Remote regulation unit for a welding apparatus or a power source

The invention relates to a method for data exchange and to a remote control unit as described in claims 1 and 7.

An arc welding machine is already known - according to DE 29 04 458 A1 - in which a controllable power unit for generating welding current can be regulated via a control device. For this purpose, the power section is connected to an electrode holder and the workpiece via a welding current cable and equipped with a setting device assigned to the control device, which can be set manually or via a remote control unit. The remote control unit is arranged between the workpiece and the electrode holder, in particular a welding torch, and includes a manually operated setting device for the welding current. This remote control unit is assigned a detection device in the control device of the welding device. The power consumption of the remote control unit is changed via the remote control unit, which increases the power consumption. The change in the current flow in the remote control unit is detected by means of the detection device and the setpoint value for the welding current is changed accordingly. The disadvantage here is that changes in resistance in the control loop can be triggered by external influences, which can lead to an increase in the no-load current and thus to an incorrect setting of the target value for the welding device.

Furthermore, an arc welding machine with an adjustable power unit is already known - according to DE 33 29 216 A1 - in which a remote control unit is inserted between the conductive surfaces of a workpiece and a welding electrode. Depending on the sequence of the conductive surface and the polarity of the workpiece and the welding electrode, a higher or lower frequency of the welding voltage is superimposed on the welding voltage. A control device in the welding device increases or decreases the welding current as long as the control circuit or circuit via the power unit is closed. The disadvantage here is that the readjustment process or the setting process must be repeated several times in order to be able to determine through intermittent welding attempts whether the newly set target value of the welding current corresponds to the desired value.

The present invention is based on the object of creating a remote control unit in which an exact remote setting of the target value of a welding parameter by a welding device is possible in a simple form.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 1. The advantage here is that any number of data can be transmitted by serial data exchange in the form of a data protocol and thus a large number of different welding parameters can be changed with just one remote control unit. Another advantage is that, through bidirectional data exchange, individual welding parameters, in particular their target values, can be queried by the welding device or the power source, which can then be read and / or changed by the user on the display device of the remote control unit.

Further advantageous measures are described in claims 2 to 6. The advantages that can be achieved with this can be found in the detailed description of the figures.

Furthermore, this object of the invention is also achieved by the features in the characterizing part of claim 7. The advantage here is that a serial data transmission can be carried out by such a design of the remote control unit, whereby it is achieved that any number of data can be transmitted. Another advantage is that different welding parameters can be selected in a simple form by activating a setting element on the remote control unit, with the user having the option of changing the set target value for each welding parameter without making a setting the input and / or output device must be carried out on the welding machine.

When such a remote control unit is used, it is advantageously achieved that a bidirectional data exchange can be carried out between the remote control unit and the welding device, so that, for example, in the event of an incorrect setting by the user, this can be recognized by the control device of the welding device, whereupon the control device sends a corresponding data protocol the user can be warned via the remote control unit.

AT 406 942 B

Further advantageous designs are described in claims 8 to 18. The advantages that can be achieved with this can be found in the detailed description of the figures.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic structure of a welding device in a simplified representation;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control unit according to the invention for a

Welding device or a power source in a simplified, schematic representation;

3 shows a diagram of a data protocol from the remote control unit to the welding device, in a simplified, schematic representation;

4 shows a further diagram of a data protocol from the welding device to the remote control unit, in a simplified, schematic representation.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained in the entire description to be transferred accordingly to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. The location details chosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side, etc. based on the figure immediately described and shown and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 shows a welding device 1 for a wide variety of welding processes, such as, for example, MIG / MAG welding or TIG welding or electrode welding processes.

The welding device 1 comprises a power source 2 with a power section 3, a control device 4 and a switching element 5 assigned to the power section 3 or the control device 4. The switching element 5 or the control device 4 is connected to a control valve 6 which is in a supply line 7 for a gas 8, in particular a protective gas such as CO₂, Helium or argon and the like., Is arranged between a gas reservoir 9 and a welding torch 10.

