Gas shielded metal arc welding apparatus for manual arc welding, auxiliary apparatus for gas shielded metal arc welding apparatus for manual arc welding and manual gas shielded metal arc welding method

Abstract

The invention provides a gas shielded metal arc welding device, an auxiliary device for a gas shielded metal arc welding device and a manual arc welding method. The gas shielded metal arc welding device (100) comprises an operating unit (112), a main wire feeding device (110) for feeding an arc-carrying melting filler wire electrode LBTAD (10), wherein at least one wire end guide (113) of the main wire feeding device (110) is integrated in the operating unit (112), and an auxiliary wire feeding device (120) connected to the operating unit (112) for feeding a melting filler wire AZD (20), wherein a wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) is arranged and configured in such a way that the melting filler wire AZD (20) contacts a workpiece (1, 2) to be welded during manual arc welding in such a way that it exerts a force (K) on the workpiece (1, 2) while melting, thereby generating a counter force (GK) on the operating unit (112), wherein the arc-carrying melting filler wire electrode LBTAD (10) and the melting filler wire AZD (20) are fed at least intermittently at different speeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas-shielded metal arc connection device for manual arc connection, an auxiliary device for the gas-shielded metal arc connection device for manual arc connection (particularly for manual welding or manual brazing), and a manual gas-shielded metal arc connection method (i.e., particularly for manual gas-shielded metal arc welding or manual gas-shielded metal arc brazing). Background Technology

[0002] Many welding tasks are performed manually, that is, by hand welding. The quality of the weld depends not only on the parameters set on the manual welding equipment (such as welding current, welding voltage, and other welding parameters) or the materials used (workpiece material, any filler wire material, shielding gas used), but also to a large extent on how the user operates the manual welding equipment.

[0003] In a typical manual welding environment, the ability to guide or influence welders to improve welds is often limited by noise and other distractions; furthermore, welders typically wear welding masks that restrict their field of vision and focus their visual attention on the weld. Similar challenges arise in other forms of manual arc welding, such as manual arc brazing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved gas-shielded metal arc welding device for manual arc welding, an improved additional device for the gas-shielded metal arc welding device for manual arc welding, and an improved method for manual gas-shielded metal arc welding (or: manual gas-shielded metal arc welding, particularly manual metal inert gas arc welding or manual metal inert gas arc brazing). This improvement particularly relates to how the user can achieve optimal operation or guidance of the manual arc welding device, and to improvements in human-machine interaction.

[0005] This task is addressed through the subject matter of the independent patent claims.

[0006] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a gas-protected metal arc connection device (MSLBFG) for manual arc connection is provided, comprising: - Operation unit; - A main wire feeder (LBTAD) for conveying an arc-carrying molten welding wire electrode, wherein at least one wire end guide of the main wire feeder is integrated into the operating unit; and - An auxiliary wire feeding device connected to the operating unit for feeding molten filler wire AZD; - The arrangement and configuration of the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device ensures that the molten filler wire AZD contacts the workpiece to be welded during manual arc welding and applies force to the workpiece during its melting process, thereby generating a reaction force on the operating unit. The AZD can melt particularly outside the arc or in the periphery of the arc.

[0007] Each wire feeding device (i.e., main wire feeding device or auxiliary wire feeding device) may include a mechanical wire end guide (e.g., made of conductive tube) and a corresponding wire feeder (e.g., push-pull motor) for conveying the wire (at least forward, or forward and backward if necessary).

[0008] A wire end guide is a component that provides final guidance to the end of the welding wire (LBTAD or AZD) before it contacts the workpiece. A wire end guide can also be defined as a component that ultimately determines the feed direction. Furthermore, each wire feeding device may include additional wire guides positioned between the corresponding wire source (e.g., wire spool or wire drum) and the corresponding wire end guide.

[0009] In gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment, the wire end guide of the arc-carrying fusion electrode (LBTAD) is typically designed as a conductive tube through which a potential (e.g., welding positive electrode) is supplied to the LBTAD. Therefore, the wire end guide is usually coaxially arranged inside the shielding gas nozzle of the operating unit. The wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder may also be integrated into the operating unit or mounted laterally on the operating unit, for example, in a cantilever configuration. This cantilever may, for example, be attached to the side of the operating unit.

[0010] In gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment, the operating unit is typically referred to as the "welding torch." This operating unit is manually guided by the user (e.g., the welder). According to the present invention, since the wire end guide of the main wire feeder is integrated into the operating unit, and the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder is connected to the operating unit, the two wire end guides will move synchronously and together when the operating unit is manually guided. The melting of the AZD filler wire is preferably achieved by energy derived from the arc burning on the LBTAD (Launch Arc-Carrying Filtration Wire Electrode). For example, the AZD filler wire may melt at the center of the arc, at the edge of the arc, outside the arc by arc heat radiation, or on the workpiece through a molten pool formed on the heated workpiece during manual arc connection. Alternatively or subsequently, the AZD filler wire may also melt in any of the above methods or at any of the above locations.

[0011] The basic concept of this invention is to utilize the molten filler wire (AZD) to apply a reaction force to the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder, thereby automatically applying a force to the (particularly rigid) operating unit connected to it. Therefore, the user of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment (MSLBFG) that manually guides the operating unit can perceive this reaction force. In this way, the user can obtain guidance by means of this force when manually setting the connection speed (i.e., the speed at which the operating unit moves along the weld seam to be processed).

[0012] In other words, this reaction force provides intuitive tactile feedback to users of the gas-protected metal arc welding equipment (MSLBFG), such as welders, thereby enabling improved human-machine interaction. This is particularly beneficial to users in assembly workshops or similar locations where sound signals are difficult to hear, and during the arc welding process (when the user's attention should be focused on the seam), because tactile feedback can be perceived through previously less-used sensory channels.

[0013] By properly coordinating the instantaneous or average wire feeding speeds of the main wire feeding device and the auxiliary wire feeding device (especially considering the preset or adjustable angle between the wire feeding direction of the main wire feeding device and the wire feeding direction of the auxiliary wire feeding device), the user can be guided by tactile feedback to move the operating unit at the optimal connection speed.

[0014] To this end, the fused filler wire AZD is guided to the workpiece in a specific manner. Simultaneously, the operating unit of the gas-shielded metal arc connection device MSLBFG generates an arc on the arc-carrying fused filler wire electrode LBTAD. This allows the fused filler wire AZD to still impact the workpiece in solid form (depending on the second wire feed speed) with a specific momentum (physically), thereby applying force to the workpiece. Subsequently, when the molten portion of the AZD already deposited on the workpiece (or: applied to the workpiece) enters the arc or the center of the arc due to the movement of the operating unit, the AZD will completely melt, and the next portion of the AZD will also melt synchronously in the process.

[0015] Therefore, the gas-shielded metal arc welding (MSLBFG) equipment can be, in particular, a manual gas-shielded metal arc welding (MSLBFG) equipment, especially preferably a manual gas-shielded metal arc welding (MSLBFG) equipment or a manual gas-shielded metal arc brazing (MSLBFG) equipment. Gas-shielded metal welding can be metal inert gas (MIG) welding, metal active gas (MAG) welding, metal inert gas brazing, or metal active gas brazing.

[0016] The wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder is preferably rigidly connected to the operating device, so that the reaction force acting on the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder can be transmitted essentially or completely directly to the operating unit. Since the user manually guides the operating unit, tactile feedback is transmitted to the welder in a simple and reliable manner. If the welder relaxes their grip on the operating unit at a fixed distance from the workpiece, the operating unit can move parallel to the connection direction by the component of the reaction force.

[0017] The rigid connection can be fixed, meaning the relative position of the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device with respect to the operating unit cannot be changed; or it can be adjustable, in which case it can be locked in a corresponding set position by, for example, a ratchet device, thereby restoring the rigid connection during welding.

