RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This international application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/339,391, filed October 31, 2016, entitled "MULTI-PROCESS TORCH." The entirety of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/339,391 is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to systems and apparatuses employing multiple welding- type torches across multiple weld processes, and more particularly to a power supply and multi-use cable assembly for use with multiple welding-type torch heads.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Welding has been developed and refined for years as one of the most widely used material joining technologies. Welding torches today typically have a cable permanently attached. With welding machines commonly utilized at construction and other worksites, the machines, and especially the cables, are subjected to abuse in the form of high tension, abrasion, and shear as the power sources, wire feeders or remotes, and cables are manipulated by an operator around other obstacles common at a worksite.

[0004] The components of welding machines are often crushed, snagged, cut, warn, or otherwise damaged, even under normal working conditions. In a system where a torch head is fixed to a cable, replacement of the cable would require replacement of the torch head as well, regardless of the condition of the torch head. Conversely, if a torch head must be replaced, a replacement cable would come attached to the replacement torch. The result is an expensive, time consuming process that may include unnecessarily replacing serviceable components simply because they are permanently attached to a damaged cable, torch, etc.

[0005] Therefore, a system with a modular design for easy replacement and repair of weld cables and welding-type torches is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an example multi-process torch system including a plurality of welding- type torches and a multi-use cable assembly.

[0007] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an example individual torch interface.

[0008] FIG. 2B depicts a detailed view of a connector of the individual torch interface of FIG.

2A.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example cable interface.

[0010] FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of an example multi-use multi-channel cable.

[0011] FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the multi-use multi-channel cable.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an example power pin connection.

[0013] FIG. 6 depicts an example electrical diagram for operating the example system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIGS. 7-11 depict perspective views of example individual torch interfaces.

[0015] The drawings are not to scale. Where appropriate, the identical reference numerals are used to describe the identical and/or similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with respect to a welding system that includes a welding-type torch connectable to a multi-use weld cable assembly.

[0017] Disclosed examples relate to the use of different welding-type torches across multiple weld processes with a modular, multi-use, multi-process cable. Systems and apparatus described herein allow a user to quickly and efficiently swap between different welding-type torches employing the same weld cable. In other words, a user need purchase only a single weld cable assembly while maintaining the flexibility to replace a welding-type torch as needed. Conversely, a user may replace a damaged cable without having to also replace an operational weld torch. Thus, the examples described herein advantageously reduce the number of weld cables needed to operate multiple weld-type torches, as well as ensuring repairs and/or replacement of components is limited to only inoperative items.

[0018] Disclosed example multi-process torches include a connector having an interface configured with ports and/or receptacles for the receipt and/or transmission of data, power, signals, electrode wire, welding gas, etc. The connector of the multi-process torch is paired with a connector of a cable configured to convey the data, power, signals, wire, and/or gas. For example, the cable provides multiple channels, each configured to transmit a different item. [0019] FIG. 1 provides a system 100 including a multi-use cable assembly 102 configured to connect to different welding-type torches 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, corresponding to a spool gun 110, a push-pull gun 112, a metal inert gas ("MIG") torch 114, a plasma torch 116, a tungsten inert gas ("TIG") torch 118, and a stick electrode holder 120, respectively. The welding-type torches 110-120 may be implemented as manual weld torches and/or as robotically manipulated weld torches. As described in greater detail below, a user is able to attach each of the welding-type torches 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 to the multi-use cable assembly 102. In other words, the welding-type torches 110-120 are detachable instead of permanently affixed to the cable assembly 102, making replacement and repair simpler, more efficient, and/or more cost effective.

[0020] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the multi-use cable assembly 102 includes a cable connector 108 at a distal end, a machine power pin 106 at a proximal end, and a multi-channel cable 104 connecting the two. The machine power pin 106 connects with a power supply and/or a control system (not shown) to facilitate operation of a connected welding-type torch. The cable connector 108 is configured with plural ports and/or receptacles. The connector 108 is further configured with a lock to detachably secure the multi-use cable assembly 102 to a corresponding connector HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C, of each respective welding-type torch 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120. Although FIG. 1 shows connectors HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C as fixed to the body of the respective welding-type torch 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, each connector can be configured as a cable extension attached to the welding-type torch. For example, a short "whip" style length of cable can be directly attached to the back of the torch handle in close proximity to the torch with the connector at a distal end for connection to the multi-channel cable 104. The whip length of cable may reduce strain on the connectors 108, HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C and/or improve flexibility of the assembly.

