Welding torch with multi-stage push button

Abstract

Welding torch (7) comprising a pipe bend (26) with a contact tube and a gas nozzle (27) arranged thereon, and a torch body (28) for connection to a welding system, wherein a multi-stage push button (29) is arranged on the torch body (28) and wherein at least one switching stage of the push button (29) is designed to start / activate the welding process, characterized in that for at least one further switching stage an assignment from a set of assignments can be freely selected.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a welding torch comprising a pipe bend with a contact tube and a gas nozzle arranged thereon, and a torch body for connection to a welding system, in particular to a welding machine or a wire feeder. A multi-stage push button is arranged on the torch body, wherein at least one switching stage of the push button is designed for starting / activating the welding process, in particular for igniting the arc. The invention further relates to a welding system comprising a welding machine with a welding torch of the type mentioned above connected thereto, a power source for supplying the welding torch with a welding current, a control device, and an input / output device connected thereto for setting / selecting and changing welding parameters.

[0002] Welding torches and welding equipment of the type mentioned are generally known. For example, US Patent 4,430,551 A discloses a welding system in which various presets for a MIG welding process can be recalled using a single on / off switch.

[0003] Furthermore, US 2009 / 0152254 A1 discloses a welding torch with a single-stage push button and an additional slide switch, which can be used to retrieve various welding parameters or as a safety switch to prevent unintentional activation of the welding process via the push button.

[0004] Furthermore, WO 2008 / 088643 A1 discloses a light source arranged on a welding torch for illuminating the welding area, which can be switched on and off, for example, via a foot switch.

[0005] JP 2008-296272 A further discloses a handpiece of a welding machine with a built-in light element, in which a welding point is illuminated with the light element before and after the actual welding process.

[0006] DE 198 25 871 A1 also discloses a handpiece of a protective welding device with a built-in light element. A light press on a function button integrated into the handpiece switches on the light element, illuminating the starting point for the weld seam and its surroundings. Pressing the function button harder starts the welding process and switches off the light.

[0007] US patent 2007 / 0131664 A1 finally discloses a handpiece of a welding machine with a built-in light element, with which a welding point can be selectively illuminated by means of a specially provided switch.

[0008] The welding torches mentioned above thus allow, in principle, the retrieval of various welding settings or the retrieval of additional functions directly on the welding torch, but are cumbersome to operate.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved welding torch and an improved welding system. In particular, the retrieval of various welding settings or the retrieval of additional functions directly on the welding torch should be simplified.

[0010] The object of the invention is achieved with a welding torch of the type mentioned above, in which an assignment from a set of assignments can be freely selected for at least one further switching stage. The user of the welding torch can therefore be offered several alternatives for the further switching stage from which to choose.

[0011] The object of the invention is further achieved with a welding system of the type mentioned above, comprising a welding torch according to the invention. In particular, the input / output device of the welding system includes the multi-stage push button arranged on the welding torch.

[0012] This makes it possible, among other things, to easily adapt the welding torch to individual needs and to intuitively operate different welding settings or additional functions. The welder is therefore not distracted by cumbersome operation of their welding machine, but can concentrate fully on their actual task: welding.

[0013] For example, a switching stage can be assigned to a function, program, welding parameter, set of welding parameters, welding process, or external process. In this way, different switching stages can be assigned to various welding currents, welding voltages, pulse frequencies, or even more complex sequences. For instance, a switching stage could be assigned to linearly increasing / decreasing the welding current to a predefined value with a predefined slope. An external process could include operations such as tightening / untightening a clamping device, rotating / stopping a rotary table, and so on. A number of parameters, functions, and external processes useful for welding are known to those skilled in the art, and these can, in principle, be assigned to a specific switching stage.

