Patent Description:
Fume extraction torch heads provide an efficient way for hazardous weld or cutting fumes to be extracted from the weld or cutting location through the torch head. Fume extraction torches are equipped with passageways at the tip of the torch head that extract the fumes through the torch head, which then travel through the torch cable or hose attached to the torch head, and eventually travel out to a fume extraction hood. In typical fume extraction setups, such as the one illustrated in <FIG>, the machine-side connection <NUM> that couples the torch cable or hose to the wire feeder, welder, or cutting machine includes a cable support housing <NUM> and a fume extraction T-joint <NUM> to which a fume extraction hose connects. The T-joint <NUM> rigidly screws onto the cable support housing <NUM> so that the combination thereof forms one solid structure that protrudes from the wire feeder, welder, or cutting machine. This single solid structure does not contain any flexibility, making the structure prone to breaking. In addition, the T-joint <NUM> has a fixed and predetermined orientation, preventing the positioning or alignment of the fume extraction hose. Furthermore, because the fume extraction hose that connects to the T-joint <NUM> is directly coupled to the cable support housing <NUM>, the cable support housing <NUM> is prone to becoming dirty or contaminated, which can compromise the electrical connections in the connector housing. Prior art document <CIT> (basis for the preamble of the independent claims) is directed to fume-extracting welding guns and, in particular, with a joint at the services supply area of the gun which permits supply of services and removal of fumes.

Provided for in example embodiments of the concepts and techniques of the present disclosure are fume extraction connections for connection of a torch cable or hose and a fume extraction hose to a welding/cutting machine-side, such as a wire feeder or power connection. As shown in the example embodiments discussed below, the connection for the fume extraction hose is separated from the machine-side connection housing (which couples to, for example, the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source) by a flexible and/or rotatable connection, such as a flexible or rotatable hose. This flexible and/or rotatable connection enables the fume extraction connection housing, and thus the fume extraction hose, to be rotated and/or pivoted with respect to the machine-side connection housing, which provides flexibility in placement of the machine-side connection housing with respect to that of the fume extraction hose. Furthermore, with the fume extraction connection housing being separated from the machine-side connection housing via the flexible and/or rotatable hose, the inflexible portion of the machine-side connection (e.g., the machine-side connection housing) does not protrude as far out from the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source as related art connectors, which minimizes the chance that the machine-side connection housing becomes broken. Moreover, by being able to rotate and/or position the fume extraction connection housing relative to the machine-side connection housing, as well as by spacing the fume extraction connection housing from the machine-side connection housing, some or all of the welding or cutting fumes extracted by the torch head may be prevented from reaching the machine-side connection housing, lessening or eliminating the possibility of contamination of the electrical connections that may be contained in the machine-side connection housing.

As also discussed below, the end of the fume extraction connection housing that is connected to the flexible and/or rotatable connection may be equipped with a seal that may prevent the vacuum applied to the fume extraction connection from also being applied to the flexible/rotatable hose and/or the machine-side connection housing. According to other example embodiments, the seal may be provided in the machine-side connection housing and may prevent the vacuum applied to the fume extraction connection from also being applied to machine-side connection. The seal may also minimize or otherwise lessen the amount of fresh air drawn into the extraction circuit, thereby increasing the extraction capacity of the torch head. The fume extraction connection may also be equipped with adapters that enable the fume extraction connection housing to accommodate different sized torch cables or hoses and fume extraction hoses.

Accordingly, provided for in example embodiments is an apparatus that includes a machine-side connection housing. The machine-side connection housing includes a machine-side connection configured to provide a welding consumable or an electrical connection to a torch head, such as a welding or cutting torch head. The apparatus also includes a fume extraction connection housing that includes a fume extraction connection to a fume extraction device. A flexible connection is arranged between the machine-side connection housing and the fume extraction connection housing. A seal that includes a first orifice is arranged between the fume extraction connection and the machine-side connection. Finally, a conduit, configured to connect the machine-side connection to the torch head, is arranged to pass through the first orifice, through the flexible connection and through the fume extraction connection housing to the torch head.

