Device for removing an electrode tip

A device for removing an electrode tip from a shaft of a resistance welder by turning the electrode tip comprising:

• a holding member defining a first hole;
• a claw disposed adjacent the first hole and mounted for rotation between an engagement position wherein at least a portion of the claw is positioned within the first hole to secure the electrode tip within the first hole, and a disengagement position wherein the at least a portion of the claw is displaced from the first hole;
• a turning plate cooperating with the claw to move the claw from the disengagement position to the engagement position to secure the electrode tip in the first hole when the turning plate rotates in a first direction and to move the claw from the engagement position to the disengagement position to release the electrode tip from the first hole when the turning plate rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction;
• and
• a brake operatively engaging the holding member such that, during a first phase of operation, the holding member does not rotate and the turning plate moves the claw from the disengagement position toward the engagement position, and during a second phase of operation, the holding member rotates with the turning plate to rotate the electrode tip.

A method of removing an electrode tip from a shaft of a resistance welder by turning the electrode tip, the method comprising the steps of.

• inserting the electrode tip into a bore defined in at least one of a turning plate and a holding member;
• rotating the turning plate in a first direction without rotating the holding member to thereby move at least one claw into engagement with the electrode tip to secure the tip within the bore;
• and
• subsequently rotating the turning plate and the holding member in the first direction while the at least one claw secures the electrode tip in the bore to thereby turn the tip.