[0014] It is further advantageous to have an additional switching stage for activating a lighting element, particularly a light-emitting diode, directed towards the pipe bend, especially towards an arc zone. Advantageously, the welding point can be illuminated by the lighting element, particularly before the arc is struck, so that the welding torch can be correctly aligned. Preferably, the switching stage for starting / activating the welding process follows the switching stage for activating the lighting element. In particular, the first switching stage is configured to activate the lighting element and the second switching stage to start / activate the welding process.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

[0016] It is advantageous if the subsequent switching stage, especially the second switching stage, is designed to deactivate the lighting element in addition to starting / activating the arc. This reduces the power consumption of the lighting element, since an electric arc usually illuminates the welding area sufficiently anyway.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the lighting element is arranged on the torch body, particularly on its underside and especially between the pipe bend and the multi-stage switching element. This allows the lighting element to be precisely aligned with the welding area to be illuminated.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the lighting element is powered by an energy source integrated into the torch body, especially a rechargeable battery or accumulator. This eliminates the need for a separate power source that supplies current to the lighting element, for example, via the welding torch's hose assembly. This option is therefore particularly suitable for retrofitting existing welding torches.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the lighting element is powered via a connection to the welding torch. This eliminates the need for batteries / accumulators and, in particular, their replacement or recharging. The welding torch presented here is therefore especially convenient to use.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the switching stage intended for starting / activating the welding process, especially for striking the arc, is designed to be assigned a different, predefined function after the welding process has started / activated, especially after the arc has struck. This makes it possible to "save" switching stages by assigning different functions to them sequentially. The assignment of the freed-up switching stage can be carried out in the manner already described.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the switching stage intended for activating the lighting element is designed to be assigned a different, predefined function after the lighting element has been activated or after the welding process has been initiated. This variant offers another way to "save" switching stages by assigning them different functions sequentially. The assignment of the freed-up switching stage can then be carried out in the manner already described.

[0022] It is advantageous if the push button on the welding torch is positioned so that it can be operated with the index and / or middle finger. This allows for easy operation of the welding torch. For example, the push button could be located on the underside of the torch handle.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the welding torch includes a hose assembly for connection to the welding system. This allows the media required for welding, such as welding gas, cooling water, and the welding current, to be transported to the welding torch.

[0024] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0025] They each show, in a highly schematic and simplified representation: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a welding machine or welding equipment; Fig. 2. An exemplary welding torch with a multi-stage push button in detailed view; Fig. 3 a first exemplary time course of the welding current and the light intensity; Fig. 4 a second exemplary time course of the welding current and the light intensity; Fig. 5 a third exemplary temporal course of the light intensity and a varying welding current and Fig. 6. Another exemplary time course of the light intensity and a varying welding current;

[0026] It should be noted by way of introduction that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the directly described and illustrated figure and must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes. In addition, individual features or combinations of features from the different illustrated and described embodiments can also represent independent, inventive, or inventive solutions.

[0027] All references to value ranges in the present description are to be understood as including any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a welding machine or welding system known per se for various processes or procedures, such as MIG / MAG welding or TIG / WIG welding or electrode welding, double wire / tandem welding, plasma or soldering processes, laser hybrid, laser cold and hot wire, electron welding, etc.

[0029] The welding machine 1 comprises a power source 2 with a power unit 3 arranged therein, a control device 4 and other components and lines not shown, such as a switching element, control valves, etc. The control device 4 is, for example, connected to a control valve which is arranged in a supply line for a gas 5, in particular a shielding gas, such as CO2, helium or argon and the like, between a gas storage tank 6 and a welding torch 7 or a burner.

[0030] Furthermore, a wire feeder 8, which is frequently used for MIG / MAG welding, can be controlled via the control device 4. A filler material or welding wire 9 is fed from a supply drum 10 or wire spool to the area of ​​the welding torch 7 via a supply line. A second wire feeder can be located in the welding torch 7, particularly with longer hose packages 21 or special welding processes (CMT, laser cold wire, etc.). This serves to better overcome the friction of the welding wire in the hose package and to precisely replicate the desired wire feed movement in the weld pool. Of course, it is possible that the wire feeder 8, as known from the prior art, is integrated into the welding machine 1, particularly in the housing 11 of the power source 2, and not, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows the wire feeder 8 positioned as an accessory on a trolley 12. This is referred to as a "compact welding machine" 1. It is also possible for the wire feeder 8 to be mounted directly onto the welding machine 2, i.e., the housing 11 of the power source 2 is designed on the top side to accommodate the wire feeder 8, thus eliminating the need for the trolley 12.

