Orbital welding head

Abstract

The invention relates to an orbital welding head (1) or an orbital welding apparatus for welding tubes, wherein a light source (20) is arranged in a welding chamber (8), positioned diametrically opposite the viewing window (24). This arrangement of the light source (20) relative to the viewing window (24) allows a very reliable and precise alignment of tube end portions to be welded. According to a further aspect, a control device is provided for controlling the light source (20) located in the welding chamber (8), so that different light signals can be emitted with the light source (20). According to a third aspect, the viewing window (24) is formed by a glazing (17), the glazing (17) having a darkening coating (27) typical of welding glasses, at least a forward-facing section of the glazing (17) being exposed. Figure for abstract: [Fig. 2]

Description

Title of the invention: Orbital welding head Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an orbital welding head having a light source in the welding chamber. Technical background

[0002] Document DE 20 2014 100 284 U1 discloses an orbital welding apparatus having a light source in a welding chamber. A housing opening is formed on the housing of the welding chamber, which can be closed by a sliding guard having a transparent region. Alternatively, a hinged cap can also be used. Light emitting diodes are provided as light sources, two light emitting diodes being arranged opposite each other in the welding chamber and adjacent to the opening.

[0003] Document US 7,105,765 B2 discloses another orbital welding apparatus which has a light source and a light sensor arranged diametrically opposite the welding chamber, so that a line connecting the light source and the light sensor passes through the center of the tube ends to be welded. This allows automatic control of the positioning of the tube ends.

[0004] Document US 5,837,966 A discloses an alignment module that can be mounted on an open orbital welding head. The alignment module comprises a light source and a light sensor arranged directly adjacent to each other. This makes it possible to check the alignment of the tube ends to be welded. During operation of the orbital welding head, the alignment module is removed and the welding chamber is closed.

[0005] The problem underlying the present invention is to create an orbital welding apparatus which can reliably and accurately check the alignment of the ends of tubes to be welded in a simple manner.

[0006] Another problem underlying the present invention is to create an orbital welding head which can improve the operational safety of an orbital welding apparatus in a simple manner. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an orbital welding head for welding tubes, comprising a housing with a first side wall having a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall having a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall which extends between the side walls and which is circumferentially formed, in which the housing delimits an internal space which defines a welding chamber, in which a light source is arranged in the welding chamber and the observation window is arranged in the framing wall, characterized in that the light source is arranged in the welding chamber, positioned approximately diametrically opposite the observation window.

[0008] According to some examples, the orbital welding head comprises a housing with a first side wall having a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall having a second opening for inserting a second tube, as well as a framing wall which extends between the side walls and which is circumferentially formed, wherein the housing defines an internal space which defines a welding chamber, in which a light source is arranged in the welding chamber, characterized in that a control device is provided for controlling the light source located in the welding chamber, so that different light signals can be output with the light source.

[0009] According to some examples, the orbital welding head control device is configured to output flashing light signals and / or light signals of different colors and / or brightnesses.

[0010] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that an observation window is provided in the housing.

[0011] According to certain examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that, in addition to the observation window, at least one observation glass and / or one or more optical fibers are arranged on one of the two side walls adjacent to the light source.

[0012] According to some examples, the orbital welding head comprises a housing with a first side wall having a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall having a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall extending between the side walls and formed circumferentially, wherein the housing defines an internal space that defines a welding chamber, wherein a light source is arranged in the welding chamber and an obscured viewing window is arranged in the housing, characterized in that the viewing window is exposed at least on a forward-facing edge portion such that light can exit at that forward-facing edge portion.

[0013] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the obscured viewing window has an obscuring coating that is arranged either between adjacent glass panels in a laminated glass or on the outward-facing surface of the glazing on the orbital welding head.

[0014] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the light source is separated from the rest of the welding chamber by heat-resistant glazing.

[0015] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the light source comprises one or more light-emitting diodes or one or more semiconductor lasers.

[0016] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that a welding electrode is provided in the welding chamber, which is arranged to be movable so that it can be moved around the tubes to be welded.

