Additional circuit for a process supply line of a welding or cutting torch and hose assembly with additional circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to an additional circuit for a process supply line of a welding or cutting torch, which has at least one terminal device arranged thereon, which is connected to a welding current source, wherein electrical energy and further media are guided to the welding or cutting torch by the terminal device and by a process supply line which is guided, preferably in a hose assembly of the welding or cutting torch. According to the invention, electrical energy is tapped from the at least one electrical process supply line for operating peripheral devices, such as sensors, drive units or control devices for drive units, without significantly influencing the arc process. The additional circuit for tapping electrical energy is coupled electrically in parallel to the welding circuit. The coupling is based on a direct ohmic contact or an electrical coupling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an additional circuit for a process supply line for a welding torch or cutting torch as described in the preamble of claim 1, and a hose assembly having the additional circuit as described in claim 18. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal joining methods use energy to melt and join workpieces. Besides electrode processes (E-Hand, manual arc welding), the "MIG welding process" and "MAG welding process" ("MSG process"), as well as the "WIG arc process" and "plasma arc process" with their laser-integrated methods, are primarily used in metalworking in accordance with standards. Plasma-based and hybrid plasma-based cutting torches are also the subject of this invention, as are processes supplied with hot filaments; therefore, this invention includes laser beam processes in addition to the processes mentioned.

[0003] In arc welding methods supported by a shielding gas using a consumable electrode (MSG), "MIG" stands for "metal inert gas," and "MAG" stands for "metal active gas." In arc welding methods supported by a shielding gas using a non-consumable electrode (WSG), "WIG" stands for "tungsten inert gas." The hose assembly according to the invention can be implemented in a machine-guided welding or cutting torch arranged on a robotic arm. However, manual or automated torches are also contemplated.

[0004] Arc welding equipment typically generates an electric arc between the workpiece and either a molten or non-molten welding electrode to melt the solder. A shielding gas stream isolates the solder and the welding area from the atmospheric environment.

[0005] Here, the welding electrode is mounted on the torch body, which is connected to an arc welding apparatus. The torch body typically includes an internal set of components that guide the welding current from a welding current source in the arc welding apparatus toward the tip of the torch to the welding electrode, from where an arc is generated toward the workpiece.

[0006] The shielding gas flow surrounds the welding electrode, arc, weld pool, and heat-affected zone on the workpiece, and is delivered to these areas via the torch body. The gas nozzle directs the shielding gas flow to the tip of the torch, where it exits from the torch head, roughly annularly surrounding the welding electrode.

[0007] The electric arc generated for welding heats the workpiece to be welded and, if necessary, the solder during the welding process, thereby melting the workpiece and the solder.

[0008] In addition to welding, brazing is also considered for joining sheet metal components. Unlike welding, here it is not the workpiece that is melted, but only the welding filler. This is because in brazing, the two edges are joined together by flux, which acts as the welding filler. The melting temperature of the flux material differs significantly from that of the component material, so only the flux melts during processing. Besides WIG torches, plasma torches, and MIG torches, lasers are also suitable for brazing.

[0009] Arc brazing can be divided into metal shielded gas (MSG-L) brazing and tungsten shielded gas (WSG-L) brazing. In both, a filamentous copper-based material is used as the welding filler, the melting zone of which is smaller than that of the base material. The principle of MSG arc brazing is largely consistent with that of MSG welding using filamentous welding filler in terms of equipment technology.

[0010] In brazing or welding, such as arc welding of metals, a significant amount of partially harmful waste gases or fumes are generated, more or less, in relation to the composition and impurities of the materials to be welded or brazed. These waste gases or fumes not only negatively affect visibility at the weld or brazed area but may also cause health damage to users of the welding or brazing equipment due to eye and respiratory irritation. Accordingly, various devices and methods have been developed in practice to extract the waste gases as close as possible to the point of generation on the torch.

[0011] WO 2006 / 042572 A1 describes a sensor device for detecting the position and / or position change of a torch, thereby affecting at least one characteristic parameter of a joining method, a separating method, or a surface treatment method, particularly a welding method, based on the detected position and / or position change.

