JP7783733B2 - Thermal processing systems, thermal processing power supplies, and thermal processing torches - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal processing system, a power supply device for thermal processing, and a torch for thermal processing.

There are thermal processing systems that use heat from arcs and other sources to perform thermal processes such as welding and cutting. Thermal processing systems include a torch and a power supply that supplies power to the torch. For example, in a welding system, the worker holds the welding torch and operates the torch switch to supply power to the welding torch from the welding power supply. This generates an arc between the tip of the welding torch and the workpiece, allowing welding to occur. The welding current can be set according to, for example, the material, thickness, and welding speed of the workpiece.

Patent Document 1 discloses a welding condition setting method that sets the welding current based on the material and thickness of the workpiece input by the operator, as well as a standard welding speed. However, with the method described in Patent Document 1, the operator must adjust the welding torch movement speed to the standard welding speed while observing the welding status during welding. It is difficult for inexperienced operators to adjust the welding torch movement speed while observing the welding status. Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 discloses a method for detecting the welding speed. In the method described in Patent Document 2, light is irradiated onto a marker attached to the welding torch, and the welding speed is calculated based on an image of the light reflected by the marker. This method requires additional equipment to measure the welding speed. Note that measuring the torch movement speed is necessary not only for welding, but also for thermal processing using a torch, such as cutting.

International Publication No. WO2016/075883A1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-65891

The present invention was conceived in light of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a thermal processing system that has the ability to measure the torch travel speed without any additional equipment.

To solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical measures.

A thermal processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a thermal processing system comprising a thermal processing power supply device and a thermal processing torch that receives power from the thermal processing power supply device and performs thermal processing. The thermal processing system also comprises a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from when a first signal generated by operation of the thermal processing torch is input until when a second signal generated by operation of the thermal processing torch is input, a travel distance setting unit that sets the travel distance of the thermal processing torch, and a speed calculation unit that calculates the travel speed based on the elapsed time and the travel distance.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thermal processing torch includes an operating unit operated by an operator, and the first signal is a first operating signal generated by a first operation of the operating unit, and the second signal is a second operating signal generated by a second operation of the operating unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operating unit includes a torch switch that is operated to instruct the thermal processing power supply device to start and stop power supply, and the first operation is to press the torch switch, and the second operation is to release the first operation and then press the torch switch again.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a voltage sensor that detects the voltage between the thermal processing torch and the workpiece, and the first signal is a signal indicating that the detected voltage value of the voltage sensor has switched from a threshold voltage value or greater to a value less than the threshold voltage value, and the second signal is a signal indicating that the detected voltage value has switched from a value less than the threshold voltage value to a value greater than or equal to the threshold voltage value.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a current setting unit that calculates a current command value for the thermal processing power supply device based on the movement speed calculated by the speed calculation unit.

A thermal processing torch according to a second aspect of the present invention is a thermal processing torch that receives power from a thermal processing power supply device to perform thermal processing, and includes an operation unit operated by an operator, a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from when a first operation signal is input by a first operation of the operation unit to when a second operation signal is input by a second operation of the operation unit, a travel distance setting unit that sets the travel distance of the thermal processing torch, and a speed calculation unit that calculates the travel speed based on the elapsed time and the travel distance.

A thermal processing power supply device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a thermal processing power supply device that supplies power to a thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing, and includes a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from when a first signal generated by operation of the thermal processing torch is input until when a second signal generated by operation of the thermal processing torch is input, a travel distance setting unit that sets the travel distance of the thermal processing torch, and a speed calculation unit that calculates the travel speed based on the elapsed time and the travel distance.

According to the present invention, the elapsed time from when the first signal is input until the second signal is input is measured, and the movement speed is calculated based on the elapsed time and the distance traveled. By operating the thermal processing torch so that the first signal is input when the torch starts to move and the second signal is input after the torch has traveled the specified distance, the movement speed can be calculated automatically. Furthermore, because the movement speed is calculated based on signals generated by operating the torch, no additional equipment is required; simply modifying the calculation process of conventional thermal processing systems is all that is required.

