JP2016195350A - Communication system, welding system, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication system, a welding system and a communication method which allow for transmission and reception of information between two wireless communication devices, without being affected by a shelter, even under an environment where direct wireless communication is impossible due to the shelter, or the like, in the wireless communication between two wireless communication devices using radio waves of high frequency.SOLUTION: A remote controller 8 transmits an information signal generated based on the operation of a worker, as a communication signal of 2.4 GHz band, to a repeater 9. Upon receiving the communication signal of 2.4 GHz band, the repeater 9 converts the frequency of the communication signal from 2.4 GHz band into 300 MHz band, and transmits the communication signal to a repeater 9'. The radio waves transmitted from the repeater 9 travel around a shield wall S, due to the propagation characteristics such as diffraction. When the communication signal is received, the repeater 9' converts the frequency of the communication signal from 300 GHz band into 2.4 MHz band, before being transmitted to a welding power supply device 1. The welding power supply device 1 receives the communication signal, and converts the received communication signal into the information signal used for execution of various controls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system for transmitting / receiving information signals, a communication method, and a welding system using the communication 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. The Welding is performed using this welding power. 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 this way, when the welding power supply device is installed at a location away from the position where the welding operation is performed, the operator goes to the installation position of the welding power supply device in order to change the setting of the welding voltage or welding current. Is inefficient. In order to solve this problem, a technology has been developed that uses wireless communication to transmit and receive signals between the welding power supply, wire feeder, welding torch, and remote control device (remote control) that operates the welding power supply. (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  By the way, as a technique for performing wireless communication, technologies such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) have already been established, and wireless communication modules for performing such wireless communication have been installed in various systems. ing. For example, in this wireless LAN standard, communication is performed using radio signals of 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band as communication signals. Even in the wireless communication of the welding system, it is conceivable to implement wireless communication between the devices by mounting such a wireless communication module on each device constituting the welding system.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-305366 Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2004-528983 JP 2013-184184 A

  In wireless communication, information signals are converted into radio waves and transmitted / received, but the amount of information transmitted and the straightness of propagating radio waves differ depending on the frequency of the radio waves. For example, a radio wave having a high frequency has a large amount of information transmission, but has high straightness and a small communicable area. On the other hand, radio waves with a low frequency have a small amount of information transmission but a wide communicable area. Due to the difference in frequency, it has such characteristics. The radio waves used by the wireless LAN and Bluetooth (registered trademark) for radio communication are radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the like, and are high frequency radio waves. Therefore, when such a wireless LAN module or Bluetooth (registered trademark) module is mounted on a welding system and various communications are performed, the following problems occur.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of welding work in shipbuilding. In FIG. 9, m1 is a welding power source device, m2 is a wire feeding device, and m3 is a welding torch. Although not shown, the welding worker has a remote control for remotely operating the welding power source device by wireless communication. In such a welding operation at a shipyard, there are cases where a plurality of walls are welded to a large space (room) R and divided into a plurality of small rooms. FIG. 9 illustrates such a situation. FIG. 9A is a large room at first, and in such a situation, the welding power source device and the remote control can communicate directly. However, as shown in FIGS. 9B, 9C, and 9D, when the walls are sequentially welded to form the small chamber, the walls become shielding objects, and the welding power source device and the remote control Will interfere with the wireless communication. Therefore, radio waves do not propagate from the remote control to the welding power supply device, and the welding power supply device cannot be operated by the remote control. In particular, in the case of shipbuilding or the like, radio waves are difficult to propagate because they are covered with a metal wall.

  Such a problem occurs not only in the wireless communication between the remote controller and the welding power supply device but also in the wireless communication between the wire feeding device and the welding power supply device as in Patent Document 3. Further, not only in wireless communication in a welding system, but also in wireless communication between two wireless devices having a wireless communication function, radio waves may not propagate in the same manner, and communication may not be possible. For example, a multifunctional mobile phone (for example, a smartphone) owned by an operator can communicate with a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Similarly, when communicating with the outside using a smartphone, May be difficult to propagate and may not be able to communicate with the outside.

  Therefore, the present invention has been created in view of the above problems, and is in an environment where direct wireless communication cannot be performed by a shielding object or the like in wireless communication between two wireless communication devices having high radio wave frequencies to be used. However, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a welding system, and a communication method capable of transmitting and receiving information between two wireless communication devices without being affected by the shielding object.

  The communication system provided by the first aspect of the present invention receives a communication signal of a first frequency transmitted from a first communication device, and changes the frequency of the communication signal from the first frequency to the first frequency. A low-frequency conversion device that performs conversion to a second frequency lower than the frequency is executed, a low-frequency conversion device that transmits the communication signal transmitted from the low-frequency conversion device is received, and the frequency of the communication signal is set to the second frequency A high-frequency conversion device that performs high-frequency conversion processing for converting the first frequency to the first frequency and transmits the high-frequency conversion processing to the second communication device.

  The low-frequency conversion device demodulates the received communication signal into an information signal using the first frequency carrier wave, and modulates the information signal using the second frequency carrier wave. A low frequency conversion process is performed to generate a communication signal of the second frequency, and the high frequency conversion device demodulates the received communication signal into the information signal using a carrier wave of the second frequency, The high frequency conversion process is executed by modulating the information signal using the carrier wave of the first frequency, and the communication signal of the first frequency is generated.

  Preferably, the low frequency converter modulates the information signal by digital modulation.

  For example, the digital modulation is phase shift keying.

  Preferably, the first frequency is either a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band.

  And the communication by the frequency of the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is communication based on the wireless LAN standard.

  On the other hand, the second frequency is 60 MHz to 1 GHz.

  Preferably, the high-frequency conversion device receives a communication signal transmitted from the first communication device and measures the electric field strength of the communication signal, and the electric field strength measured by the measuring device is greater than or equal to a threshold value. And determining means for determining whether or not the determination means is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the low frequency conversion processing and transmission of the communication signal after conversion to the low frequency conversion device Give instructions not to do so.

