Resistance welding device and resistance welding method

Abstract

A resistance welding device is provided that can join fastening members to the bottom wall and side wall of a workpiece. [Solution] The resistance welding device (1) includes a first electrode (10), a second electrode (20) that moves toward and away from the first electrode in a first direction (Z), and a conductive adapter (30) that moves in a second direction (X) that intersects the first direction. The adapter advances to a first position (P1) between the first and second electrodes by moving toward one side (Xa) in the second direction, and retreats to a second position (P2) away from the first position by moving toward the other side (Xb) in the second direction. The adapter includes a base (31) extending in the first direction, a first extension (36) extending from the first electrode side of the base in the first direction to one side in the second direction, and a second extension (37) extending from the second electrode side of the base in the first direction to one side in the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a resistance welding apparatus and a resistance welding method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As shown in Patent Document 1, a resistance welding device for joining a fastening member to a workpiece is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-003128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a workpiece formed with a pair of side walls extending from a bottom wall. The resistance welding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 may be able to join a fastening member to the inner surface of the bottom wall of such a workpiece, but it cannot join a fastening member to the inner surface of the side wall of such a workpiece. Conventionally, in order to join fastening members to the bottom wall and side wall of a workpiece, at least two or more resistance welding machines with different types of electrodes are required.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a resistance welding device capable of joining a fastening member to a bottom wall and a side wall of a workpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The resistance welding apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a first electrode, a second electrode that moves toward and away from the first electrode in a first direction, and a conductive adapter that moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the adapter advances to a first position between the first electrode and the second electrode by moving to one side of the second direction and retreats to a second position away from the first position by moving to the other side of the second direction, and the adapter includes a base portion extending in the first direction, a first extension portion extending from a side of the base portion facing the first electrode in the first direction to one side in the second direction, and a second extension portion extending from a side of the base portion facing the second electrode in the first direction to one side in the second direction.

[0007] Suppose there is a workpiece formed with a pair of side walls standing from a bottom wall. At this time, the workpiece is oriented in an open position toward the adapter in the second direction, and the adapter is inserted into the first position between the first and second electrodes. This allows the first and second electrodes and the adapter to join the fastening member to the inner side surfaces of the side walls of the workpiece.

[0008] Furthermore, the workpiece is placed in a position that opens toward the first electrode or the second electrode in the first direction, and the adapter is retracted to a second position away from the first position, thereby allowing the first electrode and the second electrode to join the fastening member to the bottom inner surface of the bottom wall of the workpiece.

[0009] As described above, it is possible to provide a resistance welding device capable of joining a fastening member to the bottom wall and side wall of a workpiece.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adapter is U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped and is open on the one side in the second direction.

[0011] A suitable adapter shape can be realized.

[0012] In one embodiment, a convex portion is provided on at least one of a first outer surface, which is the surface of the first extension portion facing the first electrode, and a second outer surface, which is the surface of the second extension portion facing the second electrode.

[0013] This makes it easier to bring the adapter into contact with the first electrode and / or the second electrode.

[0014] In one embodiment, the adapter is movable in the first direction.

[0015] The adapter position can be fine-tuned in the first direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first direction is a vertical direction, the first electrode is disposed below the second electrode, and the second electrode is disposed above the first electrode.

[0017] This facilitates the layout of the first electrode and the second electrode in the resistance welding device.

[0018] The resistance welding method according to the present disclosure is a resistance welding method for resistance-welding a workpiece and a fastening member using the resistance welding device, wherein the workpiece includes a bottom wall, a first side wall erected on the bottom wall, and a second side wall erected on the bottom wall at a position spaced apart from the first side wall, and the resistance welding method executes a first mode in which the adapter is at the first position. In the first mode, the workpiece is positioned in an open position toward the adapter in the second direction, the first side wall of the workpiece is positioned on the side of the first electrode, and the second side wall of the workpiece is positioned on the side of the second electrode. The first side wall of the workpiece and the fastening member are pressurized by the first electrode and the second electrode via the adapter, and current is passed between the first electrode and the second electrode via the first side wall of the workpiece, the fastening member, the first extension portion of the adapter, and the second extension portion of the adapter, thereby resistance-welding the first-side inner surface of the first side wall of the workpiece and the fastening member to each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, a second mode is executed in which the adapter is in the second position, and in the second mode, the workpiece is positioned in an open position toward the second electrode in the first direction, and the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member are pressed by the first electrode and the second electrode, while current is passed between the first electrode and the second electrode through the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member, thereby joining the bottom inner surface of the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a resistance welding device capable of joining a fastening member to a bottom wall and a side wall of a workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a resistance welding device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the workpiece. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows the fastening member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a pre-process of the second mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a post-process of the second mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a pre-process of the first mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the first intermediate step of the first mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the second intermediate step of the first mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the post-process of the first mode of the resistance welding method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a resistance welding device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a resistance welding device according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

[0023] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described.

