JP7545840B2 - Welding cable connection structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connection structure for a welding cable used in a welding robot in which a welding torch is supported at the tip of a manipulator.

In consumable electrode gas-shielded arc welding, a method of automatic welding using a welding robot is adopted. In a welding robot for automatic welding equipped with a manipulator such as an articulated robot, a welding torch is attached to the wrist at the tip of the manipulator. When welding is performed by the welding robot, welding wire is fed to the welding torch by a wire feeder mounted on the manipulator, and power and shielding gas are supplied to the welding torch.

The welding wire is fed to the welding torch, for example, via a single-wire power cable. For example, the base end of the single-wire power cable is connected to a wire feeder mounted at an appropriate position on the manipulator of the welding robot, and the base end of the single-wire power cable is supported by the manipulator via the wire feeder. The tip of the single-wire power cable is connected to the welding torch. The welding wire, welding power, and shielding gas are supplied to the welding torch via the single-wire power cable. Technology relating to such welding robots is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

In the above welding robot, a cooling medium such as cooling air is sent to the welding torch provided at the tip of the manipulator through a coolant flow path as necessary. This coolant flow path bypasses the connection part on the welding torch side of the tip of the single-wire power cable and is connected to a part close to the welding torch or to the welding torch. In addition, an additional wire feeder (pull side feeder) may be placed near the welding torch. In this case, a power line for supplying power to the welding torch and wire feeder, and a signal line related to the control of the wire feeder, etc. are connected to the wire feeder. The power line and signal line connected to the wire feeder (pull side feeder) are connected to the vicinity of the welding torch through a cable separate from the above single-wire power cable, bypassing the connection part on the welding torch side of the tip of the single-wire power cable.

The above-mentioned welding torch and the wire feeder (pull-side feeder) arranged nearby are assembled together to form a torch unit. When replacing the welding torch (torch unit) for maintenance or the like, the connection part of the single-wire power cable is separated, and the connection part of the coolant flow path and the connection parts of other cables are also separated. In this way, when replacing the torch unit, it is necessary to individually separate and reconnect the connection parts of the multiple cables, which makes it difficult to work.

JP 2004-306072 A

The present invention was conceived under these circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a welding cable connection structure suitable for improving workability when connecting and disconnecting multiple cables.

To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means:

The connection structure for a welding cable provided by the first aspect of the present invention comprises a first connector portion disposed at the tip of a welding cable whose base end is supported by a manipulator of a welding robot, and a second connector portion disposed at the base end of a torch unit having a welding torch disposed at its tip and detachably connected to the first connector portion, the torch unit being equipped with a drive portion which receives a power supply and operates, and the inside of the welding cable is provided with a power cable into which a welding wire is inserted and which supplies welding power, a refrigerant flow path through which a cooling medium passes, a power line which supplies power to the drive portion, and a signal line which transmits a signal related to the drive portion, the first connector portion being disposed at the center of the first connection surface when viewed in a direction along a first axis perpendicular to the first connection surface, a first power cable connection portion which is connected to the power cable, and an upper The first connector portion has a first refrigerant flow path connection portion connected to the refrigerant flow path, a first power line connection portion connected to the power line, and a first signal line connection portion connected to the signal line, each of which is arranged in a concentric first region centered on the first power cable connection portion when viewed along the first axis, and the second connector portion has a second connection surface that faces the first connection surface when connected to the first connector portion, a second power cable connection portion that is arranged in the center of the second connection surface when viewed along the second axis that is perpendicular to the first connection surface, and can be connected to the first power cable connection portion, and a second refrigerant flow path connection portion that can be connected to the first cooling hose connection portion, a second power line connection portion that can be connected to the first power line connection portion, and a second signal line connection portion that can be connected to the first signal line connection portion, each of which is arranged in a concentric second region centered on the second power cable connection portion when viewed along the second axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the refrigerant flow path includes an air hose through which cooling air passes and a water-cooled hose through which cooling water flows, the first refrigerant flow path connection includes a first air hose connection part connected to the air hose and a first water-cooled hose connection part connected to the water-cooled hose, and the second refrigerant flow path connection part includes a second air hose connection part that can be connected to the first air hose connection part and a second water-cooled hose connection part that can be connected to the first water-cooled hose connection part.

