Electrode tip removing device

Abstract

To provide a compact and lightweight electrode tip removing device which hardly breaks down even if it is repeatedly used.SOLUTION: An electrode tip removing device 1 includes a slide member 5, a pinion 8 rotatably attached to the slide member 5, and first and second removing members 6A, 6B positioned across the slide member 5. The first removing member 6A is provided with a projection 6a, and the pinion 8 is provided with a first guide groove 8a for guiding the projection 6a of the first removing member 6A during a rotating operation. The second removing member 6B is provided with a projection 6a, and the pinion 8 is provided with a second guide groove 8b for guiding the projection 6a of the second removing member 6B during a rotating operation. One side region in the guide direction of the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8b is set in a shape in which distances from the rotating shaft center X1 are the same, and the other side region in the guide direction of the first and second guide grooves 8a, 8b is set in a shape in which the distances from the rotating shaft center X1 gradually increase toward the other end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode tip removal device capable of removing an electrode tip from a gun body of a spot welding gun. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrode tips attached to spot welding guns develop an oxide film or wear with repeated spot welding, so they must be periodically dressed using a tip dresser. The periodically dressed electrode tip gradually shortens in length until it is no longer usable. Therefore, it must be removed from the gun body at a predetermined time and a new electrode tip must be attached to the gun body. An electrode tip removal device is generally used to remove the electrode tip from the gun body.

[0003] For example, the electrode tip removal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of removal members, each having a set of protrusions protruding on both horizontal sides, and a rod-shaped arm member. One end of the arm member is provided with a pair of first guide grooves for guiding the respective protrusions of one removal member and a pair of second guide grooves for guiding the respective protrusions of the other removal member. Each of the first guide grooves is configured to guide the respective protrusions of one removal member so that, when the arm member is rotated to one side about the respective protrusions of the other removal member, the one removal member moves away from the other removal member. Meanwhile, each of the second guide grooves is configured to guide the respective protrusions of the other removal member so that, when the arm member is rotated to the other side about the respective protrusions of the one removal member, the other removal member moves away from the one removal member.

[0004] Then, when the two removal members are engaged with the gun body and the electrode tip, which are in a fitted state, and the other end of the arm member is operated to rotate the arm member to one side or the other, the two removal members move away from each other along the central axis of the electrode tip, and the electrode tip is removed from the gun body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 130235 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the electrode tip removal device of Patent Document 1 is structured so that the arm member rotates around the protrusion of one of the removal members, so when removing the electrode tip from the gun body, the load caused by the reaction force from the gun body or the electrode tip on each removal member is concentrated around the protrusion of each removal member, which serves as the center of rotation. Therefore, in order to prevent deformation or breakage during repeated use, both removal members had to be made larger and more rigid, sacrificing operability and weight.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a compact, lightweight electrode tip removal device that is unlikely to break down even with repeated use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that a member separate from the two removal members is provided between the two removal members, and that this member moves integrally with one of the removal members during the electrode tip removal operation.

[0009] Specifically, the present inventors have taken the following measures to address an electrode tip removal device that removes an electrode tip that has been fitted onto a gun body of a spot welding gun from the gun body.

[0010] That is, the electrode tip removal device according to the first invention comprises a slide member that is slidable in a predetermined direction, a rotor that is rotatably attached to the slide member around a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide member, and a rotation operation mechanism that operates the rotational movement of the rotor, and first and second removal members that are arranged at positions sandwiching the slide member in the sliding direction of the slide member and that are slidable in the same direction as the slide member, and that are engageable with the gun body and the electrode tip in a fitted state, and one of the rotor and the first removal member is provided with a first protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the rotation axis, and the other is provided with a first protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the rotation axis and a second protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the rotational movement of the rotor. a first guide groove that can guide the first protrusion when the rotating body is rotated, a second protrusion that protrudes in the same direction as the rotation axis is provided on one of the rotating body and the second removing member, and a second guide groove that can guide the second protrusion when the rotating body is rotated is provided on the other, the first and second guide grooves are symmetrical with respect to each other across the slide member, and one side regions in the guide direction of the first and second guide grooves are set to have the same distance from the rotation axis in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, while the other side regions in the guide direction of the first and second guide grooves are set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis is gradually increased as the region approaches the other end in the circumferential direction of the rotating body. In the electrode tip removal device configured as described above, when the rotation operation mechanism is operated to rotate the rotor in the forward direction, the first protrusion is guided into one side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove, and the first removal member slides integrally with the slide member without separating from it, while the second protrusion is guided into the other side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove, and the second removal member slides in the same direction as the slide member while gradually separating from it.Furthermore, when the rotation operation mechanism is operated to rotate the rotor in the reverse direction, the second protrusion is guided into one side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove, and the second removal member slides integrally with the slide member without separating from it, while the first protrusion is guided into the other side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove, and the first removal member slides in the same direction as the slide member while gradually separating from it.

