Welding Torch Nozzle Cleaning Head with Mechanical Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices for gas nozzles of inert gas welding torches lack simplicity in monitoring the operating state of the cleaning element, often requiring complex control systems and additional components, which increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical return unit with a slotted guide and a simple air motor drive, combined with optical sensors, allows the cleaning head to return to a predefined basic rotational position, enabling easy monitoring of the cleaning element's state without the need for additional controllers, and modifies the cleaning scissors to open when the gas nozzle is retracted, preventing collisions and allowing position verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controlled, rotary-driven cleaning head with an enclosed cleaning element is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but operator monitoring of the cleaning element's operating status becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical detection methods where the cleaning element's position and operating status are detected through changes in optical properties (reflection, absorption, or transmission of light). The sensor system detects the cleaning element's rotational position and operational state by measuring optical signal variations, enabling monitoring without direct visual access to the enclosed cleaning element.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical return unit with cam guide is added to forcibly return the cleaning head to a predefined basic rotational position, then position monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam guide as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the cleaning head's rotational position into a detectable linear displacement or positional change. The cam guide works in conjunction with optical sensors to provide precise position monitoring while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that integrates with the existing cleaning head mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position indication systems with an optical sensing system. Instead of using mechanical indicators or switches, the invention uses optical sensors to detect the cleaning head's rotational position and operating status, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If stepper motor or servo motor is used to control the cleaning head to its home rotary position, then position control precision is improved, but device dimensions and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical position control systems (stepper motors, servo motors with controllers) with a simpler mechanical return mechanism combined with optical sensing. The cam guide provides passive mechanical guidance for returning to the home position, while optical sensors detect the position, eliminating the need for expensive and space-consuming motorized position control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head system uses its own operational movements (the return stroke after cleaning) to automatically return to the home position through the cam guide mechanism. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate actuation systems, reducing device complexity, dimensions, and costs while maintaining position control precision through optical detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the programming process, ensures reliable position checking of the cleaning scissors, and maintains cost-effectiveness by using a standard air motor, while enabling straightforward monitoring of the cleaning element's operating state.
Implementation Method 1
a simple air motor as the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical return unit with a cam guide, by means of which the cleaning head can be forcibly returned from the cleaning position to a predefined basic rotary position
Implementation Method 3
common optical sensors (infrared, laser, etc.) via openings in the rotating body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning device for mechanically cleaning a gas nozzle (2) of an inert-gas welding torch, having a motor-drivable cleaning head (1) which is mounted so as to rotate about an axis of rotation (R) and has a radially outer housing (3) that encloses a cleaning member (11), and which is mounted in a sprung manner in the axial direction, specifically between a basic position (I), in which the cleaning head (1) takes up a predefined basic rotational position, and a cleaning position (II), in which the gas nozzle (2) arranged in a rotationally fixed manner is in pressing abutment against the cleaning head (1), which is loaded with a restoring force (FR) directed in the direction of the basic position (I), in which cleaning position (II) the cleaning head (1) cleans the gas nozzle (2) while rotating, wherein, after cleaning has been completed, the gas nozzle (2) is moved away from the cleaning head (1) and the cleaning head (1) is restored automatically from its cleaning position (II) into its basic position (I) in a restoring stroke (H) under the action of the restoring force (FR). According to the invention, the cleaning device has a return unit (41) with a slotted guide (43), by means of which the cleaning head (1) is forcibly returnable into the predefined basic rotational position (I) in a rotary movement during the restoring stroke (H).