Network for controlling a welding system and method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a network and a method for operating a network, the network having one or more welding systems arranged in the network, each welding system comprising at least one welding device for welding electronic components, a user interface for outputting target welding information to a user, and a tool for determining actual welding information, the network having at least one input device for inputting and / or specifying work information, and the network having a control unit which is designed to identify the welding systems arranged in the network, to generate a welding task with target welding information from the work information depending on the identified welding system and to assign the task to the relevant welding system, and to process the actual welding information of the relevant welding system with the associated target welding information of the relevant welding system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a network having one or more welding systems arranged in the network. Each individual welding system comprises a welding device for welding electronic components. It is known, for example from EP 3 476 516 A1, to connect a plurality of welding modules to one another by means of a wireless data connection to form a welding device. BACKGROUND

[0002] US 6 624 388 B1 discloses a network having a plurality of welding systems and a server for remote maintenance and updating of the software of the welding systems. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a network having a plurality of welding systems with which a welding process can be controlled, monitored and managed in a simple manner.

[0004] This object is achieved by a network having one or more welding systems arranged in the network having the features for which protection is sought.

[0005] Each welding system arranged in the network comprises at least one welding device for welding electronic components. In particular, the welding device can be designed as a manually operable welding device, for example as a soldering iron, or as an automatic or semi-automatic welding device, for example as a heating head of a reprocessing welding station. A welding station, a reprocessing welding system or a fully automatic operating system such as a welding robot is suitable as a welding system.

[0006] Each welding system comprises a user interface for outputting target welding information to a user of the associated welding device. In particular, the target welding information can comprise target welding parameters to be adjusted and target welding tools to be used. The network can be designed in such a way that the welding system adjusts the welding device at least partially automatically in accordance with the specification of the welding task or the target welding information, in particular in accordance with a target welding temperature when starting to execute the welding task.

[0007] In addition, each welding system comprises means for determining actual welding information, i.e. in particular actual welding temperature and actual welding tools, i.e. to say welding tools actually used in the welding process. The means for determining actual welding information also comprise sensors as well as mathematical functions and algorithms.

[0008] The network also comprises input means for inputting and / or specifying work information, i.e. in particular information about which components are to be welded in accordance with which specifications. The user interface can also form the input means; however, the input means can also be configured remotely in accordance with the user interface.

[0009] Furthermore, a control unit is provided, which is configured to identify the welding systems arranged in the network, to assign work information to the appropriate welding system in each case or to create a welding task with target welding information depending on the work information of the identified welding system, to assign the task to the relevant welding system, and to process the actual welding information of the relevant welding system and the associated target welding information of the relevant welding system, in particular to compare the actual welding information of the relevant welding system with the associated target welding information of the relevant welding system.

[0010] The control unit can also be configured to identify the welding systems arranged in the network and to assign the relevant target welding information to the welding systems depending on the identified welding systems.

[0011] The control unit can therefore create a welding task with target welding information depending on the work information of one or more identified welding systems and assign the task to the relevant welding system. The control unit thus recognizes which welding system is suitable for which welding task and assigns the welding task to the relevant welding system. Furthermore, in particular, the control unit also takes into account the utilization of the individual welding systems, so that the welding task can be assigned to a welding system that is available or has free capacity.

[0012] Such a network increases production and improves productivity. An efficient and functionally reliable welding of electronic components can be provided.

[0013] Furthermore, the control unit is advantageously configured to carry out a data evaluation of the target welding information of the welding task and the actual welding information of the welding system to which the welding task is assigned and which carries out the welding task, and is advantageously configured to create a data report assigned to the welding task during or after the execution of the welding task. It can thus be understood from the data report which target welding information and which actual welding information the electronic component has been welded with, which ultimately results in a complete data document. On the basis of the data report, a comprehensive data document can be provided, which verifies the welding result.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit is configured such that the data evaluation compares the target welding information of the welding task with the actual welding information, and if the data report comprises a quality report and / or a tool usage report assigned to the welding task on the basis thereof. The quality of the welding process can thus be evaluated by means of the quality report. If the target welding information at least largely matches the actual welding information, a good or very good quality can be proven. The greater the deviation of the actual welding information from the target welding information, the lower the quality of the welding process.