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 a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a cutting system according to a first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for speed measurement processing performed by the cutting system illustrated in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a cutting system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a cutting system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a welding system according to a fourth embodiment.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case in which the thermal processing system according to the present invention is a cutting system.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a cutting system A1 according to a first embodiment, and is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cutting system A1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting system A1 includes a cutting power supply 1, a cutting torch 3, a torch cable 39, power cables 41 and 42, and a communication line 5.

One output terminal of the cutting power supply 1 is connected to the electrode of the cutting torch 3 via a power cable 41. The other output terminal of the cutting power supply 1 is connected to the workpiece W via a power cable 42. The cutting power supply 1 generates an arc between the tip of the electrode of the cutting torch 3 and the workpiece W, and supplies power to the arc. The cutting system A1 cuts the workpiece W using the heat of the arc.

The cutting power supply 1 supplies power for arc cutting to the cutting torch 3. The cutting power supply 1 includes a power supply unit 11, a communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, and a control unit 15. In reality, the cutting power supply 1 also includes an air compressor that supplies air to the cutting torch 3, but this will not be described here.

The power supply unit 11 converts three-phase AC power input from the power system P into power suitable for arc cutting and outputs it. The communication unit 12 communicates with the cutting torch 3. The communication unit 12 transmits signals input from the control unit 15 to the cutting torch 3 via the communication line 5. The communication unit 12 also receives signals input from the cutting torch 3 via the communication line 5 and outputs them to the control unit 15. Note that the communication standard is not limited. The communication unit 12 may simply receive signals input from the cutting torch 3. The communication unit 12 may also communicate with the cutting torch 3 via wireless communication.

The operation unit 13 is equipped with operation means such as operation buttons and operation dials, and outputs operation of the operation means by the operator to the control unit 15 as operation signals. There are no restrictions on the type and number of operation means equipped in the operation unit 13. The display unit 14 is equipped with display means such as a display or indicator light, and displays various statuses in response to commands from the control unit 15. There are no restrictions on the type and number of display means equipped in the display unit 14.

The control unit 15 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the cutting power supply 1. The control unit 15 controls the power supply unit 11 to output power according to the set cutting conditions. The control unit 15 instructs the power supply unit 11 to start and stop power output in response to signals (first and second signals, described below) received from the cutting torch 3. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 also has the function of automatically setting the current command value for the cutting current. Details of the control unit 15 will be described later.

The cutting power supply 1 and cutting torch 3 are connected by a torch cable 39. The torch cable 39 is a cable connected to the base end of the cutting torch 3, and a power cable 41 and communication line 5 are arranged inside the cable.

The cutting torch 3 is held by an operator to perform cutting. The cutting torch 3 cuts the workpiece W using cutting power supplied from the cutting power supply 1. The cutting torch 3 is equipped with a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a control unit 34.

The communication unit 31 communicates with the disconnection power supply device 1. The communication unit 31 transmits signals input from the control unit 34 to the disconnection power supply device 1 via the communication line 5. The communication unit 31 also receives signals input from the disconnection power supply device 1 via the communication line 5 and outputs them to the control unit 34. There are no limitations on the communication standard. The communication unit 31 may simply transmit signals to the disconnection power supply device 1. The control unit 34 may also communicate with the disconnection power supply device 1 via wireless communication.

The operating unit 32 is equipped with operating means, and outputs operation of the operating means by the operator as an operation signal to the control unit 34. The operating means includes at least a torch switch 32a. The torch switch 32a is an operating means for accepting operations to start/stop the cutting process, and is operated to instruct the cutting power supply device 1 to start/stop power supply. There are no limitations on the shape or location of the torch switch 32a. The operating unit 32 may also be equipped with other operating means (for example, an operating button for a gas check).