In addition, a wire feeder 11, which is common for MIG / MAG welding, can be controlled via the control device 4, with a welding wire 13 being fed from a supply drum 14 into the area of ​​the welding torch 10 via a supply line 12. The current for setting up an arc 15 between the welding wire 13 and a workpiece 16 is supplied via a supply line 17 from the power unit 3 of the current source 2 to the welding torch 10 or fed to the welding wire 13, wherein the workpiece 16 to be welded is also connected to the welding device 1 via a further supply line 18 and thus a circuit can be set up via the arc 15.

To cool the welding torch 10, the welding torch 10 can be connected to a water tank 21 via a cooling circuit 19 with the interposition of a flow monitor 20, whereby the cooling circuit 19 can be started by the control device 4 when the welding torch 10 is started up, thus cooling the welding torch 10 or . of the welding wire 13 is effected.

Furthermore, the welding device 10 has an input and / or output device 22 by means of which the most varied of welding parameters or operating modes of the welding device 1 can be set. The welding parameters set via the input and / or output device 22 are forwarded to the control device 4, which then controls the individual components of the welding device 1.

Of course, it is not possible, as in the illustrated embodiment, that the welding torch 10 is connected to the individual components, in particular with the welding device 1 or the wire feeder 11, via individual lines, but that these individual lines are combined in a common hose package and can be connected to the welding torch 10.

In Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the welding device 1 and a

AT 406 942 B remote control unit 23 according to the invention is shown.

The welding device 1 is shown schematically by the power part 3 and the control device 4, the power part 3 being formed, for example, by an inverter power source 24. To control or regulate the inverter power source 24, the power section 3 is connected to the control device 4, for example, via a data bus 25, in particular via a digital data bus. The control device 4 can be formed, for example, by a microprocessor control 26. The individual components of the welding device 1, namely the inverter power source 24 and the microprocessor control 26, can be formed by any of the prior art inverter power sources 24 and microprocessor control 26, whereby a detailed illustration of these components has not been carried out for the sake of simplicity. It is of course possible that further components of the welding device 1, such as the input and / or output device 22 and the wire feeder 11 etc., as described in FIG. 1, are connected to the control device 4, in particular to the microprocessor control 26, that is to say that these components are connected to the control device 4 via a data link, as a result of which a complete construction of the welding device 1 is achieved.

In the illustrated block diagram of the welding device 1, the power unit 3 is connected to connection sockets 29, 30 via lines 27, 28. These connection sockets 29, 30 are designed in such a way that, as is known from the prior art, a hose package can be connected to the welding device 1. The supply lines 17, 18 for the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16 are now connected to these connection sockets 29, 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16 are shown schematically. It can be seen, however, that a circuit with the power section 3 can be formed via the supply lines 17, 18.

A detection device 31 is arranged in the welding device 1 so that the power section 3 can be regulated or controlled by the control device 4. This detection device 31 is shown schematically in the line 27 at the output of the power section 3, that is, between the power section 3 and the connection socket 29 or 30. The detection device 31 can be formed, for example, from a shunt belonging to the prior art, whereby the current flow via the line 27 from the power section 3 can be determined and thus a regulation or control of the control device 4 by detecting the actual values, in particular the Current and voltage. The regulation or the control of the control device 4 takes place in software, ie that corresponding software programs are loaded into the microprocessor control 26 from a memory so that, for example, a regulation and / or control of the power section 3 can take place on the basis of a target / actual comparison.

In the illustrated embodiment, the remote control unit 23 is now arranged between the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16, ie the welding torch 10, in particular the welding wire 13, which forms the electrode, is in contact with an electrode holder 32. This electrode holder 32 forms a first input 33 of the remote control unit 23. At the same time, the remote control unit 23 is contacted via a further electrode holder 34, which in turn forms an input of the remote control unit 23. By arranging the remote control unit 23 between the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16, it is now possible that a power supply of the remote control unit 23 is carried out by the power unit 3, that is, that due to the contacting of the welding wire 13 with the first input 33 and the contacting further Input 35 with the workpiece 16 via the two supply lines 17, 18 a circuit with the power section 3, in particular with the inverter power source 24, can be formed.

The remote control unit 23 is constructed in such a way that a connecting line 36 is arranged between the two inputs 33, 35 with the interposition of a switching device 37, which now creates a circuit from the power unit 3 via the supply line 17, the connecting line 36, the workpiece 16 and the supply line 18 can be.

