Patent ID: 8950047
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: B23K,B25J,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A welding tip replacement apparatus for a welding torch that includes a tubular tip connection body, a tubular retaining member fitted over the tip connection body, and a tubular welding tip fitted within the tip connection body, the retaining member being urged toward one end of the tip connection body along an axis of the tip connection body by an elastic member, the welding torch being configured such that displacing the retaining member axially toward an other end of the tip connection body causes the welding tip axially fastened to the tip connection body to be released, the apparatus comprising: a first grasping mechanism that grasps the retaining member; a second grasping mechanism that grasps the welding tip protruding from the retaining member in a direction away from the one end or another welding tip; a first driving mechanism that drives the first grasping mechanism axially toward the other end to release the welding tip fastened to the tip connection body and drives the first grasping mechanism axially toward the one end to fasten the other welding tip to the tip connection body; a second driving mechanism that drives the second grasping mechanism axially in the direction away from the one end to detach the welding tip and drives the second grasping mechanism axially toward the other end to attach the other welding tip; and a cutting mechanism positioned to cut a wire, extending through the welding tip and the tip connection body, at a location between the tip connection body and the welding tip detached from the tip connection body.