[0018] The positional changes between the wire end guides can also be achieved by fixing the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device to the operating unit, while adjusting the position of the wire end guide of the main wire feeding device relative to the operating unit. Ultimately, it can also simultaneously provide two adjustment functions: adjusting the relative position of both the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device and the wire end guide of the main wire feeding device relative to the operating unit.

[0019] Each wire feeder in the main or auxiliary wire feeder may be arranged independently of its corresponding wire end guide and connected to the respective wire end guide via a wire liner and / or cable-hose assembly. For example, the wire feeder of the main wire feeder is typically designed as an external unit. However, it is also conceivable to integrate the wire feeder into the power supply of a metal inert gas arc connection device (e.g., a welding power source).

[0020] In the preceding and following text, terms may sometimes be abbreviated, such as "AZD" for "Fuse Filler Wire" or "LBTAD" for "Arch Carrier Fusion Wire Electrode". The full term is usually followed by the corresponding abbreviation. However, in some cases, abbreviations are used only for readability; in others, they may be omitted. In all cases, the abbreviation and the full term should be synonymous.

[0021] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the main wire feeder for conveying the arc-carrying molten wire electrode (LBTAD) is arranged along a first wire feed direction, while the auxiliary wire feeder for conveying the molten filler wire (AZD) is arranged along a second wire feed direction, which is different from the first wire feed direction. Specifically, the first and second wire feed directions are not parallel, for example, they are arranged at an angle to each other, or they are arranged in the same plane and form an angle of 5° to 95° (i.e., they intersect at this angle). The difference between the first and second wire feed directions can be achieved, in particular, through the relative positions of the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder, the operating unit, and the wire end guide of the main wire feeder.

[0022] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the first wire feeding direction and the second wire feeding direction form an angle α between each other, which is between 10° and 80°, particularly between 25° and 70°, and especially preferably between 30° and 60°. It has been proven that an angle α within this range enables particularly convenient coordination between the (instantaneous or average) wire feeding speed along their respective wire feeding directions and other welding parameters in a metal gas shielded arc welding (MSLBFG) apparatus. This angular position is preferably achieved by the relative arrangement of the longitudinal axes of the wire end guides of the main wire feeder and the wire end guides of the auxiliary wire feeder, with the corresponding wire feeding occurring at the end along this longitudinal axis.

[0023] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the auxiliary wire feeder is designed to adjust the free extension length (also known as "contact tip to workpiece distance", CTWD) of the molten filler wire AZD of the auxiliary wire feeder, such that the AZD bends between the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder and the workpiece, especially by more than 10°, particularly more than 20°.

[0024] The auxiliary wire feeder can also be designed such that, by adjusting the CTWD of the AZD, the AZD has a bending radius R between the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder and the workpiece. This bending radius R is particularly between 50 mm and 350 mm, preferably between 150 mm and 250 mm. In this way, the force acting on the workpiece relative to the first wire feed direction can act at an angle larger than the angle α between the wire feed directions, thereby causing a larger component of the reaction force to act in the wire feed direction.

[0025] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the wire end guides of the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder are arranged opposite to each other, such that during manual arc connection, the distance between the contact points of the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD and the molten filler wire AZD on the workpiece is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm. It has been found that too small a distance can cause the AZD to melt too quickly, located in the center region of the arc. Since the arc is located within the shielding gas cone, the escaping shielding gas also adversely affects the AZD during melting, further deteriorating the geometric distribution of the force.

[0026] It is also understood that the maximum spacing is limited by the fact that the molten filler wire must also be within the shielding gas cone at its point of contact (or: touch point) with the workpiece.

[0027] The melting of the AZD filler wire can occur inside the arc (typically in its edge region). Alternatively, the operating unit can be configured, or operated according to the method of the invention, such that the workpiece or molten pool is heated sufficiently to melt the AZD, for example, melting instantaneously upon contact with the workpiece or molten pool. In particular, when the AZD bends toward the workpiece (towards the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode), it is thus easily achieved that after the AZD melts and delivers a pulse to the workpiece, it immediately enters the arc and completely melts there, for example, mixing with the molten pool.

[0028] The operating unit is preferably designed to guide the connection in such a way that the molten filler wire AZD is always located in front of the arc-carrying molten wire electrode and the molten pool in the connection direction.

[0029] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the wire end guide of the main wire feeder and the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder are arranged opposite to each other, so that the molten filler wire AZD is not fed to the center of the arc, but only to the edge area of ​​the arc.

[0030] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder are arranged such that during the welding process, the main wire feeder feeds the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD at a first average wire feed speed (or simply: wire feed speed), while the auxiliary wire feeder feeds the molten filler wire AZD at a second average wire feed speed, wherein the first and second average wire feed speeds differ at a specific time period or at all times.

[0031] The average wire feed speed as understood here refers specifically to the average wire feed speed obtained within a certain portion of a specific welding process (e.g., a portion comprising one (especially exactly one) forward movement and / or one (especially exactly one) backward movement of the welding wire electrode). For example, in CMT processes, the arc-carrying molten wire electrode (LBTAD) performs periodic forward and backward movements, while the overall forward movement of the LBTAD is superimposed to compensate for the molten material. Thus, averaging over the aforementioned forward and backward movement portions yields an overall positive average wire feed speed.

[0032] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the first average wire feed speed is non-constant and / or the second average wire feed speed is non-constant. In this way, different joining procedures can be performed, and the reaction force borne by the auxiliary wire feed device can always be optimized and adjusted. For example, the applied reaction force can be designed to vary periodically to produce a scaly appearance in the joint (specifically, a weld). The joining procedure can remain uniform or may include different process stages.

[0033] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first and / or second average wire feed speeds exhibit periodic acceleration and deceleration at least for a portion of the time. This allows for the execution of various complex joining procedures, such as cold metal transfer (CMT) welding procedures, hybrid CMT welding procedures (i.e., CMT alternating with other welding procedures), pulsed arc welding, and standard arc welding procedures.

[0034] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first average wire feed speed is between 1.5 times and 150 times the second average wire feed speed, particularly preferably between 20 times and 40 times. Studies have found that within this speed range, the wire feed speed matching is excellent, allowing the molten filler wire AZD and the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD to melt in an appropriate ratio, thereby generating a suitable reaction force on the auxiliary wire feed device.

[0035] The first average wire feed speed (i.e., the average feed speed of the carrier arc melting wire electrode LBTAD) is preferably 10 m / min or higher, particularly preferably 15 m / min, for example 22 m / min or higher, about 25 m / min or higher. For sheet metal applications, the first average wire feed speed may be, for example, between 3 m / min and 7 m / min (especially 5 m / min), and the corresponding second average wire feed speed may be between 0.4 m / min and 0.8 m / min (especially 0.6 m / min).

[0036] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the gas-shielded metal arc connection device (MSLBFG) includes an adjustable retainer that connects the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder to the operating unit, thereby allowing adjustment of the angle α (particularly limited to any of the aforementioned angle ranges) between the first and second wire feed directions. For this purpose, the relative position of the wire end guide of the main wire feeder relative to the operating unit is preferably fixed.

[0037] The adjustable angle α allows the reaction force acting on the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feed device to be adjusted (to a certain extent) independently of the corresponding second wire feed speed setting. The angle at which the molten filler wire AZD impacts the workpiece is a key factor determining the magnitude of the component of the reaction force in the connection direction. For users of gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment, this is largely predetermined by its geometry (especially the angle α).

[0038] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the main wire feed device is designed to adjust the first average wire feed speed differently according to different process stages. For example, the main wire feed device may perform so-called synchronous pulse operation to oscillate at high frequencies (particularly in the range of 0.1 Hz to 50 Hz) between two operating points: a high welding current (corresponding to a higher first average wire feed speed) and a low welding current (corresponding to a lower first average wire feed speed). The process stages may in particular refer to different joining process stages, such as different welding process stages.