[0031] It is also possible that the wire feeder 8 feeds the welding wire 9 or the filler material to the process point outside the welding torch 7, whereby a non-consumable electrode is preferably arranged in the welding torch 7, as is common in TIG welding.

[0032] The current for establishing an arc 13, in particular a working arc, between the electrode or welding wire 9 and a workpiece 14, preferably formed from one or more parts, is supplied to the welding torch 7, in particular to the electrode or welding wire 9, via a welding cable (not shown) from the power section 3 of the power source 2. The workpiece 14 to be welded is connected to the power source 2 (not shown) via another welding cable for the additional potential, in particular the ground cable, and thus a circuit can be established for a process via the arc 13 or the generated plasma jet. When using a torch with an internal arc 13, the two welding cables (not shown) are led to the torch so that a corresponding circuit can be established in the torch, as can be the case with a plasma torch.The energy for melting / heating the base material and / or the additive material can also be supplied via a laser or electron beam.

[0033] To cool the welding torch 7, the welding torch 7 can be connected via a cooling unit 15, possibly with intermediate components such as a flow monitor, to a liquid reservoir, in particular a water reservoir 16 with a level indicator 17. This connection allows the cooling unit 15 to be started when the welding torch 7 is put into operation, specifically by activating a liquid pump for the liquid in the water reservoir 16, thus cooling the welding torch 7. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the cooling unit 15 is positioned on the trolley 12, onto which the power source 2 is then placed. The individual components of the welding system, i.e., the power source 2, the wire feeder 8, and the cooling unit 15, are designed such that they have corresponding projections or recesses so that they can be securely stacked or placed on top of each other.

[0034] The welding machine 1, in particular the power source 2, further comprises an input and / or output device 18, via which the various welding parameters, operating modes, or welding programs of the welding machine 1 can be set, accessed, and displayed. The welding parameters, operating modes, or welding programs set via the input and / or output device 18 are transmitted to the control device 4, which then controls the individual components of the welding system or the welding machine 1 and sets corresponding target values ​​for regulation or control. It is also possible that, when using a suitable welding torch 7, adjustments can also be made via the welding torch 7, for which purpose the welding torch 7 is equipped with a welding torch input and / or output device 19.Preferably, the welding torch 7 is connected to the welding machine 1, in particular the power source 2 or the wire feeder 8, via a data bus, especially a serial data bus. To start the welding process, the welding torch 7 usually has a start switch (not shown) so that the arc 13 can be ignited by pressing the start switch. To protect against the intense heat from the arc 13, the welding torch 7 can be equipped with a heat shield 20.

[0035] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the welding torch 7 is connected to the welding machine 1 or the welding system via a hose assembly 21, the hose assembly 21 being attached to the welding torch 7 by means of a strain relief 22. The individual lines, such as the supply line or lines for the welding wire 9, for the gas 5, for the cooling circuit, for data transmission, etc., from the welding machine 1 to the welding torch 7 are arranged in the hose assembly 21, whereas the ground cable is preferably connected separately to the power source 2. The hose assembly 21 is connected to the power source 2 or the wire feeder 8 via a coupling device (not shown), and the individual lines in the hose assembly 21 are attached to or within the welding torch 7 by means of strain relief.To ensure adequate strain relief of the hose assembly 21, the hose assembly 21 can be connected to the housing 11 of the power source 2 or the wire feeder 8 via a strain relief device (not shown).

[0036] It should be noted that for the various welding processes and welding machines 1, such as TIG welders, MIG / MAG welders, plasma welders, laser hybrid welders, and laser hot and cold wire welders, not all of the previously mentioned components need to be used or employed, and additional components (beam source) may be required. For example, the welding torch 7 can be designed as an air-cooled welding torch 7, thus eliminating the need for the cooling unit 15. Furthermore, it is possible that other parts or components, such as a grinding guard 23 on the wire feeder 8 or an option carrier 24 on a holding device 25 for the gas reservoir 6, etc., can be arranged or used.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a welding torch 7 in detail. The welding torch 7 comprises a pipe bend 26 with a contact tube and a gas nozzle 27 arranged thereon, as well as a torch body 28 for connection to a welding system, in particular to a welding machine 1 or a wire feeder 8. A multi-stage push button 29 is arranged on the torch body 28, wherein at least one switching stage of the push button 29 is designed for starting / activating the welding process, in particular for igniting the arc 13. In the Fig. 2 The push button 29 has two switching stages, which are visualized by dashed switching positions.

