Torch having a multifunctional switch-on protection means

Abstract

The invention relates to a torch (10) for thermally joining or dividing at least one workpiece, comprising an actuation button (2) for activating the welding or cutting function, wherein: the actuation button (2) is protected from unintended actuation by means of a switch-on protection means in the form of a safety cover (3); the safety cover (3) can be pivoted and / or folded and / or slid between an open position (4), in which the safety cover leaves the actuation button (2) uncovered for actuation, and a closed position (5), in which the actuation button (2) is at least partly covered by the safety cover (3) in order to prevent actuation. According to the invention, during movement between the open position (4) and the closed position (5) the safety cover (3) reaches at least one switching position or switching point in which the safety cover activates or deactivates a function of the torch (10).

Description

[0001] Designation: Burner with multifunctional switch-on protection

[0002] The invention relates to a torch with multifunctional switch-on protection according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a torch system according to claim 17 and a method for activating or deactivating at least one function of the torch and / or the torch system and / or a welding workstation according to claim 18.

[0003] Arc joining and arc cutting processes use thermal energy to join or separate workpieces. MIG, MAG, and TIG welding are standard processes in sheet metal production.

[0004] Such arc welding and cutting torches have long been known in the state of the art. They can be designed for manual or automated welding or cutting. Arc welding and cutting torches for manual use usually have a base and a handpiece connected by a hose assembly.

[0005] The torch neck usually contains a group of internal, current-carrying components that conduct the welding current from a welding power source in the arc welder to the tip of the torch head on the welding electrode, from where it then generates the arc to the workpiece.

[0006] The shielding gas flow flows around the welding electrode, the arc, the weld pool and the heat-affected zone on the workpiece and is supplied to these areas via the torch neck. A gas nozzle directs the shielding gas flow to the front end of the torch, where the shielding gas flow exits the torch head in an approximately ring-shaped manner around the welding electrode. In addition to welding, brazing can also be used to join sheet metal components. Unlike welding, only the filler metal is melted, not the workpiece. The reason for this is that brazing joins two edges together using the filler metal. The melting points of the filler metal and the component materials are very different, which is why only the filler metal melts during processing.

[0007] For arc brazing, argon II or argon mixtures with admixtures of CO2, 02 or H2 according to DIN ISO 14175 can usually be used.

[0008] The principle of MSG arc brazing is largely identical in terms of equipment to MSG welding with wire-shaped filler material.

[0009] Burners with extraction devices are provided to capture the fumes and pollutants produced during welding as close as possible to the point of origin, i.e. the welding process.

[0010] EP 2 298 485 A1 discloses a torch with an extraction housing that encloses a relatively short section of the torch neck. An extraction hose is connected to the extraction housing and is laid parallel to the remaining section of the torch neck and the handle with the torch hose assembly.

[0011] EP 0 835 71 1 A2 relates to a welding torch with an extraction tube surrounding the torch neck and forming a fume channel in the space between the two. The extraction tube merges into an extraction nozzle at the front. The fume is extracted directly at the welding point. The extraction tube is firmly connected to the torch neck by means of a triple bar and a union nut. At the handle end, the extraction tube opens into an extraction hose that runs outside the torch handle, following a bypass.

[0012] EP 2 561 944 A1 discloses a welding torch with a flue gas sensor.

[0013] A disadvantage of the known devices with flue gas extraction is the activation process of the extraction system. Central extraction systems are usually permanently activated. Burner-integrated extraction systems, on the other hand, are activated dynamically, particularly for efficiency reasons. The activation is usually based on a measured current flow signal, for example, a current measurement by a Hall sensor or shunt, or an i. 0. signal from the power source.

[0014] Alternatively, the extraction system can also be connected to the welding power source at the same time as the torch trigger is pressed, using a parallel or series connection. However, due to the necessary mechanical acceleration, an extraction system requires up to three seconds to reach the standardized extraction flow rate and adjust it precisely. These extraction systems are therefore usually not yet operating at the optimal operating window at the moment the process starts and therefore do not achieve optimal capture rates.

[0015] Some known torch devices have lighting to illuminate the joining process.

