Mash seam welding device

Abstract

A mash seam welding device (100) is provided with a carriage frame (3), a lower blade (1), a lower blade driving unit (10), an upper blade (2), and an upper blade driving unit (20). The carriage frame (3) has an upper frame section (32) and a lower frame section (31). The lower frame section (31) faces the upper frame section (32). The lower blade driving unit (10) presses the lower blade (1) against two workpieces to be welded (90) along a first direction (101) from the lower frame section (31) toward the upper frame section (32). The upper blade driving unit (20) presses the upper blade (2) against the two workpieces to be welded (90) along a direction opposite to the first direction (101). At least part of the lower blade driving unit (10) is located inside the lower frame section (31).

Description

Mash seam welding equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mash seam welding apparatus.

[0002] Seam welding is used as a method for welding two or more overlapping workpieces. JP 05-069151 A (Patent Document 1) describes an example of an apparatus for performing seam welding. This apparatus has a moving table, a lower shear (blade) for cutting the workpieces, and an upper shear. The lower shear moves up and down by a cylinder. The cylinder is supported on the upper side of the lower arm of the moving table.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-069151

[0004] In the device described in Patent Document 1, the cylinder that moves the lower shear is supported above the lower arm of the moving table, so the pass line of the workpiece is positioned high, which makes the device excessively heavy.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mash seam welding device that can reduce its weight.

[0006] A mash seam welding device according to the present disclosure uses an upper blade and a lower blade to cut the ends of two workpieces, and then welds the two overlapping workpieces together. The mash seam welding device includes a carriage frame, a lower blade, a lower blade drive unit, an upper blade, and an upper blade drive unit. The carriage frame has an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion, and a connection unit. The lower frame portion faces the upper frame portion. The connection unit connects the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion. The lower blade drive unit presses the lower blade against the two workpieces along a first direction from the lower frame portion toward the upper frame portion. The upper blade drive unit presses the upper blade against the two workpieces along a direction opposite to the first direction. At least a portion of the lower blade drive unit is located inside the lower frame portion.

[0007] According to the mash seam welding device of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the lower blade drive unit is located inside the lower frame unit, which allows the pass line of the workpiece to be positioned lower, thereby reducing the weight of the mash seam welding device.

[0008] 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing region II of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing a state in which the lower blade is raised. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a workpiece to be welded is positioned between the lower blade and the upper blade. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how the workpiece to be welded is cut. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to a modified embodiment of embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 2. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing a state in which the second part of the lower blade holder has been removed. FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 4. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a state in which the lower blade is raised. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 12. 23 is an enlarged schematic view showing a lower blade drive unit fixed in a raised state of the lower blade. A cross-sectional schematic view showing a state in which the lower blade holder has been removed after the lower blade has been raised. An enlarged schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 5. A cross-sectional schematic view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. A cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 6. A cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 7. A cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to a modified example of embodiment 7. A front schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 8. A side schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to embodiment 8. A cross-sectional schematic view taken along line XXV-XXV in FIG. 23. A cross-sectional schematic view showing the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus according to a modified example of embodiment 8.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] First Embodiment <Configuration of Mash Seam Welding Apparatus> First, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the mash seam welding device 100 mainly includes a carriage frame 3, a lower blade drive unit 10, a lower blade holder 12, a lower blade 1, a base unit 8, an upper blade drive unit 20, an upper blade holder 22, an upper blade 2, and a frame drive unit (not shown).

[0012] The upper blade 2 and lower blade 1 cut the workpiece 90. The lower blade holder 12 supports the lower blade 1. The lower blade drive unit 10 moves the lower blade holder 12 and the lower blade 1 toward the workpiece 90. The upper blade holder 22 supports the upper blade 2. The upper blade drive unit 20 moves the upper blade holder 22 and the upper blade 2 toward the workpiece 90. The carriage frame 3 supports each of the lower blade drive unit 10 and the upper blade drive unit 20.

[0013] The carriage frame 3 has a lower frame portion 31, an upper frame portion 32, and a connection portion 33. The lower frame portion 31 faces the upper frame portion 32. The direction from the lower frame portion 31 toward the upper frame portion 32 is defined as a first direction 101.

[0014] The lower frame portion 31 supports the lower blade drive unit 10. The lower frame portion 31 extends along a third direction 103. The third direction 103 is perpendicular to the first direction 101. The third direction 103 is parallel to the movement direction of the carriage frame 3. The movement of the carriage frame 3 will be described later. The lower frame portion 31 has an outer shell portion 37 and an attachment portion 36.

[0015] The outer shell portion 37 forms the surface of the lower frame portion 31. The mounting portion 36 is continuous with the outer shell portion 37. The mounting portion 36 is located inside the outer shell portion 37. The mounting portion 36 and the outer shell portion 37 are joined by, for example, welding. The mounting portion 36 is, for example, in the shape of a flat plate. The mounting portion 36 extends along a direction perpendicular to the first direction 101.

[0016] The upper frame portion 32 supports the upper blade drive portion 20. The upper frame portion 32 is positioned in a first direction 101 relative to the lower frame portion 31. The upper frame portion 32 extends along a third direction 103. The extension direction of the upper frame portion 32 may be parallel to the extension direction of the lower frame portion 31.

[0017] The connecting portion 33 connects the upper frame portion 32 and the lower frame portion 31. The connecting portion 33 is located in the third direction 103 relative to each of the upper frame portion 32 and the lower frame portion 31. The connecting portion 33 extends along the first direction 101. The lower blade driving portion 10 is supported by the lower frame portion 31.

[0018] The lower frame portion 31 and the connection portion 33 form a bottom portion 39 of the carriage frame 3. The bottom portion 39 is the portion that faces a floor (not shown) on which the mash seam welding device 100 is placed.

[0019] In Figure 1, a pass line P of the workpiece 90 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The pass line P indicates the height of the conveying path of the workpiece 90 in the first direction 101. From another perspective, the workpiece 90 is conveyed along a plane that includes the pass line P and is perpendicular to the first direction 101. The pass line P extends along the third direction 103. The pass line P is located between the upper frame portion 32 and the lower frame portion 31.

[0020] The base portion 8 connects the lower blade drive unit 10 and the lower frame portion 31. The base portion 8 is detachably attached to the lower frame portion 31. Specifically, the base portion 8 is fastened to the attachment portion 36 using, for example, screws (not shown). The base portion 8 is, for example, in the shape of a flat plate. The base portion 8 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction 101.

[0021] The lower blade drive unit 10 is attached to the base portion 8. At least a portion of the lower blade drive unit 10 is located inside the lower frame portion 31. Specifically, at least a portion of the lower blade drive unit 10 is located inside the outer shell portion 37 of the lower frame portion 31. The lower blade drive unit 10 is configured to press the lower blades 1 against the two workpieces 90 along a first direction 101. Details of the lower blade drive unit 10 will be described later.

[0022] The lower blade holder 12 is attached to the lower blade drive unit 10. The lower blade holder 12 is located, for example, outside the lower frame unit 31. Specifically, the lower blade holder 12 is located in the first direction 101 relative to the lower frame unit 31. A portion of the lower blade holder 12 may be located inside the lower frame unit 31. The lower blade holder 12 is formed, for example, from a single component.

