Movable Cleaning Head Positioning in Joining Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining apparatuses for stud welding or bonding lack optimal positioning mechanisms for cleaning devices, leading to potential interference with the joining process and inefficient cleaning of the joining surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A joining apparatus with a drive unit that allows the cleaning device to move between a waiting position and a cleaning position, utilizing a linear drive, such as a pneumatic cylinder, and a constraining guide to precisely position the cleaning device relative to the joining surface, enabling optimal cleaning without interfering with the joining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cleaning device is fixed in position on the joining head, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning device cannot be optimally positioned relative to the joining surface and interferes with the joining process
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is made movable relative to the joining head through a drive unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a waiting position (out of the way during joining) and a cleaning position (optimally positioned for surface cleaning). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling optimal cleaning operation while avoiding interference with the joining process.
2Productivity
If the cleaning device is positioned close to the joining surface for effective cleaning, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the cleaning device interferes with the joining process
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit enables the cleaning device to be positioned close to the joining surface only when needed for cleaning, and moved away during the joining process. This dynamic positioning allows high cleaning efficiency when required while eliminating interference with the joining operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device performs its cleaning function in advance before the joining process begins, positioning itself optimally for cleaning, then moving to a waiting position. This preliminary action ensures effective cleaning while preventing any interference with the subsequent joining operation.
3Reliability
If the cleaning device remains in cleaning position, then cleaning is continuously available, but spatial requirements increase and joining process is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device dynamically transitions between cleaning position and waiting position, occupying minimal space during joining operations while providing full cleaning capability when needed. This resolves the contradiction by showing that continuous cleaning availability does not require permanent occupation of cleaning position.
Data Source
AI summary
A joining apparatus for the joining of a joining element to a workpiece on a joining surface, the joining apparatus comprising: a joining head that defines a joining axis; a cleaning device for cleaning the joining surface; and a drive unit for moving the cleaning device in relation to the joining head between a waiting position and a cleaning position. The waiting position axially rearward and transversely spaced from a holding device forwardmost on the joining head; and the cleaning position axially forward and transversely closer to the holding device