DE102015003089A1 - Welding device with improved welding wire guide - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a welding device (1). According to the invention, the welding device comprises at least one frame part (2) for arranging one or more functional devices, a chassis (4) for coupling to a guide strip (6), wherein in one operating state the guide strip (6) is preferably fastened to a tube (10), the guide band (6) surrounds the tube (10) in the circumferential direction (U) and the guide band (6) extends in the axial direction (A) in such a way that it superimposes the tube (10) at least in sections, the suspension being designed in such a way that in that the travel path of the welding device (1) extends along the circumferential direction of the guide strip (6), connecting means (11) for connecting at least one feed line, a welding head (14) connected to the connecting device (11) via the feed line, at least one drive device (15), wherein the drive device (15) for moving the welding device (1) with the guide strip (6) is brought into contact, at least one wire storage device (36) for providing welding wire, and a wire feeding device (16) for conveying the welding wire to the welding head (14), wherein the welding wire is conveyed from the wire storing device to the welding head (14) such that the welding wire is interposed between the wire storing device (14). 36) and the welding head (14) is twisted about its longitudinal axis by less than 360 °, in particular by less than 180 °, and describes an at least partially curved path, wherein each bend of the track has a radius greater than 15 cm.

Description

The present invention relates according to claim 1 to a welding apparatus and according to claim 6 to an orbital welding apparatus.

The present invention is in the technical field of joining technology. Lines, in particular lines for guiding gases, often consist of pipes, in particular of metal, and are connected to one another by adhesive bonding, soldering or welding, depending on the field of application. In particular, in onshore or offshore welding of pipelines (gas & oil pipelines), orbital welding systems (bugs) are used, with the welder traveling on a positioning belt which is fastened around a pipe and one between the individual pipes of the pipeline and connecting the pipes connecting weld with one or more tracks adjacent to each other or one above the other.

The publication US 5,676,857 A discloses a system for welding pipes to provide a long, continuous pipeline. A welding truck is mounted on a guide rail extending around the circumference of the pipe. The welding carriage is equipped with a wire feed, a motor to drive the wire feed, and a drive motor for moving the bug along the guide. The speed of the bow and wire feed can be varied while the bow is continuously moving around the pipe. The first weld or root weld is made according to the subject of US 5,676,857 A welded from outside the pipe. The from the US 5,676,857 A known bug is driven by a fixed spur gear. Furthermore, the bow has a holding frame for holding a coil for wire reception.

Another orbital welding apparatus used for joining metal pipes is known from the document EP1100645B1 known. This document discloses a device for butt welding of pipes or components, wherein the components are flat or tubular at least at the ends to be welded or have a cross-section in the form of a circular arc, the device comprising: a guide element, one of the ends of Tubes or the components can be surrounded and can be attached thereto, and a carriage which is movable along the guide member, wherein the carriage powered devices, which are adapted to move the carriage along the guide member, a welding torch, which in an oscillating Can be moved relative to the carriage in a direction approximately parallel to the axis of the pipes or components to be connected, means adapted to hold the welding torch and move it vertically relative to the carriage, means to the welding torch automatically add a welding wire and motion means adapted to apply the oscillating motion to the torch and electronic means for regulating the amplitude of the oscillation and / or the time the torch remains in one or both of the limit positions of the oscillation, the means for holding the welding torch are arranged to move it horizontally relative to the carriage, that the apparatus comprises means adapted to generate a signal regarding the angular movement of the welding torch during the oscillation, that the regulating means storage means, the thereto for at least one of the steps of a welding operation, a plurality of values relating at least to the frequency and the amplitude of the oscillation of the welding torch desired for this step of the welding operation, and a start and a stop position for the welding To store welding torch oscillation, and having control means which are adapted to automatically control the means for oscillating the welding torch in relation to the stored values and the signals which are generated by the means for detecting the angular movement of the welding torch.

Furthermore, the publications disclose US Pat. No. 5,932,123 and US 4 132 338 A Welding devices.

Due to the increased demands on a weld, it is necessary to produce the welds with respect to the welds produced by the objects of the cited references with a higher precision.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a welding device which allows an improvement in the weld quality.