[0023] The lower blade 1 is attached to the lower blade holder 12. The lower blade 1 extends along the third direction 103. The lower blade 1 is positioned in the first direction 101 relative to the lower frame portion 31.

[0024] The upper blade drive unit 20 is attached to the upper frame unit 32. A portion of the upper blade drive unit 20 is located inside the upper frame unit 32. The upper blade drive unit 20 presses the upper blade 2 against the two workpieces 90 in the direction opposite to the first direction 101. The upper blade drive unit 20 has a cylinder 23 and two upper blade guides 24.

[0025] The cylinder 23 is attached to the upper frame portion 32. A portion of the cylinder 23 is located inside the upper frame portion 32. The cylinder 23 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder 23 moves the upper blade holder 22 in a direction parallel to the first direction 101.

[0026] The two upper blade guides 24 are attached to the upper frame portion 32. A portion of each of the two upper blade guides 24 is located inside the upper frame portion 32. Each of the two upper blade guides 24 guides the upper blade holder 22 along a direction parallel to the first direction 101.

[0027] The upper blade holder 22 is attached to the cylinder 23 and each of the two upper blade guides 24. The upper blade holder 22 is located between the upper frame portion 32 and the lower frame portion 31. The upper blade 2 is attached to the upper blade holder 22. The direction in which the upper blade 2 extends is inclined, for example, in the first direction 101 with respect to the third direction 103.

[0028] The mash seam welding apparatus 100 has a plurality of frame supports 9 and a frame drive unit (not shown). Each of the plurality of frame supports 9 is attached to the bottom 39 of the carriage frame 3. Each of the plurality of frame supports 9 supports the carriage frame 3. Specifically, each of the plurality of frame supports 9 receives a vertical force applied to the carriage frame 3. More specifically, each of the plurality of frame supports 9 receives gravity acting on the carriage frame 3 and each of the components attached to the carriage frame 3, as well as the vertical component of the reaction force acting on the carriage frame 3 when mash seam welding is performed.

[0029] Each of the multiple frame supports 9 contacts a floor (not shown) on which the mash seam welding apparatus 100 is installed. Each of the multiple frame supports 9 is configured, for example, by a pair of wheels. Each of the multiple frame supports 9 is configured, for example, to be rotatable on its own axis. The number of the multiple frame supports 9 is, for example, three or more. The number of the multiple frame supports 9 may be, for example, five or more, or seven or more.

[0030] At least one of the plurality of frame support parts 9 is attached to the lower frame part 31. At least one of the plurality of frame support parts 9 is attached to the connection part 33. The frame drive part (not shown) is configured to apply a force to the carriage frame 3 in a direction parallel to the third direction 103.

[0031] The mash seam welding device 100 has a first electrode wheel 4 , a second electrode wheel 5 , a first pressure roll 6 , a second pressure roll 7 , and a pressure unit 80 .

[0032] Each of the first electrode wheel 4 and the second electrode wheel 5 is an electrode that welds the workpiece 90. The first electrode wheel 4 is supported by the lower frame portion 31. The second electrode wheel 5 faces the first electrode wheel 4. The second electrode wheel 5 is positioned in a first direction 101 relative to the first electrode wheel 4. A pass line P is positioned between the first electrode wheel 4 and the second electrode wheel 5. The pressure unit 80 is attached to the upper frame portion 32. The pressure unit 80 supports the second electrode wheel 5. The pressure unit 80 moves the second electrode wheel 5 along a direction parallel to the first direction 101.

[0033] The first pressure roll 6 and the second pressure roll 7 roll the welded material 90. The first pressure roll 6 is supported by the lower frame portion 31. The second pressure roll 7 faces the first pressure roll 6 and is positioned in a first direction 101 relative to the first pressure roll 6. A pass line P is positioned between the first pressure roll 6 and the second pressure roll 7. The pressure unit 80 supports the second pressure roll 7. The pressure unit 80 moves the second pressure roll 7 along a direction parallel to the first direction 101.

[0034] The first pressure roll 6, the first electrode wheel 4, and the lower blade 1 are aligned along the third direction 103. Specifically, the first electrode wheel 4 is positioned in the third direction 103 relative to the first pressure roll 6. The lower blade 1 is positioned in the third direction 103 relative to the first electrode wheel 4. Similarly, the second pressure roll 7, the second electrode wheel 5, and the upper blade 2 are aligned along the third direction 103.

[0035] 2, the lower blade driving unit 10 has an actuator 16, two links 14, two guides 13, and a connecting plate 15. The actuator 16 is attached to the base unit 8. The actuator 16 is located on the base unit 8. The actuator 16 is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder. The actuator 16 is configured to be rotatable relative to the base unit 8.

[0036] The connection plate 15 is attached to an actuator 16. The actuator 16 is capable of moving the connection plate 15. The connection plate 15 connects each of the two links 14 and the actuator 16. From another perspective, each of the two links 14 is configured to move in conjunction with the actuator 16.

[0037] Each of the two links 14 is positioned in a first direction 101 relative to the base portion 8. At least a portion of each of the two links 14 is positioned inside the lower frame portion 31. Each of the two links 14 is attached to the lower blade holder 12. Each of the two links 14 is configured to push the lower blade holder 12 along the first direction 101 by moving in conjunction with the actuator 16.

[0038] 2 and 3 , each of the two guides 13 is attached to the base portion 8. Each of the two guides 13 is located on the base portion 8. Each of the two guides 13 has a movable portion 41 and a fixed portion 42.

[0039] The movable part 41 is attached to the lower blade holder 12. From another perspective, the movable part 41 is connected to each of the two links 14 via the lower blade holder 12. The fixed part 42 is attached to the base part 8. The fixed part 42 surrounds the movable part 41. The fixed part 42 is configured to guide the movable part 41 along the first direction 101. From another perspective, each of the two guides 13 is configured to guide the lower blade 1 and the lower blade holder 12 along the first direction 101.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, the mash seam welding apparatus 100 has two lower blades 1. The extension directions of the two lower blades 1 are parallel to each other. The two lower blades 1 are spaced apart from each other. The two lower blades 1 are aligned along a second direction 102. The second direction 102 is perpendicular to the first direction 101 and the extension directions of the lower blades 1. The second direction 102 is perpendicular to a third direction 103 (see Fig. 2).

[0041] An opening 91 is provided in the lower frame portion 31. The opening 91 faces the first direction 101. From another perspective, the lower frame portion 31 is open in the first direction 101. The lower frame portion 31 has an upper end surface 35 and an opening edge 38. The upper end surface 35 is the surface of the lower frame portion 31 that is closest to the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101. The opening edge 38 forms the edge of the opening 91. The opening edge 38 may be on the same plane as the upper end surface 35.

[0042] In this specification, the inside of the lower frame portion 31 refers to the area surrounded by the outer shell portion 37 of the lower frame portion 31 and an imaginary plane 99 that includes the opening edge 38. If a through hole is provided in the outer shell portion 37, it is assumed that the outer shell portion 37 extends into the through hole.

