JP2020116586A - Welding device, welding method, and plasma/discharge welding converter - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a welding device capable of performing both discharge welding and plasma welding, keeping a wide working space at a welding site, and removing a gas cylinder for discharge welding or a source power supply, and piping and wiring belonging thereto.SOLUTION: A welding device 100 includes a plasma torch 2, a discharge torch 3, and a welding machine body 4. The welding machine body 4 has a pilot power supply 41 and a main power supply 42, and supplies high-frequency power, shield gas SG and pilot gas PG to the plasma torch or the discharge torch. When a plasma is jetted from the torch 2, the welding device generates high-frequency power using the pilot power supply and the main power supply, and supplies the shield gas and the pilot gas to the torch 2. When arc discharge is performed from the torch 3, the welding device generates high-frequency power using the main power supply, and supplies the high-frequency power and the shield gas to the torch 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a welding device, a welding method, and a plasma/discharge welding converter.

As welding, for example, non-consumable electrode type gas shield welding, discharge welding and plasma welding are well known. Discharge welding transfers arc discharge from an electrode to a base metal. A typical example of electric discharge welding is TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. The discharge welding has a wide bead width, and is suitable for, for example, tanning welding, temporary welding (main spot welding) before main welding, and the like. In plasma welding, the plasma of a pilot arc generated in the electrode housing space is ejected from a coolable ejection hole provided at the tip of the insert tip, and the main arc is passed through this gas flow (which has conductivity). Energize the base metal. The main arc is a heat source with a high energy density that is compressed by passing through a jettable hole that can be cooled, and also welds while penetrating the base metal (butt welding material) due to the high temperature and high speed flow of the pilot gas. (Keyhole welding) can be performed. Plasma welding has a narrower bead width and higher directivity than discharge welding (TIG welding). Therefore, it is also suitable for fillet welding, for example. Due to these features, discharge welding (TIG welding), which has a small torch and is suitable for hand welding, is used for tack welding before main welding, and plasma welding with a large torch is used for main welding (complete backside wave formation welding). It is often done.

There are Patent Documents 1 to 4 as documents describing each of the electric discharge welding (TIG welding) and the plasma welding.

Patent Document 1 describes a torch that can be used for each of TIG welding and plasma welding.

Patent Document 2 describes a plasma welding method using a TIG welding power source. In Patent Document 2, after a pilot arc is generated by using a pilot gas that is easily turned into plasma, the positive terminal of the welding power source for TIG and the insert tip are electrically disconnected, and the main arc is formed between the electrode and the workpiece. Generate. This enables plasma welding using a TIG welding power source with a small no-load voltage.

Patent Document 3 describes a plasma arc generator for TIG welding that does not require a transformer for pilot arc. Patent Document 3 discloses a combination of TIG welding and plasma cutting. In Patent Document 3, the TIG welding starting voltage circuit is also made to function as a rectifying circuit by an auxiliary winding provided on the secondary side of the main transformer. As a result, the starting voltage circuit for TIG welding can be used as a pilot arc generating circuit, and the transformer for pilot arc is unnecessary in the plasma arc generating device that also serves as TIG welding.

Patent Document 4 describes hot wire type synchronous hybrid gas metal arc welding. Patent Document 4 describes a TIG/plasma power supply. However, the description of Patent Document 4 is an alternative description of the TIG power supply or the plasma power supply. Patent Document 4 only discloses one of TIG welding and plasma welding.

International Publication No. 2015/141768 JP, 2017-64738, A JP-A-58-141857 Utility model registration No. 3197914

In recent welding work, depending on the work, the characteristics of electric discharge welding and plasma welding may be used to appropriately use electric discharge welding and plasma welding. Therefore, at a welding site such as a production factory, a power supply device (for example, a TIG welding machine main body) and a plasma power supply device (for example, a plasma welding machine main body) are separately provided. In a welding site where two power supply devices are installed side by side, there are circumstances such as a narrow work space and the need for gas cylinders, a main power supply, piping, and wiring.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is that both discharge welding and plasma welding are possible, and a work space at a welding site can be wide, and the present invention is for a discharge welding machine. Gas cylinder and original power supply, welding equipment capable of removing pipes and wiring belonging to them, welding method using the welding equipment, and plasma power supply device can be switched to a power source for plasma welding or a power source for discharge welding It is to provide a plasma/discharge welding converter.