The aforementioned object is achieved by a welding device, in particular an orbital welding device according to claim 1. The orbital welding device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one frame part for arranging one or more functional devices, a chassis for coupling to a guide band, wherein in one operating state, the guide band is preferably attached to a tube, wherein the guide band encloses the tube in the circumferential direction and the guide band so in Axial direction extends that it overlaps the tube at least in sections, wherein the chassis is designed such that the travel of the welding device along the circumferential direction of the guide strip, a connecting device for connecting at least one supply line, connected to the connecting device via the supply line welding head at least one drive device, wherein the drive device for moving the welding device is brought into contact with the guide strip, at least one wire storage device for providing welding wire, and a wire feed device for conveying the welding wire to the welding head, wherein the welding wire is conveyed from the wire storage device to the welding head in that the welding wire between the wire storage device and the welding head is twisted about its longitudinal axis by less than 360 °, in particular by less than 180 °, and describes an at least partially curved track, wherein each bend of the track has a radius of> 15 cm or greater or equal to 16 cm or greater or equal to 17 cm or greater or equal to 18 cm or greater or equal to 19 cm or greater or equal to 20 cm or greater than or equal to 21 cm or greater or equal to 22 cm or greater or equal to 23 cm or greater or equal to 24 cm or greater or equal to 25 cm. This solution is advantageous because the wire undergoes little deformation during transport from the wire storage device to the weld. Due to the small deformations, the wire at the weld point has only negligible or negligible property changes compared to the state when the wire is arranged on the wire supply device.

Further preferred embodiments are the subject of the following description and the dependent claims.

The curve described between the wire feeder and the welding head, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a second order curve, in particular a curve according to the form y = ax ² + bx + c. This embodiment is advantageous because the welding wire does not undergo any change in direction, as would be the case if the curve had a point of inflection. It is thus the bending direction of the welding wire, which has this on the Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung, substantially maintained. This is advantageous because bending direction changes are reduced because they have been identified as detrimental to the quality of the weld since they cause significant surface tensions in the weld wire.

The wire feed device according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand a rotation axis of the wire storage device in the region of a first portion of the frame part, in particular above the frame portion, arranged and the welding head on the other hand, the axis of rotation of Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung in the range of a second portion of the frame part, in particular in one Recess of the frame part, arranged. This embodiment is advantageous because the spaced-apart arrangement of the welding head and the wire feed device to each other, the inventively shaped welding wire guide track is made possible.

The welding apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention has a first end and a second end in the direction of extension of the axis of rotation, wherein the wire storage device is located closer to the first end than the second end and the welding head is closer to the second end is as to the first end. This embodiment is advantageous because, in particular in connection with the welding head arranged on different sides of the axis of rotation and the wire storage device, it allows a welding wire guide path without kinks and small radii, in particular without radii smaller than 15 cm.

The present invention further relates to an orbital welding apparatus according to claim 6. According to the invention, the orbital welding device comprises at least one wire storage device for providing welding wire, and a wire feeding device for conveying the welding wire to a welding head, wherein the welding wire is conveyed from the wire storing device to the welding head such that the welding wire between the wire storing device and the welding head is less than 360 °, in particular by less than 180 °, is twisted about its longitudinal axis and describes an at least partially curved path, wherein each bend of the web has a radius greater than or equal to 15 cm or greater than or equal to 16 cm or greater than or equal to 17 cm or greater or equal 18 cm or greater or equal to 19 cm or greater or equal to 20 cm or greater or equal to 21 cm or greater or equal to 22 cm or greater or equal to 23 cm or greater or equal to 24 cm or greater or equal to 25 cm.

The orbital welding device preferably has a frame part for arranging one or more functional devices. Additionally or alternatively, the orbital welding device preferably has a chassis for coupling to a guide band, wherein in an operating state, the guide band is preferably attached to a tube, the guide band enclosing the tube in the circumferential direction and the guide band extends in the axial direction such that it overlaps the tube at least in sections, wherein the chassis is designed such that the travel of the welding device extends along the circumferential direction of the guide band. Additionally or alternatively, the orbital welding device preferably has a connection device for connecting at least one supply line. Furthermore, the welding head is preferably connected via a feed line to the connection device. Additionally or alternatively, the orbital welding device preferably has at least one drive device, wherein the drive device for moving the welding device can be brought into contact with the guide belt. Additionally or alternatively, the orbital welding device preferably has at least one wire storage device for providing welding wire.

