U.S. patent application number 12/035830 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for portable structural welding system having integrated resources.
Invention is credited to Joseph E. Feldhausen, Michael W. Hogan, Craig S. Knoener, Christopher D. McInnis, Jeffrey W. Rappold, Brian A. Schwartz, Gary A. Thyssen.
Application Number | 20080203075 12/035830 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39714718 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080203075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feldhausen; Joseph E. ; et
al. |
August 28, 2008 |
PORTABLE STRUCTURAL WELDING SYSTEM HAVING INTEGRATED RESOURCES
Abstract
A system and method for an integrated structural welding system
is designed to improve work flow efficiency. Specifically, a
portable support structure is provided that includes a number of
integrated components, such as transmission power receptacles and
gas supply connections, that provide ready access to resources to
perform a number of welding-type processes.
Inventors: |
Feldhausen; Joseph E.;
(Appleton, WI) ; Rappold; Jeffrey W.; (Appleton,
WI) ; Thyssen; Gary A.; (Appleton, WI) ;
Knoener; Craig S.; (Appleton, WI) ; McInnis;
Christopher D.; (Little Chute, WI) ; Schwartz; Brian
A.; (Appleton, WI) ; Hogan; Michael W.;
(Appleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jack M. Cook, Quarles & Brady, LLP
411 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee
WI
53202-4497
US
|
Family ID: |
39714718 |
Appl. No.: |
12/035830 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60903771 |
Feb 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/136 ; 219/68;
451/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 9/013 20130101;
B23K 9/173 20130101; B23K 28/02 20130101; B23K 9/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/136 ; 451/65;
219/68 |
International
Class: |
B23K 9/32 20060101
B23K009/32; B24B 9/00 20060101 B24B009/00; B23K 9/013 20060101
B23K009/013 |
Claims
1. A wire feeder system comprising: a wire feeder configured to
receive welding-type power from a welding-type power source to
perform a welding-type process; a support structure surrounding at
least a portion of the wire feeder and configured to facilitate
movement of the wire feeder independently from the welding-type
power source; and at least one of an auxiliary power outlet
configured to deliver transmission-type power and a compressed air
outlet configured to deliver a supply of compressed air integrated
within one of the wire feeder and the support structure.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the support structure includes a
tray supporting the wire feeder and a plurality of legs extending
up from the tray to protect the wire feeder against accidental
damage.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a work table supported
on the plurality of legs and extending over the wire feeder.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one of the auxiliary
power outlet and the compressed air outlet are disposed within at
least one of the plurality of legs.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a grinder driven by one
of power received from the auxiliary power outlet and air received
from the compressed air outlet.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a gouging torch
extending from the support structure and configured to receive
welding-type power from the welding-type power source to perform a
gouging-type process.
7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a process selection
switch configured to electrically isolate the gouging torch and a
welding torch connected to the wire feeder and selectively enable
one of the wire feeder and the gouging torch to perform the
welding-type process and the gouging-type process.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the process selection switch is
integrated in the support structure.
9. The system of claim 7 further comprising a controller configured
to coordinate operation of the wire feeder and the gouging torch to
perform only one of the gouging-type process and the welding-type
process at a given time.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the controller is arranged in the
wire feeder.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the wire feeder includes a
user-interface device configured to select operational parameters
of the welding-type process and the gouging-type process and the
controller is configured to automatically select operational
voltage and wire feed speed for the welding-type process upon
receiving a welding wire diameter selection from the user-interface
device.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the welding-type power source is
free of user interface devices configured to select operational
parameters.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein the controller is further
configured to recall selected operational parameters associated
with a previous gouging-type process and a previous welding-type
process.
14. A wire feeder system comprising: a wire feeder configured to
receive welding-type power from a welding-type power source to
perform a welding-type process; a support structure surrounding at
least a portion of the wire feeder and configured to facilitate
movement of the wire feeder independently from the welding-type
power source; an auxiliary power outlet configured to deliver
transmission-type power integrated within the support structure;
and a compressed air outlet configured to deliver a supply of
compressed air integrated within the support structure.
15. The system of claim 14 further comprising at least one of a
retractable cable extending from the at least one of an auxiliary
power outlet and the compressed air outlet and a retractable lift
eye extending from the support structure.
16. The system of claim 14 further comprising: a welding cable
extending from the wire feeder; at least one of a wheeled cart and
a rotatable bar mounting forming the support structure; and a
strain protection system extending from the at least one of the
wheeled cart and the rotatable bar to engage the welding cable and
reinforce the wire feeder against forces applied when adjusting a
position of the at least one of the wheeled cart and the rotatable
bar by moving the welding cable.
17. The system of claim 14 wherein the support structure includes:
a tray supporting the wire feeder; a plurality of cables connecting
the wire feeder to the welding-type power source; a cable path
extending from the tray and configured to receive a portion of the
plurality of cables extending therethrough; a strain protection
system configured to engage the plurality of cables and secure the
plurality of cables within the cable path to protect against
accidental disconnection of the plurality of cables from the wire
feeder when the support structure is moved independently from the
welding-type power source.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the strain protection system
includes a plurality of parallel pins arranged within the cable
path to form a tortured path securing the plurality of cables to
the support structure.
19. The system of claim 14 further comprising a spool arm extending
from the support structure and configured to telescope to receive a
spool of consumable wire for use by the wire feeder during the
welding-type process.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the spool arm is configured to
extending at least one of horizontally and vertically from the
support structure.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on provisional application Ser.