The control unit 34 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the cutting torch 3. When an operation signal is input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 34 performs control in accordance with the operation signal. When the control unit 34 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 32 indicating that the torch switch 32a is pressed, it sends a first signal to the cutting power supply 1 to start cutting. Furthermore, when the control unit 34 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 32 indicating that the torch switch 32a is pressed again after the torch switch 32a is released, it sends a second signal to the cutting power supply 1 to stop cutting.

Next, we will explain the details of the control unit 15 of the disconnecting power supply device 1.

The control unit 15 controls the inverter circuit (not shown) of the power supply unit 11 so that the output current of the cutting power supply device 1 becomes the current command value. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 also has the function of automatically setting the current command value. The control unit 15 has the following functional components: a time measurement unit 151, a travel distance setting unit 152, a speed calculation unit 153, a current setting unit 154, and a power supply control unit 155.

The power supply control unit 155 is a functional component for controlling the output current of the cutting power supply device 1. The power supply control unit 155 performs feedback control of the output current of the cutting power supply device 1 based on a current detection signal input from a current sensor (not shown). Specifically, the power supply control unit 155 generates a drive signal based on the difference between the current value corresponding to the current detection signal and the current command value input from the current setting unit 154, and outputs the drive signal to the power supply unit 11. The power supply unit 11 controls the output current to the current command value by turning each switching element of the inverter circuit on and off based on the input drive signal.

The current setting unit 154 is a functional component for setting a current command value. The current setting unit 154 sets the current command value in response to the operator's operation of the operating means of the operation unit 13 (manual input mode). The current setting unit 154 also has a function for automatically calculating and setting the current command value (automatic setting mode). The manual input mode and automatic setting mode are switched between in response to the operator's operation of the operating means of the operation unit 13. In automatic setting mode, the current setting unit 154 calculates and sets the current command value based on the material and thickness of the workpiece W input by the operator and the movement speed input from the speed calculation unit 153. Note that information such as the material and thickness of the workpiece W is not limited to information input by the operator. This information may also be detected automatically. For example, the pressure of the air supplied from an air compressor may be detected and used as information for calculating the current command value.

The time measurement unit 151, movement distance setting unit 152, and speed calculation unit 153 are functional components for setting the movement speed when in automatic setting mode.

The time measurement unit 151 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the cutting torch 3 until the second signal is input. Specifically, the time measurement unit 151 starts timing on a timer (not shown) when the communication unit 12 receives the first signal from the cutting torch 3, and ends timing on the timer when the communication unit 12 receives the second signal from the cutting torch 3. The time measurement unit 151 then outputs the time measured by the timer to the speed calculation unit 153 as the elapsed time.

In this embodiment, the travel distance setting unit 152 outputs a preset distance to the speed calculation unit 153 as the travel distance of the cutting torch 3. In this embodiment, the travel distance setting unit 152 sets 20 cm, which is close to the length of the short side of an A4 sheet, as an example of the travel distance. This is because the manual for the cutting power supply 1 is A4 size, and this manual is used as a guide for the travel distance of the cutting torch 3. However, the travel distance set in the travel distance setting unit 152 is not limited.

The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed of the cutting torch 3. The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance input from the movement distance setting unit 152 by the elapsed time input from the time measurement unit 151. The speed calculation unit 153 outputs the calculated movement speed to the current setting unit 154.

Next, the automatic setting process of the current command value performed by the control unit 15 will be described. The operator selects the method for setting the current command value from either "manual input mode" or "automatic setting mode" by operating the operating means of the operation unit 13. If "manual input mode" is selected, the operator manually inputs the current command value by operating the operating means of the operation unit 13. On the other hand, if "automatic setting mode" is selected, the automatic setting process of the current command value is performed.