[0016] DE 10 2013 205 513 A1 discloses a two-stage button in which at least one switching stage of the push button is designed to start / activate the welding process, in particular to ignite the arc, and a further switching stage can be freely assigned to activate a lighting element or another switching stage. The disadvantage of this two-stage button solution is that incorrect operation is likely due to pressing the button too far, especially when wearing gloves. A special microswitch is also required. Furthermore, it is not functionally a protective switch, since, for example, when the torch is put down, the process is still started if the button is pressed to the second cut-in depth. Furthermore, non-networked devices cannot be switched independently of one another due to the functional integration.

[0017] Safety switches (protection switches) have been around for a long time in plasma cutting torches. The button for starting the process is mechanically protected from being activated by a pivoting cap. For example, CN 209550862U concerns a protective trigger for a plasma cutting gun.

[0018] With MIG / MAG torches, however, protection against accidental activation is usually provided by a protruding handle extension. This prevents the trigger from being accidentally activated when the torch is placed on a workpiece surface.

[0019] Document US 20090152254 A1 describes a torch trigger with an integrated slider, in which a control switch can be switched between two different welding parameter sets depending on the slider position. In one operating mode, the control switch activates a safety lock that prevents the welding torch from being activated.

[0020] A disadvantage of this slide switch is its complex structure within a single button unit, necessitating a dedicated switch. Furthermore, it is not ideal for operation, especially when wearing gloves, and there is no automatic locking mechanism when released. Instead, the slide switch must be actively pushed back. Also known are options for switching programs via separate control units, so-called modules, which can be used, for example, to change programs or current strengths during welding or during welding breaks (see US4430551 A).

[0021] Based on the disadvantages described above, the invention aims to improve working conditions and occupational safety when using a burner. Furthermore, the maintenance and repair of a burner should be simplified.

[0022] This object is achieved with a burner according to claim 1. This object is further achieved with a burner system according to claim 17 and a method for activating or deactivating at least one function of the burner and / or the burner system and / or a welding workstation according to claim 18.

[0023] The invention relates to a torch for thermally joining or separating at least one workpiece, with an actuating button for activating the welding or cutting function, wherein the actuating button is protected against unintentional actuation by means of a switch-on protection designed as a safety cover and the safety cover is pivotable and / or foldable and / or displaceable between an open position in which it releases the actuating button for actuation and a closed position in which the actuating button is at least partially covered by the safety cover to prevent actuation.

[0024] Today's arc welding torches are equipped with simple on / off buttons that immediately trigger the welding process or the start of the welding process, i.e., usually the pre-flow of the shielding gas followed by the arc start. There is no known pre-switchable standby state that can be used to specifically prepare for the start of the process, or for which the start of the process is only enabled after confirmation by a control system.

[0025] Possible options include mechanically operated torches or hand-held torches, especially flue gas extraction torches. Furthermore, the torches according to the invention also include, for example, cutting torches or hand-held laser welding torches.

[0026] The known switch-on protection devices in plasma cutting torches do not have a switching function, but merely provide mechanical protection for the torch trigger before it is switched on.

[0027] For example, in the case of a hand torch, when the safety cover is in the open position, the user can operate the actuating button as intended by pressing the actuating button with his hand or with a finger to activate the welding or cutting function.

[0028] In the closed position, the safety cover prevents the intended operation of the actuating button. In other words, the user cannot reach this button with their finger, as the safety cover at least partially covers the actuating button and prevents operation. In the closed position, the power-on protection is thus activated.

[0029] The safety cover therefore serves to prevent accidental activation of the welding or cutting function. This applies to both hand-held and machine-guided torches. The invention improves welder protection by placing the welding system in a defined, operational state before the process starts, ensuring optimal work safety.

[0030] The safety cover therefore serves a dual function: In addition to providing protection against starting, it can trigger various burner functions.

[0031] According to the invention, when moving between the open and the closed position, the safety cover reaches at least one switching position or switching point in which it activates or deactivates at least one function of the torch and / or a torch system and / or a welding workstation.

[0032] This allows free activation or deactivation of functions of other devices, such as extraction, lighting, warning signals or other devices, independent of the welding power source.

[0033] The burner system comprises at least one burner as described above and a hose package for the media supply between the burner and a supply base for the media, such as flow, wire or protective gas lines.

[0034] The welding workplace is the area where the torch or torch system is located. This could be, for example, a welding booth.

[0035] The terms switching point and switching position are used synonymously. This refers to a position of the safety cover at which a function of the torch is triggered. In other words, the safety cover reaches at least one position between (and including) the open and closed positions at which a switching point or switching position is reached to trigger a function of the torch and / or the torch system and / or the welding workstation.