No. 60/903,771, filed Feb. 27, 2007, and entitled "STRUCTURAL
WELDING SYSTEM," and claims the benefit thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to multi-operational
welding-type systems and, in particular, to an integrated system
for performing the wide variety of tasks performed during
structural welding processes.
[0003] Structural welding refers to the process of fabricating
structural support structures used in a variety of applications.
For example, structural welding often refers to the fabrication of
products such as I-beams, girders, and the like using structural
steel. The fabrication processes utilized during structural welding
can vary greatly but, often, include welding, gouging, and
grinding.
[0004] To perform these three primary processes of structural
welding, an operator utilizes a welding-type power source, a
welding torch, a gouging torch, a gouging air supply, and a
grinder. Typically, the welding process is a metal inert gas (MIG)
welding process, also referred to as gas metal arc welding (GMAW),
or a flux core arc welding (FCAW) process and, in this case, a
shielding gas supply and wire feeder are also utilized.
[0005] The welding-type power source, gas supplies, and
transmission power receptacles that drive these processes are
typically located at the perimeter of the work area and a variety
of cords and cables span the distance from the power source, gas
supplies, and power receptacles to the specific location of the
workpiece where the fabrication process is being performed. This
arrangement is advantageous because it allows an operator a
relatively high degree of mobility to move about the workpiece,
which may extend many feet. However, this arrangement also presents
a number of impediments to efficient workflows.
[0006] For example, when switching between welding processes and
gouging processes, it is typically necessary to change from a
welding torch or gun to a gouging torch. However, generally,
storage areas are located at the perimeter of the work area; and
the operator is required to leave the workpiece to locate the
required torch, contact tip, nozzle, or gouging carbon. As a
result, operators often leave unused components at a location about
the workpiece where they are susceptible to accidental damage.
[0007] Beyond simply switching between welding and gouging
components, these two commonly employed processes typically require
differing power parameters. As such, an operator must traverse the
distance between the workpiece and the welding-type power source,
where the controls for selecting current and voltage
characteristics are located. Accordingly, some operators forego
selection of proper power parameters for a given process and
attempt to weld using gouging power parameters or vice versa.
[0008] As addressed above, structural welding processes often
employ MIG welders. Accordingly, a wire feeder is utilized that
drives a consumable electrode through a cable to a welding torch.
Due to the need to avoid inordinately lengthy cables extending
between the wire feeder and the welding gun and the need for an
operator to adjust wire feeder parameters, the wire feeder is
typically located near the workpiece. In an effort to maintain
operator mobility about the workpiece, the wire feeder is often
mounted on a wheeled cart or a beam extending on a rotatable axis.
However, this configuration results in a significant potential for
damaging the wire feeder.
[0009] First, as addressed above, a number of cables, including gas
supply and power cables, extend from the welding power source,
transmission power receptacle, and gas sources located at the
periphery of the work area and, typically, become intertwined into
"nests" around the workpiece. Beyond presenting an impediment to
operator mobility, these cables present a significant impediment to
moving the wire feeder using a wheeled cart and can even result in
the cart being overturned.
[0010] Second, it is common for an operator to use the welding
cable, which extends from the welding torch, as a "leash" through
which to pull the wire feeder to a desired location or direction.
Pulling the wire feeder about using the welding cable unduly
stresses the wire feeder and the connection between the wire feeder
and the welding system. Over time, these stresses can cause
significant wear and damage to one or both of the wire feeder and
welding cable. For example, the point of connection between the
wire feeder and welding cable can become bent or otherwise
deformed, which results in improper feeding of the wire into the
welding cable. Furthermore, the power cable extending from the
welding-type power source to the wire feeder can become damaged or
disconnected as the wire feeder is pulled about.
[0011] Third, by arranging the wire feeder proximate to the
workpiece, which may be large piece of structural steel or similar
heavy metal, the wire feeder is subjected to an increased risk of
damage from components in the surrounding environment. For example,
when moving an I-beam through the work area, even a relatively
small impact of the I-beam against the wire feeder can cause
significant damage to the wire feeder.
[0012] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system for
performing structural welding processes that protects the
components of the system against accidental damage and undue
stresses. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a system that
provides ready access to user interfaces and other resources
required by an operator during structural welding processes to
improve work flow efficiency.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks
by providing an integrated structural welding system.
[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
system is disclosed that includes a welding-type power source
configured to deliver welding-type power for a variety of
welding-type processes. The system also includes a gouging torch
connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type
power during a gouging-type process. A wire feeder is also
connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type
power during a welding-process. A controller is configured to
coordinate operation of the wire feeder and the gouging torch to
perform only one of the gouging-type process and the welding-type
process at a given time.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a portable wire feeder system is disclosed that includes a wire
feeder configured to deliver a consumable wire for a welding-type
process. A welding cable extends from the wire feeder to receive
the consumable wire from the wire feeder and deliver the consumable
wire to a weld. The portable wire feeder system includes a support
structure supporting the wire feeder that includes at least one of
a plurality of wheels and a pivotal connection to facilitate
repositioning of the wire feeder. A strain protection system
extends from the support structure to engage the welding cable to
transfer forces applied to the welding cable to adjust a position
of the wire feeder using the welding cable to the support
structure.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a portable support structure is disclosed that includes
a support structure having a plurality of storage systems including
a welding torch storage system configured to store a welding-type
torch arranged at one end of a welding cable. The portable support
structure also includes a cable path supported by the support
structure and configured to receive a power cable extending from a
welding-type power source to deliver welding-type power through the
welding cable to the welding-type torch to perform a welding-type
process. A strain protection system is also supported by the
support structure to engage the power cable and secure the power
cable in the cable path.
