Procedure and device for welding studs and similar parts to a work piece

Claim 2

A process for welding studs and similar parts to a workpiece by a stud-welding device operating at least semiautomatically, which process comprises supplying studs mechanically from an external source, individually and in weldable position, to a stud holder, holding the stud holder in a stud-holding device, moving it to welding position and welding the held stud, causing the stud-welding device to return the stud holder to transfer position ready to receive another stud; operatively associating a plurality of stud holders with the stud-welding device, alternatively connecting the stud holders to the stud-welding device in accordance with a selectable call-up program, so that a given stud holder equipped with a stud and connected to the stud-welding device is separated from the stud-welding device after the weld has been performed and the transfer position has been reached, and holding it in that position, the above procedural sequence being controlled electrically or electronically.

Claim 3

A process according to claim 1, wherein, for separating the stud holders from the stud-welding device, said stud holders are axially inserted into a holding device, equipping the respective stud holder with the next stud carried out synchronously during the insertion and picking up the studs directly by a stud feeding arrangement.

Claim 4

A device for carrying out the process of claim 1 comprising an electrical stud-welding device having a welding head pivotally attached thereto, to which welding head at least one stud holder is detachably fastened and which stud holder is shiftable axially in a controlled manner, a transfer station for the transfer of a stud from a feed arrangement to a stud holder, the stud holder being alignable coaxially with the transfer part of the transfer station by pivoting an associated welding head, and arranged outside of the pivoting range of the welding head including the stud holder, one next to the other along a circular arc whose center is the pivot of the welding head, a plurality of transfer stations with the respective stud-feeding arrangement, each transfer station, in the direction toward the welding head, being arranged, in alignment with the welding head, a holding device for a stud holder, each holding device carrying a stud holder, and the welding head having a coupling part alternatively repositionable axially with respect to one of the stud holders, which coupling part can be optionally coupled to one of the stud holders positioned in a holding device or uncoupled from one of the unloading stud holders in the holding device.

Claim 5

A device according to claim 3, wherein, in the case of a welding plane arranged vertically underneath a welding head, the transfer stations include a holding manner and a stud-feeding arrangement arranged approximately vertically over the welding head, the same being maintained within a pivoting range of about 45° on either side, starting from the vertical position.

Claim 6

A device according to claim 4, wherein the stud-feeding arrangement consists of a vibrator which feeds the studs while the studs are suspended, said vibrator having gripping jaws releasing the stud as soon as the transfer to the respective stud holder has been carried out.

Claim 7

A device according to claim 5 wherein gripping jaws are led to release position and back by a final-control element.

Claim 8

A device according to claim 6, wherein the final-control element comprises at least one pneumatic ram cylinder mounted on a transfer station and gripping jaws which can be forced apart or retracted by said cylinder, to release the stud.

Claim 9

A device according to claim 6, wherein the stud holder forms the final-control element in such manner that the gripping jaws can be spread by said stud holder against the pressure of a spring.

Claim 10

A device according to claim 8, wherein the gripping jaws form an insertion channel for the tip of the stud holder, which channel is shaped to taper in the direction of the stud holder's insertion, starting from a radius that is at least slightly larger than the insertion-end of the stud holder down to the radius of the stud, so that in the transfer position the gripping jaws are spread by the stud holder to release the respective stud.

Claim 11

A device according to claim 9, wherein a thrust pad is arranged behind the gripping jaws in the direction of the stud holder's insertion, against which thrust pad the stud picked up by the stud holder can be forced by the stud holder after the stud has been released by the gripping jaws.

Claim 12

A device according to claim 10, wherein electric contacts are arranged on the thrust pad connectible to the stud holder.

Claim 13

A device according to claim 11, wherein the stud holder is mounted on a welding head automatically by means of detachable gripping jaws.

Claim 14

A device according to claim 12, wherein the gripping jaws can be spread by a pneumatic ram cylinder.

Claim 15

A device according to claim 11, wherein the stud holder has a selflocking conical stud insertable into an appropriate conial recess of the welding head and said stud holder being so insertable as to be capable of release by an ejector arranged coaxially to a recess in the welding head.

Claim 16

A device according to claim 14, wherein a stepping motor is provided for pivoting the welding head.

Claim 17

A device according to claim 15, wherein an electronic control actuates the device.