[0015] The number of performed welding tasks and the associated actual welding information can also be used to infer the wear or consumption of the tool. In particular, the tool can be a wear-resistant material, such as a welding tip or consumables, such as a flux material or a solder material, to be used. Furthermore, the tool can be a heating element of the welding device to heat the welding tip, which is also subject to thermal wear. Thus, a signal can be generated in time based on the tool usage report before the tool reaches its service life, according to which the user is required to replace the relevant tool.

[0016] The control unit is further advantageously configured such that it provides the input device and / or the user interface with the target welding information, the actual welding information and / or the data report. Exemplarily, the target welding information, the actual welding information and / or the data report can then be displayed or output on the input device and / or the user interface. Thus, the relevant user can obtain additional information about the welding tasks that have been performed and the welding tasks to be processed.

[0017] Advantageously, the target welding information comprises a target welding temperature, wherein a temperature sensor for determining the welding temperature is then provided as a tool for determining the actual welding information. Furthermore, the target welding information can comprise a defined use of welding utensils, wherein a reading device for reading a code provided on the welding utensils and identifying the welding utensils is then provided as a tool for determining the actual welding information. Thus, the code can be provided in particular on the welding device, for example, on the soldering iron, on the welding tip, on the welding tool or also on the flux. The target welding utensils then comprise in particular the welding tool to be used, the flux to be used and / or the welding tip to be used, wherein in particular the actual welding utensils then comprise the used welding tool, the used flux and / or the used welding tip. The code can be provided on all welding utensils to be used, which can be read in by the reading device. The welding objects and the welding jobs can also each have a readable code for identification. The information read in can be used for data evaluation.

[0018] In particular, the code can be a two-dimensional code in the form of a bar code or a QR code. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the code is designed as, for example, an RFID tag or the like.

[0019] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide an input tool for determining or inputting the relevant welding device and / or the relevant user as a tool for determining the actual welding information, and the data report comprises this information. The advantage here is that a data report is completed about the welding device and / or the person performing the welding tasks in the network.

[0020] According to the application, it is also conceivable to provide a time measuring means for generating time information, such as the start time, end time and / or time period of a welding task performed by the welding device and / or the user, as a means for determining actual welding information, and the data report comprises the time information. Thus, the data report can read out the time of performing the welding task and how long the welding task was performed.

[0021] The input means can advantageously be designed as a stationary terminal, a mobile terminal and / or a manufacturing execution system (MES). For example, a user personal computer (PC) can be considered a stationary terminal. A laptop, a notebook, a tablet or a smartphone can be used as a mobile terminal. The MES can be configured to cover a network and to feed the respective welding tasks to be processed and / or completed welding tasks into the network.

[0022] Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the user interface is configured to output to the user indications for performing the welding task and / or status information, primarily actual welding information. Thus, the user interface allows the user to obtain useful information, in particular about the welding process to be carried out thereby. For example, they can indicate the target welding temperature, in particular in the event of a deviation of the actual welding temperature from the target welding temperature. It is also conceivable that they indicate special features specific to the component for optimally performing the welding task. Furthermore, status information or actual welding information about the relevant status of the welding device can be output. For example, the user can be informed at predetermined intervals about the status information, such as the welding temperature, the welding duration, etc.

[0023] The user interface can provide a bidirectional communication, wherein the control unit is then configured such that the user can direct indications and / or questions to the welding system and the control unit provides feedback and / or generates responses that are output via the user interface. This increases the process reliability, since the user can refer to the indications and directly ask questions to the welding system whenever they are uncertain during the performance of the welding task.

[0024] It is advantageous if the user interface is configured as a voice input means and / or a voice output means and / or if the user interface is designed as a gesture input means integrated into the welding device. The advantage of providing a voice input means and a voice output means is that the user can communicate during the welding process without having to put down the welding device. The user then receives voice indications for performing the welding task. The advantage of a gesture input means is that the user can communicate with the welding device by means of predetermined gestures. Of course, it is conceivable that the user interface can also be designed as a display or comprise a display, among other means.