[0017] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, a multi-operational welding-type system is disclosed
that includes a wire feeder connected to a remotely located
welding-type power source to receive welding-type power to perform
a welding-type process. A gouging torch is also connected to the
remotely located welding-type power source to receive welding-type
power to perform another welding-type process. A support structure
is included that supports the wire feeder and includes a process
selection switch configured to allow selection of only one of the
welding-type process and another welding-type process at a given
time.
[0018] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
wire feeder system is disclosed that includes a wire feeder
configured to receive welding-type power from a welding-type power
source to perform a welding-type process. The wire feeder system
also includes a support structure surrounding at least a portion of
the wire feeder and configured to permit the wire feeder to be
moved independently from the welding-type power source. An
auxiliary power outlet configured to deliver transmission-type
power and/or a compressed air outlet configured to deliver a supply
of compressed air is arranged on one of the wire feeder and the
support structure.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a welding-type system is disclosed that includes a welding-type
power source configured to deliver welding-type power for a
welding-type process. The welding-type power source is free of user
interface devices configured to select operational parameters of
the welding-type process. The welding-type system also includes a
wire feeder connected to the welding-type power source to receive
welding-type power during a welding-process and a user interface
device arranged on the wire feeder that is configured to receive a
user-selected welding parameter. A controller is configured to
receive an indication of the user-selected operational parameter
from the user interface device and control operation of the
welding-type power source during the welding-type process based on
the user-selected welding parameter.
[0020] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a welding-type system is disclosed that includes a
control cable having a non-conductive exterior housing surrounding
a conductive interior configured to conduct control signals between
a welding-type power source and a remote control device. The
welding-type system also includes a combined power and gas delivery
cable that includes a welding-type power delivery cable having a
non-conductive exterior housing surrounding a conductive interior
configured to conduct welding-type power. The combined power and
gas delivery cable also includes a gas delivery cable having a
housing surrounding a gas flow path through which welding-type
power cable extends. A removable housing is included that surrounds
the combined power and gas delivery cable and the control
cable.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a welding-type system is disclosed that includes a control cable
having a non-conductive exterior housing surrounding a conductive
interior configured to conduct control signals between a
welding-type power source and a remote control device. The
welding-type system also includes a multiple-gas delivery cable
that includes a first gas delivery cable having a first housing
surrounding a first gas flow path through which a first gas flows.
The multiple-gas delivery cable further includes a second gas
delivery cable having a second housing surrounding the first gas
flow path and a second gas flow path through which a second gas
flows and is isolated from the first gas by the first housing. A
removable housing is included that surrounds the multiple-gas
delivery cable and the control cable.
[0022] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
invention, a welding-type system is disclosed that includes a
control cable having a non-conductive exterior housing surrounding
a conductive interior configured to conduct control signals between
a welding-type power source and a remote control device. A
welding-type power delivery cable is included that has a
non-conductive exterior housing surrounding a conductive interior
configured to conduct welding-type power. Also, a first gas
delivery cable is included that has a first housing surrounding a
first gas flow path through which a first gas flows. In addition, a
second gas delivery cable is included that has a second housing
surrounding a second gas flow path through which a second gas flows
and an auxiliary power cable is included that is configured to
conduct transmission-type power. A removable housing surrounds the
control cable, the welding-type power delivery cable, the first gas
delivery cable, the second gas delivery cable, and the auxiliary
power cable.
[0023] Various other features of the present invention will be made
apparent from the following detailed description and the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The invention will hereafter be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote
like elements, and:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-operational
welding-type system in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a strain protection
system in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a partial side-elevational view of the wire feeder
and associated support structure of FIG. 1 including auxiliary
power outlets in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of another strain
protection system and an air distribution system in accordance with
the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a wire feeder system
and associated support structure of the multi-operational
welding-type system of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of wire feeder system and
associated support structure arranged in a beam mounting
configuration in accordance with the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an umbilical cord cable
system of FIG. 1 including multi-path cables in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, a multi-operational welding-type
system 10 designed for fabrication processes, such as structural
welding-type fabrication processes, is shown. As will be described,
the multi-operational welding-type system 10, when configured for
structural welding operations, is typically designed to perform
welding processes, gouging-type processes, and grinding processes.
While the illustrated multi-operational welding-type system 10
includes components specifically configured to perform metal inert
gas (MIG) welding processes, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), or flux
core arc welding (FCAW), the multi-operational welding-type system
10 may be designed to perform any of a variety of welding and
welding-type processes, such as tungsten inert gas (GTAW) welding
processes, stick welding processes or shielding metal arc welding
processes (SMAW), plasma cutting processes, and the like.
Accordingly, reference to welding-type systems, welding-type
components, and welding-type power may include any of a wide
variety of welding systems, plasma cutting systems, induction
heating systems, and the like.
[0033] Regardless of the specific components or the particular
processes to be performed, the multi-operational welding-type
system 10 includes a welding-type power source 12 and a support
structure 14, typically formed as a cart, carriage, or the like,
that is independently movable from the welding-type power source
12. To facilitate movement, the support structure 14 is supported
on a plurality of wheels 16 and is connected to the welding-type
power source 12 through a series of cables that, as will be
described, are advantageously arranged inside a removable housing
to from a single umbilical cord 18. Specifically, as will be
described, the umbilical cord houses a plurality of cables that,
for example, may include a welding power cable 20, an auxiliary
power cable 22, one or more gas supply cables 24 (e.g., a shielding
gas hose and an air supply hose), and a control cable 26. As will
be described, the control cable 26 allows the selection and control
of a variety of process from the user interfaces included at the
support structure 14. To facilitate such control, it is
contemplated that a variety of conductive paths may be included in
the control cable 26 and, in some cases, additional conductive
cables, such as a voltage sensing lead, may be included in the
umbilical cord 18. While it is contemplated that the umbilical cord
18 may not include a grounding cable 28 to facilitate maximum
mobility of the support structure 14, in some cases, the grounding
cable 28 may be included in the umbilical cord 18. Similarly, in
some cases the welding power cable 20 or auxiliary power cable 22
may be removed from the umbilical cord 18.
