JP2012125814A - Arc welding equipment, arc welding power source device, and welding torch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent mistakes, such as setting omission and erroneous input, when a worker sets a welding current upper limit value in arc welding equipment which is provided with a welding current upper limit value setting part and performs a welding output at a level equal to or smaller than the welding current upper limit value.SOLUTION: The arc welding equipment is provided with a welding machine and a torch. The torch is provided with an information storage medium that stores the information on the torch containing the welding current upper limit value. The welding machine includes: a welding output control part that controls the welding output; an information reading part that reads the information stored in the information storage medium; a welding current input part for the worker to input a welding current; a welding current upper limit value memory that stores the welding current upper limit value that is read by the information reading part; and a welding current setting part to which the welding current and the welding current upper limit value are input, and that outputs for welding output control assuming the welding current value as a welding current command value when the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit value, and assuming the welding current upper limit value as the welding current command value when the welding current value is equal to or greater than the welding current upper limit value. The arc welding equipment performs welding at a level equal to or smaller than the welding current upper limit value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an arc machining apparatus that performs welding or cutting by generating an arc or plasma between an electrode and a base material (a workpiece), and particularly relates to automatic identification of information related to a welding torch.

  In general, an arc welding apparatus (also referred to as an arc welding system), which is an example of an arc machining apparatus, includes a welding torch and an arc welding power source apparatus (also referred to as a welding machine). In the welding torch and the arc welding power supply device, the rated current, the rated usage rate, and the like are defined. Note that the usage rate is a period of 10 minutes, and the arc welding time is expressed as a ratio (percentage) to 10 minutes. For example, a rated usage rate of 60% refers to a method of using for 6 minutes at a rated welding current or rated cutting current for 10 minutes and resting for 4 minutes.

  The rated current and rated usage rate of the welding torch and the arc welding power supply device are individually different. For example, it is possible to connect and use a welding torch having a rated current of 200 A and a rated usage rate of 30% to an arc welding power supply device having a rated current of 500 A and a rated usage rate of 60%. . And, in order to prevent burning of the welding torch, the arc welding power supply device is provided with a welding current upper limit setting part for the operator to set the welding current upper limit value. It is known that the welding output cannot be performed and the temperature rise of the welding torch is suppressed.

  In general, there are multi-purpose arc welding devices that can perform arc welding, plasma welding, and plasma cutting. For the same arc welding power supply, arc welding torch, plasma welding torch, and plasma cutting torch Either one is connected and used according to the purpose of use. At that time, when a welding torch or cutting torch is connected to the arc welding power supply device in order to avoid using a welding torch or cutting torch different from the purpose setting of the power supply device for arc welding, There is a type that automatically identifies the type of torch or cutting torch and automatically sets the usage conditions (selection of arc welding / plasma welding / plasma cutting, gas flow rate, air flow rate, etc.) according to the purpose of use. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-212547

  However, in the conventional technique in which the worker sets the welding current upper limit value, the operator needs to check the product number and specifications of the welding torch and set the welding current upper limit value. There has been a problem that human errors such as input errors may occur.

  Further, in the conventional technology for automatically recognizing the type of welding torch or cutting torch connected to the arc welding power supply device, the welding torch or cutting for the model identification signal from the welding torch or cutting torch is used. The use condition setting of the torch needs to be registered in advance in the arc welding power supply, and there is a problem that a welding torch or cutting torch that is not registered in advance in the arc welding power supply is not recognized.

  Further, the conventional technique has a problem that the operator cannot recognize information on the usage state of the welding torch such as the rated overage and the usage time.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide an arc welding apparatus that automatically sets a welding current upper limit set value and determines and notifies the use state and life of a torch.

