Patent ID: 7038168
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A welding gun comprising: a wire spool comprising a body that forms an outer surface for supporting a welding wire and an inner surface; the inner surface having an outer edge, an inner edge and a first portion extending from the inner edge, a second portion extending from the outer edge and a support portion positioned between the first and second portions, the support portion having an inner diameter that is smaller or equal to the inner diameter of the first and second portions; the first portion forming at least one retaining surface, the at least one retaining surface having a portion defining an inner diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the support surface and smaller than the remaining portions of the first portion; the at least one retaining surface being positioned away from the inner edge; a spindle having an outer surface for supporting the wire spool; and a quick disconnect assembly for releasably coupling the wire spool to the spindle, the quick disconnect assembly comprising a locking element moveable between a first position configured in which the locking element engages the at least one retaining surface and a second position in which the locking element disengages the at least one retaining surface.