JP2016150379A - Welding system and control method for welding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a welding system that makes a welding power source device recognize various kinds of specification information (torch information) stipulated for each welding torch and enables the welding power source device to execute the control for protecting the welding torch on the basis of the torch information and a control method for the welding system.SOLUTION: A wire supply device 2 acquires torch information stored in the memory 312 of a welding torch 3, and the wire supply device 2 transmits acquired torch information to a welding power source device 1 to make the welding power source device 1 receive the same. This enables the welding power source device 1 to recognize the torch information of the welding torch 3 connected to the wire supply device 2. The power source device 1 judges whether or not set current or the like exceeds the torch information and, when exceeding, executes the protection control processing of the welding torch 3 to warn and/or inhibit (stop) the supply of welding power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a welding system for supplying a welding current to a welding torch connected to a wire feeding device from a welding power source device via a wire feeding device, and a method for controlling the welding system.

  The consumable electrode type welding system is usually separated into a welding power supply device that is not moved due to its weight and a wire feeding device that is carried by an operator as the welding position moves. The welding power supply device and the wire feeding device are connected by a power cable, and the welding power generated by the welding power supply device propagates through the power cable and is supplied to the welding torch connected to the wire feeding device. Welding is performed (Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). For example, in a welding operation at a shipyard, a plurality of welding power supply devices are collected in one place, and a wire feeding device is carried to each welding location several tens of meters away to perform the welding operation. In such a welding system, the welding torch connected to the wire feeding device is configured to be detachable so that it can be changed in accordance with the content of welding work.

JP 2014-76478 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-20185

  By the way, a rated current, a rated usage rate, etc. are prescribed | regulated by the welding torch and welding power supply device of the above welding systems. For example, when the welding torch is used exceeding the rated current defined for the welding torch, the welding torch may be burned out. Moreover, when a welding power supply apparatus is used exceeding the rated current prescribed | regulated to the welding power supply apparatus, a welding power supply apparatus may burn out. For example, when the rated current of the welding power source is 500 A and the rated current of the welding torch is 200 A, if the welding power source supplies a welding current of 500 A to the welding torch, the welding torch can withstand the welding current. Because it is not possible, it will burn out.

On the other hand, the rated usage rate is a ratio (percentage) indicating how many minutes can be continuously used at the rated current with respect to the 10 minutes, with a period of 10 minutes. For example, the rated usage rate of 60% indicates that the device can be used continuously for 6 minutes at the rated current in 10 minutes (the rest is suspended for 4 minutes). Therefore, if the rated power consumption exceeds the rated usage rate during welding at the rated current set for the welding power supply device or welding torch, the welding power supply device or welding torch may burn out. Note that the rated usage rate is a ratio that indicates how many minutes of continuous use is possible at the rated current, so the continuous usage time is reduced when used at a set current lower than the rated current (welding current set in the welding power supply unit). It can also be made longer. Therefore, when using at a set current lower than the rated current in this way, it is sufficient not to use it beyond the rated usage rate but the allowable usage rate. This allowable usage rate is calculated by [(rated current) ² / (set current) ² ] × rated usage rate based on the rated usage rate, the rated current, and the set current.

  In such a welding system, as described above, the welding torch can be attached to and detached from the wire feeding device, but the welding power source device is connected to the wire feeding device by what kind of welding torch. I can't recognize it. Therefore, when the performance of the welding power source device exceeds the performance of the welding torch, there is a possibility that the welding current is output exceeding the rated current or the rated usage rate specified for the welding torch. Furthermore, the welding torch has not only the above-mentioned rated current and rated usage rate, but also a limitation in use such as a heat-resistant temperature, and use exceeding this leads to burning of the welding torch.

  Then, this invention was created in view of the said subject, the welding power supply device recognizes various specification information (torch information) prescribed | regulated for every welding torch, and a welding power supply device is based on the torch information, An object of the present invention is to provide a welding system capable of executing control for protecting a welding torch and a method for controlling the welding system.

  A welding system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a welding system that supplies a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device. The welding torch includes storage means for storing torch information related to the welding torch, and the wire feeding device acquires the torch information stored in the storage means, and the acquisition means acquires the torch information. Transmitting means for transmitting torch information to the welding power supply device, the welding power supply device based on the torch information received by the receiving means, receiving means for receiving the torch information transmitted by the transmitting means, Protection means for executing control for protecting the welding torch.

  A welding system provided by a second aspect of the present invention is a welding system that supplies a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device. The welding torch includes an identification ID storage unit that stores an identification ID indicating a type of the welding torch, and the wire feeding device acquires an identification ID stored in the identification ID storage unit; Transmission means for transmitting the identification ID acquired by the acquisition means to the welding power supply device, the welding power supply device receiving means for receiving the identification ID transmitted by the transmission means, the identification ID and the identification ID Based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage means, correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information in association with the torch information related to the welding torch, the reception means receives Comprising specifying means for specifying a torch information for identification ID, based on the torch information the specifying means has specified a protective means for performing control for protecting the welding torch, the.

  Preferably, in the welding system provided by the first and second aspects of the present invention, the welding power supply device further includes setting means for setting a current value of a welding current supplied to the welding torch, and the torch The information includes a rated current value set in the welding torch, and the protection means notifies at least a warning when the current value of the set welding current is larger than the rated current value. Either the current value of the welding current is limited to the rated current value or less, or the supply of the welding current is suppressed.

  Further, the welding power source device further includes an actual usage rate calculating means for measuring a time during which a welding current is supplied to the welding torch and calculating an actual usage rate based on the supply time, and the torch information includes the welding torch information. Including the rated usage rate set for the torch, and the protection means calculates an allowable usage rate based on the rated usage rate of the welding torch and the current value of the welding current set for the welding power source, and When the usage rate becomes equal to or higher than the allowable usage rate, at least one of notifying a warning or stopping the supply of the welding current is executed.

  In the welding system provided by the first and second aspects of the present invention, the welding torch further includes a temperature sensor that measures an actual use temperature that is a temperature of the welding torch itself, and the torch information is Including a use limit temperature of the welding torch, and when the actual use temperature reaches the use limit temperature, the protection means at least notifies a warning or stops supplying the welding current. Do something.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes a water cooling device that cools the welding torch by a water cooling method, and the protection unit controls the water cooling device based on the actual use temperature.

  In addition, the said protection means starts the said water cooling apparatus, when the said actual use temperature becomes more than the water cooling apparatus starting temperature used as the parameter | index which starts the said water cooling apparatus.

  Further, the water cooling device starting temperature may be set based on a use limit temperature of the welding torch.

  Furthermore, an external air temperature meter for measuring the outside air temperature around the welding torch may be further provided, and the protection means may change the water cooling device starting temperature according to the outside air temperature.

  Preferably, the torch information further includes cooling method information indicating whether a cooling method of the welding torch is a water cooling method or an air cooling method, and the welding torch is configured to be detachable from the wire feeding device. If the cooling method of the welding torch connected to the wire feeding device is a water cooling method based on the cooling method information when the actual use temperature is equal to or higher than the water cooling device starting temperature, The water cooling device is controlled, and if it is the air cooling system, a warning is notified.