[0017] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the housing is divided into at least two parts along a plane which intersects the side walls approximately perpendicularly, and the parts are pivotally mounted relative to each other about an axis of rotation and can be fixed to each other by means of a closing device.

[0018] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the at least two parts of the housing each have an interchangeable clamping shell which can be adjusted to the shape of the tube to be welded.

[0019] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the housing is equipped with a shielding gas device for supplying shielding gas into the welding chamber.

[0020] According to some examples, the orbital welding head is characterized in that the light source is configured to emit light with a light output of at least 750 mcd.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an orbital welding apparatus comprising a welding current source and the aforementioned orbital welding head.

[0022] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an orbital welding head for welding tubes, comprising a housing having a first side wall with a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall with a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall extending between the side walls and configured circumferentially. The housing defines an internal space which defines a welding chamber, a light source being arranged in the welding chamber and an observation window being arranged in the framing wall.

[0023] This orbital welding head is characterized in that the light source in the welding chamber is arranged approximately diametrically opposite the observation window.

[0024] Because the light source is arranged diametrically opposite the observation window of the welding chamber, a clearance between the tubes to be welded can be detected very precisely with the naked eye through the viewing window. One can also see the regions in which the gap is larger or smaller. If the tube ends of the two tubes to be welded are arranged exactly abutting each other, then no gap is visible, and it is impossible to see the light source directly through the viewing window. However, if a gap is formed, it creates a direct and free passage from the light source to the viewing window, so that an observer looking through the viewing window sees the light source directly through the gap. The observer can thus see the luminous intensity of the light source without any reduction.

[0025] The viewing window may be a through opening in the housing which is completely free, i.e. it is not covered by glazing or any other transparent body, but is simply formed by a hole in the housing. However, the viewing window may also be covered with thermostable glazing which, similar to welding goggles, is provided with a UV protective coating and is obscured so that there is no risk of eye injury to a user even during a normal welding process with an uncovered viewing window. The glazing may be provided with an obscuring coating or may be made of a partially light-absorbing / reflecting glass material.

[0026] The viewing window may be a through opening in the housing that may be closed by a flap for the welding operation, the flap having obscured glazing that forms the viewing window during the welding operation.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides an orbital welding head for welding tubes, comprising a housing having a first side wall with a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall with a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall extending between the side walls and configured circumferentially. The housing defines an internal space which defines a welding chamber, a light source being arranged in the welding chamber and an observation window being arranged in the housing. This orbital welding head is characterized in that a control device is provided for controlling the light source located in the welding chamber, so that different light signals can be emitted with the light source.

[0028] Thus, the light source located in the welding chamber can indicate to the user different operating modes of the orbital welding apparatus. The light from the light source passes through the observation window or exits directly from the welding chamber when it is open. The observation window is formed by a free through opening and / or a thermostable glazing which, at the way welding goggles, is darkened with a UV protective coating, for example, is designed with a darkening coating, so that there is no risk of injury even during normal operation of the orbital welding device.

[0029] With the light signals, it is possible to indicate to a user of the orbital welding apparatus, for example, whether the welding chamber and / or the tubes are purged with protective gas or forming gas, whether the purging with forming gas is complete so that the welding process can begin, whether the welding chamber must remain closed after the welding process in order to form a high-quality weld seam, or whether defects are present in the orbital welding apparatus. In particular, the light signals can indicate to the user whether he can perform manual intervention on the orbital welding apparatus, such as aligning tube ends, or whether he must stay away from the welding chamber. This can be represented, for example, by different colors, in particular by green or red.

[0030] There are two different modes for the supply of forming gas. In one mode, permanent gas is supplied, and in the other mode, forming gas is supplied only during and, if necessary, shortly before the welding process.

[0031] The permanent gas is supplied at a small flow rate, for example, 5 L / min, which can be increased to a higher flow rate (for example, 15 to 30 L / min) just before the start of the actual welding process. As long as the permanent gas is flowing, it makes sense to indicate this by flashing.