[0012] A system and method for automatically regulating the flow of fumes drawn through a welding fume gun are disclosed in WO 2013 / 166247 A1. The apparatus includes a vacuum system configured to draw in a vacuum flow of fumes through an internal passage of the welding fume gun. A sensor is also provided for measuring the vacuum vapor flow.

[0013] In an arc welding method supported by a shielding gas using a molten electrode, at least one drive element is provided in a so-called wire feeder that applies pressure to the wire or electrode to be fed and simultaneously transmits feed motion to the wire or electrode.

[0014] If the clamping force or pressure is too small, this will cause what is known as slippage between the drive element and the wire or welding electrode. However, slippage should be avoided under any circumstances, as it results in too little material from the melting electrode entering the melting zone at the tip of the welding torch or brazing torch.

[0015] The slippage is also caused by the wire in relation to the feed rate. Excessive speed can also lead to undesirable slippage. For this reason, the speed of the forward-moving object, especially the wire, can be measured tactilely or non-tactically.

[0016] A method for non-contactly measuring the velocity and / or length of a thread moving in the longitudinal direction by means of a sensor is known from DE 10 2008 039 025 A1 and EP 2 159 536 A2.

[0017] EP 1 352 698 A1 discloses a wire feeding device for welding equipment, which includes a means for measuring wire speed. A light source illuminates a section of the metal wire. A CCD sensor is pointed at the surface of the metal wire and detects the structure of the wire surface.

[0018] In order to cool the handle of a welding torch or cutting torch and / or the inner cavity of the handle of the welding torch or cutting torch, particularly the entire inner cavity of the handle and / or the gas nozzle outside the inner cavity of the gas nozzle on the arc side, a conveying device, particularly a ventilation device or a compressor, is known from EP 2 666 576 B1, which conveys ambient air as cooling air through at least one cooling passage of the welding torch or cutting torch.

[0019] A system for tapping energy from a welding cable is known from EP 3 235 105 B1. The energy harvesting device is positioned near the welding cable and configured to inductively harvest electrical energy from the welding cable. The energy harvesting system also has a rectifier electrically coupled to the energy harvesting device and configured to convert the electrical energy harvested from the welding cable into direct current. Specifically, this prior art discloses an additional circuit for inductive coupling, which is not fixed to the welding cable for direct ohmic contact or electrical coupling. A disadvantage of this inductive coupling additional circuit is that electrical energy can only be harvested from the welding cable when the magnetic field around the welding cable changes. This necessitates a current ripple or current change.

[0020] A welding apparatus comprising an electrical communication device is disclosed in US 2018 / 0021873 A1. A power supply is coupled to a welding control device, which is to be operated by an operator to select welding processes and welding settings from a location remote from the power supply. The welding control device supplies current to one or more auxiliary devices near the weld and is connected to the power supply via auxiliary lines.

[0021] DE 20 2019 001 241 U1 relates to an overvoltage protection circuit having a fault display device.

[0022] The aforementioned sensors or sensor devices used to detect the position and / or changes in position of the torch, or sensors used to measure the speed and / or length of the wire, or sensors used to measure the vacuum vapor flow, as well as ventilation devices for cooling or drive devices for moving the wire forward, are also called peripheral devices.

[0023] In known welding or cutting apparatus, additional electrical components, particularly displays and buttons, can also be powered, for example, via a so-called bus through a power supply-specific interface integrated into a power supply manufacturer-specific hose assembly interface. The disadvantage here is that power supply manufacturers typically do not disclose this interface to third parties, thereby preventing users from replacing parts, particularly the hose assembly.

[0024] On the other hand, it is possible to divert energy from the power supply, particularly from the exposed wiring in the wire-driven motor. However, a disadvantage here is that while the housing is enclosed to prevent contamination and meet safety requirements, it also hinders energy extraction from the outside.

[0025] Alternatively, a separate power supply interface, such as a USB interface, could be considered. However, only a small number of power supplies have this interface, which is typically considered primarily for data exchange.