A welding device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plasma torch capable of jetting plasma, a discharge torch capable of arc discharge, a pilot power source for generating the plasma, and a main power source, and includes high-frequency power, shield gas, And a welding machine main body for supplying each of the pilot gas to the plasma torch or the discharge torch, and when the plasma is jetted from the plasma torch, the high frequency power is generated by using each of the pilot power supply and the main power supply. Electric power is generated, the high frequency power, the shield gas, and the pilot gas are supplied to the plasma torch, and when the arc discharge is performed from the discharge torch, the high frequency power is generated using the main power source. The high frequency power and the shield gas are supplied to the discharge torch.

A welding apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the welding apparatus according to the first aspect, which has a plasma/discharge welding converter, wherein the plasma/discharge welding converter, when ejecting the plasma from the plasma torch, outputs the high-frequency power and the shield. When the gas supply destination is converted from the discharge torch to the plasma torch, and when the discharge torch is subjected to the arc discharge, the supply destinations of the high frequency power and the shield gas are converted from the plasma torch to the discharge torch. It is characterized in that it is configured.

A welding apparatus according to a third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the plasma/discharge welding converter is installed in the main body of the welding machine.

A welding apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the welding apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the plasma torch is supplied with the pilot gas, the first electrode is detachably accommodated and a plasma is generated, and a first electrode accommodating space for generating plasma is provided. An insert tip having a coolable ejection hole through which plasma is ejected, the shield gas being supplied, the shield gas space surrounding the outer periphery of the insert tip, and the ejected plasma and the ejection at the tip. A first shield cap having a first opening for passing the shield gas that covers the outer periphery of the generated plasma, the discharge torch is supplied with the shield gas, and the second electrode is detachably accommodated. And a second shield cap having a second opening at the tip for passing a discharge arc and the shield gas covering the outer periphery of the discharge arc, the welding machine body including a first cable. And a first cable connecting terminal electrically connected to each of the first terminal of the pilot power source and the second terminal of the main power source, and a second cable connected to the third terminal of the pilot power source. A second cable connection terminal electrically coupled to the first cable connection terminal is provided in a path of a wiring electrically coupling each of the first terminal and the second terminal to the high frequency generator. An electric coupler electrically connected to the wiring, a first gas hose connected to the pilot gas hose connection terminal connected to the pilot gas source, and a second gas hose connected to the shield connected to the shield gas source A gas hose connection terminal, wherein the plasma/discharge welding converter includes a first power input terminal to which the first cable is connected, a second power input terminal to which the second cable is connected, and the first power input terminal. A pilot gas receiving terminal to which a gas hose is connected, a shield gas receiving terminal to which the second gas hose is connected, a third cable electrically coupled to the first electrode are connected, and the first power input terminal is connected. A first power supply output terminal electrically coupled via a first switch and a fourth cable electrically coupled to the second electrode are connected, and a first power supply input terminal is coupled to the second switch via a second switch. A second power supply output terminal electrically coupled to the third power supply output terminal electrically connected to the second power supply input terminal, to which a fifth cable electrically coupled to the insert tip is connected, A third gas hose connected to the first electrode housing space is connected, A pilot gas supply terminal connected to the pilot gas supply terminal and a fourth gas hose connected to the shield space are connected, and a first shield gas supply terminal connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a first valve. And a fifth gas hose connected to the second electrode housing space, and a second shield gas supply terminal connected to the shield gas receiving terminal via a second valve.