[0032] In the second mode, the welding operation begins with a purge of forming gas (e.g., at a flow rate of 15 to 30 L / min) before the arc is ignited. It is advisable here to indicate both the purging by the forming gas and the actual welding operation with corresponding light signals. The same light signal or two different light signals can be used for the purging and the actual welding operation.

[0033] It may also be useful to display warnings of excessive deviations of a welding process control parameter (e.g., current deviation too high, forming gas flow insufficient, etc.). This may also be indicated on the power source, but it may be located far (e.g., more than 5 m and up to 25 m) from the welding head.

[0034] A combination of both aspects of the present invention is particularly preferred, since in this case a single light source is used to align the tube ends and inform the user of the orbital welding apparatus. Information is particularly needed during pre- and post-processing of orbital welding, some steps of which are performed manually.

[0035] The control device may be configured to output flashing light signals and / or light signals of different colors and / or brightnesses.

[0036] One or more additional viewing windows may be arranged on one or both side walls, in particular next to the light source. The presence of these additional viewing windows allows the light emitted from the light source to also penetrate substantially unhindered to the outside, even when the tube ends to be welded are already correctly positioned without play in the orbital welding head.

[0037] Instead of the additional viewing windows, one or more optical fibers can be provided, which lead from the light source to the outside of the housing so that the light from the light source is transported to the outside via the optical fibers. Since the optical fibers conduct only a small proportion of the light to the outside of the welding chamber due to their small cross-section, no special protective measures are necessary on the optical fibers. With the optical fibers, the light from the light source, which is located within the welding chamber, can thus be transported unhindered to the outside, where it can be perceived by the user of the orbital welding head at the outlet or end of the optical fiber.

[0038] The light source is preferably separated from the rest of the welding chamber by heat-resistant glazing. This prevents damage to the light source during the welding process.

[0039] A third aspect of the present invention provides an orbital welding head for welding tubes, comprising a housing having a first side wall with a first opening for inserting a first tube and a second side wall with a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall extending between the side walls and configured circumferentially. The housing defines an internal space which defines a welding chamber, a light source being arranged in the welding chamber and an obscured viewing window being arranged in the housing. This orbital welding head is characterized in that the viewing window is exposed at least in a forward-facing edge portion such that light can exit at this forward-facing edge portion.

[0040] Typically, the obscured glass is provided with an obscuring coating. This coating is arranged either between adjacent glass panels in a laminated glass or on the outward-facing surface on the orbital welding head. Thus, light can freely enter the glazing up to the obscuring coating and exit at the forward-facing edge portion.

[0041] Since a person cannot look directly at the arc through the forward-facing edge portion, only indirect light from the arc can exit here, having been reflected or scattered at least once. Furthermore, the exit surface is very small, so that there is no risk due to the arc produced during welding. On the other hand, when at least no welding operation is in progress, the light from the light source can be easily detected from the outside, even if the housing is completely closed and the light exits mainly through the exposed forward-facing edge portion.

[0042] During the welding operation, indirect light from the arc exits through the exposed forward-facing edge portion of the glazing. This exposed forward-facing edge portion thus allows both the arc and the light source to be observed from the outside. Thus, light information from inside the welding chamber can be readily provided to the user while allowing direct viewing of the arc only through obscured glazing.

[0043] The light source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes or one or more semiconductor lasers. In particular, the light source may comprise light emitting diodes for emitting light of different colors, such that adjusting different intensities of the light from the different light emitting diodes allows the color to be varied. The one or more semiconductor lasers may be configured as wavelength modulated lasers.

[0044] The control device of the orbital welding apparatus is preferably configured to turn off the light source during a welding operation. Since heat is generated during the welding operation and, when the light source is turned on, heat is generated in the light source, simultaneously turning on the light source and performing the welding operation would result in twice as much heat exposure of the light source. This can be avoided by turning off the light source during a welding operation, which significantly increases the service life of the light source, particularly when the light source is a heat-sensitive light source, such as a light-emitting diode or a semiconductor laser.

