JP7147302B2 - Thermal processing system and thermal processing torch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal processing system for thermal processing and a thermal processing torch.

Consumable electrode welding systems are usually separated into a welding power supply that is heavy and therefore not moved, and a wire feeder and welding torch that are carried by the welder as the weld location is changed. A welding torch is provided with a torch switch, and an operator operates the torch switch to instruct the welding power supply to start and stop supplying welding power. The welding power supply starts and stops supplying welding power according to the operation of the torch switch. In addition, the welding power supply instructs the supply of shield gas for welding and the feeding of welding wire in accordance with the operation of the torch switch. Therefore, even if the operator is away from the welding power supply, he can instruct the welding power supply to start and stop welding by operating the torch switch of the welding torch.

FIG. 14 is a state transition diagram showing transition to each state of the welding power supply. The welding power supply transitions to the weldable state when the main power supply is turned on, and exits the weldable state when the main power supply is turned off. The welding power supply transitions from the weldable state to the welding state when the torch switch is turned on by pressing the torch switch, and from the welding state to the weldable state when the torch switch is turned off by releasing the press. Transition. The welding state is a state in which welding is being performed, and the weldable state is a state in which transition to the welding state is possible.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing each operation sequence in the welding system. When the torch switch is turned on, the welding power supply first instructs the supply of shielding gas, and then instructs the welding wire to be fed and starts supplying electric power. As a result, an arc is generated between the welding torch and the workpiece to start arc welding. When the torch switch is turned off, the welding power supply first stops feeding the welding wire and stops supplying power. This stops arc welding. Then, the welding power supply stops the supply of the shielding gas.

JP 2015-136708 A

For example, when welding a large structure, a worker connects the welding power supply and the wire feeder with a long cable, and repeats welding and movement to perform the work. When the welding of the welding point is completed, the worker carries the wire feeder and the welding torch and moves to the next welding point. When moving while the welding power supply is ready for welding, it is necessary to carefully carry the wire feeder, welding torch and cable so as not to accidentally press the torch switch of the welding torch during movement. Therefore, a psychological burden is imposed on the worker. On the other hand, if you carry the wire feeder, welding torch and cable after turning off the main power supply of the welding power supply and canceling the welding possible state, even if you accidentally press the torch switch of the welding torch while moving. , the welding power supply will not supply power. However, before moving, it moves to the welding power source to turn off the main power of the welding power source, and after moving to the welding location, it moves to the welding power source to turn on the main power of the welding power source. There is a need. Therefore, work efficiency is lowered.

As a method for solving this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a welding torch provided with a malfunction prevention switch. The welding system operates only when both the torch switch and the malfunction prevention switch are turned on. Therefore, even if the welding torch switch is pressed by mistake during movement, the welding system will not operate unless the malfunction prevention switch is turned on.

However, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to newly add a switch only for preventing malfunction to the welding torch. This complicates the structure of the welding torch and increases manufacturing costs. The problem of erroneous operation of the torch switch is not limited to welding systems, but is also a problem in thermal processing systems such as arc cutting systems.

The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a thermal processing system and a thermal processing torch that can solve the problem of erroneous operation of the torch switch during transportation. .

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

A thermal processing system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a thermal processing system comprising a power supply device and a thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing with power supplied from the power source device, wherein the thermal processing The torch has a torch switch that is operated to instruct the power supply to start and stop power supply, is arranged outside the power supply, and is capable of receiving instructions by operating the torch switch. and an operation unit that is operated for switching to a prohibited state that does not accept the request, and for switching from the prohibited state to the enabled state.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing system further comprises a display section arranged in addition to the power supply and displaying the prohibited state.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing torch includes the operation section and the display section.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing system further includes a remote control device for operating the power supply device, and the remote control device includes the operation section and the display section.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing system further includes a wire feeding device that feeds a wire to the thermal processing torch, and the wire feeding device comprises the operation section and the display. have a department.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the power supply device is in the prohibited state, even if an instruction is input by operating the torch switch, the instruction is not executed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing torch does not output an instruction by operating the torch switch to the power supply device when in the prohibited state.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing system performs arc heat welding.

A thermal processing torch provided by a second aspect of the present invention is a thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing by being supplied with power from a power supply, and instructs the power supply to start and stop power supply. and a torch switch operated for switching from a possible state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch is output to the power supply device to a prohibited state in which output is not performed, and for switching from the prohibited state to the possible state. and a display unit for displaying the prohibited state.