[0026] A disadvantage of having a separate power supply is that, on the one hand, it requires a separate power source, and this power source typically uses single-phase AC instead of three-phase AC, which is particularly unavailable in factories and assembly sites. Furthermore, there are multiple country-specific interfaces.

[0027] Another particular challenge lies in providing an energy supply device that can be controlled independently of the welding process. While storing energy in batteries, accumulators, or capacitors could be considered, the use of batteries or accumulators as energy storage for peripheral devices presents challenges due to potential transportation issues arising from specific safety requirements, as well as general environmental and cleanup concerns. Summary of the Invention

[0028] Based on the aforementioned drawbacks, the objective of this invention is to provide a self-sufficient energy supply device for peripheral equipment, which is integrated into the process supply line and does not significantly affect the arc process.

[0029] This task is accomplished by an additional circuitry for the process supply line of a welding torch or cutting torch as described in claim 1.

[0030] Furthermore, this task is accomplished by a hose assembly with additional circuitry as described in claim 18.

[0031] The present invention relates to an additional circuit for a process supply line for a welding torch or cutting torch having at least one terminal device disposed thereon and connected to a welding current source, wherein electrical energy and other media are directed to the welding torch or cutting torch through the terminal device and through a supply line preferably guided in a hose assembly of the welding torch or cutting torch.

[0032] According to the present invention, electrical power is tapped from at least one electrical process supply line for the operation of peripheral equipment, such as sensors, drive units or ventilation devices.

[0033] In other words, the present invention proposes a self-sufficient energy supply device that does not have a physical connection to a power source-specific interface. This can particularly relate to parallel circuits capable of handling input signals of variable magnitude, relating to polarity, voltage, and dynamic characteristics. These parallel circuits can specifically handle direct current (DC) processes with current and / or voltage frequencies up to 20 kHz (DC-pulse) and alternating current (AC) processes in the range from below 50 Hz to 200 Hz.

[0034] Alternatively, the circuit can be adapted with a simplified structure to match specific input signals, particularly the DC processes predominant in MSG applications. Furthermore, the described implementation can also be used in so-called hot-filament processes, primarily used in WIG and plasma processes, but also in laser processes, to input additional energy.

[0035] Terminal devices provided on the hose assembly are used to make electrical and mechanical contact between the hose assembly and the welding current source. Process supply lines are arranged within the hose assembly to direct electrical energy and other media, such as shielding gas or welding wire, to the welding torch or cutting torch. When the hose assembly is electrically connected to the welding current source, this circuit is thus connected via the electric arc, the torch having the hose assembly, and a grounding cable or grounding line.

[0036] Furthermore, an advantage of this invention is that the process circuit does not need to be switched on so that electrical power can be tapped for operating peripheral equipment via an additional circuit according to the invention. Instead, it is sufficient to apply voltage to the process circuit – this particularly occurs at the start of the process, where voltage has been applied since the wire was fed, but the process circuit is not switched on because the wire has not yet contacted the workpiece or the arc has not yet been ignited.

[0037] The energy supply device may be used for peripheral devices, such as wire drive devices and control devices for the wire drive devices, sensors, particularly temperature sensors or gyroscope sensors, or communication units, such as Bluetooth transmitters or receivers, WLAN devices, or LED lighting devices, or air quality sensors or similar devices.

[0038] In addition, it can also power the ventilation system – on the one hand for cooling, especially as so-called forced air cooling, and on the other hand for the ventilation system to extract smoke during welding.

[0039] As described above, the drive unit can be operated because the power of the self-sufficient energy supply device is sufficient for this purpose. Furthermore, the power supply for the corresponding drive control device is also an obvious and intentional application. The power required for the drive unit can be up to 100W.

[0040] The peripheral device has high requirements for circuit speed, particularly ensuring a response time of less than 50 ms. In other words, the power of the connected circuit is required immediately. This is ensured by the circuit according to the invention.

[0041] The open-circuit voltage of the power supply for welding equipment is usually sufficient to provide adequate high power to peripheral devices. The open-circuit voltage is typically limited to 113V or 141V.