[0045] A welding electrode is preferably provided in the welding chamber, arranged movably so that it can be moved around the tubes to be welded.

[0046] The housing of the orbital welding head is preferably divided into two housing parts, in particular along a plane which intersects the side walls approximately perpendicularly, and the housing parts are mounted pivoting relative to each other around an axis of rotation and can be fixed to each other by means of a closing device.

[0047] A sensor may be provided on the housing for detecting whether the housing is open or closed. Such a sensor may be, for example, a reed sensor. The sensor for detecting the open or closed position of the housing may be connected to the controller for controlling the light source, the controller then being configured such that when the housing is open, the light output of the light source is reduced compared to the closed state of the housing.

[0048] Depending on this sensor, different light signals can be output when the position is open and closed.

[0049] It has been shown that the output provision of light signals in the open position of the orbital welding head is particularly important. A user performing maintenance on the open orbital welding head often pays full attention to the inner region of the welding chamber. If a light signal is then emitted from the light source arranged in the welding chamber, the user perceives it immediately and can react accordingly. For example, the power source can be located at a distance of up to 25 m and can be put into operation by a third person. A potentially dangerous situation can be suddenly signaled to the user of the orbital welding head and is also impossible to ignore due to the light emitting from the open orbital welding head.

[0050] The two parts of the housing each have an interchangeable clamping shell which can be adjusted to the shape of the tube to be welded. The clamping shells are annular in shape and extend over a semicircle. They can be inserted into the openings in the side walls, thus reducing the diameter of the openings.

[0051] The orbital welding head housing may be equipped with a shielding gas device for supplying shielding gas or forming gas into the welding chamber.

[0052] The light source may be configured to emit light with a light output of at least 750 mcd, in particular 900 mcd, in particular 1500 mcd, and most preferably at least 2000 mcd. Brief description of the figures

[0053] The invention is set out below, by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0054] [Fig. 1] shows an orbital welding head in side view;

[0055] [Fig.2] shows the orbital welding head of [Fig.l] in perspective view from an oblique top angle;

[0056] [Fig.3] shows a light source chamber of the orbital welding head according to [Fig.l] in schematic cross-sectional view;

[0057] [Fig.4] shows another embodiment of an orbital welding head, in which a forward-facing edge portion of a glazing forming an observation window is exposed; and

[0058] [Fig.5] shows the orbital welding head region with the glazing exposed in the forward-facing edge portion, in cross-section. Detailed description of the invention

[0059] An orbital welding apparatus comprises an orbital welding head 1, a welding power source (not shown), and an elastic cable bundle or flexible assembly 2 connecting the orbital welding head 1 to the welding power source.

[0060] The cable harness 2 comprises one or more electrical cables for supplying welding current and for exchanging data between the orbital welding head 1 and the welding power source. In addition, the cable harness 2 contains at least one protective gas supply hose in order to keep the oxygen concentration in the region of the welding point as low as possible. Suitable protective gases include argon, helium, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. A cooling water supply hose may also be provided.

[0061] The orbital welding head 1 comprises a first side wall 3 having a first opening 4 and a second side wall 5 having a second opening 6. The first side wall 3 and the second side wall 5 are arranged parallel to each other, and the two openings 4, 6 are each circular of approximately the same diameter and concentrically aligned with each other. A circumferential framing wall 7 is located between the first side wall 3 and the second side wall 5, such that the first side wall 3, the second side wall 5, and the framing wall 7 form a housing that delimits a welding chamber 8.

[0062] Through the first opening 4 and the second opening 6, an end portion of a first and a second tube (not shown) can be inserted into the welding chamber 8, respectively, such that the two end portions of the tubes are arranged to abut against each other within the welding chamber 8.

[0063] To weld tubes of different diameters, clamping sleeves can be inserted into the first opening 4 and the second opening 6. These clamping sleeves each form a semi-circular ring portion in order to adapt the opening width of the first opening 4 and the second opening 6 to the diameter of the respective tubes. Such clamping jackets or clamping parts are known per se (see for example document DE 20 2014 100 284 Ul).

