Containment device

Abstract

Device for supporting a welding wire 2, in particular segments 3 of a welding wire 2 characterized by comprising: a container 4 configured to contain additional components of the device 1, the container comprising: - a first opening 8 configured to allow the insertion of the segments 3 of welding wire 2 inside the device 1, a second opening 8' configured to allow the extraction of the segments 3 of welding wire 2 from inside the device in order to be welded, a lid 11 configured to reduce or close the first opening 8, a containment complex 16 configured to contain said segments 3 of welding wire, a handling complex 26 configured to allow / prevent the release of said segments 3 from said containment complex and / or from said container 4, and characterized in that the containment complex 16 and the movement complex 26 define a single passage light, from when the segment 3 of welding wire is inserted inside the device, until the segment 3 of welding wire 2 is made to exit from the device itself which is rectilinear.

Description

[0001] CONTAINMENT DEVICE

[0002] The present innovation relates to a containment device, in particular a containment device for a welding wire, and, more specifically, for microwelding wire preferably made of metal.

[0003] It is known in the technical field of microwelding the use of wires to be melted, for example by laser, in order to create microwelds. These wires are generally held by the welder with his hands, and brought close to the point where they are to be used. However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory because, in addition to requiring one hand of the user, it requires stability and precision in positioning, and consequently a lot of dexterity, since the wires are generally very thin and difficult to manipulate.

[0004] CN 107262865, DE4416654 show a holding device for a welding wire that contains a portion of a welding wire of indefinite length.

[0005] DE2621780 shows a holding device for a welding wire that includes a rear portion in which a wire spool is included.

[0006] The aim of this innovation is to propose a containment device that overcomes the drawbacks of known solutions.

[0007] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that is simple and intuitive to use.

[0008] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that can be used with different welding wires.

[0009] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that can also be used by personnel who are not specifically trained.

[0010] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that contains a sufficient quantity of wire for prolonged use.

[0011] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that is simple and economical to produce.

[0012] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that requires limited maintenance. Another aim of innovation is to propose a device that is an alternative and / or improvement on known solutions.

[0013] Another aim of innovation is to propose a device that is safe to use.

[0014] Another aim of the innovation is to propose a device that does not tire a user.

[0015] All these purposes, and others which will clearly result from the description, are obtained by means of a containment device having the characteristics described in claim 1.

[0016] Other structural and functional characteristics of the present innovation and the related advantages with respect to the known art will become even clearer and more evident from an examination of the following description, referring to an exemplary and preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the containment device which is the object of the present innovation, and from the attached drawings, where:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a side view of a device according to the invention,

[0018] Figure 2 shows a front view of a cover of the device according to the invention,

[0019] Figure 3 shows a side view of the containment complex of the device according to the invention

[0020] Figure 4 shows it in exploded side view,

[0021] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the movement complex of the device according to the invention,

[0022] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the holding / releasing element of the device according to the invention,

[0023] Figure 7 shows a lateral section of the restraining element of the device according to the invention,

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the restraining element of the device according to the invention

[0025] Figure 9 a,b shows a lateral perspective view of the device according to the invention with the actuating element in a first position (a) and in a second position (b).

[0026] As is clearly shown in the figures, the present invention relates to a device 1 for welding and, in particular, for micro-welding. In particular, the device 1 according to the invention is configured to contain a micro-welding filament 2.

[0027] By microwelding filament 2 we mean hereinafter an artifact made of metallic material, having a substantially thread-like shape, i.e. having a dimension, the length, much greater than the other two, which has a cross-section of a few tenths of a mm, for example between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, and a weight of a few tenths of a gram. In particular, the welding wire 2 can be composed of discrete portions, i.e. segments 3 a few cm long and divided and separated from each other. Advantageously, said segments 3 can have a length substantially corresponding and / or equal to each other; preferably said length can be standard and / or predefined. In particular, the welding wire 2 to be used with the device 1 according to the invention need not be wound in coils and / or spools. Conveniently, the surface of said microwelding filament can be substantially smooth or substantially worked, in order to have a perfectly straight filament.