[0036] It is essential that a function can be triggered in a pre-process operating mode of the torch, i.e., before the actuation button is pressed, which serves to increase work safety and welding quality. A function can ideally be activated automatically before welding or cutting, when a process start is highly likely.

[0037] Possible functions relate to safety devices, such as the lock of a welding booth, which can be locked or unlocked when the switching point or switching position is reached.

[0038] Other options include automated dimming of welding shields, switching on / off of pre-currents, activating or deactivating data acquisition or devices for moving components or other devices, such as welding tractors.

[0039] It is advantageous that, according to the invention, the protective shield can be dimmed before the process begins.

[0040] Conventional dimmable protective shields only react when the radiation is present, which creates a slight time delay and could cause eye strain due to the intense radiation.

[0041] In other words, the invention combines mechanical switch-on protection, particularly against accidental activation when the torch is put down or moved, with freely assignable and switchable additional functions. This extends the direct protection function against switch-on in welding or cutting torches and ensures a defined standby mode before welding or cutting.

[0042] A further advantage of the invention is that standard buttons and switching elements can be used and have a dual function, eliminating the need for complex actuation buttons. The separation into two buttons also allows for better maintenance and repair of the burner compared to integrated single-button solutions known from the prior art.

[0043] In particular, two completely separate button units can be used for additional functions and welding start, allowing different devices to be networked independently of each other and controlled via different control circuits - e.g. switching an extraction device or lighting via the switch-on protection and switching the power source via the torch button.

[0044] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, a function triggered by the safety cover is an activation or deactivation of a lighting and / or an activation or deactivation of a warning function of the torch and / or the torch system and / or the welding workstation.

[0045] In other words, another option in the pre-process operating mode is the illumination of the weld area using the integrated lighting, which also serves to increase work safety and weld quality by making it easier to locate the weld area. This should also ideally be activated automatically before welding, when a process start is highly likely.

[0046] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the illumination is formed by a lighting element, in particular at least one LED, preferably integrated in a handle of the torch, which illuminates in particular the area of ​​the joining process when activated by the safety cover, or is switched off when deactivated by the safety cover.

[0047] For example, with a handheld torch, the user can move the safety cover with their finger, e.g., lift it, and then press the actuation button to start the welding or cutting process. Even as the user begins to move the safety cover, a switching point could be reached at which the lighting is activated. This allows the user to illuminate the process area right at the start of the welding or cutting process, even before the actual joining or separating process.

[0048] A further variant provides that at least one switching position or switching point for activating or deactivating at least one function of the torch and / or the torch system and / or the welding workstation is reached in the open position of the safety cover, or that at least one switching position or switching point is reached when the safety cover moves from the closed to the open position of the safety cover.

[0049] This means that a function of the torch is activated or deactivated when the safety cover is in the open position, for example, fully folded open or pushed open. However, it is also possible that switching points are reached when the safety cover is moved from the closed to the open position. This ensures that the desired function of the torch is activated first before the welding process itself can start. For example, lighting could be activated right at the start of the opening movement of the safety cover and a safety function could be activated at a subsequent switching point. Within the meaning of the invention, other functions are conceivable which are not explicitly mentioned here.

[0050] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the safety cover triggers at least one switching contact when moving from the open position to the closed position.

[0051] For example, this movement, i.e. the closing process of the safety cover, could also trigger functions such as deactivation of the lighting or safety functions.

[0052] It is also conceivable that the lighting is switched on or remains switched on, for example, for visual inspection of the welding result. It is also conceivable that an extraction system runs afterward, for example, to extract residual smoke. In the current state of the art, the latter is achieved rigidly via a defined run-on time, so greater flexibility is possible with the separate switch.

[0053] It is particularly advantageous that the unintentional start of welding processes is prevented in a switching position or at a switching point.

[0054] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the burner has a suction device with a suction nozzle for sucking the smoke gas occurring during the joining process into a suction channel, wherein the suction nozzle preferably surrounds the burner axially at least in sections.

[0055] In the context of the invention, this extraction device can be a torch-integrated extraction system. However, add-on solutions are also conceivable, such as extraction sets that can be attached to the torch or locked onto the torch. Furthermore, extraction devices also include extraction systems in a welding workstation, such as extraction hoods.