[0064] A circumferential welding element (not shown) is located in the welding chamber 8 and can be moved at least one complete revolution around the end portions of the tubes arranged in abutment against each other during the welding operation. The welding element is typically an electric welding electrode.

[0065] The orbital welding head 1 comprises a handle 9, which is permanently connected to the housing forming the welding chamber 8. This housing, which comprises the first side wall 3, the second side wall 5, and the framing wall 7 and thus delimits the welding chamber 8, is configured in two parts, a separating plane 10 extending approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the handle 9. However, the separating plane 10 can also be configured in any inclined position relative to the longitudinal extension of the handle 9. The housing part 11 at a distance from the handle 9 is pivotally connected to the housing part 13 connected to the handle 9 by means of a pivot joint 12. On the side diametrically opposite the pivot joint 12, there is a tension hook 14 for connecting and holding the two parts 11, 13 together.

[0066] In the following, the pivoting housing part 11 will be called the housing part 11 which is connected to the housing part 13 fixed to the handle 9 by means of the pivot joint 12.

[0067] A hinged cover 15 is formed on the pivoting housing part 11 and can be opened about a rotation axis 16. In the closed state of the hinged cover 15 (Figures 1 and 2), the hinged cover 15 closes a through opening (not shown) in the frame wall 7.

[0068] Like most other components of the orbital welding head 1, the hinged cover 15 is made of metal, in particular aluminum, or a heat-resistant plastic material, for example PTFE or PEEK, and has a central opening which is, for example, sealed with a heat-stable glazing 17. The glazing 17 is, as is customary in welding, formed in the form of an obscured welding glass with UV protection. As a result, during the welding process, a user can look through the glazing 17 at the arc in the welding chamber 8 without danger to his eyes.

[0069] The framing wall 7 comprises a rotor 18 which delimits the welding chamber 8 inwardly and is configured with multiple circumferentially arranged nozzle openings for supplying the shielding gas. Next to the rotor 18, there is another ring portion 19 in which a light source 20 is arranged in the region diametrically opposite the hinged cover 15 or the glazing 17 arranged therein.

[0070] In the case of small welding heads, the rotor is often configured without a nozzle opening.

[0071] The light source 20 comprises a thermostable glazing 21, a light source element 22 being located behind the glazing 21 from the point of view of the welding chamber 8 ([Fig. 3]). The light source element 22 preferably comprises multiple high-power light-emitting diodes and / or semiconductor lasers arranged with their radiation direction towards the glazing 21. The light source element 22 is located in a light source chamber 23 which extends to at least one of the two side walls 3, 5. Another glazing is integrated into the side wall 3 and forms the observation window 24.The light source chamber 23 is preferably made of a reflective material in the regions adjacent to the glazing 21, such that these regions form a reflector 25 which directs light emitted by the light source element 22 which does not pass through the glazing 21 towards the observation window 24, allowing it to exit therefrom.

[0072] The light source elements 22 are arranged on a printed circuit board 26. The region below the printed circuit board 26 ([Fig. 3]) is separated from the rest of the light source chamber 23 and serves to house electrical cables (not shown) or other components, such as heat dissipation sheets for dissipating the heat generated by the light source elements 22.

[0073] The observation window 24 and / or the glazing 17 are provided with UV protection so that the UV light generated during welding is sufficiently inhibited at the exit of the observation window 24.

