Dual power pin connector assembly for a mig welding machine
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsRobert Willenkamp, Scott Rozmarynowski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A dual power pin connector assembly for connecting both a MIG welding gun and a spoolgun to a welding machine. The dual power pin connector is comprised of a busbar portion that electrically and mechanically couples the positive output terminal of the welding machine power supply to a wire drive for the MIG welding gun. The connector is further comprised of an integral quick release assembly/clamping portion that electrically and mechanically connects the positive power supply terminal to a power supply cable for the spoolgun. The clamping portion receives and retains a power pin coupled to one end of the spoolgun power cable in a receptacle that is manually tightened and loosened.
Claims20
A welding-type system comprising:
- a power source having a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal to deliver a welding-type power;
- a wire drive configured to provide a consumable welding electrode to a first welding-type implement to effectuate a first welding-type process upon receiving the welding-type power;
- a second welding-type implement configured to effectuate a second welding-type process upon receiving the welding-type power;
- and
- a power bridge connected to one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal and having a first assembly configured to electrically connect the wire drive to the one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal and a second, quick release, assembly configured to connect the second welding-type implement to the one of the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal.
An integrated wire drive assembly electrically connected to a welding machine power source comprising:
- a first receptacle configured to receive a power pin for a first welding implement;
- a second receptacle configured to receive a power pin for a second welding implement;
- and
- a clamping assembly configured to releasably retain at least one of the power pin for the first welding implement and the power pin for the second welding implement;
A method of modifying a welding machine to accept two or more welding implements simultaneously comprising the steps of:
- providing an electrically conductive connector having at least one receptacle for a welding implement and a hand-operated clamping assembly;
- electrically coupling the connector to a welding power output terminal of the welding machine;
- and
- electrically coupling the connector to a wire drive, the wire drive having at least one receptacle for a welding implement;
The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:
- inserting a spoolgun power pin within the receptacle;
- and
- securing the power pin within the receptacle with the clamping assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.