[0024] (Resistance welding equipment) FIG. 1 shows a resistance welding apparatus 1. The resistance welding apparatus 1 includes a lower holder 2, an upper holder 3, a first actuator 4, a guide pin 5, a second actuator 6, a coil spring 7, a lower electrode 10, an upper electrode 20, and an adapter 30. The lower electrode 10 is an example of a first electrode. The upper electrode 20 is an example of a second electrode.

[0025] The lower holder 2 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction Z. The vertical direction Z is an example of a first direction. The lower holder 2 is disposed below the upper holder 3 on the Za side. The lower holder 2 is fixed in place.

[0026] The lower electrode 10 is held by the lower holder 2. The lower electrode 10 extends in the vertical direction Z. The lower electrode 10 protrudes from the upper end of the lower holder 2 to the upper side Zb. The lower electrode 10 is disposed on the lower side Za than the upper electrode 20. The lower electrode 10 is fixed in place. The upper end 11 (tip) of the lower electrode 10 faces the upper side Zb. The lower electrode 10 is made of, for example, a metal.

[0027] A guide pin 5 is housed inside the lower electrode 10. The guide pin 5 extends in the vertical direction Z. The guide pin 5 moves in the vertical direction Z inside the lower electrode 10 by an actuator (not shown). The guide pin 5 protrudes from the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 to the upper side Zb and retracts to the lower side Za relative to the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10.

[0028] The upper holder 3 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction Z. The upper holder 3 is disposed on the upper side Zb of the lower holder 2. The upper holder 3 moves in the vertical direction Z toward and away from the lower holder 2. The movement of the upper holder 3 in the vertical direction Z is performed by, for example, an electric or pneumatic first actuator 4.

[0029] The upper electrode 20 is held by the upper holder 3. The upper electrode 20 extends in the vertical direction Z. The upper electrode 20 protrudes from the lower end of the upper holder 3 to the lower side Za. The upper electrode 20 is disposed on the upper side Zb than the lower electrode 10. The lower end 21 (tip) of the upper electrode 20 faces the lower side Za. The upper electrode 20 moves toward and away from the lower electrode 10 in the vertical direction Z. The upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 and the lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 face each other in the vertical direction Z. The upper electrode 20 is made of, for example, a metal.

[0030] The adapter 30 is conductive. The adapter 30 is made of metal. The adapter 30 moves in a front-rear direction X. The front-rear direction X is an example of a second direction. The front-rear direction X intersects with the up-down direction Z. The front-rear direction X may be perpendicular to the up-down direction Z. In addition to the front-rear direction X, the left-right direction Y (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 ) is also a direction that intersects with the up-down direction Z. The front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y form a horizontal direction.

[0031] The adapter 30 includes a base portion 31, a first extension portion 36, and a second extension portion 37. The base portion 31 extends in the vertical direction Z.

[0032] The first extension portion 36 extends from a lower end portion 31a of the base portion 31 on the lower electrode 10 side in the vertical direction Z to a front side Xa in the front-rear direction X. The second extension portion 37 extends from an upper end portion 31b of the base portion 31 on the upper electrode 20 side in the vertical direction Z to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X. The front side Xa is an example of one side. Note that a rear side Xb, which will be described later, is an example of the other side.

[0033] The first extension portion 36 is located on the side of the lower electrode 10 (lower side Za) in the vertical direction Z relative to the second extension portion 37. The second extension portion 37 is located on the side of the upper electrode 20 (upper side Zb) in the vertical direction Z relative to the first extension portion 36.

[0034] The first extending portion 36 and the second extending portion 37 are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction Z. The first extending portion 36 and the second extending portion 37 extend in the front-rear direction X while facing each other in the up-down direction Z. The first extending portion 36 and the second extending portion 37 may extend parallel to each other. The first extending portion 36 and the second extending portion 37 may extend geometrically parallel to each other.

[0035] The first inner surface 36a of the first extension portion 36 faces the upper side Zb. In the first extension portion 36, the first outer surface 36b is on the opposite side to the first inner surface 36a in the vertical direction Z. The first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 faces the lower side Za. The second inner surface 37a of the second extension portion 37 faces the lower side Za. In the second extension portion 37, the second outer surface 37b is on the opposite side to the second inner surface 37a in the vertical direction Z. The second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 faces the upper side Zb.

