Rotating work device.

ROTARY WORK DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to rotary working devices that each rotate to cut the distal end surface of a spot welding electrode for use in, for example, an automotive production line to remove or separate the electrode from the end. distant from a scion.

BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE

Spot welding has been conventionally used in an automotive production line. In spot welding, a copper electrode adapted to the distal end of a shaft of a spot welding gun is pressed against a steel sheet, and the steel sheet is energized, and thus is heated by resistance to carry out welding.

Repetitions of a welding operation cause an oxide film to deposit on the distal end surface of the electrode, and when welding is carried out with the deposited oxide film, the quality of a weld is reduced. In this way, the distal end surface of the electrode needs to be cut regularly to remove the oxide film. Cutting the distal end surface of the electrode a plurality of times reduces the length of the electrode. In this way, the electrode needs to be separated from the stem to be replaced with a new electrode.

To meet the needs, a rotary work device for spot welding is typically used on an automotive production line to cut the distal end surface of an electrode and separate the electrode from a stem. A rotary working device described in, for example, Patent Document 1 includes a first annular rotator in which a holder capable of holding an electrode is adapted, a second annular rotator in which a cutter capable of cutting the surface of distal end of the electrode, and a single drive motor having a vertically extending axis of rotation. The first rotator has a periphery that includes a plurality of evenly spaced teeth. The second rotator also has a periphery that includes a plurality of evenly spaced teeth. The first rotator and the drive motor are coupled together through a plurality of meshed gears, and the second rotator and the drive motor are also coupled together through a plurality of meshed gears. If, while the electrode adapted to the distal end of a stem is supported by a holder, the drive motor is rotated, the first rotator allows the electrode to rotate around the central axis of the electrode along with the holder and detach from the end. distant from the stem. If, while the drive motor is being rotated, the distal end surface of the electrode matched to the distal end of the stem contacts the cutter, the second rotator allows the cutter to rotate around the center axis of the electrode and cut through the cutter. distal end surface of the electrode.

A suitable rotational speed of the cutter for an electrode cutting operation is significantly different from that of the holder for an electrode separation operation. For this reason, in Patent Document 1, the outer diameters of the first and second rotators are designed to be significantly different from each other, and the drive motor is rotated at a constant speed. This allows the rotational speed of the first rotator to be different from that of the second rotator. LIST OF REFERENCES PATENT DOCUMENT

PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent No. 3650928 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

In the rotary working device of Patent Document 1, both rotators have different sizes, and while the first rotator rotates at the proper rotational speed for the electrode separating operation, the second rotator rotates at the proper rotational speed for the operation. electrode cutting. In this way, if the cutter is adapted to the first rotator, or the holder is adapted to the second rotator, the electrode separating operation and the electrode cutting operation cannot be carried out properly. In this way, if, in the case of placing such rotary working devices as described above symmetrically with respect to a production line, an attempt is made to satisfy a demand to exchange the positions of the holder and the cutter of one of rotary work devices, there is a need to extensively modify the internal structure of one of the devices, resulting in an increase in cost. Alternatively, depending on the configuration of the production line, a holder or a cutter may be desired to be adapted to each of the first and second rotators. Additionally, since, in Patent Document 1, the outside diameters of the first and second rotators vary, and many gears each mesh with a corresponding one or more of the gears between the drive motor and each rotator in a complicated manner. , component costs increase, and it gets bigger.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact, inexpensive rotary work device with increased versatility.

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

In order to achieve the goal, in the present invention, two rotators have the same outer diameter (pitch diameter), and are rotated at the same time by a single intermediate gear, and the rotational speeds of both rotators are controlled by a servo motor. .

Specifically, the present invention is directed to a rotary working device that holds an electrode adapted to a distal end of a shaft of a spot welding gun with a holder and simultaneously rotates the holder about a central axis of the electrode to carry perform an electrode separation operation in which the electrode is separated from the distal end of the stem, or a cutter is contacted with a distal end surface of the electrode adapted to the distal end of the stem and rotates the cutter about the central axis of the electrode to perform an electrode cutting operation in which the distal end surface the electrode is cut off, and then measurements are taken.