  In order to solve the above problems, an arc welding apparatus according to the present invention is an arc welding apparatus including an arc welding power supply device and a welding torch connected to the arc welding power supply device, wherein the welding torch includes: An information storage medium storing information on the welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit set value is provided, and the arc welding power supply apparatus stores a welding output control unit that controls welding output, and the information storage medium. An information reading unit for reading information, a welding current input unit for an operator to input a welding current value, a welding current upper limit set value storage unit for storing a welding current upper limit set value read by the information reading unit, When the welding current value and the welding current upper limit setting value are input and the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current value is set as a welding current command value. A welding current setting unit that outputs to the welding output control unit, and outputs the welding current upper limit set value as a welding current command value to the welding output control when the welding current value is greater than or equal to the welding current upper limit setting value; And welding is performed with a welding current equal to or lower than the welding current upper limit set value.

  In the arc welding apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above, the information storage medium provided in the welding torch stores information on the welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit set value, a rated current, and a rated usage rate. The arc welding power source includes a welding current detection unit that detects a welding current, a timing unit that measures an actual welding time during which welding output is performed based on a detection result of the welding current detection unit, and information reading A rated current storage unit that stores the rated current read by the unit, a rated usage rate storage unit that stores the rated usage rate read by the information reading unit, the rated current, a welding current command value, and the rated usage rate A welding time threshold value calculation unit for calculating a welding time threshold value based on the actual welding time and the welding time threshold value, and determining whether or not the actual welding time exceeds the welding time threshold value. A welding state alarm notifying unit for notifying based on a determination result of the time determining unit and the welding time determining unit, and performing a warning notification of the welding state when the actual welding time exceeds the welding time threshold Is.

  In the arc welding apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above, the information storage medium provided in the welding torch includes at least a life threshold value that is a threshold value of an actual use state accumulated value and an accumulated value of past actual use state. Information relating to the welding torch is stored, and the arc welding power supply device measures the welding current detection unit for detecting the welding current and the actual welding time for performing the welding output based on the detection result of the welding current detection unit. A time keeping unit that stores the life threshold value read by the information reading unit, and an actual use state past accumulated value storage unit that stores the actual use state past accumulated value read by the information reading unit. And an output of the timekeeping part or an output of the timekeeping part and an output of the welding current detection part and an output of the actual use state past cumulative value storage part to calculate a current cumulative actual use state Fruit A life calculation unit, a life determination unit that inputs the current cumulative actual use state and the life threshold and determines whether the current cumulative actual use state exceeds the life threshold, and the life determination unit A life warning notification unit for performing notification based on the determination result, and when the current cumulative actual use state exceeds the life threshold, the life warning notification is performed.

  Further, in addition to the above, the arc welding apparatus of the present invention has a life threshold value that is time and a cumulative value of past actual use state is also time, or the life threshold value is a value represented by a product of welding current and time. The actual use state past cumulative value is a value represented by the cumulative value of the product of the welding current and the welding time.

  In addition to the above, the arc welding apparatus of the present invention has a function of writing information to the information storage medium in addition to the above, and after the welding output stops, the calculation result of the cumulative actual use state calculation unit is It is written on an information storage medium.

  In addition to the above, when the arc welding power supply device is in an activated state, the arc welding device of the present invention is configured to store information on the information storage medium by the information reading unit when the welding torch is connected to the arc welding power supply device. When the arc welding power supply device is in a stopped state, the information reading unit performs the reading when the arc welding power supply device is activated after connecting the welding torch to the arc welding power supply device. Information is read from the information storage medium.

  In the arc welding apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above, the welding torch is connected to at least a grip part that can be gripped by an operator, a cable part that supplies a welding current and a shielding gas, and an arc welding power source apparatus. And an information storage medium is provided in the connection unit.

  In the arc welding apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above, the information storage medium provided in the welding torch is an IC tag, and the information reading unit provided in the arc welding power supply apparatus is an IC tag reader / writer. is there.

  An arc welding power supply apparatus according to the present invention is an arc welding power supply apparatus that is used by connecting the welding torch including an information storage medium storing information on a welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit set value. A welding output control unit for controlling welding output, an information reading unit for reading information stored in the information storage medium, a welding current input unit for an operator to input a welding current value, and the information A welding current upper limit set value storage unit for storing the welding current upper limit set value read by the reading unit, the welding current value and the welding current upper limit set value are input, and the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit set value. In this case, the welding current value is output as a welding current command value to the welding output control unit, and when the welding current value is equal to or greater than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current upper limit setting value is melted. Comprising a welding current setting unit for outputting said welding output control as the current command value, and performs a welding current output follows the welding current upper limit set value.