  In the welding system provided by the first and second aspects of the present invention, the transmission means transmits the power via a power transmission line connecting the welding power supply device and the wire feeding device, and the reception means. Is received via the power transmission line.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a welding system control method for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device. The welding torch is provided with storage means for storing torch information related to the welding torch, and the wire feeding device acquires the torch information stored in the storage means. A step, a second step of transmitting the torch information acquired in the first step to the welding power source device, a third step of receiving the torch information transmitted in the second step, and a reception in the third step. And a fourth step of executing control for protecting the welding torch based on the torch information.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a welding system control method for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device. The welding torch is provided with identification ID storage means for storing an identification ID indicating the type of the welding torch, and the identification ID stored in the identification ID storage means is assigned to the wire ID. A first step acquired by the feeding device; a second step of transmitting the identification ID acquired in the first step to the welding power source device; and a third step of receiving the identification ID transmitted in the second step. And the torch information related to the welding torch corresponding to the identification ID received in the third step, the correspondence corresponding to the identification ID and the torch information Based on distribution comprises a fourth step of identifying, based on the torch information specified by said fourth step, a fifth step of executing a control for protecting the welding torch, the.

  According to the present invention, the welding power source device can recognize the torch information of the welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via the wire feeding device, and is used beyond the specification prescribed for the welding torch. Control for preventing this can be performed, and as a result, burnout of the welding torch can be prevented.

It is a figure showing the whole welding system composition concerning a 1st embodiment. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating gas piping. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a welding torch concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the acquisition process of the torch information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the protection control process of the welding torch which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the identification ID table which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the welding system which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the welding system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the welding torch which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the protection control process of the welding torch which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a welding system that performs semi-automatic arc welding in which a wire electrode and a shielding gas are automatically supplied to a welding torch.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a welding system A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the welding system A includes a welding power source device 1, a wire feeding device 2, a welding torch 3, power cables 41 and 42, power connection lines 51, 52 and 52 ′, a gas cylinder 6, and a gas pipe 7. I have. The welding system A actually includes a wire reel around which a wire electrode is wound, but the illustration and explanation thereof are omitted.

  The welding power supply device 1 supplies welding power to the welding torch 3 via the wire feeding device 2. One output terminal a for welding power of the welding power source device 1 is connected to the wire feeding device 2 via a power cable 41. The wire feeding device 2 sends the wire electrode to the welding torch 3 so that the tip of the wire electrode protrudes from the tip of the welding torch 3. In the contact tip disposed at the tip of the welding torch 3, the power cable 41 and the wire electrode are electrically connected. The other output terminal b for welding power of the welding power source apparatus 1 is connected to the workpiece W via the power cable 42. The welding power source device 1 generates an arc between the tip of the wire electrode protruding from the tip of the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and supplies electric power to the arc. The welding system A welds the workpiece W with the heat of the arc.

  The welding system A uses a shielding gas during welding. The shield gas of the gas cylinder 6 is supplied to the tip of the welding torch 3 by a gas pipe 7 provided so as to pass through the welding power supply device 1 and the wire feeding device 2. The gas pipe 7 is a pipe that connects the gas cylinder 6 and the welding power source 1, a pipe that is disposed inside the welding power source 1, a pipe that connects the welding power source 1 and the wire feeder 2, and a wire feed The piping arrange | positioned inside the apparatus 2 and the piping arrange | positioned inside the torch cable 33 (after-mentioned) are provided. FIG. 2 shows a connecting metal fitting 1a in which a pipe connecting the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 among the gas pipes 7 is connected to a pipe arranged inside the welding power source device 1, and a wire. It is sectional drawing of the part connected to the connection metal fitting 2a connected to the piping arrange | positioned inside the feeding apparatus. For example, the rubber gas pipe 7 is connected so as to be fitted into the connection fitting 1a (2a). The material of the gas pipe 7 is not limited and may vary depending on each section. However, a portion connecting the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 is an insulator such as rubber.

  Electric power for driving a feeding motor 24 (described later) for feeding the wire electrode is supplied from the welding power supply device 1 to the wire feeding device 2 via the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. One output terminal of the power source for driving power of the wire feeding device 2 (the feeding device power source unit 12 described later) provided in the welding power source device 1 is connected to the wire feeding device 2 via the power connection line 51. It is connected to one input terminal of a power source (a power source unit 21 described later).

  The power connection line 51 is disposed inside the gas pipe 7 between the welding power supply device 1 and the wire feeding device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the power connection line 51 is connected to the conductive connection fitting 1 a inside the welding power supply device 1, and the power connection line 51 is a conductive connection inside the wire feeding device 2. It is connected to the metal fitting 2a. And the power supply connection line 51 arrange | positioned inside the gas piping 7 is pinched | interposed and fixed between the gas piping 7 and the connection metal fitting 1a (2a), and is electrically connected with the connection metal fitting 1a (2a). Yes. That is, the connection fitting 1a functions as a connector for connecting the power supply connection line 51 inside the welding power source device 1 and the power supply connection line 51 arranged inside the gas pipe 7, and the connection fitting 2a is used for wire feeding. It functions as a connector that connects the power supply connection line 51 inside the apparatus 2 and the power supply connection line 51 arranged inside the gas pipe 7.

  Further, the other output terminal of the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device and the power cable 41 are connected to each other by the power connection line 52 inside the welding power supply device 1, and the other input terminal of the power supply unit 21 and the power cable are connected. 41 is connected to the inside of the wire feeder 2 by a power connection line 52 ′. Thereby, the other output terminal of the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device and the other input terminal of the power supply unit 21 are electrically connected. The power output from the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device is supplied to the power supply unit 21 through the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. Further, the welding power supply device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 perform communication by superimposing a signal between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41.

  The welding torch 3 stores torch information related to the welding torch 3. When the welding torch 3 is connected to the wire feeding device 2, the wire feeding device 2 acquires the torch information from the welding torch 3. The torch information stored in the welding torch 3 includes the rated current and the rated usage rate of the welding torch 3.

  The welding power source device 1 supplies welding power (DC power) for arc welding to the welding torch 3. Further, the welding power source device 1 transmits and receives various communication signals to and from the wire feeding device 2. The welding power supply device 1 receives the torch information of the welding torch 3 from the wire feeder 2 and executes a protection control process for the welding torch 3 based on the torch information. The welding power source device 1 supplies welding power to the welding torch 3 while the torch switch 32 of the welding torch 3 is being pressed. As shown in FIG. 1, the welding power supply device 1 includes a welding power supply unit 11, a feeding device power supply unit 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

  The welding power supply unit 11 converts three-phase AC power input from the power system into DC power suitable for arc welding and outputs the DC power. The three-phase AC power input to the welding power supply unit 11 is converted to DC power by the rectifier circuit, and is converted to AC power by the inverter circuit. Then, the voltage is stepped down (or boosted) by a transformer, converted into DC power by a rectifier circuit, and output. In addition, the structure of the power supply part 11 for welding is not limited to what was mentioned above.

  The power supply unit 12 for the feeding device outputs power for driving the feeding motor 24 of the wire feeding device 2 and the like. The power supply unit 12 for the feeding device converts single-phase AC power input from the power system into DC power suitable for use in the wire feeding device 2 and outputs the DC power. The power supply unit 12 for a feeding device is a so-called switching regulator. The AC power input to the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device is converted into DC power by the rectifier circuit, and is stepped down (or boosted) by the DC / DC converter circuit and output. The power supply unit for feeding device 12 supplies DC power whose voltage is controlled to 48 V, for example, to the wire feeding device 2 via the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. In addition, the structure of the power supply part 12 for feeders is not limited to what was mentioned above. For example, the configuration may be the same as the welding power supply unit 11, and AC power input from the power system is stepped down (or boosted) by a transformer, and then converted into DC power by a rectifier circuit and output. It may be.