[0036] A protrusion 38 protruding toward the lower side Za is provided on a first outer surface 36b (the surface on the side of the lower electrode 10) of the first extending portion 36. The first outer surface 36b is the surface of the first extending portion 36 on the side of the lower electrode 10.

[0037] The first inner surface 36a of the first extending portion 36 and the second inner surface 37a of the second extending portion 37 face each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0038] The rear surface of the base portion 31 of the adapter 30 is provided with a first guide 39a, a second guide 39b, and a pin 39c.

[0039] The first guide 39a is disposed on a lower side Za than the second guide 39b. The first guide 39a extends in the front-rear direction X. The second guide 39b is disposed on an upper side Zb than the first guide 39a. The second guide 39b extends in the front-rear direction X. The first guide 39a and the second guide 39b face each other in the up-down direction Z and extend parallel to the front-rear direction X (more specifically, geometrically parallel to each other).

[0040] The pin 39c is disposed between the first guide 39a and the second guide 39b. The pin 39c connects the first guide 39a and the second guide 39b. The pin 39c extends in the up-down direction Z.

[0041] A coil spring 7 is wound around the pin 39c. The coil spring 7 is an example of a biasing portion. The coil spring 7 is an elastic member. The coil spring 7 is provided between the second guide 39b and a rod 6a, which will be described later.

[0042] The adapter 30 is U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, and is open to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X. In this example, the adapter 30 is particularly close to a U-shape. A U-shape is a shape similar to the Japanese katakana character "ko."

[0043] The adapter 30 is moved in the front-rear direction X by the second actuator 6. The second actuator 6 has a rod 6a and a drive mechanism 6b. The rod 6a extends in the front-rear direction X.

[0044] The front end of the rod 6a is in contact with the rear surface of the base portion 31 of the adapter 30. The rod 6a is provided with a pin hole (not shown) that penetrates in the vertical direction Z. A pin 39c of the adapter 30 passes through the pin hole of the rod 6a.

[0045] The coil spring 7 is disposed between the second guide 39b and the rod 6a. When no load is applied to the coil spring 7, the coil spring 7 presses the second guide 39b of the adapter 30 toward the upper side Zb. The coil spring 7 biases the second guide 39b toward the upper side Zb, which is the side of the upper electrode 20 in the vertical direction Z, with an elastic force I (biasing force).

[0046] The rear end of the rod 6a is housed in the drive mechanism 6b. The rod 6a moves (extends and retracts) in the front-rear direction X by being driven by the drive mechanism 6b. The drive mechanism 6b moves the rod 6a forward to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X and backward to the rear side Xb in the front-rear direction X. The drive mechanism 6b is, for example, an electric or pneumatic type.

[0047] The adapter 30 moves to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X to enter a first position P1 between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20, and moves to the rear side Xb in the front-rear direction X to retreat to a second position P2 away from the first position P1. The first position P1 is located further towards the front side Xa than the second position P2. The second position P2 is located further towards the rear side Xb than the first position P1.

[0048] (Work) 2 shows a workpiece 40. The workpiece 40 includes a bottom wall 41, a first side wall 46, and a second side wall 47. The bottom wall 41 is plate-shaped with a thickness direction T. The bottom wall 41 extends in a vertical direction E and a horizontal direction F. The thickness direction T, the vertical direction E, and the horizontal direction F intersect (more specifically, are perpendicular to) each other. In this example, the dimension of the bottom wall 41 in the vertical direction E is greater than the dimension of the bottom wall 41 in the horizontal direction F.

[0049] The first side wall 46 stands upright at one end Fa in the horizontal direction F of the inner bottom surface 41a of the bottom wall 41. The first side wall 46 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction aligned with the horizontal direction F. The first side wall 46 extends in the thickness direction T and the vertical direction E of the bottom wall 41.

[0050] The second side wall 47 stands upright at the other end Fb in the horizontal direction F of the inner bottom surface 41a of the bottom wall 41. In the horizontal direction F, the other end Fb is located away from the one end Fa. The second side wall 47 stands upright on the bottom wall 41 at a position away from the first side wall 46 in the horizontal direction F. In other words, the first side wall 46 stands upright on the bottom wall 41 at a position away from the second side wall 47 in the horizontal direction F. The second side wall 47 is plate-shaped with the horizontal direction F as its thickness direction. The second side wall 47 extends in the thickness direction T and vertical direction E of the bottom wall 41.