According to the present invention, the thermal processing system can be switched between a possible state of accepting an instruction by operating the torch switch and a prohibited state of not accepting the instruction. Therefore, by switching the thermal processing system to the prohibited state when moving the welding location, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the torch switch when moving. Further, an operation unit that is operated for switching is arranged other than the power supply device. Therefore, the operator does not need to move to the power supply for switching between the enabled state and the prohibited state.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure for demonstrating the welding system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows a whole structure, (b) is a block diagram which shows a functional structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the external appearance of an example of the welding torch which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view. FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing transitions to respective states of the welding power source apparatus according to the first embodiment; (a) is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for outputting a prohibition command, and (b) is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for outputting a prohibition release command. 4 is a flowchart for explaining state transition processing according to the first embodiment; 5 is an example of a timing chart showing each operation sequence in the welding system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram showing transitions to respective states of the welding power source apparatus according to the second embodiment; 9 is a flowchart for explaining state transition processing according to the second embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the welding system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the welding system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the welding system which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the welding system which concerns on 6th Embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system according to a seventh embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram showing transitions to respective states of a conventional welding power supply; It is an example of a timing chart showing each operation sequence in a conventional welding system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a welding system A1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the welding system A1. FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the welding system A1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the welding system A1 includes a welding power supply 1, a wire feeder 2, a welding torch 3, power cables 41 and 42, a power transmission line 5, a communication line 8, a gas cylinder 6, and a gas pipe 7. Prepare. In this embodiment, the welding system A1 corresponds to the "thermal processing system" of the present invention, the welding torch 3 corresponds to the "thermal processing torch" of the present invention, and the welding power supply 1 corresponds to the "power supply" of the present invention. Equivalent to One output terminal of welding power supply 1 is connected to welding torch 3 via power cable 41 . The wire feeder 2 feeds the welding wire to the welding torch 3 to project the tip of the welding wire from the tip of the welding torch 3 . The power cable 41 and the welding wire are electrically connected at the contact tip arranged at the tip of the welding torch 3 . The other output terminal of welding power supply 1 is connected to workpiece W via power cable 42 . The welding power supply 1 generates an arc between the tip of the welding wire protruding from the tip of the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and supplies power to the arc. The welding system A1 welds the workpiece W with the heat of the arc.

In welding system A1, welding power supply 1, wire feeder 2 and welding torch 3 communicate with each other. Welding power supply 1 and wire feeder 2 communicate with each other via communication line 8 . Further, the wire feeding device 2 and the welding torch 3 communicate with each other via a communication line (not shown) provided inside the torch cable 39 . Welding torch 3 and welding power supply 1 communicate with each other through wire feeder 2 . Welding torch 3 and welding power supply 1 may communicate directly. Further, the communication method is not limited, and may be power line carrier communication using the power transmission line 5 or power cables 41 and 42, or may be wireless communication. Further, information transmission between the welding power supply 1, the wire feeder 2 and the welding torch 3 may be performed by voltage or current levels or pulses via control lines.

Welding system A1 uses a shielding gas during welding. The shielding gas from the gas cylinder 6 is supplied to the tip of the welding torch 3 through the gas pipe 7 provided so as to pass through the wire feeder 2 . Electric power (for example, 24 V DC) for driving a feed motor or the like is supplied from the welding power supply 1 to the wire feeder 2 via a power transmission line 5 . Also, the welding power supply 1 and the wire feeder 2 communicate with each other via a communication line 8 . Note that the communication line 8 can be omitted when power line carrier communication is performed using the power transmission line 5 . Also, the welding system A1 may be configured to circulate cooling water to the welding torch 3 .

The welding power supply 1 supplies electric power for arc welding to the welding torch 3 . As shown in FIG. 1B, the welding power supply 1 includes a power supply section 11, a communication section 13 and a control section 14 as functional blocks.

The power supply unit 11 converts three-phase AC power input from the power system P into power suitable for arc welding and outputs the power. Also, the power supply unit 11 converts the three-phase AC power input from the power system P into DC power for driving the feed motor of the wire feeder 2 and the like, and supplies the power to the wire via the power transmission line 5 . Output to the feeding device 2 .

The communication unit 13 is for communicating with the wire feeding device 2 . The communication section 13 transmits a signal input from the control section 14 to the wire feeding device 2 via the communication line 8 . The communication unit 13 also receives a signal input from the wire feeding device 2 via the communication line 8 and outputs the signal to the control unit 14 . As a communication standard, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) is used.

The control unit 14 controls the welding power supply 1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 14 controls the power supply unit 11 to output electric power according to the set welding conditions. The control unit 14 instructs the power supply unit 11 to start and stop power output in accordance with commands (a welding start command and a welding stop command, which will be described later) based on the operation of the torch switch input from the welding torch 3 . In addition, the control unit 14 instructs the wire feeder 2 to start and stop the supply of the shielding gas and the feeding of the welding wire in accordance with a command based on the operation of the torch switch. However, in the welding prohibited state, which will be described later, the control unit 14 does not start power output, supply of shielding gas, and supply of welding wire even if a command based on the operation of the torch switch is input. Details of the welding prohibited state will be described later.

The wire feeding device 2 feeds welding wire to the welding torch 3 . The welding wire is guided to the tip of the welding torch 3 through the torch cable 39 and the inside of the liner provided inside the welding torch 3 . The wire feeder 2 has a feed motor (not shown), and rotates the feed motor according to an instruction from the welding power supply 1 to feed the welding wire. The wire feeding device 2 also includes a gas solenoid valve (not shown), and by opening the gas solenoid valve in response to an instruction from the welding power supply 1, the shielding gas from the gas cylinder 6 is supplied to the welding torch 3. . The wire feeder 2 drives a feed motor and a gas solenoid valve with electric power supplied from the welding power supply 1 via the power transmission line 5 . This electric power is also supplied from the wire feeder 2 to the welding torch 3 via a power transmission line (not shown) provided inside the torch cable 39 .