A welding apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the welding apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the welder body has a base material cable connection terminal electrically connected to a base material cable and electrically connected to a fourth terminal of the main power source. The base material cable is electrically coupled to a base material that is in proximity to the ejection hole or the second electrode during operation.

A welding apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the welding apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the welding machine main body supplies the pilot gas to the plasma torch when the plasma is ejected from the plasma torch. When the arc to be discharged from the discharge torch, the supply of the pilot gas to the plasma torch is stopped.

A welding apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the welding apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the welding machine main body stops the supply of the pilot power source and the pilot gas when the arc discharge is performed from the discharge torch. It is characterized in that it is configured to.

A welding method according to an eighth invention is a welding method using the welding device according to any one of the first invention to the seventh invention, wherein the discharge torch is used to perform temporary welding to the base material. After the temporary welding, the plasma torch is used to perform main welding on the base material.

A plasma/discharge welding converter according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a plasma/discharge welding converter capable of switching a plasma power supply device to a power source for plasma welding or a power source for discharge welding. A first power input terminal, which is connectable to a first cable electrically coupled to each of the first terminal and the second terminal of the main power supply of the plasma power supply device, and the third terminal of the pilot power supply. Second power source input terminal capable of connecting a second cable to be electrically coupled, a pilot gas receiving terminal capable of connecting to a first gas hose coupled to a pilot gas source, and a shield gas source Via the first power input terminal and the first switch, which is connectable to the shield gas receiving terminal, which is connectable to the second gas hose, and the third cable which is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the plasma torch. An electrically connected first power output terminal and a fourth cable electrically connected to the second electrode of the discharge torch are connectable, and electrically connected via the first power input terminal and the second switch. A second power supply output terminal electrically coupled to the second power supply input terminal capable of connecting a second power supply output terminal coupled to the second power supply output terminal and a fifth cable electrically coupled to the insert tip of the plasma torch. A terminal, a pilot gas supply terminal that is connected to the pilot gas receiving terminal and that can connect a third gas hose that is connected to the first electrode housing space of the plasma torch, and a shield space of the plasma torch. Connection of a first shield gas supply terminal, which can be connected to a fourth gas hose, and is connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a first valve, and a fifth gas hose, which is connected to a second electrode housing space of the discharge torch. And a second shield gas supply terminal connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a second valve.

According to the first to eighth inventions, both electric discharge welding and plasma welding are possible, and a wide working space can be secured at a welding site, and a gas cylinder for an electric discharge welding machine, an original power source, and those belong to them. A welding apparatus capable of removing piping and wiring, and a welding method using the welding apparatus can be provided.

According to the ninth invention, it is possible to provide a plasma/discharge welding converter capable of switching the plasma power supply device to a power source for plasma welding or discharge welding.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the welding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the electric discharge welding work. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of the plasma welding process work. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the welding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, common parts are denoted by common reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

(Welding equipment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a welding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the welding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a welding device 100 according to an embodiment is, for example, a plasma torch 2, a discharge torch 3, a welder body 4, a first torch hose 5, and a second torch hose 6. A third torch hose 7, a base material cable 8 and a plasma or discharge welding converter (hereinafter referred to as a plasma/discharge welding converter) 9. The welding device 100 is, for example, a non-consumable electrode type gas shield welding device.

<Plasma torch 2>
The plasma torch 2 includes, for example, an insert tip 20 and a first shield cap 30a. The insert tip 20 has a first electrode accommodating space 21 a, ejection holes 22, and a coolant flow path 23.

A centering stone 21aa, for example, is inserted into the first electrode housing space 21a. The centering stone 21aa has a first through hole 21ab for centering substantially at its center and a first gas flow hole 21ac outside the first through hole 21ab. The first electrode 1a is inserted into the first through hole 21ab. As a result, the first electrode 1a is centered in the first electrode accommodation space 21a and is detachably accommodated while being separated from the inner wall surface 20a of the insert tip 20. The first electrode 1a is, for example, a tungsten rod.