[0011] The electrode tip removal device of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the rotation operation mechanism is linked to the slide member and is configured to rotate the rotating body forward in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member to one side, and to rotate the rotating body reversely in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member to the other side. In the electrode tip removal device configured as described above, when the gun body is moved so that the slide member slides to one side via the first removal member while the first and second removal members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, the rotor rotates forward. Conversely, when the gun body is moved so that the slide member slides to the other side via the second removal member while the first and second removal members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, the rotor rotates backward.

[0012] The electrode tip removal device according to the third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the rotation operation mechanism is provided with a rack extending in the sliding direction of the sliding member, and the rotating body is a pinion that meshes with the rack. The electrode tip removal device configured in this manner functions to enable the device to be designed with a short dimension along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack.

[0013] The electrode tip removal device according to a fourth invention is the same as that of the first invention, and further comprises a pair of first biasing members that bias the first and second removal members toward each other. In the electrode tip removal device configured in this manner, when the electrode tip is removed from the gun body, the first and second removal members are moved closer to each other by the biasing force and return to their original positions.

[0014] The electrode tip removal device of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, it is provided with a guide rod extending in the sliding direction of the sliding member, the first and second removal members each have a guide hole into which the guide rod is inserted so as to be guided, and the first biasing member is a coil spring wound around the guide rod. In the electrode tip removal device configured in this manner, the guide rod that guides the sliding movement of the first and second removal members is positioned inside the coil spring that returns the first and second removal members to their original positions, and the biasing force of the coil spring is transmitted in a balanced manner around the guide rods of the first and second removal members.

[0015] The electrode tip removal device of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, the first and second removal members are provided with claw portions that can be inserted into the gap between the gun body and the electrode tip. In the electrode tip removal device configured in this manner, when the claw portions of the first and second removal members are inserted into the gap between the gun body and the electrode tip and the first and second removal members are separated, one of the claw portions of the first and second removal members hooks onto and engages with the gun body, while the other claw portion of the first and second removal members hooks onto and engages with the electrode tip.

[0016] The electrode tip removal device of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the fifth or sixth invention, the area around the opening of the guide hole on the side corresponding to each coil spring in the first and second removal members is recessed in a stepped shape compared to other areas. In the electrode tip removal device configured in this manner, the outer shapes of the portions of the first and second removal members that do not correspond to the coil springs are enlarged, while the arrangement spaces for both coil springs are brought closer to each other.

[0017] The electrode tip removal device of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, a second biasing member is provided at one end of the first and second removal members, which is capable of applying a biasing force to the electrode tip in a direction intersecting its central axis during the electrode tip removal operation. In the electrode tip removal device configured in this manner, when the electrode tip is removed from the gun body, the biasing force of the second biasing member acts to repel the electrode tip away from the first and second removal members.

[0018] The electrode tip removal device according to a ninth invention is the electrode tip removal device according to the eighth invention, characterized in that the second biasing member is a leaf spring. The electrode tip removal device configured in this manner operates so that the space it occupies in the direction in which the biasing force is applied is smaller than that of, for example, a coil spring that can apply the same biasing force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] In the electrode tip removal device of the first aspect of the invention, when the rotary operation mechanism is operated to rotate the rotor in the forward direction while the first and second removal members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, respectively, the first protrusion is guided into the guide direction one-side region of the first guide groove. At this time, the guide direction one-side region of the first guide groove is shaped so that the distance from the rotation axis is the same in the circumferential direction of the rotor, so the first removal member slides integrally with the sliding member without separating from it. Meanwhile, when the rotor rotates in the forward direction, the second protrusion is guided into the guide direction other-side region of the second guide groove. At this time, the guide direction other-side region of the second guide groove is shaped so that the distance from the rotation axis is gradually increased toward the other end in the circumferential direction of the rotor, so the second removal member slides in the same direction as the sliding member and gradually separates from it. This applies a force to the gun body and the electrode tip in a direction that moves them apart, removing the electrode tip from the gun body. Conversely, when the rotary operating mechanism is operated to reverse the rotation of the rotor while the first and second detachment members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, respectively, the second protrusion is guided into the guide direction one-side region of the second guide groove. At this time, the guide direction one-side region of the second guide groove is shaped so that the distance from the rotation axis center in the circumferential direction of the rotor is the same, so the second detachment member slides integrally with the sliding member without separating from it. Meanwhile, when the rotor is reversed, the first protrusion is guided into the guide direction other-side region of the first guide groove. At this time, the guide direction other-side region of the first guide groove is shaped so that the distance from the rotation axis center gradually increases toward the other end of the circumferential direction of the rotor. Therefore, the first detachment member slides in the same direction as the sliding member and gradually separates from it. In this case, a force is applied to the gun body and the electrode tip in a direction that separates them, and the electrode tip is removed from the gun body.In this way, during the electrode tip removal operation, the rotor rotates around the slide member located between the first and second removal members, and the slide member slides integrally with either the first or second removal member, so even if a load due to a reaction force from the gun body or the electrode tip is concentrated around the center of rotation of the rotor on the first and second removal members, the rigidity around the slide member is increased and deformation is resistant. Therefore, there is no need to increase the size of the first and second removal members to increase their rigidity, and a compact, lightweight electrode tip removal device can be achieved that is resistant to breakdowns even with repeated use.