  The low frequency conversion device is installed at a position where communication with the first communication device is possible, and the high frequency conversion device is installed at a position where communication with the second communication device is possible.

  The communication system provided by the second aspect further includes the first communication device that transmits a communication signal having a first frequency to the low-frequency conversion device, and the first frequency transmitted from the high-frequency conversion device. The second communication device receiving a communication signal.

  A welding system provided by a third aspect of the present invention includes a welding power source device including one of the first communication device and the second communication device, a remote operation device including the other, and the low-frequency conversion device. And the high-frequency conversion device.

  Alternatively, the welding system provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a welding power supply device including any one of the first communication device or the second communication device, a wire feeding device including the other, and the low power supply device. A frequency conversion device; and the high-frequency conversion device.

  The communication method provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention includes a first step in which a low-frequency converter receives a communication signal having a first frequency transmitted from the first communication device, and the first step receives the communication signal. A second step of executing a low-frequency conversion process for converting the frequency of the communication signal to a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and the low-frequency conversion of the communication signal subjected to the low-frequency conversion process by the second step A third step transmitted by the apparatus; a fourth step in which the high-frequency converter receives the communication signal transmitted in the third step; and a frequency of the communication signal received in the fourth step from the second frequency. A fifth step of performing a high-frequency conversion process for converting to the first frequency, and the high-frequency conversion device receives the communication signal that has been subjected to the high-frequency conversion process in the fifth step. A sixth step of transmitting device, the.

  According to the present invention, when a communication signal is transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device by wireless communication, the communication signal is converted from the first frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency and transmitted. Communication is performed via the low-frequency converter and the high-frequency converter that converts the second frequency to the first frequency and transmits the first frequency. Thereby, since the low-frequency converter and the high-frequency converter communicate at a low frequency, the communication signal can wrap around the shielding object due to propagation characteristics such as diffraction. Therefore, even in an environment where the first communication device and the second communication device cannot directly wirelessly communicate with each other due to a shield or the like, the first communication device and the second communication device are not affected by the shield or the like. You can send and receive information between them.

It is a figure showing the whole welding system composition concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a functional lineblock diagram of radio communications of a welding system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart of communication control of the welding system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the welding system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the mode of the electromagnetic wave which propagates to a welding power supply device via a repeater from a remote control. In the welding system which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the mode of the electromagnetic wave which propagates to a remote control from a welding power supply device via a repeater. It is a function block diagram of the radio | wireless communication of the repeater of the welding system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. In the welding system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, it is a figure which shows the mode of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from a remote control when there is no shielding wall. It is a figure for demonstrating the welding system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the subject of this invention.

  Hereinafter, as an embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention, a case where it is used for a consumable electrode type welding system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Drawing 1 is a figure for explaining the whole composition of welding system A concerning a 1st embodiment. As shown in the drawing, 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, a gas cylinder 6, a gas pipe 7, and a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as "remote control"). 8 and repeaters 9, 9 '. Although not shown, the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 are separated from each other by several tens of meters and several hundreds of meters, and a plurality of shielding walls exist therebetween.

  The welding power supply device 1 converts commercial power input from the commercial power supply P into welding power. The welding power supply device 1 supplies the converted welding power to the welding torch 3 via the wire feeding device 2. One output end 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 end 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 welding 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 filled in 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. A power supply connection for transmitting power for driving the wire feeding device 2 (hereinafter referred to as “driving power”) is provided inside the gas pipe 7 connecting the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2. A line is arranged (not shown). One output end for driving power of the wire feeding device 2 provided in the welding power source device 1 is connected to one input end of a power supply unit (not shown) of the wire feeding device 2 via this power source connection line. Has been. Further, the other output terminal for driving power of the wire feeding device 2 provided in the welding power source 1 is connected to the power cable 41 inside the welding power source 1, and the power supply unit of the wire feeding device 2 The other input end is connected to the power cable 41 inside the wire feeder 2. Thereby, the other output end for the drive power of the wire feeder 2 and the other input end of the power supply part of the wire feeder 2 which the welding power supply device 1 is equipped are electrically connected. From the above, the driving power of the wire feeding device 2 is supplied from the welding power supply device 1 to the power supply unit of the wire feeding device 2 through the power connection line and the power cable 41. In addition, the supply method of the drive electric power from the welding power supply device 1 to the wire feeder 2 is not limited to this, What is necessary is just to match | combine with the supply method of various welding systems.

  The remote controller 8 is used to remotely operate the welding power source device 1 by wireless communication. The remote controller 8 includes a wireless communication module, and can perform wireless communication with a wireless communication module that supports the same wireless communication standard. Therefore, the welding power supply apparatus 1 is also provided with a wireless communication module provided in the remote controller 8. For example, this wireless communication module complies with the wireless LAN standard, and performs communication using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band (or 5 GHz band). The wireless communication module is not limited to a wireless LAN standard, and may be a wireless communication module that conforms to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark). Any device that uses radio waves of a high frequency such as (band) may be used. The remote controller 8 can set the welding condition of the welding power output from the welding power source device 1 according to the operation of the operation unit 81 to be described later, and is for setting the welding condition using wireless communication. An information signal is transmitted to the welding power source apparatus 1.

  The repeaters 9 and 9 ′ relay wireless communication between the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8. The repeater 9 performs wireless communication with the remote controller 8 and the repeater 9 ′, and the repeater 9 ′ performs wireless communication with the repeater 9 and the welding power source device 1. A communication signal transmitted from the remote controller 8 is received by the welding power source apparatus 1 via the repeaters 9 and 9 '. Details of these will be described later.