The switching device 37 has a resistor 38 and a switchable component 39, whereby when the switchable component 39 is activated, a circuit between the

Inputs 33 and 35 with a constant current flow through the resistor 38 is formed. That

AT 406 942 Β switchable component 39 can be formed, for example, by a transistor, triac or other electrical switching elements. Of course, it is possible to use any switching device 37, but care must be taken that when the switching device 37 is activated, a constant current flow is generated between the inputs 33, 35, that is, for example, by arranging the resistor 38 with a corresponding value constant current flow from the power unit 3 is generated.

So that this current flow can be detected by the remote control unit 23 via the connecting line 36, the remote control unit 23 in turn has a detection device 40. This detection device 40 can in turn be formed by a shunt belonging to the prior art or other detection devices 40 belonging to the prior art for detecting a current flow. So that the switching device 37 can now be controlled and the determined current flow can be processed by the detection device 40, the remote control unit 23 has a logic unit 41. The logic unit 41 can be formed, for example, by a microprocessor control or other digital components such as self-programmable chips.

An output of the logic unit 41 is connected to an input of the switchable component 39 via a control line 42, whereby the switchable component 39 can be activated by activating the output of the logic unit 41 via the control line 42, that is, the switchable component 39 is closed and thus From the welding torch 10 to the workpiece 16, a current flow via the connecting line 36 is established. The detection device 40 is connected to an input of the logic unit 41 via at least one line 43, as a result of which the actual values ​​determined by the detection device 40 are passed on to the logic unit 41.

A setting device 44 is connected to the logic unit 41 via at least one line 45 so that the welding device 1 can be controlled remotely by a user. The setting device 44 can be formed, for example, by a potentiometer belonging to the prior art or by buttons, which now makes it possible for the user to set a new setpoint value for the logic unit 41, in particular for by changing the resistance value of the potentiometer from the setting device 44 the welding device 1, can set, ie, that, due to the adjustment of the potentiometer, the logic unit 41 converts it to a corresponding setpoint value for a welding parameter, such as the current level, so that, via the remote control unit 23, as will be described in more detail below, the current set on the welding device 1 is changed, in particular the current level, can be carried out by the remote control unit 23.

For this purpose, it is now also possible, when using individual buttons to change a predetermined value, in particular a setpoint value, that these can be connected directly to the logic unit 41, since the logic unit 41 converts the individual button pulses or evaluates a Performs time duration for the actuation of the button, so that a corresponding control of the switchable component 39 is possible. This ensures that only logic 0 and 1 levels are generated or present in the remote control unit 23, which simplifies the dimensioning of the individual components.

In order to supply the individual components of the remote control unit 23 with current and voltage, a power supply unit 46 is arranged in the remote control unit 23. This power supply unit 46 is arranged in such a way that it is connected to the two inputs 33, 35 of the remote control unit 23 and thus an energy supply when contacting the remote control unit 23 with the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16 is ensured regardless of the states of the individual components, ie that this current flow resp. the power supply, the power supply unit 46, a corresponding operating voltage for the analog and digital components of the remote control unit 23 is formed and thus a function of the remote control unit 23 is ensured. For the sake of clarity, however, the power supply lines for the individual components are not shown.

For this purpose, it is possible that the individual components, such as the switchable component 39, the

Resistor 38 and the detection device 40 are integrated in the power supply unit 46.

This ensures that only a single circuit in the remote regierein unit 23 is formed.

The individual components of the remote control unit 23 just described correspond to

AT 406 942 B

Minimum requirement for the remote control unit 23 according to the invention, ie that these components enable the user to set or adjust a specific welding parameter on the welding device 1 via the remote control unit 23. It is of course possible that this remote control unit 23 can have further additional components which simplify or support the operation for the user.

For this purpose it is possible, for example, for a display device 47 to be connected to the logic unit 41. This display device 47 can be formed, for example, by an LCD display, whereby the user now has the option of having this change displayed on the display device 47 when a certain value of a welding parameter is set via the setting device 44. Furthermore, it is possible for several setting elements 48 to 50 to be connected to the logic unit 41 via inputs. These setting members 48 to 50 can be formed, for example, by commercially available switches.