[0028] In particular, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a container 4 configured to contain inside it, at least partially, other components of the device itself, in addition to the welding wire 2. Advantageously, the container 4 can be made of metallic material, preferably one that allows for correct handling.

[0029] Suitably, the container 4 may have a substantially elongated shape - i.e. having a dimension, in particular the length, greater than the other 4 - and preferably it may have a substantially ergonomic shape, i.e. one that allows a user to hold the container itself for a long time without tiring or without pain. In particular, the container 4 may have a substantially pen-like shape.

[0030] Conveniently, along the length, the container 4 can have a first end 5' at which the segments 3 of welding wire 2 can be inserted, as will be clear later. Furthermore, the container 4 can have a second end 5", at which the segments 3 of welding wire 2 can emerge, in particular said second end 5" can be substantially opposite to the first end 5'.

[0031] Suitably, the container 4 may be substantially hollow, i.e. it may enclose an internal environment within which the additional components of the device itself are contained, at least partially, in addition to the welding wire 2, and separate it from an external environment 6'. Suitably, the container 2 may have at least one opening 8, and preferably a pair of openings 8, 8' configured to put the internal environment in communication with the external environment 6'. In particular, a first opening 8 may be positioned in correspondence with said first end 5', while a second opening 8' may be positioned in correspondence with said second end 5".

[0032] In particular, said first opening 8 can be configured to allow the entry of the welding wire 2 from the internal environment . Suitably, said first opening 8 can have a diameter greater than that of the welding wire 2 and, in particular, it can have a diameter much greater than that of the welding wire, for example it can have a diameter of a few millimetres.

[0033] Advantageously, the first opening 8 can be closed by a cover 10, configured to be associated in a stable and reversible manner, for example by screwing or by shape coupling, with the container 4. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 10 can in fact be configured not to close the first opening 8, but only to reduce and / or modify its passage light; in particular, for this purpose, the cover 10 can have a through opening along the longitudinal axis. Conveniently, in said preferred embodiment, the cover 10 can be associated, for example by screwing or by interlocking, or even simply by insertion, with an insertion element 11 configured to narrow the diameter of said through opening and allow the insertion of the segments 3 of wire 2. Advantageously, the insertion element 11 can have a threaded external surface to be associated with said cover and / or with further elements and / or complexes that are part of the device 1 , as will be clear later.

[0034] Preferably the lid 10 may have a shape and / or colour corresponding to the type - i.e. the material and / or diameter - of the wire 2 present inside the container 4. In particular, therefore, a plurality of lids 10 can be made available, each corresponding to a type of wire 2.

[0035] Advantageously, the container 4 may comprise, in correspondence with said second opening 8', first means of association, which allow a narrowing element 12 to be associated with the container itself. In particular, said means of association may comprise a thread, or shaped ends configured to couple, by means of shape coupling, with the narrowing element 12. In particular, said means of association may allow a stable and reversible association between the narrowing element 12 and the container 4.

[0036] Said narrowing element 12 can be configured to narrow the second opening 8', in order to adapt it to the size of the welding wire 2 used. Advantageously, the narrowing element 12 can have a substantially tubular shape, defining inside it a passage channel 14 configured to allow the passage of the welding wire 2. Conveniently, the passage channel 14 can have a shape and size substantially corresponding to that of the welding wire 2 present inside the container 4. In particular, therefore, a plurality of narrowing elements with different shapes and dimensions of the passage channel 14 based on the size and section of the welding wire 2 currently in use can be available to a user. Advantageously, the passage channel 14 can have a section that narrows in a manner consistent with the direction of advancement of the welding wire 2, as will be clear later.

[0037] Suitably, the narrowing element 12 can be made of heat-resistant material (for example one or more of the following: graphite, steel, ceramic, composite materials) to protect the operator from heat loss during the welding phase.

[0038] Suitably, the device 1 according to the invention may comprise a containment complex 16 for the welding wire 2. Suitably, the containment complex 16 may be contained within the internal environment defined by the container 4.