In the automatic setting process, the control unit 15 first has the worker input information such as the material and thickness of the workpiece W. For example, the control unit 15 causes the display unit 14 to display a prompt to input each piece of information. The worker operates the operating means of the operating unit 13 according to the indications on the display means of the display unit 14 to input each piece of information. Next, the control unit 15 causes the worker to move the cutting torch 3. This movement is performed at the same speed as when actually cutting. For example, the control unit 15 causes the display unit 14 to display a prompt to move the cutting torch 3. At this time, the control unit 15 prompts the worker to move the cutting torch 3 a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 guides the worker to use the length of the short side of the manual for the cutting power supply 1 as a guide for movement. The control unit 15 also guides the worker to press the torch switch 32a at the start and end of movement. In "automatic setting mode," the control unit 15 does not allow power to be output even when the torch switch 32a is pressed. The worker follows the instructions to move the cutting torch 3. The control unit 15 performs speed measurement processing in response to signals input from the cutting torch 3 and calculates the movement speed.

Figure 2 is an example flowchart of the speed measurement process performed by the control unit 15 of the power supply 1. The speed measurement process begins when the "automatic setting mode" is selected.

First, the travel distance is acquired (S1). Specifically, the travel distance setting unit 152 reads out the previously set travel distance. Next, it is determined whether a first signal has been received from the cutting torch 3 (S2). Specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether a first signal has been input from the communication unit 12. If the first signal has not been received (S2: NO), the process returns to step S2, and the determination in step S2 is repeated. In other words, the control unit 15 waits for the first signal to be received. If the first signal has been received (S2: YES), measurement of the elapsed time begins (S3). Specifically, the time measurement unit 151 starts measuring the time on a timer.

Next, it is determined whether a second signal has been received from the cutting torch 3 (S4). Specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether a second signal has been input from the communication unit 12. If a second signal has not been received (S4: NO), the process returns to step S4 and the determination in step S4 is repeated. That is, the control unit 15 waits for a second signal to be received. If a second signal has been received (S4: YES), the measurement of the elapsed time is terminated (S5). Specifically, the time measurement unit 151 terminates the timer. Next, the movement speed is calculated (S6), and the speed measurement process is terminated. Specifically, the speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance read by the movement distance setting unit 152 in step S1 by the elapsed time measured by the time measurement unit 151 in steps S3 to S5. Note that the processing procedure shown in the flowchart in FIG. 2 is an example, and the processing procedure of the speed measurement process performed by the control unit 15 is not limited to the above.

The control unit 15 (current setting unit 154) calculates and sets a current command value based on the movement speed calculated by the speed measurement process and information such as the material and thickness of the workpiece W input by the operator. The specific method for calculating the current command value is not limited. The current setting unit 154 may calculate the current command value based on a predetermined arithmetic formula. The current setting unit 154 may also read the corresponding current command value from a memory unit (not shown) that stores information such as the material and thickness of the workpiece W, as well as the correspondence between the movement speed and the current command value. This automatically calculates the current command value and outputs it to the power supply control unit 155. The control unit 15 may also display the calculated current command value on the display means of the display unit 14 and confirm with the operator whether or not to set the current command value before outputting it to the power supply control unit 155. The control unit 15 may also display the movement speed calculated by the speed measurement process on the display means of the display unit 14. In this case, the operator can recognize the movement speed at which he or she moved the cutting torch 3 by looking at the display on the display means.

Next, we will explain the effects of the cutting system A1.

