Method and apparatus of electronic selection of an output mode of a welding power source
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsAllen Sykes, David Kraus
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of electronically selecting an output mode of a welding power source. The invention includes operational circuitry that electronically energizes an output terminal based on a user selected parameter. Specifically, a series of power switches is selectively biased based on a particular output mode selection by the user. As such, independent output terminals of the power source may be activated without requiring mechanical and manual operation by the user.
Claims24
A welding power source comprising:
- an output mode selector configured to enable a user to identify one of a number of welding processes for which the power source is capable of providing power;
- a selector circuit configured to electronically energize an output terminal based on a user input to the output mode selector such that power delivered to the terminal is matched to the welding process identified by the user via the output mode selector, wherein the selector circuit includes a first set and a second set of electronic switches, wherein the first set of electronic switches is configured to be activated when a first output mode is selected and the second set of electronic switches is configured to be activated when a second output mode is selected;
- and
- an LC filter circuit connected to the second set of electronic switches to provide a filtered output when the second output mode is selected.
A welding power source output mode selector assembly comprising:
- a power input;
- a first inductive element connected to a first mode output and connectable to the power input;
- an LC filter circuit connected to a second mode output and connectable to the power input;
- and
- a plurality of electronic switches wherein activation of a first set of electronic switches causes an electrical connection between the inductive element and the power input, and wherein activation of a second set of electrical switches causes an electrical connection between the filter circuit and the power input.
A method of electronically selecting an output of a welder, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a user input identifying either a CC or a CV mode of operation for the welder;
- from the identified mode of operation, selectively biasing a set of electronic components;
- and
- energizing either a CC output terminal or a CV output terminal based on the set of electronic components biased, the CV output terminal connected to the biased set of electronic components across an LC circuit.
A kit to retrofit a welder power source to permit electronic selection of an output mode, the kit comprising a circuit having a plurality of electronic components such that a first output terminal of the power source is energized when a first set of electronic components is activated to provide power for a first type of welding process and a second output terminal of the power source is energized when a second set of electronic components is activated to provide power for a second type of welding process dissimilar from the first type of welding process, wherein the circuit includes an LC filter connected to the second output terminal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.