[0020] In the electrode tip removal device of the second invention, when the first and second removal members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, and the gun body is moved so that the slide member slides to one side via the first removal member, the rotor rotates forward, causing the first and second removal members to separate, thereby removing the electrode tip from the gun body. Also, when the first and second removal members are engaged with the fitted gun body and electrode tip, and the gun body is moved so that the slide member slides to the other side via the second removal member, the rotor rotates reverse, causing the first and second removal members to separate, thereby removing the electrode tip from the gun body. In this way, a non-powered electrode tip removal device can be achieved that can remove the electrode tip from the gun body by moving the spot welding gun.

[0021] The electrode tip removal device of the third invention can be designed to have a short dimension in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack, and therefore can be made compact in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack.

[0022] In the electrode tip removal device of the fourth aspect of the invention, when the electrode tip is removed from the gun body, the first and second removal members approach each other and return to their original positions due to the biasing force of the first biasing member, allowing for a smooth transition to the next electrode tip removal operation.

[0023] In the electrode tip removal device of the fifth invention, the guide rod that guides the sliding movement of the first and second removal members is located inside the coil spring that returns the first and second removal members to their original positions, making it possible to make the structure around the guide rod compact. Also, the biasing force of the coil spring is transmitted in a balanced manner around the guide rod of the first and second removal members, allowing the first and second removal members to slide smoothly.

[0024] In the electrode tip removal device of the sixth aspect of the invention, when the claw portions of the first and second removal members are inserted into the gap between the gun body and the electrode tip and the first and second removal members are separated, one of the claw portions of the first and second removal members hooks onto and engages with the gun body, while the other claw portion hooks onto and engages with the electrode tip, thereby removing the electrode tip from the gun body. In this way, when removing the electrode tip, the first and second removal members can be easily engaged with the gun body and the electrode tip, allowing for efficient electrode tip removal.

[0025] In the electrode tip removal device of the seventh invention, the external dimensions of the parts of the first and second removal members that do not correspond to the coil springs are increased while the arrangement spaces for the two coil springs are brought closer to each other, thereby making it possible to make the device compact in the longitudinal direction of the guide rod while ensuring the rigidity of the first and second removal members.

[0026] In the electrode tip removal device of the eighth aspect of the invention, when the electrode tip is removed from the gun body, the biasing force of the second biasing member causes the electrode tip to be repelled away from the first and second removal members, thereby enabling the removed electrode tip to be efficiently removed from the first and second removal members and around the gun body.

[0027] The electrode tip removal device of the ninth aspect of the invention occupies less space in the direction in which the biasing force is applied than, for example, a coil spring that can apply the same biasing force, and therefore the structure surrounding the electrode tip removal in the first and second removal members can be made compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode tip removal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 showing a state immediately before one electrode tip of the spot welding gun is removed. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a view showing the state immediately after one electrode tip of the spot welding gun is removed after FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 and illustrates a state immediately before the other electrode tip of the spot welding gun is removed. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a view showing the state immediately after the other electrode tip of the spot welding gun is removed after FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view taken along arrow VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing a state after FIG. 8 in which the first and second detaching members are separated from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is merely exemplary in nature.

[0030] 1 shows an electrode tip removal device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This electrode tip removal device 1 is used, for example, when removing an electrode tip E from a gun body 21 of a spot welding gun 20 attached to the end of the arm of an industrial robot (not shown), and includes a main body case 2 having an internal storage space S1 and having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated vertically and open on the front, and a removal unit 3 housed in the storage space S1.

[0031] A pair of shanks 22 are arranged facing each other at the tip of the gun body 21 of the spot welding gun 20. Each shank 22 is composed of a cylindrical large diameter portion 22a and a small diameter portion 22b provided continuously with the large diameter portion 22a, and the center lines of the large diameter portion 22a and the small diameter portion 22b are aligned.