The use of the words "substantially" preferably defines a deviation in the range of 1% -30%, in particular of 1% -20%, in particular of 1% -10, in all cases in which these words are used in the context of the present invention %, in particular from 1% -5%, in particular from 1% -2%, of the definition that would be given without the use of these words.

The objects of other patent applications filed by the same Applicant with the same receiving Office on the same filing date and relating to the field of welding apparatus are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Further advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of appended drawings, in which the device according to the invention is shown by way of example. Components or elements of the device according to the invention, which in the figures at least substantially coincide with respect to their function, can be identified here with the same reference numerals, these components or elements need not be quantified or explained in all figures.

Show:

1 a side view of a welding device according to the invention, and

2 a perspective view of the welding device according to the invention.

In 1 is a welding device according to the invention 1 , in particular an orbital welding device, shown. The welding device shown 1 has a frame part 2 preferably more than 50% and more preferably more than 70% or 75% or 80% or 85% or 90% or 95% of the circumference of the welding device 1 extends. The welding device 1 preferably includes a chassis 4 , by means of which the welding device 1 with a leader band 6 can be coupled. The leader band 6 is preferably made of metal and is on a pipe 10 attachable or on a pipe 10 fixable.

The reference number 11 indicates a connection device, to which a line (not shown) can be attached, via which preferably a fluid, in particular a gas, to a welding head 14 can be conveyed or conducted. The welding head 14 is preferably by means of a movement device 58 pivotable about at least one axis and preferably at least two axes and / or displaceable in at least one and preferably in at least two directions. The reference number 13 indicates a further connection device. The further connection device 13 is preferred on the welding head 14 arranged, in particular at one of an outlet of the welding head 14 spaced inlet of the welding head 14 , Preferred is the connection device 13 a conduit element 37 for conducting a welding wire with the welding head 14 coupled. The pipe element 37 is with his to the welding head 14 spaced end preferably via a connecting element 19 with a wire feed device 16 coupled. One by means of the wire feed device 16 moving welding wire is thus through the conduit element 37 from the wire feeder 16 to the welding head 14 conveyed. The pipe element 17 extends at least in the image plane preferably on a curve without a geometric inflection point. The wire feeder 16 preferably has a drive for effecting the wire feed. Furthermore, the wire feed device comprises 16 an adjustment 28 for setting a wire feed parameter. The welding wire is preferably on a Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung 36 maintained. The wire storage device 36 is preferably rotatable, in particular about an axis of rotation R (see. 2 ) stored. The welding wire of the wire storage device 36 is preferred by the Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung 36 unwound while using the wire feed device 36 over the pipe element 37 to the welding head 14 promoted.

Furthermore, the reference numeral 15 a drive device, in particular a motor and a drive wheel coupled thereto, for moving the welding device according to the invention 1 along the guide band 6 includes. In an operating state is the leader tape 6 thus preferably on a pipe 10 attached and enclosing the tube 10 in the circumferential direction, with the landing gear 4 is preferably designed such that the Traverse path of the welding device 1 extends along the circumferential direction of the guide band.

2 shows a perspective view of the welding device according to the invention 1 , The welding device 1 has a frame part 2 for arranging one or more functional devices. As functional devices can in this case z. As actuator / s, control device / s, setting / s and / or storage device / s, as the wire storage device 36 for picking up welding wire. Further shows 2 a connection device 11 for connecting the supply line and with the connection device 11 connected welding head 14 , The welding wire is preferably so from the Drahtbeforratungseinrichtung 36 to the welding head 14 promoted that the welding wire between the Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung 36 and the welding head 14 is twisted by less than 360 °, in particular by less than 180 °, about its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis and describes an at least partially curved path, wherein each bend of the path has a radius which is greater than 15 cm.