Specifically, a first aspect of the invention is directed to a rotary working device that supports an electrode adapted to a distal end of a shaft of a spot welding gun with a holder and simultaneously rotates the holder about a central axis of the electrode to carry out an electrode separation operation in which the electrode is separated from the distal end of the stem, or a cutter is contacted with a distal end surface of the electrode adapted to the distal end of the stem and rotates the cutter about the central axis of the electrode to carry out an electrode cutting operation in which the distal end surface the electrode is cut off. The device includes: a pair of rotators in each of which the holder or cutter fits, and each has an outer periphery that includes a plurality of annularly arranged teeth, and are arranged radially in parallel such that the axes of rotation of the rotators are oriented in an identical direction; an actuator that includes an intermediate gear that meshes with some of the teeth of each rotator, and a servo motor that rotates the intermediate gear; and a controller that includes a memory that connects to the servo motor and stores a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed different from higher than the first rotational speed. When the electrode separation operation is carried out using at least one of the rotators, the controller sends a separation start signal to the servomotor to rotate both of the mice at the first rotational speed, and when the separation operation cutting the electrode is carried out using at least the other of the rotators, the controller sends a cut start signal for the servo motor to rotate both of the rotators at the second rotational speed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, an electrode container 5 may be provided radially outward from one of the rotators, and may be capable of containing a plurality of unused electrodes such that one central axis of each electrode is oriented in a direction in which the axis of rotation of one of the rotators is oriented, and a location 10 in which one of the electrodes contained in the electrode container is ejected from the electrode container may be in a straight line connecting the centers of rotation of the rotators.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the servomotor may have an axis of rotation that extends in a direction that crosses the axes of rotation of the rotators.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in any of the first to third aspects of the invention, the axis of rotation of the servomotor may be above the rotators.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in any of the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the support may include an annular body that is rotatable under a condition where an axis of rotation of the annular body corresponds to the axis of rotation of per at least one of the rotators, and a plurality of pressing members evenly spaced about the axis of rotation of the annular body and each supported by a spindle extending in a direction identical to a direction of extension of the axis of rotation of the annular body that is rotatable toward the axis of rotation of the annular body. The pressing members may each have a projection that projects away from the axis of rotation of the annular body. An inner circumferential surface of the at least one of the rotators may have a plurality of recesses in each of which a corresponding one of the projections fits loosely. Under a condition where the electrode is positioned between two pressing members such that the central axis of the electrode corresponds to the axis of rotation of the annular body, the at least one of the rotators can be rotated about the axis of rotation of the annular body in one of the directions of rotation of the at least one of the rotators. Rotation of the at least one of the rotators with respect to the support may allow an interior surface of each gap to press on a corresponding one of the projections. The pressing members in this way can be rotated towards the axis of rotation of the at least one of the rotators, and can press an outer circumferential surface of the electrode to support the electrode. The electrode can be rotated together with the holder to further rotate the at least one of the rotators about the axis of rotation of the at least one of the rotators in one of the directions of rotation of the at least one of the rotators. rotators, and can be detached from the distal end of the stem.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

In the first aspect of the invention, the rotational speeds of the rotators can optionally be changed. This allows for proper operations when the holder and cutter are each fitted on either rotator. In this way, for example, in the case of positioning the rotary working devices symmetrically with respect to a production line, the rotating working devices can be made symmetrically only by exchanging the positions of the holder and the cutter on the rotators of one rotating working devices, thus preventing an increase in cost. Additionally, a holder can be fitted on each rotator, or a cutter can be fitted on each rotator, thus providing greater versatility. On the other hand, since the single intermediate gear between the rotators rotates the rotators at the same time, the number of gears can be less than that of Patent Document 1, and a compact, inexpensive rotary working device can be obtained.

In the second aspect of the invention, a region of the device where an electrode is partially cut, a region thereof where an electrode separates from the stem, and a region thereof where an electrode conforms to the stem are aligned. This alignment can simplify the operation of, for example, a robot or an automatic machine that moves an electrode on the production line to reduce processing time.