[0025] According to the application, it is also conceivable that the input device can be formed by a user interface. The input device and the user interface can be formed by a mobile terminal such as a laptop, a notebook, a smartphone or a tablet. However, the input device can also be separate from the user interface and arranged remotely. This is not exactly the same as the user interface, in particular when the input device is an MES.

[0026] The control unit can also be designed and configured to form a welding task according to a plurality of welding methods. Preferably, the welding task mainly defines what has to be done, wherein the welding methods define what in particular has to be done in connection with the relevant welding system. Thus, the welding task can consist of a plurality of welding methods.

[0027] The network can comprise different work areas, wherein the welding systems are assigned to the different work areas. A group of welding systems can form one work area.

[0028] The above objects are also achieved by a method for operating a network, in particular according to the application, characterized in that welding systems provided in the network are identified, a welding task with target welding information is created from the work information of one or more identified welding systems and assigned to the relevant welding system, a data evaluation of the target welding information of the welding task and the actual welding information of the welding system is carried out, it is determined which system is assigned the welding task and which system executes the welding task, and a data report assigned to the welding task is created during or after the execution of the welding task. The method can also operate with the features described for the network according to the application.

[0029] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the application can be found in the following description, with which exemplary embodiments of the application are described and explained in more detail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A systematic representation of the network according to the application is shown; and

[0032] Figure 2 A more detailed representation of the information flow in the network according to the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 A network 10 is shown, in which a plurality of welding systems 12 are provided. Each welding system 12 comprises at least one welding device for welding electronic components. Figure 1Three different input devices 14, 16, 18 are shown, wherein the input device 14 can be a stationary terminal, like a PC. The input device 16 can be a mobile terminal, for example a tablet. The input device 18 can be a manufacturing execution system (MES).

[0034] A control unit 20 is arranged between the input devices 14, 16, 18 and the welding systems 12. The control unit 20 can be formed by a server hosted or operated by a corresponding software. The control unit 20 or the associated server can be a stand-alone system. It is, however, conceivable that the control unit 20 is also integrated in one of the input devices 14, 16, 18 or in the welding system 12.

[0035] The control unit 20 is configured to identify the welding systems 12 present in the network 10. The control unit 20 is further configured to process the work information from the input devices 14, 16, 18, to create welding tasks with target welding information for the welding systems 12 and to assign the tasks to the individual welding systems 12.

[0036] The welding tasks can then be executed using the welding systems 12 or using welding devices of the welding systems 12. The welding systems 12 also comprise means for determining actual welding information. These means for determining actual welding information determine the actual welding information when the welding tasks are executed.

[0037] The control unit 20 is also configured to perform a data evaluation of the target welding information of the welding tasks and the actual welding information of the welding systems 12 to which the associated welding tasks were assigned and which subsequently executed the associated welding tasks. Depending on the data evaluation, a data report assigned to the welding tasks can be created during or after the execution of the welding tasks.

[0038] The work information of the input devices 14, 16, 18 can be independent of the welding systems 12; in each case, the control unit 20 assigns this work information or the resulting welding tasks to the appropriate welding systems 12. The welding systems 12 can in turn continuously communicate their actual welding information to the control unit 20. The actual welding information can be displayed to an operator via the selected input devices 14, 16, 18 and / or on the user interface 14, 16.

[0039] Figure 2 A diagrammatic representation of an extension of the network according to the application is shown, wherein the components corresponding to Figure 1 are identified in Figure 2 by the respective reference numbers.

[0040] The input devices 14, 16, which can also be used as user interfaces, are also used by the user 22 to input and / or specify work information.

[0041] The welding systems 12 are assigned to the work area 24. The control unit 20 recognizes the welding systems 12 or their work areas 24 provided in the network 10 and virtually describes them as work areas 24' and welding systems 12'.