When plasma is generated in the first electrode housing space 21a, the pilot gas PG is supplied to the first electrode housing space 21a via the first gas flow holes 21ac. While supplying the pilot gas PG to the first electrode accommodating space 21a, a discharge is generated between the first electrode 1a and the inner wall surface 20a of the insert tip 20. Due to this discharge, the pilot gas PG is ionized by the arc discharge, plasma is ignited, and plasma is generated in the first electrode housing space 21a. Examples of the pilot gas PG are, for example, an inert gas such as argon and helium, a mixed gas obtained by mixing an inert gas with hydrogen or another inert gas, and the like.

The ejection hole 22 is provided at the tip of the insert tip 20 and is located, for example, substantially immediately below the first through hole 21ab. The pilot gas PG flows in the first electrode housing space 21a from the first centering stone 21aa toward the ejection hole 22.

The coolant channel 23 is provided in the peripheral wall 20b of the insert chip 20. A coolant, for example, a cooling liquid CL flows through the coolant channel 23. The cooling liquid CL is supplied and discharged by the pump P, and circulates in the refrigerant flow path 23, for example. Each of the insert tip 20 and the ejection hole 22 can be cooled by the cooling liquid CL. The cooling liquid is, for example, water. When the plasma passes through the cooled jet holes 22, the plasma is further compressed by the wall effect. As a result, arc plasma with a higher energy density is ejected from the ejection holes 22 (transition type). Further, in the case of the non-transfer type, a plasma jet is ejected.

The first shield cap 30a has a shield gas space 31 and a first opening 32a. The first shield cap 30a is provided around the outside of the insert tip 20. The first shield cap 30a surrounds the insert tip 20. The shield gas space 31 is provided between the first shield cap 30 a and the tip portion of the insert tip 20. The shield gas space 31 is, for example, along the circumferential direction of the tip portion of the insert tip 20. The first opening 32a is provided at the tip of the first shield cap 30a. The planar shape of the first opening 32a is, for example, a circular shape, but is not limited to a circular shape.

When the plasma is ejected from the ejection holes 22, the shield gas SG is supplied to the shield gas space 31. The shield gas SG flows in the shield gas space 31 from the upper portion of the shield gas space 31 toward the first opening 32a. The shield gas SG covers the outer periphery of the plasma ejected from the ejection holes 22. Examples of the shield gas SG are, for example, an inert gas such as argon and helium, or a mixed gas in which hydrogen or another inert gas or oxygen or carbon dioxide gas is mixed with this inert gas.

<Discharge torch 3>
The discharge torch 3 includes, for example, the second shield cap 30b. The second shield cap 30b has a second electrode housing space 21b.

For example, a collet body 21ba is inserted in the second electrode housing space 21b. The collet body 21ba has a second through hole 21bb for centering substantially at its center and a second gas flow hole 21bc outside the second through hole 21bb. The second electrode 1b is inserted into the second through hole 21bb. As a result, the second electrode 1b is centered in the second electrode accommodation space 21b and is detachably accommodated while being separated from the inner wall surface 30ba of the second shield cap 30b. The second electrode 1b is, for example, a tungsten rod body. The discharge torch 3 is, for example, a TIG torch.

The second shield cap 30b has a second electrode housing space 21b and a second opening 32b. For example, a collet body 21ba is inserted in the second electrode housing space 21b. The collet body 21ba has a second through hole 21bb for centering substantially at its center and a second gas flow hole 21bc outside the second through hole 21bb. The second electrode 1b is inserted into the second through hole 21bb. As a result, the second electrode 1b is centered in the second electrode housing space 21b and is detachably housed while being separated from the inner wall surface 30ba of the second shield cap 30b. The second electrode 1b is, for example, a tungsten rod body. The second opening 32b is provided at the tip of the second shield cap 30b. The planar shape of the second opening 32b is, for example, a circular shape, but is not limited to a circular shape.