[0039] The auxiliary wire feeding device is preferably designed to adjust the second average wire feeding speed synchronously with the process stages of the main wire feeding device. When the first wire feeding speed changes according to the process stages (especially periodically), the second wire feeding speed can remain constant; or when the first wire feeding speed remains constant, the second wire feeding speed can change periodically. The first and second wire feeding speeds can also remain constant simultaneously, or both can change periodically according to the process stages. Accordingly, the auxiliary wire feeding device can also be configured to adjust the second wire feeding speed according to different process stages.

[0040] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the gas-protected metal arc welding device MSLBFG further includes a user interface and an adjustment module. Through the user interface, at least one parameter of the welding task to be performed (e.g., welding or brazing) can be set and / or input, particularly weld thickness, a-dimension, V-weld opening angle, workpiece thickness, diameter of LBTAD or AZD, or the desired welding speed.

[0041] This user interface can be integrated into the control unit of the gas-protected metal arc connection device (MSLBFG), the power supply of the MSLBFG, a wired or wireless remote control, a smartphone or tablet application, and / or similar devices.

[0042] The adjustment module is preferably designed to control the main wire feeding device and / or the auxiliary wire feeding device according to at least one parameter set and / or input (especially via the user interface), particularly controlling the corresponding (current and / or average) wire feeding speed (i.e., the first wire feeding speed of the main wire feeding device and / or the second wire feeding speed of the auxiliary wire feeding device).

[0043] For example, setting a parameter to achieve optimal welding results (such as increasing arc power) might require a higher connection speed. To address this, the auxiliary wire feeder can increase the second average wire feed speed to amplify the reaction force acting on the auxiliary wire feeder. In this way, the user of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment (MSLBFG) receives intuitive, easily understood tactile feedback regarding the recommended increase in welding speed, expressed in the form of an increased component force in the connection direction (e.g., the welding direction).

[0044] For example, the required connection speed for the connection task can be input via the user interface, and the second average wire feed speed of the AZD filler material will then be automatically adjusted accordingly. In this way, for example, the required cycle time and / or energy per unit length can be specified or achieved. Of course, the user interface can also be used to set the current or the second average wire feed speed, or to input the cycle time and energy per unit length.

[0045] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the gas-protected metal arc connection device (MSLBFG) further includes a control device that can simultaneously control the main wire feeding device and the auxiliary wire feeding device, particularly enabling them to coordinate with each other, and especially preferably achieving synchronous control. This control device may be communicatively coupled or connected to the aforementioned user interface and / or adjustment module, or may contain the user interface and / or adjustment module.

[0046] Advantageously, whenever the adjustment module changes at least one parameter of the main wire feeder, the system automatically checks whether a corresponding adjustment is needed to the same and / or another parameter of the auxiliary wire feeder, and performs the adjustment if necessary, and vice versa. This control device is specifically designed to control the individual wire feeders of the main or auxiliary wire feeder to set the corresponding (average or instantaneous) wire feed speed. Therefore, when it is stated herein that the main wire feeder is designed to perform an operation and / or the auxiliary wire feeder is designed to perform an operation, it should be understood that the control device is designed to control the main and / or auxiliary wire feeders to perform that operation.

[0047] Specifically, the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder are designed such that the main wire feeder delivers the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD at a first average wire feed speed during welding, while the auxiliary wire feeder delivers the molten filler wire AZD at a second average wire feed speed. This function can be achieved by controlling the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder in the following manner: the main wire feeder delivers the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD at the first average wire feed speed during welding, and the auxiliary wire feeder delivers the molten filler wire AZD at the second average wire feed speed.

[0048] Such control devices can be, or are any devices capable of computation, particularly capable of executing software, applications, or algorithms. For example, a control device may include at least one processor unit, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU) and / or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or a combination thereof. The control device may also include working memory operatively coupled to at least one processor unit, and non-volatile memory operatively coupled to both the at least one processor unit and the working memory.

[0049] The control device can be fully or entirely implemented in a local device, and / or fully or entirely implemented in a remote system, such as a remote server and / or cloud computing platform. For example, the control device can be integrated into the operating unit (such as the welding torch) or power supply of a gas-shielded metal arc welding (MSLBFG) device, or it can be set up independently. The control device may have a user interface through which the user can issue commands, such as selecting the connection program and / or setting at least one parameter of the main wire feeder and / or the auxiliary wire feeder.

[0050] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the control device includes an arc detection module that determines whether an arc is currently burning at the arc-carrying molten welding wire electrode LBTAD. For this purpose, any arc detection method known in the prior art can be used, such as methods that monitor welding current and / or welding voltage and determine the presence or extinguishment of the arc accordingly.

[0051] The control unit can be configured to control the auxiliary wire feeder so that molten filler wire AZD is fed only when an arc is currently burning according to the arc detection module. This way, when the arc is extinguished, the reaction force acting on the auxiliary wire feeder also disappears. This provides users of the Gas Shielded Metal Arc Fusing (MSLBFG) equipment with immediate, intuitive tactile feedback indicating that the connection process has been interrupted.

[0052] When “module” or “interface” is mentioned here, it should be understood that it does not necessarily mean that these modules or interfaces are designed as independent units.

[0053] When modules or interfaces are designed as software, they can be implemented as code snippets or code components that can be distinguished from each other but can also be intertwined.

[0054] Similarly, when one or more modules or interfaces are implemented as hardware, the functionality of one or more modules or interfaces can be implemented by the same hardware component.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, different functions of a single module or a single interface, or even different functions of different modules or different interfaces, can be implemented on one or more independent hardware components. Therefore, these hardware components do not necessarily have a one-to-one correspondence with these modules or interfaces.

[0056] In this sense, any device, system, method, etc., possessing all the characteristics and functions belonging to a particular module or interface can be understood as having, representing, or implementing that module or interface. In particular, all modules and / or interfaces may be implemented as program code executed by a computing device (e.g., a server or cloud computing platform).

[0057] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the auxiliary wire feeding device includes a heating device by which the molten filler wire AZD is preheated, for example, by resistance heating. In this "hot wire variation," melting and / or melting can be promoted, and this approach is particularly suitable for molten filler wires with larger diameters, such as wires with diameters of 1.2 mm or more, 1.6 mm or more, or even thicker. Therefore, the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device can be designed as a conductive tube through which an electric potential can be applied to the AZD.

[0058] The diameter of the fused filler wire (AZD) is preferably 1.6 mm or less. To achieve tactile feedback, a higher wire feed speed may be required for the AZD, but a larger AZD diameter can lead to excessive filler material on the weld, which is not always ideal. Meanwhile, studies have found that larger diameter AZDs produce more stable and perceptible tactile feedback; therefore, a diameter of 0.9 mm or more is preferred. This results in a preferred diameter range for the AZD from 0.9 mm to 1.6 mm, particularly from 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm, and especially preferably 1.2 mm. These ranges achieve a surprising balance between the aforementioned requirements. Accordingly, the auxiliary wire feed device is also preferably designed and configured to deliver fused filler wires with these diameters.

[0059] The diameter of the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode (LBTAD) is preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.6 mm, particularly between 1.1 mm and 1.3 mm, and most preferably 1.2 mm.

[0060] Furthermore, preferably, the diameter of the arc-carrying fusion electrode LBTAD is within ±15% of the diameter of the fusion filler wire, particularly preferably within ±10% or ±5%, with the two diameters being identical. As previously mentioned, the preferred, at least temporarily different, wire feed speeds help ensure that the additional material for the weld joint is primarily supplied by the LBTAD, while the primary task of the AZD is to provide tactile feedback to the user. Since welding speed is also related to the energy introduced by the arc, which in turn determines the melting capacity of the LBTAD, this relationship between the diameters of the LBTAD and AZD has proven particularly advantageous.

[0061] According to another aspect, the present invention provides an auxiliary device for a gas-protected metal arc connection device for manual arc connection, comprising: A retainer, which can be attached to the operating unit of a gas-shielded metal arc connection device for manual arc connection, has a wire end guide for the main wire feeder for conveying the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD in a first wire feed direction. And a wire end guide connected to the auxiliary wire feeding device of the retainer for feeding molten filler wire AZD along the second wire feeding direction; The retainer and the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device are designed and arranged relative to each other such that when the retainer is attached to the operating unit of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment, an angle α of 10° to 80° (i.e., 10° ≤ α ≤ 80°) is formed between the first wire feeding direction and the second wire feeding direction. Preferably, the angle α is between 25° and 70° (i.e., 25° ≤ α ≤ 70°), and particularly preferably between 30° and 60° (i.e., 30° ≤ α ≤ 60°).

