US 5,239,155 A · Multipurpose spot welding gun with replaceable electrode holders

Abstract

An adaptable, multipurpose spot welding gun having replaceable electrode holders with different configurations. The spot welding gun includes a pneumatic cylinder with a first electrode secured to the cylinder piston. A rotatable housing is mounted on the gun adjacent to the moveable electrode. An electrode holder is mounted on the housing. The electrode holder may extend parallel to the cylinder, carrying a second electrode spaced from the first electrode. Alternatively, the electrode holder may be arc-shaped, extending away in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder, then back to hold a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode. This holder is fastened to the housing in a manner allowing it to swing to the side to allow the holder to fit over intervening structure, then swung back to the operating position. Either electrode can be easily installed or removed. Electrical connections from a welder power supply and a switch are provided so that when the electrodes are placed with metal to be welded between them and the pneumatic cylinder is actuated, the electrodes press against the opposite sides of the metal and electrical flow between the electrodes cause a spot weld to be made.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A multipurpose, adaptable, spot welding gun which comprises:

a pneumatic cylinder adapted to be held in an operator's hand;
means for securing a first welding electrode to the cylinder piston for movement toward and away from a first end of the cylinder;
a rotatable housing assembly having a first end rotatable mounted on said cylinder for rotation around the cylinder axis adjacent to said first cylinder end and a second end extending away from said cylinder;
first mounting means on said housing assembly intermediate the ends of said housing assembly, for supporting an elongated straight electrode holder substantially parallel to the cylinder axis of said rotatable housing, so that a second electrode in said straight electrode holder is in operative alignment with said first electrode;
second mounting means at the second end of said housing assembly adapted to selectively support a handle extending away from the housing assembly end or to support a first end of an elongated arc-shaped electrode holder, so that an electrode mounted at the second end of said arc-shaped electrode holder is in operative alignment with said first electrode;
welding cable attachment means on said cylinder in electrical connection with said first and second electrodes;
switch means on the cylinder for admitting air into said pneumatic cylinder for moving the first electrode toward and away from the second electrode and for turning a power supply connected to said attachment means on and off.

4 more elements

An electrode holding system for use in a spot welding gun of the type having a pneumatic cylinder for moving a first electrode into cooperative engagement with a fixed second electrode which comprises:

a housing assembly adapted to be mounted at a first end of the welding gun cylinder for rotation about the cylinder axis and having a second end extending away from said axis;
first mounting means on said housing assembly intermediate the ends of said housing assembly, adapted to support an elongated straight electrode holder substantially parallel to the cylinder axis, so that a second electrode in said straight electrode holder is in operative alignment with said first electrode;
and
second mounting means at the second end of said housing assembly adapted to selectively support a handle extending away from the housing assembly end or to support a first end of an elongated arc-shaped electrode holder, so that an electrode mounted at the second end of said arc-shaped electrode holder is in operative alignment with said first electrode.

1 more element

a housing adapted to be mounted at a first end on the welding gun cylinder for rotation about the cylinder axis and having a second end extending away from said axis;
an elongated adapter having mounting means for removably securing said adapter to said housing said first housing member;
said adapter having an outer end extending away from said cylinder;
an axial hole in the outer end of said adapter;
a first axial slot between said hole wall and the outer wall of said adapter;
and
a second, transverse, slot communicating with said first and extending part way around said housing end;
an arc-shaped electrode holder having a first end and adapted to mount a second electrode at the second holder end;
a cylindrical extension at the second end of the an arc-shaped electrode holder sized to fit in said axial hole;
a transverse extending pin on said cylindrical extension sized to fit in said axial slot and said transverse slot;
whereby said cylindrical extension and said transverse pin may be inserted in said hole and slot, respectively, and rotated to bring said second electrode into the operating position relative to said first electrode.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multipurpose spot welding gun with replaceable electrode holders

Life of this patent

Multipurpose spot welding gun with replaceable electrode holders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28