Reversible cable for welding systems

Abstract

A welding system includes a power block, a cable, and an end assembly including a holder. The cable is attached between the power block and the holder and is detachable and reversible. Each end of the cable has the same polygonal recess, which match a common polygonal projection of the power block and the holder. The holder may include a coupler that permits rotatable movement of the cable relative to the holder. The coupler can be exchanged with a further coupler having the same polygonal profile and height but with a different rotatable movement. The cable is reversible such that the end attached to the power block can be attached to the holder and vice versa.

Description

PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170REVERSIBLE CABLE FOR WELDING SYSTEMSBACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to welding systems and more particularly to robotic welding systems having a conduit for feeding a wire electrode toward an end assembly.2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding also referred to as “wire-feed” or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) utilizes heat from an electrical arc to melt a consumable electrode to form a weld on a workpiece. A MIG welding system typically includes a power supply, a gas supply, and an electrode supply connected to a welding device or welding gun. A ground cable is used to connect the workpiece to the power supply. The welding device generally includes a handle, a gooseneck, and an end assembly.

[0003] The welding system can be automatic or semi-automatic and may be manually or robotically controlled. The electrode and gas are coupled through a conduit in the handle and the gooseneck to the end assembly of the welding device. The electrode extends through the contact tip of the end assembly, and the gas moves around the contact tip in the nozzle of the end assembly. When the welding device is activated, the electrode is fed through the contact tip toward the workpiece and the gas is directed through the nozzle towards the workpiece. When the electrode is placed adjacent or in contact with the workpiece, the electrode completes an electrical circuit between the power supply and the workpiece allowing current to flow through the electrode to the workpiece. The current produces an arc between the electrode and the workpiece.

[0004] The heat of the arc melts the electrode and the workpiece in the region surrounding the arc creating a weld puddle. The gas flowing out the nozzle shields the weld puddle from outside contaminants. The type of gas used in MIG welding varies depending on many factors.PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170Noble or inert gases such as Argon are often used. However, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and a mixture of gases such as CO2and Argon are also used. Once the electrode is moved away from the workpiece, the electric circuit is broken, and the weld puddle cools and solidifies forming a weld.

[0005] During the provision of the wire electrode toward the end assembly, the wire electrode may pass through a flexible conduit that extends between various components on the robotic welding system. The various movements of the articulating robotic welding system thereby causes the flexible conduit to move and flex. Over time, the flexible conduit may break down, thereby requiring replacement.

[0006] The cable may be used for conveying shielding gas, current, and the wire electrode therethrough from a drive unit to the end assembly.

[0007] Additionally, some robotic welding systems operate with a 360 degree rotatable end assembly, while others operate with a reduced rotational range, such as 220 degrees. Thus, certain cables are made with an end connector accommodating one range, with other cables having an end connector with another range. In the event of replacement for a given system, the same type of cable must be stocked or otherwise obtained. Similarly, if it is desirable to alter the functionality of the unit from one range to another, the entire cable would need to be replaced. The rotational connection is also located at one end of the cable, such that the cable must be installed in a specific orientation.

[0008] Accordingly, improvements can be made to wire electrode conduits for welding systems.SUMMARY

[0009] A welding system includes a power block, a cable, and an end assembly including a holder. The cable is attached between the power block and the holder and is detachable and reversible. Each end of the cable has the same polygonal recess, which match a common polygonal projection of the power block and the holder. The holder may include a coupler thatPCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 permits rotatable movement of the cable relative to the holder. The coupler can be exchanged with a further coupler having the same polygonal profile and height but with a different rotatable movement. The cable is reversible such that the end attached to the power block can be attached to the holder and vice versa.