[0056] The start of arc welding processes, especially short-circuit MIG / MAG processes or TIG processes with contact ignition, produces intensive welding fumes and is therefore potentially harmful to health.

[0057] It is therefore advantageous that the extraction system is placed in an optimal operating state in a switching position or at a switching point before the arc is ignited. In particular, the extraction system is placed in operating mode before the actuation button is pressed for optimal detection of process start emissions. This ensures optimal detection of process start emissions right at the start of the arc process. Without feedback that the extraction system is in operating mode, the welding process should not be enabled or startable.

[0058] As a result, the extraction of harmful fumes no longer starts simultaneously with the arc process or at the same time as the short shielding gas pre-flow time, which is often only a few seconds, but automatically beforehand.

[0059] The "multifunctional start-up protection" improves the effectiveness of the extraction system by preventing the accidental start of welding processes and also ensuring that the extraction system is in optimal operating condition before the arc is ignited. In particular, the extraction system is set to operating mode before the torch trigger is pressed, so that the process start emissions can be optimally captured right from the start of the arc process.

[0060] Consequently, the extraction should no longer start simultaneously with the arc process or simultaneously with the short shielding gas pre-flow time, which is often only 1 s, but should start automatically beforehand.

[0061] According to a further development of the invention, the safety cover has at least one preferably spring-loaded contact area which triggers a switching contact depending on the position of the safety cover.

[0062] In particular, the safety cover can be automatically reset to the closed position by means of a spring element, for example a return spring.

[0063] Alternatively, the safety cover can be locked in one position.

[0064] The switching contact can be designed as a microswitch or as a proximity switch.

[0065] It is conceivable that the contact area is formed integrally with the safety cover, which further simplifies the manufacture of this component.

[0066] In particular, it is advantageous that the contact area of ​​the

[0067] The safety cover is designed in cross-section as a control cam in order to activate or deactivate the switching contact for at least one function of the burner in predetermined positions of the safety cover.

[0068] In other words, the design of the control cam allows for a variety of switching points to be realized. For example, the contact area could have a projection that, when the safety cover is in the appropriate position, i.e., at a switching point, triggers the switching contact, e.g., by triggering a microswitch when the projection acts on the microswitch. However, the contact area could also have multiple projections, which, depending on the position of the safety cover, would then trigger functions of the torch and / or the torch system and / or the welding workstation by triggering the microswitch.

[0069] As mentioned, the switching contact could also be implemented by a proximity switch or another switching element, such as a spring contact, instead of a microswitch.

[0070] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optionally spring-loaded actuating button, when actuated, triggers at least one preferably spring-loaded switching contact to activate the welding or cutting function. For example, it is conceivable that the actuating button triggers several switching contacts to start the welding or cutting process.

[0071] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the safety cover triggers a switching contact when moving from the closed position to the open position before the actuating button can be actuated as intended.

[0072] "According to intended use" means that the actuating button is triggered as required by occupational health and safety regulations. For example, with a riano burner, the user opens the safety cover at least far enough to be able to press the actuating button with a finger. This position of the safety cover does not necessarily have to be the (fully) open position.

[0073] The invention further comprises a burner system with a burner as described above and with a hose package for the media guidance between the burner and a supply base for the media, such as flow, wire or protective gas lines.

[0074] An independent idea of ​​the invention relates to a method for activating or deactivating at least one function of a torch and / or a torch system and / or a welding workstation by means of a switch-on protection device designed as a safety cover, wherein the safety cover is pivoted and / or folded and / or moved between an open position in which it releases the actuation button for actuation and a closed position in which the actuation button is at least partially covered by the safety cover to prevent actuation, and when moving between the open and the closed position reaches at least one switching position or switching point in which it activates or deactivates at least one function of the torch and / or a torch system and / or a welding workstation.

[0075] It is particularly advantageous that in a switching position or at a switching point an extraction device for extracting the smoke gas occurring during the joining process is put into an optimal operating state before the arc is ignited, in particular that the extraction device is put into the operating mode for the optimal detection of process start emissions before the actuation button is actuated.

[0076] Further objects, advantages, features, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their interrelationship.

