Alternate current path for mig gun
US6559416B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K9/123
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A current path for a mig welding gun assures a reliable and stable interface between a welding gun and a weld wire. In one embodiment, the current path is through a conductive insert that fits in the welding gun diffuser. Fingers of the insert resiliently contact the weld wire and thereby provide stable paths for welding power from the gun to the weld wire. In another embodiment, a contact tip assembly comprises a contact tip having resilient fingers in electrical contact with a body. An inner frusto-conical surface of a sleeve is urged against concentric frusto-conical outer surfaces of the fingers to bias the fingers radially inwardly against the weld wire. An insulative liner in the contact tip guides the weld wire between the fingers. A shield surrounds the contact tip and the sleeve. In a further embodiment, a single finger is pivotally connected to the contact tip. A spring biases a finger end against the weld wire. In an alternate embodiment, the finger is wedge shaped and is held in an angled slot in the contact tip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.