Automatic welding electrode cap changer

Abstract

An electrode cap mounting station includes a linearly reciprocal drive member. Two electrode cap engaging members, each having opposed facing knife edges, are arranged in inverted relationship with respect to each other and pivotally connected at one end to a body surrounding the linear drive member. Each electrode cap engaging member includes at least one cam. Cam follower members mounted on the linear drive member engage the cams during reciprocal movement of the drive member to pivot the electrode cap engaging members from an open, spaced apart position to a closed position in which the opposed knife edges engage the joint between an electrode cap and a welding electrode on which the cap is mounted to forcibly separate the electrode cap from the welding electrode. In an electrode cap mounting station, a similar linear drive member pivots first and second electrode cap mounting members. The electrode cap mounting apparatus is substantially identical to the electrode cap removing apparatus. At least one chute carries a plurality of new electrode caps. Movement of the welding electrode into the mounting station urges the discharge end of the chute into alignment with one of the first and second electrode cap mounting members. Pivotal movement of the first and second electrode cap mounting members to the second position forcibly urges a new electrode cap from the discharge end of the chute onto a welding electrode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.