  A welding torch according to the present invention includes a welding output control unit that controls welding output, an information reading unit that reads information stored in an information storage medium, and an operator for inputting a welding current value. A welding current input unit, a welding current upper limit set value storage unit for storing a welding current upper limit set value read by the information reading unit, the welding current value and the welding current upper limit set value are input, and the welding current value is When the welding current upper limit set value is smaller than, the welding current value is output as a welding current command value to the welding output control unit, and when the welding current value is greater than or equal to the welding current upper limit set value, the welding current upper limit value is output. A welding current setting unit that outputs a set value as a welding current command value to the welding output control, and is used by being connected to an arc welding power source device that outputs a welding current output equal to or less than the welding current upper limit set value. A switch, in which reading of information by the information reading section of the arc welding power supply comprising an information storage medium capable.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by connecting the welding torch to the arc welding power source device, the arc welding power source device can display various information on the welding torch including the welding current upper limit set value and the like. Can be obtained from. And the welding current upper limit set value in an arc welding power supply device can be set automatically, and it becomes unnecessary for an operator to set.

  Since information such as the welding current upper limit set value can be directly input from the welding torch to the arc welding power supply device, it is not necessary to register information on the welding torch in the arc welding power supply device in advance. There is no inconvenience that only the welding torch stored in advance in the power supply device can be used.

  Further, the arc welding power source device can acquire information on the use state of the welding torch, and based on this, an alarm regarding abnormal use of the welding torch can be notified. Further, even when the combination of the welding torch and the arc welding power supply device is changed and used, it is possible to issue a warning regarding the life of the welding torch.

  As described above, since it is possible to issue a warning regarding the abnormal use of the welding torch and a warning regarding the life of the welding torch, it is possible for the operator to recognize information regarding the usage state of the welding torch.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the arc welding apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the general view of the arc welding apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an arc welding apparatus provided with a welding torch 1 and an arc welding power source device 2, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the arc welding apparatus. The welding torch 1 is connected to the arc welding power source device 2.

  In FIG. 1, a welding torch 1 includes an information storage medium 6 that stores information such as specification information and usage status regarding the welding torch 1. The information related to the welding torch 1 stored in the information storage medium 6 includes information on the welding current upper limit set value, rated current, rated usage rate, usage state such as accumulated actual usage time, and information on the life. Etc.

  In FIG. 1, an arc welding power source device 2 includes a welding output control unit 3 that controls a welding current supplied to an electrode and an object to be welded, a current detection unit 4 that detects a welding output current value, and a detection by the current detection unit 4. Information for reading and / or writing information to and from the information storage medium 6 provided in the welding torch 1 and the time measuring unit 5 that measures the time during welding in which welding output is actually performed based on the result. A reading / writing unit 7 is provided.

  The arc welding power source device 2 includes a welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8 that stores the welding current upper limit set value read by the information reading / writing unit 7 and a rated current that stores the rated current read by the information reading / writing unit 7. A storage unit 12, a rated usage rate storage unit 10 for storing the rated usage rate read by the information reading / writing unit 7, a life threshold value storage unit 15 for storing a life threshold value read by the information reading / writing unit 7, and information An actual use state past cumulative value storage unit 19 that stores the actual use state past cumulative value read by the reading / writing unit 7 is provided.

