lightweight material and optionally under 3D printing.The claimed driving element can also have an inner cavity in which, for example, a spring can be accommodated in a space-saving and weight-saving manner. The spring can serve for adjusting the movable electrode along the process axis. For efficient readjustment within the already short process and welding time, the weight saving possible with the eccentric slide guide is likewise of great advantage. A readjustment can be carried out as far as possible without delay, for example with a reaction time of 1-2 ms.The process axis is preferably linearly oriented and preferably has a straight extension. The carriage guide is likewise preferably linear and has a linear and preferably straight carriage axis. The carriage axis can run parallel to the process axis. Alternatively, a different orientation and configuration of the process and slide axis is possible, wherein, for example, a shape bent at least in regions is possible for a corresponding rotational feed movement.The base part and the movable slide part of the slide guide can each have a straight beam shape. They can encompass one another along the preferably linear carriage axis. The base part firmly connected to the driving element can be designed to be small and lightweight and can serve to reduce the moving masses. The base member and the movable carriage member may be formed of steel or other material conforming to the requirements of bearing strength and hardness.The carriage guide can have at least one form-fit guide means between the base part and the movable carriage part. The guide means can be wedge-shaped, for example. The carriage guide can comprise a plurality of, in particular two, positively locking and preferably linear guide means which can be arranged on the mutually engaging longitudinal sides of the base part and the carriage part.The carriage guide can have a roller bearing between the base part and the movable carriage part. The roller bearing can be present individually or several times. The roller bearing offers particularly low frictional resistances for the movement of the slide part and the driving element firmly connected thereto and the electrode supported thereby due to the rolling friction. The roller mounting is particularly advantageous for rapid and immediate feed movements of the driving element and the electrode. It also contributes to shortening the process times, in particular welding times.The roller bearing can advantageously be arranged on a guide means, in particular a wedge-shaped guide means. Each guide means may be provided with a roller bearing.The roller bearing can furthermore have a positive guide. This brings about a entrainment of the roller bearing during movements of the slide part and of the drive element along the process axis and the slide axis which is preferably aligned parallel thereto. The position and movement of the roller bearing is thereby definable and securable. Uncontrolled locking of the roller bearing in the carriage guide and an obstruction or blockage of the carriage part movement can be avoided.There are various possibilities for the design of the roller bearing. The roller bearing can each comprise a roller cage with a plurality of freely rotatable and possibly lubricated rollers accommodated therein. The rollers can be designed to be spherical in the preferred embodiment. Alternatively, a configuration other than cylindrical rollers or the like is possible.The positive guidance can comprise a rolling body rotatably mounted on the roller cage with a toothing engaging on the base part and on the slide part. The toothing is present between the rolling body and the base part on the one hand and the rolling body and the slide part on the other hand. A movement of the slide part induced by the drive element is transmitted via the toothing to the rolling body, which in this case rolls via the other toothing on the base part and moves along the slide axis, wherein it carries along the roller cage.Within the meaning of the invention, the toothing is understood to mean any shape which engages positively in one another between the rolling body and the movable slide part on the one hand and between the rolling body and the base part on the other hand. This can be, for example, a spur gear toothing on the rolling body, which meshes with toothed strips on the base part and slide part. Alternatively, a toothing can also be formed by point-wise elevations and depressions complementary thereto. The rolling body can be designed, for example, as a disk-shaped gearwheel. This may comprise circumferential teeth.The roller cage may include a roller holder. This can have a bearing for the rolling body, which is designed, for example, as a shell bearing. The roller holder can have a straight and strip-shaped configuration and can form a cage strip in which the rollers are guided and held in a freely rotatable manner in corresponding receiving openings. The roller holder can be designed in particular as an L-shaped angled cage strip. On the mutually angled and respectively strip-shaped legs of the roller holder, one or more rows of rollers can be accommodated in each case in a freely rotatable manner in the manner mentioned. The respective roller cage can also comprise a lubrication.The preferred shell bearing