[0051] The bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 is the surface on which the first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 are erected. The bottom outer surface 41b of the bottom wall 41 is the surface opposite to the side on which the first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 are erected. The first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 are not provided on the bottom outer surface 41b of the bottom wall 41. In the thickness direction T of the bottom wall 41, the bottom inner surface 41a and the bottom outer surface 41b are located on opposite sides to each other.

[0052] The first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction F. The first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 extend in the thickness direction T and the longitudinal direction E of the bottom wall 41 while facing each other in the lateral direction F. The first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 may extend parallel to each other. The first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 may extend geometrically parallel to each other.

[0053] The first inner side surface 46a of the first side wall 46 and the second inner side surface 47a of the second side wall 47 face each other in the lateral direction F. In the first side wall 46, the first outer side surface 46b is located on the opposite side from the first inner side surface 46a in the lateral direction F. In the second side wall 47, the second outer side surface 47b is located on the opposite side from the second inner side surface 47a in the lateral direction F.

[0054] The first inner side surface 46a of the first side wall 46 is a surface that faces the second inner side surface 47a of the second side wall 47. The first outer side surface 46b of the first side wall 46 is a surface that faces the opposite side from the second inner side surface 47a of the second side wall 47. The second inner side surface 47a of the second side wall 47 is a surface that faces the first inner side surface 46a of the first side wall 46. The second outer side surface 47b of the second side wall 47 is a surface that faces the opposite side from the first inner side surface 46a of the first side wall 46.

[0055] The workpiece 40 is U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped, open on one side. In this example, the workpiece 40 is particularly close to a U-shape. A U-shape is a shape similar to the Japanese katakana character "KOU." The workpiece 40 is made of, for example, metal. The workpiece 40 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

[0056] A hole 48 is formed in the bottom wall 41. A hole 48 is formed in the first side wall 46. A hole 48 is formed in the second side wall 47. The plurality of holes 48 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction E. As will be described later, a guide pin 5 is passed through the hole 48.

[0057] (Fastening member) FIG. 3 shows a fastening member 50. In this example, the fastening member 50 is a nut. The fastening member 50 has a main body 51 and four protrusions 52. In this example, the main body 51 is formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism. The four protrusions 52 are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the main body 51. A through hole 53 is provided in the center of the main body 51. The through hole 53 passes through the center of the main body 51. The through hole 53 is, for example, a screw hole. The fastening member 50 is made of, for example, metal.

[0058] (Resistance welding method) The resistance welding method will be described below. In the resistance welding method, a workpiece 40 and a fastening member 50 are resistance-welded using a resistance welding device 1. The resistance welding method executes a first mode M1 and a second mode M2.

[0059] (Second mode) Fig. 4 shows a pre-process of the second mode M2 ​​of the resistance welding method. Fig. 5 shows a post-process of the second mode M2 ​​of the resistance welding method. The resistance welding method executes the second mode M2.

[0060] In the second mode M2, first, the upper electrode 20 is moved to the upper side Zb, and the upper electrode 20 is moved away from the lower electrode 10.

[0061] In the second mode M2, the adapter 30 is at the second position P2. In the second mode M2, the adapter 30 is positioned at the second position P2. In the second mode M2, the adapter 30 is moved to the rear side Xb in the front-rear direction X, thereby retracting the adapter 30 to the second position P2.

[0062] In the second mode M2, the posture of the workpiece 40 is adjusted so that the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 faces the upper side Zb and the first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 (standing on the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41) extend from the lower side Za to the upper side Zb. In the second mode M2, the workpiece 40 is in a posture that opens toward the upper electrode 20 side (upper side Zb) in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] In the second mode M2, the guide pin 5 is caused to protrude from the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 to the upper side Zb.

[0064] In the second mode M2, the bottom outer surface 41b of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 is placed on the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. Specifically, the bottom outer surface 41b of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 is placed on the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. The bottom outer surface 41b of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 contacts the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10.

[0065] In the second mode M2, the guide pin 5 protruding from the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 to the upper side Zb is passed through a hole 48 formed in the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40. At this time, the upper end of the guide pin 5 is positioned on the upper side Zb of the bottom inner surface 41 a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40.

