GB309196A - Improvements in or relating to welding machines - Google Patents

Abstract

309,196. Budd Wheel Co., (Assignees of Eksergian, C. L.). April 6, 1928, [Convention date]. Wheels.-In welding discs to the rims of wheels, a welding-machine is arranged in fixed juxtaposition to a work conveying path and the work is moved transversely from the path to and from the machine. The discs 12 are fed by reciprocating arms 11 along a track 10 from the last forming machine 14, so as to transfer them successively to a machine 15 for forming spuds 45<1> in the flanges, a machine 17 for assembling the rims and discs, and an electric welding machine 19 for welding the rims to the discs. The discs are lifted from the track and clamped against an abutment 65 on the machine 15 by a pneumatically operated cylinder 47 provided with a head 50 for fitting the centre of the disc and pins 49 for engaging holes 45 adjacent thereto. The flanges are thus inserted between a series of pairs of radial dies 46 which are operated by fluid pressure cylinders 51 to form the spuds. The flanges are then lowered to return the discs to the track. The track from the assembling machine to the welding machine is at a lower level and as the discs are transferred from the machine 15 they are pushed by a reciprocating head 18 into the rims 13. The assembled parts are then transferred to a movable section 10<1> of the track under the welding machine, the wheel with its track being lifted so that the flanges are inserted between a series of pairs of adjustable water-cooled radial electrodes 29, 31, the centre of the disc engaging an adjustable head 43 and the holes 45 passing over pins 44 thereon. This motion is effected by a spider 37 carried by a pneumatically operated piston 39, rods 41 and sockets 42 maintaining the radial alignment of the parts. The pairs of electrodes are mounted in cylinders 25 floatingly mounted in guides 24, and are each connected to a separate transformer. The electrodes 31 are actuated by pistons 26 retracted by springs and operated pneumatically. The fluid pressure is supplied to the actuating members through valves 60 controlled by cams 61 .. 64 on the timing shaft 61<1> of the fabricating line. The welding cylinders are controlled by the cam 61. The pressure is also communicated through a quick release pneumatic valve 57 to operate an electromagnetic relay 54 so as to put in the welding switch 53 after the electrodes have been pressed into contact with the work and to release it before they are disengaged therefrom. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 305,097, [Class 83 (iv), Metals, working].