In the third aspect of the invention, the servomotor extends in a direction that intersects the axes of rotation of the rotators. In this way, when the operation in which the electrode is partially cut in the operation in which the electrode is separated from the stem are carried out, a portion of the robot or an automatic machine that puts the electrode closer to the rotators to along the respective axes of rotation it is less likely to be in contact with the device.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, when the electrode is to be separated from the distal end of the stem, the cooling water draining off the stem is less likely to reach the interior of the servomotor even if the cooling water enters the device. This can ensure that even when the operation in which the electrode is detached from the stem is repeated, failure of the servomotor is prevented.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the rotation of the at least one of the rotators in the electrode separating operation can be used to hold a target electrode to be separated. This eliminates the need to prepare a drive source to rotate the at least one of the rotators separately from the servomotor to support the electrode. Simple installation can be provided, and a compact, inexpensive rotary working device can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary working device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating how the gears within the device mesh with each other.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. two.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. two.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. two.

FIG. 6 illustrates the condition of the device immediately prior to both rotators being rotated from the condition illustrated in FIG. 2 to separate an electrode from the distal end of a rod. DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is simply a preferred example.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rotary working device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The rotary work device 1 is positioned laterally out of a transfer passage R of an automotive production line to carry out an electrode separation operation and an electrode cutting operation (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In the electrode separating operation, an electrode 10 is separated from the distal end of an SI shaft of a G spot welding gun taken by a welding robot (not shown), and in the electrode cutting operation, the end distant from the electrode 10 on which an oxide film is deposited due to repetitions of the weld being cut off.

A box 2 which is generally rectangular when viewed in plan is provided in the mid-section of the rotary working device 1.

The case support mechanisms 12 are positioned upstream and downstream of a portion of the case 2 remote from the transfer passage R along a transfer direction of the components in the line, and each includes a coil spring. not shown, which absorbs the impact caused when a vertical force acts on the box 2.

The amount by which an upper surface of a middle portion of the box 2 along the transfer direction protrudes upward, increases with increasing transfer passage distance R. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 2d are arranged in parallel along the transfer direction on a lower surface of a portion of the case 2 remote from the transfer passage R.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pair of upper through holes 2a that form an identical circular shape are formed in an upper surface of a portion of the box 2 near the transfer passage R in parallel along the direction of transfer, and the Lower through holes 2b are formed in portions of a lower surface of the box 2 which corresponds to the upper through holes 2a for passing through.

In contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a servo motor 5 is fitted within an end portion of the case 2 remote from the transfer passage R, and includes a rotation shaft 5a extending in a horizontal direction that crosses the transfer direction.

The rotary shaft 5a of the servo motor 5 passes through a communication hole 2c formed in the end portion of the box 2 remote from the transfer passage R and

<img file="MX371015B_D0001.tif" />

which communicates with the interior of box 2, faces into the interior of box 2, and has a distal end to which an input gear 5b formed in the shape of a generally circular truncated cone fits.

A portion of the case 2 remote from the transfer passage R includes a first vertically extending rotation shaft Shl rotatably supported by the case 2 through the bearings B1 each fitted in a corresponding one of the upper and lower end portions of the first shaft of rotation Shl.

A bevel gear 6 is adapted to the first rotation shaft Shl to rotate together with the first rotation shaft Shl, and meshes with the input gear 5b from below.

A first intermediate gear 7 is fixed to the bevel gear 6 of the first rotation shaft Shl through a plurality of bolts P1 below the bevel gear 6 such that the axis of rotation of the first intermediate gear 7 corresponds to that of the bevel gear 6. The first intermediate gear 7 rotates together with the bevel gear 6.

A generally central portion of case 2 includes a second vertically extending rotary shaft Sh2 rotatably supported by case 2 through bearings B2 each fitted on a corresponding one of the upper and lower end portions of the second rotary shaft. Sh2.

A second intermediate gear 8 is adapted to the second rotation shaft Sh2 to rotate together with the second rotation shaft Sh2, and meshes with the first intermediate gear 7. The second intermediate gear 8 and the servo motor 5 form an actuator 13 hereof. invention.

The first ring-shaped bearings 31 are placed in a peripheral portion of one of the upper through-holes 2a located upstream along the transfer direction and a peripheral portion of one of the lower through-holes 2b corresponding to one of the upper through holes 2a as illustrated in FIG. Four. While a front surface of a portion of each first bearing 31 near the inner circumference thereof has an annular cutout 31a, a rear surface of the portion of the first bearing 31 near the inner circumference thereof has an annular protrusion 31b.

A first ring-shaped output gear 32 (rotator) that is rotatable about the axis of rotation CI that is oriented upwards or downwards is provided between both of the first bearings 31 and is positioned below the rotation shaft 5a of the servomotor 5.