[0042] The work information 26 specified by the input means 14, 16, 18 is fed to the control unit 20. From the work information 26 and the recognized welding systems 12, welding tasks 28 are created for the relevant welding systems 12, which define what has to be done and how something has to be done. Then, specific operating instructions for the user 22 are defined as welding methods 30. Then, the welding tasks 28 or the welding methods 30 generate target welding information 32, which in particular contains target welding parameters and target welding means, which the user will use to execute the welding tasks. The target welding information 32 is then output to the welding systems 12 or to the user interfaces 36 of the welding systems 12 and thus draws the attention of the user 22. Thus, the welding systems 12 and the user 22 receive all target welding information required to execute the welding tasks 28. In particular, it can be specified which welding temperature is to be used, which welding head is to be used, which flux is to be used and which welding tool is to be used. Furthermore, it can be specified at which position which component is to be welded.

[0043] Each welding system 12 comprises at least one welding device 34 for welding electronic components, a user interface 36 for outputting actual welding information 39 and target welding information 32 to the user 22, and a tool 38 for determining actual welding information 39. The actual welding information 39 comprises actual welding parameters, i.e. actual welding parameters, and actual used welding means, i.e. actual welding means. Upon starting the execution of a task 28, the welding device 34 can be automatically adjusted to a predetermined welding temperature based on, for example, the target welding information 32 from the welding system 12.

[0044] Thus, the user 22 receives specific operating instructions, i.e. target welding information 32 for executing the welding tasks 28, via the user interface 36. In this case, the welding system 12 can automatically adjust the welding device 34 according to the specifications of the target welding information 32. While the user 22 is executing the welding tasks 28, the actual welding information 39 is determined with the tool 38. The actual welding information 39 is communicated to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 performs a data evaluation 40 of the target welding information 32 and the actual welding information 39 generated using the tool 38, wherein a data report 42 is created from the data evaluation 40.

[0045] In order to identify the welding means 44 used, a reading device 46 is provided, by means of which a code provided on the welding means, i.e. on the welding head, the welding agent and / or the soldering agent, can be read. The reading device 46 can be part of the welding system 12 and in particular be formed by the means for determining actual welding information. The actual means 48 read in with the reading device 46 can be used in the control unit 20 in order to finally create the data evaluation 40 and the data report 42 depending on these actual means.

[0046] In particular, the data report 42 can be provided to the user interface 36 or the input device 14, 16 and the MES or can be further processed and / or output there.

[0047] By means of the means for determining actual welding information 38, it is also possible in particular to input a user identification of the user 22, so that it can be understood which person has finally completed the welding task 28.

[0048] Furthermore, it is possible to create a quality report and a tool usage report depending on the data report 42. In the quality report, it is possible in particular to use the actual welding information 39 to evaluate the target welding information 32, wherein a greater deviation of the actual welding information 32 from the target welding information 39 indicates a lower welding process quality. In particular, the actual welding information 39 can be used to deduce the duration and the manner in which the welding means 44 were used, from which it is possible to derive the tool usage report. Before a critical usage limit or a critical wear is reached, it is conceivable to request the user 22 to replace the respective component or welding means by means of the user interface 36.

[0049] The means for determining actual welding information 39 can comprise various tools, in particular temperature sensors for determining the welding temperature, input tools for determining the relevant user, time measuring tools for generating time information such as start time, end time and time period for performing the welding task.

[0050] In particular, the user interface 36 can be designed as a voice input device and a voice output device. The user 22 can then obtain voice instructions for performing the welding task 28. The user interface 36 can also provide a display for outputting further information. The design of the user interface 36 further makes it possible for the user 22 to direct instructions or questions to the welding system 12 and for the control unit 20 or the network 10 to provide feedback or to generate responses on the relevant user interface 36.

[0051] Thus, a qualitative assessment of the welding process can be made. Thus, the entire welding process as well as the associated welding parameters and welding tools can be documented by creating a data report. In particular, a defective welding process can also be identified in a retrospective manner when the actual welding information 39 deviates significantly from the target welding information 32. Furthermore, a plurality of welding systems 12 and associated work areas 24 can be centrally managed by the control unit 20. Finally, the welding quality can be determined using the data report 42. Overall, quality can thus be ensured and can be improved. By documenting the user 22, the welding system 12, the associated work area 24, the used tools 44, the actual welding information 39 and the welding task 28 as well as the associated method 40, it can ultimately be proven that the conditions under which the associated welding task 28 was actually performed. A high quality assurance and quality improvement can thus be achieved.