[0034] The support structure 14 includes a tray 30 supported on the
plurality of wheels 16. A plurality of legs 32 extends up from the
tray 30 to support a substantial planar worksurface 34 thereabove.
The worksurface 34 provides a preferably flat surface on which an
operator can arrange documents, additional or replacement
components, and the like. A retractable lift eye 35 may be
included. In this regard, the lift eye 35 may be extended above the
worksurface 34 when needed and then repositioned under the
worksurface 34 when not in use.
[0035] A wire feeder 36 is supported on the tray 30 and is arranged
between the plurality of legs 32. In this regard, the legs 32, as
well as the worksurface 34, form a cage surrounding the wire feeder
36 that protects the wire feeder 36 from accidental damage. As is
conventional in MIG and other welding-type systems, a welding cable
38 extends from the wire feeder 36 to a welding torch 40. The
support structure 14 includes a pair of cable supports 41 around
which the welding cable 38 can be wrapped and holster 42 configured
to receive the welding torch 40 for storage in a suspended position
above a floor 44.
[0036] The support structure 14 includes a strain relief or
protection system 46 that is designed to protect the wire feeder 36
and the connection between the wire feeder 36 and welding cable 38
from damage caused by forces exerted on the wire feeder 36 and
welding cable 38 when the support structure 14 is moved by pulling
or otherwise moving the welding cable 38. Specifically, referring
to FIG. 2, one configuration of a strain protection system 46 is
illustrated in detail. In this configuration, the welding cable 38
is designed to extend proximate to a leg 32 of the support
structure 14. A bracket 47 is mounted to the leg 32 through a pivot
connection 48 and a removable connection 49. Alternatively, the
strain protection system 46 may include a bracket 116 that stands
independently from the legs 32, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5,
and 6. In any case, the removable connection 49, for example, a
threaded shaft and nut, can be released to allow the bracket 47 to
pivot about the pivot connection 48. The welding cable 38 is
arranged under the bracket 47 and, thereby, affixed to the leg 32
when the removable connection 49 is reengaged.
[0037] By fastening the welding cable 38 against the leg 32 of the
support structure 14 or other fixed structure, an operator can use
the welding cable 38 to reposition or move the support structure 14
without damaging the wire feeder 36 of FIG. 1, or the connection
point between the welding cable 38 and the wire feeder 36. That is,
an operator can safely pull on the welding cable 38 to move the
support structure 14 on the associated wheels 16 and the strain
protection system 46 serves to transfer the forces that would
otherwise be applied to the wire feeder 36 and connection point
between the wire feeder 36 and welding cable 38 to the support
structure 14, which is specifically designed to withstand such
forces. Therefore, the strain protection system 46 and support
structure 14 work in concert to protect the wire feeder 36 against
damage.
[0038] In addition to the strain protection system 46, it is
contemplated that a cable protection system 50 may be included to
protect the welding cable 38 from being damaged, in particular,
when pulled or moved in an effort to move the support structure 14.
The cable protection system 50 is formed from a substantially rigid
material, such as a metal, that extends from the strain protection
system 46 along a portion of the welding cable 38. The cable
protection 50 is designed to keep the welding cable 38 from being
unduly stressed or pulled into a sharp angle that could damage the
welding cable 38 or the consumable wire being fed therethrough.
That is, the cable protection system 50 is designed to work in
concert with the strain protection system 46 by dispersing the
forces that would otherwise be applied to the feeder 36 and
connection to the weld cable 28 when pulling on the weld cable 38
to move the support structure 14.
[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, beyond the wire feeder 36 and
associated welding components, the support structure 14 is designed
to support, organize, and store a variety of components and
devices. A gouging torch 51 and associated gouging cable 52 are
also supported by the support structure 14. As best illustrated in
FIG. 3, another cable support 53 extends from the support structure
14 to receive the gouging torch 51 and gouging cable 52 in a coiled
arrangement similar to that described above with respect to the
welding torch 40 and welding cable 38. Additionally or
alternatively, a grinder holster 54 may be included. The gouging
cable 52 connects the gouging torch 51 to the support structure 14
through a gouging power cable connection 55, as shown in FIG. 5,
that secures the gouging cable 52 thereto to protect the gouging
cable 52 from being pulled from a gouging-power connection (not
shown) through which power is delivered from the welding-type power
source 12 to the gouging torch 51 to perform a gouging or
gouging-type process. Air pressure is supplied to the gouging torch
51 through air supply connection 71 in FIG. 5.
[0040] Additionally, a grinder 56 and associated grinding cable are
also supported by the support structure 14, for example, through
the holster 54 illustrated best in FIG. 3. Like the gouging cable
52, the grinding cable 58 connects the grinder 56 to the support
structure 14. Specifically, as will be described, the grinding
cable connects the grinder 56 to either a compressed air receptacle
or auxiliary power receptacle to receive either compressed air or
transmission-type power, respectively, to perform a grinding
process.
