Patent ID: 8294064
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. An electrode apparatus for use in welding a projection weld nut to a work piece, comprising: a first electrode assembly including an electrode mounting block, a weld electrode disposed in said mounting block, a first end of said weld electrode extending from a welding side of said mounting block for contact with a work piece, an insulating bushing separating said weld electrode from direct contact with said mounting block, and a contacting electrode floatingly installed into a receiving cavity located in a second end of said weld electrode, said contacting electrode provided for contact by a first gun arm electrode of a weld gun; a second electrode assembly for working in conjunction with said first electrode assembly to weld a projection weld nut to said work piece, said second electrode assembly including an electrode mounting block, a weld electrode disposed in said mounting block, a first end of said weld electrode extending from a welding side of said mounting block for contact with a projection weld nut, an insulating bushing separating said weld electrode from direct contact with said mounting block, and a contacting electrode floatingly installed into a receiving cavity located in a second end of said weld electrode, said contacting electrode provided for contact by a second gun arm electrode of said weld gun; a first electrode assembly support member for retaining and supporting said first electrode assembly; a second electrode assembly support member for retaining and supporting said second electrode assembly; wherein at least one of said first and second electrode assembly support members are movable to permit insertion of said work piece and said weld nut between said electrode assemblies; and wherein, during a welding operation, said work piece and said weld nut are trapped in abutting contact between said weld electrodes of said first and second electrode assemblies while said weld gun applies pressure thereto and transfers electric current therethrough to weld said projection weld nut to said work piece.