[0039] Advantageously, said containment complex 16 may comprise a reservoir 18 configured to contain at least one segment 3 of wire 2, and preferably a plurality of segments 3 of wire 2. Advantageously, the reservoir 18 may be configured to contain a plurality of segments 3 substantially placed side by side. Suitably, the reservoir 18 may have a substantially tubular shape, and, preferably, may have a length substantially corresponding to, or slightly greater than, that of the segments 3 of wire 2. Preferably, therefore, the reservoir 18 may define a corresponding passage light. Advantageously, the containment complex 16 may comprise a closing element 20, which may be associated with the tank 18 at its first end 18', and / or with the insertion element 11 , which, in use, is located at the first end 5' of the container 4. Conveniently, the containment complex 16 may also comprise a fastening element 22 configured to stably and reversibly associate the complex itself with the container 4. For example, said fastening element 22 may have a first shaped portion 24 configured to cooperate in a shape cooperation with a further part of a further element of the device 1 , as will be clear below. For example, said first 24 and said second 24' shaped portion may have a male thread and a female thread respectively, or protrusions suitable for defining a bayonet connection, or other conformations known to those skilled in the art. Conveniently, the fastening element 22 can also have a substantially tubular shape, with a corresponding passage opening, so as to allow the passage of the welding wire segments 2. Conveniently, it can have a passage opening substantially corresponding to that of the tank 18. Advantageously, the device 1 may also comprise a feed assembly 26 configured to allow the preferably controlled release of the welding wire segments 2 following one or more actions performed by a user. Suitably, the feed assembly 26 may comprise a first actuation element 28 configured to be physically actuated by a user. In particular, the first actuation element 28 may be configured to be movable, in particular following an action by a user, between a first position in which it blocks the release of the wire segments 2 by means of the feed assembly 26 (see fig. 9a), and a second position in which it allows their release by means of the feed assembly 26 (see fig. 9b). In particular, the feed assembly 26 may be configured to maintain and / or return said actuation element 28 to said first position when it is not subject to an action by a user. For example, said first actuation element 28 may comprise a lever 30, which can preferably be positioned in correspondence with a lateral surface of the container 4, or it may comprise a button, for example positioned in correspondence with the first end 5' of the container 4. Suitably, the first actuation element 28 may be positioned on the outside 6' of the container 4. Advantageously, in any case, the actuation element 28 may be associated, and preferably may be articulated with other elements of the advancement assembly, as will be clear later. Advantageously, furthermore, the advance assembly 26 can comprise a retaining / releasing element 32 configured to retain and / or release the passage of the wire segments 2 following the actuation of the advance assembly 26. Suitably, the retaining / releasing element 32 can have a substantially tubular shape, with a substantially circular section and elongated along the longitudinal direction of the container 4. Advantageously in particular, when it is in the mounted condition inside the device 1 , the retaining / releasing element 32 can therefore have a corresponding first end 32' positioned in correspondence with and / or in proximity to the first end 5' of the container 4, and a corresponding second end 32" positioned in correspondence with the second end 5" of the container 4. Suitably, the passage light 34 defined by the retaining / releasing element 32 can be substantially corresponding to the diameter of the wire 2. Advantageously, the retaining / releasing element 32 can be divided, in the axial direction, into a plurality of parts 35, and preferably into at least three parts 35, configured to cooperate in substantially forming a clamp. For example, the parts 35 may be segment-shaped and / or circular sector-shaped, and preferably may be substantially equal to each other. In particular, the different parts 35 that make up the retaining / releasing element 32 are mutually movable as a whole between a first retaining condition in which said passage opening 34 is smaller than the section of said wire 2, so as to substantially lock the wire 2 in position, and a second release condition in which said passage opening 34 is just larger than that of the wire 2 so as to allow the wire itself to slide inside the passage opening 34 of the retaining / releasing element 32 without friction, or in any case with negligible friction.