When the arc is discharged from the second electrode 1b, the shield gas SG is supplied to the second electrode housing space 21b. The shield gas SG flows through the second electrode housing space 21b from the upper part of the second electrode housing space 21b toward the second opening 32b. The shield gas SG covers the outer periphery of the arc discharged from the second electrode 1b.

<Welder body 4>
The welding machine body 4 includes, for example, a pilot power source 41, a main power source 42, a first cable connecting terminal WI, a second cable connecting terminal WO, a base material cable connecting terminal M, a pilot gas hose connecting terminal 46, and a shield. And a gas hose connection terminal 47. The welder body 4 is, for example, a plasma power supply device. In addition, in one embodiment, as the plasma power supply device, a plasma power supply device that can be used for transitional plasma welding is illustrated.

Each of the pilot power source 41 and the main power source 42 is installed in the welding machine body 4. The pilot power supply 41 has a first terminal 41a and a third terminal 41c. The first terminal 41a is a low potential terminal (-) and the third terminal 41c is a high potential terminal (+). The main power supply 42 has a second terminal 42b and a fourth terminal 42d. The second terminal 42b is a low potential terminal (-), and the fourth terminal 42d is a high potential terminal (+). Each of the pilot power source 41 and the main power source 42 is, for example, an AC-DC converter that receives an AC input from a commercial power source CP or the like and converts the AC input into a DC output. The output currents of the pilot power supply 41 and the main power supply 42 are variable.

Each of the first cable connection terminal WI, the second cable connection terminal WO, the base material cable connection terminal M, the pilot gas hose connection terminal 46, and the shield gas hose connection terminal 47 is an external connection terminal provided on the outer surface of the welding machine body 4. Is. The first cable connection terminal WI is electrically coupled to each of the first terminal 41a of the pilot power supply 41 and the second terminal 42b of the main power supply 42. The second cable connection terminal WO is electrically coupled to the third terminal 41c of the pilot power source 41. The base material cable connection terminal M is electrically coupled to the fourth terminal 42d of the main power supply 42.

The high frequency generator 44 generates a high frequency. The high frequency generator 44 has therein a discharge device (not shown) that performs high frequency discharge by charging and discharging a capacitor, for example. When the high frequency generator 44 is activated, the discharge device starts high frequency discharge. The coupling coil (electrical coupler) 45 is provided in the path of the wiring 45a, for example. The wiring 45a electrically couples each of the first terminal 41a and the second terminal 42b to the first cable connection terminal WI. When a high frequency discharge is applied to the coupling coil 45 from the high frequency generator 44 in a state where a voltage is applied to the wiring 45a from each of the pilot power supply 41 and the main power supply 42, the voltage of the wiring 45a becomes , High frequency and high voltage. This high-frequency high voltage is supplied to the second cable connection terminal WO and the base material cable connection terminal M through a bypass capacitor (not shown) built in the pilot power supply 41 and the main power supply 42. Further, the high frequency voltage induces a dielectric breakdown between the first electrode 1a and the inner wall surface 20a or a dielectric breakdown between the second electrode 1b and the base material 10. As a result, discharge is started between the first electrode 1a and the inner wall surface 20a or between the second electrode 1b and the base material 10.

<First torch hose 5>
The first torch hose 5 includes, for example, a first cable 51a, a second cable 51b, a first gas hose 52a, and a second gas hose 52b. Each of the first cable 51a and the second cable 51b is, for example, a water cooling cable. The refrigerant hose through which the cooling liquid CL flows is omitted in the drawing. The first cable 51a is electrically connected to the first cable connection terminal WI. The second cable 51b is electrically connected to the second cable connection terminal WO. The first gas hose 52a is connected to the pilot gas hose connection terminal 46. The second gas hose 52b is connected to the shield gas hose connection terminal 47.