The setting elements 48 to 50 allow the user to select different welding parameters, that is, for example, the setting element 48 for the current, the setting element 49 for the voltage and the setting element 50 for the wire feed speed are assigned and thus when one of these setting elements 48 is actuated up to 50 the corresponding welding parameters can be set remotely via the remote control unit 23 on the welding device 1. Of course, it is possible that at least one additional setting element 48 can be arranged via which the user can call up the individual welding parameters in cycles, that is, that by actuating this setting element 48 a serial switch to the next welding parameter is carried out, so that an arbitrarily higher number of Welding parameters can be selected.

The field of application of the remote control unit 23 is that a user can change at least one welding parameter on the welding device 1 via this remote control unit 23, but with the remote control unit 23 according to the invention the data exchange or data transfer between the remote control unit 23 and the welding device 1 or a power source in takes place in digital form, ie that a serial data transmission or a serial data exchange between the power source 2, in particular the welding device 1, and an external device, in particular the remote control unit 23, is carried out directly via the welding lines, in particular the supply line 17, 18 with digital levels, in particular with logic 1 and logic 0 levels. With such a data exchange or Data transfer, a serial data protocol is created by the remote control unit 23, as is the case from the prior art for data exchange, for example with a computer, which is then transferred or transferred to the welding device 1 via the supply lines 17, 18. The data protocol is created in the logic unit 41, the digital levels or signals 1 and 0 being subsequently generated by activating the switchable component 39.

The functional sequence for setting a welding parameter via the remote control unit 23 will now be described by the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 and an example of an excerpt from a serial data protocol, as shown in the diagrams in FIGS. 3 and 4.

So that a user of such a welding device 1 can set or change a welding parameter via the remote control unit 23, the user must first contact the remote control unit 23 via the input 35 with the workpiece 16. For this purpose, it is possible for the input 35, in particular the electrode holder 34, to be formed by a magnet, so that a fixed contact with the surface of the workpiece 16 is established by simply placing the remote control unit 23 on. This ensures that the input 35 is now connected to the power unit 3 of the welding device 1 or the power source 2 via the workpiece 16 and the supply line 18.

So that the circuit can be closed with the power unit 3 of the welding device 1, the user must now contact the welding torch 10, in particular the welding wire 13, which forms the electrode, with the further input 33, in particular with the electrode holder 32, so that now a circuit can be generated via the supply line 17 to the supply line 18 with the interposition of the remote control unit 23. Since, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the power supply unit 46 is arranged between the two inputs 33 and 35 in parallel with the switched component 39, an operating voltage can now be supplied from the power supply unit 46 for the individual

AT 406 942 B

Components of the remote control unit 23 are formed because when the welding device 1 is activated, an open circuit voltage is always applied to the welding torch 10, whereby a circuit is formed from the input 33 via the power supply unit 46 to the input 35 and the power supply unit 46 is thus supplied with energy.

By switching on or interposing the remote control unit 23 as a consumer, an energy supply is now built up by the power section, with a constant current flow being built up due to a constant internal resistance of the power supply unit 46.

It is now possible that after the power supply of the components of the remote control unit 23, a data transfer is activated by the logic unit 41, that is, that by controlling the switchable component 39, an identifier in the form of a digital, serial data protocol via the welding lines, in particular via the supply lines 17, 18, is carried out to the welding device 1. This identifier or the supplied data log can be recognized by the welding device 1, in particular by the detection device 31, the individual digital levels being forwarded directly to the control device 4. The transmitted data protocol, in particular the transmitted identifier of the remote control unit 23, is then evaluated by the control device 4 and compared, for example, with an identifier stored in a storage device. If the stored identifier matches the transmitted identifier, the control device 4 can determine that a remote control unit 23 according to the invention is connected between the two welding lines, in particular the supply lines 17, 18, whereby the control device 4 can prevent the ignition process from being activated. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, that when a current flow is detected by the detection device 31, the control device 4 is activated for a presettable period of time for a delay to initiate the ignition process, so that an evaluation of the transmitted data is possible when a remote control unit 23 is put into operation.