[0010] Further objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, with reference to the drawings and claims that are appended to and form a part of this specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a gas metal arc welding system;

[0012] Figure 2A illustrates a further detailed view of the gas metal arc welding system within the robotic arm;

[0013] Figure 2B illustrates another further detailed view of the gas metal arc welding system within the robotic arm;

[0014] Figure 2C illustrates another further detailed view of the gas metal arc welding system within the robotic arm;

[0015] Figure 2D illustrates another further detailed view of the gas metal arc welding system within the robotic arm;

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the gas metal arc welding system; and

[0017] Figures 4 illustrates a reversible conduit cable that extends between a power block and an end assembly;

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the power block having a polygonal projection;

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a polygonal recess of a connector of the cable;

[0020] Figure 7 is another perspective view of the connector, illustrating a bore through which a wire electrode is passed;

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates the connection of the cable to the end assembly;PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170

[0022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler that is received in a holder of the end assembly and which connects to an end of the cable; and

[0023] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the holder, illustrating the connection arrangement for the coupler.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, a robotic arm system 10 is shown. It will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may also be used in manual welding systems, which also include the provision of power, gas, etc. via elongate cables or wires.

[0025] The robotic arm system 10 may include a robotic arm assembly 12. Generally, the robotic arm assembly includes a torch end 28 and a drive box 26. A utility cable 24 may be provided so as to feed a wire acting as an electrode into the drive box 26. This wire essentially acts as an electrode for the gas metal arc welding process performed at the workpiece 30. The robotic arm assembly 12 also includes a utility junction box 22 that is configured to receive the wire acting as an electrode from the welding wire spool 18. Wire from the welding wire spool 18 is fed into the utility junction box 22 via an insulated wire conduit 20.

[0026] A digital weld power supply 16 provides power to the robotic arm assembly 12 using one or more connection cables 32. A gas supply 14 provides inert gas to be utilized by the robotic arm assembly 12 when performing a gas metal arc welding operation.

[0027] Referring to Figures 2A-2D a detailed view of a drive box system 40 incorporated within the robotic arm assembly 12 is shown. Generally, the system 40 includes a lug 42, a j-arm 44, and a power block 46. The lug 42 is connected to a first end 43 of the j-arm 44 using a bolt assembly. The j-arm 44 and the lug 42 are generally made of a highly conductive material, such as copper, so as to provide the free flow of electricity to perform the gas metal arc welding operation. The other end of the j-arm 44 has a second end 45. The second end 45 is configured to attach to the power block 46 using a bolt 50. The bolt 50 has a threaded end that threadsPCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 through an opening located within the second end of the j-arm 44. The power block 46 also has a threaded portion that allows it to mate with the bolt 50 so as to attach the second end 45 of the j-arm 44 to the power block 46.

[0028] In some implementations, one or all of the of lug 42, j-arm 44, the bolt 50, power block 46 and the nozzle 54 may be made of a highly conductive material, for example copper, and may be made of the same material for improved electrical transmission characteristics. In some implementations, a series of the lug 42, j-arm 44, the bolt 50, power block 46 and the nozzle 54 (e.g. the lug 42 and j-arm 44, or the lug 42, j-arm 44, power block 46, and nozzle 54) may be made of a highly conductive material, for example copper, and may be made of the same material for improved electrical transmission characteristics.

[0029] In order to better illustrate the parts of the system 40, an exploded view of the system 40 is shown. As stated before, here, the gas metal arc welding system includes a j-arm 44 having a first end 43 and a second end 45. The first end 43 of the j-arm defines a substantially circular opening 47 within the j-arm 44. The substantially circular opening 47 generally extends through the depth of the j-arm 44. The substantially circular opening 47 is configured so as to mate with the lug 42 (as shown in Figures 2A-2D). This type of mating may occur through the use of a power ball type technology, wherein the lug is shaped slightly spherical so as to mate with a slightly spherical opening 47 of the first end 43 of the j-arm.