[0021] Once connected, each port and/or receptacle corresponding to a channel of the cable 104 that conveys an item needed for operation of a specific welding-type torch is aligned at the coupling of cable connector 108 with connector HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C. Therefore, each welding-type torch 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 is provided with each item needed for operation, regardless of which specific welding-type torch is connected to the multi-use cable assembly 102.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 2, welding-type torch 114 includes connector 114C. Within the connector 114C is a power port 122 to provide at least one of welding-type power, gas, and wire to the welding-type torch 114. Although a single port is shown in the example of FIG. 2, more than one port can be used, such as a dedicated port for each item provided to the welding-type torch 114. Additionally or alternatively, one or more pins 124 are provided to transmit and/or receive data and/or control signals between the welding-type torch and a computer, controller, power supply, display or other information source. FIG. 2A depicts a detailed view of the connector 114C. In the example of FIG. 2A, the individual pins 124 can be seen as a series of pin connectors, having eight pins in total. However, fewer or more pins can be employed, depending on the particular torch and/or application. Further, the power port 122 is shown extending from a base of the connector 114C, such that a female receptacle (e.g. female receptacle 128, shown in FIG. 3) can transmit power, gas, and wire to the welding-type torch 114.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates cable connector 108 on the distal end of multi-channel cable 104. At the end surface of cable connector 108 is a female receptacle 128 corresponding to power port 122, and a multi-pin connector 130 corresponding to pins 124. Although a single receptacle is shown, different welding-type torches may use one or more receptacles. For example, one or more receptacles can provide a gas input so as to receive gas from a gas supply, such as a canister of shielding gas (not shown). The welding-type torch connector would similarly include a gas connector for provision of gas to the welding-type torch. Further, although multi-pin connector 130 is shown having eight pins, fewer or more pins may be used depending on the particular application. The pins would transmit and receive data, including commands, status updates, and controls to a power supply, for example. A pair of pins could, for instance, correspond to a resistor with a resistance value unique to each different type of welding-type torch. Data of a particular resistance can be identified by a power source via an interrogation procedure to identify which of the various welding-type torches is attached to the multi-channel cable 104. The interrogation procedure may include, for example, applying a known voltage (or current) to the pins corresponding to the resistor, measuring the resulting current (or voltage), and using Ohm's law to calculate the resistance across the pins.

[0024] Referring back to FIG. 2, connector 114C further provides a lock 121 to ensure a stable connection between connector 114C and cable connector 108 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In the example of FIG. 2, connector 114C is a female type connector having threads 126 to screw onto a male type connector, such as threading 132 of cable connector 108. Thus, once properly aligned and locked, a secure connection is provided between the welding-type torch 114 and the multi-use cable assembly 102.

[0025] While an example implementation of the lock 121 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, other implementations may be used. For example, the lock 121 may be implemented using another thread specification, a quick disconnect connector, one or more latches, clips, or the like, configured to hold the connector 108 to the opposing connector (e.g., the connector 114C) when the connectors are seated, and/or any other method of securing connectors.

[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of an example integrated multi-channel cable, such as multi-channel cable 104. FIG. 4A shows multichannel cable 104 including four separate channels, each to provide a different item, encased in a sheathing 103. In the example of FIG. 4A, channel 132 includes conductors to carry welding-type power. Channel 134 provides one or more data/information cables. Gas and/or air are carried through channel 136, and an electrode wire, such as for a MIG welder, can be guided through weld liner channel 138. Each channel can terminate at one or more ports of cable connector 108 corresponding to a port and/or receptacle of connector 114C.

[0027] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of FIG. 4 A without the sheathing 103. In some examples, the cable connector 108 may provide items not required for operation of each available weld-type torch. In this example, multi-channel cable 104 includes four channels, including weld liner 138. Accordingly, cable connector 108 would provide a port for each item, including a wire port to provide an electrode wire through weld liner 138. In this example, the port associated with weld liner 138, useful for a MIG welding-type torch 114, would have a corresponding port in connector 114C to accept the electrode wire. However, such weld liner would not be needed, for instance, in a TIG welding-type torch 118. Thus, connector 118C need not provide a corresponding port for the weld liner 138.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view of power pin 106, as shown in FIG. 1. Connector port 140 is linked with a power supply (not shown). Thus, the power conductor 132 transfers welding-type power through connector port 140 between the power supply and the welding-type torch. Further, the power supply interface is configured to be connectable to standard power supply weld studs, although other configurations fall within the scope of the present disclosure. A welding power supply includes one or more transformers to convert electricity from a utility line or a generator and output the electricity to a usable form by the welding system. In examples, the power source runs on one of a number of modes including a constant voltage ("CV") and constant current ("CC"). In some examples, the power supply may be a 3-phase power supply, such as a Dimension™ 452 manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg. Co. of Appleton, Wis. In other embodiments, the power supply may be an inverter welding power supply, such as an XMT® 350 manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg. Co. of Appleton, Wis. In yet further examples, the power supply may be an engine-driven welding power supply, such as a Big Blue® 300 Pro manufactured by Miller Electric Mfg. Co. of Appleton, Wis. Any desired power supply may be utilized, including additional and alternative power supplies not listed.