[0066] In the second mode M2, the through hole 53 of the fastening member 50 is hooked onto the guide pin 5. At this time, the main body 51 of the fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb and the protrusion 52 is positioned on the lower side Za. The fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb above the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40. The protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 contacts the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40. The upper end of the guide pin 5 may be positioned on the upper side Zb above the top surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0067] In the second mode M2, the upper electrode 20 is moved downward Za, and the upper electrode 20 is brought closer to the lower electrode 10. The lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 is brought into contact with the upper end of the guide pin 5. While the upper electrode 20 is further moved downward Za, the guide pin 5 is retracted to the lower side Za. As a result, the lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 comes into contact with the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0068] The bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are interposed between the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 and the lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20. A protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 is in contact with the inner bottom surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40. Strictly speaking, the protrusion 52 comes into contact by the application of pressure, which will be described later.

[0069] In the second mode M2, the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20, while current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 through the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50, thereby joining the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 to each other.

[0070] (First mode) FIG. 6 shows a pre-process of the first mode M1 of the resistance welding method. FIG. 7 shows a first intermediate process of the first mode M1 of the resistance welding method. FIG. 8 shows a second intermediate process of the first mode M1 of the resistance welding method. FIG. 9 shows a post-process of the first mode M1 of the resistance welding method. The resistance welding method executes the first mode M1.

[0071] In the first mode M1, first, the upper electrode 20 is moved to the upper side Zb, and the upper electrode 20 is moved away from the lower electrode 10.

[0072] In the first mode M1, the posture of the workpiece 40 is adjusted so that the first side wall 46 is located on the lower side Za and the second side wall 47 is located on the upper side Zb. At this time, the bottom wall 41 extends in the vertical direction Z. The first inner side surface 46a of the first side wall 46 faces the upper side Zb. The first outer side surface 46b of the first side wall 46 faces the lower side Za. The second inner side surface 47a of the second side wall 47 faces the lower side Za. The second outer side surface 47b of the second side wall 47 faces the upper side Zb.

[0073] In the first mode M1, the workpiece 40 is in a posture in which it is opened to the rear side Xb in the front-rear direction X (toward the adapter 30).

[0074] In the first mode M1, the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the lower side Za (the side of the lower electrode 10), and the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the upper side Zb (the side of the upper electrode 20).

[0075] In the first mode M1, the guide pin 5 is caused to protrude from the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 to the upper side Zb.

[0076] In the first mode M1, the first outer side surface 46b of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 is placed on the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. Specifically, the first outer side surface 46b of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 is placed on the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. The first outer side surface 46b of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 contacts the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10.

[0077] In the first mode M1, the guide pin 5 protruding from the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 to the upper side Zb is passed through a hole 48 formed in the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40. At this time, the upper end of the guide pin 5 is positioned on the upper side Zb of the first side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40.

[0078] In the first mode M1, the through hole 53 of the fastening member 50 is hooked onto the guide pin 5. At this time, the main body 51 of the fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb and the protrusion 52 is positioned on the lower side Za. The fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb of the first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40. The protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 contacts the first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40. The upper end of the guide pin 5 may be positioned on the upper side Zb of the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0079] In the first mode M1, the adapter 30 is at the first position P1. In the first mode M1, the adapter 30 is positioned at the first position P1. In the first mode M1, the adapter 30 is moved to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X, thereby moving the adapter 30 to the first position P1 between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20. The adapter 30 moves between the first side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40.

[0080] In the first mode M1, the adapter 30 that opens to the front side Xa and the workpiece 40 that opens to the rear side Xb engage with each other.

[0081] In the first mode M1, the convex portion 38 on the first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 is positioned at the upper end of the guide pin 5 (located on the upper side Zb above the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50). The convex portion 38 on the first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 comes into contact with the upper end of the guide pin 5.

[0082] In the first mode M1, the upper electrode 20 is moved downward Za to approach the lower electrode 10. The lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 contacts the second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30.

[0083] At this time, a gap is formed between the first inner surface 36a of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 and the second-side inner surface 47a of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40. A gap is also formed between the second inner surface 37a of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30 and the second-side outer surface 47b of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40. Note that these gaps do not necessarily have to exist.

[0084] In the first mode M1, the guide pin 5 is retracted to the lower side Za while the upper electrode 20 is further moved downward Za. The first-side outer surface 46b of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 contacts the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. The protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 contacts the first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40. The convex portion 38 on the first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 contacts the upper surface of the main body portion 51 of the fastening member 50. The lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 contacts the second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30.

[0085] In the first mode M1, the upper electrode 20 presses the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30 toward the lower side Za with a pressing force J. In the first mode M1, the upper electrode 20 moves the adapter 30 toward the lower side Za against the elastic force I toward the upper side Zb by the coil spring 7. In other words, the adapter 30 is movable in the up-down direction Z.