[0030] The second end 45 of the j-arm 44 also has an opening 51 that extends through the depth of the second end 45 of the j-arm 44. Here, the bolt 50 is configured so as to extend through the opening 51 of the second end 45 of the j-arm 44 and attached to a threaded portion 66 of the power block 46. The bolt 50 has a head 52 that has a diameter such that it clamps the j-arm 44 to the power block 46 when the threaded portion 70 of the bolt 50 is screwed into the threaded portion 66 of the power block 46.

[0031] The bolt 50 generally has a longitudinal diameter and a passageway through the entire length of the longitudinal diameter. The reason for this internal passageway is to allow thePCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 flow of an inert gas into the power block 46 as will be described later. The inert gas is provided to the bolt 50 via the use of a coupling 53 having an input 72 for receiving the inert gas from the gas supply. This inert gas travels through the length of the bolt 50 and into the power block 46.

[0032] Referring to the power block 46, the power block 46 generally has a longitudinal axis 60. The longitudinal axis 60 generally defines a first passageway that extends through the length of the power block 46 along the longitudinal axis 60. Running substantially perpendicular to this passageway 64 is a second passageway 65 containing the threaded portion 66. The second passageway 65 runs substantially perpendicular to the axis 60 generally along axis 62. The passageway 65 is in fluid communication with the passageway 64. As such, the passageway 64, 65, and 68 through the bolt 50 are each in fluid communication with each other. As such, inert gas provided to the bolt 50 by the coupling 53 will be essentially provided to the second passageway 65 as well as the first passageway 64. A nozzle end 54 can then be attached to the first passageway 64. Both the wire and the inert gas would be fed through the nozzle 54 and to the torch end 28 shown in Figure 1. One or more O-rings 76 and / or 78 may be utilized so as to attach and create a tight seal between the bolt 50, j-arm 44, and power block 46. Additionally, a larger O-ring 80 may be utilized so as to attach the first end 43 to the lug shown in Figures 2A- 2D.

[0033] When thusly assembled, electricity can be provided to the electrode through the j- arm 44 and the power block 46 that the j-arm 44 receives from the lug 42 shown in Figures 2A- 2D. Additionally, the inert gas can then be provided through the j-arm 44 and into the power block 46.

[0034] The power block 46 may also include an eleongated cavity that is configured to receive an end of a power cable. The cavity 82 may take any shape but should be configured so as to have the ability to receive an end of a cable. The cavity 82 may also include threaded portions 83 and 85 for receiving set screws so as to retain any cable inserted within the cavity 82PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 in direct and electrical contact with the power block 46. The cable that is inserted into the cavity 82 essentially provides electricity to the torch end 28 of the robotic arm assembly 12.

[0035] As discussed above in reference to Figure 1 , one or more connection cables 32 may be provided as part of the system. The system of Figure 1 provides one illustration of various cables or lines, power cables, communication cables, air / gas tubes, etc. Pressurized air, for example, can be used to as a pneumatic drive for some wire feed systems. Inert gas may be provided to the system using gas tubes.

[0036] It will be appreciated that there are variety of welding systems that use a variety of types of cables or lines that may be arranged in different areas relative to the system, and that the particular arrangement of elongate cables or lines of the present disclosure is illustrative of one example.

[0037] Figures 2A-3 illustrate an arrangement in which the torch end 28 is generally connected adjacent the drive box 26 as shown in Figure 1 , with nozzle 54 being disposed within a housing and connected to the inlet end of the end assembly at the torch end 28.

[0038] Figures 4-10 illustrate another arrangement in which a conduit system 100 is provided between a power block 146 and an end assembly 128. The system 100 includes a cable 101 including a plurality of assembled components, including a flexible tubular wire conduit 120 through with the wire electrode and shielding gas may be provided to the end assembly 128 from the power block 146.