<Plasma/discharge welding converter 9>
The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 includes, for example, a first power source input terminal 91a, a second power source input terminal 91b, a pilot gas receiving terminal 92, a shield gas receiving terminal 93, a first power source output terminal 94a, and a first power source output terminal 94a. The second power supply output terminal 94b, the third power supply output terminal 94c, the pilot gas supply terminal 95, the first shield gas supply terminal 96a, and the second shield gas supply terminal 96b are included.

The first cable 51a is electrically connected to the first power input terminal 91a. The second cable 51b is electrically connected to the second power input terminal 91b. The first gas hose 52a is connected to the pilot gas supply terminal 92. The second gas hose 52b is connected to the shield gas receiving terminal 93.

The first power supply output terminal 94a is electrically coupled to the first power supply input terminal 91a via the first switch 97a. The second power output terminal 94b is electrically coupled to the first power input terminal 91a via the second switch 97b. For example, a magnet switch is used for the first switch 97a and the second switch 97b. The third power output terminal 94c is electrically coupled to the second power input terminal 91b.

The pilot gas supply terminal 95 is connected to the pilot gas receiving terminal 92.
The first shield gas supply terminal 96a is connected to the shield gas supply terminal 93 via the first valve 98a. The second shield gas supply terminal 96b is connected to the shield gas supply terminal 93 via the second valve 98b. For the first valve 98a and the second valve 98b, for example, solenoid valves are used.

<Second torch hose 6>
The second torch hose 6 includes, for example, a third cable 61c, a fifth cable 61e, a third gas hose 62c, and a fourth gas hose 62d. Each of the third cable 61c and the fifth cable 61e is, for example, a water cooling cable. The third cable 61c is electrically connected to the first power supply output terminal 94a, and electrically connects the first power supply output terminal 94a to the first electrode 1a. The fifth cable 61e is electrically connected to the third power output terminal 94c, and electrically connects the third power output terminal 94c to the insert chip 20. The third gas hose 62c is connected to the pilot gas supply terminal 95, and connects the pilot gas supply terminal 95 to the first electrode housing space 21a. The fourth gas hose 62d is connected to the first shield gas supply terminal 96a, and connects the first shield gas supply terminal 96a with the shield gas space 31.

<Third torch hose 7>
The third torch hose 7 includes, for example, a fourth cable 71d and a fifth gas hose 72e. The fourth cable 71d is, for example, a water cooling cable. The fourth cable 71d is electrically connected to the second power output terminal 94b, and electrically connects the second power output terminal 94b to the second electrode 1b. The fifth gas hose 72e is connected to the second shield gas supply terminal 96b, and couples the second shield gas supply terminal 96b with the second electrode housing space 21b.

<Base material cable 8>
The base material cable 8 electrically connects the base material 10 to the base material cable connection terminal M. The base material 10 is grounded, for example. When processing the base material 10 (during operation), the base material 10 is brought close to the ejection holes 22 of the plasma torch 2 or the second electrode 1b of the discharge torch 3.

As such, the welding apparatus 100 includes the plasma/discharge welding converter 9. The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is, so to speak, an interface device capable of switching the plasma power source to a power source for plasma welding or a power source for discharge welding. According to such a welding apparatus 100, the welding machine body 4 is one,
1. Electric discharge welding work on the base material 10. Any of the plasma welding processing operations for the base material 10 can be selected and performed. Hereinafter, an example of the welding work using the welding apparatus 100 will be described together with the operation of the plasma/discharge welding converter 9.

(Welding method, operation of plasma/discharge welding converter 9)
<1. Electric discharge welding work>
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the electric discharge welding work.
As shown in FIG. 3, the electric discharge torch 3 is used when performing the electric discharge welding work. The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is provided with, for example, an operation unit 99a and a control unit 99b. When the operator selects "discharge welding" on the operation unit 99a, the control unit 99b controls each of the first switch 97a, the second switch 97b, the first valve 98a, and the second valve 98b as follows. ..
First switch 97a: non-conduction (OFF)
-Second switch 97b: conduction (ON)
-First valve 98a: closed (CLOSE)
-Second valve 98b: open (OPEN)