  The welding power supply unit 11 applies a voltage such that the potential of the output terminal a is higher than that of the output terminal b, and the potential of the power cable 41 is higher than the potential of the power cable 42. The power supply unit 12 for the feeding device applies a voltage so that the potential of the power connection line 51 is lower than the potential of the power connection line 52. Since the power connection line 52 is connected to the power cable 41, the potential of the power connection line 51 is lower than the potential of the power cable 41. That is, by making the potentials of the power connection line 51 and the power cable 42 lower than those of the power cable 41, the potential difference between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 42 is not increased. For example, when the no-load voltage output from the welding power supply unit 11 is 90 V and the voltage output from the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device is 48 V, the potential difference between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 42 is 42 V. If the potential of the power connection line 51 is made higher than the potential of the power connection line 52, the potential difference between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 42 is 132V. When the potential difference between the power supply connection line 51 and the power cable 42 is not concerned, the voltage applied by the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device has a reverse polarity (the potential of the power supply connection line 51 is higher than the potential of the power supply connection line 52. The voltage may be applied so that

  The communication unit 13 is for communicating with the wire feeder 2 via the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. The communication unit 13 includes a coupling circuit. The coupling circuit includes a high-frequency transformer in which a coil connected to the input / output terminal of the communication unit 13 and a coil connected in parallel to the power supply connection lines 51 and 52 are magnetically coupled, and the communication unit 13 outputs. The communication signal is superimposed on the power connection lines 51 and 52, and the communication signal superimposed on the power connection lines 51 and 52 is detected. That is, the communication unit 13 performs power line communication (Power Line Communication communication; PLC communication). Since the power connection line 52 is connected to the power cable 41 inside the welding power source 1, the communication signal is superimposed between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41.

  The communication unit 13 demodulates the communication signal received from the wire feeding device 2 and outputs the demodulated signal to the control unit 14. The communication signal received from the wire feeder 2 includes, for example, a signal for setting welding conditions, an activation signal for instructing activation of the welding power supply unit 11, and welding detected by the voltage sensor in the wire feeder 2. There are a detected value of voltage, torch information of the welding torch 3, and the like. Moreover, the communication part 13 modulates the signal input from the control part 14, and transmits to the wire feeder 2 as a communication signal. The communication signal transmitted to the wire feeding device 2 includes, for example, a detected value of a welding current detected by a current sensor in the welding power source device 1, a signal (abnormal signal) indicating an abnormality occurring in the welding power source device 1, a wire There are signals such as a feed command and a gas supply command, and a warning signal that prompts protection of the welding torch 3. In addition, the communication signal transmitted / received between the wire feeding apparatuses 2 is not limited to the above.

  The communication unit 13 performs communication using a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communication method. In the DSSS communication system, the transmission side performs an operation using a spread code on a signal to be transmitted, and spreads the spectrum of the original signal in a wider band and transmits the signal. The receiving side restores the original signal by despreading the received signal using a common spreading code. Even when noise is superimposed on the communication signal, the noise spectrum is spread by despreading, so that the original communication signal can be extracted by filtering. Further, if a different spreading code is used for each welding system A, even if a communication signal transmitted / received in another welding system A is erroneously received, the communication signal is despread with a different spreading code, and as noise Removed. Therefore, communication can be performed with high communication quality.

  The control unit 14 controls the welding power source apparatus 1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 14 is configured so that the welding current output from the welding power source device 1 becomes the set current, and the welding voltage applied between the tip of the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W becomes the set voltage. Next, the inverter circuit of the welding power source 11 is controlled. Further, the DC / DC converter circuit of the power supply unit 12 for feeding device is controlled so that the voltage output from the power supply unit 12 for feeding device becomes a predetermined voltage. The control unit 14 changes welding conditions (set current and set voltage) in accordance with an operation of a setting button (not shown), and activates the welding power supply unit 11 in accordance with an operation of an activation button (not shown). Moreover, the control part 14 displays the detection value of the welding current detected by the current sensor which is not illustrated on the display part which is not illustrated, or when the abnormality occurs, the control part 14 notifies the notification part which is not illustrated.

  Further, the control unit 14 changes the welding condition and activates the welding power source unit 11 for the signal input from the communication unit 13. For example, when a signal for setting a welding condition is input from the communication unit 13, the control unit 14 sets a welding condition based on this signal, and receives an activation signal that instructs activation of the welding power source unit 11. Then, the welding power source 11 is activated (operated) while the activation signal is input. Further, the control unit 14 detects a detected value or abnormality signal of the detected welding current, a signal for a wire feeding command or a gas supply command to the wire feeding device 2, and a warning signal for promoting protection of the welding torch 3. Is output to the communication unit 13.

  When receiving the torch information from the wire feeding device 2, the control unit 14 stores the received torch information in the storage unit 15. When the welding current set in the welding power source device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “set current”) is larger than the rated current of the welding torch 3 based on the stored torch information, the control unit 14 selects the welding torch 3. Execute protection control to protect. As protection control at this time, for example, a warning signal is transmitted to the wire feeding device 2 via the communication unit 13, and the wire feeding device 2 is audible by a notifying unit (not shown) provided in the wire feeding device 2. A warning is given or a warning light (not shown) is turned on for notification. Further, in the notification by the notification unit, the welding power source unit 11 may not be activated and the welding power may not be output in consideration of the operator not noticing it or ignoring and using it. Here, since the welding power is not yet output from the welding power source 11, the output of the welding power is suppressed. Note that the welding torch 3 can be more reliably protected by suppressing the output of the welding power. Therefore, in this embodiment, it demonstrates as what performs both warning alerting | reporting and suppression of the output of welding electric power. Moreover, in this embodiment, when setting current is larger than rated current, it demonstrates as what suppresses the output of welding power, However, The welding current (welding power) which controlled the power supply part 11 for welding and adjusted to rated current is demonstrated. May be output.

  Further, when the set current is equal to or less than the rated current value, the control unit 14 calculates the allowable usage rate based on the stored torch information (rated current, rated usage rate) and the set current. And based on the time (time which supplied welding power to the welding torch 3) which output the welding electric power from the welding power supply device 1 time-measured by the time measuring part which is not shown in figure, an actual usage rate is calculated, Check if the usage rate exceeds the allowable usage rate. The actual usage rate is, for example, 3 [minutes] / 10 [minutes] × 100 = 30 [%] when the cumulative time of supplying welding power to the welding torch 3 is 3 minutes in the past 10 minutes. . When the actual usage rate is equal to or higher than the allowable usage rate, the control unit 14 executes protection control for the welding torch 3. As protection control at this time, a warning is notified or the already-started welding power supply unit 11 is stopped so as not to output welding power. Here, since the welding power is already output from the welding power supply unit 11, the output of the welding power is stopped. In addition, the calculation method of an allowable usage rate and an actual usage rate is not limited to the above-mentioned method. Moreover, you may use a rated usage rate as it is instead of an allowable usage rate.

  The wire feeding device 2 feeds the wire electrode to the welding torch 3. Further, the wire feeder 2 supplies the shielding gas of the gas cylinder 6 to the tip of the welding torch 3. The wire feeding device 2 transmits and receives various communication signals to and from the welding power source device 1. The wire feeding device 2 acquires torch information from the welding torch 3 and transmits the acquired torch information to the welding power source device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the wire feeding device 2 includes a power supply unit 21, a communication unit 22, a control unit 23, a feeding motor 24, a gas electromagnetic valve 25, and a connector 26.