[0042] The main peripheral devices have a certain time delay between the application of voltage and the response of the peripheral devices. However, in practical applications, especially in MSG applications, it is advantageous to initially feed the wire several millimeters until a short circuit is created. During this time, voltage has already been applied. Therefore, the parallel circuit can already distribute the energy, thereby activating the control device and running the drive device even before the welding process has begun.

[0043] The circuit according to the invention is also more compact than known power supplies because it does not require additional power supplies and wiring for peripheral devices.

[0044] Furthermore, the circuit is highly variable, meaning it can operate on multiple different power supplies, particularly on multiple different power components of the welding apparatus, because the welding current is typically always the same at the welding point. The voltage during torch operation can be approximately 30V at 300A.

[0045] To provide, for example, 30W of power—generally sufficient to power the wire drive unit in a handheld welding torch—through additional circuitry, only 1A of current needs to flow through the parallel circuit. Measurements even showed significantly lower values, in the range of approximately 0.3 to 0.5A.

[0046] The current is not supplied to the arc accordingly; however, the absolute value of the current is within the normal process fluctuation range of the arc process and does not significantly affect process stability or process regulation. Therefore, additional circuitry can be used without adjusting the welding process parameters or changing the predetermined values ​​of the parameters in the welding command, i.e., the so-called WPS (Plasma Beam Welding).

[0047] According to the invention, an additional circuit for distributing electrical power is provided in parallel with the welding circuit and preferably electrically coupled to ground, particularly with the process supply line. The welding circuit is understood to be formed between the grounding line of the welding torch, hose assembly, and welding apparatus, which has an electric arc.

[0048] Unlike additional circuits based on the principle of induction, however, the additional circuits according to the present invention operate under effective direct current based on electrical coupling or direct ohmic contact, since it is not necessary to change the magnetic flux in order to generate energy.

[0049] An inductively coupled auxiliary circuit, known from the prior art, is fixed to a welding cable that is not used for direct ohmic contact or electrical coupling. The inductively coupled auxiliary circuit differs in its physical principle from a parallel circuit with electrical coupling because it can only draw electrical energy from the welding cable when the magnetic field around the welding cable changes.

[0050] In contrast, the parallel circuit based on the invention does not require fluctuation effects because there is no need to change the magnetic flux. Electrical energy can also be recovered under efficient direct current by means of parallel circuits with direct ohmic contact or electrical coupling.

[0051] Additional circuitry can be integrated into the extended machine-side interface housing. This is advantageous because the housing is ultimately needed for transmitting media such as filaments, gases, water, and signals, and power supply is also provided on peripheral equipment.

[0052] Alternatively, the additional circuitry can be integrated into a separate adapter. This is preferably used in the electrical grounding line because only current flows in said grounding line; that is, unlike the hose assembly line, no other medium, such as gas, wire, or water, is transported. This implementation is thus easier to achieve on this side, although it is theoretically possible to implement it on the hose assembly side as well.

[0053] In other words, the adapter can also be integrated into the torch interface on the machine side. Alternatively, a separate adapter, not integrated into the hose assembly, can also be considered. This is possible when there is an additional equipotential interface possibility for connecting to the welding current source, in addition to the positive and negative terminals used for the welding circuit. The possibility of interfaces with the front and rear sides of the device is particularly common in the case of a ground interface, which is primarily negative; however, the welding current source also partially has an additional interface possibility that is equipotential with the torch-side interface, which is primarily positive.

[0054] According to another advantageous variant, the additional circuitry includes a rectifier, particularly a bridge rectifier, for converting AC voltage to DC voltage. The circuitry according to the invention enables not only DC voltage operation, but also AC voltage operation and pulse operation (DC and AC).