[0029] While the connectors 106, 108, 114C of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5 illustrate example male/female arrangements of the pins and/or connectors, any other arrangement of male/female connectors may be used.

[0030] Connector link 142 of FIG. 5 connects with a controller, computer or other source of information and instruction (not shown), such as through data cables 134. Thus, connector link 142 can provide a multi-pin interface to a controller.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates example circuit diagrams HOD, 112D, 114D, 116D, 118D, 120D corresponding to a respective welding-type torches 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 of FIG 1. Each of the circuit diagrams HOD, 112D, 114D, 116D, 118D, 120D is connected to with respective ones of pins 1-8 of the connectors 108, HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The data can generate information for the power supply, such as type of weld process or the identity of the welding-type torch connected to the multi-use cable assembly.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 6, each circuit includes a resistive element (e.g., Rl or R2) in communication with pin numbers 3 and 4. The resistance value provided between pins 3 and 4 in each of the connectors HOC, 112C, 114C, 116C, 118C, 120C enables a connected power supply to identify the welding-type torch in use and/or the particular welding process being used. Accordingly, in this example, the controller can recognize a particular welding-type torch and/or process without an input from the user. The ability to recognize a particular welding-type torch allows the controller to automatically make adjustments in a particular welding parameter (e.g., current, voltage, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, information can be controlled from one or more controls at the welding-type torch, such as amperage, as well as displayed at a remote display, for instance.

[0033] Different ones of the example welding-type torches 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 include pins for trigger or pushbutton switches (e.g., pins 5 and 8 of the push-pull gun, the spool gun, the MIG torch, and/or the TIG torch), pins to provide power for a wire feed motor (e.g., pins 6 and 7 for the push-pull gun and/or the spool gun), and/or pins to detect an analog setting via a potentiometer resistance (e.g., pins 1, 2, and 3 for the push-pull gun, the spool gun, and/or the TIG torch). In this manner, the data connector is a multi-function data connector that can be used for any type of torch. [0034] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate a perspective view of each of the welding-type torches 120, 118, 116 112, and 110, respectively. Each welding-type torch 120, 118, 116 112, and 110 includes a connector 120C, 118C, 116C 112C, and HOC, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 7-11, within each connector 120C, 118C, 116C 112C, and HOC is a power port 122 to provide at least one of welding-type power, gas, and wire to the welding-type torch 120, as well as one or more pins 124 to transmit and/or receive data and/or control signals between the welding-type torch and a computer, controller, power supply, display or other information source. Although reference numerals are used to designate features that may be similar in the welding-type torches 120, 118, 116 112, and 110, additional or alternative ports, inputs, and or connectors are possible. For example, the MIG welding-type torch 114 may employ a wire feed and therefore include a corresponding wire feed port, whereas the plasma torch 116 may not.

[0035] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a system configured to quickly change the machine from one weld process and/or torch head to another without the need for additional cables. Beneficially, the manufacturing and operating costs are lower, as individual torches can share the multi-use cable, as opposed to maintaining a dedicated cable for each torch. Usefully, were a user to break a torch head, the time and cost of replacing the particular torch head is limited to the torch head itself, and not the entire cable.

[0036] The present invention has been described in the terms of the preferred embodiment and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] As utilized herein the terms "circuits" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e. hardware) and any software and/or firmware ("code") which may configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first "circuit" when executing a first one or more lines of code and may comprise a second "circuit" when executing a second one or more lines of code. As utilized herein, "and/or" means any one or more of the items in the list joined by "and/or". As an example, "x and/or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and/or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y, and/or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and/or z" means "one or more of x, y and z". As utilized herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As utilized herein, the terms "e.g.," and "for example" set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As utilized herein, circuitry is "operable" to perform a function whenever the circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any is necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0038] While the present systems and apparatuses have been described with reference to certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present systems and apparatuses. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, block and/or components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, it is intended that the present systems and apparatuses not be limited to the particular implementations disclosed, but that the present systems and apparatuses will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims.