Self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly

{
  "publication_number": "US10384292B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly",
  "abstract": "A self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly includes a mount fixedly connectable to a multi-axis robotic arm, and a slidable, floating adapter plate for mounting of a wire feeder thereon. The adapter plate is coupled with and slidable about the mount, and the adapter plate is moveable relative to the mount when a force is applied to the wire feeder.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A robotic MIG welding torch system comprising: a multi-axis robotic arm having a distal, tool mounting end; a welding torch mounted on said distal, tool mounting end; a wire feeder; a power cable connected on one end to the welding torch and extending through said multi-axis robotic arm, said power cable being connected on an opposite end to said wire feeder; and a self-adjusting wire feeder mounting assembly, comprising: a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the multi-axis robotic arm, a slidable adapter plate including a mounting surface, a lower surface opposite the mounting surface, and a flange extending from the lower surface, the wire feeder being mounted on the mounting surface, said slidable adapter plate being coupled with said mounting bracket via a stationary track, said stationary track being defined by three stationary bolts, each of the three stationary bolts having an end that is screwed into and fixedly connected to said mounting bracket such that a shank of each bolt extends outwardly from only one same side of said mounting bracket, said slidable adapter plate including a plurality of openings in said flange through which said bolts are inserted such that said slidable adapter plate is slidable along said bolts, and a plurality of resilient members biasing said slidable adapter plate relative to said mounting bracket, each bolt being inserted through two of said resilient members such that said two resilient members are disposed on opposite sides of said flange of said adapter plate, wherein said slidable adapter plate is linearly moveable along said mounting bracket in both a forward direction and an opposite backward direction during manipulation of said multi-axis robotic arm, reducing slack in said power cable and reducing occurrence of binding of said power cable.",
    "2. The robotic MIG welding torch system of claim 1, wherein movement of said, slidable adapter plate moves said wire feeder toward and away from said multi-axis robotic arm, thereby adjusting position of the power cable connected to said wire feeder relative to said multi-axis robotic arm.",
    "3. The robotic MIG welding torch system of claim 1, wherein a bearing is disposed in each opening to facilitate movement of the slidable adapter plate along the bolts.",
    "4. The robotic MIG welding torch system of claim 1, wherein said resilient members are coil springs.",
    "5. The robotic MIG welding torch system of claim 1, including a mounting plate connected to the mounting surface of the slidable adapter plate for mounting the wire feeder on the slidable adapter plate."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This disclosure relates to through-arm robotic MIG welding torch systems, and more particularly to a wire feeder mounting assembly for a through-arm robotic MIG welding torch system.\n\nA through-arm robotic MIG welding torch system generally includes a multi-axis robotic arm and a welding torch mounted to a distal end of the robotic arm. A power cable connects the welding torch to a source of welding power, consumable electrode wire, shielding gas, and optionally cooling liquid. The power cable may be a unicable design in which welding power, electrode wire, shielding gas, and optionally cooling liquid are all transferred within a single cable assembly from the source to the welding torch. The power cable extends from the source and internally through the robotic arm to the welding torch.\n\nIn all through-arm robotic MIG welding torch systems, the power cable has a fixed length. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, conventionally the wire feeder 10 connected to the power cable 12 is fixedly mounted on the robotic arm 14 such that the wire feeder is stationary relative to the robotic arm. As the robotic arm 14 moves in a robotic path shown by two-headed arrow 16 (for instance, the robotic arm may rotate about its 5th axis from at least a +120 degree disposition to at least a −120 degree disposition), the power cable 12 binds/compresses because it cannot extend or contract in length due to the fixed position of both ends of the power cable (fixed point 18, fixed point 20). This causes unwanted stress in the power cable 12 as well as the wire, liner, and other components located internally in the cable.",
  "cpc": [
    "B23K 9/125",
    "B23K 9/1336",
    "B23K 9/16",
    "B23K 9/173",
    "B23K 9/287",
    "B25J 19/0025"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B23K 9/12",
    "B23K 9/133",
    "B23K 9/16",
    "B23K 9/173",
    "B23K 9/28",
    "B25J 19/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Illinois Tool Works Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Ryan M. Lizotte",
    "Lloyd J. Steed"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2013-12-17",
  "publication_date": "2019-08-20",
  "grant_date": "2019-08-20",
  "priority_date": "2012-12-18",
  "application_number": "US-201314109034-A",
  "family_id": "49885504",
  "cited_by_count": 2,
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}