can surround the rolling body on the outside on the circumference in regions and guidingly on multiple sides. The advancing movement of the rolling rolling body is transmitted thereby to the roller cage and the roller holder. The shell bearing is open towards the base part and towards the slide part, wherein the rolling bodies protrude through this passage opening and can engage with the base part and the movable slide part by means of the toothing.There are various possibilities for the configuration of the one or more form-fitting guide means. Such a guide means can be formed, for example, by a preferably wedge-shaped projection and a receiving groove adapted thereto and also preferably wedge-shaped. The preferably present roller bearing can be arranged in an angled gap between the projection and the receiving groove. The roller bearing can be formed in the manner described above, in particular with a cage strip angled in an L-shape.The frame of the guide device can have one or more stops for the slide part which can be moved along the process axis. On the one hand, this allows the retracted starting position for the feed stroke to be defined. On the other hand, the feed stroke can be limited in the event of a lack of workpiece contact.The frame can have an interface for mounting the drive. The drive can thereby be fastened and supported on the frame. The driving element can also comprise interfaces. On the one hand, it can have an interface for connection to an output element of the drive. On the other hand, for example, an interface for connection to the movable electrode can be arranged at the other end of the driving element. Via the interface, for example, a connection can be formed with an interposed electrode holder or an adapter of the delivery device. The electrode holder or adapter can also be equipped with an electrical insulating element, in particular a pressure-resistant ceramic disk.The guide device can have a sensor system for detecting at least one delivery-relevant parameter. Such a parameter can relate, for example, to the position of the driving element along the process axis. The sensor system can be arranged between the frame and the driving element. The sensor system can detect one or more parameters. It can also be embodied in multi-member fashion. Further parameters can be, for example, ambient or process temperatures, speeds and accelerations of the feed strokes or the like.The frame of the delivery device can be designed in the manner of a housing. It can surround the driving element accommodated in its hollow interior on multiple sides. On a front side of the housing, an access opening with a removable cover can be arranged. The sensor system can also be located here. The carriage guide can be arranged on the opposite rear side of the frame. The front side can be located on the service and operating side of the delivery device.The frame can furthermore preferably have a through-opening on the underside with a cut-out cover for the preferably rod-like driving element. The frame can be open on the top side and towards the drive preferably mounted here. The frame may further comprise a mounting flange.The driving element may in the preferred embodiment have a rod-like configuration with a central longitudinal axis. The driving element can have, for example, at least in regions a cylindrical or another suitable shape. It can have a different and, for example, prismatic cross-sectional shape on another region, in particular in the region of the sensor system. The driving element can also comprise an inner cavity at least in regions. This can be arranged, for example, in the area of the prismatic and housing-like shaping. Here, an optionally prestressed spring, in particular a reset spring, can be arranged. This can be compressed during the feed stroke and after contact of the movable electrode with the workpiece. It can then be slightly relaxed when plasticizing the materials at the contact and welding point and essentially maintain the contact pressure force.The processing device can have a stationary or mobile carrier for the delivery device. The feed device can be fastened to the carrier in a suitable manner, for example by means of a screw connection. A mobile carrier can be formed, for example, by a controllable positioning unit having one or more translatory and / or rotatory positioning axes.A further electrode of the machining device can be arranged on a stationary or mobile counter holder, on a workpiece or at another suitable location.The carrier and the counterholder can be formed separately from one another and in each case independently. The counterholder can be formed, for example, by a workpiece support and can carry one or more further electrodes. Said electrodes can be equipped with a suitable power connection and can be connected to a suitable electric power source.In another embodiment, the carrier and the counter holder can be connected to one another. They can also constitute a structural unit, wherein the carrier is, for example, at the same time the counterholder and carries both the adjusting device with the movable electrode and the one or more further electrodes.The electrodes can be designed in any suitable manner, for example as independent electrodes, as electrode tongs or the like. The electrodes can be