Specifically, the rotary shaft 5a of the servo motor 5 is located above the first output gear 32, and the servo motor 5 is provided with its rotational shaft 5a extending in a direction that crosses the axis of rotation Cl of the first gear of exit 32.

An outer circumferential surface of the first output gear 32 has an annular projection 33 laterally protruding outward and having a generally T-shaped cross section.

The annular projection 33 includes an annular thin base portion 33a that protrudes laterally outward and extends radially outward from the axis of rotation of the first output gear 32, and an extension portion 33b that extends vertically from the outer periphery of the base portion 33a. The base portion 33a is located between the annular projections 31b of both of the first bearings 31.

An outer circumferential surface of the extension portion 33b includes a plurality of first teeth 33c, which are uniformly spaced in parallel about the axis of rotation Cl to form an annular conformation.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an inner surface of the first outer gear 32 is radially outwardly embedded to form five grooves 33d (hollow) extending in a vertical direction. The five slots 33d are evenly spaced around the axis of rotation Cl.

A generally disk-like cover member 34 (an annular body) that is rotatable about the axis of rotation Cl is fitted in the cutout31a of each first bearing such that the axis of rotation of the cover member 34 corresponds to the axis of rotation Cl of the first output gear 32. An electrode insertion hole 34a through which the electrode 10 is to be inserted into the first output gear 32 is formed in a central portion of each cover member 34 to pass through.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, five pressing members 35 that are generally fan-shaped when viewed in plan are evenly spaced between both of the cover members 34 and toward the inner circumference of the first output gear 32 about the axis of rotation Cl, and are positioned to correspond with the respective slots 33d.

Press members 35 and cover members 34 form a support 37 of the present invention. The pressing members 35 are each pivotally supported by both cover members 34 with a vertically extending screw 35a (spindles), and is rotatable towards the axis of rotation Cl of the first output gear 32.

While a portion of each pressing member 35 near the axis of rotation Cl has a curved surface 35b that butts inward along the radius of the first output gear 32, a portion of the pressing member 35 remote from the axis of rotation Cl has a projection 31c loosely fitted in a corresponding one of the grooves 33d.

The second ring-shaped bearings 41 are positioned in a peripheral portion of the upper through hole 2a located downstream along the transfer direction and a peripheral portion of the lower through hole 2b corresponding to the upper through hole 2a as illustrated in FIG. 5. A rear surface of a portion of each second bearing 41 near the inner circumference thereof has an annular cutout 41a.

A second ring-shaped output gear 42 (rotator) that is rotatable about the axis of rotation 02 that is oriented up or down is provided between both second bearings 41, and has a pitch diameter equal to the pitch diameter of the first output gear 32.

In other words, the first and second output gears 32 and 42 have identical outer diameter, and are arranged radially in parallel such that the axis of rotation Cl of the first output gear 32 and the axis of rotation C2 of the second output gear 42 are oriented in the same direction.

A peripheral portion of the second output gear 42 extends in a vertical direction, and is thick. The outer periphery of the peripheral portion of the second output gear 42 includes the second teeth 42a. The second teeth 42a are uniformly spaced in parallel about the axis of rotation C2 to form an annular shape. The number of the second teeth 42a is equal to that of the first teeth 33c of the first output gear 32.

The annular cutter attachment members 43 are provided toward the inner circumference of the second output gear 42 to rotate together with the second output gear 42, and a cutter 44 is inserted into the cutter attachment members 43.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, plate members 44a and 44b having substantially the same exterior shape are assembled on cutter 44 to be in the shape of a cross when viewed in plan. The insertion of the two plate members 44a and 44b is eccentric when viewed in plan such that the line of intersection of a lateral surface of the plate members 44a and 44b, i.e., the plate member 44a, and a lateral surface from the other thereof, that is, plate member 44b, corresponds to the axis of rotation C2 of the second output gear 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, while the upper and lower surfaces of the plate member 44a have a pair of respective curved portions 45a that are recessed, the upper and lower surfaces of the plate members 44b have a pair of respective curved portions 46a that are recessed. A longitudinal end portion of each curved portion 45a is provided with a cutting edge 45b. Cutting edge 45b extends along the radius of electrode 10 to correspond with a distal end surface of electrode 10.