[0032] The electrode tip E is attached by fitting to the small diameter portion 22b so that a gap G is formed between it and the large diameter portion 22a, and the center axis C1 of the electrode tip E coincides with the center line of the large diameter portion 22a and the small diameter portion 22b.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the removal unit 3 comprises a pair of round guide rods 4, a slide member 5 in the shape of a thick, approximately rectangular plate, a first removal member 6A and a second removal member 6B which are approximately hook-shaped in side view and are arranged on the upper and lower sides of the slide member 5 so as to sandwich the slide member 5, a rotation operation mechanism 9 having two sets of racks 7 and pinions 8 (rotating bodies), and a pair of coil springs 10 (first biasing members) wound around one of the guide rods 4.

[0034] The guide rods 4 extend vertically from the upper surface to the lower surface inside the main body case 2, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction of the main body case 2.

[0035] The slide member 5 is disposed in approximately the center of the storage space S1 with its longitudinal direction coinciding with the front-to-back direction of the main body case 2 and with each plate surface facing up and down, and through holes 5a that penetrate from top to bottom are formed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The guide rods 4 are inserted into the respective through holes 5 a so as to be able to guide the slide members 5 , and the slide members 5 are able to slide up and down along both guide rods 4 .

[0037] The first detachable member 6A extends along the front-rear direction of the main body case 2 and includes a main body frame 6a whose substantially front half is thicker than its rear half. That is, the upper surface of the substantially rear half of the first detachable member 6A forms a stepped surface 6b that is recessed downward in a stepped shape compared to the upper surface of the remaining region.

[0038] Two guide holes 6c are formed in the main frame 6a, one at the center of the front half and the other at the center of the rear half, penetrating vertically. One guide hole 6c opens to the stepped surface 6b. One guide rod 4 is inserted into each guide hole 6c so as to guide the first detachable member 6A, and the first detachable member 6A can slide up and down along both guide rods 4 in the same direction as the slide member 5.

[0039] Pins 6d protruding in opposite directions along the width direction of the main body case 2 are provided at approximately the lower center of each side of the main body frame 6a, and each pin 6d is arranged symmetrically in the width direction of the main body case 2.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the front portion of the first detaching member 6A is provided with a hook portion 6e that is bifurcated toward the tip and has a generally U-shape in plan view.

[0041] The hook portion 6e has a pair of protruding frames 6f that protrude parallel to the front of the main frame 6a from each side edge of the front surface of the main frame 6a, and both protruding frames 6f and the front surface of the main frame 6a form a mating recess 60 that opens forward.

[0042] A first claw portion 6g having a substantially rectangular plate shape is provided on approximately half of the tip side of one of the protruding frames 6f, protruding downward and toward the other protruding frame 6f, and the thickness of the first claw portion 6g is sized to correspond to the gap G.

[0043] A disk-shaped first protrusion 6h for adjusting height is provided on the rear surface of the base end of the first claw 6g.

[0044] On the other hand, a second claw portion 6i having an approximately trapezoidal plate shape is provided on the lower edge portion of the one protruding frame 6f on approximately the base end half of the other protruding frame 6f, which protrudes downward and toward the one protruding frame 6f and is connected to the front surface of the main frame 6a, and the thickness of the second claw portion 6i is sized to correspond to the gap G, similar to the first claw portion 6g.

[0045] A second disk-shaped protrusion 6j for adjusting height is provided on the rear surface of the base end of the other protrusion frame 6f.

[0046] Furthermore, a leaf spring 6k (second biasing member) is attached to the front surface of the main body frame 6a, and extends obliquely downward so as to gradually move away from the main body frame 6a.

[0047] The second detachment member 6B has the same structure as the first detachment member 6A except that it is arranged upside down to the first detachment member 6A, so it is given the same reference numeral as the first detachment member 6A and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Note that each pin 6d of the first detachment member 6A constitutes a first protrusion of the present invention, and each pin 6d of the second detachment member 6B constitutes a second protrusion of the present invention.

[0048] When the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B are brought close to each other, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first detachable member 6A and the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the second detachable member 6B are aligned in a row along the mating recess 60, as shown in Figure 8.

[0049] When the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B are brought close to each other and the spot welding gun 20 is brought close to the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B are inserted into the gap G between the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0050] When the first claws 6g and second claws 6i of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B are inserted into the gap G, each leaf spring 6k is elastically deformed by either the large diameter portion 22a or the electrode tip E. In other words, the leaf spring 6k can apply a biasing force to the electrode tip E in a direction intersecting with its central axis C1 during the operation of removing the electrode tip E.

[0051] When the first and second removal members 6A and 6B are separated as shown in Figure 9 with the first and second claw portions 6g and 6i of the first and second removal members 6A and 6B inserted into the gap G, the first and second removal members 6A and 6B become hooked onto the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E of the gun body 21, respectively, causing the electrode tip E to be removed from the small diameter portion 22b of the gun body 21.