This recognition option of an interconnected remote control unit 23 also makes it possible for different remote control units 23 to be used for a welding device 1. Additional data can be stored for the individual identifiers of the individual remote control units 23 so that, for example, these additional data can be read by the control device 4 and thus the functions of the remote control unit 23 used can be recognized or recognized. can be assigned. In this way, for example, the control device 4 can determine how many additional setting elements 48 to 50 are arranged on the remote control unit 23 and which functions these setting elements 48 to 50 perform.

The current flow caused by the power supply unit 51 must be recognized by the welding device 1, in particular by the control device 4, since otherwise, as is the case with a prior art welding device 1, the arc 15 will be ignited, i.e. the ignition process will be initiated , or a melting of the alleged short circuit, as is customary in a welding process, would be initiated by the control device 4. By initiating such a process sequence, the remote control unit 23 would be destroyed due to the high current flow. However, so that this can be avoided, the control device 4 carries out a software evaluation of the current flow output or the transmitted data protocol.

It is also possible that the control device 4 can recognize through the detection device 40 that a constant current decrease or current output from the power unit 3 takes place without an initiated welding process, whereby the control device 4 suppresses the ignition process or other process sequences, for example.

The detection that a remote control unit 23 is interposed between the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16 can also take place through the current level, that is, a target / actual comparison of the output current is carried out in the control device 4, whereby the detection device 31 the level of the current flow is determined and forwarded to the control device 4, so that a detection of the current level is possible. It is of course possible that the individual different methods for recognizing the remote control unit 23 can be combined with one another.

So that now a digital data transmission between the remote control unit 23 and the

AT 406 942 B

Welding device 1, in particular the control device 4, the user now has the option of changing at least one welding parameter using the setting device 44, that is, the user can set a new target value using the setting device 44, which is then digitally is transmitted to the welding device 1. For this purpose, it is possible, when a display device 47 is used, for the setpoint value set to be displayed on it.

The conversion of the newly set target value into a digital data protocol is carried out by the logic unit 41, an example of such a digital data protocol being shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The serial data transmission of the data protocol takes place by a corresponding control of the switchable component 39. For this purpose, the switch shown schematically is closed by activating the switchable component 39, whereby a current flow from the input 33 via the resistor 38, the switchable component 39, to the input 35 is formed. Since a corresponding resistor 38 now flows through between the two inputs 33, 35, the current is increased to a predetermined value, as can be seen in FIG. 3. As a result of this increase in current, the logic unit 41 produces the logic state 1 through the switchable component 39. The logic state 0 is achieved by the logic unit 41 by deactivating the switchable component 39, as a result of which the current level drops to the original value. The logic unit 41 now controls the data transmission to the welding device 1 by opening and closing the switchable component 39, that is, the switchable component 39 forms digital levels, in particular logic 1 and logic 0 levels, which are joined together in series and thus a data protocol is formed. This data protocol or the individual digital levels are recognized by the detection device 31, whereby an evaluation of the individual states or Level combinations can be carried out by the control device 4 and thus corresponding data for the adjustment of a welding parameter can be transmitted.

It should be mentioned that the welding device 1 and the remote control unit 23, in particular the control device 4, and the logic unit 41 must be coordinated with one another, that is, that both the logic unit 41 and the control device 4 recognize the logic states or levels 1 and 0 must be able to. The data on how the individual digital levels are structured is stored in a storage device for the logic unit 41 and for the control device 4, which enables the digital levels to be evaluated both by the control device 4 and by the logic unit 41. These data relate to a level 51 of the current and to a duration 52 for the length of a level. It is possible that, by using an identifier for the remote control unit 23, these data are also transmitted during commissioning, so that different parameters of the level can be used for the various remote control units 23.

By defining the data for a single pulse or a level, it can now be said that a bit is defined by the height 51 and the duration 52 in a digital data transmission, so that a corresponding data protocol as it has already been established by successive transmission of several individual bits is known from the prior art, can be generated. This definition of a bit is necessary because in serial data transmission it can happen that two identical pulses or levels have to be sent one after the other and thus the control device 4 can recognize through this definition that two or more identical signals or levels are transmitted one after the other can be. The control device 4 or the logic unit 41 can easily determine on the basis of the stored time period how long the switchable component 39 was closed and thus the number of bits transmitted one after the other can be filtered out.