  Next, the functional configuration of wireless communication in the welding system A will be described with reference to FIG. The welding system A performs communication between the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 and 9 '. Note that S in FIG. 2 indicates a shielding wall, and it is assumed that the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 cannot directly communicate with each other due to the shielding wall S. (In the claims, when the first communication device is the remote control 8, the repeater 9 corresponds to the low frequency conversion device, the repeater 9 'corresponds to the high frequency conversion device, and the second communication device corresponds to the welding power supply device 1. On the other hand, when the first communication device is the welding power source device 1, the repeater 9 'corresponds to the low frequency conversion device, the repeater 9 corresponds to the high frequency conversion device, and the second communication device corresponds to the remote control 8.)

  The remote controller 8 can remotely control the welding power source device 1 and communicates with the welding power source device 1 wirelessly. The remote controller 8 converts an operation instruction input by an operator into a radio wave of a first frequency (for example, 2.4 GHz band) as a communication signal and transmits the communication signal. In addition, the remote controller 8 receives a radio wave having the first frequency as a communication signal, and executes various controls based on the received communication signal. In the present embodiment, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 cannot directly communicate with each other due to the shielding wall S. Therefore, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 communicate with each other via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. Do. As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 8 includes an operation unit 81, a notification unit 82, a control unit 83, and a communication unit 84.

  The operation unit 81 is for receiving various operations of the remote controller 8, and includes various buttons, a touch panel attached to the liquid crystal display panel, a microphone for receiving sound, and the like. The notification unit 82 is for reporting information input from the control unit 83, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, a speaker, and the like. The notification unit 82 displays information input from the control unit 83 on a liquid crystal display panel or outputs sound through a speaker.

  The control unit 83 controls the entire remote controller 8 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 83 generates an information signal for the operator's operation input to the operation unit 81. The control unit 83 outputs the generated information signal to the communication unit 84. Further, the control unit 83 executes various controls based on the information signal input from the communication unit 84. For example, when predetermined information is input from the communication unit 84, the notification unit 82 is notified of the information. The control unit 83 includes a clock oscillator (not shown), and generates a carrier wave having a first frequency (for example, a sine wave; hereinafter referred to as “first carrier wave”) based on a clock signal oscillated by the clock oscillator. .

  The communication unit 84 performs wireless communication, and is realized by a wireless communication module that supports radio waves of the first frequency. The communication unit 84 includes a modulation unit 841, a high frequency transmission / reception unit 842, and a demodulation unit 843.

  The modulation unit 841 modulates the information signal input from the control unit 83. The modulation unit 841 modulates the information signal into a communication signal by a predetermined modulation method using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 83 and outputs the communication signal to the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842. As a modulation method, for example, PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulation, ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation, digital modulation such as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) modulation, AM (Amplitude ModulationFulsion) modulation, and AM (Amplitude ModulationFulsion) modulation. Modulation and pulse modulation such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) are used. Preferably, modulation is performed using a PSK modulation method with high noise resistance. Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the PSK modulation method is used as the modulation method in the present embodiment will be described as an example.

  The high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 includes a high frequency antenna 842a that can transmit and receive radio waves of the first frequency, and transmits and receives communication signals via the high frequency antenna 842a. The high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 transmits the communication signal input from the modulation unit 841 as a radio wave using the high frequency antenna 842a. At this time, since the frequency of the communication signal input from the modulation unit 841 is the first frequency, the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 transmits a radio wave of the first frequency. Further, the high frequency transmitting / receiving unit 842 converts the radio wave of the first frequency received by the high frequency antenna 842a into a communication signal and outputs the communication signal to the demodulating unit 843. The high frequency transmitting / receiving unit 842 includes a reception filter circuit that extracts a communication signal in a desired frequency band from a received communication signal, an amplification circuit that amplifies the communication signal filtered by the reception filter circuit, and a communication signal to be transmitted. It includes a transmission filter circuit that removes unnecessary frequency bands.

  Preferably, the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 performs communication using a direct 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 demodulator 843 demodulates the communication signal input from the high frequency transmitter / receiver 842. Demodulation section 843 demodulates the communication signal to the original information signal by a predetermined demodulation method using the first carrier wave, and outputs it to control section 83. At this time, the demodulation unit 843 uses a demodulation method corresponding to the modulation method used when the frequency conversion unit 923 of the repeater 9 described later modulates. For example, when the frequency conversion unit 923 modulates the communication signal by the PSK modulation method, the demodulation unit 843 demodulates by the demodulation method corresponding to the same PSK modulation method.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the welding system A includes two repeaters 9 and 9 ′. The repeater 9 and the repeater 9 'have the same function. The repeater 9 (9 ′) receives the communication signal of the first frequency transmitted from another device, and converts the frequency of the received communication signal from the first frequency to the second frequency (for example, 300 MHz). Then, it transmits to other devices. The second frequency (300 MHz) is only an example, and may be about 60 MHz to 1 GHz (1000 MHz) lower than the first frequency, and about 300 to 400 MHz is most desirable in consideration of radio wave propagation characteristics. When the second frequency is less than 60 MHz, it is easy to diffract and the propagation range of the radio wave is widened, but the amount of information transmission is reduced, so that necessary information may not be transmitted. On the other hand, when the frequency is higher than 1 GHz, the straightness of the radio wave becomes too strong, which may be obstructed by the shielding wall S.

  The repeater 9 (9 ′) receives the communication signal of the second frequency transmitted from the other device, converts the frequency of the received communication signal from the second frequency to the first frequency, Send to other devices. Therefore, the repeater 9 (9 ') executes a low-frequency conversion process for converting from the first frequency to the second frequency and a high-frequency conversion process for converting from the second frequency to the first frequency. Since the frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication between the remote controller 8 and the repeater 9 is a high frequency band of 2.4 GHz, the repeater 9 is located at a position where the shielding wall S does not exist between the remote controller 8 and the remote controller 8. Be placed. Similarly, since the frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication between the repeater 9 ′ and the welding power source device 1 is a high frequency band of 2.4 GHz, the repeater 9 ′ is connected to the welding power source device 1. Are arranged at positions where the shielding wall S does not exist. As shown in FIG. 2, the repeater 9 (9 ') includes a control unit 91 (91') and a communication unit 92 (92 ').