In a preferred embodiment, the first power line connection portion and the first signal line connection portion are disposed on the opposite side of the first water-cooled hose connection portion from the first power cable connection portion when viewed in a direction along the first axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the first connector portion includes a first support including the first support surface, the first support having a first thick portion in which the first refrigerant flow path connection portion is arranged and having a relatively large thickness in the direction along the first axis, and a first thin portion in which the first power line connection portion and the first signal line connection portion are arranged and having a relatively small thickness in the direction along the first axis, and the second connector portion includes a second support including the second support surface, the second support having a second thick portion in which the second refrigerant flow path connection portion is arranged and having a relatively large thickness in the direction along the second axis, and a second thin portion in which the second power line connection portion and the second signal line connection portion are arranged and having a relatively small thickness in the direction along the second axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the welding cable has a flexible cylindrical cable body, and the power cable, the refrigerant flow path, the power line, and the signal line are inserted into the cable body.

The welding cable for the welding robot provided by the second aspect of the present invention comprises a cable body whose base end is supported by the manipulator of the welding robot, and a first connector portion provided at the tip of the cable body, and the cable body has a power cable, a refrigerant flow path, a power line, and a signal line inserted therein, and the first connector portion has a first connection surface, a first power cable connection portion that is arranged at the center of the first connection surface when viewed in a direction along a first axis that is perpendicular to the first connection surface and connects to the power cable, and a first refrigerant flow path connection portion that is connected to the refrigerant flow path, a first power line connection portion that is connected to the power line, and a first signal line connection portion that is connected to the signal line, each of which is arranged in a concentric first region centered on the first power cable connection portion when viewed in a direction along the first axis.

According to the welding cable connection structure of the present invention, when replacing the welding torch (torch unit) for maintenance or the like, the connection parts of the power cable, the refrigerant flow path, the power line, and the signal line are connected or disconnected all at once by connecting or disconnecting the first connector part and the second connector part. Therefore, when replacing the torch unit, it is not necessary to individually connect or disconnect the connection parts of the multiple cables such as the power cable, the refrigerant flow path, the power line, and the signal line. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability when connecting and disconnecting the connection parts of the multiple cables arranged inside the welding cable.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is an overall view showing an example of a welding robot equipped with a welding cable connection structure according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state in which the torch unit is separated from the welding cable. 4 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a first connector portion disposed at a tip end of a welding cable. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the connection surface of the first connector portion; FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a second connector portion disposed at a base end of the torch unit, as viewed from the front of the connection surface. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a first connector portion and its surrounding area. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing a second connector portion and its surrounding area; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a connected state of a first connector portion and a second connector portion. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion showing a connected state of a first connector portion and a second connector portion. FIG. FIG. 11 shows a first modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, in which the first connector portion is viewed from the front of the connection surface. 13 is a view showing a first modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, showing the second connector portion as viewed from the front of the connection surface. FIG. FIG. 11 shows a second modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, in which the first connector portion is viewed from the front of the connection surface. FIG. 11 shows a second modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, in which the second connector portion is viewed from the front of the connection surface. FIG. 11 shows a third modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, in which the first connector portion is viewed from the front of the connection surface. FIG. 11 shows a third modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, in which the second connector portion is viewed from the front of the connection surface.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of a welding robot equipped with a welding cable connection structure according to the present invention, and is an overall view of the welding robot. The welding robot A1 shown in Figure 1 includes a manipulator 1, a welding cable 2, and a torch unit 3. The manipulator 1 is, for example, a multi-joint robot. The torch unit 3 is supported on the tip of the manipulator 1 via a bracket 11. When the manipulator 1 is driven, the torch unit 3 can move freely up and down, front and back, left and right within a specified working range. In addition, the torch unit 3 can be rotated around a specified axis Ox by a rotation mechanism provided on the tip of the manipulator 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the torch unit 3 includes a wire feeder 31, a welding torch 32, and a second connector portion 33. The welding torch 32 is disposed at the tip of the torch unit 3 and is used to perform automatic welding such as consumable electrode gas-shielded arc welding. The second connector portion 33 will be described in detail later.

The wire feeder 31 is interposed between the manipulator 1 and the welding torch 32, and feeds the welding wire supplied via the welding cable 2 toward a power feed tip (not shown) provided in the nozzle 321 at the tip of the welding torch 32. The welding wire is sent out from the opening at the tip of the nozzle 321. During welding work, welding power and shielding gas are supplied to the welding torch 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wire feeder 31 of this embodiment includes a motor 311 and a feed roller (not shown). The motor 311 is, for example, a servo motor, and receives power from a feed control device (not shown) to rotate the feed roller. A pressure roller is disposed between the feed roller and the welding wire, and when the feed roller is rotated, the welding wire is fed to the welding torch 32 side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wire feeder 31 is usually covered by a cover 312 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, with the cover 312 shown through), and the cover 312 can be opened during maintenance. The motor 311 corresponds to an example of a drive unit of the present invention. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the torch unit 3 includes necessary elements such as a shock sensor in addition to the wire feeder 31 and the welding torch 32. The wire feeder 31 of this embodiment is a so-called pull-side feeder. The system that performs arc welding using the welding robot A1 is equipped with another wire feeder (push side feeder) not shown.