  The power supply unit 21 supplies power to the control unit 23, the feed motor 24, and the gas electromagnetic valve 25. The power supply unit 21 is supplied with electric power from the welding power supply device 1 (the power supply unit 12 for the feeding device) via the power supply connection lines 51 and 52 ′, and the control unit 23, the feeding motor 24, and the gas electromagnetic valve 25. The voltage is converted into a voltage suitable for each of the outputs. The power source unit 21 includes a capacitor for accumulating power supplied from the welding power source device 1, a diode for preventing current from flowing backward from the capacitor to the power connection lines 51 and 52 ', a control unit 23, a feeding motor 24, and A DC / DC converter for adjusting the voltage output to the gas solenoid valve 25 is provided. Note that the configuration of the power supply unit 21 is not limited to that described above.

  The communication unit 22 is for communicating with the welding power supply device 1 via the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. The communication unit 22 includes a coupling circuit. The coupling circuit includes a high-frequency transformer in which a coil connected to the input / output terminal of the communication unit 22 and a coil connected in parallel to the power supply connection lines 51 and 52 ′ are magnetically coupled. The communication signal to be superimposed is superimposed on the power connection lines 51 and 52 ′, and the communication signal superimposed on the power connection lines 51 and 52 ′ is detected. That is, the communication unit 22 also performs PLC communication. Since the power connection line 52 ′ is connected to the power cable 41 inside the wire feeder 2, the communication signal is superimposed between the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41.

  The communication unit 22 demodulates the communication signal received from the welding power supply device 1 and outputs the demodulated signal to the control unit 23. The communication signal received from the welding power source device 1 includes, for example, a detected value of a welding current, an abnormal signal, a signal such as a wire feed command or a gas supply command, and a warning signal that prompts protection of the welding torch 3. Moreover, the communication part 22 modulates the signal input from the control part 23, and transmits to the welding power supply device 1 as a communication signal. The communication signal transmitted to the welding power source device 1 includes, for example, a signal for setting a welding condition, an activation signal for instructing activation of the welding power source 11, a detected value of the welding voltage, and torch information of the welding torch 3. and so on. In addition, the communication signal transmitted / received between the welding power supply apparatuses 1 is not limited to what was mentioned above. Similar to the communication unit 13, the communication unit 22 also performs communication using the DSSS communication method.

  The control unit 23 controls the wire feeding device 2 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 23 transmits an activation signal for activating the welding power source unit 11 of the welding power source device 1 in accordance with an operation signal for activation input from a torch switch 32 provided in the welding torch 3. 22 to output. Further, the welding conditions stored in the storage unit (not shown) provided in the wire feeding device 2 are changed in accordance with an operation signal for changing the welding conditions input from the operation unit (not shown). The control unit 23 reads out the welding conditions stored in the storage unit at every transmission cycle set in advance, and outputs the welding conditions to the communication unit 22. In addition, the control unit 23 displays the detected value of the welding current input from the communication unit 22 or the detected value of the welding voltage detected by a voltage sensor (not shown) on the display unit (not shown) or the input from the communication unit 22. On the basis of the abnormality signal, the notification unit (not shown) is notified of the abnormality (for example, a warning sound by a speaker or a notification by vibration). Further, the control unit 23 sends the wire electrode to the welding torch 3 by causing the feeding motor 24 to perform feeding while the wire feeding command is input from the communication unit 22. Further, while the gas supply command is input from the communication unit 22, the gas electromagnetic valve 25 is opened, and the shielding gas of the gas cylinder 6 is released from the tip of the welding torch 3.

  Furthermore, when the welding torch 3 is connected to the wire feeding device 2 (connector 26), the control unit 23 acquires torch information stored in the welding torch 3 via the communication line 81. The acquired torch information is output to the communication unit 22.

  The feed motor 24 feeds the wire electrode to the welding torch 3. The feed motor 24 rotates based on a wire feed command from the control unit 23, rotates the feed roller, and sends the wire electrode to the welding torch 3.

  The gas solenoid valve 25 is provided in the gas pipe 7 that connects the gas cylinder 6 and the welding torch 3, and is opened and closed based on a gas supply command from the control unit 23. While the gas supply command is input from the control unit 23, the gas electromagnetic valve 25 is opened and the shield gas is supplied to the welding torch 3. On the other hand, when the gas supply command is not input from the control unit 23, the gas electromagnetic valve 25 is closed, and the supply of the shielding gas to the welding torch 3 is stopped.

  The connector 26 is a connection terminal for connecting the welding torch 3 and the wire feeder 2. For example, the connector 26 is a concave connection terminal, and the welding torch 3 and the wire feeder 2 can be connected by inserting a convex torch plug 34 (described later) of the welding torch 3 into the connector 26. it can. Therefore, various welding torches 3 can be attached to and detached from the wire feeder 2 by inserting / removing the connector 26 into / from the torch plug 34.

  The welding torch 3 welds the workpiece W with welding power supplied from the welding power supply device 1 via the wire feeding device 2. The cooling method of the welding torch 3 is an air cooling method. In addition, although the cooling method uses an air-cooled welding torch as an example, the cooling method may be a water-cooled welding torch. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the welding torch 3. As illustrated, the welding torch 3 includes a torch body 31, a torch switch 32, a torch cable 33, and a torch plug 34. FIG. 3 also shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the torch cable 33 in the major axis direction (part).

  A nozzle 311 and a contact tip are provided at the tip of the torch body 31. The wire electrode serves as both an electrode and a filler, and the contact tip supplies the welding power supplied from the welding power source device 1 to the wire electrode, thereby forming an arc. The torch body 31 is provided with a memory 312 and stores torch information related to the welding torch 3. The torch information stored in the memory 312 includes the rated current and the rated usage rate of the welding torch 3. The torch body 31 has a role as a grip portion of the welding torch 3, and the operator performs the welding work with the torch body 31. In FIG. 3, the memory 312 and the communication line 81 are arranged inside the torch body 31 and are not exposed to the outside, and thus are shown by dotted lines.

  The torch switch 32 is a switch for starting the welding power source device 1 and is attached to the torch body 31. While the torch switch 32 is being pressed, an activation signal for activating (operating) the welding power supply unit 11 is sent to the wire feeder 2 via the communication line 81. And it is transmitted / received via the communication parts 22 and 13 from the wire feeder 2 to the welding power supply device 1. FIG. As a result, since the start signal is input to the welding power source device 1 while the operator presses the torch switch 32, welding power is supplied from the welding power source device 1 to the welding torch 3.

  The torch cable 33 is a cable connected to one end (the end opposite to the tip) of the torch body 31, and as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, a power cable 41 ′, a wire guide liner, A gas hose and a communication line 81 are arranged. In addition, description to the figure of a wire guide liner or a gas hose is abbreviate | omitted. The power cable 41 ′ supplies welding power from the wire feeder 2 to the welding torch 3. The power cable 41 ′ is electrically connected to the power cable 41. The wire guide liner leads the wire electrode from the wire feeding device 2 to the welding torch 3. The gas hose supplies shield gas from the wire feeder 2 to the welding torch 3. The communication line 81 is for propagating a communication signal between the welding torch 3 and the wire feeder 2. For example, torch information stored in the memory 312 of the welding torch 3 is sent to the wire feeding device 2 or an activation signal for the welding power supply unit 11 is sent.