[0077] Some of them are shown schematically:

[0078] Figure 1 shows a burner with switch-on protection in open position,

[0079] Figure 2 shows the burner according to Figure 1 with switch-on protection in closed position,

[0080] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of an operating button of the burner and the switch-on protection,

[0081] Figure 4 further detailed views a) and b) of the actuating button and the switch-on protection and

[0082] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the burner handle with operating button and switch-on protection.

[0083] In the following figures of the drawing, identical or equivalent components are provided with reference numerals based on an embodiment in order to improve readability.

[0084] Figure 1 shows a handle 8 of a torch 10 for thermally joining or separating at least one workpiece. The handle 8 can be formed from two handle shells 16. In this case, the torch 10 has a shielding gas nozzle 1 for supplying shielding gas from a shielding gas channel to the joining process. Also visible are a current nozzle 14 and an extraction pipe bend 15.

[0085] An actuating button 2 serves to activate the welding function. When actuated, the actuating button 2 triggers at least one switching contact 13, which is spring-loaded in this case by means of a spring element 18, to activate the welding or cutting function. It is also conceivable for the actuating button 2 to trigger several closed contacts 13 to start the welding or cutting process.

[0086] From Figure 1 and also from Figures 2 to 5 it can be seen that the actuating button 2 is protected against unintentional actuation by means of a switch-on protection device designed as a safety cover 3.

[0087] This safety cover 3 can be pivoted and / or folded between an open position 4 (see Figure 1), in which it releases the actuation button 2 for actuation, and a closed position 5 (see Figure 2), in which the actuation button 2 is at least partially covered by the safety cover 3 to prevent actuation. In a variant embodiment not shown, it is also conceivable for the safety cover 3 to be displaced in order to switch between the closed position 5 and the open position 4.

[0088] Figure 1 shows the safety cover 3 in the open position 4, in which the user of the torch 1 can operate the actuating button 2 as intended by pressing the actuating button 2 with their hand or finger to activate the welding or cutting function. The user may also be able to press the actuating button 2 even if the safety cover 3 is at least partially or sufficiently open and is not in the open position 4 according to Figure 1.

[0089] Figure 2 shows the safety cover 3 in the closed position 5. This means that the safety cover 3 prevents the intended operation of the actuating button 2. In other words, the user cannot reach this button 2 with their finger, as the safety cover 3 at least partially covers the actuating button 2 and prevents operation. In the closed position 5, the emergency protection is thus activated. Even in a slightly open position, the intended operation of the actuating button 2 may not be possible under certain circumstances.

[0090] As mentioned, the safety cover 3 can be pivoted, folded, or moved back and forth between the closed position 5 and the open position 6. As can be seen from Figure 3, the safety cover 3 can be elastically preloaded by a spring element 17. This ensures that the safety cover 3 is automatically moved from the open position 4 to the closed position 5 by the force of the spring element 17.

[0091] It is essential that the safety cover 3, when moving between the open position 4 and the closed position 5, reaches at least one switching position in which it activates or deactivates a function of the burner 10.

[0092] This means that the safety cover 3 not only provides switch-on protection, but also fulfils a dual function by serving as a switching element by means of which at least one function of the torch 10 or of a torch system or of a welding workstation can be activated or deactivated.

[0093] The burner system comprises at least the burner 10 described above and a hose package for the media guide between the burner 10 and a supply base for the media, such as flow, wire, or protective gas lines.

[0094] The welding workstation is understood to be the area in which the torch 10 or the torch system is located. This can be, for example, a welding booth. One of the possible functions that can be triggered by the safety cover 3 is the activation or deactivation of lighting. In the present embodiment, this lighting is formed by a lighting element 7, for example, at least one LED, integrated into the handle 8 of the torch 10 (see Figs. 1 and 2). When activated by the safety cover 3, this lighting element 7 illuminates, in particular, the area of ​​the joining process.

[0095] In other words, in a pre-process operating mode of the torch (before actuation button 2 is pressed), a function can be triggered, such as illuminating the weld area with the integrated light, which also serves to increase work safety and weld quality by making it easier to locate the weld area. This function can also be activated automatically before welding, when a process start is highly likely.

[0096] Another function is the activation or deactivation of a warning function of the burner 10.

[0097] Possible functions relate to safety devices, such as the lock of a welding booth, which can be locked or unlocked when the switching point or switching position is reached.

[0098] Other options include automated dimming of welding shields, switching on / off of pre-currents, activating or deactivating data acquisition or devices for moving components or other devices, such as welding tractors.