The welding cable 2 accommodates various cables in addition to the welding wire, and includes a cable body 21, a first connector portion 22, a connection nut 231, and an end cover 232. The cable body 21 is made of, for example, a flexible synthetic resin tube. Although not shown in the drawings, the base end of the cable body 21 (welding cable 2) is supported at an appropriate position on the manipulator 1 via, for example, a connecting fitting or the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, various cables and the like are inserted into the cable body 21. In the figure, the cable body 21 is shown by a virtual line, and the cable body 21 is shown in a see-through manner. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the cable body 21 is shown by a virtual line. In this embodiment, a power cable 51, an air hose 52, a water-cooled hose 53, a power line 54, and a signal line 55 are inserted into the cable body 21. The power cable 51 is electrically connected to the welding torch 32 and is a supply path of welding power for arc welding. The welding power is supplied from the welding power supply device to the welding torch 32 via the power cable 51. In this embodiment, the power cable 51 is configured as a so-called one-wire power cable, and a coil liner 56 and a welding wire are inserted into the power cable 51. The welding wire is inserted into the coil liner 56 and is sent to the welding torch 32 while being guided by the coil liner 56. The power cable 51 also serves as a flow path for supplying shielding gas to the welding torch 32.

In this embodiment, the air hose 52 is a flow path for passing cooling air to cool the motor 311. In this embodiment, two air hoses 52 are arranged, one of which is a flow path for supplying cooling air to the motor 311, and the other is a flow path for passing air (exhaust air) returning from the motor 311. A motor cooling flow path (not shown) is formed on the outer periphery of the motor 311, and the cooling air supplied through the air hose 52 passes through the motor cooling flow path and is exhausted to the outside through the other air hose 52. The water-cooled hose 53 is a flow path for passing cooling water. Two water-cooled hoses 53 are arranged (only one is shown in FIG. 6), one of which is a water supply flow path for sending cooling water to the welding torch 32, and the other is a condensation flow path for passing water returning from the welding torch 32. The cooling air and cooling water are examples of cooling media for cooling the motor 311 and the welding torch 32. The air hose 52 and the water-cooled hose 53 each correspond to an example of a refrigerant flow path in the present invention.

The power line 54 transmits driving power for the wire feeder 31 (motor 311). The signal line 55 transmits signals related to the wire feeder 31 (motor 311). The welding power supply communicates with the torch unit 3 including the wire feeder 31 via the signal line 55. The welding power supply changes welding conditions and the like in response to signals input from the torch unit 3 (wire feeder 31 and welding torch 32) via the signal line 55. Examples of signals input from the signal line 55 include the encoder signal of the motor 311, a welding voltage detection signal, and a detection signal from a shock sensor. However, the input signals from the signal line 55 are not limited to those mentioned above.

The first connector portion 22 is disposed at the tip of the welding cable 2. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the first connector portion 22 has a first support 220, and a first power cable connection portion 24, a first air hose connection portion 25, a first water-cooled hose connection portion 26, a first power line connection portion 27, and a first signal line connection portion 28, each of which is disposed on the first support 220.

The first support 220 is made of a metal such as copper, stainless steel, or brass. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the first support 220 has a first connection surface 221, a first thick portion 222, a first thin portion 223, and a cylindrical protrusion 224. The first connection surface 221 is a flat surface located at the end of the first support 220 and has a circular shape.

The first thick portion 222 is a portion that is relatively thick in the direction along the first axis O1 that is perpendicular to the first connection surface 221. In this embodiment, the first thick portion 222 is approximately semi-cylindrical. The first thin portion 223 is a portion that is relatively thin in the direction along the first axis O1. The first thin portion 223 is formed by the remaining portion of the first support 220 that is different from the first thick portion 222, and is approximately semi-cylindrical.

The cylindrical protrusion 224 protrudes from the first support 220 on the side opposite the first connection surface 221, and is located at the center of the first connection surface 221 when viewed along the first axis O1. An end of the power cable 51 is fixed to this cylindrical protrusion 224.

As shown in Figures 4, 6, 8, and 9, the first power cable connection portion 24 is disposed at the center of the first connection surface 221 when viewed in the direction along the first axis O1, and is a concave connection portion recessed from the first connection surface 221. The first power cable connection portion 24 is connected to the power cable 51.