In this embodiment, the time measurement unit 151 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the cutting torch 3 to when the second signal is input. The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance input from the movement distance setting unit 152 by the elapsed time input from the time measurement unit 151, and outputs the calculated movement speed to the current setting unit 154. The first signal is input when the operator presses the torch switch 32a when starting to move the cutting torch 3, and the second signal is input when the operator presses the torch switch 32a again after moving the cutting torch 3 the movement distance. In other words, the elapsed time measured by the time measurement unit 151 is the time it takes to move the cutting torch 3 the movement distance. Therefore, the movement speed calculated by the speed calculation unit 153 is the movement speed when the operator moves the cutting torch 3. In this way, the cutting system A1 (cutting power supply 1) has the function of measuring the movement speed of the cutting torch 3. Furthermore, the first and second signals are input in response to the operation of the torch switch 32a that is originally provided on the cutting torch 3. Therefore, the cutting system A1 uses the same configuration as conventional cutting systems, with only the calculation processing in the control unit 15 changed, and does not require any additional equipment.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in automatic setting mode, the current setting unit 154 calculates and sets a current command value based on the material and thickness of the workpiece W input by the operator and the movement speed input from the speed calculation unit 153. The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed when the operator actually moves the cutting torch 3. Therefore, the operator does not need to adjust the movement speed of the cutting torch 3 to match a reference speed while observing the cutting state during actual cutting work, and can perform cutting work at his or her own normal movement speed.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the first and second signals are generated by pressing the torch switch 32a. Just as with normal cutting work, the operator can input the first and second signals for detecting the movement speed by simply moving the cutting torch 3 and operating the torch switch 32a.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the cutting torch 3 has the same functionality as a conventional one, so the same one can be used as is.

In this embodiment, the control unit 34 transmits the first signal and the second signal based on the pressing of the torch switch 32a, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 34 may transmit the first signal based on the pressing of the torch switch 32a, and transmit the second signal based on the release of the torch switch 32a. Furthermore, the operating means for transmitting the first and second signals may be an operating means other than the torch switch 32a, or may be an operating means provided solely for detecting the movement speed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the travel distance setting unit 152 outputs a preset distance as the travel distance has been described, but this is not limited to this. The worker may input the travel distance into the travel distance setting unit 152 using the operating means of the operation unit 13 and set it. In this case, the travel distance can be set freely. For example, if the workpiece W is thick, the actual cutting speed needs to be slowed. If the cutting torch 3 is moved slowly in the speed measurement process to match this, the speed measurement process will take time. By setting a short travel distance, the time required for the speed measurement process can be shortened. The travel distance setting unit 152 may also measure and set the actual travel distance of the cutting torch 3.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which the speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed when in automatic setting mode, but this is not limited to this. The speed calculation unit 153 may also calculate the movement speed during actual cutting work.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the power supply control unit 155 controls the output current of the cutting power supply device 1 has been described, but this is not limited to this. The power supply control unit 155 may also control the output voltage of the cutting power supply device 1. In this case, the control unit 15 may be provided with a voltage setting unit for setting a voltage command value instead of the current setting unit 154.

Figures 3 to 5 show other embodiments of the present disclosure. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

Second Embodiment
3 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a cutting system A2 according to a second embodiment. The cutting system A2 according to this embodiment differs from the cutting system A1 according to the first embodiment in that a configuration for detecting the operation of the torch switch 32a is provided in the cutting power supply 1. The configuration and operation of other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the cutting torch 3 has a simple structure, and the cutting power supply 1 is equipped with an operation detection unit 16. The operation detection unit 16 detects the operation of the torch switch 32a of the cutting torch 3. A control line 6 is connected to the operation detection unit 16. A switch linked to the torch switch 32a is connected to the control line 6 inside the cutting torch 3. The operation detection unit 16 detects whether the torch switch 32a of the cutting torch 3 is pressed based on whether or not current flows through the control line 6, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 15. When the torch switch 32a is pressed, a predetermined current flows through the control line 6, and when the torch switch 32a is not pressed, the predetermined current does not flow through the control line 6. The operation detection unit 16 outputs a first signal to the control unit 15 when the predetermined current changes from not flowing through the control line 6 to flowing. Furthermore, the operation detection unit 16 outputs a second signal to the control unit 15 when the control line 6 changes from a state in which a predetermined current flows to a state in which no current flows, and then changes back to a state in which a current flows.