[0099] In the present case, it is particularly provided that at least one of the possible switching positions for activating at least one function of the burner 10 in the open position aer safety cover 3 is reached. This means that the safety cover 3 triggers a switching function as soon as it has reached the open position 4, ie is fully open.

[0100] It is also conceivable that, alternatively or additionally, a switching position is achieved which lies between the closed position 5 and the open position 4 of the safety cover 3, i.e. not in the (fully) open position 4. In particular, several switching positions could also be provided which are assigned to different functions of the torch 10 or the torch system or the welding workstation.

[0101] In particular, it can be provided that the safety cover 3 triggers a switching contact 12 when moving from the closed position 5 to the open position 4, before the actuation button 2 can be actuated as intended. This ensures that the desired function of the torch 10 is activated first before the welding process itself can be started.

[0102] Conversely, according to the invention, it is also conceivable that the safety cover 3 triggers a switching contact 12 when moving from the open position 4 to the closed position 5.

[0103] The lighting could be switched on or remain switched on, for example, for visual inspection of the welding result. It is also conceivable for an extraction system to run afterward, for example, to extract residual smoke. In the prior art, the latter is achieved rigidly via a defined run-on time, allowing greater flexibility with the separate switch. For example, the unintentional start of welding processes could be prevented in a shut-off position, while the lighting element 7 is activated in a further switching position.

[0104] The burners 10 shown in the figures are fume extraction burners. Other types of burners are also conceivable, such as cutting torches or laser welding torches.

[0105] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the burner 10 has an extraction device with an extraction nozzle 9 for extracting the flue gas generated during the joining process into an extraction channel. The extraction nozzle 9 axially surrounds the burner 10 in the front area. The extraction pipe bend 15 can also be seen.

[0106] Accordingly, a further switching function is conceivable for these flue gas extraction burners, namely that the extraction device is placed in an optimal operating state before the arc is ignited, in particular that the extraction device is placed in the operating mode before the actuation button 2 is actuated, in order to be able to optimally record the process start emissions as early as the start of the arc process.

[0107] As a result, the extraction of harmful fumes no longer starts simultaneously with the arc process or at the same time as the short shielding gas pre-flow time, which is often only a few seconds, but automatically beforehand.

[0108] Figures 3, 4 a) and b) and 5 show detailed views of the structure of the actuating button 2 and the safety cover 3. Accordingly, the safety cover 3 has at least one spring-loaded contact area 11, which triggers a switching contact 12 depending on the position of the actuating button 2. This switching contact 12 can be designed as a microswitch. Proximity switches or other mechanical switching elements, such as a spring contact, are also conceivable.

[0109] The separation into two buttons 2, 3 also enables better maintenance and repair of the burner 10 compared to integrated single-button solutions known from the prior art.

[0110] As can be seen from Figures 4 a) and b), two completely separate button units are used for additional functions and the welding start. The connections for the actuation button 2 are marked with reference numeral 6 and for the safety cover 3 with reference numeral 19.

[0111] This allows different devices to be networked independently of one another and controlled via different control circuits – e.g., switching the extraction device or the lighting via the switch-on protection, i.e., the safety cover 3, and switching the power source via the actuation button 2.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the contact area 1 1 is integrally formed on the safety cover 3.

[0113] In order to achieve optimal control of the functions triggered by the safety cover 3, the contact area 1 1 is designed in cross-section as a control curve in order to activate the switching contact 12 for a further function of the burner 10 in predetermined positions of the safety cover 3.

[0114] In other words, a variety of switching points can be achieved through the design of the control cam. For example, the contact area 11 could have a projection 20, which, when the safety cover 3 is in the corresponding position, i.e., at a switching point, triggers the switching contact, e.g., by triggering a microswitch. However, the contact area 11 could also have multiple projections, which then, depending on the position of the safety cover 3, trigger functions of the torch 10 and / or the torch system and / or the welding workstation.