[0086] A first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40, a fastening member 50, and an adapter 30 are interposed between the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10 and the lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20. A protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 contacts a first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40. Strictly speaking, the protrusion 52 comes into contact by application of pressure, which will be described later.

[0087] In the first mode M1, the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the adapter 30.

[0088] In the first mode M1, current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40, the fastening member 50, the first extension 36 of the adapter 30, the base 31 of the adapter 30, and the second extension 37 of the adapter 30.

[0089] In the first mode M1, the first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are resistance-welded to each other.

[0090] In summary, in the first mode M1, the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the adapter 30, while current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40, the fastening member 50, the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30, the base portion 31 of the adapter 30, and the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30, thereby resistance welding the first side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 to each other.

[0091] When joining the fastening member 50 to the second side inner surface 47a of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40, the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the lower side Za (the side of the lower electrode 10) and the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the upper side Zb (the side of the upper electrode 20), and then a similar method as described above is performed.

[0092] (Action and effect) It is assumed that there is a workpiece 40 formed so that a pair of first and second side walls 46 and 47 stand up from a bottom wall 41.

[0093] At this time, the workpiece 40 is positioned so that it opens toward the adapter 30 (rear side Xb) in the front-rear direction X. The position of the workpiece 40 is also adjusted so that the first side wall 46 is located on the lower side Za and the second side wall 47 is located on the upper side Zb. The adapter 30 is then advanced to a first position P1 between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20.

[0094] The first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the adapter 30, while current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40, the fastening member 50, the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30, the base portion 31 of the adapter 30, and the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30, thereby resistance welding the first side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 to each other.

[0095] As a result, the fastening member 50 can be joined to the first-side inner surface 46a of the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 by the lower electrode 10, the upper electrode 20 and the adapter 30.

[0096] Furthermore, the workpiece 40 is opened toward the upper electrode 20 (upper side Zb) in the vertical direction Z. The adapter 30 is also retracted to a second position P2 away from the first position P1.

[0097] The bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20, while current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 through the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50, thereby joining the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 to each other.

[0098] As a result, the fastening member 50 can be joined to the bottom inner surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the workpiece 40 by the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20.

[0099] As described above, it is possible to provide the resistance welding device 1 capable of joining the fastening member 50 to the bottom wall 41 and the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40.

[0100] In particular, this can be achieved by using one resistance welding device 1.

[0101] The adapter 30 has a U-shape, a C-shape, a V-shape, or a U-shape that is open to the front side Xa in the front-rear direction X. A suitable shape of the adapter 30 can be realized.

[0102] The adapter 30 is movable in the vertical direction Z. The position of the adapter 30 can be finely adjusted in the vertical direction Z.

[0103] The coil spring 7 (urging portion) urges the adapter 30 toward the upper side Zb, which is the side of the upper electrode 20 in the vertical direction Z, with an elastic force I (urging force). In the first mode M1, the upper electrode 20 presses the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30 toward the lower side Za, which is the side of the lower electrode 10 in the vertical direction Z, with a pressing force J. In the first mode M1, the upper electrode 20 moves the adapter 30 toward the lower side Za (the side of the lower electrode 10 in the vertical direction Z) against the elastic force I (urging force) applied by the coil spring 7 toward the upper side Zb (the side of the upper electrode 20 in the vertical direction Z). This makes it easier to adjust the position of the adapter 30 in the vertical direction Z. It also makes it easier to bring the adapter 30 into contact with the lower electrode 10 and / or the upper electrode 20.

[0104] The presence of the protrusion 38 makes it easier for the adapter 30 and the lower electrode 10 to come into contact with each other.

[0105] Since the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 are aligned in the vertical direction Z, the layout of the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 in the resistance welding apparatus 1 is simplified.

[0106] FIG. 11 shows a resistance welding apparatus 1′ according to a comparative example. In the resistance welding apparatus 1′, a lower electrode 10′ and an upper electrode 20′ are arranged so as to be shifted (offset) from each other in the front-rear direction X. The lower electrode 10′ is located on the front side Xa of the upper electrode 20′. A straight adapter 30′ is fixed to the upper electrode 20′. The straight adapter 30′ extends straight from the upper electrode 20′ to the front side Xa. In the resistance welding apparatus 1′, the lower electrode 10′ and the upper electrode 20′ are offset in the front-rear direction X, so a moment M′ is applied when pressure is applied. In the resistance welding apparatus 1′, this moment M′ generates a load on a first actuator 4′ for moving the upper electrode 20′, causing damage.

