The present invention relates to a welding torch. In particular, the present invention relates to a hex mounting bracket which provides for various positions of a welding gun robotic assembly.
Many types of manufacturing operations require a high degree of precision. In addition, other manufacturing operations require tasks where human activity is inaccessible or hazardous. In such operations a tool or the like is automatically manipulated by a robot machine or gun under program control. The use of robotic machinery increases productivity and profitability for the manufacturer. After constant and regular use, robotic parts may wear and need maintenance; or an occasional crash may occur requiring repair. The time while the robotic machinery is in service, or down time, can critically jeopardize the manufacturer's business.
Robotic assemblies are commonly used with welding guns. Previously, when robotic gun assemblies were dismantled, the down time was extensive because there was no quick and easy means to precisely reassemble the robotic gun. A previous example of a keyed alignment system for a welding torch used with a robotic gun assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,117 which is hereby incorporated by reference. A mounting arm which provides for various methods of changing position of the welding gun with respect to the robotic arm and the position of the gun with respect to its housing as well as providing easy disassembly of the gun from the robotic arm is needed.
Accordingly, it is considered desirable to provide a mounting arm for a welding gun which allows various positions of the welding gun with respect to the robotic assembly without completely disassembling the robotic assembly.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to make it simpler, less expensive and more efficient to change positions of robotic gun assemblies. It is also an object to maintain “down time” of the assembly process at a minimum. Further, it is an object of the invention to reassemble the components of the robotic gun to maintain alignment. To achieve the above objectives, the robotic gun assembly of the invention has a hex mount system that allows replacement of main components without having to remove the entire gun from the robotic arm. The torch has a gooseneck with a hex-shaped sleeve which is locked into position via setscrews. Furthermore, various positions of the gun with respect to the robotic arm assembly can be easily achieved.
In general, the robotic gun assembly includes a gun mounting arm, a gun housing, a nozzle and a gooseneck. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mounting apparatus for a welding torch has a bracket having a body having an opening therein; a first arm extending from the body; a second arm extending from the body, the second arm being substantially parallel to the first arm; wherein the opening of the body is adapted to enable an associated welding torch to be mounted in various positions.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mounting assembly for a welding torch has a bracket having a body having an opening for receiving a portion of the torch; first and second members extending from the body, the first and second members are substantially parallel to each other, and each of the members comprises a first opening therethrough. A mounting arm is provided having a first opening therethrough. The mounting arm is received between the first and second arms. A fastener is inserted through the first openings of the members and the first opening of the mounting arm so that the bracket can pivot with respect to the mounting arm about the fastener. The first and second members each comprise a second opening. The mounting arm has second, third and fourth openings. The second openings of the first and second members align with one of the second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening of the mounting arm and is secured into position by a fastener extending through the second openings of the first and second members and one of the second, third and fourth openings of the mounting arm.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a mounting assembly for a welding torch has a bracket having a body with an opening for receiving a portion of a welding torch therein. A first arm and a second arm external from the body, the first and second arms each has at least one opening for receiving a fastener therethrough. A third arm extends from the body and has at least one opening for receiving a fastener. A mounting arm has at least one opening for receiving a fastener therethrough, wherein a fastener is inserted through the opening of the mounting arm and the opening of the third arm.
These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken together with the drawings.
The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
Referring to
The gooseneck 16 can be an insulated, thick walled copper conductor tube that is wrapped in an aluminum or stainless steel jacket that is capable of dissipating heat quickly. Although the gooseneck 16 as shown in
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The spring allows for rough or approximate adjustment of the two clamping arms. The spring is positioned above a block or plug 36 which secures the spring in position. The bolts or fasteners 31, 32 can be backed off and the spring will expand and the arms will separate slightly until the bolts are re-tightened.
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The hex-shaped sleeve allows for an adjustment of the welding torch to several positions with respect to the housing 14 as shown in
A second adjustment method is provided by the gun housing 14 to adjust the position of the gun housing with respect to the mounting arm. Referring now to
To secure the gun housing 14 with respect to the mounting arm 12, a bolt or fastener 74 is placed through holes 70, 72 and one of the holes 60, 62, 64 and secured into place via nut 76. The mounting arm can be placed into one of three positions approximately 30 degrees apart from each other. To rotate the gun housing 14 with respect to the mounting arm 12, nut 76 is loosened and bolt 74 is removed from one of the three holes 60, 62, 64 and holes 70, 72. Then, the gun housing, along with the nozzle, is rotated with respect to the mounting arm and pivoted about bolt 72 within openings 27, 29, and 21 until one of the three openings 60, 62, 64 is aligned with openings 70, 72. Then, bolt 74 is reinserted and nut 76 is threaded onto the end of the bolt.
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To change the orientation of the welding nozzle, the bolts 142, 144 are removed and the clamping arms are slightly separated, thus providing a slight increase in area of opening 134, allowing the sleeve 170 to slide through the opening.
The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.