In this embodiment, the time measurement unit 151 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the operation detection unit 16 until when the second signal is input. The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance input from the movement distance setting unit 152 by the elapsed time input from the time measurement unit 151, and outputs the movement speed to the current setting unit 154. Therefore, the cutting system A2 (cutting power supply 1) has the function of measuring the movement speed of the cutting torch 3. Furthermore, the first and second signals are input in response to the operation of the torch switch 32a that the cutting torch 3 originally has. Therefore, the cutting system A2 uses the configuration of a conventional cutting system, with only the calculation processing in the control unit 15 changed, and does not require any additional equipment. Furthermore, the cutting system A2 achieves the same effects as the cutting system A1 due to the configuration shared with the cutting system A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cutting torch 3 can have a simpler structure than the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
4 is a diagram for explaining a cutting system A3 according to a third embodiment, and is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the cutting system A3. The cutting system A3 according to this embodiment differs from the cutting system A1 according to the first embodiment in that the control unit 34 of the cutting torch 3 has a functional configuration for calculating the movement speed. The configuration and operation of other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the control unit 34 of the cutting torch 3 includes a time measurement unit 341, a travel distance setting unit 342, and a speed calculation unit 343. The time measurement unit 341, the travel distance setting unit 342, and the speed calculation unit 343 have the same functions as the time measurement unit 151, the travel distance setting unit 152, and the speed calculation unit 153, respectively. The time measurement unit 341 receives an operation signal input from the operation unit 32 when the torch switch 32a is pressed as a first signal, and receives an operation signal when the torch switch 32a is pressed again after the torch switch 32a is released as a second signal. The speed calculation unit 343 transmits the calculated travel speed of the cutting torch 3 to the cutting power supply 1 via the communication unit 31.

In this embodiment, the control unit 15 of the cutting power supply 1 does not include a time measurement unit 151, a travel distance setting unit 152, or a speed calculation unit 153, but instead includes a speed acquisition unit 156. In automatic setting mode, the speed acquisition unit 156 acquires the travel speed received from the cutting torch 3 by the communication unit 12 and outputs it to the current setting unit 154.

In this embodiment, the time measurement unit 341 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the operation unit 32 until when the second signal is input. The speed calculation unit 343 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance input from the movement distance setting unit 342 by the elapsed time input from the time measurement unit 341, and sends the calculated movement speed to the cutting power supply 1. Therefore, the cutting system A3 (cutting torch 3) has the function of measuring the movement speed of the cutting torch 3. Furthermore, the first and second signals are input in response to the operation of the torch switch 32a that the cutting torch 3 originally has. Therefore, the cutting system A3 uses the configuration of a conventional cutting system, with only the calculation processing in the control unit 34 changed, and does not require any additional equipment. Furthermore, the cutting system A3 achieves the same effects as the cutting system A1 due to the configuration shared with the cutting system A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cutting power supply 1 does not change function from the conventional one, so the same conventional one can be used as is.

Fourth Embodiment
5 is a block diagram illustrating a welding system A4 according to a fourth embodiment, which is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the welding system A4. The welding system A4 according to this embodiment differs from the cutting system A1 in that the welding system A4 includes a welding power supply 10 and a welding torch 30.

In this embodiment, welding system A4 includes a welding power supply 10 and a welding torch 30. Welding power supply 10 generates an arc between the tip of the electrode protruding from the tip of welding torch 30 and the workpiece W, and supplies power to the arc. Welding system A4 uses the heat of the arc to weld the workpiece W. Note that the configuration of welding system A4 is not limited. Welding system A4 may be configured to include a wire feeder (not shown) and feed welding wire as a consumable electrode to welding torch 30, or the welding torch 30 may be configured to include a non-consumable electrode.

The welding torch 30 is held by an operator to perform welding. The welding torch 30 welds the workpiece W using welding power supplied from the welding power supply 10. The welding torch 30 is equipped with a communication unit 31, an operation unit 32, and a control unit 34. The communication unit 31, operation unit 32, and control unit 34 have the same functions as the communication unit 31, operation unit 32, and control unit 34 of the cutting torch 3 of the first embodiment, respectively.

The welding power supply 10 supplies power for arc welding to the welding torch 30. The welding power supply 10 includes a power supply unit 11, a communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a control unit 15, a second power supply unit 17, and a voltage sensor 18. The power supply unit 11, communication unit 12, operation unit 13, and display unit 14 have the same functions as the power supply unit 11, communication unit 12, operation unit 13, and display unit 14 of the cutting power supply 1 of the first embodiment, respectively.

The second power supply unit 17 is a power supply for outputting a voltage for detecting welding of the electrode of the welding torch 30. The second power supply unit 17 applies a lower voltage (for example, approximately 15 V) compared to the power supply unit 11 between the electrode of the welding torch 30 and the workpiece. In this embodiment, the second power supply unit 17 also outputs a voltage to detect the movement speed of the welding torch 30 in the automatic setting mode. Note that the welding power supply 10 may not be equipped with the second power supply unit 17, and instead the power supply unit 11 may output a lower voltage.

The voltage sensor 18 detects the output voltage of the welding power supply 10, i.e., the voltage between the tip of the electrode of the welding torch 30 and the workpiece W. In this embodiment, the voltage sensor 18 is connected between the output terminal to which the power cable 41 is connected and the output terminal to which the power cable 42 is connected. The voltage sensor 18 outputs a voltage detection signal corresponding to the output voltage to the control unit 15. Note that although not shown or described in the first to third embodiments, the cutting power supply 1 also includes a voltage sensor 18.

The time measurement unit 151, travel distance setting unit 152, speed calculation unit 153, current setting unit 154, and power supply control unit 155 of the control unit 15 of the welding power supply 10 have the same functions as the time measurement unit 151, travel distance setting unit 152, speed calculation unit 153, current setting unit 154, and power supply control unit 155 of the control unit 15 of the cutting power supply 1 of the first embodiment, respectively. The control unit 15 of the welding power supply 10 further includes a voltage comparison unit 157.

The voltage comparator 157 compares the voltage value corresponding to the voltage detection signal input from the voltage sensor 18 with a threshold voltage value. In automatic setting mode, when the second power supply 17 is outputting a voltage and the electrode of the welding torch 30 is separated from the workpiece W, the voltage sensor 18 detects the voltage (e.g., 15 V) output by the second power supply 17. On the other hand, when the electrode of the welding torch 30 is in contact with the workpiece W, current flows, and the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor 18 becomes "0" V. The voltage comparator 157 compares the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor 18 with a threshold voltage value set between the output voltage of the second power supply 17 and "0". When the detected voltage value of the voltage sensor 18 switches from above the threshold voltage value to below the threshold voltage value, the voltage comparator 157 outputs a first signal to the time measurement unit 151. Furthermore, when the detected voltage value of the voltage sensor 18 switches from less than the threshold voltage value to greater than or equal to the threshold voltage value, the voltage comparison unit 157 outputs a second signal to the time measurement unit 151. The time measurement unit 151 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the voltage comparison unit 157 to when the second signal is input.

During the automatic setting process, when the control unit 15 has the operator move the welding torch 30, it prompts the operator to move the welding torch 30 while keeping the tip of the electrode of the welding torch 30 in contact with the workpiece W. As a result, when the tip of the electrode of the welding torch 30 comes into contact with the workpiece W, a first signal is input to the time measurement unit 151, and when the tip of the electrode of the welding torch 30 separates from the workpiece W after moving a predetermined distance, a second signal is input to the time measurement unit 151.