[0062] This auxiliary device can advantageously include not only the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder, but also a complete auxiliary wire feeder, such as an associated wire feeder designed to feed molten filler wire (AZD) at the desired wire feed speed. The wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeder is preferably rigidly (particularly fixed or adjustable) connected to the retainer. The retainer is preferably rigidly (particularly fixed or adjustable) connected to the operating unit.

[0063] This auxiliary device can be adapted to all embodiments, options, variations, and improvements described in the foregoing description of the gas-protected metal arc connection device. For example, the retainer can be adjustable, particularly within any angular range of the included angle α.

[0064] The auxiliary equipment may be provided with an interface for connecting control devices, user interfaces and / or adjustment modules to enable corresponding (especially synchronous) control of the fusion filler wire AZD and the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode LBTAD delivered by the auxiliary equipment.

[0065] The auxiliary equipment is preferably designed to be connected to the operating unit in such a way that, during the manual arc connection process, the molten filler wire AZD is always located in front of the arc-carrying molten filler wire electrode and the molten pool in the connection direction.

[0066] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a manual gas-protected metal arc connection method, comprising at least the following steps: - The arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD is fed through the main wire feeder of the gas-protected metal arc connection equipment, wherein the wire end guide of the main wire feeder is integrated into the operating unit of the gas-protected metal arc connection equipment. - An electric arc is generated at the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD; - The molten filler wire AZD is fed by an auxiliary wire feeding device (especially in a rigid manner, fixed or adjustable) connected to the operating unit; - The operating unit (and thus also the wire end guides of the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder) is manually guided along the weld seam to be formed on the workpiece in the connection direction, wherein the AZD is guided toward the workpiece such that a component of the force exerted on the workpiece by the molten filler wire AZD produces a reaction force on the operating unit in the connection direction (e.g., the welding direction). The molten filler wire AZD is, for example, in a heated state, so that it still has sufficient strength / rigidity to generate the reaction force.

[0067] The operating unit preferably uses manual guidance to ensure that the molten filler wire AZD, the arc-carrying molten wire electrode, and the molten pool are always in front of each other in the connection direction.

[0068] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD is fed along a first wire feeding direction, while the molten filler wire AZD is fed along a second wire feeding direction, wherein the second wire feeding direction is different from the first wire feeding direction. In particular, the first and second wire feeding directions are not parallel, for example, they are arranged at a certain angle to each other, or they are in the same plane and form an angle of 5° to 95° with each other (i.e., they intersect at this angle).

[0069] Therefore, the reaction force can be perceived by the user performing the process (e.g., a welder or brazing worker) as intuitive tactile feedback. In this way, the user can be informed to increase or decrease the connection speed, or even be provided with a precise connection speed at which the user should guide the operating unit along the weld seam. This target connection speed can be determined automatically, for example, according to the connection program set by the user.

[0070] The significant advantage of haptic feedback over auditory feedback is that users can easily perceive it even in noisy environments; and compared to visual feedback, its advantage is that users do not need to take their eyes off the weld seam. Furthermore, research shows that users react more quickly and intuitively to haptic feedback.

[0071] In manual arc welding, the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode LBTAD is preferably guided such that its (and / or the first wire feed direction) is arranged at an angle between 15° and 60° (or in other words, 60° to 105° relative to the connection direction). The minimum angle here stems from the fact that the second wire feed direction is still arranged between the first wire feed direction and the connection direction.

[0072] The auxiliary wire feeding device can be an additional / supplementary wire feeding device for a gas-protected metal arc connection device (MSLBFG), or it can be an auxiliary wire feeding device attached to the MSLBFG by means of the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0073] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the connection speed at which the operating unit is guided along the connection direction (i.e., the speed at which the wire end guides of the main wire feeder and the auxiliary wire feeder are also guided along the connection direction) is within ±20% of the average wire feeding speed of the auxiliary wire feeder, particularly within ±10%, and especially preferably within ±5%. In this way, the auxiliary wire feeder can provide the user with tactile guidance to optimize the connection speed.

[0074] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the edges of the connecting weld to be formed are connected to steel and / or alloy materials (especially steel alloys), particularly suitable for butt joints or rounded fillet welds, each form may have a chamfer or not.

[0075] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the arc-carrying molten welding wire electrode LBTAD is automatically fed along a first wire feeding direction, while the molten filler wire AZD is automatically fed along a second wire feeding direction, wherein the second wire feeding direction is different from the first wire feeding direction.

[0076] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first wire feeding direction and the second wire feeding direction form an angle of 10° to 80°, particularly preferably 25° to 70°, and especially preferably 30° to 60°.

[0077] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, during the manual arc connection process, the contact point distance between the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD and the molten filler wire AZD on the workpiece is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm.

[0078] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first and / or second average wire feeding speeds are not constant values. In particular, the first and / or second average wire feeding speeds can achieve periodic automatic acceleration and deceleration at least for a portion of the time.

[0079] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first average wire feeding speed is 1.5 to 150 times the second average wire feeding speed, and particularly preferably 20 to 40 times.

[0080] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the first average wire feeding speed is set differently according to different process stages.

[0081] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the second average wire feeding speed is automatically synchronized with the process stage of the main wire feeding device.

[0082] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the angle between the first wire feeding direction and the second wire feeding direction can be adjusted.

[0083] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the method further includes inputting at least one parameter, particularly the weld thickness, of the connection task to be performed.

[0084] The wire feeding of the arc-carrying fusion electrode LBTAD and / or the fusion filler wire AZD is preferably automatically controlled based on at least one input parameter. In particular, the corresponding average wire feed speed can be automatically set based on this parameter.

[0085] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations, or improvements of the embodiments, the method further includes automatically determining whether a burning arc is currently present on the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD. Preferably, the molten filler wire AZD is delivered only when it is determined that a burning arc is currently present.

[0086] Preferably, in the method of the present invention, the guiding unit causes the molten filler wire AZD to bend between the wire end guide of the auxiliary wire feeding device and the workpiece, particularly by more than 10°, especially more than 20°. Alternatively or additionally, the guiding unit may also cause the AZD to bend with a radius R, which is particularly between 50 mm and 350 mm. In this way, the reaction force can generate an even stronger component in the connection direction, thereby enhancing, for example, the tactile feedback to the user. Thus, the user can obtain more powerful guidance in the connection direction.

[0087] According to certain preferred embodiments, variations or improvements of the embodiments, the workpiece is fixed during manual arc connection, especially when the workpiece is small and would otherwise be pushed away by the force applied to it, as this may affect the result of the manual arc connection.

[0088] In all embodiments of all aspects of this invention, the wire diameters of the arc-carrying fusion electrode LBTAD and the fusion filler wire AZD can be the same or different. Their respective materials, especially any filler material, can also be selected differently.

[0089] In the method of the present invention, it is also preferred that the diameter of the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD is within ±15% of the diameter of the fusion filler wire AZD, particularly preferably within ±10% or ±5%, wherein the two diameters are particularly identical. Individually, the diameter is preferably between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 1.1 mm and 1.3 mm, and particularly preferably 1.2 mm.

[0090] Other preferred embodiments, variations, and further improvements to the embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0091] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of a gas-protected metal arc connection device according to one embodiment of the present invention and an auxiliary device according to another embodiment of the present invention are shown; and Figure 2 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0093] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown in accordance with Figure 1 Gas-protected metal arc connection equipment or auxiliary equipment and / or according to Figure 2 Favorable geometric relations in the method; and Figures 5A to 7B Different variations of the invention, which allow control of the main wire feeding device and the auxiliary wire feeding device, are shown.