[0038] For example, the in Fig. 2 welding torches 7 shown with the welding machine 1 from the Fig. 1 can be combined. This results in a welding system comprising a welding machine 1 with a welding torch 7 connected to it for carrying out a welding process, a power source 2 for supplying the welding torch 7 with a welding current, a control device 4, and an input / output device 18 connected to it for setting / selecting and changing welding parameters, wherein the input / output device 18 particularly includes the multi-stage push button 29 arranged on the welding torch 7. The welding torch 7 is connected to the welding machine 1 via the hose assembly 21.

[0039] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, the push button 29 is arranged on the welding torch 7 in such a way that it can be easily operated with the index and / or middle finger. Specifically, the push button 29 is located on the underside of a handle of the welding torch 7.

[0040] Additionally, the welding torch 7 includes an optional lighting element 30, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED). In this specific example, the lighting element 30 is arranged between the pipe bend 26 and the multi-stage switching element 29 on the torch body 28. Of course, it would also be possible to arrange the lighting element 30 elsewhere. The lighting element 30 illuminates the welding area, particularly before an arc 13 is struck, so that the welding torch 7 can be correctly aligned. It is also possible for two or more lighting elements 30 to be provided. Preferably, the lighting elements 30 (especially LEDs) are arranged such that they illuminate the end of the welding wire 9, thus providing the user with better visibility when positioning the welding torch 7.

[0041] The power supply for the lighting element 30 can be provided, for example, by a power source (not shown) located in the torch body 28, in particular by a rechargeable battery or a battery, especially a button cell. This eliminates the need for a separate power source that supplies current to the lighting element 30, for example, via a hose assembly 21 of the welding torch 7. This is advantageous when the welding torch 7 is to be designed as cost-effectively as possible, since the supply lines in the hose assembly 21, especially the negative potential, can then be omitted. Of course, it is also possible for the power supply for the lighting element 30 to be provided via a connection from the welding torch 7 to the welding machine 1, in particular via the hose assembly 21.This solution is particularly recommended if there are 7 indicator elements in the welding torch, since both the positive and negative potentials are required anyway and are therefore routed via the hose package 21.

[0042] The function of the in Fig. The welding torch 7 shown in Figure 2, or the push button 29 respectively, is now as follows: For example, one switching stage, in particular the first switching stage, can be provided to activate the illuminating element 30 (e.g., an LED) which is oriented towards the pipe bend (i.e., in particular towards an arc area or a weld point). A subsequent switching stage, in particular the second switching stage, can be designed to start / activate the welding process, in particular to ignite the arc 13. This means that when the push button 29 is lightly pressed, only the illuminating element 30 is activated first, so that the welding torch 7 can be correctly aligned with the weld point. The push button 29 is then fully depressed, thereby starting the welding process. Preferably, the push button 29 is arranged, as already described, such that it can be operated by the index finger and / or middle finger.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a time course. The diagram depicts the welding current I and the light L emitted by the light source 29 (shown hatched) over time t. At time T1, the first switching stage is activated and held, causing the light L to be emitted. At time T2, the second switching stage is activated and held, thus starting the welding process. This may involve, for example, activating a gas supply, cooling, and / or wire feed, as well as igniting the arc 13. After a delay time t1, which serves the aforementioned preparation of the welding process, the welding current I then flows. At time T3, the push button 29 is released, meaning that the first and second switching stages are deactivated, thus ending the welding process by switching off the welding current I.At the same time, the light element 30 is also switched off, although it is also possible that the light element 30 will remain activated. The gas supply and / or cooling can continue to run for a period of time t2. Similarly, the welding wire 9 can be retracted into the welding torch 7 to prevent it from being unintentionally bent when handling the welding torch 7.

