Patent ID: 6049053
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
An apparatus for loosening an electrode tip, comprising:a clamping mechanism rotatable mounted to a casing for clamping the electrode tip, the clamping mechanism defining a through-hole for receiving the electrode tip to be loosened, said clamping mechanism including at least two clamping members, each of which is rotated in both directions around a corresponding rotational axis in response to a rotation of said clamping mechanism relative to said casing, each of said clamping members including a cam formed on a peripheral surface thereof to define the through-hole in cooperation with corresponding cams of another of said clamping members, each of the cams presenting a diametrally smaller portion and a diametrally larger portion along a circumference thereof, the cams being oriented relative one another such that an inscribed circle diameter defined by the cams is larger than the outer diameter of the electrode tip when the diametrally smaller portion of each cam faces a center line of M--M of the through hole, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the electrode tip when the diametrally larger portion of each cam faces said center line of M--M, a region of engagement of each of said cams with the electrode tip when clamped in said clamping mechanism being located proximal a straight locus extending between the corresponding rotational axis and the centerline of M--M of the through hole; anda drive source for selectively imparting rotation to the clamping mechanism relative to the casing.