System for improved high frequency arc starting of a welding process

Abstract

A welding gun is disclosed that includes an electrode configured to effectuate a welding-type process and a non-conductive nozzle configured to at least partially surround the electrode. The welding gun also includes a conductive casing at least partially surrounding the nozzle and electrically isolated from the electrode and a conductive path extending from the conductive casing through the welding gun.

1 . A welding gun comprising: 
 an electrode configured to effectuate a welding-type process;    a non-conductive nozzle configured to at least partially surround the electrode;    a conductive casing at least partially surrounding the nozzle and electrically isolated from the electrode; and    a conductive path extending from the conductive casing through the welding gun.    
   
   
       2 . The welding gun of  claim 1  further comprising a fastener connected to an end of the conductive path opposite the nozzle.  
   
   
       3 . The welding gun of  claim 2  wherein the fastener is configured to be removeably affixed to at least one of a welding workpiece, an output power terminal, and an enclosure of a welding-type power source to create a potential difference between the conductive casing and the electrode.  
   
   
       4 . The welding gun of  claim 1  wherein the conductive casing includes at least one of a conductive foil, a conductive paint, and a conductive sheath.  
   
   
       5 . The welding gun of  claim 1  wherein the conductive casing is permanently affixed to the nozzle.  
   
   
       6 . The welding gun of  claim 1  wherein the welding gun is a tungsten inert gas (TIG) type welding gun.  
   
   
       7 . The welding gun of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a socket configured to receive the nozzle;    at least one electrical contact electrically connected to the conductive path and disposed within the socket; and    wherein the electrical contact is configured to engage the conductive casing when the nozzle is affixed within the socket.    
   
   
       8 . The welding gun of  claim 1  wherein the conductive casing is fixedly secured to the welding gun.  
   
   
       9 . A welding-type system comprising: 
 a welding-type power source;    a welding-type gun connected to the welding-type power source through a cable and comprising:    an electrode configured to receive an electrical charge from the welding-type power source having a first polarity to effectuate a welding-type process; and    a conductive jacket disposed about at least a portion of the electrode and configured to receive an electrical charge from the welding-type power source having a second polarity to aid in starting the welding-type process.    
   
   
       10 . The welding-type system of  claim 9  further comprising a conductive path configured to engage the conductive jacket and extend to a fastener configured to engage at least one of the welding-type power source and a workpiece to provide the electrical charge to the conductive jacket.  
   
   
       11 . The welding-type system of  claim 9  further comprising a nozzle configured to at least partially surround the electrode and forming a resistive barrier between the electrode and the conductive jacket.  
   
   
       12 . The welding-type system of  claim 11  wherein the conductive jacket is configured to be fixed within the welding-type gun to form a separable conductive sheath surrounding at least part of the nozzle.  
   
   
       13 . The welding-type system of  claim 11  wherein the conductive jacket is configured to be permanently affixed to the nozzle.  
   
   
       14 . The welding-type system of  claim 13  wherein the conductive jacket forms one of a foil layer, a sprayed-on layer, a pressed on layer, and a painted-on layer attached to the nozzle.  
   
   
       15 . The welding-type system of  claim 9  wherein the welding-type processes includes a TIG welding process.  
   
   
       16 . The welding-type system of  claim 9  further comprising a sleeve configured to surround at least a portion of the conductive path to secure the conductive path to the cable.  
   
   
       17 . A welding gun nozzle comprising: 
 a non-conductive body configured to receive an electrode therein;    a conductive layer surrounding at least a portion of the non-conductive body; and    a conductive path integrally formed with and extending from the conductive layer.    
   
   
       18 . The welding gun nozzle of  claim 17  further comprising a sleeve configured to secure the conductive path to at least one of a welding gun and a power cable.  
   
   
       19 . The welding gun nozzle of  claim 18  wherein the conductive layer comprises at least one of a pressed on layer, a foil layer, and painted layer deposited about a circumference of the non-conductive body.  
   
   
       20 . The welding gun nozzle of  claim 17  wherein the conductive layer is configured to be energized with a charge having a polarity opposite that of the electrode when the electrode is energized.