  The controller 91 (91 ') controls the entire repeater 9 (9'), and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 91 (91 ′) includes a clock oscillator (not shown). Based on a clock signal oscillated by the clock oscillator, a first carrier wave and a carrier wave having a second frequency (for example, a sine wave. A "carrier wave").

  The communication unit 92 (92 ′) performs wireless communication, and is a wireless communication module (hereinafter referred to as “high-frequency wireless”) corresponding to radio waves of a first frequency similar to the wireless communication module provided in the remote controller 8 or the welding power source apparatus 1. And a wireless communication module corresponding to the second frequency (hereinafter referred to as “low-frequency wireless communication module”), which is different from the wireless communication module. Is done. The communication unit 92 (92 ') includes a high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921'), a low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 '), and a frequency conversion unit 923 (923').

  The high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ') includes a high frequency antenna 921a (921a') that can transmit and receive radio waves of the first frequency, and is realized by a high frequency wireless communication module. The high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ') transmits and receives a communication signal via the high frequency antenna 921a (921a'). The high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ') converts the radio wave of the first frequency received by the high frequency antenna 921a (921a') into a communication signal of the first frequency, and outputs the communication signal to the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 '). The high frequency transmitter / receiver 921 (921 ′) converts the first frequency communication signal input from the frequency converter 923 (923 ′) into a radio wave of the first frequency by the high frequency antenna 921a (921a ′), Send to other devices. Preferably, similarly to the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 (112) of the remote controller 8 (welding power supply device 1), the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ') also performs communication using the DSSS communication method.

  The low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ') includes a low frequency antenna 922a (922a') that can transmit and receive radio waves of the second frequency, and is realized by a low frequency wireless communication module. The low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ') transmits and receives communication signals via the low frequency antenna 922a (922a'). The low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′) converts the radio wave of the second frequency received by the low frequency antenna 922a (922a ′) into a communication signal of the second frequency, and outputs the communication signal to the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′). To do. In addition, the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′) converts the second frequency communication signal input from the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) into a radio wave of the second frequency by the low frequency antenna 922a (922a ′). To other devices. Preferably, the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ') also performs communication using the DSSS communication method.

  The frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) executes low frequency conversion processing for converting the first frequency to the second frequency with respect to the communication signal input from the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ′). The data is output to the transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′). Specifically, the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) performs predetermined demodulation using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 (91 ′) on the communication signal input from the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ′). The original information signal is demodulated by a method (for example, a demodulation method corresponding to PSK modulation). Then, the demodulated information signal is modulated by a predetermined modulation method (for example, PSK modulation) using the second carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 (91 ′), thereby generating a communication signal of the second frequency. . In this way, the low frequency conversion process for converting the frequency of the communication signal from the first frequency to the second frequency is performed.

  Further, the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) executes a high frequency conversion process for converting the second frequency to the first frequency with respect to the communication signal input from the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′), It outputs to the high frequency transmission / reception part 921 (921 '). Specifically, the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) uses a second carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 (91 ′) as a communication signal input from the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′). The original information signal is demodulated by a demodulation method (for example, a demodulation method corresponding to PSK modulation). The demodulated information signal is modulated by a predetermined modulation method (PSK modulation) using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 (91 '), thereby generating a communication signal having the first frequency. In this way, the high frequency conversion process is performed in which the frequency of the communication signal is converted from the second frequency to the first frequency.

  Note that, as described above, the communication unit 92 (92 ′) will be described as an example in which the two high-frequency antennas 921a (921a ′) and the low-frequency antenna 922a (922a ′) are provided. As long as the antenna can receive both the radio wave of the frequency and the radio wave of the second frequency, it is sufficient to provide only one antenna, and it is not always necessary to provide two. In addition, the frequency conversion unit 923 (923 ′) realizes frequency conversion by demodulating the communication signal into the original information signal after performing the low frequency conversion processing and the high frequency conversion processing, and then modulating the information signal. However, it is not always necessary to demodulate and modulate as long as it can convert only the frequency.

  The welding power supply device 1 communicates with the remote controller 8 by radio. The welding power supply device 1 receives a radio wave having the first frequency as a communication signal, and executes various controls based on the received communication signal. Moreover, the welding power supply apparatus 1 converts predetermined information into a radio wave of the first frequency as a communication signal, and transmits it. In the present embodiment, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 cannot directly communicate with each other due to the shielding wall S. Therefore, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 communicate with each other via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. Do. As shown in FIG. 2, the welding power supply device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a power supply unit 13.

  Similar to the communication unit 84, the communication unit 11 performs wireless communication, and is realized by a wireless communication module that supports radio waves of the first frequency. The communication unit 11 includes a modulation unit 111, a high frequency transmission / reception unit 112, and a demodulation unit 113. The modulation unit 111, the high frequency transmission / reception unit 112, and the demodulation unit 113 of the communication unit 11 have the same configuration as the modulation unit 841, the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842, and the demodulation unit 843 of the communication unit 84, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The control part 12 controls the whole welding power supply device 1, and is implement | achieved by the microcomputer etc., for example. The control unit 12 executes various controls of the welding power source device 1 based on the communication signal input from the communication unit 11. For example, when a signal for setting the welding condition of the welding power is input as the information signal input from the communication unit 11, the power supply unit 13 is configured to supply the welding power satisfying this welding condition to the welding torch 3. Control. Further, the control unit 12 generates an information signal based on predetermined information and outputs the information signal to the communication unit 11. Examples of the information signal based on the predetermined information include a response signal indicating that the information signal has been normally received from the remote controller 8 and an abnormal signal indicating an abnormality in the welding power source apparatus 1. The control unit 12 includes a clock oscillator (not shown), and generates a first frequency carrier wave based on a clock signal oscillated by the clock oscillator.