  The torch plug 34 is a connection terminal for connecting the welding torch 3 to the wire feeder 2. The welding torch 3 can be connected to the wire feeder 2 by inserting the torch plug 34 into the connector 26 of the wire feeder 2.

  The welding power supply control in the welding system A according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The welding power supply control in the welding system A is executed by two processes: a torch information acquisition process (FIG. 4) and a protection control process for the welding torch 3 based on the rated current and the rated usage rate (FIG. 5). Is done.

  First, torch information acquisition processing performed by the welding power source apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the welding torch 3 is connected to the wire feeder 2 (step S101), the control unit 23 of the wire feeder 2 sends torch information from the memory 312 of the connected welding torch 3 via the communication line 81. Obtain (step S102). When acquiring the torch information, the control unit 23 of the wire feeding device 2 outputs the acquired torch information to the communication unit 22, and the communication unit 22 superimposes the input torch information on the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41. And transmitted to the welding power source apparatus 1 by power line communication (step S103).

  The communication unit 13 of the welding power source apparatus 1 detects the torch information superimposed on the power connection line 51 and the power cable 41 and receives the torch information (step S104). The communication unit 13 outputs the received torch information to the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 stores the input torch information in the storage unit 15 (step S105). This torch information acquisition process is executed each time the welding torch 3 is connected to the wire feeder 2.

  Next, a protection control process for the welding torch 3 based on the rated current and the rated usage rate performed after the torch information is stored in the welding power source apparatus 1 by the above-described torch information acquisition process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the torch switch of the welding torch 3 is pressed (YES in step S201), the welding torch 3 transmits an activation signal to the welding power supply device 1 via the wire feeding device 2. When receiving the start signal, welding power supply device 1 confirms the welding current (set current) set in welding power supply device 1 and whether the set current is larger than the rated current of welding torch 3 stored in storage unit 15. Is determined (step S202). At this time, if it is determined that the set current is larger than the rated current, a warning to that effect is given and the output of the welding power (that is, the supply of the welding power to the welding torch 3) is suppressed (step S203). As the warning performed here, for example, a warning signal is transmitted from the welding power supply device 1 to the wire feeding device 2, and a notification unit provided in the wire feeding device 2 gives a voice warning (alarm sound or “set current is "The current rating is higher than the rated current of the welding torch." On the other hand, when it is determined that the set current is smaller than the rated current, the allowable usage rate of the welding torch 3 is calculated based on the set current, the rated current, and the rated usage rate (step S204).

  And the control part 14 controls the power supply part 11 for welding, and starts supply of welding electric power (step S205). When the supply of welding power is started, the control unit 14 measures the time during which welding power is supplied, and calculates the actual usage rate based on the measured time (step S206). The control unit 14 determines whether or not the calculated actual usage rate exceeds the allowable usage rate calculated in step S204 (step S207). As a result, when it is determined that the actual usage rate exceeds the allowable usage rate, a warning to that effect is given and the supply of welding power is stopped (step S208). As the warning performed here, for example, a warning signal is transmitted from the welding power supply device 1 to the wire feeding device 2, and a notification unit provided in the wire feeding device 2 gives a voice warning (alarm sound or “use rate is over ”). Preferably, the alarm sound at this time is a tone different from the warning sound at the time of step S203. On the other hand, when it is determined that the actual usage rate does not exceed the allowable usage rate, the supply of welding power is continued, and the process returns to step S206. At this time, after the welding power supply is started in step S205, when the torch switch 32 is turned off (the pressing of the torch switch 32 is stopped), the process returns to step S201 and waits until the torch switch 32 is pressed again. . The protection control process for the welding torch 3 is performed each time the set current is changed or each time a different welding torch 3 is connected.

  As described above, according to the welding system A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the wire feeding device 2 acquires torch information stored in the welding torch 3, and the wire feeding device 2 acquires The transmitted torch information is transmitted to the welding power source apparatus 1, and the welding power source apparatus 1 receives this information. Thereby, the welding power supply device 1 can recognize the torch information of the welding torch 3 connected to the wire feeding device 2, and the protection control processing of the welding torch 3 based on the torch information can be performed. Thereby, it can prevent that an operator uses exceeding the specification of the welding torch 3, and can prevent the welding torch 3 from burning.

  In the protection control process of the welding torch 3 of the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the case where the supply of welding power is suppressed in step S203 has been described as an example, but the supply of welding power is not suppressed, You may restrict | limit so that the welding electric power (welding current) supplied to the welding torch 3 from the welding power supply device 1 may be below the rated current value prescribed | regulated to the welding torch 3. FIG.

  In the protection control process for the welding torch 3 of the welding system A according to the first embodiment, a case where warning notification and welding power supply suppression (or supply stop) are performed simultaneously in steps S203 and S208 will be described as an example. However, after notifying the warning, if the situation is not improved even after a predetermined time has passed (if the set current is not changed or the torch switch 32 is not turned off), the welding power supply is suppressed (or The supply may be stopped).

  In the protection control process of the welding torch 3 of the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the order of comparing the set current and the rated current after the torch switch 32 is pressed has been described. However, the torch switch 32 is pressed. It may be before. Specifically, when the set current is set in the welding power source device 1, the set current and the rated current may be compared, and a warning may be notified according to the comparison result.

  In the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the example in which torch information (rated current and rated usage rate) is stored in the memory 312 of the welding torch 3 and the torch information is transmitted to the welding power source apparatus 1 has been described. For example, an identification ID (torch ID) uniquely assigned to each type of welding torch 3 may be stored and transmitted. In this case, the storage unit 15 stores an identification ID table (correspondence table) (FIG. 6) in which the torch ID and the torch information of the welding torch 3 are associated with each other, and the control unit 14 determines the torch from the acquired torch ID. Information may be specified. Note that the model (model number) of the welding torch 3 may be used instead of the torch ID. By doing in this way, since the information amount memorize | stored in the memory 312 of the welding torch 3 can be decreased, the memory 312 can be reduced in size and the portability of the welding torch 3 is improved.

  In the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the example in which various communication signals are transmitted / received by the PLC communication between the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 has been described. Various communication signals may be transmitted / received using wireless communication such as LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the welding system A ′ shown in FIG. 7 is obtained by replacing the communication unit 13 of the welding system A with the communication unit 13 ′ and the communication unit 22 with the communication unit 22 ′. Both the communication unit 13 ′ and the communication unit 22 ′ are configured by a wireless communication module including a transmission / reception antenna. The communication units 13 ′ and 22 ′ perform wireless communication and transmit / receive various communication signals according to the same wireless communication standard. Similarly, in the welding system A ′ configured as described above, the welding power source device 1 can recognize the torch information of the welding torch 3.