As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the first air hose connection portion 25, the first water cooling hose connection portion 26, the first power line connection portion 27, and the first signal line connection portion 28 are each arranged in a concentric first region 225 centered on the first power cable connection portion 24 when viewed in a direction along the first axis O1.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the first air hose connection part 25 is connected to the air hose 52 and is a concave connection part recessed from the first connection surface 221. In this embodiment, a pair of first air hose connection parts 25 each connected to the two air hoses 52 are arranged on the first support body 220 (first connector part 22). As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the first water-cooled hose connection part 26 is connected to the water-cooled hose 53 and is a concave connection part recessed from the first connection surface 221. In this embodiment, a pair of first water-cooled hose connection parts 26 each connected to the two water-cooled hoses 53 are arranged on the first support body 220 (first connector part 22). The first air hose connection part 25 and the first water-cooled hose connection part 26 each correspond to an example of a first refrigerant flow path connection part of the present invention. As can be seen from Figures 6, 8, and 9, the pair of first air hose connection parts 25 and the pair of first water cooling hose connection parts 26 are disposed in the first thick portion 222.

The first power line connection part 27 is connected to the power line 54, and in this embodiment, is configured, for example, by a general-purpose connector terminal. The first power line connection part 27 is configured with multiple metal pins standing on an insulating member made of synthetic resin, and is disposed in a receiving recess recessed from the first connection surface 221, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8.

The first signal line connection portion 28 is connected to the signal line 55, and in this embodiment, is configured, for example, by a general-purpose connector terminal. The first signal line connection portion 28 is configured with multiple metal pins standing on an insulating material made of synthetic resin, and is disposed in a storage recess recessed from the first connection surface 221, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9.

6, 8, and 9, the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 are disposed in the first thin portion 223. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 are disposed on the opposite side of the pair of first water-cooled hose connection portions 26 across the first power cable connection portion 24 when viewed in the direction along the first axis O1. The first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 are fixed to the first thin portion 223 (first support 220) by suitable means such as screwing or adhesive. In this embodiment, the withstand voltage of the first power line connection portion 27 is higher than the withstand voltage of the first signal line connection portion 28.

The connection nut 231 is loosely fitted on the first support 220 and is engaged with the tip of the first support 220. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the connection nut 231 has a threaded portion made of a metal material and an exterior portion made of an insulating material and exteriorly fitted to the threaded portion. The end cover 232 is a cover member that is fitted across both the first support 220 (first connector portion 22) and the tip of the cable main body 21, and the exterior portion is made of an insulating material. In FIG. 6, the connection nut 231 is omitted. In the same figure, the end cover 232 is shown by a virtual line, and the end cover 232 is shown in a see-through state. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the end cover 232 is shown by a virtual line.

2, the second connector portion 33 is disposed at the base end of the torch unit 3 (the end opposite the welding torch 32). The second connector portion 33 is detachably connected to the first connector portion 22 of the welding cable 2. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 7, the second connector portion 33 has a second support 330, and a second power cable connection portion 34, a second air hose connection portion 35, a second water cooling hose connection portion 36, a second power line connection portion 37, and a second signal line connection portion 38, each of which is disposed on the second support 330.

The second support 330 is made of a metal such as copper, stainless steel, or brass. As shown in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, the second support 330 has a second connection surface 331, a second thick portion 332, and a second thin portion 333. The second connection surface 331 is a flat surface located at the end of the second support 330 and has a circular shape. The second connection surface 331 is a surface that faces the first connection surface 221 when the second connector portion 33 is connected to the first connector portion 22. As shown in Figs. 2, 7, 8, and 9, a threaded portion 334 is formed on the outer periphery of the second support 330. A connection nut 231 on the first connector portion 22 side can be screwed into this threaded portion 334.

The second thick portion 332 is a portion that is relatively thick in the direction along the second axis O2 that is perpendicular to the second connection surface 331. In this embodiment, the second thick portion 332 is approximately semi-cylindrical. The second thin portion 333 is a portion that is relatively thin in the direction along the second axis O2. The second thin portion 333 is formed by the remaining portion of the second support 330 that is different from the first thick portion 222, and is approximately semi-cylindrical.

As shown in Figures 5, 7, 8, and 9, the second power cable connection portion 34 is disposed in the center of the second connection surface 331 when viewed in the direction along the second axis O2. The second power cable connection portion 34 is a convex connection portion that protrudes from the second connection surface 331, and can be connected to the first power cable connection portion 24 of the first connector portion 22. The second power cable connection portion 34 is electrically connected to the power supply tip of the welding torch 32.

