Welding torch with gas flow control

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016136764-A1
Application number	US-201615004257-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Jan 22, 2016
Priority date	Nov 8, 2011
Publication date	May 19, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

An arc system is described which includes a power generator, a shielding gas source, a torch and a shielding gas monitor contained adjacent to or within the torch. The torch is connected to the power generator for producing an arc with a workpiece, is connected to the shielding gas source for providing shielding gas to an arc locations, and includes a flow sensor mounted within or adjacent the torch body for monitoring the flow of shielding gas through the torch and optimally providing feedback control of the shielding gas flow.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . An arc system comprising:
a power source; a shielding gas source; and a torch electrically connected to the power source and adapted to produce an electric arc; wherein the torch is fluidly connected to the shielding gas source to provide a shielding gas near the electric arc; and a gas flow sensor mounted within or adjacent to a body of the torch, wherein the gas flow sensor adapted to monitor the flow of the shielding gas through the torch, wherein the gas flow sensor is adapted to overcome leaks and errors from the shielding gas source to the torch.

2 . The arc system of claim 1 further comprising a gas flow controller operable to selectively vary the flow of shielding gas from the shielding gas source.

3 . The arc system of claim 2 , wherein the gas flow controller is a regulator.

4 . The arc system of claim 2 , wherein the gas flow controller includes a control valve and a torch user input device in communication with the control valve and operable to manually adjust a flow rate of the shielding gas.

5 . The arc system of claim 4 , wherein the torch user input device is located on the torch.

6 . The arc system of claim 2 , wherein the gas flow controller is in communication with a control valve.

7 . The arc system of claim 6 , wherein the control valve is located on the torch.

8 . The arc system of claim 6 , wherein the control valve is located remotely from the torch.

9 . The arc system of claim 6 , wherein the gas flow controller is in communication with the gas flow sensor and adjusts the control valve based at least in part upon a signal from the gas flow sensor.

10 . The arc system of claim 2 , wherein the gas flow controller is adapted to selectively produce a pulsed flow of shielding gas.

11 . The arc system of claim 10 , wherein the pulsed flow of shielding gas pulses in unison with an amperage provided at the torch.

12 . The arc system of claim 10 , wherein the pulsed flow of shielding gas pulses asymmetrically relative to the amperage.

13 . The arc system of claim 1 , wherein with activation of the torch, the power source provides an amperage to generate the electric arc, wherein the amperage rhythmically pulses between an initial and an elevated amperage level in an initial state and the gas flow sensor causes the shielding gas to rhythmically pulse between an initial and an elevated level in the initial state until a short is detected in a welding operation or a plasma cut is shorted in a cutting operation with the workpiece, wherein the amperage is increased to a higher level and the shielding gas is reduced to a lower level during a short circuit stage, and further after the short is cleared, the amperage and the shielding gas returns to a non-synchronized rhythmic pulsing state, followed by the amperage returning to essentially the initial amperage, and the shielding gas returning to a lowered level a predetermined amount of time after the amperage decreases to the initial amperage.

14 . The arc system of claim 1 further comprising a wire feeder adapted to deliver welding wire and a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the power source, the shielding gas source, the wire feeder, and the gas flow sensor; and wherein the controller automatically adjusts the flow of shielding gas to the torch based on communication from at least one of the power source and the wire feeder.

15 . The arc system of claim 1 , wherein the gas flow sensor is a mass flow controller.

16 . The arc system of claim 15 , wherein the mass flow controller is adapted to detect heat symmetry deviations.

17 . The arc system of claim 1 further comprising a display, wherein the display is in communication with the gas flow sensor, and wherein the display conveys information based on a signal from the gas flow controller.

18 . The arc system of claim 17 , wherein the display is mounted on the torch.

19 . The arc system of claim 17 , wherein the information includes at least a flow rate of the gas through the torch.

20 . An arc system comprising:
a power generator, a shielding gas source, a torch connected to the power generator for producing an arc with a work piece and connected to the shielding gas source for providing shielding gas to an arc locations, a means for monitoring the flow of shielding gas within the torch; and a means for regulating the flow of shielding gas through the torch.

21 . The arc system of claim 20 further comprising
a user input device for at least partially controlling the means for regulating.

22 . The arc system of claim 20 further comprising:
a controller operatively connected to the means for regulating to adjust the means for regulating based at least in part upon a signal from the means for monitoring.

23 . The arc system of claim 20 wherein the torch is selected from the group consisting of a plasma cutting torch, a MIG torch and a TIG torch.

24 . The arc system of claim 20 further comprising:
a display mounted to the to the torch body that shows a flow rate of the shielding gas.

25 . The arc system of claim 20 , wherein the torch is selected from the group consisting of a plasma cut torch, a MIG torch and a TIG torch.

Assignees

• Lincoln Global Inc

Inventors

• Enyedy Edward A
• Matthews William T
• Wilder William Delvon

Classifications

• B23K9/0956

  using sensing means, e.g. optical · CPC title

• B23K35/383 Primary

  mainly containing noble gases or nitrogen · CPC title

• B23K9/16

  making use of shielding gas · CPC title

• B23K10/006

  Control circuits therefor · CPC title