The servo motor 5 is connected to a control panel 11 (controller), which sends a separation start signal, a hold release signal, and a cut start signal to the servo motor 5.

The control panel 11 includes a memory 11 that stores a first low rotational speed and a second rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed. When an electrode separation operation is carried out using the first output gear 32, the separation start signal is sent to the servo motor 5 to rotate the first and second output gears 32 and 42 at the first rotational speed. When an electrode cutting operation is carried out using the second output gear 42, the cutting start signal is sent to the servo motor 5 to rotate the first and second output gears 32 and 42 at the second rotational speed.

Specifically, when an electrode separation operation is carried out, the electrode 10 is positioned between the pressing members 35 such that its central axis corresponds to the axis of rotation Cl as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, and in this state, the control panel 11 sends the separation start signal of the servomotor 5. This drive allows the first output gear 32 to rotate about the axis of rotation Cl in one of the directions of rotation of the first output gear 32 (a direction X4 in FIG. 2) at the first rotational speed through the gear of input 5b, bevel gear 6, first intermediate gear 7 and second intermediate gear 8 each meshing with a corresponding one or more of the gears. This rotation of the first output gear 32 with respect to the bracket 37 allows the inner surface of each slot 33d to press a corresponding one of the projections 35c in one of the directions of rotation. This allows the pressure members 35 to rotate towards the axis of rotation Cl and press the outer circumferential surface of the electrode 10, thereby holding the electrode 10. Subsequently, when the first output gear 32 further rotates about the axis of rotation Cl in the one of the directions with the electrode 10 supported by the pressure members 35, the first output gear 32 and the holder 37 rotate the electrode 10 about from the central axis of electrode 10 to separate electrode 10 from the distal end of the stem Si.

The control panel 11 sends the hold release signal to the servo motor 5 with the electrode 10 spaced from the distal end of the SI stem. This send allows the first output gear 32 to rotate about the axis of rotation Cl in the other of the directions of rotation (a direction opposite to the direction X4 in FIG. 2) through the input gear 5b, the bevel gear 6, the first intermediate gear 7, and the second intermediate gear 8 each meshing with a corresponding one or more of the gears. This rotation of the first output gear 32 with respect to the bracket 37 allows the inner surface of each slot 33d to press a corresponding one of the projections 35c in the other of the directions of rotation. This allows the pressure members 35 to rotate away from the axis of rotation Cl and release the retained electrode 10 from the pressure members 35.

In contrast, when an electrode cutting operation is carried out, the control panel 11 sends the cutting start signal to the servo motor 5. This sending allows the second output gear 42 to rotate about the axis of rotation C2 in a of the directions of rotation of the second output gear 42 (a direction X5 in FIG. 2) together with the cutter 44 at the second rotational speed through the input gear 5b, the bevel gear 6, the first intermediate gear 7, and the second intermediate gear 8 each meshing with a corresponding or corresponding of the gears, and in this state, the distal end surface of electrode 10 is brought into contact with one of the curved portions 45a and 46a of cutter 44. This allows one of the cutting edges 45b to cut the distal end surface of the electrode 10.

A pair of electrode containment drawers 9 (electrode container) which can contain a plurality of unused electrodes 10 is provided laterally outward from a portion of the box 2 near the transfer passage R along the transfer direction (radially outward from the first and second output gears 32 and 42).

The electrode containment drawers 9 are each in the form of a thin flat plate, are symmetrical with each other with respect to the box 2, and can be attached to or separated from the box 2 with a lever 9a.

The electrode containment drawers 9 each include a disk 91 having an axis of rotation that is oriented upward or downward (facing in the direction in which the first and second output gears 32 and 42 are oriented), and a cover 92 that covers the disk 91.

A portion of each cover 92 near the transfer passage R has a cutout 92a that is generally rectangular when viewed in plan (at a location where one of the electrodes is ejected). Cutout 92a is located on a straight line connecting the centers of rotation of the first and second output gears 32 and 42.

A peripheral portion of each disk 91 has a plurality of electrode containment holes 91a that open upwardly and are horizontally spaced about the axis of rotation of disk 91a. The electrode containment holes 91a each contain one of the unused electrodes 10 such that the center axes of the unused electrodes 10 face up and down and the unused electrodes 10 open upward.