[0052] 2, the coil springs 10 are wound around the upper and lower regions of the guide rod 4 located on the rear side of the main body case 2, and correspond to the stepped surfaces 6b of the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B, respectively. That is, the upper coil spring 10 applies a downward biasing force to the stepped surface 6b of the first detachable member 6A, while the lower coil spring 10 applies an upward biasing force to the stepped surface 6b of the second detachable member 6B, and both coil springs 10 bias the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B toward each other.

[0053] A pair of racks 7 are attached to the rear surface of the main body case 2 so as to extend parallel to one another in the vertical direction at positions sandwiching the slide member 5, the first detachable member 6A, and the second detachable member 6B. That is, each rack 7 extends in the sliding direction of the slide member 5.

[0054] A pair of pinions 8 are disposed at positions sandwiching the slide member 5, the first detachable member 6A, and the second detachable member 6B. Each pinion 8 is attached to the slide member 5 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X1 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide member 5, i.e., in the same direction as the protruding direction of each pin 6d.

[0055] Each pinion 8 has a first guide groove 8a and a second guide groove 8b that open on opposite sides, and the first guide groove 8a and the second guide groove 8b are symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis X1.

[0056] The pin 6d of the first detaching member 6A is fitted into the first guide groove 8a, and the first guide groove 8a guides the pin 6d of the first detaching member 6A during rotation of the pinion 8. One side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove 8a is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 is constant in the circumferential direction of the pinion 8. On the other hand, the other side region of the first guide groove 8a is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 gradually increases toward the other end in the circumferential direction of the pinion 8.

[0057] The pin 6d of the second detaching member 6B is fitted into the second guide groove 8b, and the second guide groove 8b guides the pin 6d of the second detaching member 6B during rotation of the pinion 8. One side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove 8b is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 is constant in the circumferential direction of the pinion 8. On the other hand, the other side region of the second guide groove 8b is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 gradually increases toward the other end in the circumferential direction of the pinion 8.

[0058] The rack 7 and pinion 8 corresponding to each other are in mesh with each other, and when the slide member 5 is slid up and down, the pinion 8 rotates.

[0059] In other words, the rotation operation mechanism 9 is linked to the slide member 5, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pinion 8 rotates forward (in the Z1 direction) in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member 5 downward (to one side).

[0060] When the pinion 8 rotates forward, the pin 6d of the first detachment member 6A is guided in one side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove 8a, and the first detachment member 6A slides downward integrally with the slide member 5, while the pin 6d of the second detachment member 6B is guided in the other side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove 8b, and the second detachment member 6B slides in the same direction as the slide member 5 and gradually moves away from the slide member 5. As a result, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the second detachment member 6B move downward away from the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first detachment member 6A.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotation operation mechanism 9 rotates the pinion 8 in the reverse direction (Z2 direction) in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member 5 upward (to the other side).

[0062] When the pinion 8 rotates in the reverse direction, the pin 6d of the second detachment member 6B is guided into one side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove 8b, and the second detachment member 6B slides upward integrally with the slide member 5, while the pin 6d of the first detachment member 6A is guided into the other side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove 8a, and the first detachment member 6A slides in the same direction as the slide member 5 and gradually moves away from the slide member 5. As a result, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first detachment member 6A move upward away from the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the second detachment member 6B.

[0063] Next, the operation of removing the electrode tip E by the electrode tip removal device 1 will be described in detail. First, as shown in Fig. 4, the spot welding gun 20 is operated to move the electrode tip E attached to the upper shank 22 of the spot welding gun 20 toward the front of the electrode tip removal device 1 with its central axis C1 facing up and down. At this time, the gap G between the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E is aligned with the first claws 6g and the second claws 6i of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B. Then, the first claws 6g and the second claws 6i are inserted into the gap G.

[0064] At this time, the leaf spring 6k attached to the first detachment member 6A is pressed against the side surface of the large diameter portion 22a and elastically deforms, and the leaf spring 6k attached to the second detachment member 6B is pressed against the side surface of the electrode tip E and elastically deforms.

[0065] Next, the spot welding gun 20 is moved downward. As a result, the large diameter portion 22a presses the first detachment member 6A downward, which in turn presses the slide member 5 downward via the pinions 8. As a result, the pinions 8, which move downward together with the slide member 5, begin to rotate forward by the racks 7.