In addition, in the welder main body 4, for example, the following control is performed.
-Pilot power supply 41: Stop-Main power supply 42: Operation-High frequency generator 44: Operation-Pilot gas PG: Stop-Shield gas SG: Supply

For example, by such control, the discharge torch 3 is supplied with the high frequency power HF (ARC) at the time of discharge welding and the shield gas SG via the third torch hose 7, for example. As a result, dielectric breakdown occurs between the second electrode 1b of the discharge torch 3 and the base material 10, and arc discharge A is generated from the second electrode 1b toward the base material 10. Electric discharge welding is performed on the base material 10 while melting the welding wire WW using the arc discharge A. The welding wire WW may not be used in some cases.

An example of welding work using the discharge torch 3 is tack welding to the base material 10. In the tack welding, for example, lick welding is performed in a state where the first base material 10a and the second base material 10b are brought into contact with each other. Thereby, for example, the first base material 10a is temporarily attached to the second base material 10b.

<2. Plasma welding work>
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of the plasma welding process work.
As shown in FIG. 4, the plasma torch 2 is used when performing a plasma welding process. When the operator selects "plasma welding" on the operation unit 99a, the control unit 99b controls each of the first switch 97a, the second switch 97b, the first valve 98a, and the second valve 98b as follows. ..
First switch 97a: conduction (ON)
-Second switch 97b: non-conduction (OFF)
・First valve 98a: open (OPEN)
-Second valve 98b: Closed (CLOSE)

Further, in the welding machine body 4, for example, the following control is performed.
-Pilot power supply 41: activating-Main power supply 42: activating-High frequency generator 44: activating-Pilot gas PG: Supplying-Shield gas SG: Supplying

As a result, the plasma torch 2 is supplied with the high frequency power HF (PLASMA) during plasma welding, the insert tip potential “+”, the pilot gas PG, and the shield gas SG, for example, via the second torch hose 6. It As a result, dielectric breakdown occurs between the first electrode 1a of the plasma torch 2 and the inner wall surface 20a of the insert tip 20, and arc discharge is generated in the first electrode housing space 21a. As a result, the arc discharge is ignited via the pilot gas PG, and the generated plasma is ejected from the ejection holes 22 as, for example, arc plasma AP. Plasma welding is performed on the base material 10 while melting the welding wire WW using the arc plasma AP. The welding wire WW may not be used in some cases.

An example of a welding operation using the plasma torch 2 is a main welding for the base material 10. In the main welding, for example, butt welding or keyhole welding is performed on the temporarily attached first base material 10a and second base material 10b. Thereby, for example, the first base material 10a is main-welded to the second base material 10b.

Thus, according to one embodiment, for example, both electric discharge welding and plasma welding are possible, and it is possible to take a wide working space at the welding site, and a gas cylinder or an original power source for an electric discharge welding machine, It is possible to provide a welding apparatus 100 capable of removing the pipes and wirings belonging thereto and a welding method using the welding apparatus 100.

The welding apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes the plasma/discharge welding converter 9. The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 can switch an existing plasma power supply device, for example, a welding machine body 4 having a built-in plasma power supply to a power source for plasma welding or a power source for discharge welding. Therefore, if one plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is prepared at the work site, plasma welding and discharge welding can be performed respectively. Therefore, it is possible to remove the discharge power supply device, for example, the main body of the TIG welding machine, the gas cylinder or the original power supply for the TIG welding machine, and the pipes and wirings belonging to them from the work site. At the work site, for example, only the welding machine body 4 having a built-in power source for plasma may be prepared as a power source device.

The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 does not require, for example, a large power supply used as a welding power supply. The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 may include, for example, a switch, a valve, or the like. Therefore, the plasma/discharge welding converter 9 can be made smaller than, for example, the main body of the TIG welding machine having a built-in TIG welding power source, and should be installed on the main body 4 of the welding machine (main body of the plasma welding machine). Is also possible. Therefore, even if the plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is prepared at the work site, the work space at the welding site is wide compared with the case where the TIG welding machine body and the plasma welding machine body are separately provided side by side. It is possible.