[0115] List of reference symbols

[0116] 1 shielding gas nozzle

[0117] 2 operating buttons

[0118] 3 Safety cover

[0119] 4 open position safety cover

[0120] 5 closed position safety cover

[0121] 6 connections for actuation buttons

[0122] 7 light element

[0123] 8 Handle

[0124] 9 Suction nozzle

[0125] 10 burners

[0126] 1 1 Contact area

[0127] 12 Switch contact (triggered by safety cover)

[0128] 13 Switch contact (triggered by actuation button)

[0129] 14 Contact tip

[0130] 15 Suction pipe bend

[0131] 16 handle scale

[0132] 17 Spring element (safety cover)

[0133] 18 Spring element (actuator button)

[0134] 19 connections for safety cover

[0135] 20 lead

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Torch (10) for thermally joining or separating at least one workpiece, with an actuating button (2) for activating the welding or cutting function, wherein the actuating button (2) is protected against unintentional actuation by means of a switch-on protection designed as a safety cover (3), and the safety cover (3) is pivotable and / or foldable and / or displaceable between an open position (4), in which it releases the actuating button (2) for actuation, and a closed position (5), in which the actuating button (2) is at least partially covered by the safety cover (3) to prevent actuation, characterized in that the safety cover (3) has at least one switching position orreaches a switching point at which it activates or deactivates at least one function of the burner (10) and / or a burner system and / or a welding workstation.

2. Burner (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a function of the burner (10) triggered by means of the safety cover (3) is an activation or deactivation of a lighting and / or an activation or deactivation of a warning function of the burner (10) and / or the burner system and / or the welding workstation.

3. Burner (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lighting is formed by a lighting element (7), in particular at least one LED, preferably integrated in a handle (8) of the burner (10), which, when activated by the safety cover (3), illuminates in particular the area of ​​the joining or separating process or the arc, or is switched off when deactivated by the safety cover (3).

4. Burner (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one switching position or one switching point for activating or deactivating at least one function of the burner (10) is reached in the open position (4) of the safety cover (3), or that at least one switching position or one switching point is reached during a movement of the safety cover (3) from the closed position (5) to the open position (4) of the safety cover (3).

5. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unintentional starting of welding processes is prevented in a switching position or at a switching point.

6. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the burner (10) has a suction device with a suction nozzle (9) for sucking off the material produced during the joining process occurring flue gas into a suction channel, wherein the suction nozzle (9) preferably axially surrounds the burner (10) at least in sections.

7. Burner (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that in a switching position or at a switching point, the extraction device is placed in an optimal operating state before the ignition of the arc, in particular that the extraction device is placed in the operating mode for optimal detection of process start emissions before actuation of the actuation button (2).

8. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety cover (3) has at least one preferably spring-loaded contact area (11) which triggers a switching contact (12) depending on the position of the safety cover (3).

9. Burner (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the switching contact (12) is designed as a microswitch or as a proximity switch or as another mechanical sensing or switching element, in particular a spring contact.

10. Burner (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the contact area (11) is formed integrally on the safety cover (3). 1 1. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact area (1 1) is designed in cross-section as a control curve in order to activate or deactivate the switching contact (12) for at least one function of the burner (10) in predetermined positions of the safety cover (3).

12. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating button (2) triggers at least one preferably spring-loaded switching contact (13) for activating the welding or cutting function when actuated.

13. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety cover (3) triggers at least one switching contact (12) during the movement from the closed position (5) to the open position (4) before the actuating button (2) can be actuated as intended.

14. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety cover (3) during the movement from the open position (4j to the closed position (5) triggers at least one switching contact (12).

15. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety cover (3) can be reset into the closed position (5) by means of a spring element (17).

16. Burner (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety cover (3) can be locked in one position.

17. Burner system with a burner (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16 and with a hose package for the media guide between the burner (10) and a supply base for the media, such as flow, wire or protective gas lines.

18. Method for activating or deactivating at least one function of a torch (10) according to the preceding claims and / or a torch system according to claim 17 and / or a welding workstation by means of a switch-on protection device designed as a safety cover (3), wherein the safety cover (3) can be switched between an open position (4), in which it releases the actuating button (2) for actuation, and a closed position (5), in which the actuating button (2) Preventing an actuation, the safety cover (3) is at least partially covered, pivoted and / or folded and / or shifted and, when moving between the open (4) and the closed position (5), reaches at least one switching position or switching point in which it activates or deactivates at least one function of the torch (10) and / or a torch system and / or a welding workstation.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that in a Switching position or at a switching point, an extraction device for extracting the smoke gas occurring during the joining process is put into an optimal operating state before the arc is ignited, in particular that the extraction device is put into the operating mode for the optimal detection of process start emissions before the actuation button (2) is actuated.

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