[0066] When each pinion 8 rotates forward, the pin 6d of the first detachable member 6A is guided in the guide direction one-side region of the first guide groove 8a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide direction one-side region of the first guide groove 8a is set to have the same distance from the rotation axis X1 in the circumferential direction of each pinion 8, so the first detachable member 6A slides integrally with the slide member 5 without separating from it. On the other hand, when each pinion 8 rotates forward, the pin 6d of the second detachable member 6B is guided in the guide direction other-side region of the second guide groove 8b. At this time, the guide direction other-side region of the second guide groove 8b is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 gradually increases toward the other end in the circumferential direction of each pinion 8, so the second detachable member 6B slides in the same direction as the slide member 5 against the biasing force of the lower coil spring 10 and gradually separates from the slide member 5. As a result, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first removal member 6A hook onto the large diameter portion 22a, while the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the second removal member 6B hook onto the electrode tip E, and a force is applied to the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E in a direction separating them, causing the electrode tip E to be removed from the shank 22.

[0067] The electrode tip E removed from the shank 22 is repelled away from the second detachment member 6B by the spring force of the leaf spring 6k of the second detachment member 6B, and can be efficiently removed from the first detachment member 6A, the second detachment member 6B and the area around the gun body 21.

[0068] After the electrode tip E is removed from the shank 22, the spot welding gun 20 is retracted from the electrode tip removal device 1, whereupon the second removal member 6B is pressed upward by the force of the coil spring 10 located below, and accordingly the slide member 5 and the first removal member 6A are also pressed upward via each pinion 8, causing each pinion 8 to begin to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0069] When each pinion 8 rotates in the reverse direction, the pin 6d of the first detachable member 6A is guided into one side region of the first guide groove 8a in the guide direction, and the pin 6d of the second detachable member 6B is guided into the other side region of the second guide groove 8b in the guide direction, causing the first detachable member 6A and the slide member 5 to slide upward together, and the second detachable member 6B also slides upward while approaching the slide member 5, and the first detachable member 6A, slide member 5 and second detachable member 6B return to their original positions.

[0070] 6, the spot welding gun 20 is operated to move the electrode tip E attached to the lower shank 22 of the spot welding gun 20 toward the front of the electrode tip removal device 1 with its central axis C1 facing up and down. At this time, the gap G between the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E is aligned with the first claws 6g and the second claws 6i of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B. Then, the first claws 6g and the second claws 6i are inserted into the gap G.

[0071] At this time, the leaf spring 6k attached to the first detachment member 6A is pressed against the side surface of the electrode tip E and elastically deforms, and the leaf spring 6k attached to the second detachment member 6B is pressed against the side surface of the large diameter portion 22a and elastically deforms.

[0072] Next, the spot welding gun 20 is moved upward. As a result, the second detachment member 6B is pressed upward by the large diameter portion 22a, and the slide member 5 is pressed upward via the pinions 8. As a result, the pinions 8, which move upward together with the slide member 5, begin to rotate in the reverse direction due to the racks 7.

[0073] When each pinion 8 rotates in the reverse direction, the pin 6d of the second detachment member 6B is guided in the guide direction one-side region of the second guide groove 8b. At this time, the guide direction one-side region of the second guide groove 8b is set to have the same shape as the rotation axis X1 in the circumferential direction of each pinion 8, so the second detachment member 6B slides integrally with the slide member 5 without separating from the slide member 5. On the other hand, when each pinion 8 rotates in the reverse direction, the pin 6d of the first detachment member 6A is guided in the guide direction other-side region of the first guide groove 8a. At this time, the guide direction other-side region of the first guide groove 8a is set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis X1 gradually increases toward the other end in the circumferential direction of each pinion 8, so the first detachment member 6A slides in the same direction as the slide member 5 against the biasing force of the upper coil spring 10, and gradually separates from the slide member 5. As a result, the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the second removal member 6B hook onto the large diameter portion 22a, while the first claw portion 6g and the second claw portion 6i of the first removal member 6A hook onto the electrode tip E, and a force is applied to the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E in a direction separating them, causing the electrode tip E to be removed from the shank 22.

[0074] The electrode tip E removed from the shank 22 is repelled away from the first detachment member 6A by the spring force of the leaf spring 6k of the first detachment member 6A, and can be efficiently removed from the first detachment member 6A, the second detachment member 6B and the area around the gun body 21.

[0075] After the electrode tip E is removed from the shank 22, the spot welding gun 20 is retracted from the electrode tip removal device 1, whereby the first removal member 6A is pressed downward by the force of the coil spring 10 located on the upper side, and accordingly the slide member 5 and the second removal member 6B are also pressed downward via each pinion 8, causing each pinion 8 to begin rotating forward.

[0076] When each pinion 8 rotates forward, the pin 6d of the second detachable member 6B is guided into one side region in the guide direction of the second guide groove 8b, and the pin 6d of the first detachable member 6A is guided into the other side region in the guide direction of the first guide groove 8a, causing the second detachable member 6B and the slide member 5 to slide downward together, and the first detachable member 6A also slides downward while approaching the slide member 5, and the first detachable member 6A, slide member 5 and second detachable member 6B return to their original positions.