  The power supply unit 13 converts commercial power input from the commercial power supply P into welding power and supplies the welding power to the welding torch 3. In addition, the drive power of the wire feeder 2 is supplied to the wire feeder 2. Based on the control signal input from the control unit 12, the power supply unit 13 converts commercial power into welding power that satisfies the welding condition and supplies the welding power to the welding torch 3.

  Next, the relay process performed by the repeaters 9 and 9 'of the welding system A configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the communication control (relay process) of the welding system A when the operator operates the remote controller 8 and sets the welding conditions of the welding power source apparatus 1. FIG. 4 shows an arrangement position of each device of the welding system A and the remote controller 8 in a situation where a plurality of shielding walls S exist between the remote controller 8 and the welding power source apparatus 1 shown in FIG. It is a figure showing the condition where a communication signal is propagated to the welding power supply device 1 via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. For convenience of explanation, the communication signal transmitted from the remote controller 8 to the repeater 9 is the original signal Ia1, the communication signal transmitted from the repeater 9 to the repeater 9 ′ is the relay signal Ia2, and the welding power supply device from the repeater 9 ′. The communication signal transmitted to 1 is expressed as a restoration signal Ia3. As shown in FIG. 4, the repeater 9 is disposed at a position where the shielding wall S does not exist with the remote control 8, and the repeater 9 ′ is located at the position where the shielding wall S does not exist with the welding power source device 1. Placed in.

  When the operator operates the operation unit 81 of the remote controller 8 and performs an operation for setting welding conditions, for example, the operation unit 81 outputs a signal (operation signal) corresponding to the input operation to the control unit 83. To do. The control unit 83 generates an information signal corresponding to the operation signal and outputs it to the communication unit 84. When the information signal is input to the communication unit 84, the modulation unit 841 modulates the information signal using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 83 by the PSK modulation method, and generates the original signal Ia1 having the first frequency. Generate (step S101). The modulation unit 841 outputs the generated original signal Ia1 to the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842, and the high frequency transmission / reception unit 842 transmits the first frequency radio wave by the high frequency antenna 842a (step S103).

  The radio wave of the first frequency transmitted from the remote controller 8 (high frequency antenna 842a) propagates in space and is received by the high frequency antenna 921a of the repeater 9. Since the radio wave transmitted from the remote controller 8 has a high frequency such as the first frequency (2.4 GHz band), it has high straightness and propagates linearly in space as shown in FIG. Since the repeater 9 is disposed at a position where the shielding wall S does not exist with the remote controller 8, the repeater 9 can receive the first frequency radio wave transmitted from the remote controller 8.

  When the high frequency antenna 921a receives the radio wave of the first frequency, the high frequency transmitting / receiving unit 921 converts the received radio wave of the first frequency into the original signal Ia1. Thereby, the repeater 9 receives the original signal Ia1 transmitted from the remote controller 8 (step S105). Then, the high frequency transmitting / receiving unit 921 outputs the converted original signal Ia1 to the frequency converting unit 923. The frequency conversion unit 923 demodulates the input original signal Ia1 by using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 by the demodulation method corresponding to the PSK modulation method performed by the modulation unit 841, and extracts the information signal. (Step S107). Subsequently, the frequency conversion unit 923 modulates the extracted information signal using the second carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 by the PSK modulation method, and generates the relay signal Ia2 (step S109). The frequency of the relay signal Ia2 is the second frequency. The frequency conversion unit 923 performs a low-frequency conversion process of converting from the first frequency to the second frequency by performing Step S107 and Step S109. The frequency conversion unit 923 outputs the generated relay signal Ia2 to the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922, and the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 transmits the radio wave of the second frequency by the low frequency antenna 922a (step S111).

  The radio wave of the second frequency transmitted from the repeater 9 (low frequency antenna 922a) propagates through space and is received by the low frequency antenna 922a 'of the repeater 9'. Since the radio wave transmitted from the repeater 9 has the second frequency (300 MHz) and has a low frequency, the radio wave propagation characteristics such as diffraction can wrap around the shielding wall S. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the radio wave of the second frequency (relay signal Ia2) transmitted from the repeater 9 goes around the shielding wall S and propagates to the repeater 9 '. That is, even if the shielding wall S exists between the repeater 9 and the repeater 9 ′, the repeater 9 ′ can receive the second frequency radio wave transmitted from the repeater 9.

  When the low frequency antenna 922a 'receives the radio wave of the second frequency, the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922' converts the received radio wave of the second frequency into the relay signal Ia2. Thereby, the repeater 9 'receives the relay signal Ia2 transmitted from the repeater 9 (step S113). Then, the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 'outputs the converted relay signal Ia2 to the frequency conversion unit 923'. The frequency conversion unit 923 ′ demodulates the input relay signal Ia2 by using the second carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 ′ by the demodulation method corresponding to the PSK modulation method performed by the frequency conversion unit 923, and generates an information signal. Is taken out (step S115). Subsequently, the frequency conversion unit 923 ′ modulates the extracted information signal using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 91 ′ by the PSK modulation method, and generates the restored signal Ia <b> 3 (step S <b> 117). The frequency of the restoration signal Ia3 is the first frequency, and the restoration signal Ia3 is the same as the original signal Ia1. The frequency conversion unit 923 ′ performs high-frequency conversion processing for converting from the second frequency to the first frequency by performing Step S <b> 115 and Step S <b> 117. The frequency conversion unit 923 'outputs the generated restoration signal Ia3 to the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921', and the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 'transmits the first frequency radio wave by the high frequency antenna 921a' (step S119).

