Welding apparatus
AssigneeHuys Industries Limited
InventorsNigel SCOTCHMER, Franklin REMENTER, Kevin CHAN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A welding electrode apparatus has a base member and a locking ring for clamping a consumable electrode tip to the electrode base. The base and the tip are predominantly made of copper, or a copper alloy. The base member has a first end that is threaded to fit a welding head that supplies electric current; and an electrically conductive second end to which the electrode tip is mounted. The second portion has an externally facing, axially extending cylindrical wall. A circumferential groove is formed in the wall. The locking ring has a quick-disconnect feature in the form of an array of spring-loaded detents that deflect to release the cylindrical wall of the first member, and that spring inwardly to seat in the circumferential groove.
Claims19
A welding electrode apparatus operable to capture a welding electrode tip, said welding electrode apparatus comprising:
- a first member and a second member;
- said first member defining an electrode base;
- said second member being a locking ring;
- said electrode base being mounted to a welding head;
- said electrode base having an indexing fitting;
- said locking ring having a retainer mounted to capture the welding electrode tip next to, and in electrically conductive engagement with, said electrically conductive seat of said base;
- and
- said locking ring having a dog, said dog being movable, said dog being spring-biased toward engagement with said indexing fitting;
- and
- said locking ring being operable to secure the welding electrode tip to said electrode base in electrically conductive engagement therewith;
- said electrode base and said locking ring being mutually engageable;
- and
- said dog being displaceable to permit disengagement of said locking ring from said electrode base.
The welding electrode apparatus of claim 7 wherein said electrode base has an external relief, said dog is mounted within said locking ring;
- said dog deflects to permit installation of said locking ring;
- and said dog is biased to engage said relief to seat said locking ring relative to said electrode base.
The welding electrode apparatus of claim 9 wherein said locking ring has an external portion that mounts outwardly of said spring, said external portion having at least one grip member formed thereon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.