Also provided for is an apparatus that includes a fume extraction connection to a fume extraction device, an interior, a flexible connection to a machine-side connection housing, a torch head connection to a torch head, and a seal configured to seal the fume extraction connection from the machine-side connection housing.

The techniques of the present disclosure also provide for methods. The methods include providing a machine-side connection housing in which the machine-side connection housing includes a machine-side connection configured to provide a welding consumable or an electrical connection to a torch head. According to the methods, a fume extraction connection housing is also provided. The fume extraction connection housing includes a fume extraction connection to a fume extraction device. A flexible connection is arranged between the machine-side connection housing and the fume extraction connection housing, and a seal, that includes an orifice, is arranged between the fume extraction connection and the machine-side connection. Finally, a conduit is arranged to pass through the orifice, through the flexible connection and through the fume extraction connection housing to the torch head, such that the conduit is configured to connect the machine-side connection to the torch head.

According to the techniques of the present disclosure, provided for herein is a machine-side connection for fume extraction-type welding or cutting torches in which the connection piece for the fume extraction hose leading to the fume extraction unit is flexibly connected to the machine-side connection housing. A connection provided according to the techniques of the present disclosure may provide for easier routing of the fume extraction hose and may also shorten the length of the machine-side connection housing, creating a smaller obstacle in front of a wire feeder and/or welding/cutting power source. Also according to the techniques of the present disclosure, a seal may be used to, for example, minimize the amount of fresh air drawn into the extraction circuit, thereby increasing the extraction capacity of the torch. The seal may also prevent or lessen extraction gases contaminating and/or soiling of the machine-side connection housing and/or the machine-side connection contained therein.

One specific example embodiment of a device <NUM> according to the techniques of the present disclosure is illustrated in <FIG>. Included in <FIG> are a cutaway view of a cable support housing <NUM> (serving as a machine-side connection housing), a cutaway view of a flexible portion (also referred to as a flexible connection) <NUM>, a cutaway view of a fume extraction connection housing <NUM> and a cutaway view of a torch connection hose <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, fume extraction connection housing <NUM> is configured as a T-joint, though other example embodiments may be configured in different ways. For example, fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be embodied as a branched joint, such as a Y-joint, without deviating from the techniques of the present disclosure. According to still other example embodiments, fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be embodied as a connection with more than three connections. For example, fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may include four or more branches to accommodate, for example, electrical power connections, electrical control connections, a wire feeder connection, a shield gas connection, a cooling gas connection, or other types of connections known to the skilled artisan.

A proximal end 205a of cable support housing <NUM> is configured to connect to a wire feeder and/or welding/cutting power source (not illustrated). As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to proximity or distance relative to a wire feeder or welding/cutting power source to which cable support housing <NUM> connects. Accordingly, proximal end 205a of cable support housing <NUM> is the end of cable support housing <NUM> that connects to the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source. The wire feeder and/or welding/cutting power source may provide welding wire, filler wire, shielding gas, process gas, power cables, control cables, welding consumables, and other connections known to the skilled artisan, to the torch head (not illustrated). Accordingly, proximal end 205a of cable support housing <NUM> includes filler or weld wire conduit connection <NUM>, electrical or control connection <NUM>, and power connection <NUM>. Also contained in cable support housing <NUM> are cooling hose connections 220a and 220b, which provide cooling gas connections for the torch head. The skilled artisan understands that such cooling gas connections may be implemented through proximal end 205a of cable support housing <NUM> or omitted from cable support housing <NUM> without deviating from the techniques of the present disclosure. According to other example embodiments, cooling hose connections 220a and 220b may provide for a cooling liquid, such as water.

Distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> is configured to connect to proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM>. Flexible portion <NUM> forms a flexible connection between cable support housing <NUM> and fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. The connection between proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM> and distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> may be configured to provide relative rotation between flexible portion <NUM> and cable support housing <NUM>. Accordingly, distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> may be embodied as a swivel or rotary joint. When embodied as a swivel or rotary joint, distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> may allow flexible portion <NUM> to rotate up to <NUM>° relative to cable support housing <NUM>. While the embodiment of <FIG> indicates that the rotary or swivel joint is incorporated into distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>, other embodiments may incorporate the swivel or rotary joint into proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM>.