equipped with a suitable current connection and can be connected to a suitable electric current source. The electric current source can be a component of the electric processing device.The electrodes may be formed of a suitable current conducting material, e.g., copper, tungsten-molybdenum alloys, or the like. The shape of the contacting and current-conducting electrode surface can also vary, wherein it can be embodied, for example, in a planar or rounded manner, in particular in a spherical manner. In battery welding, a planar geometry is suitable, for example, for battery cell connectors with welding projection(s). A round, in particular spherical, geometry is favorable for planar battery cell connectors.The electrodes can be applied to the workpieces, in particular battery cells, in different ways. In parallel gap welding, for example, both electrodes may be applied to a battery cell connector. In step welding, for example, an electrode can be placed on the battery cell connector and a contact electrode preferably formed from copper can be placed on the battery cell base.The electrical processing device and its components can be designed in modular construction. They can thereby be changed or exchanged as required.Modular drives of the delivery device can comprise, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or an electric servodrive. A cylinder can, for example, apply a defined force and transmit it to the electrode. In addition to the force, the path can also be controlled or optionally regulated by a servodrive. A servo drive can be designed, for example, as an electric spindle drive, rack and pinion drive or the like and can contain corresponding measurement systems for travel and force or torque. For the exact controllability or controllability, the pressure-proof design of the insulating element, if any, present is advantageous.Further replaceable modules of the electrical processing device can be, for example, the carrier for the delivery device, one or more electrode holders, the adapter or also the electrodes.The electrical processing device can comprise a controller which controls the components of the processing device, e.g. the drive of the delivery device, its carrier, the current source or the like and optionally regulates them via a sensor system.The described and claimed device features can also be used with advantage in the claimed method. Conversely, the method features described and claimed can also be used advantageously in the device(s) claimed.The dependent claims specify further advantageous embodiments of the invention.The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. The following show in detail FIG. 1 : an electrical processing device in a schematic side view, FIG. 2 : an adjusting device of the electrical machining device of FIG. 1 in a perspective side view, FIG. 3 : shows a guide device of the delivery device of FIG. 2 and another perspective view opened at the front side, FIG. 4 : shows a further perspective view of the delivery device with a drive element and its mounting without a surrounding housing, FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through the guide device of FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 6 is a perspective and partially transparent view of a carriage guide for the driving element of the delivery device, FIG. 7 shows a perspective section through the carriage guide of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows a sectional front view of the carriage guide of FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG. 9 : shows a variant of the electrical machining device from FIG. 1 with another carrier and workpiece.The invention relates to an electric machining device (1) and an electric machining method for workpieces (6), in particular to an electric resistance pressure welding device and an electric resistance pressure welding method.FIGS. 1 and 9 show different variants of the electrical machining device ( 1). They each show an electric resistance pressing device for electric resistance pressure welding of workpieces (6) and the associated method.In the variants, the electrical processing device ( 1) comprises a plurality of electrodes ( 2, 3) each, which can be moved relative to one another along a linear and straight process axis ( 10). The electrodes (2, 3) have electric current connections, not shown, and are connected via this to an electric current source, likewise not shown. This can be controllable or regulable and can be a component of the electrical processing device ( 1). The electrical processing device ( 1) can also have a control system, not shown, for this purpose.The electrical processing device (1) further comprises an infeed device (9), with which the one first electrode (2) can be moved along the process axis (10). The feed device (9) can be designed in modular construction. It comprises, for example, a drive (11) and a guide device (12).The guide device (12) has a frame (14) and a rod-shaped driving element (20) which is connected on the one hand to the drive (11) and on the other hand to the first movable electrode (2). The process axis ( 10) preferably runs centrally through the drive element ( 20) and can coincide with its longitudinal axis.The drive element (20) is mounted on the frame (14) by means of a bearing (27) so as to