[0043] 2 , the mash seam welding device 100 has a position adjustment unit 19. The position adjustment unit 19 is configured to be able to adjust the position of the lower blade 1 in each of a first direction 101 and a second direction 102. The position adjustment unit 19 has a first position adjustment member 50 and a second position adjustment member 60.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3, the first position adjustment member 50 is attached to the base portion 8. The first position adjustment member 50 is configured to be able to adjust the position of the lower blade 1 in the second direction 102. At least a portion of the first position adjustment member 50 is located inside the lower frame portion 31. The first position adjustment member 50 has a support member 53, a first position adjustment screw 51, and a second position adjustment screw 52.

[0045] The support member 53 is fixed on the base portion 8. A female screw (not shown) is provided in the support member 53. The first position adjustment screw 51 is screwed into the female screw of the support member 53. The first position adjustment screw 51 extends along the second direction 102. The front end of the first position adjustment screw 51 faces the fixed portion 42 of the guide 13. From another perspective, the guide 13 is positioned in the second direction 102 with respect to the first position adjustment screw 51.

[0046] The second position adjustment screw 52 is threaded into the female thread of the support member 53. The second position adjustment screw 52 is located opposite the first position adjustment screw 51 with respect to the guide 13. From another perspective, the guide 13 is located between the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52. The guide 13 is located in a direction opposite to the second direction 102 with respect to the second position adjustment screw 52. The second position adjustment screw 52 extends along the second direction 102. The front end of the second position adjustment screw 52 faces the fixed portion 42 of the guide 13.

[0047] The relative position of the guide 13 with respect to the base 8 can be adjusted in the second direction 102 by moving each of the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52. Specifically, when the fastening between the guide 13 and the base 8 is loosened, the first position adjustment screw 51 moves along the second direction 102, causing the first position adjustment screw 51 to push the guide 13 along the second direction 102. As a result, the guide 13, the lower blade holder 12, and the lower blade 1 move together in the second direction 102. Conversely, when the fastening between the guide 13 and the base 8 is loosened, the second position adjustment screw 52 moves in the direction opposite to the second direction 102, causing the second position adjustment screw 52 to push the guide 13 along the direction opposite to the second direction 102. As a result, the guide 13, the lower blade holder 12, and the lower blade 1 move together in the direction opposite to the second direction 102.

[0048] In addition, when the guide 13 is fixed on the base portion 8 by fastening the guide 13 to the base portion 8, each of the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52 may be in contact with the guide 13 or may be spaced apart from the guide 13.

[0049] A plurality of through holes 92, for example, are provided in the outer shell portion 37 of the lower frame portion 31. Each of the plurality of through holes 92 extends, for example, along the second direction 102. The first position adjustment screw 51 is exposed to the outside of the lower frame portion 31 through one of the plurality of through holes 92. Similarly, the second position adjustment screw 52 is exposed to the outside of the lower frame portion 31 through one of the plurality of through holes 92. This makes it easier to adjust the position of the lower blade 1 using each of the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52, ​​compared to a case in which each of the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52 is not exposed from the lower frame portion 31.

[0050] 2, the second position adjustment member 60 is sandwiched between, for example, each of the two links 14 and the base portion 8. The second position adjustment member 60 is located inside the lower frame portion 31, for example.

[0051] The second position adjustment member 60 is configured to be able to adjust the position of the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101. Specifically, the second position adjustment member 60 is configured, for example, by a plurality of flat plates. The plurality of flat plates are stacked in the first direction 101. By changing the number of flat plates between the link 14 and the base unit 8, the second position adjustment member 60 can adjust the position of the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101. Specifically, the second position adjustment member 60 can adjust the relative positions of the lower blade drive unit 10, the lower blade holder 12, and the lower blade 1 with respect to the base unit 8 in the first direction 101.

[0052] <Operation of the Mash Seam Welding Apparatus> First, the operation of the lower blade driver 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4 , the actuator 16 pushes the connection plate 15 along arrow A. Each of the two links 14 is pushed by the actuator 16 via the connection plate 15. As a result, the two links 14 move in conjunction with the actuator 16. Each of the two links 14 moves in conjunction with the actuator 16, thereby pushing the lower blade holder 12 along the first direction 101. Conversely, when the actuator 16 pulls the connection plate 15 in the direction opposite to arrow A, each of the two links 14 pulls the lower blade holder 12 in the direction opposite to the first direction 101.

[0053] Each of the two guides 13 guides the lower blade holder 12 and the lower blade 1 along a direction parallel to the first direction 101. From another perspective, the two links 14 and the two guides 13 convert the movement of the actuator 16 into movement along a direction parallel to the first direction 101. As a result, the lower blade 1 moves along a direction parallel to the first direction 101.

[0054] Next, welding using the mash seam welding apparatus 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5 , two workpieces 90 are transported along a second direction 102 using a transport device (not shown). As a result, the two workpieces 90 are arranged along a pass line P. The two workpieces 90 are arranged side by side along the second direction 102.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the lower blade driver 10 presses the lower blade 1 against the two workpieces 90 in a first direction 101. The lower blade 1 moves so as to pass through the pass line P. Similarly, the upper blade driver 20 presses the upper blade 2 against the two workpieces 90 in a direction opposite to the first direction 101. The upper blade 2 moves so as to pass through the pass line P. In this way, the mash seam welding apparatus 100 cuts the ends 95 of each of the two workpieces 90 using the upper blade 2 and the lower blade 1.

[0056] The two workpieces 90 are overlapped by moving each of the workpieces 90 in a direction parallel to the second direction 102. A frame drive unit (not shown) pulls the carriage frame 3 (see FIG. 1 ) in the third direction 103. Each of the plurality of frame support units 9 rolls on the floor. This causes the carriage frame 3 to move in the third direction 103.

[0057] The pressure applying unit 80 pushes the first electrode wheel 4 in the direction opposite to the first direction 101, causing the first electrode wheel 4 and the second electrode wheel 5 to move along the third direction 103 while sandwiching the workpiece 90. A current is supplied between the first electrode wheel 4 and the second electrode wheel 5, causing the two overlapping workpieces 90 to be welded. The pressure applying unit 80 pushes the first pressure roll 6 in the direction opposite to the first direction 101, causing the first pressure roll 6 and the second pressure roll 7 to move along the third direction 103 while sandwiching the workpiece 90. This rolls the workpiece 90. In this manner, the mash seam welding apparatus 100 mash seam welds the workpiece 90.

[0058] Next, the effects of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] Typically, a mash seam welding device has a cutting unit for cutting the material to be welded and an electrode unit for performing seam welding. Having both the cutting unit and the electrode unit, along with other accessories, tends to make the mash seam welding device larger and more expensive. The larger size of the mash seam welding device also increases the weight of the mash seam welding device. This can reduce the efficiency of transporting the mash seam welding device.

[0060] The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a carriage frame 3, a lower blade 1, and a lower blade drive unit 10. The carriage frame 3 includes a lower frame portion 31. The lower blade drive unit 10 presses the lower blade 1 against two workpieces 90 in a first direction 101. At least a portion of the lower blade drive unit 10 is located inside the lower frame portion 31. This allows the position of the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101 to be lower than when the lower blade drive unit 10 is located above the lower frame portion 31. This allows the position of the pass line P of the workpieces 90 in the first direction 101 to be lower. This allows the size of components such as the carriage frame 3 in the first direction 101 to be reduced. As a result, the weight of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 can be reduced.