  The arc welding power source device 2 includes a welding current input unit 20 for an operator to input a welding current, a welding current upper limit set value stored in the welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8, and a welding current input unit. A welding current setting unit 9 which inputs the welding current value input at 20 and determines which one of the welding current upper limit setting value and the welding current value is to be output as a welding current command value to be output to the welding output control unit 3; The rated current value stored in the current storage unit 12, the welding current command value output by the welding current setting unit 9, and the rated usage rate stored in the rated usage rate storage unit 10 are input to calculate the welding time threshold. The welding time threshold calculation unit 11 and the actual welding time measured by the timing unit 5 and the welding time threshold calculated by the welding time threshold calculation unit 11 are input to determine whether or not the actual welding time exceeds the welding time threshold. A welding time determination unit 13; Welding time and a welding state alarm display unit 14 for notifying an alarm when it exceeds the welding time threshold.

  Further, the arc welding power source device 2 stores the actual welding time measured by the time measuring unit 5 or the actual welding time measured by the time measuring unit 5 and the welding current output value detected by the current detecting unit 4 and the accumulated value of past actual use state. The cumulative actual usage state calculation unit 16 that calculates the current cumulative actual usage state by inputting and adding the past actual usage state cumulative values stored in the unit 19 and the cumulative actual usage state calculation unit 16 A life determination unit 17 that inputs the current accumulated actual use state and the life threshold stored in the life threshold storage unit 15 to determine whether the current accumulated actual use state exceeds the life threshold, and the current accumulation When the actual use state exceeds the life threshold value, a life warning display unit 18 for performing a life warning notification is provided.

  Moreover, in FIG. 2 which shows the general view of the arc welding apparatus provided with the welding torch 1 and the arc welding power supply device 2, the arc welding power supply device 2 includes a welding current input unit 20, a welding state alarm display unit 14, and a life warning. A display unit 18 is provided. The welding torch 1 includes a torch body 103, a torch cable 104, a torch plug 105, an activation switch 106 that is a torch switch, and a grip portion 112 for an operator to grip the welding torch 1. The start switch 106 is connected to the arc welding power source device 2 by a start switch connection unit 107. The welding torch 1 is connected to the arc welding power source device 2 by a torch connecting part 110. A base material cable 108 is connected to an object to be welded (also referred to as a base material) 113, and is connected to the arc welding power source device 2 by a base material cable connection portion 111.

  In FIG. 2, since a welding current and shield gas are supplied from the arc welding power supply 2 to the torch body 103 via the torch cable 104, the torch plug 105 of the welding torch 1 is a torch of the arc welding power supply 2. Connected to the connection unit 110. Further, one of the base material cables 108 is connected to the base material cable connecting portion 111 of the arc welding power source device 2 by the base material cable plug 109, and the other is connected to the workpiece 113. Furthermore, the start switch 106 of the welding torch 1 is connected to the start switch connecting portion 107 of the arc welding power source device 2.

  The information storage medium 6 shown in FIG. 1 is provided, for example, on the inside or the surface of the torch plug 105 of the welding torch 1 shown in FIG. Further, the information reading / writing unit 7 shown in FIG. 1 is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the torch connecting unit 110 inside the arc welding power source device 2. That is, it is desirable that the information storage medium 6 and the information reading / writing unit 7 are provided at positions close to each other.

  The information storage medium 6 may be provided in the start switch connecting portion 107, or in addition to the torch plug 105 and the start switch connecting portion 107, a connector for separately connecting to the arc welding power source device 2 is provided. You may make it provide.

  In FIG. 1, the information reading / writing unit 7 includes a welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8, a rated usage rate storage unit 10, a rated current storage unit 12, a life threshold storage unit 15, and accumulated past actual use states. It is connected to the value storage unit 19. In addition, the current detection unit 4 is connected to the time measurement unit 5 and the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16. The timekeeping unit 5 is connected to the welding time determination unit 13 and the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16. Further, the welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8 is connected to the welding current setting unit 9. Further, the welding current input unit 20 is connected to the welding current setting unit 9. Further, the welding current setting unit 9 is connected to the welding output control unit 3 and the welding time threshold value calculation unit 11. The rated usage rate storage unit 10 is connected to the welding time threshold value calculation unit 11. Further, the welding time threshold value calculation unit 11 is connected to the welding time determination unit 13. The welding time determination unit 13 is connected to the welding state alarm display unit 14 and the welding output control unit 3. In addition, the life threshold storage unit 15 is connected to the life determination unit 17. The actual use state past cumulative value storage unit 19 is connected to the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16. The accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 is connected to the life determination unit 17, the information reading / writing unit 7, and the past actual use state accumulated value storage unit 19.

  Next, operation | movement of an arc welding apparatus is demonstrated using FIG.

  When the welding torch 1 is connected to the arc welding power supply device 2 by the welding operator, the information reading / writing unit 7 of the arc welding power supply device 2 is stored in the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1. Information such as welding current upper limit setting information, rated current, rated usage rate, specifications such as life (life threshold), cumulative life information, cumulative energization time, use start date, etc. Information (cumulative life value) and the like are read from the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1.

  When the arc welding power source device 2 is in the activated state, the information reading / writing unit 7 reads information from the information storage medium 6 when the welding torch 1 is connected to the arc welding power source device 2, and arc welding is performed. When the power supply device 2 is in the stopped state, after the welding torch 1 is connected to the arc welding power supply device 2, the information reading / writing unit 7 stores the information storage medium 6 when the arc welding power supply device 2 is activated. Information is read.

  The information read / write unit 7 outputs the welding current upper limit set value read from the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1 to the welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8 and outputs the rated current to the rated current storage unit 12. The rated usage rate is output to the rated usage rate storage unit 10, and the life threshold value, which is information related to the specifications such as the lifetime, is output to the life threshold value storage unit 15. The actual use state past cumulative value, which is information relating to the situation, is output to the actual use state past cumulative value storage unit 19.

  When performing welding output, the welding current setting unit 9 for determining the welding current command value is stored in the welding current input unit 20 by the welding operator and the welding current upper limit set value storage unit 8. Compare the welding current upper limit set value. When the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit set value, the welding current value is output to the welding output control unit 3 and the welding time threshold value calculation unit 11 as a welding current command value. On the other hand, when the welding current value is larger than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current upper limit setting value is output to the welding output control unit 3 and the welding time threshold value calculation unit 11 as a welding current command value. And the welding output control part 3 performs a welding output based on the welding current command value from the welding current setting part 9. FIG. In this way, the arc welding power source device 2 outputs a welding current that is equal to or lower than the welding current upper limit set value stored in the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1. That is, the welding current upper limit set value stored in the information storage medium 6 becomes the upper limit value of the welding current, and a welding current exceeding this upper limit value does not become a welding current command, and the welding current output is equal to or lower than the welding current upper limit setting value. Will be performed.

  In addition, the arc welding power supply device 2 automatically acquires the welding current upper limit setting value to the arc welding power supply device 2 by acquiring various information regarding the welding torch 1 including the welding current upper limit setting value and the like from the welding torch 1. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to set, and human error such as forgetting to set the welding current upper limit setting value or setting error is not caused.

  Next, an example of performing notification when the welding torch 1 is used in an abnormal state will be described.

  When the start switch 106 is turned on and welding output is started, the current detection unit 4 outputs the detected welding current output value to the timer unit 5 and the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16. The timing unit 5 measures the actual welding time during which welding output is actually performed based on the detection result of the current detection unit 4, and outputs the actual welding time to the welding time determination unit 13 and the cumulative actual usage state calculation unit 16. To do.

  Further, the welding time threshold calculation unit 11 is based on the rated current input from the rated current storage unit 12, the rated usage rate input from the rated usage rate storage unit 10, and the welding current command value input from the welding current setting unit 9. Then, a welding time threshold value that is a time when there is no problem even if welding is actually performed with the welding current command value is calculated and output to the welding time determination unit 13.

  The welding time determination unit 13 compares the actual welding time input from the time measuring unit 5 with the welding time threshold input from the welding time threshold calculation unit 11. When the actual welding time is larger than the welding time threshold value, a signal is output so that an alarm is displayed on the welding state alarm display unit 14 of the arc welding power supply device 2, and the welding output control unit 3 is welded. Output a signal to stop the output. Thus, when the welding torch 1 is used in an abnormal state, the welding output is stopped and an alarm is displayed. And an operator can recognize that it is in an abnormal state by displaying a warning.