[0094] In all the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for identical or functionally identical elements and devices. The labeling and numbering of method steps do not necessarily indicate a sequential order, but are for ease of distinction, although in some variations their order may be consistent with the numbering order. Detailed Implementation

[0095] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a gas-shielded metal arc welding device (MSLBFG) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As a specific example, the functionality and possible variations of the invention will be illustrated herein and hereinafter using a metal inert gas arc welding device (MSSG 100). However, it should be understood that all descriptions and implications herein are equally applicable to other gas-shielded metal arc welding devices, such as gas-shielded metal arc brazing devices (or simply gas-shielded metal arc brazing devices). Therefore, all welding-related terms herein (e.g., welding direction, welding procedure, welding torch, welder, etc.) are to be understood accordingly to apply to arc brazing devices / arc brazing methods or other arc welding devices / arc welding methods.

[0096] The MSSG 100 gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment described as an example is specifically designed for manual gas-shielded metal welding. Figure 1 Only the most relevant elements of the present invention in the MSSG 100 gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus are shown; it will be understood that the apparatus may include other typical elements of a gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus, such as welding power source, cable-hose assembly, one or more wire spools and / or shielding gas tank, etc.

[0097] The gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100 according to the present invention includes a main wire feeder 110 for feeding the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD 10 along a first wire feed direction F1. The main wire feeder 110... Figure 1 The diagram is shown only in schematic form. A portion of the main wire feeder (i.e., its wire end guide 113) is designed as a conductive tube of the welding torch 112 (shown only partially) and integrated therein. The wire end guide 113 of the main wire feeder 110 is preferably arranged in a rigid manner (especially a fixed manner) within the welding torch 112.

[0098] Because the welding torch 112 is operated manually by the welder, it represents the operating unit of the gas shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100. The welding torch 112 is specially designed to be guided such that the molten filler wire AZD 20 is always positioned in the connection direction FD in front of the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10 and the molten pool.

[0099] The welding torch 112 is designed to generate an arc 4 on the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode LBTAD 10 to perform the connection procedure (here referring to the welding procedure). The power electronics used for this purpose are typically located wholly or partially within the welding power source of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100. The wire feeder of the main wire feeder 110 (designed as an external unit in this embodiment) may also be arranged above or within the welding power source of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100.

[0100] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, workpieces 1 and 2 are shown as two workpiece components 1 and 2 to be welded through the butt joint 3; it should be understood that the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment 100 according to the present invention can also perform a variety of other welding tasks, such as butt joints with or without rounded or flat fillet welds.

[0101] The MSSG 100 gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus also includes a gas guide (not shown) with a shielding gas nozzle 111, which is typically also mounted on the welding torch 112 and designed to eject the shielding gas 5 to protect the chemical reaction from external influences, particularly oxygen in the environment, during the welding process. The MSSG 100 can be a metal inert gas welding apparatus (i.e., a MIG welding apparatus) or a metal active gas welding apparatus (i.e., a MAG welding apparatus).

[0102] The gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100 also includes a wire end guide 123 connected to the welding torch 112 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 for feeding the molten filler wire AZD 20 in a second wire feed direction F2 different from the first wire feed direction F1. The auxiliary wire feeder 120 is also part of the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100. Figure 1 The diagram is shown only schematically. Although the wire end guides 113 and 123 are shown separately for clarity, it is understood that they are part of the main wire feeder 110 and the auxiliary wire feeder 120, respectively.

[0103] The wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feed device 120 is connected to the welding torch 112 via a retainer 130. The retainer 130 can be fixed such that a fixed angle α is formed between the first wire feed direction F1 and the second wire feed direction F2; or it can be adjustable such that the angle α can be adjusted. However, in both cases, the connection can be rigid after adjustment and locking (i.e., after temporary, releasable fixing) if desired, such that the force is transmitted substantially entirely from the auxiliary wire feed device 120 to the welding torch 112.

[0104] The rigid included angle α can be between 10° and 80° (i.e., 10° ≤ α ≤ 80°), preferably between 25° and 70° (i.e., 25° ≤ α ≤ 70°), and particularly preferably between 30° and 60° (i.e., 30° ≤ α ≤ 60°). The included angle α can be adjusted within any of the above ranges by means of the adjustable retainer 130.

[0105] The adjustable retainer 130 can be manually adjusted, in which case an angle scale can be set on the retainer 130 to precisely set the included angle α. The retainer can be switched between a released state (in which the included angle α is adjustable) and a locked (or temporary / releasable fixed) state (in which the included angle α is fixed) by a locking device.

[0106] The adjustable retainer 13 can also be adjusted by a motor drive, i.e., the included angle α can be set. For example, the retainer 130 can have an electric motor by which the included angle α can be adjusted. This electric motor, like other components of the gas shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100, can be controlled, for example, by the control device 140 of the MSSG 100, which will be described in more detail below. In this way, the included angle α of the wire feeder 110 can be automatically adjusted according to, for example, the selected welding program and / or in response to at least one changing parameter of the main wire feeder 110 or the auxiliary wire feeder 120.

[0107] The arrangement and design of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 (especially its wire end guide 123) are such that during manual welding, the contact between the molten filler wire AZD 20 and the workpieces 1 and 2 to be welded is such that the molten filler wire AZD 20 applies a force K to the workpieces 1 and 2 when it is melted by the arc 4 of the LBTAD 10, and thus (according to Newton's third law) a reaction force GK is generated on the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120.

[0108] During this process, the molten filler wire AZD 20 may enter the arc 4 formed at the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10 (e.g., in its peripheral region) and melt there, or it may melt outside the arc 4 through its thermal radiation and / or on the workpiece surface and / or within the workpiece molten pool. The final melting of the previously melted portion of AZD 20 is preferably completed inside the arc 4, for example, in its central region.

[0109] Since the applied force K acts substantially or entirely along the second wire feeding direction F2, the corresponding reaction force GK is opposite to the second wire feeding direction F2. For example... Figure 1 As shown, this arrangement allows the reaction force GK to have a component KK along the connection direction FD. This component KK is also transmitted to the operating unit, namely the welding torch 112, via the holder 130. This component KK provides tactile feedback to the user of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100, specifically enabling the user to adjust the connection speed along the connection direction FD. Figure 1 In the specific example shown, the welder thus obtains tactile feedback that the welding speed must be maintained along the welding direction.

[0110] The wire end guide 113 of the main wire feeder 110 and the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 are preferably arranged opposite to each other in such a way that, during manual arc welding (here: manual welding), the distance between the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10 and the molten filler wire AZD 20 when in contact with the workpiece is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm (see also...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0111] As previously mentioned, the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100 may have a control device 140 by means of which both the main wire feeder 110 and the auxiliary wire feeder 120 can be controlled, particularly coordinated and preferably synchronously controlled.

[0112] As explained above, the first average wire feed speed and the second average wire feed speed can be the same or different, and in particular, they can sometimes or always be different from each other. The first average wire feed speed and the second average wire feed speed can each be adjusted independently, for example, via a user interface 141, which can be wired or wireless and can be integrated into or separate from the welding torch 112. The user interface 141 can be integrated into the control device 140 or designed independently of the control device 140.

[0113] In addition, a fixed ratio between the first average wire feeding speed and the second average wire feeding speed can be set, and both can be scaled by an adjustable factor while maintaining the fixed ratio through the user interface 141.

[0114] The first average wire feed speed can be 1.5 to 40 times the second average wire feed speed, particularly 10 to 35 times the second average wire feed speed. If the first and second average wire feed speeds can be set or input separately, the factor can be specified to be limited to a value within one of the above ranges.

[0115] As explained above, the first and / or second average wire feed speeds can be non-constant, thereby, in particular, the first and / or second average wire feed speeds are at least partially accelerated and decelerated periodically, for example, to perform CMT processes or hybrid CMT processes.

