A SEAM welding machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seam welding machine (10) configured to join at least two workpieces by applying current between at least one movable electrode (21) and at least one fixed electrode (31). The machine comprises at least one subassembly (30) to which the fixed electrode (31) is connected, at least one upper assembly (20) provided on the subassembly and movable along a y-axis (y), and at least one swing arm (22) connected at one end to the upper assembly (20) so as to be movable along an x-axis (x) and at another end to the movable electrode (21). The movable electrode (21) includes at least one protruding dome-shaped form (211) on a surface facing the fixed electrode (31), and at least one guide (23) connected to the swing arm (22) enables the dome-shaped form (211) to perform an oscillating movement to contact at least one workpiece.

Description

[0001] A SEAM WELDING MACHINE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a seam welding machine for joining at least two workpieces.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] A seam welding machine is a welding method and a device used for joining metals. In this method, a high electric current is passed between the parts, and the heat generated thereby causes the metal to melt and fuse. It is generally used for joining thin sheet metals. Seam welding is a type of spot welding and performs welding in closely spaced points so as to form a continuous seam. This method is widely used in the automotive industry, sheet metal fabrication, and similar fields. The machine comprises electrodes that clamp the parts to be welded and mechanisms that move these electrodes.

[0006] A busbar is a conductive material designed to carry electric current, typically used in electrical systems. It is generally made of metals having high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. Busbars may be provided in various shapes and sizes; however, they are generally in the form of a flat, elongated, and wide strip or bar.

[0007] A medium-frequency transformer used in seam welding machines is a device employed to convert the electric current during the welding process. Under normal conditions, welding machines utilize low-frequency alternating current (typically 50 or 60 Hz) supplied from industrial power sources. However, by using a medium-frequency transformer, this frequency can be increased to a much higher value, generally into the kilohertz (kHz) range. In this case, the use of copper busbars increases, and the cooling of copper discs becomes more difficult.

[0008] In existing seam welding machines, there is a need to use copper busbars for operation with medium-frequency transformers. The use of copper busbars is important in terms of electrical conductivity, heat dissipation, and mechanical robustness. Due to its high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, copper is frequently used to efficiently transmit electric current, particularly in applications operating at high current and frequency.However, as the required current-carrying capacity increases, the dimensions of the copper busbars also increase. Accordingly, in seam welding machines operating with medium-frequency transformers, it becomes necessary to increase the size of the busbars. Since copper is expensive, this results in a significant increase in costs. In addition, due to the heavy weight and lack of flexibility of the copper busbars, there arises a need for the copper busbars to move back and forth along the entire machine together with the electrodes. This, in turn, creates a requirement for additional drive elements. Furthermore, the reciprocating movement of busbars having high weight and large dimensions along the machine frame gives rise to safety risks, such as jamming or pinching hazards.

[0009] In addition to all of the foregoing, problems arise in cooling the disc-shaped electrodes currently used when operating with a medium-frequency transformer. The entire circumference of the discs becomes heated, and as a result, issues such as wear of the electrodes may occur, thereby shortening the service life of the equipment, significantly reducing welding quality, and leading to oxidation or erosion problems, or the emergence of safety hazards.

[0010] As a result, all of the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to introduce an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a seam welding machine intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0013] One object of the invention is to provide a seam welding machine having reduced cost and weight.

[0014] One object of the invention is to provide a seam welding machine that eliminates the use of copper busbars in applications employing a medium-frequency transformer.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a seam welding machine capable of providing effective cooling when using a medium-frequency transformer.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a seam welding machine capable of performing seam welding using a single drive element.In order to achieve all of the above-mentioned objects and those that will become apparent from the following detailed description, the present invention relates to a seam welding machine configured to join at least two workpieces by applying current while being positioned between at least one movable electrode and at least one fixed electrode. Accordingly, the novelty resides in that it comprises at least one subassembly to which the fixed electrode is connected; at least one upper assembly provided on the subassembly and movable along a y-axis; at least one swing arm connected to the upper assembly so as to be movable along an x-axis at at least one end thereof and connected at at least one other end to the movable electrode; the movable electrode comprising at least one protruding dome-shaped form on a surface thereof facing the fixed electrode; and at least one guide connected to the swing arm and configured to enable the dome-shaped form to perform an oscillating movement so as to contact at least one workpiece.