Flexible portion <NUM> provides a conduit through which the connections provided by the wire feeder and/or welding/cutting power source reach fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Similarly, flexible portion <NUM> provides a conduit through which the cooling gases or liquids are connected between cable support housing <NUM> and fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. As would be understood by the skilled artisan, each of the welding wire, shielding gas, process gas, control cables, cooling gas, and other connections known to the skilled artisan, may be provided with a separate conduit within flexible portion <NUM>, examples of which are illustrated in <FIG>, as discussed below.

Flexible portion <NUM> may be constructed from a flexible yet strong material. According to specific example embodiments, flexible portion <NUM> may be constructed from an abrasion and heat resistant material, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vacuum hose material. The PVC hose material may be provided with additional protection in the form of a leather outer jacket. Other materials may be used in place of the PVC vacuum hose and/or the leather outer jacket, as would be understood by the skilled artisan. For example, other heat resistant thermoplastic materials may be used, such as polyamide. Glass fiber materials may also be used according to the techniques disclosed herein.

Distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> connects to proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Fume extraction connection housing <NUM> serves as a connection point for a fume extraction device, such as a fume extraction hood, via a fume extraction hose (illustrated and described with reference to <FIG>, below). Fume extraction torches are equipped with passageways at the tip of the torch head that extract fumes through the torch head, which then travel through the torch connection hose <NUM> attached to the torch head, and eventually travel out to a fume extraction device. Fume extraction connection housing <NUM> serves as the connection point for the fume extraction device, such as a fume extraction hood, via extraction hose connection portion <NUM>. The fume extraction device may provide a vacuum or low pressure to the torch head in order to draw the fume gasses through the passageways at the tip of the torch head, through the torch connection hose <NUM>, through fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, and out to the fume extraction device via extraction hose connection portion <NUM>.

To serve as this connection point to the fume extraction device, fume extraction connection housing <NUM> includes three orifices 212a-c and an interior <NUM>. Orifice 212a is formed in extraction hose connection portion <NUM> and serves as a passageway from the interior <NUM> to the fume extraction device. Orifice 212a allows extraction gasses to flow to the fume extraction device via vacuum or low pressure applied to the interior <NUM> from the fume extraction device. Orifice 212b serves as a passage from the interior <NUM> to the torch head via torch connection hose <NUM>, and allows the connections provided by the cable support housing <NUM> to connect with the torch head via torch connection hose <NUM>. Orifice 212b also serves as a passage via which the vacuum or low pressure generated by the fume extraction device may be applied to the torch head. Orifice 212c provides a passageway through flexible portion <NUM> to the interior <NUM> for the connections provided by cable support housing <NUM>.

Proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be embodied as a swivel or rotary joint to enable flexible portion <NUM> to rotate up to <NUM>° relative to fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. According to other example embodiments, distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> may be embodied as a swivel or rotary joint to enable flexible portion <NUM> to rotate up to <NUM>°relative to fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. While the example embodiment of <FIG> illustrates a rotatable connection between cable support housing <NUM> and flexible portion <NUM> and also between flexible portion <NUM> and fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, one or both of the rotatable connections may be omitted without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure.

Arranged within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be a seal <NUM> configured to prevent extraction fumes from entering flexible portion <NUM> and cable support housing <NUM>. For example, seal <NUM> may be arranged within orifice 212c. Seal <NUM> may prevent or decrease contamination of the electrical connections between cable support housing <NUM> and the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source. In other words, the seal <NUM> may prevent or lessen the amount of the extraction fumes that reach cable support housing <NUM>, and therefore, the amount of contamination of electrical connection <NUM> caused by the extraction fumes may be lessened or eliminated. Seal <NUM> may also lessen or minimize the amount of fresh air drawn into the extraction circuit from, for example, the cable support housing <NUM>, thereby increasing the extraction capacity of the torch head.