Claims

1. A network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) disposed in the network (10), Each of the welding systems (12) includes at least one welding device (34) for welding electronic components. Each of the welding systems (12) includes a user interface (36) for outputting target welding information (32) to the user (22), and Each of the welding systems (12) includes a tool (38) for determining actual welding information (39). The network (10) has at least one input device (14, 16, 18) for inputting and / or specifying work information (26), and has a control unit (20) designed to: Identify the welding system (12) set in the network (10); In each case, the work information (26) is assigned to the welding system (12); or Welding tasks (28) with target welding information (32) are created based on the work information (26) depending on the identified welding system (12), and the welding tasks (28) are assigned to the relevant welding system (12); and The actual welding information (39) of the relevant welding system (12) is processed using the associated target welding information (32) of the relevant welding system (12).

2. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (20) is also configured to perform data evaluation (40) on the target welding information (32) of the welding task (28) and the actual welding information (39) of the welding system (12), the welding task (28) being assigned to the welding system (12) and the welding system (12) performing the welding task (28).

3. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit (20) is also configured to create a data report (42) assigned to the welding task (28) during or after the execution of the welding task (28).

4. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit (20) is further configured such that the data evaluation (40) includes comparing the target welding information (32) of the welding task (28) with the actual welding information (39), and wherein the data report (42) includes a quality report and / or a tool usage report assigned to the welding task (28) based on the quality report.

5. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit (20) is also configured to provide the target welding information (32), the actual welding information (39), and / or the data report (42) of the input device (14, 16, 18) and / or the user interface (36).

6. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The target welding information (32) includes a target welding temperature, and wherein a temperature sensor for determining the welding temperature is provided as a tool (38) for determining the actual welding information (39).

7. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The target welding information (32) includes the use of a defined target welding tool, and wherein a reading device (46) for reading a code set on the welding tool (44) and identifying the actual welding tool is provided as a tool (38) for determining the actual welding information (39).

8. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The target welding equipment includes a welding tool to be used, a flux to be used, and / or a welding head to be used, and wherein the actual welding equipment includes a used welding tool, a used flux, and / or a used welding head.

9. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, An input tool is provided for determining or inputting relevant user (22) as a tool (38) for determining actual welding information (39), and wherein the data report (42) includes the user (22).

10. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, A time measurement tool for generating time information is provided as a tool (38) for determining actual welding information (39), and wherein the data report (42) includes the time information.

11. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input devices (14, 16, 18) are designed as fixed terminals, mobile terminals and / or manufacturing execution systems.

12. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user interface (36) is configured to output instructions to the user (22) for performing the welding task (28) and / or actual welding information (39).

13. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user interface (36) provides bidirectional communication, and wherein the control unit (20) is configured to enable the user (22) to direct instructions and / or questions to the welding system (12), and wherein the control unit (20) provides feedback and / or generates responses output through the user interface (36).

14. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The user interface (36) is configured as a voice input device and / or a voice output device, and / or wherein the user interface (36) is designed as a gesture input device integrated into the welding equipment (34).

15. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input devices (14, 16, 18) are formed by the user interface (36).

16. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control unit (20) is also configured to form the welding task (28) according to a plurality of welding methods (30).

17. The network (10) having multiple welding systems (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The network (10) includes different work areas (24), and a corresponding welding system (12) is assigned to each work area (24).

18. A method for operating a network (10) having a plurality of welding systems (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, Identify the welding system (12) set in the network (10). In each case, the work information (26) is assigned to the welding system (12); or Welding tasks (28) with target welding information (32) are created based on the working information (26) of one or more identified welding systems (12), and the welding tasks (28) are assigned to the relevant welding systems (12). The target welding information (32) of the welding task (28) and the actual welding information (39) of the welding system (12) are evaluated to determine which system is assigned to the welding task (28) and which system performs the welding task (28), and a data report (42) assigned to the welding task (28) is created during or after the execution of the welding task (28).

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