  In the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the rated current and the rated usage rate are stored in the memory 312 as the torch information of the welding torch 3, and the protection control of the welding torch 3 is performed based on the rated current and the rated usage rate. However, as the torch information of the welding torch 3, a limit temperature (hereinafter referred to as “use limit temperature”) that the welding torch 3 can withstand and a water cooling device that cools the welding torch 3 are described. A temperature that is an index for starting up (hereinafter referred to as “starting temperature”, which corresponds to “water cooling device starting temperature” in the claims) is included, and the welding torch 3 is based on the use limit temperature and starting temperature. A configuration for executing the protection control process may be added. By doing in this way, protection of the welding torch 3 becomes more reliable. This case will be described below as a second embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a welding system B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same or similar elements as those of the welding system A according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 8, a part of the internal configuration of the welding power source device 1 ′, the wire feeding device 2 ′, and the welding torch 3 ′ is omitted. As shown in the figure, the welding system B includes a welding power source device 1 ′, a wire feeding device 2 ′, a welding torch 3 ′, power cables 41 and 42, power connection lines 51, 52, and 52 ′ (not shown), and a gas cylinder 6 The gas pipe 7 and the water cooling device 9 are provided. Compared to the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the difference is that a water cooling device 9 is provided. Further, the welding torch 3 ′ is newly provided with a temperature sensor 313 to be described later, and as torch information related to the welding torch 3 ′, the rated current, rated usage rate, use limit temperature, and The starting temperature of the water cooling device 9 is included. This point is also different from the welding system A according to the first embodiment.

  The water cooling device 9 circulates cooling water for cooling the welding torch 3 ′. The water cooling device 9 is connected to the welding power source device 1 ′ (control unit 14 ′), and starts and stops the circulation of the cooling water according to instructions from the welding power source device 1 ′. The water cooling device 9 cools the cooling water sent from the welding torch 3 ′ through the condenser side hose 92 by radiating heat with a radiator. Further, the cooled cooling water is sent out to the welding torch 3 ′ through the water supply side hose 91 by the circulation pump. The cooling water sent out from the water cooling device 9 is supplied to the welding torch 3 ′ by the water supply hose 91 via the welding power supply device 1 ′ and the wire feeding device 2 ′. Then, the cooling water that has become high temperature in the welding torch 3 ′ returns to the water cooling device 9 via the condensate side hose 92 via the wire feeding device 2 ′ and the welding power source device 1 ′. The high-temperature cooling water that has returned to the water-cooling device 9 is cooled by the radiator and sent out again to the welding torch 3 ′. There is a tank for storing cooling water between the radiator and the circulation pump. In addition, illustration and description of a radiator, a circulation pump, a tank, and the like are omitted.

  The welding power source device 1 'supplies welding power for arc welding to the welding torch 3' via the wire feeding device 2 '. The welding power supply device 1 ′ communicates with the wire feeding device 2 ′ by PLC communication, similarly to the welding power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. The welding power source device 1 'receives the torch information of the welding torch 3' from the wire feeding device 2 ', and executes a protection control process for the welding torch 3' based on the torch information. Further, the welding power source apparatus 1 'is connected to the welding torch 3' temperature input from the welding torch 3 'via the wire feeding device 2' (hereinafter referred to as "torch temperature"). The protection control process for the welding torch 3 ′ is also executed based on the “temperature”. The welding power supply device 1 'includes a welding power supply unit 11, a feeding device power supply unit 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14', and a storage unit 15 '.

  Similar to the control unit 14 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 14 ′ controls the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. Control part 14 'performs torch information (rated rating) from welding torch 3' via wire feeder 2 'by performing processing similar to acquisition processing (refer to Drawing 4) of torch information shown in a 1st embodiment. Current, rated usage rate, use limit temperature, and start-up temperature) are acquired and stored in the storage unit 15 ′. As a result, the storage unit 15 ′ stores the rated current, the rated usage rate, the usage limit temperature, and the startup temperature as torch information.

  Similarly to the control unit 14, the control unit 14 ′ performs protection control processing for the welding torch 3 ′ based on the rated current and the rated usage rate, and is input from the welding torch 3 ′ via the wire feeding device 2 ′. When the torch temperature becomes equal to or higher than the activation temperature stored in the storage unit 15 ′, the water cooling device 9 is instructed to start circulation of the cooling water. On the other hand, when the torch temperature is lower than the starting temperature, the cooling water is not circulated (if the cooling water is circulated, it is stopped). In the present embodiment, the case where the circulation of the cooling water by the water cooling device 9 is started and stopped based on the torch temperature will be described. However, the flow rate of the cooling water fed from the water cooling device 9 is changed based on the torch temperature. May be. For example, when the water cooling device 9 is configured to constantly circulate the cooling water, the flow rate of the cooling water decreases as the torch temperature decreases, and conversely, the flow rate of the cooling water increases as the torch temperature increases. Do more. Moreover, both the start and stop of the circulation of the cooling water by the water cooling device 9 and the change of the flow rate of the cooling water are performed, and the water cooling device 9 is activated when the torch temperature becomes equal to or higher than the activation temperature. As the torch temperature rises, the cooling water flow rate may be gradually increased.

  Further, when the input torch temperature exceeds the use limit temperature stored in the storage unit 15 ′, the control unit 14 ′ executes protection control for the welding torch 3 ′. The protection control at this time is the same as that in the first embodiment, and for example, a notification unit (not shown) is notified, or the welding power supply unit 11 is stopped and the output of welding power is stopped. Here, since the start-up temperature stored in the storage unit 15 ′ needs to circulate the cooling water by the water cooling device 9 before the torch temperature reaches the use limit temperature, the start temperature is lower than the use limit temperature. Is set. The starting temperature may be configured to be automatically set by the control unit 14 ′ based on the stored use limit temperature. For example, as the starting temperature, a temperature that is 20 ° C. lower than the use limit temperature is set, or a temperature that is 75% of the use limit temperature is set.

  The wire feeding device 2 'is for feeding the wire electrode to the welding torch 3'. Similar to the wire feeding device 2 according to the first embodiment, the wire feeding device 2 ′ communicates with the welding power source device 1 ′ by PLC communication. The wire feeding device 2 ′ includes a power supply unit 21, a communication unit 22, a control unit 23 ′, a feeding motor 24, a gas electromagnetic valve 25, and a connector 26.

  The control unit 23 ′ acquires torch information from the welding torch 3 ′ via the communication line 81. Then, the control unit 23 ′ transmits the acquired torch information to the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ via the communication unit 22. In addition, the control unit 23 ′ transmits the torch temperature input from the welding torch 3 ′ to the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ via the communication unit 22.

  The welding torch 3 ′ welds the workpiece W with welding power supplied from the welding power supply device 1 ′ via the wire feeding device 2 ′. The cooling method of the welding torch 3 ′ is a water cooling method. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the welding torch 3 ′, which includes a torch body 31 ′, a torch switch 32, a torch cable 33 ′, and a torch plug 34.

  The torch body 31 ′ is newly provided with a temperature sensor 313 with respect to the torch body 31 according to the first embodiment. The temperature sensor 313 measures the torch temperature of the welding torch 3 ′, and outputs the measured torch temperature to the wire feeder 2 ′ (control unit 23 ′) via the communication line 81. The torch temperature input to the wire feeding device 2 ′ is transmitted from the communication unit 22 and received by the communication unit 13, and is output to the welding power source device 1 ′. The temperature sensor 313 measures the torch temperature at regular intervals and outputs the measured torch temperature to the wire feeder 2 '.

  As the temperature sensor 313, for example, a thermistor is attached. The thermistor is connected to a temperature measurement unit (not shown) via two lead wires. The temperature measurement unit applies a current to the thermistor, measures a potential difference between the two lead wires, calculates a resistance value of the thermistor, and calculates a temperature corresponding to the calculated resistance value. As a result, the temperature measuring unit measures the temperature T of the portion of the welding torch 3 ′ that contacts the thermistor. The temperature measuring unit outputs the detected temperature T to the wire feeding device 2 ′ via the communication line 81.