  The radio wave of the first frequency transmitted from the repeater 9 ′ (low frequency antenna 922 a ′) propagates through the space and is received by the high frequency antenna 112 a of the welding power source apparatus 1. Since the radio wave transmitted from the repeater 9 'has a high frequency such as the first frequency (2.4 GHz band), it has high straightness and propagates linearly in space as shown in FIG. Since the repeater 9 ′ is disposed at a position where the shielding wall S does not exist with the welding power source device 1, the welding power source device 1 receives the radio wave of the first frequency transmitted from the repeater 9 ′. can do.

  When the high frequency antenna 112a receives the radio wave of the first frequency, the high frequency transmitter / receiver 112 converts the received radio wave of the first frequency into the restoration signal Ia3. As a result, the welding power source apparatus 1 receives the restoration signal Ia3 transmitted from the repeater 9 '(step S121). And then. The high frequency transmission / reception unit 112 outputs the converted restoration signal Ia3 to the demodulation unit 113. The demodulation unit 113 demodulates the input restoration signal Ia3 by using the first carrier wave generated by the control unit 12 by the demodulation method corresponding to the PSK modulation method performed by the frequency conversion unit 923 ′, and extracts the information signal (Step S123). The demodulator 113 outputs the extracted information signal to the controller 12, and the controller 12 executes various controls based on the information signal (step S125).

  For example, as described above, when the information signal generated by the remote controller 8 is a welding condition setting operation, when this information signal is input to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 sets the welding condition accordingly. change. In this manner, information is transmitted from the remote controller 8 to the welding power source apparatus 1 via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′, and the welding power source apparatus 1 can be remotely operated.

  It is also possible to transmit information from the welding power source device 1 to the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 ′ and 9. For example, as an information signal transmitted from the welding power source apparatus 1 to the remote controller 8, there is a response signal indicating that the information signal from the remote controller 8 has been normally received. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a situation in which this response signal is propagated as a radio wave from the welding power source apparatus 1 to the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 ′ and 9.

  When receiving the information signal from the remote controller 8, the control unit 12 of the welding power source apparatus 1 generates a response signal indicating that the signal has been normally received and outputs the response signal to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 modulates this response signal, generates an original signal Ib1, and transmits the original signal Ib1 to the repeater 9 'as a radio wave of the first frequency. When the repeater 9 ′ receives the radio wave of the first frequency and receives the original signal Ib1, the repeater 9 ′ converts the frequency of the original signal Ib1 from the first frequency to the second frequency (low frequency conversion process), and relays it. A signal Ib2 is generated. Then, the repeater 9 'transmits the generated relay signal Ib2 to the repeater 9 as a radio wave of the second frequency. When the repeater 9 receives the radio wave of the second frequency and receives the relay signal Ib2, the repeater 9 converts the frequency of the relay signal Ib2 from the second frequency to the first frequency (high frequency conversion process), and restores the restored signal. Ib3 is generated. Then, the repeater 9 transmits the generated restoration signal Ib3 to the remote controller 8 as a first frequency radio wave. When receiving the restoration signal Ib3, the remote controller 8 demodulates the restoration signal Ib3 and takes out a response signal. And the control part 83 of the remote control 8 makes the alerting | reporting part 82 alert | report based on this response signal. In this way, information can be transmitted from the welding power source device 1 to the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 ′ and 9.

  The timing of transmission from the remote control 8 to the welding power source 1 via the relays 9 and 9 ′ is different from the timing of transmission from the welding power source 1 to the remote control 8 via the relays 9 ′ and 9. . That is, communication is performed in a time division manner. For example, first, the remote controller 8 transmits a communication signal to the welding power source device 1 via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. Thereafter, the welding power source device 1 transmits a communication signal to the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 ′ and 9. By doing in this way, the interference at the time of using the electromagnetic wave of the same frequency band can be reduced.

  As described above, the welding system A according to the first embodiment of the present invention performs communication between the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 via the repeaters 9 and 9 '. At this time, the repeaters 9 and 9 ′ perform frequency conversion processing so that the repeater 9 and the repeater 9 ′ communicate with each other using radio waves having a second frequency lower than the first frequency. I did it. Thereby, since the repeater 9 and the repeater 9 'communicate at a low frequency, the communication signal travels around the shielding wall S due to propagation characteristics such as diffraction. Accordingly, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 can transmit and receive various types of information without being affected by the shielding wall S, and can communicate even in an environment where conventional radio waves have not arrived. In addition, since the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 communicate with each other by a wireless communication module such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark), a welding system capable of wireless communication can be provided by newly providing the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. Can be used as is.

  In the welding system A according to the first embodiment, a case has been described where the modulation performed by the modulation units 841 and 111 and the frequency conversion units 923 and 923 ′ are all PSK modulation, but not limited thereto, the modulation units 841 and 111, You may make it change a modulation system for every frequency conversion part 923,923 '. However, in the communication between the repeater 9 and the repeater 9 ′, since the distance is long, the frequency conversion unit 923 (or 923 ′) uses the PSK modulation method because the frequency conversion unit 923 (or 923 ′) is susceptible to noise. It is desirable to use

  Moreover, in the welding system A which concerns on 1st Embodiment, although the case where the welding power supply device 1 and the remote control 8 performed two-way communication was demonstrated to the example, it is not restricted to this, Even if it performs one-way communication Good. For example, in the case of one-way communication in which only communication from the remote controller 8 to the welding power source device 1 is performed, the repeater 9 can perform only low-frequency conversion processing, and the repeater 9 ′ can perform only high-frequency conversion processing. .

  In the welding system A according to the first embodiment, the case where the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 cannot communicate directly has been described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. If there is only one space, direct communication is possible even with radio waves of the first frequency (2.4 GHz band) with high straightness. In such a case, even though direct communication is possible, if communication is performed via the repeater 9 (9 ′), an information signal may be lost or noise may be superimposed. Efficiency may be reduced. Therefore, at first, the direct communication was not performed without using the repeaters 9 and 9 ′, and the direct communication became impossible by sequentially forming the walls as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C. In this case, communication may be performed via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. This case will be described as a second embodiment with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, or similar, the same code number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Since the whole structure of the welding system B which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is the same as the welding system A which concerns on 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the description is abbreviate | omitted. The welding system B according to the second embodiment is different from the welding system A according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the relays 9 and 9 ′. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the repeaters 9B and 9B ′ of the welding system B according to the second embodiment.