The wire feeder 2 and welding torch 3 are connected by a torch cable 39 . The torch cable 39 is a cable connected to the proximal end of the welding torch 3, and the power cable 41, gas pipe 7, liner, power transmission line and communication line are arranged inside the cable.

The connector 21 is a connection terminal for connecting the welding torch 3 and the wire feeder 2 . For example, the connector 21 is a concave connection terminal, and by inserting a convex torch plug (not shown) provided at one end of the torch cable 39 of the welding torch 3, the welding torch 3 and the wire feeding device are connected. 2. Through this connector 21, the power cable 41, the gas pipe 7, the liner, the power transmission line 5 and the communication line 8 inside the wire feeder 2 are connected to the power cable 41 inside the torch cable 39 and the gas pipe 7, respectively. , liners, power transmission lines and communication lines.

The welding torch 3 welds the workpiece W with the welding power supplied from the welding power supply 1 . As shown in FIG. 1B, the welding torch 3 includes a communication section 31, a display section 32, an operation section 33, and a control section 36 as functional blocks.

The communication section 31 is for communicating with the wire feeding device 2 . The communication section 31 transmits a signal input from the control section 36 to the wire feeding device 2 via a communication line inside the torch cable 39 . The communication unit 31 also receives a signal input from the wire feeding device 2 via the communication line inside the torch cable 39 and outputs the signal to the control unit 36 . For example, CAN is used as a communication standard.

The display unit 32 performs various displays, and includes a display 321 (described later) that is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 36 and displays various information.

The operation unit 33 includes a plurality of operation means, and outputs the operation of each operation means by the operator to the control unit 36 as an operation signal. As operation means, there are a torch switch 331 and an operation button 332, as will be described later. Note that the operation unit 33 may be provided with other operation means.

The control unit 36 controls the welding torch 3 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 36 performs predetermined processing according to operation signals input from the operation unit 33 . Also, the control unit 36 controls communication by the communication unit 31 and display on the display unit 32 .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of an example of the welding torch 3. As shown in FIG. 1A is a front view, and FIG. 1B is a plan view. As shown in FIG. 2, the welding torch 3 includes a torch body 37, a handle 38, a torch switch 331, an operating button 332, a display 321, and a torch cable 39.

The torch body 37 is a cylindrical member made of metal, and has a liner through which a welding cable is inserted, the power cable 41, and the gas pipe 7 are arranged inside. A nozzle 371 is attached to the tip of the torch body 37 . The torch body 37 has a curved portion so that the operator can easily direct the nozzle 371 toward the workpiece W. As shown in FIG.

The handle 38 is a part to be gripped by an operator, and is provided to hold the base end of the torch body 37 . A worker grips this handle 38 and performs welding work. A torch switch 331 , an operation button 332 and a display 321 are arranged on the handle 38 . A control board (not shown) is arranged inside the handle 38 . Circuits forming the communication unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, and the control unit 36 are mounted on the control board.

The torch switch 331 is an operation means for accepting a welding start/stop operation, and is arranged at a position where the worker holding the handle 38 can easily push it with his or her index finger. When the torch switch 331 is turned on (pressed), an operation signal is output to the control unit 36, and a welding start command based on the operation is input to the welding power supply 1, whereby the welding power supply 1 starts welding. . Specifically, the welding power supply 1 first instructs the supply of shielding gas, and then instructs the feeding of the welding wire and starts the supply of electric power. As a result, an arc is generated between the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and arc welding is started. In addition, when the ON operation is canceled (OFF operation), an operation signal is output to the control unit 36, and a welding stop command based on the operation is input to the welding power source device 1, thereby causing the welding power source device 1 to: Stop welding. Specifically, the welding power supply 1 first stops feeding the welding wire and stops the supply of electric power. This stops arc welding. Then, the welding power supply 1 stops the supply of the shielding gas. That is, welding is performed only while the torch switch 331 is pressed.

The display 321 displays various information, and is arranged on the opposite side of the handle 38 from the torch switch 331 so that the operator who holds the handle 38 and performs welding can easily see the screen.

The operation button 332 is an operation means for performing operations for switching screens and changing various setting values, and is arranged between the grip portion of the handle 38 and the display 321 on the same side of the handle 38 as the display 321 . there is The operation buttons 332 consist of an upper button 332a, a lower button 332b, a left button 332c, and a right button 332d. When each button 332a to 332d is pressed, a corresponding operation signal is output to the control section 36, and the control section 36 performs corresponding processing. Each button 332 a to 332 d is an operation means for switching screens displayed on the display 321 and changing setting values displayed on the display 321 . In this embodiment, the right button 332d also functions as an operation means (enter key) for instructing input.

Note that the appearance of the welding torch 3 is not limited to that described above. For example, the locations and shapes of the torch switch 331, the operation button 332, and the display 321 are not limited. Also, in this embodiment, the operation buttons 332 are four independent buttons, but they may be one cross button. Also, the number of buttons is not limited.

Next, the welding prohibited state will be described.

FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram showing transition to each state of welding power supply 1. As shown in FIG. Welding power supply 1 transitions to the weldable state when the main power supply is turned on, and exits the weldable state when the main power supply is turned off. Welding power supply 1 transitions from the weldable state to the welding state by inputting a welding start command by turning on torch switch 331, and inputting a welding stop command by turning off torch switch 331. , the welding state is changed to the weldable state. The welding state is a state in which welding is being performed, and the weldable state is a state in which transition to the welding state is possible. The weldable state is a state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is accepted. Welding power supply 1 transitions from the welding enabled state to the welding prohibited state when a prohibition command is input by operating the operation means of operation unit 33 , and the prohibition release command is issued by operating the operation means of operation unit 33 . By inputting, the state is changed from the welding prohibited state to the welding possible state. The welding prohibited state is a state in which a transition to a weldable state is possible, and a state in which a direct transition to the welding state is not possible. Therefore, the welding prohibited state is a state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is not accepted. The weldable state corresponds to the "possible state" of the present invention, and the welding prohibited state corresponds to the "prohibited state" of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for welding torch 3 to output a prohibition command to welding power supply 1. FIG. FIG. 4A shows a menu screen displayed on the display 321 and operation buttons 332 . A plurality of options are displayed on the menu screen, and the operator presses the up button 332a or the down button 332b to move the cursor, and presses the right button 332d to select a desired option. can do. When the operator selects the option "prohibit welding" on the menu screen, the welding torch 3 outputs a prohibition command to the welding power supply 1, and displays a welding prohibition mode screen (see FIG. 4B described later) on the display 321. ). This display may be performed when a signal indicating that the prohibition command has been received from welding power supply 1 is received. Also, the operation for outputting the prohibition command is not limited to this.

FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation for welding torch 3 to output a prohibition release command to welding power supply 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4B shows a welding prohibition mode screen displayed on display 321 and operation buttons 332 . The welding prohibition mode screen is a screen that is displayed when the welding prohibition state is set. (description in the lower part of the display 321) for (transition to the weldable state). FIG. 4B simply shows that both the upper button 332a and the lower button 332b are pressed simultaneously for 3 seconds. The welding prohibition mode screen may display a more specific operation method, or may not display an operation method for canceling. When the operator simultaneously presses both the upper button 332 a and the lower button 332 b for 3 seconds, the welding torch 3 outputs a prohibition release command to the welding power supply 1 and displays a menu screen on the display 321 . This display may be performed when a signal indicating that the prohibition release command has been received from welding power supply 1 is received. Further, the operation for outputting the prohibition release command is not limited to this. However, if a prohibition cancellation command is output by a simple operation, the welding possible state is entered and an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is accepted. Therefore, it is desirable that the operation for outputting the prohibition release command should be an operation that cannot occur easily (for example, pressing multiple buttons at the same time, holding the buttons in a pressed state for several seconds, or a combination thereof). . The operation for outputting the prohibition command and the operation for outputting the prohibition release command may be the same operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining state transition processing performed by control unit 14 of welding power supply 1 . The process is started when the main power supply of welding power supply 1 is turned on.

First, processing for activation is performed (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not the main power supply is turned off (S2). If the main power supply is not turned off (S2: NO), it is determined whether or not the torch switch 331 has been turned on (S3). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a welding start command has been input from the welding torch 3 . If the torch switch 331 has not been turned on (S3: NO), it is determined whether or not a prohibition command has been input from the welding torch 3 (S4). The prohibition command is input when the operation means of the welding torch 3 is operated in a predetermined manner (for example, see FIG. 4(a)). If no prohibition command has been input (S4: NO), the process returns to step S2, and the determinations of steps S2 to S4 are repeated. This state is the weldable state.

In step S3, when the torch switch 331 is turned on (S3: YES), welding start processing is performed (S5). The welding start process is a process for starting welding, and more specifically, an instruction to supply shield gas and welding wire to the wire feeder 2 and an instruction to supply electric power to the power supply unit 11. contains. As a result, the welding torch 3 is supplied with a shielding gas, a welding wire, and electric power, thereby starting arc welding. Next, it is determined whether or not the torch switch 331 has been turned off (S6). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a welding stop command has been input from the welding torch 3 . If the torch switch 331 has not been turned off (S6: NO), the process returns to step S6 and the determination of step S6 is repeated. This state is the welding state. In step S6, when the torch switch 331 is turned off (S6: YES), welding stop processing is performed (S7), and the process returns to step S2. The welding stop process is a process for stopping welding. stop instructions. As a result, the supply of welding wire to the welding torch 3 is stopped, the supply of electric power is stopped, and the supply of shielding gas is stopped. This stops arc welding.

In step S4, if a prohibition command has been input (S4: YES), it is determined whether or not a prohibition release command has been input from the welding torch 3 (S8). The prohibition release command is input by performing a predetermined operation (for example, see FIG. 4B) on the operating means of the welding torch 3 . If the prohibition release command has not been input (S8: NO), the process returns to step S8, and the determination of step S8 is repeated. This state is the welding prohibited state. In this state (step S8), even if the torch switch 331 is turned on, the process does not proceed to step S5. In step S8, if a prohibition release command is input (S8: YES), the process returns to step S2.

In step S2, if the main power supply is turned off (S2: YES), the state transition process ends. Note that the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is an example, and the state transition processing performed by the control unit 14 is not limited to the above.

