Inventors:
Robert L. Smith - Wyandotte MI
International Classification:
B23K 1111, B23K 1131
Abstract:
A multiple-electrode spot welding apparatus has the inner ends of the electrode shanks disposed in a bed of small ball bearings in such a manner that when the electrode tips contact a workpiece, any uneven pressure applied by one of the electrodes moves the other electrodes to equalize the pressure applied by all electrodes. In another embodiment of the invention, the ends of each pair of electrode shanks have semi-spherical ends seated on a small tilt plate. The mid-section of the small tilt plate is seated on a small ball which, in turn, is seated on another larger tilt plate. The larger tilt plate is seated on a larger ball in such a manner that any imbalance in the pressure of certain electrode tips contacting the workpiece, causes the other electrode tips to move to balance the pressure of all the electrodes. A third embodiment uses a single ball mechanism to make a dual electrode fixture self-adjusting.