[0061] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, by lowering the position of the pass line P in the first direction 101, it is possible to reduce the size of incidental equipment such as a conveying device in the first direction 101. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of incidental equipment such as a conveying device.

[0062] The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has a plurality of frame supports 9. Each of the frame supports 9 is attached to the bottom 39 of the carriage frame 3. Each of the frame supports 9 receives a vertical force applied to the carriage frame 3. The number of frame supports 9 is three or more. This makes it possible to distribute the reaction force that the carriage frame 3 receives from the frame supports 9. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the carriage frame 3 caused by the reaction force.

[0063] The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has a base 8. A lower blade drive unit 10 is attached to the base 8. The base 8 is detachably attached to the lower frame 31. Therefore, the base 8 and the lower blade drive unit 10 can be removed as a unit from the lower frame 31. This allows the base 8 and the lower blade drive unit 10 to be moved as a unit when assembling and disassembling the mash seam welding apparatus 100 during maintenance of the mash seam welding apparatus 100, for example. This improves work efficiency.

[0064] 7, one of the frame support parts 9 may be located on an extension of the boundary surface 34 between the lower frame part 31 and the connection part 33. From another perspective, the frame support part 9 may be attached to the carriage frame 3 so as to contact both the lower frame part 31 and the connection part 33. This makes it possible to effectively suppress deformation of the carriage frame 3 caused by the reaction force that the carriage frame 3 receives from the frame support part 9.

[0065] Although the above description has been given of a configuration in which the number of links 14 is two, the number of links 14 is not particularly limited. The number of links 14 may be one, or may be three or more. Similarly, the number of guides 13 is not particularly limited. The number of guides 13 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0066] Embodiment 2 Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 mainly in that the position adjustment unit 19 is positioned in the first direction 101 relative to the lower frame portion 31, but in all other respects is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0067] 8 , the position adjustment unit 19 is located in the first direction 101 relative to the lower frame unit 31. From another perspective, the position adjustment unit 19 is located outside the lower frame unit 31.

[0068] 9 , the support member 53 is fixed to the lower blade holder 12. Specifically, the support member 53 and the lower blade holder 12 are joined by, for example, welding. The front end of the first position adjustment screw 51 faces the movable part 41. The second position adjustment screw 52 faces the movable part 41. By moving each of the first position adjustment screw 51 and the second position adjustment screw 52, ​​the relative positions of the lower blade holder 12 and the lower blade 1 with respect to the guide 13 can be adjusted in the second direction 102.

[0069] 8 , the second position adjustment member 60 is located between each of the two links 14 and the lower blade holder 12. For example, the second position adjustment member 60 can adjust the position of the lower blade 1 by changing the number of flat plates between the link 14 and the lower blade holder 12. Specifically, the second position adjustment member 60 can adjust the relative positions of the lower blade holder 12 and the lower blade 1 with respect to the link 14 in the first direction 101. Each of the two links 14 and the lower blade holder 12 are fastened together by, for example, screws (not shown) so as to sandwich the flat plates of the second position adjustment member 60.

[0070] According to the mash seam welding device 100 of the second embodiment, the position adjustment unit 19 is located in the first direction 101 relative to the lower frame unit 31. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the position adjustment unit 19 compared to when the position adjustment unit 19 is located inside the lower frame unit 31. This improves the ease of adjusting the position of the lower blade 1.

[0071] According to the mash seam welding device 100 according to the second embodiment, the through holes 92 (see FIG. 3) are not required in the outer shell portion 37. This makes it possible to improve the strength of the lower frame portion 31.

[0072] Embodiment 3 Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 3 differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 mainly in that the lower blade holder 12 is composed of a plurality of parts, but in other respects is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the lower blade holder 12 has a first portion 25 and a second portion 26. The first portion 25 and the second portion 26 are separate bodies. The first portion 25 is attached to the lower blade drive unit 10. Specifically, the first portion 25 is attached to each of the two links 14. The first portion 25 is attached to the movable portion 41 of each of the two links 14. From another perspective, the first portion 25 connects each of the two links 14 and each of the two guides 13. The first portion 25 is, for example, flat.

[0074] The second portion 26 supports the lower blade 1. The second portion 26 is located in the first direction 101 relative to the first portion 25. The second portion 26 is located between the first portion 25 and the upper blade 2 (see FIG. 1 ) in the first direction 101.

[0075] 11 , the second part 26 is detachable from the first part 25. Specifically, for example, the first part 25 and the second part 26 are fastened together using a screw (not shown). By removing the screw, the second part 26 can be removed from the first part 25. In a state in which the first part 25 and the second part 26 are not fastened together, the second part 26 can slide on the first part 25, for example, along a direction perpendicular to the first direction 101.

[0076] When the lower blade 1, lower blade holder 12, and lower blade drive unit 10 are moved as a unit during work such as assembly and maintenance of the mash seam welding device 100, a space is required above the lower frame unit 31 for the lower blade 1, lower blade holder 12, and lower blade drive unit 10 to pass through. Therefore, during maintenance, the space above the lower frame unit 31 may be increased by first removing the upper blade 2 and upper blade holder 22.

[0077] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, the lower blade holder 12 has a first portion 25 and a second portion 26. The second portion 26 is detachable from the first portion 25. This allows the second portion 26 and the lower blade 1 to be easily moved independently of the lower blade drive unit 10. This reduces the amount of space required above the lower frame portion 31 during assembly, maintenance, and other tasks. Therefore, the task of removing the upper blade 2 and the upper blade holder 22 is not required during assembly and maintenance. As a result, the time required for assembly and maintenance can be shortened.

[0078] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the third embodiment, the first portion 25 connects each of the two links 14 and the two guides 13. Therefore, when the second portion 26 is detached from the first portion 25, the two links 14 and the two guides 13 can be integrated. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in workability caused by the links 14 and the guides 13 moving independently, even when the second portion 26 is detached from the first portion 25.

[0079] Fourth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that it has a holding plate 55, but in other respects is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] 12 , the lower blade driving unit 10 has a holding plate 55. The holding plate 55 is attached to each of the two links 14. From another perspective, the holding plate 55 connects the two links 14. The holding plate 55 extends along the third direction 103.

[0081] Fig. 13 shows the state in which the position of the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101 is at its lowest. From another perspective, Fig. 13 shows the state of the lower blade drive unit 10 at the time when the lowering of the lower blade 1 using the actuator 16 has finished. On the other hand, Fig. 14 shows the state in which the position of the lower blade 1 in the first direction 101 is at its highest. The area indicated by multiple dots in each of Figs. 13 and 14 indicates the area through which the movable part 41 passes as the lower blade 1 is moved using the actuator 16. In this specification, this area is referred to as a passing area 97.

[0082] The position of the movable part 41 of the guide 13 shown in Fig. 13 is referred to as the lower end position. The position of the movable part 41 shown in Fig. 14 is referred to as the upper end position. The passing area 97 is an area through which the movable part 41 passes when moving from the upper end position to the lower end position.