[0017] Thus, by eliminating copper busbars, a seam welding machine is provided in which the weight and cost are significantly reduced, the cooling efficiency of the electrodes is increased, and spot welding capability is also achieved.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the swing arm is A-shaped. Thus, the dome-shaped structure of the movable electrode is enabled to perform a continuous oscillating movement over the fixed electrode, thereby maintaining continuous contact with the workpiece.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one respective holder, adjustable according to the electrode size, configured to connect the movable electrode and the fixed electrode to the upper assembly and the subassembly, respectively. Thus, the use of electrodes of different sizes is made possible.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one motion transmission mechanism configured to move the holder and the upper assembly along the y-axis. Thus, adjustment is enabled according to the thickness of the workpiece..

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows a representative isometric view of the seam welding machine according to the invention.Figure 2 shows a representative front view of the seam welding machine according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 3 shows another representative front view of the seam welding machine according to the invention.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a representative rear view of the seam welding machine according to the invention..

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In this detailed description, the seam welding machine according to the invention is explained by way of examples that are provided solely for a better understanding of the subject matter and do not have any limiting effect.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a representative isometric view of the seam welding machine (10) according to the invention. The seam welding machine (10) enables at least two workpieces to be joined as a result of supplying current to the workpieces by means of at least one movable electrode (21) and at least one fixed electrode (31). The workpieces are made of metal. The movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) are made of copper. However, in alternative embodiments, they may also be made of different metals.

[0028] The movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) are positioned opposite each other such that the workpieces are placed therebetween. The movable electrode (21) comprises at least one dome-shaped form (211). The dome-shaped form (211) is a protrusion on the edge of the movable electrode (21) facing the fixed electrode (31). In other words, the dome-shaped form (211) is located on the edge of the movable electrode (21) that contacts the workpiece. Essentially, the movable electrode (21) is rectangular, with one edge having an outwardly protruding convex form. The fixed electrode (31) is rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, both the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) may have various polygonal geometries, such as circular or triangular shapes.

[0029] The movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) each comprise at least one channel through which a cooling fluid passes in order to provide cooling at the edges that contact the workpiece. By means of these channels, the heat generated during the process can be maintained at a desired level. The cooling fluid is water. Since the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) do not perform a rotational movement, theheating is partially linear in accordance with the convex form (211) of the movable electrode (21) and linear at the fixed electrode (31). Therefore, while the entire circumference of the circular discs in the prior art is heated, due to the geometry of the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31), heating occurs only at the edges of the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) that face each other. This allows easier cooling and increases cooling efficiency. By means of at least one tank and at least one pipe comprised in the seam welding machine (10), the cooling fluid is supplied to the channels and cooling is performed.

[0030] The seam welding machine (10) comprises at least one subassembly (30). The subassembly (30) is fixed to a stationary surface. As can be seen in Figure 3, the subassembly (30) has a U-shape when the seam welding machine (10) is viewed from the front. The subassembly (30) comprises at least one holder (40). The holder (40) holds at least one fixed electrode (31). The fixed electrode (31) is secured by being inserted into the U-shaped form of the holder (40) when viewed along the x-axis (x). At least one bolt may be used to provide fastening. In addition, the holder (40) may comprise an insulating material.

[0031] The holder (40) is movable along the y-axis (y). In order to provide this movement, the holder (40) is connected to the subassembly (30) by means of at least one motion transmission mechanism (60). The motion transmission mechanism (60) is a lead screw. Thus, the fixed electrode (31) can be moved along the y-axis (y). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the motion transmission mechanism (60) is driven by at least one drive element (50). Thus, it is possible to automatically position the fixed electrode (31) according to the dimensions of the workpiece. The drive element (50) is a pneumatic piston. However, in alternative embodiments, it may also be a hydraulic piston or a linear actuator.

[0032] The seam welding machine (10) comprises at least one upper assembly (20). The upper assembly (20) is connected to the subassembly (30) so as to be positioned above the subassembly. The upper assembly (20) is movable along the y-axis (y). To provide this, at least one motion transmission mechanism (60) is provided between the upper assembly (20) and the subassembly (30). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of motion transmission mechanisms (60) is two.

[0033] The seam welding machine (10) comprises at least one swing arm (22). The swing arm (22) enables the movable electrode (21) to contact the workpiece and perform anoscillating movement. For this purpose, the swing arm (22) is connected at at least one end to the upper assembly (20) so as to be movable along the x-axis (x). At least one other end is connected to the movable electrode (21) by means of at least one holder (40). The swing arm (22) is A-shaped. By moving the end of the swing arm (22) connected to the upper assembly (20) along the x-axis (x) by means of at least one drive element (50), the dome-shaped form (211) of the movable electrode (21) oscillates over the workpiece. In this way, the need for the electrodes to perform a rotational movement is eliminated.