  In addition, although the alarm display was performed and the welding output was stopped when the actual welding time is larger than the welding time threshold, either one may be performed. Further, regarding the notification to the worker, other notifications such as notification by sound instead of display of an alarm may be performed.

  Next, an example in which notification is performed when the welding torch 1 reaches the end of its life will be described.

  The accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 accumulates the welding current output value input from the current detection unit 4 and the actual welding time input from the time measuring unit 5, and stores the accumulated value and the actual use state past accumulated value. The actual usage state past cumulative value input from the unit 19 is added to calculate the current actual usage state cumulative value, and the life determination unit 17, the information reading / writing unit 7, and the actual usage state past cumulative value storage unit 19 are calculated. Output. That is, during a series of welding operations from when the start switch 106 is turned on to actually start welding until the start switch 106 is turned off and the welding is terminated, the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16 When the accumulated use state value is calculated and output to the life determination unit 17 and the start switch 106 is turned off to complete the welding, the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 and the actual use state past portion The current actual use state accumulated value is output to the accumulated value storage unit 19. In addition, when a series of welding operations are performed a plurality of times, the process of the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16 is also performed the same number of times.

  The actual use state past accumulated value storage unit 19 receives the current actual use state accumulated value from the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 and updates it to this value as a new actual use state past accumulated value. Then, when the next series of welding operations are performed, the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 inputs the updated actual use state past part accumulated value in the actual use state past part accumulated value storage unit 19 and performs processing. Do.

  The life determination unit 17 compares the current actual use state accumulated value input from the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 with the life threshold value input from the life threshold storage unit 15. When the current actual use state accumulated value becomes larger than the life threshold value, the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 outputs a signal so as to display an alarm to the life warning display unit 18, and the life warning display unit 18 Alarm display.

  In this manner, the arc welding power source device 2 displays an alarm when the welding torch 1 is used at a life threshold value or more stored in the information storage medium 6.

  It should be noted that the display on the life warning display unit 18 may be performed even when it is below the life threshold, and it is useful to display it as a percentage with respect to the life threshold or to display with a level meter.

  Moreover, you may make it perform other alerts, such as alerting | reporting with a sound instead of a warning display.

  In the above description, the life threshold is a value represented by the product of the welding current and the time, and the actual use state past cumulative value is a value represented by the cumulative value of the product of the welding current and the welding time. The case is described as an example. However, the lifetime may be determined using the lifetime threshold as the usage cumulative time and the actual usage state past cumulative value as the usage cumulative time. In addition, the life threshold value and the accumulated value in the actual use state are used to determine the life as a function of time and welding current value, such as (use accumulated time x energized current value) and (use accumulated time x square value of energized current). You may do it.

  In addition, regarding the determination of the life, the date when the use of the welding torch 1 is started is stored in the information storage medium 6 instead of the accumulated value in the actual use state, and the use of the welding torch 1 is started as the life threshold value. You may make it memorize | store the elapsed time from the done date in the information storage medium 6. FIG.

  In this case, the clock unit 5 has a clock function and clocks the current date, and outputs the current date to the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16. The accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 inputs the date of starting use of the welding torch 1 from the actual use state past cumulative value storage unit 19, and inputs the current date from the time measuring unit 5. The difference time is calculated and output to the life determination unit 17. The lifetime determination unit 17 compares the time input from the cumulative actual usage state calculation unit 16 with the time that is the lifetime threshold input from the lifetime threshold storage unit 15 to determine the lifetime.

  In this case, the calculation result of the cumulative actual use state calculation unit 16 by the information reading / writing unit 7 at the end of a series of welding operations as described later is not written to the information storage medium 6.

  Next, after a series of welding operations from the start of welding by turning on the start switch 106 to the end of welding by turning off the start switch 106 are finished, the calculation result of the cumulative actual use state calculating unit 16 by the information reading / writing unit 7 An example of writing to the information storage medium 6 will be described.