Seal <NUM> is illustrated as being arranged within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. According to other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be arranged within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>, as illustrated in detail below with reference to <FIG>. According to still other example embodiments, a plurality of seals <NUM> may be used, with a first seal arranged within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) and a second seal arranged within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>).

Fume extraction connection housing <NUM> includes a distal end 215b, and connected thereto is torch connection hose <NUM>. Cables, conduits and hoses (such as those illustrated in <FIG>) pass from the interior <NUM> of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> through torch connection hose <NUM> to connect with the torch head (not illustrated). The torch head may be embodied as a metal inert gas (MIG) welding torch head, a metal active gas (MAG) welding torch head, a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch head, or a cutting torch head, such as a plasma torch head. Torch connection hose <NUM> may be configured to be large enough to accommodate the hoses, cables and conduits for the connections made in cable support housing <NUM> as well as providing proper flow for the fume extraction gases extracted through the extraction device connected through fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Torch connection hose <NUM> may be formed with a layered construction in which a PVC vacuum hose (in which the hoses, cables and conduits are arranged) is contained within an outer metal plated fume extract or "smoke hose" through which the fume extraction gases pass. Both of these hoses may also be arranged within an outer jacket, such as a leather outer jacket.

Finally, distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be configured to accommodate different adaptors that enable fume extraction connection housing <NUM> to accommodate different sized torch connection hoses <NUM>. This may allow fume extraction connection housing <NUM> to accommodate different fume extraction devices with different fume extraction capacities. Accordingly, the adaptors may be arranged within or over orifice 212b to accommodate the different sized torch connection hoses <NUM>. According to specific example embodiments, orifice 212b may be threaded to accommodate corresponding threads in the adaptors. However, other ways of connecting the adaptors to fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be used without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure.

Similarly, orifice 212a of extraction hose connection portion <NUM> of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be configured to accommodate different adaptors that enable extraction hose connection portion <NUM> to accommodate different sized fume extraction hoses. Allowing extraction hose connection portion <NUM> to accommodate different sized fume extraction hoses may allow fume extraction connection housing <NUM> to accommodate different fume extraction devices with different fume extraction capacities. Accordingly, the adaptors may be arranged over or within orifice 212a to accommodate the different sized fume extraction hoses. According to specific example embodiments, orifice 212a may be threaded to accommodate corresponding threads in the adaptors. However, other ways of connecting the adaptors to fume extraction connection housing <NUM> may be used without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure. For example, extraction hose connection portion <NUM> may be configured to provide a snap-fit to a plurality of different sized fume extraction hoses, as illustrated in <FIG>.

With reference now made to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a cutaway view of distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>, a view of proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM>, a view of distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> and a cutaway view of proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. The detailed view of <FIG> illustrates the rotatable connection between proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM> and distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>, the rotatable connection between distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> and proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, and the arrangement and connection of seal <NUM> within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>.

Included within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> are retention portions 305a-c. Retention portions 305a-c are configured to engage proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM> between extrusions 310a-e. Specifically, retention portions 305a-c extend radially inward from the inner surface <NUM> of distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>. Retention portions 310a-e retain proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM> in distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> by preventing flexible portion <NUM> from moving axially relative to cable support housing <NUM>. Retention portions 305a-c also provide a rotatable connection between flexible portion <NUM> and cable support housing <NUM> by allowing flexible portion <NUM> to rotate within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>.

Similarly, included within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> are retention portions 315a-c. Retention portions 315a-c are configured to engage distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> between extrusions 320a-e. Specifically, retention portions 315a-c extend radially inward from the inner surface <NUM> of proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Retention portions 315a-c retain distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> in proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> by preventing flexible portion <NUM> from moving axially relative to fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Retention portions 315a-c also provide a rotatable connection between flexible portion <NUM> and fume extraction connection housing <NUM> by allowing flexible portion <NUM> to rotate within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>.