[0034] In order to enable the oscillating movement, the upper assembly (20) comprises at least one guide (23). The guide (23) is connected to the swing arm (22) between at least two ends of the swing arm (22) by means of at least one wheel (231). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the number of wheels (231) is two. The guide (23) is essentially a metal profile that allows movement of the wheel (231). The guide (23) has a curved, hat-shaped form to enable the oscillating movement. At the middle portion and at both ends of the guide (23), there are protrusions that restrict the movement of the wheels. Thus, when the wheels contact the protrusions, the oscillating movement stops and the swing arm (22) begins an oscillating movement in the opposite direction. In other words, when the swing arm (22) is driven along the x-axis (x), the wheel connected to the swing arm (22) moves along the curved form, thereby enabling the movable electrode (21) to perform the oscillating movement.

[0035] Furthermore, due to the geometry of the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31), the use of flexible copper pipes is also possible. By eliminating the copper busbars found in the prior art, weight and cost are significantly reduced. The upper assembly (20) may comprise at least one rail to provide the movement of the swing arm (22) along the x-axis (x).

[0036] In light of all of the foregoing, the invention operates as follows: According to the dimensions of the workpieces to be joined, the upper assembly (20) or the holder (40) that holds the fixed electrode (31) on the subassembly (30) is positioned by means of the motion transmission mechanism (60). Thereafter, in order to perform welding along the line to be joined, the swing arm (22) is moved along the x-axis (x) from the end connected to the upper assembly (20). With this movement of the swing arm (22), the wheels on the swing arm (22) begin to move along the guide (23). Due to the geometry of the guide (23), the movable electrode (21) at the other end of the swing arm (22) performs an oscillating movement over the workpiece. In this manner, seam welding can be performed by contacting the workpiece along a line. By means of the guide (23), it can be determinedwhen and where the movable electrode (21) will contact the workpiece. Therefore, in addition to seam welding, it is also possible to perform spot welding.

[0037] Accordingly, with the seam welding machine (10), the amount of copper required is reduced, and as a result, the cost and weight are significantly reduced. Furthermore, by eliminating disc electrodes, the cooling problems experienced with medium-frequency transformers are eliminated, and more efficient cooling is achieved.

[0038] The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the appended claims and shall in no way be limited by the examples described in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art may develop similar embodiments in light of the above without departing from the main concept of the invention.

[0039] REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0040] 10 Seam Welding Machine

[0041] 20 Upper Assembly

[0042] 21 Movable Electrode

[0043] 211 Dome-Shaped Form

[0044] 22 Swing Arm

[0045] 23 Guide

[0046] 231 Wheel

[0047] 30 Subassembly

[0048] 31 Fixed Electrode

[0049] 40 Holder

[0050] 50 Drive Element

[0051] 60 Motion Transmission Mechanism

[0052] (x) X-Axis

[0053] (y) Y-Axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seam welding machine (10) configured to join at least two workpieces by applying current while being positioned between at least one movable electrode (21) and at least one fixed electrode (31), characterized in that it comprises:at least one subassembly (30) to which the fixed electrode (31 ) is connected; at least one upper assembly (20) provided on the subassembly and movable along a y-axis (y);at least one swing arm (22) connected at at least one end to the upper assembly (20) so as to be movable along an x-axis (x), and connected at at least one other end to the movable electrode (21);the movable electrode (21) comprising at least one protruding dome-shaped form (211) on a surface thereof facing the fixed electrode (31); andat least one guide (23) connected to the swing arm (22) and configured to enable the dome-shaped form (211) to perform an oscillating movement so as to contact at least one workpiece.

2. The seam welding machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the swing arm (22) is A-shaped.

3. The seam welding machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one respective holder (40), adjustable according to the electrode size, configured to connect the movable electrode (21) and the fixed electrode (31) to the upper assembly (20) and the subassembly (30), respectively.

4. The seam welding machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one motion transmission mechanism (60) configured to move the holder (40) along the y-axis (y).

5. The seam welding machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one motion transmission mechanism (60) configured to move the upper assembly (20) along the y-axis (y).

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