Next, the operation of welding system A1 will be described.

FIG. 6 is an example of a timing chart showing each operation sequence in welding system A1. 3(a) shows a prohibition command output from the welding torch 3 to the welding power source 1, and FIG. FIG. 1(c) shows the transition state of the welding power supply 1. As shown in FIG. 4D shows the state of the torch switch 331. FIG. FIG. 3(e) shows the shielding gas supply state, FIG. 3(f) shows the welding wire feeding state, and FIG. 3(g) shows the welding power supply state. The figure (h) shows the state of the arc discharge. The vertical and horizontal axes of waveform diagrams and timing charts referred to in this specification are enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding, and each waveform shown is also simplified for ease of understanding. or exaggerated or emphasized.

After completing the welding work at the welding location, the operator performs a predetermined operation for outputting a prohibition command to the operating means of the welding torch 3 before moving to the next welding location. As a result, at time t1, a prohibition command is output (see FIG. 6(a)), and the welding power supply 1 transitions to the welding prohibition state (see FIG. 6(c)). Thereafter, from time t2 to time t3, the worker mistakenly presses the torch switch 331 while moving (see FIG. 6(d)). However, since the transition state of welding power supply 1 is the welding prohibited state, welding power supply 1 does not accept the operation of torch switch 331 . Therefore, the welding torch 3 is not supplied with electric power (nor welding wire and shield gas).

The operator who has moved to the next welding location performs a predetermined operation on the operating means of the welding torch 3 to output a prohibition release command. As a result, at time t4, a prohibition cancellation command is output (see FIG. 6(b)), and the welding power supply 1 is in the weldable state (see FIG. 6(c)). After that, at time t5, when the operator turns on the torch switch 331 (see FIG. 6(d)), the welding power supply 1 first outputs an instruction to the wire feeder 2 to open the gas solenoid valve. . As a result, the gas electromagnetic valve is opened to supply the shielding gas to the welding torch 3 (see FIG. 6(e)). Subsequently, the welding power supply 1 outputs an instruction to the wire feeder 2 to rotate the feed motor. As a result, the feed motor rotates and the welding wire is fed to the welding torch 3 (see FIG. 6(f)). Almost at the same time, welding power supply 1 outputs welding power and starts supplying power to welding torch 3 (see FIG. 6(g)). As a result, an arc is generated between the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and arc welding is started (see FIG. 6(h)).

Then, at time t6, the operator turns off the torch switch 331 (see FIG. 6(d)), and the welding power supply 1 first instructs the wire feeder 2 to stop the rotation of the feed motor. Output. As a result, the feed motor stops rotating, and the feeding of the welding wire to the welding torch 3 stops (see FIG. 6(f)). Subsequently, the welding power supply 1 stops outputting welding power and stops supplying power to the welding torch 3 (see FIG. 6(g)). As a result, the arc is extinguished and arc welding is stopped (see FIG. 6(h)). Subsequently, the welding power supply 1 outputs an instruction to the wire feeder 2 to close the gas solenoid valve. As a result, the gas electromagnetic valve is closed and the supply of shielding gas to the welding torch 3 is stopped (see FIG. 6(e)). The timing of switching the state of the torch switch 331 (see FIG. 6(d)), the start and stop of shield gas supply (see FIG. 6(e)), the start and stop of welding wire feed (see FIG. 6 ( f)) and the timing of starting and stopping the supply of welding power (see FIG. 6(g)) are not limited to the timing chart shown in FIG. These timings differ depending on welding conditions and welding methods.

Next, the effects of the welding system A1 will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the welding power supply 1 has a weldable state in which it can transition to the welding state in response to an instruction by operating the torch switch 331, and a state in which it does not receive an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 and directly transitions to the welding state. It can be switched between welding prohibited state and non-weldable state. Therefore, by switching the welding power supply 1 to the welding prohibited state when moving the welding location, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the torch switch 331 when moving. In addition, the welding power supply 1 switches between a weldable state and a welding prohibited state by operating the operating means of the welding torch 3 . Therefore, the operator does not need to move to welding power supply 1 to switch between the weldable state and the welding prohibited state. This eliminates the psychological burden on the worker and allows the worker to repeat welding and movement without lowering work efficiency.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the operation to switch between the weldable state and the welding prohibited state is an operation using the operation means originally provided in the welding torch 3, and the new operation means for the switching is , no need to add. Therefore, the structure of the welding torch 3 is not complicated, and the manufacturing cost is not increased.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the display 321 (display unit 32) of the welding torch 3 displays a welding prohibition mode screen indicating this when the welding power supply 1 is in the welding prohibition state. As a result, the operator can recognize that the welding power supply 1 is in the welding prohibited state by looking at the display 321 of the welding torch 3, so there is no need to go to the welding power supply 1 to check the state. The welding prohibition mode screen also displays an operation method for canceling the welding prohibition state. Therefore, even if the operation method is complicated, it is possible to perform the operation without making a mistake by performing the operation while viewing the welding prohibition mode screen.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the welding prohibited state in welding power source 1 is a state added by state transition processing performed by control unit 14 of welding power source 1 . Therefore, the welding system A1 can be realized by simply changing the software executed by the welding power supply in the conventional welding system, and there is no need to change the hardware.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which a command (a welding start command and a welding stop command) based on the operation of the torch switch is output from the welding torch 3 to the welding power supply 1 through communication via a communication line. is not limited to Torch switch 331 and welding power supply 1 may be connected by a control line, and the on/off operation of the torch switch may be transmitted by a change in the level of an electrical signal through the control line. Similarly, the welding power supply 1 and the feed motor or gas solenoid valve of the wire feeder 2 are connected by a control line, and the welding power supply 1 controls the feed motor or the gas solenoid valve through the control line. It may also be done by changing the level of the electrical signal through.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the welding torch 3 outputs a prohibition command and a prohibition cancellation command based on the operation of the operation button 332, but the present invention is not limited to this. The welding torch 3 may output the prohibition command and the prohibition cancellation command based on the operation of other operation means. For example, the operation unit 33 may include a dedicated operation button, and the control unit 36 may output a prohibition command and a prohibition release command based on pressing of the operation button. In addition, in order to prevent the output of the prohibition release command due to an erroneous operation, the operation for outputting the prohibition release command should be a long press (holding the pressed state for several seconds) or a double click operation (predetermined short time). It is desirable to use an operation that does not occur easily, such as an operation of pressing the button twice inward. Further, the control unit 36 may output the prohibition command and the prohibition release command based on the operation of the torch switch. In this case, the operation must be distinguishable from the operation for starting welding by the control unit 36 . Examples of the operation for distinguishing from the welding start operation include a double-click operation of the torch switch as an operation for outputting the prohibition command, and a triple-click operation of the torch switch as an operation for outputting the prohibition release command. be.