[0107] In the resistance welding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 are not offset and are at the same position in the front-to-rear direction X, so that the moment M' generated in the resistance welding apparatus 1' according to the comparative example can be suppressed. In the resistance welding apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, damage to the first actuator 4 for moving the upper electrode 20 due to a load can be suppressed.

[0108] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. FIG. 10 shows a resistance welding device 1.

[0109] A convex portion 38 that protrudes upward Zb is provided on the second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30. The adapter 30 has a fixed guide pin 38a. The fixed guide pin 38a is provided on the convex portion 38 on the second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30. The fixed guide pin 38a extends from the top surface of the convex portion 38 toward the upward Zb.

[0110] The resistance welding method is performed in a third mode M3, in which the adapter 30 is in the first position P1.

[0111] In the third mode M3, the workpiece 40 is in a position that opens to the rear side Xb (toward the adapter 30) in the front-rear direction X. In the third mode M3, the first side wall 46 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the lower side Za, and the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 is positioned on the upper side Zb.

[0112] In the third mode M3, the first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 is disposed on the upper end 11 of the lower electrode 10. The first outer surface 36b of the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30 contacts the lower electrode 10.

[0113] In the third mode M3, a fixed guide pin 38a protruding from the convex portion 38 on the second outer surface 37b of the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30 to the upper side Zb is passed through a hole 48 drilled in the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40. In the third mode M3, the through hole 53 of the fastening member 50 is engaged with the fixed guide pin 38a from the upper side Zb. At this time, the main body 51 of the fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb and the protrusion 52 is positioned on the lower side Za. The fastening member 50 is positioned on the upper side Zb above the second outer surface 47b of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40. The protrusion 52 of the fastening member 50 contacts the second outer surface 47b of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40. Note that the upper end of the fixed guide pin 38a may be positioned on the upper side Zb above the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0114] In the third mode M3, the upper electrode 20 is moved downward Za to approach the lower electrode 10. The lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 comes into contact with the upper end of the fixed guide pin 38a that protrudes upward Zb beyond the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0115] Here, an accommodation hole for accommodating the fixed guide pin 38a is provided inside the upper electrode 20. When the upper electrode 20 moves to the lower side Za, the upper end of the fixed guide pin 38a is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the upper electrode 20. In the third mode M3, the lower end 21 of the upper electrode 20 comes into contact with the upper surface of the main body 51 of the fastening member 50.

[0116] In the third mode M3, the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the adapter 30.

[0117] In the third mode M3, current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the first extension 36 of the adapter 30, the base 31 of the adapter 30, the second extension 37 of the adapter 30, the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40, and the fastening member 50.

[0118] In the third mode M3, the second outer surface 47b of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are resistance-welded to each other.

[0119] In summary, in the third mode M3, the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 are pressed by the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the adapter 30, while current is passed between the lower electrode 10 and the upper electrode 20 via the first extension portion 36 of the adapter 30, the base portion 31 of the adapter 30, the second extension portion 37 of the adapter 30, the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40, and the fastening member 50, thereby resistance welding the second outer surface 47b of the second side wall 47 of the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 to each other.

[0120] <Other embodiments> Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, such description is not limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications, substitutions, or combinations are possible.

[0121] The biasing portion (elastic member) is not limited to a coil spring, but may be, for example, a leaf spring, a disc spring, rubber, a piston cylinder mechanism, or the like.

[0122] The first guide 39a and the second guide 39b do not have to be separate members, and may be formed integrally in a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0123] The protrusion 38 may be provided on the second outer surface 37b, which is the surface of the second extension portion 37 facing the upper electrode 20 (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). The protrusion 38 may be provided on at least one (one or both) of the first outer surface 36b, which is the surface of the first extension portion 36 facing the lower electrode 10, and the second outer surface 37b, which is the surface of the second extension portion 37 facing the upper electrode 20. Furthermore, the protrusion 38 may not be provided.

[0124] In the adapter 30, the first extension 36 may extend toward the front side Xa from a portion above (inner than) the lower end 31a of the base portion 31. Similarly, in the adapter 30, the second extension 37 may extend toward the front side Xa from a portion below (inner than) the upper end 31b of the base portion 31. The first extension 36 and the second extension 37 may extend obliquely with respect to the front-to-rear direction X. The base portion 31 may extend obliquely with respect to the up-down direction Z. The same applies to the workpiece 40.