[0055] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the rectifier in the circuit can also be omitted, thus allowing the circuit to be used only in DC processes. In this case, a reverse polarity protection device is provided, wherein reverse polarity protection is achieved by means of at least one transistor, a diode, particularly a Zener diode, and at least one resistor. Thus, the circuit provides the necessary power when correctly connected and thus correctly polarized. Correspondingly, no power is released in case of incorrect polarity connection, yet the welding apparatus is not damaged. Typically, the positive terminal is connected on the welding torch side. An interference reporting mechanism can be provided to the user. In particular, it is conceivable that this relates to optical signals, such as lamps, which are integrated into additional circuitry by means of an optical display device. Within the framework of the invention, alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to emit a signal indicating incorrect reverse polarity by means of an acoustic signaling device.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional circuitry includes a switching DC-DC voltage converter, particularly a buck converter, wherein the output voltage of the converter can differ from the input voltage value. A buck converter is also called a step-down chopper, buck regulator, or simply a "step-down converter" or "buck converter." This buck converter can handle the typical voltage and current values ​​found in welding equipment. These values ​​are, for example, 20V / 100A to 30V / 300A during steel welding processes and 113V or 141V during no-load operation. The output voltage can, in particular, be a constant 48V, thereby exceeding the process voltage. Furthermore, other converter forms are possible, such as a series circuit of a boost converter and a buck converter, or a voltage converter with a wide input range.

[0057] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the input voltage for the DC-DC voltage converter is the DC voltage output from the rectifier. Typically, DC-DC voltage converters can only operate with positive DC voltage. Therefore, rectification of AC or negative voltage is required. Additional advantages include reverse polarity protection and operation with AC voltage. The rectifier prevents charge from the capacitor / energy storage unit from flowing back during the soldering process.

[0058] The additional circuit can be configured to have at least one overcurrent protection device, i.e., a fuse, to interrupt the current when a certain current intensity is exceeded within a predetermined time, particularly in the event of an electrical short circuit or electrical overload.

[0059] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the additional circuit has an inductor, in particular a coil, for suppressing voltage peaks of the welding current source, which, for example, generate high-frequency "metallurgical" pulses, such as pulses in the kHz range.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional circuitry includes at least one energy storage device, particularly a capacitor, battery, or accumulator, for storing charge in the electric field. The energy storage device is preferably configured to supply power to the DC-DC converter and / or to stabilize the voltage of the additional circuitry. Energy storage devices are particularly advantageous in peripheral devices, such as control devices for drive mechanisms, because the capacitance of the energy storage device is sufficient to power the electronic control device and also to operate the drive mechanism after the process current is interrupted. Furthermore, it is possible to store energy for the immediately following process, thereby further minimizing the initial delay.

[0061] According to another variation of the invention, the additional circuit has a suppression diode for protecting the additional circuit, particularly the DC-DC converter, from unwanted voltage spikes.

[0062] In an advantageous further embodiment of the invention, an additional energy buffer, particularly a supercapacitor, is provided for temporary energy storage. In circuits with capacitors, charging speed is advantageous, as capacitors have a significantly higher charging speed for the same capacity as batteries. However, standard capacitors are always too slow for short-term applications; therefore, supercapacitors are used.

[0063] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the overcurrent protection device and the inductor are connected upstream of the DC-DC converter. A fuse for tripping in fault conditions and / or a polymer fuse for tripping in overload conditions can be connected upstream as an overcurrent protection device. The inductor is primarily used to reduce the current peaks during switching on and during load changes, particularly short circuits and their dissolution.

[0064] In another variant of the invention, a rectifier, along with at least one energy storage device and a suppressor diode, are connected upstream of the DC-DC converter. Here, the rectifier serves as protection against negative voltage and reverse polarity. A transverse diode (TVS) further serves as protection against high voltage peaks. The capacitor stabilizes the voltage, particularly by filtering out voltage peaks.

[0065] In a further embodiment, at least one energy storage device is connected downstream of the DC-DC converter. In principle, the energy storage device is used to ensure a safe state during disconnection, which specifically includes the final wire position movement, shutdown of the control device, and data security. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Other objects, advantages, features, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Here, all features described and / or illustrated also constitute the subject matter of the invention individually or in any meaningful combination, regardless of their combination in the claims or in the backreferences of the claims.

[0067] This is shown schematically in part:

[0068] Figure 1 An additional circuit for tapping electrical power is shown for the welding torch or cutting torch in the first embodiment, which includes a hose assembly and a welding current source.