[0083] The cross section shown in Fig. 13 is a cross section perpendicular to the third direction 103 and passing through the guide 13. The cross section shown in Fig. 14 corresponds to the cross section shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14 , the holding plate 55 has, for example, a first member 56 and a second member 57. In the cross section perpendicular to the third direction 103 and passing through the guide 13, the shape of the first member 56 is L-shaped. The first member 56 is spaced apart from the guide 13. The first member 56 has a first flat plate portion 61 and a first protruding portion 62.

[0084] The first flat plate portion 61 extends along the third direction 103. The first flat plate portion 61 is attached to each of the two links 14 (see FIG. 12 ). The first position adjustment screw 51 is attached to the first flat plate portion 61. From another perspective, the first flat plate portion 61 corresponds to the support member 53 of the mash seam welding device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] The first convex portion 62 is continuous with the first flat plate portion 61. The first convex portion 62 is located in the second direction 102 relative to the first flat plate portion 61. The first convex portion 62 is located in the direction opposite to the first direction 101 relative to the movable portion 41 of the guide 13.

[0086] In a cross section perpendicular to the third direction 103 and passing through the guide 13, the second member 57 has an L-shape. The second member 57 is spaced apart from the guide 13. The second member 57 has a second flat plate portion 63 and a second convex portion 64.

[0087] The second flat plate portion 63 extends along the third direction 103. The second flat plate portion 63 is attached to each of the two links 14 (see FIG. 12 ). The second position adjustment screw 52 is attached to the second flat plate portion 63. From another perspective, the second flat plate portion 63 corresponds to the support member 53 of the mash seam welding device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] The second convex portion 64 is continuous with the second flat plate portion 63. The second convex portion 64 is located in the direction opposite to the second direction 102 relative to the second flat plate portion 63. The second convex portion 64 is located in the direction opposite to the first direction 101 relative to the movable portion 41 of the guide 13. In the second direction 102, the movable portion 41 is located between the first convex portion 62 and the second convex portion 64.

[0089] 13 , when the lowering of the lower blade 1 using the actuator 16 is completed, the retaining plate 55 is located outside the passing area 97. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the raising of the lower blade 1 using the actuator 16 is completed, a portion of the retaining plate 55 is located inside the passing area 97. Specifically, the first convex portion 62 and the second convex portion 64 are each located inside the passing area 97.

[0090] As shown in Figure 15, a recess 49 is provided in the lower blade holder 12. The recess 49 opens in a direction parallel to the second direction 102. A fixing screw 29 is located inside the recess 49. The fixing screw 29 fastens the lower blade holder 12, the link 14, and the second position adjustment member 60 together. For ease of explanation, part of the lower blade drive unit 10, the base unit 8, and the lower frame unit 31 are not shown in Figure 15.

[0091] 12 and 16, the lower blade driver 10 has a driver fixing plate 18 and a fixing pin 17. The driver fixing plate 18 is attached to the base 8. The driver fixing plate 18 faces the connection plate 15. The driver fixing plate 18 has a first hole 81 (see FIG. 12) and a second hole 82 (see FIG. 16). The connection plate 15 has an insertion hole (not shown).

[0092] The first hole 81 and the insertion hole are configured so that they overlap when viewed in the second direction 102 when the lower blade 1 is raised using the actuator 16 (see FIG. 16 ). The fixing pin 17 is attached to the drive unit fixing plate 18 and the connection plate 15 so as to be located, for example, inside the first hole 81 and the insertion hole. This allows the lower blade drive unit 10 to be fixed when the lower blade 1 is raised. Specifically, for example, the lower blade drive unit 10 can be fixed when the lower blade 1 is at its highest position.

[0093] On the other hand, for example, when the lower blade 1 is in the lowest position (see FIG. 12 ), the second hole 82 and the insertion hole are configured so that they overlap when viewed in the second direction 102. The fixing pin 17 is attached to each of the drive unit fixing plate 18 and the connection plate 15 so that it is located inside the second hole 82 and the insertion hole, respectively. This allows the lower blade drive unit 10 to be fixed when the lower blade 1 is in the lowest position.

[0094] In the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, if the area through which the movable part 41 passes when moving from the upper end position to the lower end position is defined as a passing area 97, when the lifting of the lower blade 1 using the actuator 16 is completed, a portion of the holding plate 55 is located inside the passing area 97. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17 , when the lower blade holder 12 is removed from the lower blade drive unit 10 while the lower blade 1 is lifted, the holding plate 55 can support the movable part 41. This prevents the movable part 41 from falling due to gravity even when the movable part 41 is not fastened to other components (in a free state). This improves workability in both assembly and disassembly.

[0095] Fifth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that it has a plurality of attached portions 36, but in all other respects it is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0096] 18 , the lower frame portion 31 may have a plurality of attachment portions 36. The base portion 8 is attached to each of the attachment portions 36. The attachment portions 36 are spaced apart from one another. Each of the attachment portions 36 has a top surface 70. The top surface 70 faces the first direction 101.

[0097] The base portion 8 is located on the plurality of attachment portions 36. Specifically, the base portion 8 is located on the top surface 70. The base portion 8 and the plurality of attachment portions 36 are fastened together by, for example, bolts (not shown). A plurality of openings 111 are provided in the outer shell portion 37.

[0098] 19 , each of the multiple openings 111 is open along the second direction 102. Each of the multiple attachment portions 36 is located on the bottom surface of the corresponding opening 111. Specifically, each of the multiple attachment portions 36 is located on the bottom surface of each of the corresponding two openings 111. From another perspective, each of the multiple attachment portions 36 bridges the bottom surfaces of the corresponding two openings 111. The corresponding two openings 111 are aligned along the second direction 102.

[0099] Each of the multiple attachment portions 36 is joined to the outer shell portion 37. Specifically, each of the multiple attachment portions 36 is joined to the outer shell portion 37 by fillet welding. From another perspective, the lower frame portion 31 has welds 112 that join the attachment portions 36 and the outer shell portion 37 together.

[0100] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the fifth embodiment, the lower frame portion 31 has a plurality of mounting portions 36. This allows the total volume of the mounting portions 36 to be reduced compared to when the base portion 8 is mounted to a single mounting portion 36. This allows the weight of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 to be reduced.

[0101] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the fifth embodiment, each of the multiple attachment portions 36 is located on the bottom surface of the opening 111. Therefore, when cutting the workpiece 90 (see FIG. 1 ), the load applied to the attachment portions 36 via the base portion 8 is received by the bottom surface of the opening 111. This improves the strength of the lower frame portion 31 against the load generated when cutting the workpiece 90. This ensures that the lower frame portion 31 maintains sufficient strength even when the joint strength between the attachment portions 36 and the outer shell portion 37 is reduced. Therefore, reducing the joint strength between the attachment portions 36 and the outer shell portion 37 can reduce the time required for joining. Specifically, for example, when the attachment portions 36 and the outer shell portion 37 are joined by welding, reducing the number of welds can shorten the time required for welding.

[0102] According to the mash seam welding device 100 of the fifth embodiment, an opening 111 is provided in the lower frame portion 31. This allows an operator to easily reach components located inside the lower frame portion 31 through the opening 111. This improves the workability of attaching the mount portion 36 to the base portion 8. If the base portion 8 and the mount portion 36 are fastened together with screws, the screws can be easily retightened during maintenance.