  Similarly to the repeater 9 (9 ′) of the first embodiment, the repeater 9B (9B ′) performs frequency conversion of the received communication signal by performing low-frequency conversion processing and high-frequency conversion processing, To be sent. Further, the repeater 9B (9B ′) is configured to measure the electric field strength of the radio wave of the first frequency, and when the measured electric field strength is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the low frequency conversion process and the high frequency conversion process are not performed. ing. That is, when the electric field strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the remote controller 8 and the welding power source device 1 can directly communicate with each other, and the relay process is not executed. The repeater 9B (9B ') includes a control unit 91B (91B') instead of the control unit 91 (91 ') of the first embodiment.

  The control unit 91B (91B ') controls the entire repeater 9B (9B'), and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 91B (91B ') includes a clock oscillator (not shown) and generates a first carrier wave and a second carrier wave. The control unit 91B (91B ') measures the electric field strength of the received radio wave having the first frequency, and determines whether or not the electric field strength is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Then, the control unit 91B (91B ') instructs the frequency conversion unit 923 (923') not to perform frequency conversion processing (communication signal relay processing) when the electric field strength is greater than or equal to the threshold value. That is, the control unit 91B (91B ') is configured to include the measurement unit and the determination unit described in the claims.

  Specifically, the control unit 91B (91B ') constantly monitors whether or not the high frequency antenna 921a (921a') of the high frequency transmission / reception unit 921 (921 ') has received the first frequency radio wave. When the high frequency antenna 921a (921a ') receives the radio wave of the first frequency, the electric field strength is measured. At this time, the control unit 91B measures the electric field strength of the first frequency radio wave transmitted from the welding power source apparatus 1, while the control unit 91B ′ controls the first frequency radio wave transmitted from the remote controller 8. Measure the field strength. For example, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 add identification information indicating which device the communication signal is transmitted from to the communication signal to be transmitted, and the control unit 91B (91B ′) By confirming, it is identified whether the communication signal (radio wave) is transmitted from either the welding power source device 1 or the remote controller 8. Alternatively, the received communication signal is demodulated into an information signal, and by confirming what kind of information the information signal is, it is a radio wave (communication signal) transmitted from either the welding power supply device 1 or the remote controller 8 Identify. In addition, these identification methods are examples and are not limited to this.

  Then, the control unit 91B (91B ') determines whether or not the measured electric field strength is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and if it is equal to or higher than the threshold value, generates a stop signal so as not to execute the frequency conversion process. Then, the control unit 91B (91B ') transmits the generated stop signal from the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922') to the other repeater 9B '(9B). When the other repeater 9B ′ (9B) receives the stop signal via the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 (922 ′), the control unit 91B ′ (91B) of the other repeater 9B ′ (9B) Based on the stop signal, the frequency conversion unit 923 ′ (923) is instructed not to execute the frequency conversion process. The threshold value of the electric field strength set in the control unit 91B (91B ') is set based on the separation distance between the remote controller 8 and the repeater 9B (welding power supply device 1 and repeater 9B'). That is, the threshold is set higher as the distance is longer, and the threshold is set lower as the distance is shorter.

  Communication control of the welding system B configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Compared with FIG. 4, FIG. 7 does not have the shielding wall S, and there is no obstacle between the remote controller 8 and the welding power source device 1. In such a situation, when the remote controller 8 transmits a radio wave having the first frequency based on the original signal Ia1, the radio wave propagates in space. At this time, the radio wave transmitted from the remote controller 8 is received by the repeater 9B and is also received by the repeater 9B 'and the welding power source apparatus 1 because the shielding wall S does not exist as described above. When the repeater 9B 'receives the radio wave of the first frequency, the control unit 91B' of the repeater 9B 'measures the electric field strength of the received radio wave. Then, the control unit 91B ′ determines whether the measured electric field strength is equal to or higher than the threshold value. If the measured electric field strength is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control unit 91B ′ generates a stop signal for preventing the repeater 9B from performing the frequency conversion process. It transmits to repeater 9B via frequency transmission / reception part 922 '(low frequency antenna 922a'). When receiving the stop signal, the low frequency transmission / reception unit 922 of the repeater 9B controls the original signal Ia1 received from the remote controller 8 not to perform frequency conversion processing based on the stop signal. Therefore, the relay signal Ia2 is not transmitted from the repeater 9B. Further, when the welding power source apparatus 1 receives the first frequency radio wave (original signal Ia1), the demodulator 113 demodulates the original signal Ia1 into an information signal. And the control part 12 controls the welding power supply device 1 based on the information signal. That is, the remote controller 8 and the welding power source device 1 communicate directly.

  As described above, in the welding system B according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 cannot communicate directly, communication is performed via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. When the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 can communicate directly, the welding power source device 1 and the remote controller 8 can be switched to perform direct communication. Therefore, when direct communication is possible, communication is performed without using the repeaters 9 and 9 ′. Therefore, the welding power source is more efficient than when communication is always performed through the repeaters 9 and 9 ′ (first embodiment). The apparatus 1 and the remote controller 8 can communicate.