[0041] In particular, referring now to FIG. 3, a leg 32 of the
support structure 14 includes a plurality of input and output
connection points. An auxiliary power output receptacle 60 and is
included. The auxiliary power output receptacle 60 is configured to
deliver transmission-type AC power to drive devices designed to
receive traditional 50 or 60 Hz AC power, for example, some
grinders 56. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, a compressed air
outlet receptacle 62 is configured to deliver compressed air to
drive pneumatic devices, such as some grinders 56. Accordingly, the
support structure 14 includes integrated output receptacles 60, 62
that are designed to provide a source of driving power for a wide
variety of devices. By providing the integrated output receptacles
60, 62, the long cords that are typically used to connect devices
to remotely located power and compressed air sources are no longer
necessary. In fact, retractable cables may be coupled with the
integrated output receptors 60, 62 to further facilitate cable
management by retracting cables back into the support structure 14
when unneeded. When coupled with the above-described storage
devices 41, 42, 53, 54 cable management and an organized work
environment are readily facilitated.
[0042] A plurality of input connection points are also provided
that are designed to receive the welding power cable 20, auxiliary
power cable 22, one or more gas supply cables 24, and control cable
26. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, a plug or similar coupling
device 64 is provided that is designed to engage the auxiliary
power cable 22 to receive the above-described transmission-type AC
power carried by the auxiliary power cable 22 and deliver the power
to the auxiliary power output receptacle 60. Additionally, as
illustrated in FIG. 4, a gas distribution system 65 and shielding
gas coupling 66 are included. The couplings 65, 66, which may be
quick-connection couplings, are designed to receive the
above-described one or more gas supply cables 24, specifically, a
compressed air coupling and a shielding gas cable, respectively. As
will be described below with respect to FIG. 7, these cables may be
individual cables that are dedicated to carrying either the
shielding gas or compressed air or these cables may be part of a
composite cable designed to carry multiple gas and/or power
connection.
[0043] It is contemplated that one or more valves may be included
to regulate the flow and distribution of gasses from the couplings
65, 66. For example, the gas distribution system 65 is formed as a
T-link having a first output 67 that provides a continuous flow of
compressed air to the "work air" or auxiliary air output 62 on the
face of the support structure 14. The gas distribution system 65
also has a second output 68 having a valve 69 arranged therein to
control the flow of air to a gouge air output 71 that, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, is also located on the face of the support
structure 14. The valve 69 is configured to coordinate the flow of
air to the gouge air output 71. Specifically, the valve 69 may be
controlled by the wire feeder 36 or, as will be described, a
operational selection switch to selectively direct gas to the
gouging torch 51 only when a gouging process is selected.
Alternatively or additional, the valve 69 may be coupled to a
dedicated user-interface device, beyond the traditional valve and
user interface that the gouging torch 51 typically includes, such
as a user interface integrated into the support structure or other
area. Furthermore, it is contemplated that multiple valves may be
integrated into the wire feeder 36. For example, a valve for
controlling the flow of shielding gas may be integrated into the
wire feeder 36.
[0044] Continuing with respect to FIG. 4, another strain
relief/protection system 70 is provided that is advantageous for
protecting the connection of the welding power cable 20, auxiliary
power cable 22, one or more gas supply cables 24, and control cable
26 with the wire feeder 36, and support structure 14. The strain
protection system 70 includes a cable path 72 that extends up from
the tray 30 of the support structure 14 and is configured to
receive the umbilical cord 18 and cables 20, 22, 24, 26 arranged
therein. A plurality of parallel pins 74, 76 extend across the
cable path 72 along with an axel 78 of the wheels 16 to form a
tortured path through which the umbilical cord 18 is routed. As
illustrated, the umbilical cord 18 is arranged to extend under the
first pin 74, over the axel 78, and under the second pin 76.
However, it is contemplated that the umbilical cord 18 may be
arranged in other configurations. Furthermore, although the pins
74, 76 and the axel 78 are aligned at a common distance above the
tray 30, it is contemplated that the pins 74, 76 and axel 78 may be
offset to increase or decrease the degree of torture along the
cable path 72. Also, the axel 78 may be replaced by a pin. Further
still, though not illustrated, it is contemplated that the pins 74,
76 and any additional pins may be mounted perpendicularly, with the
axle removed from the system, and the umbilical cord 18 routed
through the tortured path of pins and covered with a plate or
similar securing device. In any case, the strain protection system
70 serves to lock the umbilical cord 18 and the individual cables
20, 22, 24, 26 arranged therein in the cable path 72. Therefore,
when the support structure 14 is moved about, the cables 20, 22,
24, 26 are not inadvertently disengaged from the connection points
including, for example the welding power cable, shielding hose, air
hose, control cable, and auxiliary power cable.
[0045] Beyond the above-described storage components, including the
tray 30, the holsters 42, 54, and the cable supports 41, 53, it is
contemplated that the support structure 14 may include a drawer or
tray or other storage compartments. As described above, the
worksurface 34 provides one storage area that can be used to store
documents, notes, replacement parts, and the like during operation.
On the other hand, a drawer may be designed for longer-term storage
of such resources. For example, the drawer may be used for
over-night storage or may house resources that require additional
protection from the work environment during operation.
Additionally, it is contemplated that the drawer may be
lockable.
[0046] One or more handles 79 may be included that are integrated
into the worksurface 34. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, a T-handle 80 may be included that is supported on
the tray 30. It is contemplated that the T-Handle 80 may include a
base 81 that is spring loaded to bias the T-handle 80 into an
upright position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. Additionally or
alternatively, the handle may be integrated into the worksurface
34.