Also illustrated in <FIG> is seal <NUM> arranged within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Seal <NUM> is retained within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> via retention portions 325a and 325b, which extend radially inward from inner surface <NUM> of proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, retention portions 325a and 325b prevent seal <NUM> from moving axially within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Seal <NUM> may be press fit to inner surface <NUM> of proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> to prevent the rotation of seal <NUM> within proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>.

With reference now made to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a second cutaway view of distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>, proximal end 210a of flexible portion <NUM>, distal end 210b of flexible portion <NUM> and a cutaway view of proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. <FIG> differs from <FIG> in that seal <NUM> is arranged in distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> as opposed to proximal end 215a of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>). Accordingly, seal <NUM> is retained within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> via retention portions 335a and 335b, which extend radially inward from inner surface <NUM> of distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, retention portions 335a and 335b prevent seal <NUM> from moving axially within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>. Seal <NUM> may be press fit to inner surface <NUM> of distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM> to prevent the rotation of seal <NUM> within distal end 205b of cable support housing <NUM>.

With reference now made to <FIG>, depicted therein is a cutaway view of distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, illustrating the connection of torch connection hose <NUM> to fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Included in <FIG> is hose connection portion <NUM> which is configured to connect torch connection hose <NUM> to fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Hose connection portion <NUM> includes a threaded portion <NUM> and a hose retention portion <NUM>. Threaded portion <NUM> is configured to mate with corresponding threaded portion <NUM> of distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. Specifically, threaded portion <NUM> of hose connection portion <NUM> is configured as a male threaded connection with a pitch that matches that of threaded portion <NUM> of distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, which is configured as a female threaded connection. According to other example embodiments, such as that illustrated in <FIG>, threaded portion <NUM> of hose connection portion <NUM> may be configured as a female threaded connection with a pitch that matches that of male threaded portion <NUM> of distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>.

Hose connection portion <NUM> of <FIG> is configured such that protrusions 530a-d extend out radially from hose retention portion <NUM> into extrusions 535a-d of torch connection hose <NUM>, thereby preventing torch connection hose <NUM> from moving axially relative to hose retention portion <NUM>.

According to other example embodiments, hose connection portion <NUM> may be configured to connect to distal end 215b of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> via other types of connections, such as snap-fit connections or press fit connections.

As illustrated in <FIG>, different hose connection portions <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) and <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) may be used to connect a smaller torch connection hose <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) or a larger torch connection hose <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) using different sized hose retention portions <NUM> and <NUM> (respectively) with the same threaded portion <NUM>.

With reference now made to <FIG>, depicted therein is a cut-away view of extraction hose connection portion <NUM> of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> and a fume extraction hose <NUM>. Extraction hose connection portion <NUM> is configured with a male snap-fit connection portion <NUM>, and fume extraction hose <NUM> is configured with a female snap-fit connection portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, male engagement portion <NUM> is configured to engage with recess <NUM> in the inner surface <NUM> of female snap-fit connection portion <NUM>. Inner surface <NUM> of female snap-fit connection portion <NUM> is configured to engage with recessed surface <NUM> of male snap-fit connection portion <NUM>. With male engagement portion <NUM> engaged with recess <NUM> and inner surface <NUM> engaged with recessed surface <NUM>, fume extraction hose <NUM> is prevented from moving axially relative to extraction hose connection portion <NUM>, but due to the cylindrical structure of extraction hose connection portion <NUM> and fume extraction hose <NUM>, fume extraction hose <NUM> is free to rotate relative to extraction hose connection portion <NUM>. According to other example embodiments, extraction hose connection portion <NUM> may be configured with a female snap-fit connection portion and fume extraction hose <NUM> may be configured with a male snap-fit connection portion. According to other example embodiments, extraction hose connection portion <NUM> may be configured to engage with fume extraction hose <NUM> via other types of connections, such as threaded connections or press fit connections.