be movable in an oscillating manner along the process axis (10). The bearing (27) is arranged eccentrically to the process axis (10) and is designed as a linear carriage guide (28) aligned along the process axis (10). The slide guide (28) has a linear, straight slide axis (29) which is arranged and aligned parallel to the process axis (10).The electrical processing device (1) can further comprise a carrier (7) for the delivery device (9). The carrier (7) can be stationary or mobile and can be arranged.The electrical processing device (1) can also have a stationary or mobile counter holder (8). One or more further electrodes ( 3) of the electrical processing device ( 1) can be arranged on the counter holder ( 8) or on a workpiece ( 6) or at another location. The one or more further electrodes ( 3) can be arranged relatively stationary with respect to the movable electrode ( 2) during the electrical processing or resistance pressure welding process.The carrier (7) and the counterholder (8) can be configured in different ways and be associated with one another, which is explained further behind.The carriage guide (28) comprises a base part (30) fastened to the frame (14) and a carriage part (31) which is guided movably on the base part (30) along the carriage axis (29) and is fastened laterally on the drive element (20) which is movable and driven along the process axis (10). FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate this embodiment.The base part (30) and the slide part (31) each have a straight beam shape. The base part (30) is wider than the movable slide part (31) and engages around the latter on both sides, with the slide part (31) being received in an axial guide channel. The base part (30) and the slide part (31) consist of a material which is sufficiently strong and hard for storage purposes. This can be a metal, in particular steel.The slide guide (28) has at least one positively locking and preferably wedge-shaped guide means (32) between the base part (30) and the movable slide part (31). In the embodiment shown, the slide guide (28) has two positively locking and linear guide means (32) which are arranged on both sides between the longitudinal edges of the slide part (31) and of the enclosing base part (30).The positive guiding means (32) may have any suitable shape for a positive and guiding mutual engagement. In the embodiments shown, the guide means (32) each comprise a wedge-shaped projection (33) and a wedge-shaped receiving groove (34) adapted thereto. In the embodiments shown, the wedge-shaped projection (33) is arranged on the base part (30) and in particular on the lateral inner edge of its guide channel. The wedge-shaped receiving groove (34) is arranged on the movable slide part (31) and on its side wall immersed in the guide channel.In a modification of the embodiment shown, the association of projection (33) and receiving groove (34) can be reversed. Furthermore, instead of the wedge shape shown and the wedge angle of, for example, 90°, it is possible to provide a different shape for the mutual positive engagement of projection ( 33) and receiving groove ( 34).The carriage guide (28) has a roller bearing (35) between the base part (30) and the carriage part (31). The roller bearing can be arranged on a guide means (32). In the embodiment shown with two guide means (32), two roller bearings (35) are accordingly also present.The respective roller bearing (35) comprises a roller cage (36) in which a plurality of rollers (38) are arranged in at least one row one behind the other in the longitudinal direction or along the slide axis. The rollers (38) may have, for example, a spherical shape or alternatively a cylindrical roller shape or the like. The rollers (38) are received on the roller cage (36) in a freely rotatable manner and are held in a positive-locking manner on their circumference in the cage opening.The roller cage (36) can be designed in different ways. It may comprise one or more roller holders (37), each having, for example, a plate or strip shape aligned straight and along the carriage axis (29), and receiving the rollers (38). In the embodiment shown, the roller holder ( 37) is designed as an L-shaped angled cage strip. The roller cage and its roller holder are located in an angled gap between the respective projection ( 33) and the receiving groove ( 34). In the case of the L-shaped angled cage strip, rollers in the form of rows are arranged on both strip legs.The thickness of the roller holder (37) is smaller than the diameter of the rollers (38), which thus protrude beyond the outer sides of the roller holder (37) on both sides and abut the adjacent side walls of the protrusion (33) and the receiving groove (34) in a rollable manner and optionally with slight pressure or overdimensioning. The rollers (38) on the two legs of the L-shaped bent cage strip lie against different side walls of projection (33) and receiving groove (34).The roller bearing ( 35) can have a positive guide ( 39). This can take along the roller bearing (35) during movements of the slide part (31) and of the drive element (20). A positive guide (39) may be provided in each of the roller bearings (35) and roller cages (36).The positive guide ( 39) can be designed in different ways. In the embodiments shown, for example, it can comprise a