5 and 7, the second air hose connection portion 35, the second water-cooled hose connection portion 36, the second power line connection portion 37, and the second signal line connection portion 38 are arranged in a concentric second region 335 centered on the second power cable connection portion 34 when viewed in the direction along the second axis O2. Also, the second air hose connection portion 35, the second water-cooled hose connection portion 36, the second power line connection portion 37, and the second signal line connection portion 38 correspond to the first air hose connection portion 25, the first water-cooled hose connection portion 26, the first power line connection portion 27, and the first signal line connection portion 28 of the first connector portion 22, respectively, and the corresponding portions can face each other.

As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the second air hose connection portion 35 is a convex connection portion that protrudes from the second connection surface 331. In this embodiment, a pair of second air hose connection portions 35 corresponding to the pair of first air hose connection portions 25 in the first connector portion 22 are arranged on the second support body 330 (second connector portion 33). These second air hose connection portions 35 are connected to a motor cooling flow path on the outer periphery of the motor 311. The second air hose connection portion 35 can be connected to the first air hose connection portion 25 of the first connector portion 22.

7 and 8, the second water-cooled hose connection portion 36 is a convex connection portion protruding from the second connection surface 331. In this embodiment, a pair of second water-cooled hose connection portions 36 corresponding to the pair of first water-cooled hose connection portions 26 in the first connector portion 22 are arranged on the second support 330 (second connector portion 33). These second air hose connection portions 35 are connected to the cooling water flow path of the welding torch 32. The second water-cooled hose connection portion 36 can be connected to the second water-cooled hose connection portion 36 of the first connector portion 22. The second water-cooled hose connection portion 36 and the first water-cooled hose connection portion 26 are, for example, configured as push-on type joints, and have a check function when separated from each other. This prevents water leakage when the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 are separated.

The second air hose connection portion 35 and the second water-cooled hose connection portion 36 each correspond to an example of a second refrigerant flow path connection portion of the present invention. As can be seen from Figures 7, 8, and 9, the pair of second air hose connection portions 35 and the pair of second water-cooled hose connection portions 36 are disposed in the second thick portion 332.

In this embodiment, the second power line connection portion 37 is configured, for example, by a general-purpose connector terminal. The second power line connection portion 37 is configured with multiple metal pins standing on an insulating member made of synthetic resin, and is disposed in a receiving recess recessed from the second connection surface 331, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The second power line connection portion 37 can be connected to the first power line connection portion 27 of the first connector portion 22.

In this embodiment, the second signal line connection portion 38 is configured, for example, by a general-purpose connector terminal. The second signal line connection portion 38 is configured with multiple metal pins standing on an insulating member made of synthetic resin, and is disposed in a receiving recess recessed from the second connection surface 331, as shown in Figures 7 and 9. The second signal line connection portion 38 can be connected to the first signal line connection portion 28 of the first connector portion 22.

7, 8, and 9, the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 are disposed in the second thin portion 333. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 are disposed on the opposite side of the pair of second water-cooled hose connection portions 36 across the second power cable connection portion 34 when viewed in the direction along the second axis O2. The second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 are fixed to the second thin portion 333 (second support 330) by suitable means such as screwing or adhesive. In this embodiment, the withstand voltage of the second power line connection portion 37 is higher than the withstand voltage of the second signal line connection portion 38.

In the above configuration, when connecting the first connector portion 22 of the welding cable 2 and the second connector portion 33 of the torch unit 3, the connection portions 24-28 of the first connector portion 22 and the connection portions 34-38 of the second connector portion 33 are faced to each other, and the first connection surface 221 and the second connection surface 331 are brought close to each other or into contact with each other. Then, the connection nut 231 on the first connector portion 22 side is screwed into the threaded portion 334 on the outer periphery of the second support body 330 and tightened. This connects the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33. At this time, the connection portions 24-28 and the connection portions 34-38 are connected to each other.