[0116] User interface 141 can be configured to set or input at least one parameter of the welding task to be performed by the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100, in particular the desired connection speed, the opening angle of the V-weld, the a-size, the desired volume of the weld per unit length (here: weld), the properties of LBTAD 10 and / or AZD 20 (e.g., wire diameter, wire material, etc.) or the properties of the workpiece (e.g., thickness or material).

[0117] The MSSG 100 gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment may also include an adjustment module 142, which is designed to automatically control the main wire feeder 110 and / or the auxiliary wire feeder 120 according to at least one set parameter (particularly the corresponding average wire feed speed, i.e., the first and / or second average wire feed speed). The adjustment module 142 may also be integrated into the control unit 140 or designed separately from the control unit 140.

[0118] For example, when manually arc welding a rounded fillet weld, if the user interface 141 inputs a dimension of 5mm, a wire diameter of 1.2mm for the steel fusion filler wire AZD 20, and a desired welding speed of 40 cm / min, the second average wire feed speed can be automatically set to 11.6 m / min.

[0119] If a higher desired welding speed, such as 75 cm / min, is entered in the user interface 141, the second average wire feed speed will automatically increase to, for example, 22 m / min. In particular, the corresponding adjustment of the second average wire feed speed can be made proportionally.

[0120] As another example, when manually arc welding a butt joint, using V-prepared flux (V-welding) with a web, with an input plate thickness of 6 mm, an input wire diameter of 1.2 mm for the input AZD 20 fusion filler wire made of steel, an input opening angle of 60°, and an input desired welding speed of 40 cm / min, the second average wire feed speed of AZD 20 can be automatically set to 13.2 m / min.

[0121] If the target welding speed is increased to, for example, 60 cm / min, the second average wire feed speed of the AZD 20 can be automatically increased to 19.8 m / min.

[0122] Conversely, if a 45° opening angle is input, and the desired welding speed is 60 cm / min, the second average wire feed speed of the AZD 20 may only automatically increase to 14.6 m / min.

[0123] The control device 140 may also include an arc detection module 143, which determines whether a burning arc 4 is currently present on the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10. The control device 140 may also be configured to control the auxiliary wire feeder 120 to feed the molten filler wire AZD 20 only when the arc detection module 143 determines that an arc 4 is currently burning. When the arc 4 is extinguished, the feeding of the molten filler wire AZD 20 stops, and the reaction force GK automatically disappears, providing the user (here: the welder) with tactile feedback (or signal) of reducing the connection speed (or, for example, reducing it to zero). Furthermore, this can also facilitate the subsequent re-ignition of the extinguished arc.

[0124] The control device 140 can also be configured to detect the arc blowing effect on the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10, and then automatically control the auxiliary wire feeder 120 to deliver the molten filler wire AZD 20 to reduce the arc blowing effect or its impact.

[0125] Figure 1 Also shown is an auxiliary device for gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment (particularly metal inert gas welding equipment for manual welding) used for manual arc welding. Such an auxiliary device includes at least a wire end guide 123 (or the entire auxiliary wire feeder 120) and a retainer 130 for the auxiliary wire feeder 120.

[0126] The auxiliary device can be attached to the operating unit 112 of the gas-shielded metal arc welding device via a retainer 130. The operating unit 112 includes a wire end guide for the main wire feeder. The retainer 130 and the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 are designed to be arranged opposite to each other such that when the retainer 130 is attached to the operating unit 112, the angle α between the first wire feed direction F1 and the second wire feed direction F2 is between 10° and 80°.

[0127] As described above, the retainer 130 can be fixed or adjustable, so that the included angle α can also be fixed or adjustable within one of the aforementioned angle ranges.

[0128] The auxiliary device may have a wired or wireless interface by means of which it can be connected to the control device 140 of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment, for example, so that the main wire feeder 110 and the auxiliary wire feeder 120 can be controlled by the control device 140 in a coordinated and particularly synchronous manner, as has been described in detail above in the description of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment (particularly the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100) according to the invention.

[0129] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart is shown to illustrate a method according to another embodiment of the invention, namely a method for manual gas-shielded metal arc welding, particularly MIG welding or MAG welding, but also including MIG brazing or MAG brazing. This method can be performed, in particular, using the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSLFG according to the invention, preferably using the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100, or using conventional MIG or MAG arc welding apparatus equipped with auxiliary equipment according to the invention. Therefore, this method is applicable to all embodiments, variations, options, or improvements related to the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus according to the invention (particularly the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100) or the auxiliary equipment according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0130] In step S01, the main wire feeder 110 of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment (MSLBFG, e.g., MSSG 100) feeds the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10 along the first wire feed direction F1. The wire end guide 113 of the main wire feeder 110 is integrated into the operating unit of the MSLBFG.

[0131] In step S02, an arc 4 is generated at the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD 10. As described above, this can be achieved through a connection procedure, particularly the arc ignition process within the connection procedure, which is performed, for example, by the welding power source of the gas-shielded metal arc welding equipment MSSG 100 at the welding torch 112. Alternatively, it can also be achieved through a brazing procedure, particularly the arc ignition process within the brazing procedure, which is performed by the power source of the gas-shielded metal arc brazing equipment.

[0132] In step S03, molten filler wire AZD 20 is fed by an auxiliary wire feeder 120 along a second wire feed direction F2. The auxiliary wire feeder 120 is connected to the main wire feeder 110 (particularly a rigid connection, i.e., a fixed or adjustable connection). The auxiliary wire feeder 120 is provided with a wire end guide 123, which is connected to the operating unit 112 (particularly a rigid connection, i.e., a fixed or adjustable connection). The auxiliary wire feeder 120 may be an auxiliary wire feeder 120 of a gas-shielded metal arc welding device (e.g., a gas-shielded metal arc welding device MSSG 100), or an auxiliary wire feeder 120 of the auxiliary device described in this invention, which is attached to the gas-shielded metal arc welding device MSLBFG.

[0133] The second wire feeding direction F2 is preferably different from the first wire feeding direction F1, and in particular, it is not parallel to it.

[0134] In step S04, the operating unit 112 (and therefore the wire end guide 113 of the main wire feeder 110 and the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120) is manually guided by the user (e.g., a welder or brazer) along the connection direction FD onto the workpieces 1 and 2 at the joint weld to be formed (e.g., a welded weld or a brazed weld). During this process, the molten filler wire AZD 20 is guided onto the workpieces 1 and 2 such that a component KK of the force K exerted by the molten filler wire AZD 20 on the workpieces 1 and 2 generates a reaction force GK on the operating unit 112 (e.g., the welding torch 112) in the connection direction FD.

[0135] The operating unit 112 for manual arc connection is specifically guided in such a way that the molten filler wire AZD 20 is always in front of the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10 and the molten pool in the connection direction FD.

[0136] Preferably, the molten filler wire AZD 20 is melted (particularly continuously) by a heat source originating from the arc 4 (e.g., the arc itself, its thermal radiation, or the workpiece or molten pool heated by the arc) while the reaction force GK is applied, and thereafter is particularly preferably complete melting (particularly continuously), such that the material of the molten filler wire AZD 20 is ultimately located in or on the joint weld.

[0137] As mentioned above, the reaction force GK can be specifically applied by the portion of AZD 20 that is melting but has not yet broken off. As the operating unit 112 continues to be guided S04 along the connection direction FD, the corresponding molten portion of AZD 20 deposited (or: applied) on the workpieces 1 and 2 advantageously enters the arc 4 (deeper or for the first time) and is completely melted by the arc on the workpieces 1 and 2.

[0138] In gas-shielded metal welding processes or gas-shielded metal welding equipment MSSG 100, this process preferably occurs when the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode LBTAD 10 and portions of workpieces 1 and 2 are melted by the generated arc 4. In gas-shielded copper welding processes or gas-shielded copper welding equipment, this process preferably occurs when the arc-carrying fusion wire electrode LBTAD 10 is melted by the generated arc 4.