[0039] The cable 101 and tubular wire conduit 120 are provided and configured to attach to the power block 146 and extend longitudinally along a central axis to the end assembly 128. As shown in Figure 5, the power block 146 differs in that it includes a polygonal boss portion 146a extending axially outward in the direction of cable 101 , with the end assembly 128 attached to the opposite end of the cable 101 . The boss portion 146a thereby has a reduced outer profile relative to the power block 146.PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170

[0040] A first cable connector 150 (Figure 4) is disposed at a first end of the cable 101 for attaching to the power block 146, and a second cable connector 152 (Figure 4) is disposed at a second end of the cable 101 for attaching to the end assembly 128. In one aspect, the first and second connectors 150 and 152 have the same size and shape and are interchangeable. Figure 6 and 7 illustrate the connectors 150 / 152.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6 and 7, the first connector 150 includes a passageway defined by a through bore 150a having a circular profile that is axially adjacent countersunk polygonal bore 150b. The polygonal bore 150b is wider than the through bore 150a and has a polygonal profile corresponding to the profile of the boss portion 146a. Thus, the boss portion 146a is received in the polygonal bore 150b. The wire is fed out of the bore 150a and into the cable 101.

[0042] The tubular wire conduit 120, shown in Figure 4, attaches at one end to the connector 150. The tubular wire conduit 120 is flexible and includes an elongate central passageway through which the wire can be fed with reduced resistance, such as via an internal coiled wire (not shown). The conduit 120 also conducts current in a manner known in the art. The conduit 120 is further configured to provide shielding gas through the passageway. The conduit 120 may include conductive material that is received in recesses 150c formed in the end of the connector 150. The connector 150 is conductive, such that current will pass from the power block 146 and into the connector 150, and further into the conductive material of the conduit 120, which is received in the recess 150c.

[0043] The first connector 150 is fixed to the power block 146 via the boss portion 146a being received in the bore 150b and via a screw connector therebetween.

[0044] To detach the first end of the cable 101 from the power block 146, the screw connection, such as set screws between connector 150 and boss 146a, can be loosened, allowing the connector 150 (which remains attached to conduit 120), to be removed.

[0045] The connector 152 attached at the opposite end of the tubular conduit 120, as shown in Figure 4, has the same shape and is attached in the same manner to the conduit 120,PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 such that current will pass to the connector 152 from the conduit 120 (which current has been provided from the power block to the connector 150).

[0046] The connector 152 being the same size and shape as connector 150, can thereby be attached to the power block 146 in place of connector 150. Put another way, the cable 101 can be easily reversed. The connector 150 can thereby be attached to the end assembly 128, to which the connector 152 was previously attached.

[0047] For purposes of discussion, the initial attachment of connector 152 to the end assembly 128 will now be described.

[0048] The opposite end of the cable 101 includes the second connector 152, which has the same shape as the first connector 150. The second end of the cable 101 provides the wire electrode form the cable 101 into the end assembly 128. The second connector 152 is attachable to the end assembly 128 via a screw connections, such as the set screws that attached the connector 150 to the boss 146a of the power block 146. The second connector 152 has the same type of through bore 152a and polygonal bore 152b as in first connector 150. Thus, both ends of the cable 101 present the polygonal bore 150b, 152b to receive corresponding polygonal profiles.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, the second end, or the end assembly end, of the second connector 152 receives the end of a coupler 160. The coupler 160 may be considered part of the end assembly 128. The end assembly 128 may further include a holder 164, which receives the coupler therein. A gooseneck with an associated diffusor, contact tip, and nozzle can be attached to the holder 164 and extend form the holder 164. The details of the gooseneck and the end assembly are not further illustrated or discussed, herein. The holder 164 passes the current from the attached cable 101 ultimately to the contact tip for welding via the various interconnected conductive parts.

[0050] A shown in Figure 8, the coupler 160 may include an outer coupler 160a and an inner coupler 160b. Inner coupler 160b may have a polygonal profile 160c matching the polygonal bore 150b / 152b. The inner coupler 160b also includes a circular profile 160d for being receivedPCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 in a corresponding circular bore 160e of the outer coupler 160a. The outer coupler 160a further includes its own polygonal bore 160f, similar to the bore 150b / 152b. The outer coupler 160a is therefore configured to be attached to a corresponding polygonal projection 164a of the holder 164, shown in Figure 10.