[0044] Optionally, the subsequent switching stage, in particular the second switching stage, can be designed to deactivate the lighting element 30 in addition to starting / activating the arc 13. Fig. Figure 4 shows a timeline that is very similar to the one in Fig. The sequence of events shown in Figure 3 is as follows. In contrast, however, the lighting element 30 is deactivated at time T2. This reduces the power consumption of the lighting element 30, which is particularly advantageous when operating on batteries or accumulators.

[0045] As another alternative, it is conceivable that the push button 29 is fully pressed at time T2, i.e., the first and second switching stages are activated, and then immediately released. The same applies to time T3. In this way, the push button 29 does not need to be continuously pressed during the welding process.

[0046] Furthermore, it is also possible for the lighting element 30 to be activated synchronously with the welding process, meaning that the light source 30 is activated or deactivated depending on the state of the welding process, thus producing a so-called flashing or strobe light. This has the advantage that, for example, in the event of a short circuit where no arc 13 is present, the lighting element 30 now illuminates and thus the welding point is also illuminated in the event of a short circuit.

[0047] It is also possible for the light intensity to be adjustable. For this purpose, a light sensor can be arranged in the welding torch 7, which detects the ambient light level so that the light source 30 can be controlled and shine more or less brightly depending on the light intensity. The light sensor can be located on the opposite side of the torch body from the push button 29, positioned so that it is not covered by the welder's hand. This light sensor can, for example, be deactivated during the welding process.

[0048] As proposed, one switching stage is freely assignable. It is also conceivable that the push button 29, in addition to activating the welding process, has several further switching stages that are freely assignable. It is also possible that two switching stages are assigned to activating the welding process and the lighting element 30, and that the remaining switching stages are freely assignable.

[0049] The ability to freely assign switching stages allows the Welding Torch 7 to be easily adapted to individual needs. Specifically, at least one additional switching stage can be configured from a set of available assignments. This means the user of the Welding Torch 7 can be offered several alternatives for this additional switching stage. For example, the switching stage can be assigned to a function, program, welding parameter, set of welding parameters, welding process, or external process. In this way, different welding currents, welding voltages, pulse frequencies, or even more complex sequences can be assigned to different switching stages.For example, it would be conceivable that a switching stage is assigned the linear increase / decrease of the welding current I to a predefinable value with a predefinable slope (see also . Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) An external process can be understood to mean, for example, operations such as the clamping / opening of a clamping device, the rotating / stopping of a rotary table, etc. In particular, such an external process can also be activated before the welding process is activated and, specifically, be assigned to a switching stage preceding the start of the welding process. A number of parameters, functions, and external processes useful for welding are known to those skilled in the art, which can, in principle, be assigned to a specific switching stage.

[0050] If the push button 29 has a large number of switching stages, this can be confusing for the welder. Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment of the welding torch 7, the switching stage intended for starting / activating the welding process, in particular for igniting the arc 13, is designed to be assigned a different, predefined function after the welding process has been started / activated, especially after the arc 13 has been ignited. Similarly, the switching stage intended for activating the indicator light 30 can be designed to be assigned a different, predefined function after the indicator light 30 has been activated or after the welding process has been activated. This makes it possible to "save" switching stages by assigning them different functions sequentially.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of this time sequence. At time T1, the first switching stage is activated, thus activating the indicator light 30. At time T2, the second switching stage is also activated and held, thus starting the welding process as previously described. At time T3, the push button 29 is released, and the first and second switching stages are deactivated. The indicator light 30 is then deactivated, and the current I is linearly reduced to a predefined value. At time T4, the first switching stage (or alternatively, the second switching stage) is activated, thus reactivating the indicator light 30, and the current I is again linearly reduced to another predefined value. At time T5, the push button 29 is released, thus ending the welding process and deactivating the indicator light 30.

[0052] Fig. Figure 6 shows a time course that corresponds to the one in Fig. The time sequence shown in section 5 is very similar. In contrast, however, pressing the first switch position at time T1 activates the indicator light 30 and starts the welding process. At time T2, the second switch position is also activated, which switches off the indicator light 30 and linearly reduces the welding current I to a predetermined value. At time T3, the second switch position is released, but the first switch position remains activated. The indicator light 30 is then switched on again, and the welding current I is once more linearly reduced to another predetermined value. At time T4, the first switch position is also released, which deactivates the indicator light 30 and ends the welding process.