[0103] 18, the number of openings 111 and the number of attachment portions 36 are four, but the number of openings 111 and the number of attachment portions 36 is not particularly limited. The number of openings 111 may be one, for example.

[0104] In the above description, the attachment portion 36 is located on the bottom surface of the opening 111. However, the attachment portion 36 does not have to be located on the bottom surface of the opening 111. In this case, the attachment portion 36 is joined to the inner wall of the outer shell portion 37 by welding.

[0105] Sixth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment mainly in that it has a first height adjustment plate 115 and a second height adjustment plate 117, but in all other respects it is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0106] 20 , the top surface 70 may have a first surface portion 71 and a second surface portion 72. The first surface portion 71 and the second surface portion 72 are each located below the base portion 8. In the first direction 101, the position of the second surface portion 72 is different from the position of the first surface portion 71. Specifically, for example, the second surface portion 72 is located lower than the first surface portion 71.

[0107] The mash seam welding device 100 has a first height adjustment plate 115 and a second height adjustment plate 117. The first height adjustment plate 115 is located between the base portion 8 and the first surface portion 71. The first height adjustment plate 115 is sandwiched between the base portion 8 and the mounting portion 36. The first height adjustment plate 115 is located on the first surface portion 71.

[0108] The second height adjustment plate 117 is located between the base portion 8 and the second surface portion 72. The second height adjustment plate 117 is sandwiched between the base portion 8 and the mounting portion 36. The second height adjustment plate 117 is located on the second surface portion 72. The thickness of the first height adjustment plate 115 is different from the thickness of the second height adjustment plate 117 in the first direction 101. Specifically, the difference between the thickness of the first height adjustment plate 115 and the thickness of the second height adjustment plate 117 may be the same as the distance between the first surface portion 71 and the second surface portion 72 in the first direction 101. The top surface of the first height adjustment plate 115 and the top surface of the second height adjustment plate 117 may be at the same position in the first direction 101.

[0109] A manufacturing method of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The attachment portions 36 are joined to the outer shell portion 37 by welding. Next, the top surfaces 70 of the multiple attachment portions 36 are machined to improve the flatness, etc., of the top surfaces 70. In machining the top surfaces 70, the top surfaces 70 are machined from both side surfaces of the outer shell portion 37. In other words, the top surfaces 70 are machined from both the second direction 102 and the direction opposite to the second direction 102. This forms the first surface portion 71 and the second surface portion 72. Because they are formed by machining from different directions, a difference in height occurs between the first surface portion 71 and the second surface portion 72 in the first direction 101.

[0110] The difference in height between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 in the first direction 101 is measured. Based on the measured difference, the thicknesses of the first height adjustment plate 115 and the second height adjustment plate 117 are determined so that the top surface of the first height adjustment plate 115 and the top surface of the second height adjustment plate 117 are positioned at the same position in the first direction 101. Specifically, for example, if the second surface 72 is 0.5 mm lower than the first surface 71, the thickness of the second height adjustment plate 117 is set to be 0.5 mm thicker than the thickness of the first height adjustment plate 115. The first height adjustment plate 115 and the second height adjustment plate 117 are each formed to achieve the determined thickness.

[0111] The first height adjustment plate 115 is placed on the first surface 71. The second height adjustment plate 117 is placed on the second surface 72. The base 8 is placed on the first height adjustment plate 115 and the second height adjustment plate 117. The base 8, the first height adjustment plate 115, the second height adjustment plate 117, and the mounting portion 36 are fastened together, for example, with screws. In this way, the mash seam welding apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 20 is manufactured.

[0112] Typically, when machining the top surface 70, the top surface 70 is machined from above the mounting portion 36 through the opening 91. In this case, it is necessary to machine the top surface 70 while avoiding the outer shell portion 37. For this reason, a special tool may be required. In particular, when the pass line P (see FIG. 1) is relatively low, the distance from the opening 91 to the top surface 70 becomes long, and a special tool may be required. Furthermore, when machining the top surface 70 from above the mounting portion 36, the tool becomes longer and is more likely to vibrate. This reduces the accuracy of the machined surface.

[0113] According to the manufacturing method of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the sixth embodiment, the top surface 70 is machined from both the second direction 102 and the direction opposite to the second direction 102. This reduces vibration of the tool, thereby improving the accuracy of the machined surface.

[0114] The mash seam welding device 100 according to the sixth embodiment has a first height adjustment plate 115 and a second height adjustment plate 117. The thickness of the first height adjustment plate 115 is different from the thickness of the second height adjustment plate 117. Therefore, even if the positions of the first surface portion 71 and the second surface portion 72 are different in the first direction 101, the surface on which the base portion 8 is placed can be made nearly flat.

[0115] In the sixth embodiment, the number of attachment portions 36 may be one or two or more. The number of openings 111 may be one pair aligned along the second direction 102, or two or more pairs.

[0116] Seventh Embodiment Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to a seventh embodiment will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a support 118 to which the base portion 8 is attached, but in other respects is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0117] 21 , the lower frame portion 31 has a plurality of support columns 118. Each of the plurality of support columns 118 is attached to, for example, the bottom portion 39. At least a portion of each of the plurality of support columns 118 is located inside the outer shell portion 37. The base portion 8 is attached to each of the plurality of support columns 118.

[0118] The support pillar 118 has a stepped pillar shape. Specifically, the support pillar 118 has a base 119 and a pillar portion 120. The base 119 has, for example, a disk shape. The pillar portion 120 is continuous with the base 119. The pillar portion 120 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the pillar portion 120 is smaller than the diameter of the base 119.

[0119] A plurality of through holes 122 are provided in the bottom portion 39. Each of the plurality of through holes 122 extends along the first direction 101. The pillar portions 120 are inserted into the corresponding through holes 122. A portion of the pillar portion 120 is located inside the outer shell portion 37. The pillar portions 120 are in contact with the base portion 8. Specifically, the top surfaces of the pillar portions 120 are in contact with the base portion 8. The top surfaces of the pillar portions 120 are processed to be flat. The top surfaces of the pillar portions 120 are, for example, planar. Note that a recess may be provided in the bottom surface of the base portion 8, and the pillar portions 120 may be fitted into the recess.

[0120] The lower frame portion 31 has fixing screws 131 and 132. The fixing screw 131 fastens, for example, the base portion 119 to the bottom portion 39. The surface of the bottom portion 39 that comes into contact with the base portion 119 is machined to be flat, for example. The base portion 119 is located in a direction opposite to the first direction 101 with respect to the bottom portion 39.

[0121] The fixing screw 132 fastens the base portion 8 to the column portion 120. The fixing screw 132 is threaded into a female thread provided on the top surface of the column portion 120, for example.

[0122] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the seventh embodiment, the base portion 8 is attached to the support 118. Therefore, the attachment surface of the base portion 8 can be formed using components with a relatively small volume. This allows the weight of the mash seam welding apparatus 100 to be reduced.