[0051] A retainer ring 160g is disposed in a corresponding groove of the bore 160e, thereby securing inner coupler 160b to outer coupler 160a and allowing 360 degree rotation of the inner coupler 160b relative to the outer coupler.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, in addition to the coupler 160, a further coupler 162 is provided, having the same height and profile dimensions as the first coupler 160, but with an alternative rotational ability, such as 220 degrees. Additional couplers with the same profile and height sizing may also be provided, including a non-rotational coupler, or other rotational couplers with different rotational abilities. The coupler 160 may be exchanged for the further coupler 162, and vice versa. The couplers 160 / 162 may be fixed in the holder via their own set screw that engaged the corresponding polygonal projection of the holder. For purpose of discussion, the coupler 160 will be discussed.

[0053] Thus, the second connector 152 can be fixed to the projecting end of the coupler 160 via a setscrew similar to that which retains the first connector 150 to the power block 146.

[0054] Thus, in the event that either the rotational limits of the end assembly 128 are to be changed, or the cable 101 becomes fatigued at one end relative to the other, the cable 101 can be easily reversed. The connectors 150 and 152 may be released from the power block 146 at one end of the cable and from the coupled 160 at the other end. The coupler 160 may be exchanged with the further coupler 162, or left in place if the cable 101 is only being reversed. The cable 101 may then be flipped, with connector 150 being attached to the coupler 160, and the second connector 152 being attached to the power block 146.

[0055] The first coupler 160 may remain attached to the holder 164, or removed and replaced with another coupler, such as coupler 162. The couplers 160, 162 may be exchangedPCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 at the holder 164 with or without flipping the cable 101. For instance, the connector 152 / 150 may be detached form the coupler 160 / 162, which the cable 101 remains attached at the power block 146. The coupler 160 / 162 may then be exchanged and fixed to the holder 164, and the holder may once again be attached to the cable 101 .

[0056] Thus, both the power block 146 and the end assembly 128 have the same projecting polygonal shapes. More particularly, the coupler 160 or 162 has the same polygonal projecting shape as the power block 146. The connectors 150, 152 at each end of the cable 101 also each have the same polygonal bore that matches the shapes of the projections.

[0057] Thus, both ends of the cable 101 may be easily attached to the variable connector type of either the power block 146 or the end assembly. Thus, the cable 101 may be reversed following uneven fatigue of the cable 101 over time, rather than disposing of the cable when one end remains in good condition due to a lack of wear at that end.

[0058] Additionally, the use of the interchangeable couplers 160, 162 having the same size allows for both flipping the cable 101 and also modifying the rotatable travel of the end assembly 128 with or without flipping the cable. Thus, the cable 101 may be reused in other applications or systems having varying rotatable limits.

[0059] In addition to the above description regarding the reversible cable 101 , the nozzle 54, described previously with reference to Figure 3, is also preferably provided with the power block 146, with the nozzle 154 engaging with the boss 146a in a manner similar to the passageway 64 of the power block 46 of Figure 3. The barbed end of nozzle 54 is received in the tubular conduit 120 and functions in a manner similar to that described above. In one aspect, the nozzle 54 may be inserted into the conduit, followed by the coupler 150 or 152.

[0060] Various suitable materials, dimensions, and diameters may be used to accommodate the needs of the overall system.