[0077] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, during the operation of removing the electrode tip E, each pinion 8 rotates around the slide member 5 located between the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B, and the slide member 5 slides integrally with either the first removal member 6A or the second removal member 6B. Therefore, even if a load due to a reaction force from the gun body 21 or the electrode tip E is concentrated around the rotation axis X1 of each pinion 8 on the first removal member 6A or the second removal member 6B, the rigidity around the slide member 5 is increased and deformation is resistant. Therefore, there is no need to increase the size of each of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B to increase rigidity, and a compact, lightweight electrode tip removal device 1 can be made that is resistant to breakdown even with repeated use.

[0078] Furthermore, when the gun body 21 is moved so that the slide member 5 slides downward (to one side) via the first detachment member 6A with the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B hooked and engaged with the fitted gun body 21 and the electrode tip E, each pinion 8 rotates forward and the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B move apart, thereby removing the electrode tip E from the gun body 21. When the gun body 21 is moved so that the slide member 5 slides upward (to the other side) via the second detachment member 6B with the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B hooked and engaged with the fitted gun body 21 and the electrode tip E, each pinion 8 rotates reversely and the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B move apart, thereby removing the electrode tip E from the gun body 21. In this way, a non-powered electrode tip removal device 1 can be provided that can remove the electrode tip E from the gun body 21 by moving the spot welding gun 20.

[0079] Furthermore, because the rack 7 extends in the vertical direction, which is the sliding direction of the slide member 5, the electrode tip removal device 1 can be designed to be short in dimensions along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack 7. Therefore, the electrode tip removal device 1 can be made compact along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack 7.

[0080] Furthermore, when the electrode tip E is removed from the gun body 21, the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B move closer to each other and return to their original positions due to the biasing force of the coil spring 10. This allows for a smooth transition to the next electrode tip E removal operation.

[0081] Furthermore, the guide rod 4 that guides the sliding movement of the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B is located inside the coil spring 10 that returns the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B to their original positions, making it possible to make the structure around the guide rod 4 compact. Furthermore, the biasing force of the coil spring 10 is transmitted in a balanced manner around the guide rod 4 of the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B, allowing the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B to slide smoothly.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first claw portions 6g and second claw portions 6i of the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B are inserted into the gap G between the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E and the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B are separated, the first claw portions 6g and second claw portions 6i of one of the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B are hooked onto and engaged with the large diameter portion 22a, while the first claw portions 6g and second claw portions 6i of the other are hooked onto and engaged with the electrode tip E, thereby removing the electrode tip E from the gun body 21. In this way, when removing the electrode tip E, the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B can be easily engaged with the gun body 21 and the electrode tip E, allowing the electrode tip E to be removed efficiently.

[0083] Furthermore, the areas around the openings of the guide holes 6c on the sides of the first and second removal members 6A, 6B that correspond to the coil springs 10 are recessed in a stepped shape compared to other areas, so that the outer shapes of the parts of the first and second removal members 6A, 6B that do not correspond to the coil springs 10 are enlarged while the arrangement spaces for both coil springs 10 are closer to each other. Therefore, the electrode tip removal device 1 can be made compact in the longitudinal direction of the guide rod 4 while ensuring the rigidity of the first and second removal members 6A, 6B.

[0084] Furthermore, when the electrode tip E is removed from the gun body 21, the biasing force of the leaf spring 6k causes the electrode tip E to be repelled away from the first detachment member 6A and the second detachment member 6B. Therefore, the removed electrode tip E can be efficiently removed from the first detachment member 6A, the second detachment member 6B and the periphery of the gun body 21.

[0085] Furthermore, because the removed electrode tip E is removed using the biasing force of the leaf spring 6k, the space occupied in the direction in which the biasing force is applied is smaller than that occupied by, for example, a coil spring that can apply the same biasing force. Therefore, the area around the structure for removing the electrode tip E in the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B can be made compact.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present invention, the pinion 8 is provided with a first guide groove 8a, and the first detachable member 6A is provided with a pin 6d that fits into the first guide groove 8a, but it is also possible to provide the pinion 8 with a pin 6d, and the first detachable member 6A with the first guide groove 8a.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pinion 8 is provided with a second guide groove 8b, while the second detachable member 6B is provided with a pin 6d that fits into the second guide groove 8b. However, it is also possible to provide the pinion 8 with a pin 6d, while providing the second guide groove 8b in the second detachable member 6B.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the rotation operation mechanism 9 operates the rotation of the pinion 8 in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member 5, but it may also be configured, for example, such that one end of an operating rod is fixed to the pinion 8 and the other end of the operating rod is gripped and rotated by an operator to operate the rotation of the pinion 8.