[0069] Figure 2 The second embodiment is shown according to Figure 1 Additional circuitry

[0070] Figure 3 A welding torch with a sensor is shown.

[0071] Figure 4 The circuit diagram for the additional circuit is shown.

[0072] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A circuit diagram with a storage device for electrical energy.

[0073] Figure 6 A circuit diagram for another implementation is shown.

[0074] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 6 A circuit diagram with a storage device for electrical energy.

[0075] Figure 8 A circuit diagram of an optical polarity-reversed display device, illustrating another embodiment for additional circuitry, and...

[0076] Figure 9 Showing according to Figure 8 A circuit diagram with a storage device for electrical energy.

[0077] Components that are identical or have the same function are given the same reference numerals in the views shown below in the accompanying drawings according to the embodiments, in order to improve readability. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Depend on Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows an additional circuit 10 for the welding or cutting torch 21, which has at least one terminal device 1 disposed thereon and connected to the welding current source 2. The terminal device 1 may, in particular, have two poles (positive and negative), the signs of which can be changed in the case of alternating current (AC). Electrical energy and other media are directed to the welding or cutting torch 21 through the terminal device 1 and through the process supply line 3 in the hose assembly 6.

[0079] The terminal device 1 provided on the hose assembly 6 is used to make the hose assembly 6 into electrical and mechanical contact with the welding current source 2.

[0080] A supply line 3 is arranged in the hose assembly 6 to guide electrical energy and other media, such as shielding gas or welding wire, to the welding torch or cutting torch 21. After the hose assembly 6 is electrically connected to the welding current source 2, the circuit, the welding circuit, is thus activated. Electrical energy is then branched off from the circuit to operate the peripheral equipment 4.

[0081] Power is tapped from at least one electrical process supply line 3 to operate peripheral equipment 4. For this power tapping, additional circuitry 10, in this embodiment, is as follows: Figure 1 and 2 As is known, it is electrically coupled in parallel with welding current source 2 or welding circuit. Welding circuit is understood to be formed between the grounding line of welding torch, hose assembly and welding device with electric arc.

[0082] This specifically relates to parallel circuits capable of handling highly variable input signals, involving polarity, voltage, and dynamic characteristics. They can handle current and / or voltage frequencies (in both directions) across the DC range, pulsed DC up to 200 kHz pulse frequencies, or AC up to 200 Hz.

[0083] On the one hand, the additional circuit 10 for distributing electrical power can be housed in the hose assembly 6, and in particular, the additional circuit 10 can be integrated into the extended machine-side interface housing 22, i.e., the welding current source side. This is advantageous because the housing 22 is ultimately needed for transmitting the medium and the energy supply is also performed on the peripheral device 4. Figure 1 This implementation will be explained. Here, the additional circuit 10 is arranged on the end of the hose assembly 6 opposite to the welding torch 21.

[0084] On the other hand, the additional circuit 10 can be as follows Figure 2 The process supply line is also connected to the outside of the hose assembly 6. Here, the additional circuit 10 is integrated into the adapter 20. This is preferably implemented in the electrical grounding line, because only current flows in the grounding line, and unlike the hose assembly line, no other medium, gas, wire, or water flows. Unlike circuits from the prior art, the additional circuit 10 according to the invention is not based on the principle of induction, but on direct ohmic contact or electrical coupling.

[0085] Peripheral device 4 may be, for example, a sensor 5, particularly a temperature sensor or a gyroscope sensor, or a communication unit, such as a Bluetooth transmitter or receiver, a WLAN device, a wire drive device, or a similar device. Figure 3 The welding torch 21 with sensor 5 is shown.

[0086] It can also power ventilation devices, for example, for extracting smoke in welding applications.

[0087] However, it is also possible to operate the drive unit 19 via the power supply, since the power of the self-sufficient energy supply device is also sufficient for this. Figure 1 and 2 The drive device 19 is known.

[0088] The peripheral device 4 has high requirements for circuit speed, especially ensuring a response time of less than 50 ms. This is ensured by the additional circuit 10 for power distribution according to the invention.

[0089] Typically, the open-circuit voltage of welding current source 2 is sufficient to provide adequately high power to peripheral equipment 4. The open-circuit voltage is usually 113V or 141V.