With reference now made to <FIG>, depicted therein is extraction hose connection portion <NUM> and adapters 650a and 650b that may be used to connect a smaller fume extraction hose 660a or a larger fume extraction hose 660b to extraction hose connection portion <NUM>. Specifically, each of adapters 650a and 650b includes a torch-side connection portion 652a or 652b that is sized to connect to extraction hose connection portion <NUM>. For example, each of torch-side connection portions 652a and 652b may be configured to provide a snap-fit to extraction hose connection portion <NUM> that has a similar structure to that of snap-fit connection portion <NUM> of <FIG>. Each of adapters 650a and 650b also includes a fume extraction device-side connection portion 654a or 654b that is configured to engage with fume extraction hose 660a or 660b, respectively. According to other example embodiments, adapters 650a and 650b may be configured to engage with extraction hose connection portion <NUM> and/or fume extraction hose <NUM> via other types of connections, such as threaded connections or press fit connections.

Reference is now made to <FIG>. Depicted in <FIG> is an example seal <NUM> in front and perspective views, respectively. Seal <NUM> includes orifices 705a-e. These orifices provide passages through seal <NUM> for a power/water conduit (orifice 705a), a control cable (orifice 705b), a welding wire conduit (orifice 705c), a shielding gas hose (orifice 705d) and a water-in hose (orifice 705e). Also illustrated in <FIG> are slits 730a-e. Slits 730a-e may be beneficial during the assembly of the fume extraction connection housing <NUM> as slits 730a-e press into place the conduits and hoses that pass through orifices 705a-e as the seal is press fit into either of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) or cable support housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>).

With reference now made to <FIG>, depicted therein are cut-away views of fume extraction connection housing <NUM> showing the arrangement of seal <NUM> within fume extraction connection housing <NUM> (<FIG>) and conduits passing through seal <NUM> (<FIG>). As illustrated in these figures, cables and hoses (e.g., the power/water cable <NUM> and water-in hose <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>) may pass through seal <NUM>, but seal <NUM> otherwise prevents passage of gas and debris from fume extraction connection housing <NUM> into flexible portion <NUM>. Seal <NUM> may be formed with more or fewer orifices without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure.

As further depicted in <FIG>, seal <NUM> is press-fit against retention portions 325a and inner surface <NUM> of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. According to other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be arranged within fume extraction connection housing <NUM> in other ways. For example, seal <NUM> may be arranged within two retention portions 325a and 325b formed in inner surface <NUM> of fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. According to other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be integrally formed with fume extraction connection housing <NUM>. According to still other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be integrally formed with flexible portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, seal <NUM> is configured with orifices 705a-e such that cables, hoses and/or conduits may pass there through. As shown in <FIG>, power/water cable <NUM> passes through orifice 705a and water-in hose <NUM> passes through orifice 705e. According to other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be formed with connections such that a hose, cable or conduit terminates on one side of seal <NUM>, with a connection in seal <NUM> bridging through seal <NUM> to connect with another hose, cable or conduit to continue the connection through flexible portion <NUM> and into the interior <NUM> of cable support housing <NUM>.

According to specific example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be constructed from a material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber or PVC. When integrally formed with either of the flexible portion <NUM> or fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, the seal may be constructed from EPDM or PVC. According to other example embodiments, seal <NUM> may be constructed from other heat resistant soft plastic materials, such as nitrile rubber.

With reference now made to <FIG>, depicted therein is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating a process flow for implementing the techniques of the present disclosure. The process flow of <FIG> begins in operation <NUM> in which a machine-side connection housing is provided. The machine-side connection housing includes a machine-side connection configured to provide a welding consumable or an electrical connection to a torch head. Accordingly, operation <NUM> may be embodied as providing a cable support housing, such as cable support housing <NUM> of <FIG>. Furthermore, the machine-side connection of operation <NUM> may be embodied as one or more of wire conduit connection <NUM>, electrical or control connection <NUM>, power connection <NUM> and/or cooling hose connections 220a and 220b, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, a fume extraction connection housing is provided. The fume extraction connection housing includes a fume extraction connection to a fume extraction device. Accordingly, operation <NUM> may be embodied as a providing a fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, with the fume extraction connection being embodied as extraction hose connection portion <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, a flexible connection is arranged between the machine-side connection housing and the fume extraction connection housing. Accordingly, arrangement of the flexible connection of operation <NUM> may be embodied as the arrangement of flexible portion <NUM> of <FIG>.