[0139] The connection speed selected by manual guide S04 (at which the main wire feeder 110 and the auxiliary wire feeder 120 coupled to it via retainer 130 are guided along the connection direction FD) is preferably within ±20% of the average wire feed speed of the auxiliary wire feeder, particularly within ±15%, preferably within ±10%, and especially preferably within ±5%.

[0140] The method of the present invention is applicable to a variety of joining tasks, such as for producing joining welds for edges made of steel and / or alloys (e.g., steel alloys), particularly in butt joints 3 with or without chamfers.

[0141] The method may include optional additional steps, as described above in conjunction with the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus of the present invention (particularly the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100).

[0142] For example, in optional step S05, at least one parameter of the connection task to be performed can be set, such as weld thickness, as described above with reference to user interface 141.

[0143] Subsequently, in step S06, the main wire feeding device 110 and / or the auxiliary wire feeding device 120 can be automatically controlled according to at least one set and / or input parameter. Specifically, the corresponding average wire feeding speed (i.e., the first average wire feeding speed of the main wire feeding device 110 and / or the second average wire feeding speed of the auxiliary wire feeding device 120) can be automatically set according to the set parameters, as described above in conjunction with the adjustment module 142.

[0144] In an optional step S07, it can be determined whether the arc 4 is currently burning at the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10. The method can be configured to deliver the molten filler wire AZD 20 (and optionally the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10) in S03 (or S01) only when it is determined that the arc 4 is currently burning.

[0145] Furthermore, workpieces 1 and 2 can be pre-fixed (or as an optional step), for example, by fixing them to a worktable. Larger workpieces 1 and 2 can apply the required reaction force GK to the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 in a stable manner. However, smaller workpieces 1 and 2, or those with lower static friction coefficients on their bases, may be pushed by the force K applied to them, which can affect the quality of the weld joint. In such cases, fixing workpieces 1 and 2 as an additional step has significant advantages.

[0146] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSLBFG, particularly the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100, according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 2 The advantageous geometric relationship shown is that of the method according to the invention. exist Figure 3 In this case, the connection direction FD (approximately the welding direction) extends along the connection weld (here, for example, the butt joint 3) as usual. The relative arrangement of the wire end guide 113 of the main wire feeder 110 and the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120 is such that the first wire feed direction F1 and the second wire feed direction F2 form an angle α of 10° to 80°, particularly preferably 25° to 70°, and especially preferably 30° to 60°.

[0147] Manual arc welding (e.g., hand welding) is preferably performed in the following manner (especially in cases where...) Figure 2 In the method of the present invention shown, the angle β between the first wire feeding direction F1 and the connecting direction FD (and / or the connecting weld with workpieces 1, 2) specifically satisfies 60°≤β≤105°. Therefore, in the manual arc connection process according to the present invention, this angle β is preferably set within this angle range by the operating unit that holds and guides the workpieces 1, 2.

[0148] When β > 90°, it is called forward tilting guidance; when β < 90°, it is called backward tilting guidance. Figure 3 An example of backward tilting guidance with β=80° and α=30° is shown. Accordingly, the molten filler wire AZD 20 impacts the butt joint 3 or workpieces 1 and 2 at an angle of γ=50° or less.

[0149] like Figure 4As shown, the reason why the angle γ may be less than β-α is that in some embodiments, the molten filler wire AZD 20 is fed into S03 at a position sufficiently far in front of the wire end guide 123 of the auxiliary wire feeder 120, causing it to begin to bend advantageously towards the arc-carrying molten filler wire electrode LBTAD 10 on the workpieces 1 and 2, thus resulting in a relationship of γ < β-α. In other words, in this case, AZD can impact the workpieces 1 and 2 at a gentler angle than the second wire feed direction F2. In this way, the component of the reaction force GK in the direction of the weld joint can be further increased. For example, in Figure 4 In the middle, β=80° and α=30°, but γ=35°, meaning that AZD has bent by 15°.

[0150] The fusion filler wire AZD 20 can also be guided such that it bends between the wire end guide 123 and the workpieces 1, 2 with a radius of curvature R, which is advantageously between 50 mm and 350 mm, preferably between 150 mm and 250 mm.

[0151] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows the distance Δ between the contact points of the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD 10 and the fusion filler wire AZD 20 with workpieces 1 and 2. This distance Δ is at least 1 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm.

[0152] Figures 5A to 7B Two figures are shown, illustrating possible variations of the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSLBFG, particularly the gas-shielded metal arc welding apparatus MSSG 100, according to the invention, and embodiments of the method according to the invention. Subfigure A shows the time curve of the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD of the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10, and subfigure B shows the time curve of the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD of the molten filler wire AZD 20. Although example values ​​in m / min are given in the figures, these are merely examples.

[0153] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A variant is shown in which the first wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is set according to different (joining or welding) process stages, for example, within the framework of pulsed processes (especially synchronous pulsed processes), and alternates periodically between relatively high wire feed speed values ​​(especially associated with relatively high welding current at arc 4) and relatively low wire feed speed values ​​(especially associated with relatively low welding current at arc 4). A lower wire feed speed value can be positive, or alternatively zero (not shown). This allows for the formation of better layered weld seams. When the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is zero, arc 4 is typically extinguished, meaning that in this variant, the process stages with and without arc 4 alternate. If the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is zero (or lower), while the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD is positive, stronger weld scale can be produced, which is generally desirable.

[0154] like Figure 5B As shown, in this variant, the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD and the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD are set synchronously in the process stages. A higher wire feed speed value of the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD corresponds to a higher wire feed speed value of the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD, and vice versa. In a variant where the lower wire feed speed value of the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is zero, the wire feed speed value of the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD can be positive or zero.

[0155] The first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is typically set higher when the melting power is high, ensuring a sufficient supply of LBTAD 10 material for melting during the melting of the arc-carrying welding wire electrode LBTAD 10, without interruption of the arc 4. However, under normal circumstances, when the melting power is low, the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is set to a lower value to ensure adequate material supply at each connection point along the weld seam. The synchronized setting of the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD allows for the setting of an optimal connection speed under each operating condition.

[0156] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A variant is shown in which the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD is set in a manner similar to... Figure 5A The second average wire feed speed, Vd_AZD, remains constant, while the same (i.e., pulsed) speed is maintained. Therefore, a consistent optimal connection speed can be specified or set despite different process stages.

[0157] Figure 7A and Figure 7BA variant is shown in which the first average wire feed speed Vd_LBTAD remains constant, while the second average wire feed speed Vd_AZD exhibits periodic process stage variations. Therefore, although the process stages are uniform, the reaction force still results in a periodically varying (here, between two values) connection speed at the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD 10.

[0158] according to Figures 5A to 7B Any variation thereof or other such variation thereof may be implemented within the scope of the method described in this invention, or the main wire feeder 110 and auxiliary wire feeder 120 of the gas protected metal arc connection device (MSLBFG) according to this invention, or the auxiliary device according to this invention, may be configured accordingly.

[0159] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments contains only examples of possible implementations, provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various variations and modifications of these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding the invention, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0160] List of reference numerals 1. First workpiece component 2. Second workpiece component 3-connector 4. Electric arc 5 Inert Gases 10-carrying arc fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD 20 fused wire electrode, AZD 100 Metal Inert Gas Welding Equipment, MSSG 110 Main wire feeding device 111 Inert Gas Nozzle 112 Operating Unit / Welding Torch 113 Main wire feeder wire end guide / conductive tube 120 Auxiliary wire feeding device 123 Auxiliary wire feeding device wire end guide 130 retainer 140 control device 141 User Interface 142 Adjustment Module 143 Arc Detection Module α is the angle between the first wire feeding direction and the second wire feeding direction. β is the angle between the connecting weld and the arc-carrying molten wire electrode. The angle between the γ-melting filler wire and the workpiece Δ Distance between the electrode and the workpiece contact point F1 First wire feeding direction F Second wire feeding direction FD connection direction GK reaction force K-Force The component of KK parallel to the connection direction R is the radius of curvature of the molten filler wire. S01..S07 Method Steps

Claims

1. A gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) for manual arc connection, comprising: Operation unit (112); A main wire feeder (110) for feeding an arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10), wherein at least one wire end guide (113) of the main wire feeder (110) is integrated in the operating unit (112); and An auxiliary wire feeding device (120) connected to the operation unit (112) is used to feed molten filler wire AZD (20). The wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) is arranged and configured such that during the manual arc connection process, the molten filler wire AZD (20) contacts the workpiece (1, 2) to be connected, and applies a force (K) to the workpiece (1, 2) when the molten filler wire AZD melts, thereby generating a reaction force (GK) on the operating unit (112). The main wire feeder (110) and the auxiliary wire feeder (120) are arranged such that during the welding process, the main wire feeder (110) feeds the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10) at a first average wire feed speed, and the auxiliary wire feeder (120) feeds the molten filler wire AZD (20) at a second average wire feed speed. The first average wire feeding speed and the second average wire feeding speed are sometimes different from each other or always different.

2. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The main wire feeder (110) for feeding the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10) is arranged along a first wire feed direction (F1), and the auxiliary wire feeder (120) is arranged to feed the molten filler wire AZD (20) along a second wire feed direction (F2), wherein the second wire feed direction (F2) is different from the first wire feed direction (F1).

3. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to claim 2. in, The first wire feeding direction (F1) and the second wire feeding direction (F2) form an angle (α) of 10° to 80° with each other, particularly an angle (α) of 25° to 70°, and particularly preferably an angle (α) of 30° to 60°.

4. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. in, The wire end guide (113) of the main wire feeder (110) and the wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeder (120) are arranged opposite to each other, such that during manual arc connection, the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10) and the molten filler wire AZD (20) are at least 1 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm apart when they come into contact with the workpiece (1, 2).

5. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. in, The first average wire feed speed and / or the second average wire feed speed are not constant. Specifically, the first average wire feed speed and / or the second average wire feed speed are at least partially periodically accelerated and decelerated.

6. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. in, The first average wire feed speed is 1.5 to 150 times, particularly 20 to 40 times, of the second average wire feed speed.

7. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. in, The main wire feeding device (110) is designed to set the first average wire feeding speed differently according to different process stages; and Specifically, the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) is designed to adjust the second average wire feeding speed synchronously with the process stages of the main wire feeding device (110).

8. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to claim 3 or claim 3 in combination with any one of claims 4 to 7. Includes an adjustable retainer (130), the wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) is connected to the operating unit (112) through the adjustable retainer, and the angle (α) between the first wire feeding direction (F1) and the second wire feeding direction (F2) can be adjusted by means of the adjustable retainer.

9. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. It also includes a user interface (141) and an adjustment module (142), wherein at least one parameter of the connection task to be performed, particularly the weld thickness, can be set and / or input via the user interface (141); and The adjustment module (142) is designed to control the main wire feeding device (110) and / or the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) according to the settings and / or input at least one parameter, in particular setting the corresponding average wire feeding speed.

10. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. It also includes a control device (140) that can control the main wire feeding device (110) and the auxiliary wire feeding device (120), and in particular, control them in a coordinated manner.

11. The gas-protected metal arc connection device (100) according to claim 10. The control device (140) includes an arc detection module (143), which can determine whether an arc (4) is currently burning at the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD (10); and The control device (140) is configured to control the auxiliary wire feeder (120) to feed the molten filler wire AZD (20) only when the arc detection module (143) determines that the current arc (4) is burning.

12. An auxiliary device for a gas-protected metal arc connection device for manual arc connection, comprising: The holder (130) can be attached to the operating unit (112) of the metal inert gas arc connection device (100) for manual arc connection, the operating unit (112) having a wire end guide (113) of the main wire feeder (110) for feeding the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10) along a first wire feed direction (F1). The wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) is connected to the retainer (130) for feeding molten filler wire AZD (20) along the second wire feeding direction (F2). The retainer (130) and the wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeder (120) are designed and arranged relative to each other such that when the retainer (130) is attached to the operating unit (112) of the metal inert gas arc connection device (100), the first wire feed direction (F1) and the second wire feed direction (F2) form an angle (α) of 10° to 80° with each other.

13. A method for manually connecting a gas-protected metal arc, comprising: The arc-carrying welding wire electrode LBTAD (10) is fed (S10) through the main wire feeder (110) of the metal inert gas arc connection device (100) at a first average wire feed speed, wherein the wire end guide (113) of the main wire feeder (110) is integrated into the operating unit (112) of the metal inert gas arc connection device (100); An (S02) arc (4) is generated at the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD (10); The molten filler wire AZD (20) is fed (S03) through an auxiliary wire feeding device (120) at a second average wire feeding speed, the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) having a wire end guide (123) connected to the operating unit (112). Along the connecting weld to be generated on the workpiece (1, 2), the operating unit (112) is manually guided (S04) in the connecting direction (FD), wherein the molten filler wire AZD (20) is guided toward the workpiece (1, 2) such that the component force (KK) of the force (K) exerted by the molten filler wire AZD (20) on the workpiece (1, 2) causes a reaction force (GK) to be applied to the operating unit (112) in the connecting direction (FD). The first average wire feeding speed and the second average wire feeding speed are sometimes different from each other or always different.

14. The method according to claim 13, in, The connection speed of the operating unit (112) along the connection direction (FD) is within ±20% of the average wire feeding speed of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, in, The weld joint to be formed is made of steel and / or steel alloys, particularly suitable for butt joints or fillet welds (3), each with or without a chamfer.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The arc-carrying molten welding wire electrode LBTAD (10) is automatically fed along the first wire feeding direction (F1) (S01), and the molten filler wire AZD (20) is automatically fed along the second wire feeding direction (F2) (S03), and the second wire feeding direction (F2) is different from the first wire feeding direction (F1).

17. The method according to claim 16, in, The first wire feeding direction (F1) and the second wire feeding direction (F2) form an angle (α) of 10° to 80° with each other, particularly an angle (α) of 25° to 70°, and particularly preferably an angle (α) of 30° to 60°.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, in, During the manual arc connection process, the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10) and the molten filler wire AZD (20) are at least 1 mm apart, preferably at least 4 mm apart, and particularly preferably at least 6 mm apart when they come into contact with the workpiece (1, 2).

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, in, The first average wire feed speed and / or the second average wire feed speed are not constant. Specifically, the first average wire feed speed and / or the second average wire feed speed are at least partially periodically accelerated and decelerated automatically.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, in, The first average wire feed speed is 1.5 to 150 times, particularly 20 to 40 times, of the second average wire feed speed.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, in, The first average wire feeding speed is set differently according to different process stages, and / or The second average wire feeding speed is automatically synchronized with the process stage of the main wire feeding device (110).

22. The method according to claim 17 or according to claim 17 in combination with any one of claims 18 to 21, in, The angle (α) between the first wire feeding direction (F1) and the second wire feeding direction (F2) is adjustable.

23. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, It also includes inputting (S05) at least one parameter of the connection task to be performed, in particular the weld thickness; in, The feeding of the arc-carrying fusion welding wire electrode LBTAD (10) and / or the feeding of the fusion filler wire AZD (20) are automatically controlled according to at least one input parameter (S01). Based on this, in particular, the average wire feeding speed is automatically set for each component.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, This includes automatically determining (S07) whether the electric arc (4) is currently burning at the arc-carrying molten wire electrode LBTAD (10); in, The molten filler wire AZD (20) is delivered only when it is determined that the electric arc (4) is currently burning.

25. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 24, in, The operating unit (112) is guided (S04) so ​​that the molten filler wire AZD (20) bends between the wire end guide (123) of the auxiliary wire feeding device (120) of the operating unit (112) and the workpiece (1, 2), particularly bending by more than 10°, especially more than 20°.

26. The method according to claim 25, in, The operating unit (112) is guided (S04) such that the bending radius (R) of the molten filler wire AZD (20) is between 50 mm and 350 mm.

27. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 26, in, The workpieces (1, 2) are fixed during manual arc connection.

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