[0123] Even if the top surface (mounting surface) of the support 118 becomes worn or damaged, the support 118 can be easily replaced. Therefore, the maintainability of the mash seam welding device 100 can be improved.

[0124] By fixing the support pillars 118 to the bottom 39, openings are not required in the outer shell 37. This improves the strength of the lower frame 31. It also reduces the time required to process and assemble the lower frame 31. By shortening the length of the support pillars 118, the pass line P can be easily lowered to near the bottom 39.

[0125] Modification of Embodiment 7 As shown in FIG. 22 , the lower frame portion 31 may have an attachment portion 36. A support 118 may be attached to the attachment portion 36. Specifically, a base 119 and the attachment portion 36 are fastened together by a fixing screw 131. The base 119 is positioned in the opposite direction to the first direction 101 relative to the attachment portion 36. The surface of the attachment portion 36 that comes into contact with the base 119 is processed to be flat, for example. A plurality of through holes 122 are provided in the attachment portion 36.

[0126] The mounting portion 36 is, for example, spaced apart from the base portion 8. An opening 111 is provided in the outer shell portion 37. The opening 111 is used when attaching the support 118 and the fixing screw 131 to the mounting portion 36.

[0127] Eighth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to an eighth embodiment will be described. The mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment differs from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment mainly in that the carriage frame 3 has a beam portion 125, but in other respects is substantially the same as the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences from the mash seam welding apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0128] 23 and 24 , the carriage frame 3 has a beam portion 125. The beam portion 125 is joined to the base portion of the U-shaped carriage frame 3. Specifically, the beam portion 125 is joined to the connection portion 33 by, for example, welding. The beam portion 125 is spaced apart from each of the lower frame portion 31 and the upper frame portion 32, for example.

[0129] The beam portion 125 protrudes in a direction parallel to the second direction 102 relative to the connecting portion 33. There are no particular limitations on the height of the beam portion 125 in the first direction 101, the width in the third direction 103, or the protruding length in the second direction 102. For example, the beam portion 125 is located in the second direction 102 relative to the connecting portion 33. Note that the beam portion 125 may also be located in the direction opposite to the second direction 102 relative to the connecting portion 33. The carriage frame 3 may have two beam portions 125, and the connecting portion 33 may be located between the two beam portions 125 in the second direction 102. Note that the frame support portion 9 is not shown in FIG. 24.

[0130] The cross section shown in FIG. 25 is a cross section parallel to each of the first direction 101 and the second direction 102. As shown in FIG. 25 , the beam portion 125 has a box shape with an open surface facing the connection portion 33. In the cross section, the beam portion 125 has a C-shape. In the cross section, the beam portion 125 is joined to the connection portion 33 at each of an upper end portion 126 and a lower end portion 127. Specifically, the upper end portion 126 is joined to an end portion of the connection portion 33. Similarly, the lower end portion 127 is joined to an end portion of the connection portion 33. The internal space of the connection portion 33 and the internal space of the beam portion 125 are in communication. In the cross section, the portion of the beam portion 125 located between the upper end portion 126 and the lower end portion 127 is separated from the connection portion 33.

[0131] The carriage frame 3 has an inner beam portion 128. The inner beam portion 128 is joined to each of the connection portion 33 and the beam portion 125 by, for example, welding. The inner beam portion 128 extends, for example, along a plane perpendicular to the first direction 101. Although a configuration with one inner beam portion 128 is shown in Fig. 25, the number of inner beam portions 128 may be two or more.

[0132] The carriage frame 3 has a rear plate 130. The rear plate 130 faces the third direction 103 (see FIG. 23 ). The rear plate 130 is composed of, for example, a connection portion 33 and a beam portion 125. A rear opening 129 is provided in the rear plate 130. The rear opening 129 is used, for example, for maintenance of components arranged inside the carriage frame 3.

[0133] According to the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the eighth embodiment, the carriage frame 3 has a beam 125. The beam 125 is joined to the connection 33. The beam 125 protrudes from the connection 33 in a direction parallel to the second direction 102. This effectively improves the overall rigidity of the carriage frame 3. Providing openings in the carriage frame 3 necessary for purposes such as improving workability and reducing the pass line may reduce the rigidity of the carriage frame 3. Even in this case, the mash seam welding apparatus 100 of the eighth embodiment can achieve a carriage frame 3 with sufficient rigidity.

[0134] Because the beams 125 have a large influence on the rigidity of the carriage frame 3, it is possible to reduce the number of beams (inner beams 128) located inside the carriage frame 3. This allows the carriage frame 3 to be made lighter.

[0135] The beam portion 125 is joined to the connection portion 33 and is spaced apart from each of the lower frame portion 31 and the upper frame portion 32. This prevents the beam portion 125 from interfering with structures around the mash seam welding device 100 when the carriage frame 3 moves.

[0136] Note that the beams 125 may extend to the lower frame 31 and the upper frame 32 as long as they do not interfere with structures around the mash seam welding device 100. This can further improve the rigidity of the carriage frame 3.

[0137] 26 , the connecting portion 33 may have a side surface 123 facing the beam portion 125. In a cross-sectional view, each of an upper end portion 126 and a lower end portion 127 of the beam portion 125 may be joined to the side surface 123 of the connecting portion 33. The internal space of the connecting portion 33 and the internal space of the beam portion 125 are partitioned by the side surface 123.

[0138] The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0139] Aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) A mash seam welding device that uses an upper blade and a lower blade to cut each end of two sheets of workpieces and then welds the two overlapping sheets of workpieces, the mash seam welding device comprising: a carriage frame having an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion facing the upper frame portion, and a connection portion connecting the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion; the lower blade; a lower blade drive unit that presses the lower blade against the two sheets of workpieces along a first direction from the lower frame portion toward the upper frame portion; the upper blade; and an upper blade drive unit that presses the upper blade against the two sheets of workpieces along a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the lower blade drive unit is located inside the lower frame portion. (Supplementary Note 2) The mash seam welding device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a plurality of frame supports attached to the bottom of the carriage frame and receiving a vertical force applied to the carriage frame, the number of the plurality of frame supports being 3 or more. (Supplementary Note 3) The mash seam welding device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, further comprising a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the lower blade in each of the first direction and the second direction, where a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the lower blade extends and the first direction is defined as a second direction, the position adjustment unit being located in the first direction relative to the lower frame unit. (Supplementary Note 4) The mash seam welding device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising a base unit to which the lower blade drive unit is attached, the base unit being detachably attached to the lower frame unit. (Appendix 5) A mash seam welding device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a lower blade holder that supports the lower blade, the lower blade holder having a first portion attached to the lower blade drive unit and a second portion that supports the lower blade and is positioned between the first portion and the upper blade in the first direction, and the second portion is detachable from the first portion.(Supplementary Note 6) The mash seam welding device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, further comprising a lower blade holder for supporting the lower blade, wherein the lower blade drive unit comprises: an actuator; a link attached to the lower blade holder and moving in conjunction with the actuator to push the lower blade holder along the first direction; a guide having a movable part connected to the link via the lower blade holder and a fixed part guiding the movable part along the first direction; and a retaining plate attached to the link, wherein when the position of the movable part at the time when raising of the lower blade using the actuator has finished is defined as an upper end position, and the position of the movable part at the time when lowering of the lower blade using the actuator has finished is defined as a lower end position, and an area through which the movable part passes when moving from the upper end position to the lower end position is defined as a passing area, when lowering of the lower blade using the actuator has finished, the retaining plate is located outside the passing area, and when raising of the lower blade using the actuator has finished, a part of the retaining plate is located inside the passing area. (Appendix 7) The mash seam welding device described in Appendix 4, wherein the lower frame portion has an outer shell portion that forms the surface of the lower frame portion and a plurality of attachment portions to which the base portion is attached, the outer shell portion has an opening that opens along a direction perpendicular to both the extension direction of the lower blade and the first direction, and each of the plurality of attachment portions is located on the bottom surface of the opening and is joined to the outer shell portion.(Supplementary Note 8) The mash seam welding device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the lower frame portion has a mounting portion to which the base portion is mounted, the base portion being located in the first direction relative to the mounting portion, the mounting portion having a top surface facing the first direction, the top surface having a first surface portion located below the base portion and a second surface portion located below the base portion and whose position in the first direction is different from that of the first surface portion, the mash seam welding device further comprising: a first height adjustment plate located between the base portion and the first surface portion, and a second height adjustment plate located between the base portion and the second surface portion, wherein a thickness of the first height adjustment plate is different from a thickness of the second height adjustment plate. (Supplementary Note 9) The mash seam welding device according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the lower frame portion has: an outer shell portion constituting a surface of the lower frame portion; and a support pillar at least a portion of which is located inside the outer shell portion and extends along the first direction, (Supplementary Note 10) The mash seam welding device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the carriage frame has a beam portion joined to the connection portion, and the beam portion protrudes from the connection portion in directions perpendicular to both the direction in which the lower blade extends and the first direction.