The wire feeder 16 on the one hand the axis of rotation R of Drahtbevorratungseinrichtung 36 in the range of a first share 50 of the frame part 2 , in particular above the first portion 50 of the frame part 2 arranged. The wire feed device is preferred 16 in the radial direction of the wire storage device 36 laterally beside and / or above the wire storage device 36 arranged. The welding head 14 is particularly preferred on the other hand, the rotation axis R of the wire storage device 36 in the range of a second share 52 of the frame part 2 , in particular in a recess of the frame part 2 arranged. The welding device 1 preferably has a first end in the direction of extension of the axis of rotation R. 54 and a second end 56 on, wherein the wire storage device 36 closer to the first end 54 towards the second end 56 and the welding head 14 is closer to the second end 56 towards the first end 54 , The welding head 14 and the wire storage device 36 are thus preferred in the longitudinal direction and / or in the width direction of the welding device 1 arranged eccentrically.

The axis of rotation of the wire storage device 36 is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the welding device according to the invention 1 and / or parallel to the direction of travel of the welding device 1 aligned.

The wire storage device 36 is preferably designed for receiving a coil, wherein the coil is rotatably mounted, wherein the axis of rotation R of the coil particularly preferably parallel to the travel of the welding device 1 is aligned.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

welder

2

frame part

4

landing gear

6

guide band

10

pipe

11

connecting device

13

further connection device

14

welding head

15

driving means

16

Wire feeder

19

connecting element

28

adjustment

36

Wire stocker

37

line element

50

first framework share

52

second framework share

54

first end

56

second end

58

mover

R

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5676857 A [0003, 0003, 0003]
• EP 1100645 B1 [0004]
• US 5932123 A [0005]
• US 4132338 A [0005]

Claims (6)

Welding device ( 1 ), at least comprising a chassis ( 4 ) for coupling to a leader band ( 6 ), a connection device ( 11 ) for connecting at least one supply line, one with the connection device ( 11 ) via the supply line connected welding head ( 14 ), at least one drive device ( 15 ), wherein the drive device ( 15 ) for moving the welding device ( 1 ) in an operating state with the guide band ( 6 ), at least one wire storage device ( 36 ) for providing welding wire, and a wire feeding device ( 16 ) for conveying the welding wire to the welding head ( 14 ), wherein the welding wire is so from the wire storage device ( 36 ) to the welding head ( 14 ), that the welding wire between the wire storage device ( 36 ) and the welding head ( 14 ) is twisted less than 360 ° about its longitudinal axis and describes an at least partially curved path, wherein each bend of the web has a radius which is greater than 15 cm. Welding device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that between the wire feed device ( 16 ) and the welding head ( 14 ) curve is a second order curve. Welding device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wire storage device ( 36 ) is formed for receiving a coil, wherein the coil is rotatably mounted, wherein the axis of rotation (R) of the coil parallel to the travel of the welding device ( 1 ) is aligned. Welding device ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that a frame part ( 2 ) is provided for arranging one or more functional devices, wherein the wire feed device ( 16 ) on the one hand the axis of rotation (R) of the wire storage device ( 36 ) in the range of a first share ( 50 ) of the frame part ( 2 ), in particular above the first fraction ( 50 ) of the frame part ( 2 ), and the welding head ( 14 ) On the other hand, the rotation axis (R) of the wire storage device ( 36 ) in the range of a second share ( 52 ) of the frame part ( 2 ), in particular in a recess of the frame part ( 2 ) is arranged. Welding device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the welding device ( 1 ) in the direction of extension of the axis of rotation (R) a first end ( 54 ) and a second end ( 56 ), wherein the wire storage device ( 36 ) closer to the first end ( 54 ) than to the second end ( 56 ) and the welding head ( 14 ) closer to the second end ( 56 ) than to the first end ( 54 ). Orbital welding device ( 1 ), at least comprising a wire storage device ( 36 ) for providing welding wire, and a wire feeding device ( 16 ) for conveying the welding wire to a welding head ( 14 ), wherein the welding wire is so from the wire storage device ( 36 ) to the welding head ( 14 ), that the welding wire between the wire storage device ( 36 ) and the welding head ( 14 ) is twisted by less than 360 ° about its longitudinal axis and describes an at least partially curved path, wherein each bend of the track has a radius greater than 15 cm.

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