7-13 show another embodiment of the invention. In these figures, the same or similar elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment.

[Second embodiment]
7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the welding system A2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram showing transitions of the welding torch 3 to each state. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining state transition processing. A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the welding system A2 according to the second embodiment is the same as the block diagram of the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1(b)).

The welding system A2 according to the second embodiment differs from the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the welding power supply 1 does not transition to the welding prohibited state, but the welding torch 3 transitions to the welding prohibited state. . Further, while the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment does not accept a welding start command from the welding torch 3 when in the welding prohibited state, the welding system A2 according to the second embodiment prohibits welding. In this state, the welding start command is not output to the welding power supply 1. - 特許庁Also in the welding system A2, the welding prohibited state is a state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is not accepted.

FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram showing transitions of the welding torch 3 to each state. The welding torch 3 transitions to the weldable state when the main power source is turned on, and is released from the weldable state when the main power source is turned off. Welding torch 3 outputs a welding start command to welding power supply 1 by turning on torch switch 331 (welding start operation), and transitions from the weldable state to the welding state. Welding torch 3 also outputs a welding stop command to welding power supply 1 by turning off torch switch 331 (welding stop operation), and transitions from the welding state to the weldable state. The welding state is a state in which welding is being performed, and the weldable state is a state in which transition to the welding state is possible. The weldable state is a state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is accepted. In addition, the welding torch 3 transitions from the weldable state to the welding prohibited state by inputting a prohibited operation (see, for example, FIG. 4A) by operating the operating means of the operating unit 33, and the operating unit 33 is operated. By inputting a prohibition canceling operation (see, for example, FIG. 4B) by operating the means, the welding prohibited state is changed to the weldable state. The welding prohibited state is a state in which a transition to a weldable state is possible, and a state in which a direct transition to the welding state is not possible. Therefore, the welding prohibited state is a state in which an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 is not accepted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining state transition processing performed by the controller 36 of the welding torch 3 . The processing is started when the main power source of the welding torch 3 is turned on.

First, processing for activation is performed (S11). Next, it is determined whether or not the main power supply is turned off (S12). If the main power supply is not turned off (S12: NO), it is determined whether or not the torch switch 331 has been turned on (S13). Specifically, it is determined whether or not an operation signal for turning on the torch switch 331 is input from the operation unit 33 . If the torch switch 331 has not been turned on (S13: NO), it is determined whether or not a prohibited operation has been input from the operation unit 33 (S14). If the prohibited operation has not been input (S14: NO), the process returns to step S12, and the determinations of steps S12 to S14 are repeated. This state is the weldable state.

In step S13, if torch switch 331 is turned on (S13: YES), a welding start command is output to welding power supply 1 (S15). When the welding start command is input, the welding power supply 1 performs a welding start process (specifically, an instruction to supply shield gas and welding wire to the wire feeder 2, and an instruction to supply power to the power supply unit 11). instructions). As a result, the welding torch 3 is supplied with a shielding gas, a welding wire, and electric power, thereby starting arc welding. Next, it is determined whether or not the torch switch 331 has been turned off (S16). Specifically, it is determined whether or not an operation signal for turning off the torch switch 331 has been input from the operation unit 33 . If the torch switch 331 has not been turned off (S16: NO), the process returns to step S16 and the determination of step S16 is repeated. This state is the welding state. In step S16, if torch switch 331 is turned off (S16: YES), a welding stop command is output to welding power supply 1 (S17), and the process returns to step S12. When the welding stop command is input, the welding power supply 1 performs welding stop processing (specifically, an instruction to stop the supply of shielding gas and welding wire to the wire feeder 2, and an instruction to stop the feeding of the welding wire to the power supply unit 11). power supply stop instruction). As a result, the supply of welding wire to the welding torch 3 is stopped, the supply of electric power is stopped, and the supply of shielding gas is stopped. This stops arc welding.