[0090] According to Figure 4 and 5 As seen in the circuit diagram, the additional circuit 10 includes a rectifier 7, specifically a bridge rectifier, for converting AC voltage to DC voltage. Furthermore, a switching DC voltage converter 8, specifically a buck converter, is provided, wherein the output voltage of converter 8 is less than the input voltage of converter 8. A buck converter is also called a step-down chopper, buck regulator, or simply a "step-down converter" or "buck converter".

[0091] The buck converter can handle typical voltage and current values ​​found in welding equipment. These values ​​are, for example, 20V / 100A to 30V / 300A, and 113V or 141V during no-load operation.

[0092] Alternatively, a DC / DC converter with a wide input range and a constant output voltage can be used as an alternative to a buck converter.

[0093] In this embodiment, the input voltage for the DC voltage converter 8 is the DC voltage output by the rectifier 7, thereby enabling not only DC voltage operation but also AC voltage operation through the additional circuit 10 according to the invention.

[0094] The auxiliary circuit 10 has at least one overcurrent protection device 11, 12 for interrupting the current when a predetermined current intensity is exceeded within a predetermined time. The overcurrent protection device 11, 12 specifically responds to electrical short circuits or electrical overloads in the auxiliary circuit 10.

[0095] Similarly, from Figure 4 and 5 As is known, the additional circuit 10 has an inductor 9 for suppressing voltage peaks of the welding current source, and at least one energy storage device 13, 14, 15, 16 for supplying power to the DC-DC converter 8 and / or for stabilizing the voltage of the additional circuit 10.

[0096] In addition, the additional circuit 10 has a suppression diode 17 to protect the DC voltage converter 8 from unwanted voltage spikes.

[0097] Similarly, from Figure 4 and 5 As is known, overcurrent protection devices 11 and 12 and inductor 9 are connected upstream of DC voltage converter 8.

[0098] In addition, rectifier 7, as well as at least one energy storage device 13, 14 and a suppression diode 17 are connected upstream of DC-DC converter 8.

[0099] At least one energy storage device 15, 16 is connected downstream of the DC voltage converter 8.

[0100] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The difference in the implementation method lies in the fact that... Figure 5 An additional energy buffer 18 can be added to the variant. In particular, a supercapacitor 18 can be set up to temporarily store electrical energy.

[0101] As long as the auxiliary circuit 10 is connected to the process supply line 3, the input signal is filtered. This is regardless of whether the input voltage to the auxiliary circuit 10 is DC or AC, because a DC voltage is always applied to the output side. Pulsating input signals are also smoothed, and high voltages up to 160V can be processed.

[0102] Depend on Figure 6 and 7 An alternative design for the additional circuit 10 is known. In this alternative, the rectifier 7 is replaced by a reverse polarity protection device 23 in circuit 10. In the embodiment presented here, reverse polarity protection is achieved by means of transistor 25, Zener diode 26, and resistor 27. Thus, the circuit provides the necessary power when correctly connected and thus correctly polarized. Normally, the positive terminal is connected to the welding torch side. However, if the user reverses the polarity connection, power is not released accordingly in case of incorrect polarity connection. An interference report can be provided to the user.

[0103] The polarity reversal display device, according to Figure 8 and 9 In this embodiment, it is implemented by an optical display device 28. Here, the lamp 30 is integrated into the additional circuit 10 by means of a resistor 29 and a diode 31. Within the framework of the present invention, other optical display devices may also be considered; however, additionally or alternatively, it may be considered to acoustically emit signals with reversed polarity.

[0104] according to Figure 7 and Figure 9 The implementation of the additional circuit 10 and according to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The difference in circuit 10 is that, according to Figure 7 and Figure 9 An energy buffer 18 is additionally provided in the variant. As already implemented, a supercapacitor 18 may be provided in particular for temporarily storing electrical energy.