rolling body (40) which is rotatably mounted on the roller cage (36) and which engages on the base part (30) and on the slide part (31) by means of toothings (42). The rolling element (40) can be present individually or several times. It can be located, for example, in the central region of the longitudinal extent of the roller cage ( 36).In the exemplary embodiments shown, the rolling body ( 40) is designed as a disk-shaped gearwheel with a spur toothing on the circumference. Alternatively, another design is possible. The roller cage (36) or its roller holder (37) has a bearing (41) for the rolling body (40), which bearing is designed, for example, as a shell bearing.FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate this embodiment. The shell bearing surrounds the rolling element (40) on the outside in regions and on a plurality of sides, wherein the rolling element (40) is held in the direction of the slide axis (29) and is carried along during movements of the slide part (31).On the other hand, the shell bearing has through openings directed toward the base part (30) and toward the slide part (31), at which the rolling body (40) can protrude beyond the outer side of the roller cage or its roller holder (37) and contact the base part (30) and the slide part (31) and can close the toothings (42).As FIGS. 7 and 8 show, the base part ( 30) can have a tooth element for forming the toothing ( 42), e.g. a toothed strip, on the wall adjoining the projection ( 33). In the case of the slide part (31), such a toothed element or a toothed strip can be present in the corner region of the receiving groove (34). These tooth elements, in particular toothed strips, mesh with the teeth of the rolling body (40), whereby tooth systems (42) capable of rolling are formed at the respective contact points.When the slide part (31) connected to the driving element (20) is moved, it rotates via the toothing (42) the rolling body (40), which in turn performs a rolling movement via the other toothing on the base part (30) and thereby drives and displaces the roller cage (36) or the roller bearing (35) in the direction of the slide axis (29). The movement of the roller bearing ( 35) or of the roller cage ( 36) is coupled to the carriage part movement and is thus defined. In a modification of the embodiment shown, a forced guide ( 39) can also be formed in another manner.As FIG. 5 illustrates in longitudinal section, the driving element ( 20) has the preferred straight and elongated rod shape. It is accommodated in the hollow interior of the housing-like frame (14). The frame (14) has a front side (16) which can simultaneously represent a service and operating side. On this front side (16), the frame (14) shown is open and accessible from the front, wherein the opening can be closed by a cover (17). The carriage guide (28) is arranged on the opposite rear side. The base part (30) is fastened to the rear wall of the frame (14). The movable carriage member (31) is fixed to the rear side of the driving member (20). The frame (14) can have stops (43) at the top and bottom, as viewed in the process axis direction, which limit the oscillating up and down movement of the slide part (31) and of the drive element (20) if necessary.The driving element ( 20) can be designed as a lightweight component. It can be made, for example, from a lightweight material, in particular a light metal. It can also be produced by any desired shaping methods, for example by casting, forging, joining or else by 3D pressure.The driving element (20) is connected on its e.g. upper drive side to an output element (44) of the drive (11) by means of an interface (23). On the other hand, at the other and lower end face of the driving element (20), there may be an interface (24) for connection to the movable electrode (2).This may be a direct connection. In the exemplary embodiments shown, an indirect connection is present, which can be created via an adapter ( 25) and, if appropriate, an electrode holder ( 4). The adapter (25) is, for example, detachably connected to the front end of the driving element (20) protruding from the frame (14) by a screw or the like. In order to achieve optimum electrical insulation, an electrical insulating element (26), for example a ceramic disk, can be arranged on the free underside of the adapter (25). At this location, an electrode holder (4) can also be installed, which can connect to the other side of the insulating element (26) according to FIG. 9.The drive (11) can be designed in various ways, for example as an electric servo drive, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or the like. The drive (11) can be connected to the controller of the electrical processing device (1) and can be controlled or also regulated by it. The drive (11) can preferably be released and fastened in a predetermined position via an interface (13) with the guide device (12) and its frame (14). The interface ( 13) enables a change or replacement of the drive ( 11) as required.The output element (44) of the drive (11) can be connected to the drive element (20) in different ways. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the driving element ( 20) has, at its upper end facing the drive ( 11), a blind-hole-like cavity ( 21) which is open toward the drive ( 11). A spring (45) is arranged in this, for example, which can cooperate with the output element (44). The spring (45) can be received in the cavity (21) in the prestressed position, wherein the output element (44) can contact the spring (45) through an opening at the interface (23).The spring ( 45) can be a reset spring. During a feed of the drive (11), the output element (44) presses on the spring (45) and pushes it together with the drive element (20) along the process axis (10) during a feed stroke. Once the moved electrode (2) contacts the workpiece (6), the movement of the driving member (20) is stopped. By means of a continued driving movement, the spring ( 45) bearing against the bottom of the cavity ( 21) can be tensioned.In preferred electric resistance pressure welding, an electric current is conducted through the electrodes (2, 3) and the parts to be welded at the welding location on the workpiece (6), wherein parts to be welded are heated and plasticized by transfer resistances at their contact locations. When plasticizing and softening of the welding point occurs, the tensioned spring ( 45) can advance the driving element ( 20) and its first movable electrode ( 2) further in the feed direction and maintain the contact pressure at the welding point.After the end of the welding, the drive (11) can relieve the drive element (20) and the first electrode (2) and, if appropriate, retract them into the starting position. The return to the starting position can also be effected in another manner, for example by a separate restoring element, in particular a spring or the like.As FIGS. 3 to 5 show, the adjusting device (9), in particular the guide device (12), can comprise a sensor system (22), which can be formed in one part or in multiple parts and which can also be connected to the said control system by signal technology. A part of the sensor system ( 22), e.g. a position transmitter, can be arranged on the guide device ( 12) and can signal the current position and also the movement of the drive element ( 20). For this purpose, for example, a transmitter part is arranged on the drive element ( 20) and a measuring element is arranged on the frame ( 14). The sensor system is arranged, for example, on the front side ( 16) and is accessible when the cover ( 17) is open.The driving element (20), which may be optimized in weight, may have a cylindrical and, optionally, at least partially solid shape in the lower and electrode-proximal region. In the upper and near-drive region, in particular in the region of the cavity ( 21), the drive element ( 20) can have a different and, for example, housing-like shape. This can be prismatic in cross section, it being possible for suitable attachment surfaces for the sensor system (22) and for the slide part (31) to be formed.According to FIGS. 4 and 5, the frame (14) can have a through-opening (18) with a cover (19) at the lower and electrode-proximal end, which cover closes the hollow frame (14) downward and provides a through-opening for the driving element (20). The frame ( 14) can also have an attachment flange ( 15) on the rear side according to FIGS. 2 and 5 or be connected to such a flange.The feed device (9) is connected, e.g. screwed, to the aforementioned carrier (7), which can be stationary or mobile. In a mobile embodiment, it enables positioning of the delivery device (9) relative to a workpiece (6) positioned by other means. For this purpose, the carrier ( 7) can be designed, for example, according to FIG. ( 9) as a schematically indicated controllable positioning device. This can have one or more positioning axes. It can be a linear and uniaxial positioning unit, for example. In another embodiment, the positioning device can be formed by a multiaxial industrial robot. The positioning device can have one or more rotational and / or translatory movement and positioning axes. The carrier (7) or the positioning unit can be connected to said control and controlled or regulated by said control.One or more further electrodes ( 3) of the electrical processing device ( 1) can be arranged on a workpiece ( 6) in any suitable manner and brought into electrically conductive contact therewith. FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, the arrangement of a further electrode ( 3) and an electrode holder ( 5) which may be present on a counterholder ( 8). This can be firmly connected to the carrier (7) and can form a structural unit shown in FIG. 1.In this embodiment, a kind of electrode forceps can be formed with the electrodes (2, 3). In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the carrier (7) and the counter holder (8) can be arranged in a stationary manner, wherein the workpiece (6) is supplied in a suitable manner and positioned on the further electrode (3). The carrier (7) and the combined counterholder (8) can also be movably and adjustably held on a carrier frame, wherein this arrangement can be configured, for example, according to WO 2013 / 068 481 A. As a result, for example, the electrodes ( 2, 3) can be floating on the workpiece ( 6) supplied and positioned by other means.FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the electrical processing device ( 1) which is particularly suitable, for example, for welding battery packs. The carrier (7) and the counterholder (8) can be formed separately and independently