Automatic feed apparatus, for fusion welding machine, and electrode holder therefor

摘要

An automatic feed apparatus is provided for a fusion welding machine, in which metal components are welded together. The apparatus has an electrode holder for holding a pin and having a clamping lever for clamping the pin to an electrode. A feeding device feeds pins to the electrode holder. A feed control unit controls the feeding device so that pins are sent individually to the electrode holder. The electrode holder in turn is controlled by a holder control unit. The holder control unit causes the clamping lever to open to receive a pin, and optionally can also control the position at which the pin is clamped. The feed control unit and holder control unit are synchronized together. Thus, the feeding device is only actuated to send a pin to the electrode holder, when the holder control unit has opened the clamping lever. After a predetermined time, sufficient for a pin to travel to the electrode holder, actuation of the feeding device is terminated and the electrode holder is released by the holder control unit. The clamping lever then holds a pin in the electrode holder, ready for a welding operation.