With such a design of the remote control unit 23 it is now possible that a so-called digital data transfer is carried out from the remote control unit 23 to the welding device 1, that is, that the data transfer is composed of individual bits, which are then evaluated by the control device 4 in the welding device 1. This is possible in so far as the detection device 31 is used in the welding device 1 to recognize and record the current flow, so that the increases in current and the current breaks are recorded and passed on to the control device 4 in the form of digital pulses for evaluation, the control device 4 through a software program that

AT 406 942 B

Can evaluate data.

This form of data transmission makes it possible that, due to the digital serial data transmission from the remote control unit 23, several different welding parameters can be set remotely by the user, that is, that by the arrangement of the setting elements 48 to 50 the user can use different welding parameters, each of which is assigned to an setting element 48 to 50 are assigned, can select, whereupon the user can change the setpoint value for the selected welding parameter via the setting device 44. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, for the welding current, the welding voltage, the wire feed speed, etc., to be set via the remote control unit 23. The user only has to activate one of the setting elements 48 to 50, whereupon the logic unit 41 recognizes which welding parameter is to be changed, so that a corresponding data log for this welding parameter is then created by the logic unit 41 and thus by appropriately controlling the switchable component 39 Welding device 1 is informed that this welding parameter is to be changed via the remote control unit 23.

With such an application of the remote control unit 23 it is possible, for example, that different bit patterns, i.e. identifiers, are stored for the most varied of welding parameters, so that the logic unit 41 sends this bit pattern to the control device 4 during a data transmission, whereby the control device 4 sends the one to be changed Can recognize welding parameters. The new setpoint value specified by the user is appended to the corresponding bit pattern by the logic unit 41, which enables remote setting with only one remote control unit 23 for different welding parameters. For this purpose, it is possible for the user to change or set a large number of different welding parameters by selecting the individual welding parameters in cycles.

FIG. 3 shows a section of a data protocol for remote setting by the remote control unit 23. This data log shows the signals or levels recorded by the detection device 31 for the control device 4.

From the data protocol shown, it can be seen, for example, that at a point in time 53 the remote control unit 23 is integrated into the circuit of the power section 3, that is, that the input 35 was connected to the workpiece 16 and the input 33 to the welding torch 10 and thus a constant current draw or recording is produced by the remote control unit 23 with a current level 54. After the user has made the selection of a welding parameter to be changed via the setting elements 48 to 50 and has changed the specified target value via the setting device 44, the user can start the data transmission by activating another setting element 55, as can be seen at the time . It is of course possible that a direct data transmission is carried out and thus activation of the data transmission via the setting element 55 can be dispensed with.

From time 56, a level 57 of a data protocol 58 is shown, which is generated by controlling the switchable component 39 by the logic unit 41, that is, by closing the switchable component 39, the resistor 38 is now in the circuit between the welding torch 10 and the workpiece 16 is integrated, as a result of which a current increase by the level 51 takes place and the digital level 57 is thus generated. So that a clear logic level 57, i.e. one bit, is transmitted, the switchable component 39 is activated by the logic unit 41 over the period 52, whereby a corresponding level 57 can be recorded by the detection device 31 of the welding device 1 over the period 52. This is forwarded directly to the control device 4. The control device 4 can now recognize that due to the increase in the current flow by the level 51, the level 57 was generated by the remote control unit 23 and passed on to the power source 2 via the welding cables. At the same time, the control device 4 checks the time period 52 for the level, whereby the control device 4 can recognize that after the predefined time period 52 the current falls again to the current level 54 and thus the first level 57, i.e. one bit, has been transmitted. The checking of the time period 52 for a level 57 is necessary because, with two identical levels 57 sent one after the other, the control device 4 can recognize on the basis of the time period 52 that two equally successive levels 57 have been sent due to the double time period 52.