[0047] The support structure 14 includes at least one
user-interface device 82. As illustrated, the user-interface device
82 may include a multi-position switch or dial but may include a
variety of other interface components, such as slidable switches,
digital interfaces, and the like. The user-interface device 82 is
designed to cooperate with the wire feeder 36 to control operation
of the multi-operational welding-type system 10. Specifically, the
user-interface device 82 and, as will be described, interface
devices 84 included on the wire feeder 36 are designed to control
operation of the multi-operational welding-type system 10.
Accordingly, the welding-type power source 12 is substantially free
from control or interface devices.
[0048] It is contemplated that the welding-type power source 12 may
include only an "ON/OFF" switch 86 and a breaker switch 87. In this
regard, unlike conventional welding-type power sources, the
welding-type power source 12 of the multi-operational welding-type
system 10 is preferably free of traditional interface devices that
allow for the selection of operational parameters, such as power
characteristics and the like. Instead, all user-selected parameters
and control operations are selected using the user interfaces 82,
84 of the wire feeder 36 and support structure 14.
[0049] The breaker switch 87 is included to discontinue the
delivery of power from the welding-type power source 12, should the
current being drawn from the welding-type power source 12 exceed a
predetermined threshold. Accordingly, an operator performing, for
example, a grinding process can drive the process without needing
to monitor power-draw tolerances. Rather, should a process draw an
excess of current, the breaker switch 87 will automatically trip
and discontinue the supply of the from the welding-type power
source 12. To re-enable the supply of power from welding-type power
source 12, an operator need only move the breaker switch 87 from
the tripped position.
[0050] In the illustrated configuration, the user-interface device
82 is a mechanical three-position switch that can be moved between
three positions including a "welding" position 88, a "gouging"
position 90, and an "off" position 92. When the user-interface
device 82 is moved to one of the positions 88, 90, 82, the wire
feeder 36 and, more particularly, a controller generally designated
by arrow 37 is disposed in the support structure. The controller 37
may be integrated in the wire feeder 36, but also may be located
elsewhere. In operation, the controller 37 identifies the current
position of the switch and, as will be described, controls the
operation of the multi-operational welding-type system 10. As
described above, the welding-type power source 12 is preferably
free of user-interface devices and, thus, the user-interface
devices 82, 84 of the support structure 14 and the wire feeder 36
act as the primary control and interface devices.
[0051] Specifically, the controller 37 monitors the position of the
user-interface device 82 to determine the mode of operation. As
stated above, the controller 37 is preferably integrated within the
wire feeder 36 but may be arranged in any of a variety of
locations, such as in the support structure 14. That is, based on
the current position of the user-interface device 82, the
controller 37 commands the welding-type power source 12 by sending
control commands over the control cable 26 that cause the
welding-type power source 12 to deliver power to the welding torch
40 for a desired welding process.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, the operational parameters,
including power parameters, for a desired gouging or welding
process are entered through the user interface 84 of the wire
feeder 36. The user interface 84 of the wire feeder 36 includes a
first display 94, a second display 96, an output selection dial 98,
and a wire speed or wire-diameter selection dial 100.
Alternatively, the user interface 84 may be arranged in a
side-by-side arrangement. The first display 94 is configured to
display voltage information relevant to the currently selected
process and the second display 96 is configured to display wire
speed and/or amperage information relevant to the currently
selected process. That is, the displays 94, 96 are configured to
display information based on the currently selected process. The
output selection dial 98 and the wire speed or wire-diameter
selection dial 100 are configured to quickly and easily allow an
operator to select the operational parameters of a given process.
For example, in accordance with one embodiment that will be
described below, the output selection dial 98 and the wire speed or
wire-diameter selection dial 100 may also provide a simplified,
synergic parameter selection process.
[0053] For example, referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, when the
operator desires to perform a welding process, the operator moves
the user-interface device 82 to the welding position 88. The
controller 37 identifies the current position of the user-interface
device 82 and controls the components of the multi-operational
welding-type system 10 to perform the welding-type process. In
particular, the controller 37 directs the power delivered from the
welding-type power source 12 to the welding torch 40. More
particularly, power is directed to the welding torch 40 and no
power is delivered to the gouging torch 51. In this regard, the
controller 37 is configured to coordinate operation of the welding
torch 40 and the gouging torch 51 to perform only a welding process
and not a gouging process.
[0054] To aid the operator in selecting the proper operational
parameters, the operational parameters used during the previous
welding process are displayed on the first display 94 and the
second display 96. In particular, the first display 94 displays the
voltage used during the previous welding process. Similarly, the
second display 96 displays the wire feed speed used during the
previous process. If changes to these operational parameters are
desired, the operator uses the output selection dial 98 to adjust
voltage, and dial 100 to adjust the wire feed speed.
[0055] Alternatively, the operator can use the wire-diameter
selection dial 100 to adjust the diameter of wire 102 being used
during the welding process and allow the controller 37 to select
the proper operational parameters. As described above, it is
contemplated that the multi-operational welding-type system 10 is
particularly well suited for structural welding/fabrication
applications. When performing structural welding processes, only a
few types of consumable wire 102 are typically used. Specifically,
either AWS Classification E71T-1 or E70T-1 welding wire are
commonly employed. To simplify the selection of operational
parameters, it is contemplated that the wire-diameter selection
dial 100 may be used to choose between these two common wire
diameters or other wire types/diameters. Once the proper diameter
has been selected using the wire-diameter selection dial 100, the
wire feeder 36 automatically selects the proper voltage and wire
feed speed and displays the operational parameters on the displays
94, 96.