[0040] Advantageously, the retaining / releasing element 32 may have a variable section according to the longitudinal development, in particular, in correspondence with and / or in proximity to said corresponding first end 32' it may have a corresponding first portion 36 with a narrower section, in correspondence with and / or in proximity to said corresponding second end 32" it may have a corresponding third portion 36" with a wider section, and between said first 36 and said third 36" portion it may have a corresponding second portion 36' with an intermediate section. Advantageously, the widening of the section between said second 36' and said third 36" portion may be continuous, for example by means of a gradual widening of the section of the retaining / releasing element 32.

[0041] Furthermore, the advance assembly 26 may conveniently comprise a constriction element 38 configured to reduce the passage width 34 of the retaining / releasing element 32. In particular, the constriction element 38 may have a substantially tubular shape, inside which the retaining / releasing element 32 may pass, at least partially. In particular, the constriction element 38 may have a corresponding passage width 40, which when the element itself is in the assembled condition is preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis, inside which said first 36 and said second 36' portions of said retaining / releasing element 32 may pass, while said third 36" portions cannot pass. Advantageously, said corresponding passage light 40 can be substantially cylindrical or, preferably, can be truncated conical, in particular it can be truncated conical with a vertex positioned in the direction of the first end 5' of the container 4. Furthermore, said constriction element 38 can conveniently have a stop portion 42 configured to abut on further elements of the advancement assembly 26.

[0042] Advantageously, the advancement assembly 26 can also comprise a housing element 44 configured to house, at least partially, said constriction element 38 and / or said retention / release element 32, and further components, as will be clear later. In particular, the housing element 44 can also have a substantially tubular structure. Advantageously, the housing element can be configured to house, at least partially, said constriction element 38, in particular to house it up to said abutment portion 42, which is configured to abut on an apex of said housing element 44.

[0043] Furthermore, the advance assembly 26 may conveniently comprise an association element 46, configured to associate the advance assembly itself with said containment assembly 16 and, preferably, with said actuation element 28. In particular, it may comprise a corresponding shaped portion 48 configured to cooperate with said fastening element 22, and in particular with the shaped portion 24. Conveniently, said shaped portion 24 and said corresponding shaped portion 48 may have a threaded profile, or be configured to fit together in a bayonet or interlocking manner.

[0044] Advantageously, the association element 46 is configured to be housed, at least partially, inside the housing element 44.

[0045] In particular, the housing element 44 can be configured to cooperate in a shape association with said association element 46, and in particular with a further corresponding shaped portion 50 so as to prevent its rotation along the longitudinal axis of the device 1. For example, for this purpose, the housing element 44 can comprise a pair of recesses 51 configured to accommodate said further corresponding shaped portion 50.

[0046] Furthermore, said advance assembly 26 may conveniently comprise a movement element 52 configured to transmit the movement of said actuation element 28 to the other elements of the advance assembly 26. Advantageously, said movement element may be of the elastic type, for example it may be a spring 52. In particular, said movement element 52 may have a first end 52' positioned in correspondence with, and preferably constrained in correspondence with, said association element, and a second end 52" positioned in correspondence with, and preferably constrained in correspondence with, said third portion 36" with a wider section. In particular, said movement element 52 may be movable between a first retracted configuration in which its length is shorter, and a second expanded condition in which its length is greater.

[0047] Advantageously, the first opening 8, the second opening 8', the first passage channel 14, the first passage light of the tank 18, the passage opening of the fixing element 22, the passage light 34 of the holding / releasing element, the corresponding passage light 40 of the constriction element 38 can all be aligned along the same axis. Substantially, therefore, the containment complex 16 and the movement complex 26 define a single passage light, from when the segment 3 of welding wire is inserted inside the device, until the segment 3 of welding wire 2 is made to exit from the device itself, which is rectilinear - i.e. it develops entirely along the same axis. Consequently, the segments 3 of welding wire 2 remain substantially straight throughout the passage inside the device.

[0048] The operation of the device 1 according to the invention is clearly apparent from what has been said above.