AT 406 942 B

Since such digital data transmission is part of the prior art, the further levels 57 will not be discussed in more detail. In principle, however, it can be said that by sending such levels 57 sent out serially one behind the other, a data protocol is compiled which is evaluated by the control device 4 via a corresponding calculation or a software program. So that the control device 4 can recognize the two levels 57 sent one after the other in the case of two levels 57 arranged in the same way one behind the other, i.e. two logic 1 levels or logic 0 levels, the duration 52 in the control device 4 and in the logic unit 41 is how long a Impulse or level 57 may last, stored or This time period 52 is coordinated between the logic unit 41 and the control device 4 when the remote control unit 23 is put into operation, so that when the same level 57 is sent twice or more than once with the time period 52, the control device 4 can recognize that two or more identical levels 57 are being sent one after the other as is shown, for example, by two logic 1 signals in FIG. In the case of such a transmission of two identical levels 57, the switchable component 39 is either closed or kept open for twice or more times the duration 52.

The advantage of such a digital data transmission is that any number of data can be sent to the welding device 1 via such a remote control unit 23. It is thus possible for a wide variety of welding parameters to be set via the remote control unit 23.

With such a design of a digital remote control unit 23, it is also possible for a mutual data exchange, that is to say a bidirectional data exchange, to be carried out between the welding device 1 and the remote control unit 23. For this purpose, a further resistor 59 is arranged parallel to the switchable component 39, for example, as shown in dashed lines. By connecting a further resistor 59 in parallel to the switchable component 39, when the remote control unit 23 is connected in parallel with the circuit via the power supply unit 46, a circuit is formed via the two resistors 38, 59 connected in series between the inputs 33, 35, ie, that thereby the switchable component 39 is bridged by the further resistor 59 and thus a constant current flow is again generated, which can be changed by activating the switchable component 39. This is necessary for a bidirectional data exchange in the illustrated embodiment, since in the illustrated remote control unit 23 the detection device 40 is arranged in the circuit of the switching device 37, so that via this circuit from the detection device 40 that of the welding device 1 or from the power source 2 can determine and recognize transmitted digital level 57.

Of course, it is possible that when the switchable component 39 is arranged in the power supply unit 46, this additional resistor 59 can be omitted, since a constant circuit is built up via the power supply unit 46 for generating the operating voltage. For this purpose, however, the detection device 40 is also arranged in the power supply unit 46.

As can now be seen better from FIG. 4, a schematic data protocol 58 for data transmission is now shown again from the welding device 1, in particular from the power source 2, to the remote control unit 23, a bidirectional data transfer being possible due to this design with the resistor 59 connected in parallel is.

As described above, the remote control unit 23 has the resistor 59 parallel to the switchable component 39 for bidirectional data exchange, so that a constant current flow is formed between the two inputs 33, 35 via the switching device 37 of the remote control unit 23. As can now be seen at time 53, when the remote control unit 23 is contacted between the workpiece 16 and the welding torch 10, a constant current consumption is again generated by the series connection of the two resistors 38, 59. During commissioning, it is now again possible for the remote control unit 23 to send an identifier to the power source 2 so that the control device 4 can recognize that no ignition process is to be started by the generated current foot. ......

It is also possible that another type of recognition of the interposition of the

Remote control unit 23 is used, which also in combination with the transmission of the identifier

AT 406 942 B can be used. When a current flow is detected by the detection device 31, the determined current level 54, which is supplied by the power section 3 to the remote control unit 23, is forwarded to the control device 4, in particular the microprocessor control 26, which, based on the defined current level 54, can recognize that the remote control unit 23 is connected as a consumer. As a result, the control device 4 can now prevent the initiation of the ignition process or the melting process, as is usually carried out when the welding wire 13 makes contact with the workpiece 16.

Because of this constant current flow between the inputs 33, 35 it is now possible for the welding device 1 to carry out a data exchange with the remote control unit 23 in both directions by sending out such previously described current pulses or digital levels 57. This is possible because the remote control unit 23 also has a detection device 40 and thus the individual current pulses or digital level 57, as described above, can be recognized and an evaluation of the data protocol can be carried out by the logic unit 41.

This bidirectional exchange of data now makes it possible for preset target values ​​to be queried from the welding device 1 via the remote control unit 23, so that the user then changes these target values ​​by actuating the setting device 44 and forwards the newly formed target value to the welding device 1.

The formation of the individual current pulses or logic 1 level takes place in such a way that the parallel-connected resistor 59 is short-circuited by closing the switchable component 39, so that the total resistance value between the two inputs 33, 35 will change and thus an increase in current when held constant Voltage occurs and thus the digital level 57 can be generated. These digital levels 57 are recognized by the two detection devices 31, 40 so that an evaluation can be carried out.