[0061] As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of an implementation of the principles of this invention. This description is notPCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 intended to limit the scope or application of this invention in that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and change, without departing from the spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims

PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170CLAIMS1. A welding system comprising: a power block having a first outlet for providing a consumable electrode to a wire guide cable; a holder for being connected to a gooseneck of the end assembly of the welding system for providing the electrode to a welding location; a cable having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cable is connected to the power block and the holder and extends between the power block and the holder; wherein the first end and the second end of the cable each have a polygonal recess having a same profile; wherein the power block and the holder each have a polygonal projection having a same profile; wherein the profile of the polygonal projections corresponds to the profile of the polygonal recesses; wherein the cable is detachable and reversible, such that the first end is attachable to both the holder and the power block and the second end is attachable to both the holder and the power block.

2. The welding system of claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a coupler, wherein the coupler defines the polygonal projection of the holder.

3. The welding system of claim 2, wherein the coupler has a rotatable portion that include the polygonal projection, which is rotatable relative to a base portion, wherein the base portion is detachably rotationally fixed to the holder.PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-1704. The welding system of claim 3, wherein the coupler is a first coupler and is detachable from the holder and replaceable with a further coupler having a different rotational ability relative to the first coupler, wherein the further coupler includes the same polygonal projection as the first coupler and is attachable to both the first and second end of the cable.

5. The welding system of claim 3, wherein the coupler permits 360 degrees of rotation of the attached cable relative to the holder.

6. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the cable includes a first connector fixed to a first end of a tubular conduit and a second connector fixed to a second end of the tubular conduit, wherein the tubular conduit feeds the consumable electrode from the power block to the holder.

7. The welding system of claim 6, wherein the first and second connectors each define the polygonal recess having the same profile.

8. The welding system of claim 7, wherein the first and second connectors have a same size and shape.

9. The welding system of claim 6, wherein the tubular conduit transmits current from the first connector to the second connector.

10. The welding system of claim 9, wherein the power block provides current to the first connector and the holder receives the current from the second connector via the tubular conduit.PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-17011. The welding system of 10, wherein the power block provides shielding gas through the first connector and into the tubular conduit, which provides the shielding gas to the holder via the second connector along with the consumable electrode.

12. The welding system of claim 1 , wherein the polygonal projection of the power block includes a nozzle extending therefrom, wherein the nozzle is configured to provide shielding gas a wire electrode into a tubular conduit of the cable.

13. The welding system of claim 4, wherein the further coupler has the same length as the first coupler, such that the first coupler and the further coupler are interchangeable in the holder and provide a same connection arrangement for the cable at both the first end and the second end.

14. The welding system of claim 1 , further comprising an end assembly including a gooseneck attached to the holder, a diffusor, a contact tip, and a nozzle.

15. The welding system of claim 1 , wherein the power block is attached to a drive unit of a robotic welding system, wherein the power block receives, current, shielding gas, and a wire electrode and provides the current, the shielding gas, and the wire electrode to and through the cable to the holder and an end assembly attached thereto.

16. A welding system comprising: a power block having a first outlet for providing a consumable electrode to a wire guide cable; a holder for being connected to a gooseneck of the end assembly of the welding system for providing the electrode to a welding location;PCT / US25 / 50764 14 October 2025 (14.10.2025)Attorney Docket No. 91694-170 a cable having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the cable is connected to the power block and the holder and extends between the power block and the holder; wherein the first end and the second end of the cable each have a polygonal recess having a same profile; wherein the power block and the holder each have a polygonal projection having a same profile; wherein the profile of the polygonal projections corresponds to the profile of the polygonal recesses; wherein the holder includes a coupler, wherein the coupler defines the polygonal projection of the holder.

17. The welding system of claim 16, wherein the coupler has a rotatable portion that include the polygonal projection, which is rotatable relative to a base portion, wherein the base portion is detachably rotationally fixed to the holder.

18. The welding system of claim 17, wherein the coupler is a first coupler and is detachable from the holder and replaceable with a further coupler having a different rotational ability relative to the first coupler, wherein the further coupler includes the same polygonal projection as the first coupler and is attachable to both the first and second end of the cable.

19. The welding system of claim 17, wherein the coupler permits 360 degrees of rotation of the attached cable relative to the holder.

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