Welding torch with a temperature measurement device

• US 9,266,182 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2013
• Issued: 02/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Original Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Inventors: Hung, Derek Yu-Fung, Luck, John Alan, Kadlec, Mark Steven
• Primary Examiner(s): Evans, Geoffrey S
• Application Number:
  US13/759,876
• Publication Number:
  US 20130264315A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,113 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/0956 using sensing means, e.g. optical
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/1006 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/16 making use of shielding gas selection of media B23K35/38
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/164 making use of a moving fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B23K 9/32 Accessories earthing connections H01R

Abstract

Various welding systems including a welding torch assembly are provided. The welding torch assemblies may include a welding torch adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece. The welding torch assemblies may also include a temperature sensing system integral with the welding torch and adapted to sense a temperature of the workpiece.

Claims

1. A welding system, comprising:

a welding torch configured to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece, wherein the welding torch is a tungsten inert gas welding torch configured to establish the welding arc between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece; and

a temperature sensing system integral with the welding torch and configured to sense a temperature of a weld bead or a weld pool, wherein the temperature sensing system comprises a digital temperature probe integral with a cap portion of the tungsten inert gas welding torch, and a digital display configured to display the sensed temperature of the weld bead or a weld pool.

2. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing system further comprises a digital display configured to display the sensed temperature of the weld bead or a weld pool.

3. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing system is reversibly coupled to the welding torch in a tool-less engagement.

4. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing system is coupled to the welding torch in an engagement that is configured to be irreversible without the use of tools.

5. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing system comprises a non-contact sensor configured to sense the temperature of the weld bead or a weld pool without establishment of physical contact between the non-contact sensor and the weld bead or a weld pool.

6. The welding system of claim 1, comprising a welding system, wherein the temperature sensing system is configured to communicate data relating to the sensed temperature to the welding system, and the welding system is configured to store the communicated data.

7. A welding system, comprising:

a welding torch configured to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece, wherein the welding torch is a tungsten inert gas welding torch configured to establish the welding arc between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece; and

a temperature sensing system reversibly coupled to the welding torch in a tool-less engagement and configured to sense a temperature of a weld bead or a weld pool, wherein the temperature sensing system comprises;

a digital temperature probe coupled to a cap portion of the tungsten inert gas welding torch; and

a digital display configured to display the sensed temperature of the weld bead or a weld pool.

8. The welding system of claim 7, wherein the temperature sensing system comprises a removable energy storage device configured to provide energy to power operation of the temperature sensing system.

9. The welding system of claim 7, comprising a welding power source configured to provide welding power to the welding torch for establishment of the welding arc.

10. The welding system of claim 7, comprising a welding system, wherein the temperature sensing system is configured to communicate data relating to the sensed temperature to the welding system, and the welding system is configured to store the communicated data.