The bidirectional exchange of data also has the advantageous effect that, by changing a setpoint value, the welding device 1, in particular the control device 4, can check whether further welding parameters must also be changed as a result of this change. If this is the case, for example, then the control device 4 can communicate or transfer this to the user via data transmission to the remote control unit 23. This means that, for example, in a certain welding process by changing a welding parameter, for example the welding wire speed, the current level must also be changed in order to achieve the same deposition rate, whereby such a setting from the control device 4 of the welding device 1 to the remote control unit 23 results in such a setting Data log is sent, whereupon the logic unit 41, after evaluating this data log on the display device 47, indicates to the user that the current level must also be changed by this change in the welding wire speed. This change can be displayed in a simple form on the optical display device 47. Of course, it is possible that by activating a loudspeaker or a warning signal system or If the user is informed acoustically or optically of a wrong setting. The user thus has the option of correcting this incorrect setting, for example by increasing the current. This type of bidirectional data exchange ensures that the user has to carry out test welds after changing a welding parameter. There is also the possibility that additional information can be transmitted to the user.

Basically, it can now be said that, due to the digital data transmission from the remote control unit 23 to the welding device 1, a large number of different welding parameters can be changed via the remote control unit 23. For this purpose it is possible, for example, to use the setting elements 48 to 50 in combination with one another, whereby a total of sixteen different welding parameters are stored or stored with only three setting elements 48 to 50 by means of such setting elements 48 to 50. can be selected, ie that corresponding data for the sixteen possible settings in the remote control unit 23 are stored in the logic unit 41, in particular in a memory device assigned to it, so that the logic unit 41 can access one option

AT 406 942 B downloads stored welding parameters from the storage device and then displays them on the display device 47.

At the same time, the logic unit 41 sends a corresponding data protocol to the welding device 1, in which the logic unit 41 informs the control device 4 that the setpoint value for the set welding parameter is being sent from the control device 4 to the logic unit 41. Subsequently, the stored setpoint value or The set target value is transmitted via a corresponding data protocol by controlling the power section 4 to form such current pulses or levels 57, so that the logic unit 41 can evaluate the transmitted target value via the detection device 40. This target value is then resp. displayed simultaneously with the stored welding parameters on the display device 47, whereby the user can now see that, for example, the current level is to be set with the letter I and the current value of 250 amps is set with the value, for example 250, and thus the user changes the preset Target value can be made, which is then sent back to the welding device 1 and is stored as a new target value in a storage device for the control device 4.

Furthermore, through the serial data transmission, there is the possibility that an unlimited number of data, in particular from successive levels 57, can be transmitted, so that, for example, there is the possibility of transmitting a user-defined welding setting stored in the remote control unit 23 for the welding device 1, so that a complete changeover of the welding device 1 to a new welding process is possible.

There is also the possibility that the remote control unit 23 has no intelligence, but that the intelligence is taken over by the control device 4 of the welding device 1 or the power source 2. The logic unit 41 is designed in such a way that it can only control the switchable component 39 and the display device 47. This is possible because, due to the bidirectional data exchange between the remote control unit 23 and the welding device 1, the calculations are carried out and the logic unit 41 only displays the transmitted data. When an adjustment member 48 to 50 or the adjustment device 44 are actuated, only a specific data protocol is transmitted, so that the control device 4 takes over the calculation and assignment of the data protocol. The advantage of such a solution is that the remote control unit 23 can be manufactured inexpensively. Furthermore, it is achieved that due to the outsourcing of the intelligence of the remote control unit 23 to the control device 4, simple maintenance is possible with regard to the stored software programs, since several remote control units 23, in particular their software programs or operating programs, can be serviced via the control device at the same time.

It is of course possible that any data protocol known from the prior art can be used through the serial data transmission in the form of a data protocol. For this purpose, it is also possible that the remote control unit 23 can be adapted to any data protocol, for which purpose only a software adaptation to the new data protocol has to be carried out.

For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the remote control unit 23, it or its components have been shown partially not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

Above all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 can form the subject of independent solutions according to the invention. The related tasks and solutions according to the invention can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.