[0074] Preferably, the viewing window 24 is also provided with an obscuring coating 27 in order to sufficiently retain the light generated during welding. Because this viewing window 24 is arranged in the side wall 3, 5 so as not to be directly, but indirectly, irradiated with the light of the arc, the viewing window 24 can be less strongly obscured than the glazing 17 of the hinged cover 15. Because the light source element 22 is located closer to the viewing window 24 than the arc during operation of the orbital welding apparatus, the relative light intensity of the light from the light source element 22 is greater at the viewing window 24 than at the glazing 17 of the hinged cover 15.As a result, the light from the light source 20 is much better visible through the viewing window 24 than through the glazing 17 of the hinged cover 15. Thus, it is possible, by means of a common light source 20, to align the tube end portions with each other (by detecting, when the hinged cover 15 is open, the clearance between the tube end portions through the viewing window 24 exposed by the diametrically arranged light source 22. behind it and alignment of the tube end portions accordingly) as well as emitting light signals, which are visible to the user at the observation window 24 and informing the user of certain states of the welding apparatus. These states may include certain operating states or dangerous conditions, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0075] In the present exemplary embodiment, the light source 20 thus has two functions: first, the alignment of the end portions of the tubes, and second, the information of the user on the operating states and / or dangerous conditions of the orbital welding apparatus.

[0076] In a simple embodiment, the light source 20 may be used only to align the end portions of the tubes. In such an embodiment, the observation window 24 may be omitted. Instead of the observation window 24, a digital display device may be provided on the handle 9 of the orbital welding head 1.

[0077] Another exemplary embodiment is explained below, in which a forward-facing edge portion 28 of the glazing 17 is exposed in the hinged cover 15 (Figures 4, 5). This other exemplary embodiment corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment explained above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Unless otherwise indicated below, it is in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment.

[0078] In this second exemplary embodiment, the glazing 17 projects slightly upwards on the surface of the hinged cover 15 (figures 4, 5). The glazing 17 is provided with an obscuring coating 27 on its surface facing away from the welding chamber 8 so that light emitted by the light source element 22 can enter the glazing 17. The obscuring coating 27 prevents a significant portion of this light from exiting the surface of the glazing 17 facing away from the welding chamber 8. However, diffuse light reflected or scattered in the welding chamber 8 and / or in the glazing 17 reaches the circumferential edge portion 28 of the glazing 17, which is not covered by an obscuring coating 27, so that light can exit freely at the edge portion 28 which projects from the upper surface of the hinged cover 15.

[0079] When no welding operation is in progress, a user of the orbital welding head 1 can easily detect the light signals emitted by the light source 20 in the welding chamber 8 through this exposed edge portion 28 of the glazing 17, even when end portions of tubes are already in the welding chamber 8 and the housing is closed, so that the light from the light source 20 is deflected towards the glazing 17 around the end portions of the tubes up to the glazing 21 only by multiple reflections in the welding chamber 8.

[0080] On the surface of the glazing 17 facing away from the welding chamber 8, these light signals are barely detectable due to the obscuring coating 27.

[0081] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the glazing 17 projects slightly from the surface of the hinged cover 15. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible for the surface of the glazing 17 to be aligned and flush with the surface of the hinged cover 15, with only partial forward-facing edge portions 28 of the glazing 17 being exposed on the front side of the cover 15.

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the glazing 17 is arranged in the cover 15 with edge portions 28 exposed on the front side. Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to form the observation window 24 using a glazing 17, for example in one of the two side walls 3, 5, with partial front-facing edge portions 28 of the glazing 17 being exposed in such a way as to allow substantially unhindered light emission of the light signals from the light source 20. Even in such an embodiment, the exposed front-facing edge portions 28 are not obscured or are less obscured than the surface of the respective glazing 17 facing away from the housing.

[0083] Preferably, a sensor is integrated into the housing, which can detect the closed position of the two housing parts 11, 13. The control device is configured so that, in the open position, light signals of lower intensity are emitted from the light source 20 compared to the closed position.

[0084] The light signals may comprise flashing signals, colour signals and / or combined flashing and colour signals. The red colour signals are mainly used to indicate a dangerous or alarm condition. The green colour signals indicate a normal operating condition which does not designate a dangerous situation. With the aid of these signals, it is possible to indicate various states of the orbital welding apparatus, including the supply of shielding gas, the application of a welding current and certain calibration processes. After the welding operation has been carried out, a corresponding light signal may indicate that the welding head 1 must still be kept closed, so that the weld seam can cool down gradually. Typical examples of conditions to be indicated by light signals are:

[0085] 1. The permanent gas is active.