When separating the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33, the connection nut 231 is loosened and the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 are pulled away from each other. This separates the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33. At this time, the connection portions 24 to 28 and the connection portions 34 to 38 are separated from each other.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

In this embodiment, the first connector portion 22 is disposed at the tip of the welding cable 2 to be incorporated into the welding robot A1. The second connector portion 33 is disposed at the base end of the torch unit 3, which includes the welding torch 32 and the wire feeder 31 (motor 311). Inside the welding cable 2, a power cable 51, an air hose 52, a water-cooled hose 53, a power line 54, and a signal line 55 are disposed. The first connector portion 22 has a first power cable connection portion 24, a first air hose connection portion 25, a first water-cooled hose connection portion 26, a first power line connection portion 27, and a first signal line connection portion 28, which are connected to the power cable 51, the air hose 52, the water-cooled hose 53, the power line 54, and the signal line 55, respectively. The second connector portion 33 has a second power cable connection portion 34, a second air hose connection portion 35, a second water-cooled hose connection portion 36, a second power line connection portion 37, and a second signal line connection portion 38 which can be connected to the first power cable connection portion 24, the first air hose connection portion 25, the first water-cooled hose connection portion 26, the first power line connection portion 27, and the first signal line connection portion 28, respectively, and the second connector portion 33 is detachably connected to the first connector portion 22. According to this configuration, when replacing the welding torch 32 (torch unit 3) for maintenance or the like, the connection portions 24 to 28 and the connection portions 34 to 38 of the power cable 51, the air hose 52, the water-cooled hose 53, the power line 54, and the signal line 55 are collectively connected or separated by an attachment/detachment operation between the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33. Therefore, when replacing the torch unit 3, there is no need to individually connect or disconnect the connection parts of the multiple cables, such as the power cable 51, air hose 52, water cooling hose 53, power line 54, and signal line 55. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the workability when connecting and disconnecting the connection parts of the multiple cables arranged inside the welding cable 2.

In the first connector part 22, the first power cable connection part 24 is arranged in the center of the first connection surface 221, and the first air hose connection part 25, the first water-cooled hose connection part 26, the first power line connection part 27, and the first signal line connection part 28 are arranged in a concentric first region 225 centered on the first power cable connection part 24. In the second connector part 33, the second power cable connection part 34 is also arranged in the center of the second connection surface 331. The second power cable connection part 34, the second air hose connection part 35, the second water-cooled hose connection part 36, the second power line connection part 37, and the second signal line connection part 38 are arranged in a concentric second region 335 centered on the second power cable connection part 34, and are arranged corresponding to the first air hose connection part 25, the first water-cooled hose connection part 26, the first power line connection part 27, and the first signal line connection part 28 of the first connector part 22, respectively. This configuration allows the multiple connection parts 24-28 in the first connector part 22 and the multiple connection parts 34-38 in the second connector part 33 to be arranged efficiently and in a space-saving manner. Therefore, the above configuration is preferable for miniaturizing the first connector part 22 and the second connector part 33.

In this embodiment, the cooling medium flow path arranged inside the welding cable 2 includes an air hose 52 through which cooling air passes and a water-cooled hose 53 through which cooling water flows. With this configuration, as in this embodiment, for example, by supplying cooling air to the motor 311 (drive unit) and supplying cooling water to the welding torch 32, it is possible to appropriately cool both the motor 311 and the welding torch 32.

In the first connector portion 22, the first power line connection portion 27 and the first power line connection portion 27 are arranged on the opposite side of the pair of first water-cooled hose connection portions 26 across the first power cable connection portion 24 when viewed in the direction along the first axis O1. In the second connector portion 33, the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 are arranged on the opposite side of the pair of second water-cooled hose connection portions 36 across the second power cable connection portion 34 when viewed in the direction along the second axis O2. With this configuration, the first power line connection portion 27 and the first power line connection portion 27 (the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38) and the pair of first water-cooled hose connection portions 26 (the pair of second water-cooled hose connection portions 36) are arranged relatively apart. This reduces the impact of water leakage even if water leaks from the first water-cooled hose connection portion 26 (second water-cooled hose connection portion 36) when connecting or disconnecting the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33.

The first connector portion 22 includes a first support 220. The first support 220 has a first thick portion 222 and a first thin portion 223. The first air hose connection portions 25 and the first water-cooled hose connection portions 26 are arranged in the first thick portion 222, and the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 are arranged in the first thin portion 223. The second connector portion 33 includes a second support 330. The second support 330 has a second thick portion 332 and a second thin portion 333. The second air hose connection portions 35 and the second water-cooled hose connection portions 36 are arranged in the second thick portion 332, and the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 are arranged in the second thin portion 333. In this way, in both the first support 220 (first connector portion 22) and the second support 330 (second connector portion 33), the thickness dimension is partially reduced according to the properties of each of the connection portions 25-28 and each of the connection portions 35-38. This is suitable for making the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 smaller and lighter.

The welding cable 2 has a flexible cable body 21. The power cable 51, air hose 52, water-cooled hose 53, power line 54, and signal line 55 are inserted into the cable body 21. With this configuration, the welding cable 2 applied to the welding robot A1 smoothly follows the high-speed movement of the welding robot A1 (manipulator 1).