[0125] The fastening member 50 is not limited to a rectangular nut, and may be, for example, a polygonal nut other than a rectangular nut, a circular nut, etc. Furthermore, the fastening member 50 may be, for example, a washer or a sleeve, in addition to a nut. Furthermore, the fastening member 50 may be, for example, a bolt or a rivet, etc. The fastening member 50 may be other members.

[0126] The lower electrode 10 may be movable.

[0127] The guide pin 5 may be omitted.

[0128] The first direction and the second direction may not be perpendicular to each other but may intersect each other at an angle. The first direction may extend diagonally relative to the vertical direction. The second direction may extend diagonally relative to the horizontal direction. The first direction may be horizontal and the second direction may be vertical. In this case, the workpiece 40 and the fastening member 50 must be supported separately to prevent them from falling off. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The present disclosure is applicable to a resistance welding apparatus and a resistance welding method, and is therefore extremely useful and has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] Z Vertical direction (first direction) Za lower side Zb upper side X Anteroposterior direction (second direction) Xa Front (one side) Xb rear side (other side) Y left / right direction T thickness direction E Vertical direction F Horizontal Fa One end Fb other end P1 1st position P2 2nd position M1 First mode M2 Second mode M3 3rd Mode I Elastic force (biasing force) J Pressure force 1 Resistance welding equipment 2 Lower holder 3 Upper holder 4. First Actuator 5 guide pins 6 Second Actuator 6a Rod 6b Drive mechanism 7 Coil spring (biasing part, elastic member) 10 Lower electrode (1st electrode) 11 Top 20 Upper electrode (second electrode) 21 Bottom end 30 adapters 31 Base 31a Lower end 31b Upper end 36 1st Enbe 36a First inner surface 36b 1st outer surface 37 2nd Enbe 37a 2nd inner surface 37b 2nd outer surface 38 Convex part 38a Fixed guide pin 39a First Guide 39b 2nd Guide 39c pin 40 Work 41 Bottom wall 41a Bottom inner surface 41b Bottom outer surface 46 First side wall 46a First side inner surface 46b 1st side outer surface 47 Second side wall 47a Second side inner surface 47b 2nd side outer surface 48 holes 50 Fastening members 51 Main body 52 Protrusion 53 Through Hole 1' Resistance welding equipment 10' Lower electrode 20' upper electrode 30' Straight Adapter M' moment

Claims

1. A first electrode; a second electrode that moves toward and away from the first electrode in a first direction; a conductive adapter that moves in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; the adapter moves in one direction to enter a first position between the first electrode and the second electrode, and moves in the other direction to retract to a second position away from the first position, The adapter is a base portion extending in the first direction; a first extension portion extending from a side of the base portion facing the first electrode in the first direction to the one side in the second direction; a second extension portion extending from a side of the base portion facing the second electrode in the first direction to the one side in the second direction.

2. The resistance welding device according to claim 1 , wherein the adapter is U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped and open on the one side in the second direction.

3. 2. The resistance welding device according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided on at least one of a first outer surface, which is the surface of the first extension portion facing the first electrode, and a second outer surface, which is the surface of the second extension portion facing the second electrode.

4. The resistance welding apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the adapter is movable in the first direction.

5. the first direction is an up-down direction, The first electrode is disposed below the second electrode, The resistance welding device according to claim 1 , wherein the second electrode is disposed above the first electrode.

6. A resistance welding method for resistance welding a workpiece and a fastening member using the resistance welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: The workpiece is The bottom wall and a first side wall erected on the bottom wall; a second side wall standing on the bottom wall at a position spaced apart from the first side wall, the resistance welding method is performed in a first mode with the adapter in the first position; In the first mode, The workpiece is placed in an open position toward the adapter in the second direction, The first side wall of the workpiece is positioned on the side of the first electrode, and the second side wall of the workpiece is positioned on the side of the second electrode; While the first side wall of the workpiece and the fastening member are pressed by the first electrode and the second electrode via the adapter, By passing a current between the first electrode and the second electrode through the first side wall of the workpiece, the fastening member, the first extension portion of the adapter, and the second extension portion of the adapter, A resistance welding method for resistance welding a first-side inner surface of the first side wall of the workpiece and the fastening member to each other.

7. Implementing a second mode in which the adapter is in the second position; In the second mode, The workpiece is positioned so as to be open toward the second electrode in the first direction, While the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member are pressed by the first electrode and the second electrode, By passing a current between the first electrode and the second electrode through the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member, The resistance welding method according to claim 6, wherein the inner bottom surface of the bottom wall of the workpiece and the fastening member are joined together.

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