[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 5, it is contemplated that the
support structure 14 may be designed to support a spool 104 of
consumable wire 102. This further facilitates the portability of
the support structure 14 by integrating the wire source 102, 104
therein. It is contemplated that the support structure 14 may
include a spool arm 105 that extends above the tray 30 of the
support structure 14. While the spool arm 105 may be fixed, it is
contemplated that the spool arm 105 may be configured to telescope
outward along arrow 106 to an extended position to facilitate
placement of the spool 104 on the spool arm 105. Thereafter, the
arm may be retracted back into the operational position shown in
FIG. 5 to deliver wire 102 from the spool 104 to the wire feeder 36
during the welding process. Furthermore, though not illustrated it
is contemplated that the support structure 14 may be configured to
receive a spool 104 of consumable wire 102 in a horizontally
mounted arrangement. In this regard, the overall height of the
support structure 14 may be further reduced and portability and
maneuverability further increased.
[0057] Further still, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is contemplated
that the spool arm 105 may telescope vertically along arrow 109.
Accordingly, the spool arm 105 may be raised to enable an
individual to load the spool 104 onto the spool arm 105 without
needing to bend down to the level of the spool arm 105. That is,
instead the spool arm 105 is elevated to the level of a spool 104
being held by an individual. Therefore, the process of loading a
spool 104 onto the spool arm 105 is less strenuous.
[0058] Once the operational parameters are selected, the operator
uses the welding torch 40 to initiate the welding process, whereby
the wire feeder 36 controls the delivery of power from the
welding-type power source 12 to the welding torch 40 using commands
communicated over the control cable 26 and draws consumable wire
102 from the spool of wire 104 and delivers the consumable wire 102
to the welding torch 40 to effectuate the welding process according
to the selected operational parameters. During the welding process
the display 96 is configured to display amperage information,
specifically, the number of amps being drawn during the welding
process. Likewise, the display 94 is configured to display actual
voltage during the welding process.
[0059] When the operator desires a change from a welding process
using the welding torch 40 to a gouging process (or other welding
process, such as stick welding) using the gouging torch 51, the
user-interface device 82 is moved from the welding position 88 to
the gouging position 90. While, generally, it is contemplated that
the gouging torch 51 will be used for gouging processes, it is
contemplated that the connection point for the gouging torch 51 may
be used for other processes, such as stick welding. In this regard,
reference to gouging processes or gouging-type processes or
processes performed using the gouging torch 51 may also include
other processes, such as stick welding. During the gouging process
the display 96 is configured to display amperage information,
specifically, the number of amps being drawn during the gouging
process. Likewise, the display 94 is configured to display actual
voltage during the gouging process.
[0060] The positional change of the user-interface device 82 is
identified by the controller 37 and causes the controller 37 to
discontinue the supply of power to the welding torch 40 and direct
power from the welding-type power source 12 to the gouging torch
51. In this regard, the controller 37 is configured to coordinate
operation of the wire feeder 36, the power source 12, and the
gouging torch 51 to perform only one of the gouging process or the
welding-type process at a given time.
[0061] In a manner similar to the selection of operational
parameters for a welding process, the operator enters desired
operational parameters for the gouging process through the user
interface 84 of the wire feeder 36. As with the selection of the
welding process, operational parameters used during a previous
gouging process are loaded and displayed on the displays 94, 96.
Specifically, the first display 94 displays voltage information and
the second display 96 displays the percentage of power source
output to be delivered to the gouging torch 51. Should changes be
desired, the operator adjusts the displayed operational parameters
using the output selection dial 100. During the gouging process,
the second display 96 switches from displaying the percentage of
power source output to be delivered to the gouging torch 51 to
displaying the number of amps being drawn during the gouging
process. In accordance with one embodiment, when a process, such as
a gouging or welding process is discontinued, the display continues
to display the information displayed during the process for a
period of time. For example, when the gouging process is
discontinued, it is contemplated that the second display 96
continues to display the number of amps being drawn during the
gouging process for a period of time, for example 5 seconds.
[0062] The above-described system allows an operator to quickly and
easily switch between welding processes and gouging processes
without needing to constantly monitor or adjust operational
parameters. Furthermore, when changes to the operational parameters
or previous operational parameters are desired, the operator is not
required to traverse the distance back to the welding-type power
source 12, but can make all desired changes, including switching
between the isolated processes of welding and gouging, directly
from the remote location of the support structure 14. However, it
is contemplated that the above-described user interface 84 of the
wire feeder 36 may be foregone in favor of a traditional wire
feeder user interface.
[0063] When the operator has completed the welding and gouging
process, the user-interface device 82 is moved to the off position
92, whereby, the controller 37 causes the welding-type power source
12 to discontinue the delivery of welding or gouging power and
enter a full "off" mode. That is, moving the user-interface device
82 into the off position 92 causes the welding-type power source 12
to turn "off" in a manner similar to using the "ON/OFF" switch 86.
Accordingly, the "ON/OFF" switch 86 acts as a secondary, manual
switch to turn the welding-type power source to "off".
Additionally, if the user-interface device 82 is moved from the
welding position 88 or gouging position 90 while a welding or
gouging process is being performed and, thus, the welding torch 40
or gouging torch 51 is drawing power from the welding-type power
source 12, the controller 37 controls the welding-type power source
to enter standby mode and discontinue the delivery of power.
[0064] In many cases, an operator may move the user-interface
device 82 to the off position 92 when additional processes, such as
grinding processes, are to be performed. As described above, the
support structure 14 includes integrated outputs 60, 62 that
provide electrical and pneumatic power, respectively, to auxiliary
devices, such as grinders 56.