As each disc 91 rotates about its axis of rotation, the electrode containment holes 91a successively correspond to the cutout 92a, and the distal end of the stem SI is inserted, from above, into the opening of one of the electrodes 10 contained in one of the electrode containment holes 91a corresponding to the cutout 92a. This insertion allows one of the electrodes 10 to conform to the distal end of the SI stem and then to be ejected from one of the electrode containment holes 91a.

In the embodiment of the present invention, bracket 37 fits into first output gear 32, and cutter 44 fits into second output gear 42. However, since the servo motor 5 allows the rotational speeds of the first and second output gears 32 and 42 to be freely determined, the first output gear 32 can be rotated at the first rotational speed with the cutter 44 matched on the first gear. output gear 32, or the second output gear 42 can be rotated at the second rotational speed with the bracket 37 matched on the second output gear 42. Alternatively, bracket 37 can be fitted on each of the first and second output gears 32 and 42, or conversely, cutter 44 can be fitted on each of the first and second output gears 32 and 42.

The bevel gear 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a helical bevel gear, and the first intermediate gear 7, the second intermediate gear 8, the first output gear 32, and the second output gear 42 are helical gears. However, the gears can be replaced with usual bevel gears or spur gears.

While, in the embodiment of the present invention, the cutter 44 is in the shape of a cross when viewed in plan, the shape of the cutter 44 is not limited to the cross, and a cutter that forms another shape can be adapted in cutter attachment members 43.

Next, an operation in which an electrode 10 is detached from the distal end of the stem SI will be described.

First, the electrode 10 adapted to the distal end of the SI stem is inserted into the electrode insertion hole 34a of the cover member 34, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the central axis of the electrode 10 is matched to the axis of rotation of the first output gear 32.

Then, when a Separation Start signal is sent from the welding robot not shown to the control panel 11, the control panel 11 sends a separation start signal to the servomotor 5. This sending allows the input gear 5b to rotate in one direction. XI, and allow the bevel gear 6 and the first intermediate gear 7 to rotate in a direction X2 as sg illustrated in FIG. two. Additionally, the rotation of the bevel gear 6 and the first intermediate gear 7 allows the second intermediate gear 8 to rotate in a direction X3. This allows the first output gear 2 to rotate in the X4 direction.

In this case, the first output gear 32 rotates about the axis of rotation Cl with respect to the support 37 in the direction X4 at the first rotational speed, and the inner surface of each slot 33d presses the projection 35c of a corresponding one of the members pressure 35 in direction X4.

The pressure members 35 each have the projection 35c pressed in the direction X4 rotating towards the axis of rotation Cl, and presses the outer circumferential surface of the electrode 10, thus allowing the pressure members 35 to hold the electrode 10.

Then, when the first output gear 32 further rotates in the X4 direction with the electrode 10 supported by the pressure members 35, the first output gear 32 and the holder 37 rotate the electrode 10 about the central axis of the electrode 10, and the electrode 10 is separated from the stem SI.

Then, when a hold release signal is sent from the not shown welding robot to the control panel 11, the control panel 11 sends a hold release signal to the servomotor 5. This send allows the first output gear 32 to rotate about the axis of rotation CI co with respect to the bracket 37 in a direction opposite to the direction X4, and the inner surface of each slot 33d passes the projection 35c of a corresponding one of the members of pressure 35 in the opposite direction to the X4 direction.

Then, the pressure members 35 each have the projection 35c pressed in the opposite direction to the X4 direction by rotating away from the axis of rotation C1 and releasing the retained electrode 10 from the pressure members 35.

Next, an operation in which an electrode 10 is fitted to the distal end of the stem SI will be described.

When an electrode matching start signal is fed from the control panel 11 to the welding robot not shown, the SI stem from which an electrode 10 has been separated by the holder 35 moves up and then moves horizontally above the cutout. 92a of one of the electrode containment drawers 9 in a straight line.

Sequentially, the stem SI moves downward, and the distal end of the stem SI is inserted into the opening of an unused electrode 10 contained in one of the electrode containment holes 91a corresponding to cutouts 92a from above. This insertion allows the electrode 10 to conform to the distal end of the SI stem.

Then, the stem SI moves upward, and the electrode 10 is ejected from one of the electrode containment holes 91 to complete the electrode setting operation.

Ιθ Next, an operation in which the distal end surface of the SI stem is cut is described.