In this embodiment, the time measurement unit 151 measures the elapsed time from when the first signal is input from the voltage comparison unit 157 to when the second signal is input. The speed calculation unit 153 calculates the movement speed by dividing the movement distance input from the movement distance setting unit 152 by the elapsed time input from the time measurement unit 151, and outputs the calculated movement speed to the current setting unit 154. Therefore, the welding system A4 (welding power supply 10) has the function of measuring the movement speed of the welding torch 30. Furthermore, the first and second signals are generated based on the voltage detection signal of the voltage sensor 18, which is also included in the welding power supply 10, using the output voltage of the second power supply unit 17 that is also included in the welding power supply 10. Therefore, the welding system A4 uses the configuration of a conventional welding system, with only the calculation processing in the control unit 15 changed, and does not require any additional equipment. Furthermore, the welding system A4 achieves the same effects as the cutting system A1 by using a configuration that is common to the cutting system A1. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when detecting the movement speed during the automatic setting process, the operator does not need to operate the torch switch 32a. Note that the time measurement unit 151 may measure the elapsed time based on the first and second signals input from the welding torch 30 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In the first to fourth embodiments above, the present invention has been described as being applied to a cutting system or welding system, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to other thermal processing systems, such as an arc gouging system that carves grooves into the workpiece W. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to thermal processing using arcs, and can also be applied to thermal processing systems that perform thermal processing such as gas welding and resistance welding.

The thermal processing system, thermal processing power supply, and thermal processing torch of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configurations of each part of the thermal processing system, thermal processing power supply, and thermal processing torch of the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways.

A1-A3: Cutting system, A4: Welding system, 1: Cutting power supply, 10: Welding power supply, 3: Cutting torch, 30: Welding torch, 151, 341: Time measurement unit, 152, 342: Travel distance setting unit, 153, 343: Speed calculation unit, 154: Current setting unit, 32: Operation unit, 32a: Torch switch, 18: Voltage sensor

Claims (5)

A thermal processing system comprising: a thermal processing power supply device; and a thermal processing torch that receives power from the thermal processing power supply device and performs thermal processing,
The thermal processing torch includes an operating unit that is operated by an operator,
a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from when a first signal corresponding to a first operation signal generated by a first operation of the operation unit is input from the thermal processing torch until when a second signal corresponding to a second operation signal generated by a second operation of the operation unit is input from the thermal processing torch ;
a movement distance setting unit that sets a movement distance of the thermal processing torch;
a speed calculation unit that calculates a moving speed based on the elapsed time and the moving distance;
Equipped with
Thermal processing system. the operating unit includes a torch switch that is operated to instruct the thermal processing power supply device to start and stop power supply,
the first operation is an operation of pressing the torch switch,
The second operation is an operation of pressing the torch switch again after releasing the first operation.
The thermal processing system of claim 1 . a current setting unit that calculates a current command value for the thermal processing power supply device based on the moving speed calculated by the speed calculation unit;
The thermal processing system according to claim 1 or 2 . A thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing by receiving power from a thermal processing power supply device,
an operation unit operated by an operator;
a time measurement unit that measures an elapsed time from when a first operation signal is input from the operation unit due to a first operation of the operation unit to when a second operation signal is input from the operation unit due to a second operation of the operation unit;
a movement distance setting unit that sets a movement distance of the thermal processing torch;
a speed calculation unit that calculates a moving speed based on the elapsed time and the moving distance;
Equipped with
Heat processing torch. A thermal processing power supply device that supplies power to a thermal processing torch that performs thermal processing and has an operating unit operated by an operator ,
a time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time from when a first signal corresponding to a first operation signal generated by a first operation of the operation unit is input from the thermal processing torch until when a second signal corresponding to a second operation signal generated by a second operation of the operation unit is input from the thermal processing torch ;
a movement distance setting unit that sets a movement distance of the thermal processing torch;
a speed calculation unit that calculates a moving speed based on the elapsed time and the moving distance;
Equipped with
Power supply for thermal processing.