[0105] List of reference numerals

[0106] 1 Terminal device

[0107] 2 Welding current source

[0108] 3. Process supply line

[0109] 4 Peripheral equipment

[0110] 5 sensors

[0111] 6. Hose Assembly

[0112] 7 Rectifier

[0113] 8 DC-DC converter

[0114] 9. Inductors

[0115] 10. Additional Circuits

[0116] 11 Overcurrent protection device

[0117] 12 Overcurrent protection device

[0118] 13 Energy Storage Unit

[0119] 14 Energy Storage Unit

[0120] 15 Energy Storage Unit

[0121] 16 Energy Storage Unit

[0122] 17. Suppression Diode

[0123] 18 Supercapacitors

[0124] 19 Drive Units

[0125] 20 Adapters

[0126] 21 Welding torch or cutting torch

[0127] 22 Interface Housing

[0128] 23. Reverse polarity protection device

[0129] 24 Grounding Line

[0130] 25 transistors

[0131] 26 Zener diode

[0132] 27 Resistors

[0133] 28 Optical display devices

[0134] 29 Resistors

[0135] 30 lights

[0136] 31. Diode.

Claims

1. An additional circuit (10) for at least one process supply line (3) of a welding torch or cutting torch (21), said welding torch or cutting torch having at least one terminal device (1) disposed thereon and connected to a welding current source (2), wherein, Electrical energy and additional media are directed to the welding torch or cutting torch via the terminal device (1) and via a process supply line (3) guided in the hose assembly (6) of the welding torch or cutting torch, wherein electrical energy is tapped from at least one electrical process supply line (3) for operating peripheral equipment (4), the peripheral equipment including at least a sensor (5), a drive unit (19) or a control device for the drive unit (19), characterized in that an additional circuit (10) for tapping electrical energy is provided electrically coupled in parallel with the welding circuit. The additional circuit has a rectifier (7) for converting AC voltage into DC voltage, or the additional circuit (10) has a reverse polarity protection device (23).

2. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rectifier (7) is constructed as a bridge rectifier.

3. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polarity reverse connection protection device (23) has at least one transistor (25), a diode and a resistor (27).

4. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diode is constructed as a Zener diode (26).

5. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The additional circuit (10) has an optical display device (28) and / or an acoustic signal device for emitting a signal with incorrect polarity reversal.

6. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The additional circuit (10) has a switching DC voltage converter (8), wherein the output voltage of the DC voltage converter (8) can be different from the value of the input voltage of the DC voltage converter (8).

7. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The converter (8) is configured as a buck converter.

8. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The input voltage for the DC voltage converter (8) is the DC voltage output by the rectifier (7).

9. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The additional circuit has at least one overcurrent protection device for interrupting the current when a predetermined current intensity is exceeded within a predetermined time.

10. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Exceeding a predetermined current intensity within a predetermined time includes electrical short circuits or electrical overloads.

11. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An inductor (9) is provided to suppress the voltage peak of the welding current source.

12. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Provide at least one electrical energy storage device to store the charge in the electric field, or provide a storage battery or battery.

13. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to the DC-DC converter (8) of the additional circuit (10) and / or to stabilize the voltage of the additional circuit (10).

14. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A suppression diode (17) is provided to protect the additional circuit (10) from unwanted voltage spikes.

15. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The suppression diode (17) is configured to protect the DC voltage converter (8) from unwanted voltage spikes.

16. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, An additional energy buffer is installed to temporarily store electrical energy.

17. The additional circuit (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The additional energy buffer is constructed as a supercapacitor (18).

18. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The overcurrent protection device of the additional circuit (10) and the inductor (9) of the additional circuit (10) are connected upstream of the DC voltage converter (8) of the additional circuit (10).

19. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The rectifier (7) and at least one energy storage device of the additional circuit (10) and the suppression diode (17) of the additional circuit (10) are connected upstream of the DC voltage converter (8) of the additional circuit (10).

20. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one energy storage device is connected downstream of the DC voltage converter (8) of the additional circuit (10).

21. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The additional circuitry is integrated into the interface housing (22) coupled to the welding current source (2).

22. The additional circuit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The additional circuitry is integrated in an adapter (20), which is connected to at least one electrical process supply line (3).

23. A hose assembly (6) having an additional circuit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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