[0065] When the welding, gouging, and grinding processes are
complete, the above-described storage elements allow an operator to
quickly and easily store all of the components of the
multi-operational welding-type system 10. Accordingly, cables,
torches, consumables, and the like are not left spanning across a
work area where they may cause an impediment to efficient workflow
or may become damaged. Rather, all cables and components can be
quickly and easily stored on the support structure 14 and only the
umbilical cord 18 and grounding cable 28 are left to span the
distance between the welding-type power source 12 and the support
structure 14.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the support
structure 14 may not include wheels and, instead, be configured to
be mounted on a horizontal beam 107. Though illustrated as
including a spool 104 of consumable wire 102, it is also
contemplated that this beam-mounted embodiment may utilize a drum
of wire that would be located on the floor below the horizontal
beam 107.
[0067] The horizontal beam 107 is connected to a vertical beam 108
through a pivot axis 110 that allows the horizontal beam 107 and
support structure 14 to be rotated and repositioned. To facilitate
moving the horizontal beam 107 and support structure 14 about the
pivot axis 110, it is contemplated that a strain relief/protection
system is included. The strain protection system may be arranged as
described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. On the other hand,
it is contemplated that another strain protection system 112 may be
used. This strain protection system 112 includes a base 114 that
extends under a portion of the wire feeder 36. A bracket 116
extends up from the base 114 to engage the welding cable 38
proximate to the connection of the welding cable 38 to the wire
feeder 36. Accordingly, as described above, this strain protection
system 112 protects the wire feeder 36 and the connection between
the welding cable 38 and wire feeder 36 from forces placed on these
components when the welding cable 38 is used to adjust the position
of the support structure 14 and the potential damage that those
forces can cause. Accordingly, a strain protection system 112 is
provided that protects the wire feeder 36 and the connection
between the welding cable 38 and wire feeder 36 from damage without
incorporating the legs 32 into the strain protection system
112.
[0068] This configuration may be particularly advantageous for beam
mountings of the support structure 14, where the wire feeder 36,
due to the elevated position, is less prone to accidental damage
and, thus, smaller legs 32 that afford less protection but reduce
manufacturing costs and the overall weight of the support structure
14 may be used. To this end, it is contemplated that the
above-described wheels and brackets may be removable to facilitate
beam mounting.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 7, the umbilical cord 18 is shown in
further detail. As generally described above, the umbilical cord 18
includes a housing 120 designed to removably surround a plurality
of individual cables. In this regard, the housing 120 may be formed
of a semi-ridged material, such as rubber or the like, and include
an overlapping portion 122 that can be used to remove or gain
access to the cables arranged within the housing 120.
Alternatively, the housing may be made of any of a variety of other
materials, such as cloth, leather, or the like, that are less
ridged. In this case, the overlapping portion 122 may include snaps
123, such as illustrated in FIG. 4, or other securing mechanisms
that can be used to enclose the housing 120 about the cables
arranged therein, while still allowing ready access to the
cables.
[0070] As described above, the cables arranged within the housing
120 may be individual cables, such as illustrated by individual
cable 124. The individual cable 124 may be designed to carry
electricity or gas to operate as any of the above-described cables
20, 22, 24, 26, 28. However, in some cases, it may be advantageous
to utilize cables that include multiple electrical and/or gas flow
paths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, one such cable 126
may include first and second paths 128, 130.
[0071] The first path 128 is surrounded by a first housing 132 and
the second path 130 is surrounded by a second housing 134. It is
contemplated that the first and second paths 128, 130 may be
configured to provide a flow path for either welding-type power or
gas.
[0072] In accordance with one embodiment, the first path 128 and
first housing 132 form a welding-type power delivery cable. In this
case, the first housing 132 is a non-conductive housing and the
first path 128 is a conductive path configured to conduct
welding-type power. The second path 130 may be another conductive
path or may be a gas flow path. In either case, the first and
second path 128,130 are isolated.
[0073] In accordance with another embodiment, a multiple-gas
delivery cable 136 may be included. Like the above-described
welding-type power delivery cable, the multiple-gas delivery cable
136 includes a first housing 138 that surrounds a first path 140,
which is a hollow flow path for gas. The multiple-gas delivery
cable 136 also includes a second housing 142 surrounding a second
path 144 that may be another hollow gas flow path or may be a
conductive flow path. In either case, the first and second path
140, 144 are isolated.
[0074] Theses cables 126, 136 may be particularly advantageous when
utilized with systems such as the above-described umbilical cord
18. That is, the cables 126, 136, by combining multiple paths 128,
130, 140, 144 into an integrated cable, reduces the number of
individual cables arranged in the umbilical cord 18. For example,
the umbilical cord 18 of FIGS. 1 and 4 may simply include a control
cable having a non-conductive exterior housing surrounding a
conductive interior configured to conduct control signals between a
welding-type power source and a remote control device and one or
more integrated gas and/or power delivery cables. Furthermore,
although the above-described example of an integrated gas and/or
power cable includes only a first path and a second path, it is
contemplated that three, four, or even more paths may be included
in a single integrated cable.
[0075] Therefore, the above described system and method provides an
integrated structural welding system that protects the components
of the system against accidental damage and undue stresses.
Furthermore, the above-described system and method provides ready
access to user interfaces and other resources required by an
operator during structural welding processes to improve work flow
efficiency.
[0076] The present invention has been described in terms of the
various embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many
equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside
from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of
the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to a
particular described embodiment.
* * * * *