  When a series of welding operations are completed, the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 outputs the current accumulated actual use state to the information reading / writing unit 7. The information reading / writing unit 7 inputs the current accumulated actual use state from the accumulated actual use state calculation unit 16 and writes this into the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1. That is, the actual use state past accumulated value of the information storage medium 6 is updated to the current accumulated actual use state value and stored. This process is performed every time a series of welding operations are completed.

  As a result, even if the welding torch 1 is detached from the arc welding power supply device 2 and connected to another arc welding power supply device 2 for use, the welding torch 1 holds information on the usage status of the welding torch 1. Therefore, even when the welding torch 1 is connected to another arc welding power source device 2 and used, the life can be correctly determined.

  In the present embodiment, when the information storage medium 6 is configured as an IC tag and the information reading / writing unit 7 is configured as an IC tag reader / writer, stored information performed between the welding torch 1 and the arc welding power source device 2. This is very useful because it can be realized in a non-contact manner, and further, a power source for operating the information storage medium 6 of the welding torch 1 is unnecessary.

  In this embodiment, the arc welding apparatus provided with the arc welding torch and the arc welding power supply apparatus has been described. However, other processing apparatuses such as a plasma cutting apparatus provided with the plasma cutting torch and the plasma cutting power supply apparatus may be used. Needless to say, this is applicable.

  As described above, the arc welding apparatus of the present invention includes an information storage medium that stores information on a welding torch such as specifications and usage conditions in the welding torch, and reads information from the information storage medium. Can be used to automatically set the welding current upper limit setting value of the arc welding power supply device and monitor the use state and life of the welding torch, by processing the information with the arc welding power supply device. This is industrially useful as an arc welding apparatus equipped with a welding torch and an arc welding power source.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Torch for welding 2 Arc welding power supply device 3 Welding output control part 4 Current detection part 5 Timekeeping part 6 Information storage medium 7 Information reading / writing part 8 Welding current upper limit setting value memory | storage part 9 Welding current setting part 10 Rated utilization rate memory | storage part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Welding time threshold value calculation part 12 Rated current memory | storage part 13 Welding time determination part 14 Welding condition alarm display part 15 Life threshold value memory | storage part 16 Accumulated actual use condition calculation part 17 Life determination part 18 Life alarm display part 19 Accumulated actual use condition part Value storage section 103 Torch body 104 Torch cable 105 Torch plug 106 Start switch 107 Start switch connection section 108 Base material cable 109 Base material cable plug 110 Torch connection section 111 Base material cable connection section 112 Grip section 113 Workpiece

Claims (10)