  The temperature measuring unit may be provided in the wire feeding device 2 ′, the lead wire of the thermistor may be disposed inside the torch cable 33 ′, and the thermistor and the temperature measuring unit may be connected. If the temperature measuring unit is provided in the wire feeding device 2 ′, it is not necessary to provide the temperature measuring unit in the welding torch 3 ′, so that the configuration of the welding torch 3 ′ can be simplified. The position where the thermistor is attached is not limited. If a thermistor is attached in the vicinity of the tip of the torch body 31 'to which the nozzle 311 of the welding torch 3' is attached, the temperature in the vicinity of the tip can be detected, so that more accurate cooling control can be performed. In the present embodiment, the thermistor is used as the temperature sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or an infrared temperature sensor may be used.

  In the memory 312 ′, the rated current and the rated usage rate of the welding torch 3 ′ are stored as torch information as in the first embodiment, and the starting temperature (the temperature serving as an index for starting the water cooling device 9) and The use limit temperature (the limit temperature that the welding torch 3 'can withstand) is also stored.

  In the torch cable 33 ′, a power cable 41 ′, a wire guide liner, a gas hose, a communication line 81, a water supply side hose 91, and a condensate side hose 92 are disposed inside the cable. That is, compared to the torch cable 33 according to the first embodiment, a water supply side hose 91 and a condensate side hose 92 are added. As described above, the water supply side hose 91 sends cooling water from the water cooling device 9 to the welding torch 3 ′ via the welding power supply device 1 ′ and the wire feeding device 2 ′, and the condensate side hose 92 is welded. Cooling water is sent from the torch 3 ′ to the water cooling device 9 via the wire feeding device 2 ′ and the welding power source device 1 ′. The cooling water supplied from the water cooling device 9 to the welding torch 3 ′ by the water supply side hose 91 flows through the inside of the torch body of the welding torch 3 ′ and absorbs heat, and from the welding torch 3 ′ by the condensate side hose 92. It is returned to the water cooling device 9. Further, since the water supply side hose 91 and the condensate side hose 92 are disposed in the torch cable 33 ′ so as to be in contact with the power cable 41 ′, the cooling water also cools the power cable 41 ′.

  The welding power supply control in the welding system B according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. The welding power supply control in the welding system B includes torch information acquisition processing (FIG. 4), protection control processing (FIG. 10) of the welding torch 3 ′ based on the rated current, the rated usage rate, and the torch temperature. The two processes are executed. Since the torch information acquisition process is the same as the torch information acquisition process according to the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the protection control process for the welding torch 3 ′ will be described.

  It is assumed that the storage unit 15 ′ of the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ stores the rated current, the rated usage rate, the starting temperature, and the use limit temperature of the welding torch 3 ′ by the torch information acquisition process. In the protection control process for the welding torch 3 ′ according to the second embodiment, steps S <b> 301 to S <b> 305 are added compared to the protection control process for the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment.

  When the same processing (S201 to S208) as the protection control processing of the welding torch 3 according to the first embodiment is executed and it is determined that the calculated actual usage rate does not exceed the allowable usage rate of the welding torch 3 ′, then The welding power source device 1 ′ (control unit 14 ′) checks the torch temperature input from the wire feeding device 2 ′ (step S301). Then, it is determined whether or not the confirmed torch temperature is equal to or higher than the starting temperature stored in the storage unit 15 '(step S302). As a result, if it is determined that the temperature is equal to or higher than the startup temperature, the control unit 14 'outputs a startup instruction to the water cooling device 9 to circulate the cooling water (step S303). As a result, the welding torch 3 ′ is cooled. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the temperature is lower than the starting temperature, the process returns to step S206, the actual usage rate is calculated, and the process returns to the determination of whether or not the allowable usage rate is exceeded. If it is determined in step S302 that the temperature is lower than the starting temperature, the control unit 14 ′, when the water cooling device 9 has already started circulation of the cooling water, stops the circulation of the cooling water. An instruction is output to 9.

  The welding power source device 1 ′ starts the water cooling device 9 and circulates the cooling water, and subsequently determines whether or not the torch temperature exceeds the use limit temperature (step S <b> 304). As a result, if it is determined that the temperature is above the use limit temperature, a warning to that effect is given and the output of the welding power (that is, the supply of welding power to the welding torch 3 ') is stopped (step S305). As the warning performed here, for example, a warning signal is transmitted from the welding power supply device 1 ′ to the wire feeding device 2 ′, and a notification unit provided in the wire feeding device 2 ′ provides a voice warning (alarm sound or “welding” "The temperature of the torch 3 'has exceeded the limit temperature that can be used." Preferably, the alarm sound at this time may be a tone different from the warning sound at the time of step S203 and step S208. On the other hand, if the torch temperature of the welding torch 3 ′ is equal to or lower than the use limit temperature, the process returns to step S 206 to calculate the actual use rate and return to the determination of whether or not the allowable use rate is exceeded. At this time, after the welding power supply is started in step S205, when the torch switch 32 is turned off (the pressing of the torch switch 32 is stopped), the process returns to step S201 and waits until the torch switch 32 is pressed again. . The protection control process for the welding torch 3 ′ is performed every time the set current is changed or every time a different welding torch 3 ′ is connected.

  As described above, according to the welding system B according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the wire feeding device 2 ′ acquires torch information stored in the welding torch 3 ′, and the wire feeding device 2 ′. Transmits the acquired torch information to the welding power source apparatus 1 ′, and the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ receives the information. Further, the torch temperature measured by the temperature sensor 313 provided on the welding torch 3 ′ is output from the welding torch 3 ′ to the welding power supply device 1 ′ via the wire feeding device 2 ′. As a result, the welding power source device 1 ′ can recognize the torch information of the welding torch 3 ′ connected to the wire feeding device 2 ′ and recognize the actual use temperature (torch temperature) of the welding torch 3 ′. Therefore, the protection control processing of the welding torch 3 based on the torch information and the torch temperature is possible. Thereby, it can prevent that an operator uses exceeding the specification of welding torch 3 ', and the burning torch of welding torch 3' can be prevented.

  In the protection control process of the welding torch 3 ′ of the welding system B according to the second embodiment, in step S203, step S208, and step S305, warning notification and welding power supply suppression (or supply stop) are performed simultaneously. Although the case where it carries out was explained as an example, the welding power is used when the situation is not improved even after a predetermined time has passed after the warning is given (when the set current is not changed or the torch switch 32 is not turned off). May be suppressed (or stopped).

  In the welding system B according to the second embodiment, the case where the starting temperature is stored as the torch information of the welding torch 3 ′ has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The starting temperature may be stored in advance in the storage unit 15 ′ of the welding power source apparatus 1 ′ so as to be common to the various welding torches 3 ′. Further, it may be stored in the water cooling device 9 so that the welding power source device 1 ′ can acquire the water cooling device 9.

  In the welding system B according to the second embodiment, the case where the starting temperature is a fixed temperature has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a changeable configuration may be used. For example, the operator may be able to adjust manually by operating the operation unit of the welding power supply device 1 ′ (or the water cooling device 9, the wire feeding device 2 ′), and automatically according to the use environment. You may be able to adjust with. As an example of the usage environment, there is an outside air temperature. An outside air temperature meter (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the welding torch 3 ′ and the wire feeding device 2 ′, and the automatic operation is performed according to the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature meter. It is adjusted with. When the outside air temperature is lower than a reference temperature (for example, 40 ° C.), the welding torch 3 ′ is cooled by the outside air temperature, so that the starting temperature is set higher than the preset starting temperature, while the outside air temperature is the reference temperature ( In the case of 40 ° C. or higher, the welding torch 3 ′ is not easily cooled by the outside air temperature, so the starting temperature may be set lower than the preset starting temperature. The reference temperature is an example and may be any temperature.