In step S14, if a prohibited operation has been input (S14: YES), it is determined whether or not a prohibition release operation has been input from the operation unit 33 (S18). If the prohibition release operation has not been input (S18: NO), the process returns to step S18, and the determination of step S18 is repeated. This state is the welding prohibited state. In this state (step S18), even if the torch switch 331 is turned on, the process does not proceed to step S15. In step S18, if a prohibition releasing operation is input (S18: YES), the process returns to step S12.

In step S12, if the main power supply is turned off (S12: YES), the state transition process ends. Note that the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is an example, and the state transition processing performed by the control unit 36 is not limited to the above.

According to the present embodiment, the welding torch 3 is in a weldable state in which it is possible to transition to the welding state in response to an instruction by operating the torch switch 331, and by not outputting an instruction by operating the torch switch 331 to the welding power supply 1. Switching is made between the welding prohibited state and the welding prohibited state, which cannot be directly changed to the welding state. Therefore, by switching the welding torch 3 to the welding prohibited state when moving the welding location, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the torch switch 331 when moving. In addition, the welding torch 3 switches between the weldable state and the welding inhibited state by operating the operating means of the welding torch 3. Therefore, the operator needs to switch between the weldable state and the welding inhibited state by switching the welding power source. There is no need to travel to device 1. This eliminates the psychological burden on the worker and allows the worker to repeat welding and movement without lowering work efficiency.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the welding prohibited state in the welding torch 3 is a state added by state transition processing performed by the control unit 36 of the welding torch 3 . Therefore, the welding system A2 can be obtained by simply changing the software executed by the welding torch in the conventional welding system, and no hardware change is required. Also, in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the other effects of the first embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system A3 according to the third embodiment.

The welding system A3 shown in FIG. 9 differs from the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the transition between the weldable state and the welding prohibited state is switched by hardware.

In the third embodiment, the torch switch 331 is connected to the control section 14 of the welding power supply 1 by a control line 81. As shown in FIG. The control unit 14 detects the on/off operation of the torch switch 331 via the control line 81 based on the level and pulse of the voltage and current. A switch 82 is arranged on a control line 81 arranged inside the welding power supply 1 . The control unit 14 closes the switch 82 in the weldable state, and opens the switch 82 in the welding prohibited state. Specifically, the control unit 14 opens the switch 82 when the prohibition command is input while the switch 82 is in the closed state (weldable state). Further, the control unit 14 closes the switch 82 when the prohibition cancellation command is input while the switch 82 is in the open state (welding prohibited state). As a result, the control unit 14 can detect the ON/OFF operation of the torch switch 331 when the welding is enabled (the switch 82 is closed), but when the welding is prohibited (the switch 82 is open), the torch switch 331 is detected. on/off operation cannot be detected. In other words, the welding power supply 1 according to the third embodiment implements a configuration for switching between the welding enabled state and the welding prohibited state by hardware.

Also in the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system A4 according to the fourth embodiment.

A welding system A4 shown in FIG. 10 differs from the welding system A2 according to the second embodiment in that the transition between the weldable state and the welding prohibited state is switched by hardware.

In the fourth embodiment, the torch switch 331 is connected to the control section 14 of the welding power supply 1 via the control line 81 . The control unit 14 detects the on/off operation of the torch switch 331 via the control line 81 based on the level and pulse of the voltage and current. A switch 83 is arranged on the control line 81 arranged inside the welding torch 3 . The control unit 36 closes the switch 83 in the weldable state, and opens the switch 83 in the welding prohibited state. Specifically, the control unit 36 opens the switch 83 when the prohibition command is input while the switch 83 is in the closed state (weldable state). Further, the control unit 36 closes the switch 83 when a prohibition release command is input while the switch 83 is open (welding prohibited state). As a result, the control unit 14 can detect the ON/OFF operation of the torch switch 331 when the welding is enabled (the switch 83 is closed), but when the welding is prohibited (the switch 83 is open), the torch switch 331 can be detected. on/off operation cannot be detected. That is, in the welding torch 3 according to the fourth embodiment, the configuration for switching between the weldable state and the welding prohibited state is realized by hardware in the welding torch 3 according to the second embodiment.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system A5 according to the fifth embodiment.

A welding system A5 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the wire feeder 2 is not provided. Welding system A5 is a non-consumable electrode type welding system that does not use a welding wire.

Welding power supply 1 and welding torch 3 are connected by torch cable 39 . The welding power supply 1 includes a connector 12 that is, for example, a concave connection terminal. Connector 12 connects welding torch 3 and welding power supply 1 by inserting a convex torch plug (not shown) provided at one end of torch cable 39 of welding torch 3 . Through this connector 12, the power cable 41, the gas pipe 7, the power transmission line 5 and the communication line 8 inside the welding power supply 1 are connected to the power cable 41 inside the torch cable 39, the gas pipe 7 and the power transmission line, respectively. connected to wires and communication lines. In this embodiment, the welding power supply 1 controls the supply of the shielding gas by a gas electromagnetic valve disposed inside, so the gas pipe 7 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the welding power supply 1 .