In operation <NUM>, a seal is arranged between the fume extraction connection and the machine-side connection. The seal includes at least one orifice. Operation <NUM> may be embodied as the arrangement of seal <NUM> in fume extraction connection housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Operation <NUM> may also be embodied in the arrangement of seal <NUM> in cable support housing <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. According to other example embodiments, a seal may be arranged in both of cable support housing <NUM> and fume extraction connection housing <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, a conduit is arranged to pass through the orifice, through the flexible connection, and through the fume extraction connection housing to the torch head. The conduit may be configured to connect the machine-side connection to the torch head. Accordingly, operation <NUM> may be embodied as arranging one or more of the conduits or connections described above with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and/or 8B, above.

Additional operations may be included in the process flow of flowchart <NUM> without deviating from the techniques of the present disclosure. For example, the process flow of flowchart <NUM> may include additional operations, such as connecting a fume extraction hose to the fume extraction connection. Note that this disclosure applies equally to welding and cutting torch heads without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and thus, the process flow of flowchart <NUM> may also include performing a welding or cutting operation with the torch head. Additional operations may also include extracting fume gases via the torch head, passing the fume gases to the fume extraction connection housing, and passing the fume gases through the fume extraction connection the fume extraction device.

In summary, provided for herein is a fume extraction machine-side connection for connection of the torch cable and the fume extraction hose to the wire feeder or welding/cutting power supply that may eliminate problems in related art machine-side connectors, while also improving the vacuum seal for the fume extraction hose. As shown in the example embodiments discussed above, fume extraction connection housing for the fume extraction hose is separated from the machine-side connection housing, which couples to the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source, by a flexible and rotatable hose. This flexible and rotatable hose enables the fume extraction connection housing, and thus the fume extraction hose, to be rotated and/or pivoted with respect to the machine-side connection housing, which provides flexibility in placement of the wire feeder or welding/cutting power source with respect to that of the fume extraction hose. Furthermore, with the fume extraction connection housing being separated from the machine-side connection housing via the flexible hose, the inflexible portion of the machine-side connection (e.g., the machine-side connection housing) does not protrude as far out from the wire feeder or power source as in related art connectors, which minimizes the chance the connection housing becomes broken. Moreover, by being able to rotate and/or position the fume extraction connection housing, as well as by spacing the fume extraction connection housing from the machine-side connection housing, some or all of the weld or cutting fumes may be unable to reach the machine-side connection housing, eliminating or lessening the possible contamination of the electrical connections that may be contained in the machine-side connection housing.

As also discussed above, the end of the fume extraction connection housing that is connected to the flexible hose may be equipped with a seal that prevents the vacuum applied to the fume extraction connection housing from also being applied to the flexible/rotatable outer hose and the machine-side connection housing. This may minimize the amount of fresh air drawn into the extraction circuit, thereby increasing the extraction capacity of the torch. The fume extraction connection housing may be also equipped with adapters on one end that enables the fume extraction connection housing to accommodate different sized fume extraction hoses.

Claim 1:
A welding apparatus comprising:
a machine-side connection housing (<NUM>) comprising a machine-side connection (205a) configured to provide a welding consumable or an electrical connection to a torch head;
a fume extraction connection housing (<NUM>) comprising a fume extraction connection (<NUM>) connectable to a fume extraction device;
characterised in that the welding apparatus further comprises:
a flexible connection (<NUM>) arranged between the machine-side connection housing (<NUM>) and the fume extraction connection housing (<NUM>);
a seal (<NUM>) comprising a first orifice (705a-e) arranged between the fume extraction connection (<NUM>) and the machine-side connection (205a); and
a conduit, configured to connect the machine-side connection (205a) to a torch head, arranged to pass through the first orifice (705a-e), through the flexible connection (<NUM>) and through the fume extraction connection housing (<NUM>) to a torch head.