  In 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the case where information was transmitted / received via the repeaters 9 and 9 'between the welding power supply device 1 and the remote control 8 was demonstrated as an example, it is restricted to this. It is not a thing. For example, the communication between the welding power source device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 may be performed via the relays 9 and 9 '. This case will be described as a third embodiment with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which is the same as that of 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, or similar, the same code number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a welding system C according to the third embodiment, FIG. 8 (a) is a view showing an overall configuration of the welding system C, and FIG. 8 (b) is a welding power source. It is the figure which showed the condition where the electromagnetic wave in radio | wireless communication with the apparatus 1 and wire feeder 2 'propagates. The welding system C differs from the welding system A according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1) in the configurations of the wire feeding device 2 'and the remote controller 8'. Compared with the remote controller 8 of the first embodiment, the remote controller 8 ′ does not have a function of performing wireless communication (communication unit 84), and the wire feeding device 2 ′ and the remote controller 8 ′ are connected by a communication line 85. Has been. When the operator operates the remote controller 8 ′, the remote controller 8 ′ generates an information signal for the operation and outputs it to the wire feeder 2 ′ via the communication line 85.

  The wire feeding device 2 ′ can perform various controls of the wire feeding device 2 according to the first embodiment and can perform wireless communication with the welding power source device 1. At this time, the wire feeding device 2 ′ and the welding power source device 1 perform wireless communication via the relays 9 and 9 ′ to transmit and receive various information. The wire feeding device 2 ′ transmits the input information signal from the remote controller 8 ′ via the communication line 85 to the welding power supply device 1 via the relays 9 and 9 ′ by wireless communication. Therefore, the wire feeding device 2 ′ includes a communication unit similar to the communication unit 84 of the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the welding system C according to the third embodiment of the present invention, not only the wireless communication between the welding power source apparatus 1 and the remote controller 8 described in the first and second embodiments, but also the welding power source. In wireless communication between the device 1 and the wire feeding device 2 ′, information can be transmitted and received via the repeaters 9 and 9 ′.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, a consumable electrode type welding system has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to various welding systems that perform non-consumable power welding or resistance welding. It is.

  Furthermore, although the case where the communication system of the present invention is applied to a welding system has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to apply it to communication with an access point).

  In addition, the communication system, the welding system, and the communication method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the specific configuration of each part is within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Various design changes are possible.

A, B, C Welding system 1 Welding power supply device 11 Communication unit 111 Modulating unit 112 High frequency transmitting / receiving unit 112a High frequency antenna 113 Demodulating unit 12 Control unit 13 Power source unit 2, 2 'Wire feeding device 3 Welding torch 41, 42 Power cable 6 Gas cylinder 7 Gas piping 8, 8 'Remote control 81 Operation part 82 Notification part 83 Control part 84 Communication part 841 Modulation part 842 High frequency transmission / reception part 842a High frequency antenna 843 Demodulation part 85 Communication line 9, 9', 9B, 9B 'Repeater 91, 91 ′, 91B, 91B ′ control unit 92, 92 ′ communication unit 921, 921 ′ high frequency transmission / reception unit 921a, 921a ′ high frequency antenna 922, 922 ′ low frequency transmission / reception unit 922a, 922a ′ low frequency antenna 923, 923 ′ frequency conversion unit P Commercial power supply W Workpiece

Claims (13)

Low-frequency conversion processing for receiving a communication signal having a first frequency transmitted from the first communication device and converting the frequency of the communication signal from the first frequency to a second frequency lower than the first frequency. A low frequency converter for executing and transmitting;
A high frequency signal that receives a communication signal transmitted from the low frequency conversion device, performs a high frequency conversion process for converting the frequency of the communication signal from the second frequency to the first frequency, and transmits the communication signal to the second communication device. A conversion device;
A communication system comprising: The low-frequency conversion device demodulates the received communication signal into an information signal using the carrier wave of the first frequency, and modulates the information signal using the carrier wave of the second frequency. Performing a conversion process to generate a communication signal of the second frequency;
The high-frequency converter demodulates the received communication signal into the information signal using a carrier wave of the second frequency, and modulates the information signal using the carrier wave of the first frequency, thereby Performing a conversion process to generate a communication signal of the first frequency;
The communication system according to claim 1. The low-frequency conversion device modulates the information signal by digital modulation;
The communication system according to claim 2. The digital modulation is phase shift keying,
The communication system according to claim 3. The first frequency is either a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band,
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The communication using the frequency of the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is communication based on a wireless LAN standard.
The communication system according to claim 5. The second frequency is 60 MHz to 1 GHz.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The high-frequency converter is
Measuring means for receiving a communication signal transmitted from the first communication device and measuring an electric field strength of the communication signal;
Determining means for determining whether or not the electric field intensity measured by the measuring means is greater than or equal to a threshold value,
When it is determined that the determination means is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the low frequency conversion device is instructed not to transmit the low frequency conversion process and the converted communication signal.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The low frequency converter is installed at a position where communication with the first communication device is possible,
The high-frequency conversion device is installed at a position where communication with the second communication device is possible.
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The first communication device that transmits a communication signal of a first frequency to the low-frequency conversion device;
The second communication device receiving the communication signal of the first frequency transmitted from the high-frequency conversion device;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A welding power supply device comprising any one of the first communication device or the second communication device according to claim 10;
A remote control device comprising the other;
The low frequency converter;
The high frequency converter;
Welding system comprising. A welding power supply device comprising any one of the first communication device or the second communication device according to claim 10;
A wire feeding device comprising the other;
The low frequency converter;
The high frequency converter;
Welding system comprising. A first step in which a low-frequency converter receives a communication signal of a first frequency transmitted from the first communication device;
A second step of performing a low-frequency conversion process for converting the frequency of the communication signal received in the first step into a second frequency lower than the first frequency;
A third step in which the low-frequency conversion device transmits the communication signal subjected to the low-frequency conversion processing in the second step;
A fourth step in which the high-frequency converter receives the communication signal transmitted in the third step;
A fifth step of performing a high-frequency conversion process for converting the frequency of the communication signal received in the fourth step from the second frequency to the first frequency;
A sixth step in which the high-frequency conversion device transmits the communication signal subjected to the high-frequency conversion processing in the fifth step to the second communication device;
A communication method comprising:

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