Also in the fifth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Sixth embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system A6 according to the sixth embodiment.

A welding system A6 shown in FIG. 12 is different from the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a remote control device 9 for remotely controlling the welding power supply 1. As shown in FIG.

A welding torch 3 ′ according to this embodiment is a simple welding torch that does not include a communication section 31 , a display section 32 , an operation section 33 and a control section 36 . The welding torch 3 ′ has a torch switch 331 (not shown), and transmits the on/off operation of the torch switch 331 to the welding power supply 1 via a control line (not shown) provided inside the torch cable 39 . Note that the welding torch 3 ′ may include a communication section 31 , a display section 32 , an operation section 33 and a control section 36 .

The remote control device 9 has the functions of the communication section 31, the display section 32, the operation section 33, and the control section 36 of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment. The communication unit 91, the display unit 92, the operation unit 93, and the control unit 96 of the remote control device 9 are respectively the communication unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, and the control unit 36 of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment. have a similar function. The communication method between the communication unit 13 and the communication unit 91 is not limited, and the communication may be performed by a directly connected communication line or may be performed via the wire feeding device 2 . Also, wireless communication may be used, or voltage or current levels or pulses may be used via a control line.

According to the sixth embodiment, even if the welding torch 3' does not have the operation part 33 and the like, the remote control device 9 has the operation part 93 and the like, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. can.

[Seventh embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a welding system A7 according to the seventh embodiment.

The welding system A7 shown in FIG. 13 includes a wire feeder 2′ having the functions of the communication unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, and the control unit 36 of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment. , different from the welding system A1 according to the first embodiment.

A welding torch 3' according to this embodiment is similar to the welding torch 3' according to the sixth embodiment. In addition to the functions of the wire feeding device 2 according to the first embodiment, the wire feeding device 2' includes the communication section 31, the display section 32, the operating section 33, and the control section 36 of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment. It has the function of The communication unit 24, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the control unit 26 of the wire feeding device 2' correspond to the communication unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, and the control unit of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment, respectively. It has the same function as 36.

According to the seventh embodiment, even if the welding torch 3' does not have the operation part 33 or the like, the wire feeding device 2' has the operation part 23 or the like, so that the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. be able to. In a welding system having a so-called push-pull feeding system including a wire feeding device and a pull feeder, the pull feeder, not the wire feeding device, is the communication unit 31 and the display unit of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment. 32 , an operation unit 33 , and a control unit 36 .

In the first to seventh embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a welding system (welding torch) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an arc cutting system (arc cutting torch) that cuts the workpiece W by an arc generated at the tip, an arc gouging system (arc gouging torch) that performs grooving on the workpiece W, and the like. can be applied. The present invention is also applicable to a thermal processing system (thermal processing torch) that performs thermal processing such as gas welding and resistance welding, without being limited to thermal processing using an arc.

The thermal processing system and thermal processing torch according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the thermal processing system and thermal processing torch according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7: Welding system (thermal processing system)
1: Welding power supply (power supply)
11: Power supply unit 12: Connector 13: Communication unit 14: Control units 2, 2': Wire feeding device 21: Connector 22: Display unit 23: Operation unit 24: Communication unit 26: Control units 3, 3': Welding torch (Torch for thermal processing)
31: communication unit 32: display unit 321: display 33: operation unit 331: torch switch 332: operation button 332a: upper button 332b: lower button 332c: left button 332d: right button 36: control unit 37: torch body 371: nozzle 38: Handle 39: Torch Cables 41, 42: Power Cable 5: Power Transmission Line 6: Gas Cylinder 7: Gas Pipe 8: Communication Line 81: Control Lines 82, 83: Switch 9: Remote Controller 91: Communication Unit 92: Display Part 93: Operation part 96: Control part P: Power system W: Workpiece

Claims (5)

A thermal processing system comprising a power supply device and a thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing by being supplied with power from the power source device,
The thermal processing torch includes a torch switch operated to instruct the power supply to start and stop power supply,
The torch switch is operated for switching from a possible state for accepting instructions to start and stop power supply by operating the torch switch to a prohibited state for not accepting instructions, and for switching from the prohibited state to the possible state. is ,
When the torch for thermal processing is in the prohibited state, the torch for thermal processing does not output to the power supply device instructions for starting and stopping power supply by operating the torch switch.
A thermal processing system characterized by: The thermal processing torch further comprises a display unit that displays the prohibited state,
The thermal processing system of claim 1. The operation for switching from the enabled state to the prohibited state is a double-click operation of the torch switch.
The thermal processing system according to claim 1 or 2. The operation for switching from the prohibited state to the enabled state is a triple-click operation of the torch switch,
A thermal processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing by being supplied with power from a power supply device,
A torch switch operated to instruct the power supply to start and stop power supply ,
The torch switch switches from a state in which it is possible to output an instruction to start and stop power supply to the power supply device by operating the torch switch to a prohibited state in which it is not output, and from the prohibited state to the possible state. operated for
A thermal processing torch characterized by:

Images