First, when a cut start signal is sent from the not shown welding robot to the control panel 11, the control panel 11 sends a cut start signal to the servo motor 5. This send allows the input gear 5b to rotate in the direction XI, and allows the g bevel gear 6 and the first intermediate gear 7 to rotate in the direction X2 as illustrated in FIG. two. Additionally, the rotation of the bevel gear 6 and the first intermediate gear 7 allows the second intermediate gear 8 to rotate in the X3 direction. This allows the second output gear 42 to rotate about the axis of rotation C2 in the direction X5.

Then, the electrode 10 adapted to the distal end of the stem SI is moved above the cutter 44, and the central axis 25 of the electrode is made to coincide with the axis of rotation.

C2 of the second output gear 42.

The electrode 10 is then brought closer to the cutter 44 along the axis of rotation C2 of the second output gear 42. This allows one of the cutting edges 45b of the rotary cutter 44 to be in contact with the distal end surface of electrode 10, and cutter 44 rotates about the center axis of electrode 10 to cut the distal end surface of electrode 10.

In view of the above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speeds of the first and second output gears 32 and 42 can optionally be changed. This allows for a proper parting or cutting operation when bracket 37 and cutter 44 are each engaged in either first and second output gears 32 and 42. In this way, for example, in the case of positioning the rotating working devices 1 symmetrically with respect to a production line, the rotating working devices 1 can be made symmetrical only by exchanging the positions of the support 37 and the cutter 44 in the first and second output gears 32 and 42 of one of the rotary working devices 1, thus preventing an increase in cost. Additionally, a bracket 37 can be fitted on each of the first and second output gears 32 and 42, or a cutter 44 can be fitted on each of the first and second output gears 32 and 42, thereby providing greater versatility. On the other hand, since the second single intermediate gear 8 between the first and second output gears 32 and 42 rotates the first and second output gears 32 and 42 at the same time, the number of gears may be less than that of Document Patent 1, and a low-cost, compact rotary working device 1 can be obtained.

A region of the rotary working device 1 where an electrode 10 is partially cut, a region thereof where an electrode 10 separates from the SI stem, and a region thereof where an electrode 10 is conformed to the SI stem are aligned. This alignment can simplify the operation of, for example, a robot or an automatic machine that moves an electrode 10 on the production line to reduce processing time.

Additionally, the servomotor 5 extends in a direction that crosses the axis of rotation Cl of the first output gear 32 and the axis of rotation C2 of the second output gear 42. In this way, when the operation in which the electrode 10 is partially cut off and the operation in which the electrode 10 is separated from the stem YES are carried out, a portion of the robot or an automatic machine that is put on the electrode 10 close to the first and second output gears 32 and 42 along the respective axes of rotation is less likely to be in contact with the rotary working device 1.

Furthermore, when the electrode 10 is to be separated from the distal end of the SI stem, the cooling water dripping from the SI stem is less likely to reach the interior of the servo motor 5 even if the cooling water enters the rotating working device 1. This can ensure that even when the operation in which the electrode 10 is detached from the stem IS repeated, a failure of the servomotor 5 is prevented.

The rotation of the first output gear 32 in the electrode separating operation can be used to retain a target electrode 10 to be separated. This eliminates the need to prepare a drive source to be rotated the first output gear 32 separately from the servo motor 5 to retain the electrode 10. Simple installation can be provided, and a compact, inexpensive rotary working device 1 can be obtained.

INDUSTRIAL FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention is suitable for a rotary work device that rotates to cut a distal end surface of, for example, a spot welding electrode for use on an automotive production line or to separate the electrode from a distal end of a stem. DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENCE CHARACTERS

Rotary work device

<img file="MX371015B_D0002.tif" />

Servomotor

5th Rotation Tree

Second Middle Gear

Electrode Containment Drawer (Container

Electrode)

Electrode

Control Panel (Controller) lia Memory

Actuator

First Output Gear (Rotator)

33c First Teeth

33d Slot (Hollow)

35a Screw (Spindle)

35c Projection

Cover Member (Annular Body)

Pressure Member

Support

Second Output Gear (Rotator)

Cutter

92nd Cutout (Location from which the Electrode is

Eject)

Cl, C2 Axis of Rotation

YES Stem

G Spot Welding Gun