  In the welding system B according to the second embodiment, the case where the cooling method of the welding torch 3 ′ is the water cooling method has been described as an example, but the air cooling welding torch 3 ′ is connected to the wire feeding device 2 ′. Since there is a possibility, information indicating a cooling method (water cooling method or air cooling method) may be further added as torch information, and the protection control may be changed according to this cooling method. For example, when an air-cooled welding torch is connected, even if the water cooling device 9 is activated, the welding torch 3 ′ (torch cable 33 ′) does not include the water supply side hose 91 and the condensate side hose 92. Can not circulate cooling water. Therefore, when the cooling method of the welding torch 3 ′ is an air cooling method, the water cooling device 9 is not started, and only a warning indicating that the torch temperature is rising is notified.

  Also in the welding system B according to the second embodiment, the torch information (rated current, rated usage rate, and use limit temperature) is stored in the memory 312 ′ of the welding torch 3 ′, and the torch information is stored in the welding power source device. Although the example of transmitting to 1 ′ has been described, as in the first embodiment, the torch ID may be stored in the memory 312 ′ and transmitted. In this case, in the identification ID table stored in the storage unit 15 ′, the rated current, the rated usage rate, and the usage limit temperature are associated with the torch ID of the welding torch 3 ′.

  In the said 1st Embodiment and the said 2nd Embodiment, although the example which performs the protection control process of a welding torch based on a rated current, a rated usage rate, a use limit temperature, and starting temperature was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. . That is, the welding torch protection control process may be executed based on various specification information defined for the welding torch.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, a welding system that performs semi-automatic arc welding has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and includes a welding power supply device, a wire feeding device, and a welding torch. Any welding system that can be attached to and detached from the wire feeder 2 is applicable.

  Further, the welding system and the control method of the welding system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various specific configurations of each part can be used without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention. The design can be changed freely.

A, B Welding system 1, 1 'Welding power supply device 11 Welding power supply unit 12 Power supply unit for feeding device 13, 13' Communication unit 14, 14 'Control unit 15, 15' Storage unit 2, 2 'Wire feeding device 21 Power supply unit 22, 22 'Communication unit 23, 23' Control unit 24 Feed motor 25 Gas solenoid valve 26 Connector 3, 3 'Welding torch 31, 31' Torch body 311 Nozzle 312, 312 'Memory 313 Temperature sensor 32 Torch switch 33, 33 'Torch cable 34 Torch plug 41, 41', 42 Power cable 51, 52, 52 'Power connection line 6 Gas cylinder 7 Gas piping 81 Communication line 9 Water cooling device 91 Water supply side hose 92 Condensation side hose

Claims (13)

A welding system for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device,
The welding torch is
Storage means for storing torch information relating to the welding torch,
The wire feeder is
Obtaining means for obtaining torch information stored in the storage means;
Transmission means for transmitting torch information acquired by the acquisition means to the welding power source device,
The welding power source is
Receiving means for receiving the torch information transmitted by the transmitting means;
Protection means for executing control for protecting the welding torch based on the torch information received by the receiving means,
Welding system. A welding system for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device,
The welding torch is
An identification ID storage means for storing an identification ID indicating the type of the welding torch;
The wire feeder is
Obtaining means for obtaining an identification ID stored in the identification ID storage means;
Transmission means for transmitting the identification ID acquired by the acquisition means to the welding power source device,
The welding power source is
Receiving means for receiving the identification ID transmitted by the transmitting means;
Correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information in which the identification ID is associated with the torch information related to the welding torch;
A specifying means for specifying torch information for the identification ID received by the receiving means based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage means;
Protection means for executing control for protecting the welding torch based on the torch information specified by the specifying means;
Welding system. The welding power source is
A setting means for setting a current value of a welding current supplied to the welding torch,
The torch information includes a rated current value set for the welding torch,
When the current value of the set welding current is larger than the rated current value, the protection means notifies at least a warning, limits the current value of the set welding current to the rated current value or less, or , One of suppressing the supply of the welding current,
The welding system according to claim 1 or 2. The welding power source is
An actual usage rate calculating means for measuring a time during which a welding current is supplied to the welding torch and calculating an actual usage rate based on the supply time;
The torch information includes a rated usage rate set for the welding torch,
The protection means calculates the allowable usage rate based on the rated usage rate of the welding torch and the current value of the welding current set in the welding power source, and the actual usage rate is equal to or higher than the allowable usage rate. In this case, at least one of notifying a warning or stopping the supply of the welding current is executed.
The welding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The welding torch is
A temperature sensor for measuring the actual use temperature, which is the temperature of the welding torch itself,
The torch information includes a use limit temperature of the welding torch,
When the actual use temperature reaches the use limit temperature, the protection means performs at least a warning or stops supply of the welding current,
The welding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A water cooling device for cooling the welding torch by a water cooling method;
The protection means controls the water cooling device based on the actual use temperature.
The welding system according to claim 5. The protection means activates the water cooling device when the actual use temperature is equal to or higher than a water cooling device activation temperature serving as an index for activating the water cooling device.
The welding system according to claim 6. The water cooling device start temperature is set based on the use limit temperature of the welding torch,
The welding system according to claim 7. An external thermometer for measuring the external temperature around the welding torch, further comprising:
The protection means changes the water cooling device start temperature according to the outside air temperature,
The welding system according to claim 7 or 8. The torch information further includes cooling method information on whether the cooling method of the welding torch is a water cooling method or an air cooling method,
The welding torch is configured to be detachable from the wire feeding device,
The protection means, when the actual use temperature is equal to or higher than the water cooling device start temperature, based on the cooling method information, if the cooling method of the welding torch connected to the wire feeding device is a water cooling method, If the water cooling device is controlled and the air cooling method is used, a warning is notified.
The welding system according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The transmitting means transmits via a power transmission line connecting the welding power supply device and the wire feeding device,
The receiving means receives via the power transmission line;
The welding system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A control method of a welding system for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device,
The welding torch is provided with storage means for storing torch information relating to the welding torch,
A first step in which the wire feeding device acquires torch information stored in the storage means;
A second step of transmitting the torch information acquired in the first step to the welding power source device;
A third step of receiving the torch information transmitted in the second step;
A fourth step of executing control for protecting the welding torch based on the torch information received in the third step.
Control method of welding system. A control method of a welding system for supplying a welding current from a welding power source device to a welding torch connected to the wire feeding device via a wire feeding device,
The welding torch is provided with identification ID storage means for storing an identification ID indicating the type of the welding torch,
A first step in which the wire feeding device acquires an identification ID stored in the identification ID storage means;
A second step of transmitting the identification ID acquired in the first step to the welding power source device;
A third step of receiving the identification ID transmitted in the second step;
A fourth step of identifying torch information related to the welding torch corresponding to the identification ID received in the third step based on correspondence information in which the identification ID and the torch information are associated;
And a fifth step of executing control for protecting the welding torch based on the torch information specified by the fourth step.
Control method of welding system.

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