[0086]

[0087]

[0088] 2. Warning after the welding process, especially in case of excessive deviation during the welding process (e.g. excessively high current deviations). 3. Warnings at the power source to be validated or verified. List of reference signs 1. Orbital welding head 2. Wiring harness 3. First side wall 4. Opening 5. Side wall 6. Second opening 7. Framing wall 8. Welding chamber 9. Sleeve 10. Separation plan 11. Swivel housing part 12. Pivot joint 13. Housing part 14. Tension hook 15. Hinged cover 16. Axis of rotation 17. Glazing 18. Rotor 19. Ring portion 20. Light source 21. Glazing 22. Light source element 23. Light source chamber 24. Observation window 25. Reflector 26. Printed circuit board 27. Darkening coating 28. Exposed edge portion

Claims

Claims

1. Orbital welding head (1) for welding tubes, comprising a housing with a first side wall (3) having a first opening (4) for inserting a first tube and a second side wall (5) having a second opening for inserting a second tube, as well as a framing wall (7) which extends between the side walls and which is circumferentially formed, in which the housing delimits an internal space which defines a welding chamber (8), in which a light source (20) is arranged in the welding chamber (8) and the observation window (24) is arranged in the framing wall (7), characterized in that the light source (20) is arranged in the welding chamber (8), positioned approximately diametrically opposite the observation window (24).

2. Orbital welding head (1) for welding tubes according to claim 1, comprising a housing with a first side wall (3) having a first opening (4) for inserting a first tube and a second side wall (5) having a second opening for inserting a second tube, as well as a framing wall (7) which extends between the side walls and which is circumferentially formed, in which the housing delimits an internal space which defines a welding chamber (8), in which a light source (20) is arranged in the welding chamber (8), characterized in that a control device is provided for controlling the light source (20) located in the welding chamber (8), so that different light signals can be output with the light source (20).

3. Orbital welding head (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device is configured to provide as output flashing light signals and / or light signals of different colors and / or brightnesses.

4. Orbital welding head (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that an observation window (24) is provided in the housing.

5. Orbital welding head (1) according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, in addition to the observation window (24), at least one observation glass and / or one or more optical fibers are arranged on one of the two side walls adjacent to the light source (20).

6. An orbital welding head (1) for welding tubes according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a housing with a first side wall (3) having a first opening (4) for inserting a first tube and a second side wall (5) having a second opening for inserting a second tube, and a framing wall (7) extending between the side walls and formed circumferentially, wherein the housing defines an internal space that defines a welding chamber (8), wherein a light source (20) is arranged in the welding chamber (8) and an obscured viewing window is arranged in the housing, characterized in that the viewing window is exposed at least on a forward-facing edge portion so that light can exit at this forward-facing edge portion.

7. An orbital welding head (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the obscured viewing window has an obscuring coating (27) which is arranged either between adjacent glass panels in a laminated glass or on the outwardly facing surface of the glazing (17) on the orbital welding head (1).

8. Orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the light source (20) is separated from the rest of the welding chamber (8) by heat-resistant glazing (17).

9. Orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the light source (20) comprises one or more light-emitting diodes or one or more semiconductor lasers.

10. Orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a welding electrode is provided in the welding chamber (8), which is arranged movably so that it can be moved around the tubes to be welded.

11. An orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing is divided into at least two parts along a plane which intersects the side walls (3, 5) approximately perpendicularly, and the parts are pivotally mounted relative to each other about an axis of rotation (16) and can be fixed to each other by means of a closing device.

12. Orbital welding head (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least two housing parts each have an interchangeable clamping jacket which can be adjusted to the shape of the tube to be welded.

13. Orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the housing is equipped with a protective gas device for supplying protective gas into the welding chamber (8).

14. An orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the light source (20) is designed to emit light with a light output of at least 750 mcd.

15. An orbital welding apparatus comprising a welding power source and an orbital welding head (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images