[0053] As from the Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in section 6, the switching stages can therefore be assigned different functions in succession. However, it is also conceivable that the functions shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. The 6 functions shown can be implemented with a push button 29 with more switching stages. For example, in the Fig. In the sequence shown in Figure 5, a third switching stage is activated at time T3. It would also be conceivable that a fourth switching stage is activated at time T4.

[0054] In addition to the multi-stage switching element 29, a push button or switch can be arranged on the welding torch 7, which can be operated with the thumb. This allows the user to activate the light element 30 during the welding process using the push button. Alternatively, this switch or push button can also activate a second light source 30. The essential requirement is that the push button 29 or the additional switches or buttons are ergonomically positioned so that the welder can hold the welding torch 7 for welding and operate the corresponding elements with their index / middle finger or thumb. This additional push button / switch is preferably located on the side of the torch handle.

[0055] It is specifically noted that the welding torch 7 and the welding machine 1 are not necessarily shown to scale and may therefore have different proportions. Furthermore, the devices shown may also comprise more or fewer components than depicted.

[0056] The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description. Reference numeral list 1 welding machine 2 Power source 3 Performance section 4 Control device 5 Gas 6 gas storage tanks 7 welding torches 8 Wire feeder 9 welding wire 10 storage drum 11 cases 12 trolleys 13 arcs 14 workpieces 15 Cooling unit 16 water containers 17 Level indicator 18 Input and / or output device 19 Welding torch inlet and / or outlet device 20 Heat shield 21 Hose package 22 Bend protection 23 Grinding protection 24 option holders 25 Holding device 26 pipe bends 27 Gas nozzle 28 burner bodies 29 push buttons 30 lighting elements I Electricity L Light (intensity) t time t1..t2 Time delay T1..T5 Time

Claims

[1] Welding torch (7) comprising a pipe bend (26) with a contact tube and a gas nozzle (27) arranged thereon, and a torch body (28) for connection to a welding system, wherein a multi-stage push button (29) is arranged on the torch body (28) and wherein at least one switching stage of the push button (29) is designed to start / activate the welding process, characterized by , that for at least one further switching stage, an assignment can be freely selected from a set of assignments. [2] Welding torch (7) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the switching stage of the push button (29) is designed to start / activate the welding process for igniting the arc. [3] Welding torch (7) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that a further switching stage is provided for activating a lighting element (30) oriented towards the pipe bend. [4] Welding torch (7) according to claim 3, characterized by, that the switching stage for starting / activating the welding process follows the switching stage for activating the light element (30). [5] Welding torch (7) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the subsequent switching stage is designed to start / activate the arc in addition to deactivating the luminous element (30). [6] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the light element (30) is arranged on the burner body. [7] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the energy supply of the lighting element (30) is provided via an energy source arranged in the burner body (26). [8] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the energy supply of the lighting element (30) is provided via a connection of the welding torch (7) to the welding system. [9] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the switching stage intended for starting / activating the welding process is designed to be assigned in a different, previously defined manner after the welding process has been started / activated. [10] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the switching stage provided for activating the illuminating element (30) is designed to be assigned in another, previously defined manner after activation of the illuminating element (30) or after activation of the welding process. [11] Welding torch (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the switching stage is assigned to a function or program or welding parameter or set of welding parameters or welding process or external process. [12] Welding torch (7) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the push button (29) is arranged on the welding torch (7) in such a way that it can be operated with the index finger and / or middle finger. [13] Welding torch (7) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the push button (29) is located on the underside of a handle of the welding torch (7). [14] Welding torch (7) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a hose package (21) for connection to the welding system. [15] Welding system comprising a welding machine (1) with a welding torch (7) connected thereto for carrying out a welding process, a power source (2) for supplying the welding torch (7) with a welding current, a control device (4) and an input / output device (19) connected thereto for setting / selecting and changing welding parameters, characterized by , that the welding torch (7) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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