[0140] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Lower blade, 2 Upper blade, 3 Carriage frame, 4 First electrode wheel, 5 Second electrode wheel, 6 First pressure roll, 7 Second pressure roll, 8 Base portion, 9 Frame support portion, 10 Lower blade drive portion, 12 Lower blade holder, 13 Guide, 14 Link, 15 Connection plate, 16 Actuator, 17 Fixing pin, 18 Drive portion fixing plate, 19 Position adjustment portion, 20 Upper blade drive portion, 22 Upper blade holder, 23 Cylinder, 24 Upper blade guide, 25 First portion, 26 Second portion, 29 Fixing screw, 31 Lower frame portion, 32 Upper frame portion, 33 Connection portion, 34 Boundary surface, 35 Upper end surface, 36 Mounting portion, 37 Outer shell portion, 38 Opening edge, 39 Bottom portion, 41 Movable portion, 42 Fixed portion, 49 Recessed portion, 50 First position adjustment member, 51 First position adjustment screw, 52 Second position adjustment screw, 53 Support member, 55 Holding plate, 56 First member, 57 Second member, 60 Second position adjustment member, 61 First flat plate portion, 62 First convex portion, 63 Second flat plate portion, 64 Second convex portion, 70 Top surface, 71 First surface portion, 72 Second surface portion, 80 Pressurizing portion, 81 First hole, 82 Second hole, 90 Workpiece, 91 Opening, 92 Through hole, 95 End, 97 Passing area, 99 Virtual surface, 100 Mash seam welding device, 101 First direction, 102 Second direction, 103 Third direction, 111 Opening, 112 Welding portion, 115 First height adjustment plate, 117 Second height adjustment plate, 118 Support, 119 Base, 120 Pillar portion, 122 Through hole, 123 Side, 125 beam, 126 upper end, 127 lower end, 128 inner beam, 129 rear opening, 130 rear panel, 131, 132 fixing screws, A arrow, P pass line.

Claims

1. A mash seam welding device that uses an upper blade and a lower blade to cut the ends of two pieces of workpieces and then welds the two overlapping pieces of workpieces together, comprising: a carriage frame having an upper frame portion, a lower frame portion facing the upper frame portion, and a connection portion connecting the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion; the lower blade; a lower blade drive portion that presses the lower blade against the two pieces of workpieces along a first direction from the lower frame portion toward the upper frame portion; the upper blade; and an upper blade drive portion that presses the upper blade against the two pieces of workpieces along a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein at least a portion of the lower blade drive portion is located inside the lower frame portion.

2. The mash seam welding device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of frame supports attached to the bottom of the carriage frame and adapted to receive vertical forces acting on the carriage frame, the number of the plurality of frame supports being three or more.

3. A mash seam welding device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a position adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the lower blade in each of the first direction and the second direction, where the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the lower blade extends and the first direction are defined as second directions, and the position adjustment unit is located in the first direction relative to the lower frame portion.

4. A mash seam welding device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a base portion to which the lower blade drive portion is attached, the base portion being detachably attached to the lower frame portion.

5. A mash seam welding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lower blade holder that supports the lower blade, the lower blade holder having a first part attached to the lower blade drive unit and a second part that supports the lower blade and is located between the first part and the upper blade in the first direction, the second part being detachable from the first part.

6. A mash seam welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lower blade holder for supporting the lower blade, wherein the lower blade drive unit comprises: an actuator; a link attached to the lower blade holder and moving in conjunction with the actuator to push the lower blade holder in the first direction; a guide having a movable part connected to the link via the lower blade holder and a fixed part guiding the movable part in the first direction; and a holding plate attached to the link, wherein when the position of the movable part at the time when raising of the lower blade using the actuator has finished is defined as an upper end position, the position of the movable part at the time when lowering of the lower blade using the actuator has finished is defined as a lower end position, and an area through which the movable part passes when moving from the upper end position to the lower end position is defined as a passing area, when lowering of the lower blade using the actuator has finished, the holding plate is located outside the passing area, and when raising of the lower blade using the actuator has finished, a part of the holding plate is located inside the passing area.

7. A mash seam welding device as described in claim 4, wherein the lower frame portion has an outer shell portion that forms the surface of the lower frame portion and a plurality of attachment portions to which the base portion is attached, the outer shell portion has openings that open along directions perpendicular to both the direction in which the lower blade extends and the first direction, and each of the plurality of attachment portions is located on the bottom surface of the opening and is joined to the outer shell portion.

8. The mash seam welding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the lower frame portion has a mounting portion to which the base portion is attached, the base portion being positioned in the first direction relative to the mounting portion, the mounting portion having a top surface facing the first direction, the top surface having a first surface portion positioned below the base portion and a second surface portion positioned below the base portion and having a position in the first direction different from that of the first surface portion, and the mash seam welding apparatus further comprises: a first height adjustment plate positioned between the base portion and the first surface portion; and a second height adjustment plate positioned between the base portion and the second surface portion, and the thickness of the first height adjustment plate is different from the thickness of the second height adjustment plate.

9. The mash seam welding device according to claim 4, wherein the lower frame portion has an outer shell portion that forms the surface of the lower frame portion, and a support pillar, at least a portion of which is located inside the outer shell portion and extends along the first direction, and the base portion is attached to the support pillar.

10. A mash seam welding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the carriage frame has a beam portion joined to the connection portion, and the beam portion protrudes from the connection portion in a direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the lower blade extends and the first direction.

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