Figures 10 and 11 show a first modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention. In the figures following Figure 10, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment above are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the specific configuration of the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 differs from the above embodiment. Although illustration and description are omitted, in this modified example, the coolant flow path arranged inside the welding cable 2 includes only the air hose 52 and does not include the water-cooled hose 53. In addition, in the torch unit 3, a gas flow path is formed that passes through the outer periphery of the motor 311 and leads to the welding torch 32, and both the motor 311 and the welding torch 32 are cooled by the cooling air supplied by the air hose 52.

The first connector section 22 shown in FIG. 10 does not have a pair of first water-cooled hose connection sections 26. In the first connector section 22, the pair of first air hose connection sections 25, the first power line connection section 27, and the first signal line connection section 28 are distributed and arranged in the first region 225. In addition, the second connector section 33 shown in FIG. 11 does not have a pair of second water-cooled hose connection sections 36. In the second connector section 33, the pair of second air hose connection sections 35, the second power line connection section 37, and the second signal line connection section 38 are distributed and arranged in the second region 335.

The configuration shown in Figures 10 and 11 also improves the ease of attaching and detaching the connections of multiple cables arranged inside the welding cable 2. In addition, within the scope of the same configuration as the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 2 to 9, etc., the same effects as the above embodiment are achieved.

Figures 12 and 13 show a second modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the configurations of the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 in the first connector portion 22 and the configurations of the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 in the second connector portion 33 are different from the example shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In the first connector section 22 shown in FIG. 12, the first power line connection section 27 and the first signal line connection section 28 are not general-purpose connector terminals, but are configured with multiple metal pins arranged in recesses formed in appropriate positions in the first support 220. The recesses are filled with an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and the tips of each metal pin are exposed from the insulating material.

In the second connector section 33 shown in FIG. 13, the second power line connection section 37 and the second signal line connection section 38 are not general-purpose connector terminals, but are configured such that multiple metal pins are arranged in recesses formed in appropriate positions in the second support 330. The recesses are filled with an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and the tips of each metal pin are exposed from the insulating material.

Of the metal pins of the first power line connection part 27 and the second power line connection part 37, one is a convex pin and the other is a concave pin. Also, of the metal pins of the first signal line connection part 28 and the second signal line connection part 38, one is a convex pin and the other is a concave pin. When the first connector part 22 and the second connector part 33 are connected, the tips of the convex pin and the concave pin fit together, and these pins are conductive to each other. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the metal pins of the first power line connection part 27 and the first signal line connection part 28 of the first connector part 22 are convex pins, and the metal pins of the second power line connection part 37 and the second signal line connection part 38 of the second connector part 33 are concave pins.

The configuration shown in Figures 12 and 13 also improves the ease of attachment and detachment of the connections of multiple cables arranged inside the welding cable 2. In addition, within the same range of configuration as the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 2 to 9, the same effects as the above embodiment are achieved. Furthermore, according to the configuration of this modified example, the size of the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 of the first connector portion 22, and the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 of the second connector portion 33 can be reduced. This is more suitable for making the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 smaller and lighter.

Figures 14 and 15 show a third modified example of the welding cable connection structure according to the present invention. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the configurations of the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 in the first connector portion 22 and the configurations of the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 in the second connector portion 33 are different from the above embodiment shown in Figures 4, 5, etc.

In the first connector section 22 shown in FIG. 14, the first power line connection section 27 and the first signal line connection section 28 are not general-purpose connector terminals, but are configured with multiple metal pins arranged in recesses formed in appropriate positions in the first support 220. The recesses are filled with an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, and the tips of each metal pin are exposed from the insulating material. In this modified example, the first power line connection section 27 and the first signal line connection section 28 are arranged together in one location. Therefore, the multiple metal pins arranged in the recesses include those belonging to the first power line connection section 27 and those belonging to the first signal line connection section 28.

In the second connector section 33 shown in FIG. 15, the second power line connection section 37 and the second signal line connection section 38 are not general-purpose connector terminals, but are configured with multiple metal pins arranged in recesses formed in appropriate locations of the second support 330. The recesses are filled with an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, and the tips of each metal pin are exposed from the insulating material. In this modified example, the second power line connection section 37 and the second signal line connection section 38 are arranged together in one location. Therefore, the multiple metal pins arranged in the recesses include those belonging to the second power line connection section 37 and those belonging to the second signal line connection section 38.