[0089] In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, two coil springs 10 are wound around the guide rod 4 located on the back side of the main body case 2 to urge the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B, but two coil springs 10 may also be wound around the guide rod 4 located on the front side of the main body case 2 to urge the first detachable member 6A and the second detachable member 6B.

[0090] In addition, the electrode chip removal device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention has two claw portions on each of the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B, but it may also be configured so that three or more claw portions are provided on each, or so that only one claw portion is provided on each.

[0091] Furthermore, the electrode tip removal device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention uses a coil spring 10 as the first biasing member that biases the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B in a direction toward each other, but other types of biasing members may also be used to bias them.

[0092] Furthermore, the electrode tip removal device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention uses the leaf spring 6k as the second biasing member that repels the removed electrode tip E, but other types of biasing members may also be used to bias the electrode tip E.

[0093] Furthermore, in the electrode tip removal device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first removal member 6A and the second removal member 6B are engaged with the large diameter portion 22a and the electrode tip E by hooking them, respectively, but this is not limited to this, and for example, they may be engaged with each other using a gripping structure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] The present invention is suitable for an electrode tip removal device that can remove an electrode tip from a gun body of a spot welding gun. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...electrode tip removal device 2...main body case 3...removal unit 4...guide rod 5...slide member 5a...through hole 6A...first removal member 6B...second removal member 6a...main body frame 6b...step surface 6c...guide hole 6d...pin of first removal member (first protrusion) 6d...pin of second removal member (second protrusion) 6e...hook portion 6f...protruding frame 6g...first claw portion 6h...first convex portion 6i...second claw portion 6j...second convex portion 6k...plate spring (second biasing member) 7...rack 8...pinion (rotating body) 8a...first guide groove 8b...second guide groove 9...rotation operation mechanism 10...coil spring (first biasing member) 20...spot welding gun 21...gun body 22...shank 22a...large diameter portion 22b...Small diameter portion 60...Fitting recess C1...Center axis E...Electrode tip G...Gap S1...Accommodation space X1...Rotation axis

Claims

1. An electrode tip removal device for removing an electrode tip attached to a gun body of a spot welding gun by fitting, from the gun body, comprising: a slide member that is slidable in a predetermined direction; a rotation operation mechanism having a rotating body rotatably attached to the slide member around a rotation axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide member, and operating a rotational movement of the rotating body; a first detachment member and a second detachment member, the first detachment member and the second detachment member being disposed at positions sandwiching the slide member in the sliding direction of the slide member and being slidable in the same direction as the slide member, and being engageable with the gun body and the electrode tip, respectively, in a fitted state; a first protrusion protruding in the same direction as the rotation axis is provided on one of the rotating body and the first detaching member, and a first guide groove capable of guiding the first protrusion during rotation of the rotating body is provided on the other of the rotating body and the first detaching member; a second protrusion protruding in the same direction as the rotation axis is provided on one of the rotating body and the second detaching member, and a second guide groove capable of guiding the second protrusion during rotation of the rotating body is provided on the other of the rotating body and the second detaching member; the first and second guide grooves are symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to the slide member, and one side regions of the first and second guide grooves in the guide direction are set to have the same distance from the rotation axis in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, while the other side regions of the first and second guide grooves are set to have a shape in which the distance from the rotation axis becomes gradually greater as they approach the other end in the circumferential direction of the rotating body.

2. 2. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 1, The electrode tip removal device is characterized in that the rotation operation mechanism is linked to the slide member and is configured to rotate the rotating body in a forward direction in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member to one side, and to rotate the rotating body in a reverse direction in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member to the other side.

3. 3. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 2, the rotation operation mechanism includes a rack extending in a sliding direction of the slide member, Electrode tip removing device, characterized in that the rotating body is a pinion that meshes with the rack.

4. 2. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 1, 10. An electrode tip removal device comprising a pair of first biasing members for biasing said first and second removal members toward each other.

5. 5. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 4, a guide rod extending in the sliding direction of the slide member, The first and second detachment members are each formed with a guide hole into which the guide rod is guidingly inserted, 10. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 9, wherein the first biasing member is a coil spring wound around the guide rod.

6. 6. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 5, The electrode tip removal device is characterized in that the first and second removal members are provided with claws that can be inserted into a gap between the gun body and the electrode tip.

7. 7. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 5, 10. An electrode tip removal device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second removal members have a recessed portion around the opening of the guide hole on the side corresponding to each of the coil springs, the recessed portion being recessed in a stepped shape compared to other areas.

8. 2. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 1, An electrode tip removal device characterized in that a second biasing member is provided at one end of the first and second removal members, which is capable of applying a biasing force to the electrode tip in a direction intersecting its central axis during the electrode tip removal operation.

9. 9. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 8, 2. The electrode tip removal device according to claim 1, wherein the second biasing member is a leaf spring.

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