of one another. The carrier (7) can be designed in the aforementioned manner as a controllable positioning device for the delivery device (9). The counter holder ( 8) can be, for example, a holder or another support means for the battery modules of a battery pack. For example, electrically conductive strips or tabs are welded to poles of electrical battery modules by the electrical processing device ( 1) in order to connect them to one another to form a battery pack. Such a strip or a tab is shown schematically and shaded in FIG. 9. The one or more further electrodes can be arranged on the counter holder (8) and act through the battery modules. One or more further electrodes (3) can also be brought into electrically conductive contact with tabs or strips and with other poles in a suitable manner.With the electrical processing device ( 1) shown in FIG. 9, very short welding times are possible during the electrical resistance pressure welding of the brackets and battery modules. The carrier (7) or the positioning unit and the counter holder (8) can also ensure a rapid relative change of position of the one first movable electrode (2) and the battery modules. The entire resistance pressure welding process on a battery pack can thereby be performed very quickly, effectively, and cost-effectively. The eccentric slide guide ( 28) and the associated minimization possibility for the moved masses have a particularly positive effect. However, the electrical machining device ( 1) can also be used in other conventional and less time-critical electrical machining processes and in another arrangement according to FIG. 1.Modifications of the exemplary embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. In the illustrated and simplified embodiments, a single delivery device with only one movable drive element ( 20) is provided in each case. In contrast to this, multiple arrangements are also possible. An adjusting device (9) can comprise, for example, a plurality of and preferably parallel driving elements (20). The various driving elements (20) may carry similar first movable electrodes (2). However, they can also carry different electrodes (2, 3), wherein one or more further electrodes (3) are arranged on one or more of the driving elements (20).An electrical processing device can furthermore comprise a plurality of feed devices (9) of the type shown or modified. These can be arranged on a plurality of and independent carriers (7) or on a common carrier (7).LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS1 Machining device, pressure welding device 2 electrode feedable 3 electrode on counterholder 4 electrode holder feedable 5 electrode holder, counterholder 6 workpiece 7 carrier 8 counterholder 9 feedable 10 axis, process axis 11 drive 12 guide device 13 interface guide device to drive 14 frame, base body 15 mounting flange 16 front side, operating and service side 17 cover 18 through opening 19 cover 20 driving element, driving rod 21 cavity 22 sensor system 23 interface to drive 24 interface to electrode holder 25 adapter 26 insulating element 27 bearing 28 slide guide 29 slide axis 30 base part fixed 31 slide part movable 32 guide means positively 33 protrusion 34 groove 35 roller bearing 36 roller cage 37 roller holder 38 roller 39 positive guide 40 roller bodies, Gearwheel 41 Bearing 42 Toothing 43 Stop 44 Output element of the drive 45 Spring, Reset springReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 20 2019 106 288 U1

[0002] WO 2013 / 068 481 A1

[0003] KR 10 2012 0051 557 A

[0005] WO 2013 / 068 481 A

[0090]

Claims

Electrical processing device, in particular electrical resistance pressure welding device, having a plurality of electrodes (2, 3) which are movable relative to one another along a preferably linear process axis (10), wherein the processing device (1) has an adjusting device (9) having a first movable electrode (2) which comprises a drive (11) and a guide device (12) having a frame (14) and having a preferably rod-shaped drive element (20), wherein the drive element (20) is connected to the drive (11) and the electrode (2) and is mounted on the frame (14) by means of a mounting (27) such that it is movable in an oscillating manner along the process axis (10) running through the drive element (20), wherein the mounting (27) of the drive element (20) is arranged eccentrically with respect to the process axis (10) and is arranged as a preferably linear drive element aligned along the process axis (10), Slide guide (28) having a base part (30) and a slide part (31) guided movably thereon, wherein the base part (30) is fastened to the frame (14) and the slide part (31) is fastened to the movable and driven driving element (20), characterized in that the driving element (20) has a spring (45) acting in the direction of the process axis (10), in particular a spring integrated in an inner cavity (21) of the driving element (20).Processing device according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, characterised in that the guide device (12) has a sensor system (22) for detecting at least one feed-relevant parameter, in particular a position of the driving element (20) along the process axis (10), wherein the frame (14) is designed in the manner of a housing and has an access opening with a removable cover (17) on a front side (16), wherein the sensor system (22) is arranged on the front side (16) of the frame (14) and the carriage guide (28) is arranged on the opposite rear side of the frame (14).Processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the blind hole-like cavity (21) is arranged at the end of the driving element (20) facing the drive (11) and is open towards the drive (11).Machining device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the spring (45) is prestressed and in particular designed as a resetting spring which is compressed during the feed stroke and after contact of the movable electrode (2) with a workpiece.Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (45) interacts with an output element (44) of the drive (11).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide guide (28) has at least one positively locking, preferably wedge-shaped, guide means (32) between the base part (30) and the movable slide part (31).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carriage guide (28) has a roller bearing (35) between the base part (30) and the carriage part (31).Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller bearing (35) is arranged on a guide means (32).Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller bearing (35) has a positive guide (39), which carries the roller bearing (35) along during movements of the slide part (31) and of the drive element (20).Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller bearing (35) has a roller cage (36) with a plurality of preferably spherical rollers (38) accommodated therein.Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positive guide (39) comprises a rolling body (40) which is rotatably mounted on the roller cage (36) and has a toothing (42) which engages on the base part (30) and on the slide part (31).Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling body (40) is designed as a disc-shaped gearwheel.Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller cage (36) comprises a roller holder (37) which has a bearing (41) for the rolling body (40) and which is designed as a straight, preferably L-shaped, angled cage strip.Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing (41) is designed as a shell bearing which surrounds the rolling body (40) on the outside in regions so as to lead on a plurality of sides and which has passage openings for the rolling body (40) and the toothing (42) towards the base part (30) and towards the slide part (31).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part (30) and the slide part (31) each have a straight beam shape.Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part (30) and the slide part (31), which can be moved along a preferably linear slide axis (29), engage around one another, wherein the slide guide (28) comprises a plurality of, in particular two, positively locking, preferably linear, guide means (32), preferably each having a roller bearing (35).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a form-fitting guide means (32) comprises a preferably wedge-shaped projection (33) and a preferably wedge-shaped receiving groove (34) adapted thereto, wherein the roller bearing (35) is preferably arranged in an angled gap between the projection (33) and the receiving groove (34).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (14) of the guide device (12) has one or more stops (43) for the movable slide part (31).Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (14) has an interface (13) for mounting the drive (11).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving element (20) has, on the one hand, an interface (23) for connection to an output element (44) of the drive (11) and, on the other hand, an interface (24) for connection to the movable electrode (2), in particular an electrode holder (4) or an adapter (25).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed device (9) has an electrode holder (4) or an adapter (25) with an electrical insulating element (26), in particular a ceramic disc.Processing device according to one of claims 3 to 21, characterised in that the frame (14) is of housing-like design and has a traction opening with a removable cover (17) on a front side (16), wherein the carriage guide (28) is preferably arranged on the opposite rear side of the frame (14).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (14) preferably has a through-opening (18) on the underside with a cut-out cover (19) for the drive element (20).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving element (20) is designed as a lightweight component, in particular from light metal, 3D pressure or the like.Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (1) has a stationary or mobile carrier (7) for the delivery device (9).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (7) is designed as a controllable positioning unit.Machining device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further electrode (3) of the machining device (1) is arranged on a stationary or mobile counterholder (8) or on the workpiece (6).Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (7) and the counterholder (8) are formed separately from one another and independently or are combined with one another.

Citation Information

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