Of the metal pins of the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 and the metal pins of the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38, one is a convex pin and the other is a concave pin. When the first connector portion 22 and the second connector portion 33 are connected, the tips of the convex pin and the concave pin fit together, and these pins are conductive to each other. In the example shown in Figures 14 and 15, the metal pins of the first power line connection portion 27 and the first signal line connection portion 28 of the first connector portion 22 are convex pins, and the metal pins of the second power line connection portion 37 and the second signal line connection portion 38 of the second connector portion 33 are concave pins.

The configuration shown in Figures 14 and 15 also improves the ease of attaching and detaching the connections of multiple cables arranged inside the welding cable 2. In addition, within the scope of the same configuration as the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 2 to 7, etc., the same effects as the above embodiment are achieved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and all modifications within the scope of the matters described in each claim are included in the scope of the present invention.

A1: welding robot, 1: manipulator, 2: welding cable, 21: cable body, 22: first connector part, 220: first support, 221: cable body, 222: first thick part, 223: first thin part, 225: first area, 24: first power cable connection part, 25: first air hose connection part (first refrigerant flow path connection part), 26: first water-cooled hose connection part (first refrigerant flow path connection part), 27: first power line connection part, 28: first signal line connection part, 3: torch unit, 311: motor (drive part), 312: cover, 32: welding Connection torch, 33: second connector part, 330: second support, 331: second connection surface, 332: second thick part, 333: second thin part, 335: second area, 34: second power cable connection part, 35: second air hose connection part (second refrigerant flow path connection part), 36: second water-cooled hose connection part (second refrigerant flow path connection part), 37: second power line connection part, 38: second signal line connection part, 51: power cable, 52: air hose (refrigerant flow path), 53: water-cooled hose (refrigerant flow path), 54: power line, 55: signal line, O1: first axis, O2: second axis

Claims (4)

a first connector portion disposed at a tip end of a welding cable whose base end is supported by a manipulator of a welding robot;
a second connector portion that is disposed at a base end of a torch unit having a welding torch disposed at a tip end thereof and is detachably connected to the first connector portion;
The torch unit is equipped with a drive unit that receives power and operates.
The welding cable includes a power cable into which a welding wire is inserted and which supplies welding power, a coolant flow path through which a cooling medium flows, a power line which supplies power to the drive unit, and a signal line which transmits a signal related to the drive unit.
the first connector portion has a first connection surface, a first power cable connection portion arranged at the center of the first connection surface when viewed in a direction along a first axis perpendicular to the first connection surface and connected to the power cable, and a first refrigerant flow path connection portion arranged in a concentric first region centered on the first power cable connection portion when viewed in the direction along the first axis and connected to the refrigerant flow path, a first power line connection portion connected to the power line, and a first signal line connection portion connected to the signal line,
the second connector portion has a second connection surface facing the first connection surface when connected to the first connector portion, a second power cable connection portion arranged at the center of the second connection surface when viewed in a direction along a second axis perpendicular to the second connection surface and connectable to the first power cable connection portion, and second refrigerant flow path connection portions arranged in concentric second regions centered on the second power cable connection portion when viewed in the direction along the second axis and connectable to the first refrigerant flow path connection portion , a second power line connection portion connectable to the first power line connection portion, and a second signal line connection portion connectable to the first signal line connection portion ,
The refrigerant flow path includes an air hose through which cooling air passes and a water-cooled hose through which cooling water flows,
the first refrigerant flow path connection portion includes a first air hose connection portion connected to the air hose and a first water-cooled hose connection portion connected to the water-cooled hose,
the second refrigerant flow path connection portion includes a second air hose connection portion that can be connected to the first air hose connection portion, and a second water-cooled hose connection portion that can be connected to the first water-cooled hose connection portion . 2. The welding cable connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the first electric power line connection portion and the first signal line connection portion are disposed on an opposite side of the first water-cooled hose connection portion, across the first power cable connection portion, when viewed in a direction along the first axis. the first connector portion includes a first support including the first connection surface ;
the first support has a first thick-walled portion in which the first refrigerant flow path connection portion is arranged and which has a relatively large thickness in a direction along the first axis, and a first thin-walled portion in which the first power line connection portion and the first signal line connection portion are arranged and which has a relatively small thickness in the direction along the first axis,
the second connector portion includes a second support including the second connection surface ;
2. The welding cable connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the second support has a second thick portion in which the second refrigerant flow path connection portion is arranged and which has a relatively large thickness in the direction along the second axis, and a second thin portion in which the second power line connection portion and the second signal line connection portion are arranged and which has a relatively small thickness in the direction along the second axis. The welding cable has a flexible cylindrical cable main body,
4. The welding cable connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the power cable, the coolant flow path, the electric power line and the signal line are inserted within the cable body.

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