An arc welding apparatus comprising an arc welding power supply device and a welding torch connected to the arc welding power supply device,
The welding torch is
An information storage medium storing information on the welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit setting value;
The arc welding power supply is
A welding output control unit for controlling the welding output;
An information reading unit for reading information stored in the information storage medium;
A welding current input section for an operator to input a welding current value;
A welding current upper limit set value storage unit for storing the welding current upper limit set value read by the information reading unit;
When the welding current value and the welding current upper limit setting value are input and the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current value is output to the welding output control unit as a welding current command value, A welding current setting unit that outputs the welding current upper limit setting value as a welding current command value to the welding output control when the welding current value is equal to or greater than the welding current upper limit setting value;
An arc welding apparatus for performing welding with a welding current equal to or less than the welding current upper limit set value. An information storage medium provided in the welding torch stores information on the welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit setting value, a rated current, and a rated usage rate,
Arc welding power supply
A welding current detector for detecting a welding current;
A timing unit for measuring the actual welding time in which welding output is performed based on the detection result of the welding current detection unit;
A rated current storage unit for storing the rated current read by the information reading unit;
A rated usage rate storage unit that stores the rated usage rate read by the information reading unit;
A welding time threshold value calculation unit for calculating a welding time threshold value based on the rated current, the welding current command value and the rated usage rate;
A welding time determination unit that inputs the actual welding time and the welding time threshold and determines whether the actual welding time exceeds the welding time threshold;
A welding state alarm notification unit that performs notification based on the determination result of the welding time determination unit,
The arc welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the actual welding time exceeds the welding time threshold value, an alarm notification of a welding state is performed. The information storage medium provided in the welding torch stores information related to the welding torch including at least a life threshold value that is a threshold value of the actual use state accumulated value and a past use value of the actual use state,
Arc welding power supply
A welding current detector for detecting a welding current;
A timing unit for measuring the actual welding time in which welding output is performed based on the detection result of the welding current detection unit;
A life threshold storage unit that stores the life threshold read by the information reading unit;
An actual use state past cumulative value storage unit that stores the actual use state past cumulative value read by the information reading unit;
Accumulated actual use that calculates the current accumulated actual use state by inputting the output of the timekeeping unit or the output of the timekeeping unit and the output of the welding current detection unit and the output of the accumulated value storage unit for the past actual use state A state calculation unit;
A life determination unit that inputs the current cumulative actual usage state and the lifetime threshold and determines whether the current cumulative actual usage state exceeds the lifetime threshold;
A life warning notification unit that performs notification based on the determination result of the life determination unit,
The arc welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the current cumulative actual use state exceeds the life threshold, a life warning is notified. The life threshold is time and the accumulated value of actual use state is also time, or the life threshold is a value expressed by the product of welding current and time, and the accumulated value of actual use state is the welding current and welding. The arc welding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the arc welding apparatus is a value represented by a cumulative value of a product of a predetermined time. 5. The arc welding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information reading unit also has a function of writing information to the information storage medium, and writes the calculation result of the cumulative actual use state calculation unit to the information storage medium after stopping the welding output. . When the arc welding power supply device is in the activated state, when the welding torch is connected to the arc welding power supply device, the information reading unit reads information on the information storage medium,
When the arc welding power supply device is in a stopped state, after the welding torch is connected to the arc welding power supply device, the information reading medium is stored in the information storage medium when the arc welding power supply device is activated. The arc welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information is read. The welding torch includes at least a gripping part that can be gripped by an operator, a cable part for supplying a welding current and a shielding gas, and a connection part for connecting to an arc welding power supply device, and an information storage medium is connected to the connection part. The arc welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the arc welding apparatus is provided. The arc welding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information storage medium provided in the welding torch is an IC tag, and the information reading unit provided in the arc welding power supply apparatus is an IC tag reader / writer. An arc welding power supply apparatus for connecting and using the welding torch provided with an information storage medium storing information on a welding torch including at least a welding current upper limit setting value,
A welding output control unit for controlling the welding output;
An information reading unit for reading information stored in the information storage medium;
A welding current input section for an operator to input a welding current value;
A welding current upper limit set value storage unit for storing the welding current upper limit set value read by the information reading unit;
When the welding current value and the welding current upper limit setting value are input and the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current value is output to the welding output control unit as a welding current command value, A welding current setting unit that outputs the welding current upper limit setting value as a welding current command value to the welding output control when the welding current value is equal to or greater than the welding current upper limit setting value;
An arc welding power supply device that outputs a welding current that is equal to or lower than the welding current upper limit set value. A welding output control unit for controlling welding output, an information reading unit for reading information stored in an information storage medium, a welding current input unit for an operator to input a welding current value, and the information reading unit When the welding current upper limit set value storage unit that stores the read welding current upper limit set value, the welding current value and the welding current upper limit set value are input, and the welding current value is smaller than the welding current upper limit set value Outputs the welding current value as a welding current command value to the welding output control unit, and if the welding current value is equal to or greater than the welding current upper limit setting value, the welding current upper limit setting value is used as the welding current command value as the welding current command value. A welding torch for use in connection with an arc welding power supply device that includes a welding current setting unit that outputs to output control, and performs welding current output below the welding current upper limit set value,
A welding torch comprising an information storage medium capable of reading information by an information reading unit of the arc welding power supply device.

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