[0049] In particular, the user can remove the lid 10 and / or the closing element 20 and / or the insertion element 11 in order to insert the wire segments 3 to be used inside the tank 18 of the containment complex 18. He can then close the lid 10 and / or the closing element 20 and / or the insertion element 11 .

[0050] Subsequently, in order to extract in a controlled manner a portion of at least one segment 3 of wire from the tank, the user can operate the actuation device 28 of the advance assembly 26, for example by moving the lever 30 or the advance button, from said first to said second position.

[0051] In particular, this moves the other elements of the advancement assembly 26 and, in particular, pushes the retaining / releasing element 32 towards the second end 5" of the container 2, thus causing it to come out of the constriction element. In this way its passage light 34 can widen, allowing the welding wire to slide, which can then flow towards the external environment 6'. During this action, the movement element is moved, for example compressed, from said first configuration to said second configuration. Subsequently, when the user releases the actuation element 28, the movement element 26 tends to return to said first configuration, bringing said retaining / releasing element 32 towards the inside of the constriction element, thus reducing the passage light 34, and consequently blocking the wire. Furthermore, during this movement, the actuation element 28 tends to return to said first position. From what has been said it is clear that the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous, indeed, optimal, because:

[0052] - allows a user to dose in a controlled manner the quantity of welding wire to be used,

[0053] - It is simple, precise and intuitive to use

[0054] - ergonomically functional for end-user operation

[0055] - no contamination of the welding wire.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Device for supporting a welding wire (2), in particular segments (3) of a welding wire (2) characterised by comprising: a container (4) configured to contain additional components of the device (1 ), the container comprising :- a first opening (8) configured to allow the insertion of the segments (3) of welding wire (2) inside the device (1 ),- a second opening (8') configured to allow the extraction of the segments (3) of welding wire (2) from inside the device in order to be welded, a lid (11 ) configured to reduce or close the first opening (8), a containment complex (16) configured to contain said segments (3) of welding wire, a handling complex (26) configured to allow / prevent the release of said segments (3) from said containment complex and / or from said container (4), and characterized in that the containment complex (16) and the movement complex (26) define a single passage light, from when the segment (3) of welding wire is inserted inside the device, until the segment (3) of welding wire (2) is made to exit from the device itself which is rectilinear.

2. Device according to claim 1 characterised in that said movement assembly (26) comprises a movement element (28) configured to transmit an action by a user to said movement assembly (26) in order to allow / prevent, and preferably permit the release of said segments (3) from said containment assembly and / or from said container (4).

3. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said container comprises: a first opening (8) configured to allow the insertion of said segments (3) of wire (2) inside said containment complex, a second opening (8') configured to allow the controlled exit of said segments (3) of wire (2), and to comprise a narrowing element (12), associated with said container (4) at said second opening (8'), made of thermally conductive material.

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said containment complex (16) comprises a reservoir (18) configured to contain a plurality of segments (3) of wire (2).

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said movement assembly (26) comprises a retaining / releasing element (32), of substantially tubular structure, in whose passage opening (34) are located said segments (3) of wire (2), and movable between a first configuration in which said passage opening (34) is substantially similar to or smaller than the diameter of said welding wire (2) so as to block its sliding and a second configuration in which said passage opening is substantially larger than the diameter of said welding wire (2) so as to allow its sliding.

6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said holding / releasing element (32) comprises, and preferably is composed of, a plurality of parts (35) which can move mutually in order to widen / reduce said passage light (34).

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that: said retaining / releasing element (32) has an external wall with increasing section, the device (1 ) comprises a restraining element (38) configured to cooperate with said outer wall so as to move said retaining / releasing element from said second to said first configuration.

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said movement assembly comprises a movement element (52) configured to bring said movement assembly (26), and, in particular, said holding / releasing element (32) back into said first configuration.

9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised in that said movement complex (26) and said containment complex (16) are constrained in rotation with respect to said container (4).

10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims characterised by comprising a lid (10) which has a colour and / or workmanship which corresponds tothe type of segments (3) of wire (2) used.

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