As described above, according to one embodiment, it is possible to provide a plasma/discharge welding converter capable of switching the plasma power supply device to the power source for plasma welding or the power source for discharge welding.

(Modification)
The embodiment of the present invention is not the only one embodiment described above. For example, the plasma/discharge welding converter 9 can be incorporated into the welder body 4.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the welding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a welding device 100b according to a modification is different from the welding device 100 in that the welding device main body 4b is provided instead of the welding machine main body 4. The plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is installed in the welder body 4b.

The welder body 4b further includes a plasma welding first cable connection terminal WIa, a discharge welding first cable connection terminal WIb, a plasma welding shield gas hose connection terminal 47a, and a discharge welding shield gas hose connection terminal 47b. .. The third cable 61c of the second torch hose 6 and the fourth cable 71d of the third torch hose 7 are electrically connected to the first cable connection terminal WIa for plasma welding and the first cable connection terminal WIb for discharge welding, respectively. To be done. The fourth gas hose 62d of the second torch hose 6 and the fifth gas hose 72e of the third torch hose 7 are connected to the shield gas hose connection terminal 47a for plasma welding and the shield gas hose connection terminal 47b for discharge welding, respectively. The first torch hose 5 is unnecessary in the welding device 100b.

As such, the plasma/discharge welding converter 9 may be incorporated within the welder body 4b. According to the welding device 100b, the plasma/discharge welding converter 9 is incorporated in the welder body 4b. As a result, plasma welding and discharge welding can be performed with only one of the welding machine body 4b.

Although the embodiment and the modification of the present invention have been described above, the embodiment and the modification are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention can be implemented in various novel forms in addition to the embodiment and the modification. Therefore, one embodiment and one modification can be variously omitted, replaced, and changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Such novel forms and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the present invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents of the invention described in the claims.

100: Welding device 100b: Welding device (modification)
1a: 1st electrode 1b: 2nd electrode 2: Plasma torch 20: Insert tip 20a: Inner wall surface of insert tip 20b: Peripheral wall of insert tip 21a: 1st electrode accommodation space 21aa: Centering stone 21ab: 1st through-hole 21ac: 1st gas flow hole 22: Jet hole 23: Refrigerant flow path 30a: 1st shield cap 31: Shield gas space 32a: 1st opening 3: Discharge torch 30b: 2nd shield cap 30ba: Inner wall surface of 2nd shield cap 32b: Second opening 21b: Second electrode housing space 21ba: Collet body 21bb: Second through hole 21bc: Second gas flow hole 4: Welder body 4b: Welder body (plasma/discharge welding converter built-in type)
41: Pilot power supply 41a: First terminal 41c: Third terminal 42: Main power supply 42b: Second terminal 42d: Fourth terminal 44: High frequency generator 45: Coupling coil 45a: Wiring 46: Pilot gas hose connection terminal 47: Shield Gas hose connection terminal 47a: Plasma welding shield gas hose connection terminal 47b: Discharge welding shield gas hose connection terminal 5: First torch hose 51a: First cable 51b: Second cable 52a: First gas hose 52b: Second gas hose 6: Second 2 torch hose 61c: third cable 61e: fifth cable 62c: third gas hose 62d: fourth gas hose 7: third torch hose 71d: fourth cable 72e: fifth gas hose 8: base material cable 9: plasma/discharge welding Converter 91a: First power input terminal 91b: Second power input terminal 92: Pilot gas receiving terminal 93: Shield gas receiving terminal 94a: First power output terminal 94b: Second power output terminal 94c: Third power output terminal 95 : Pilot gas supply terminal 96a: First shield gas supply terminal 96b: Second shield gas supply terminal 97a: First switch 97b: Second switch 98a: First valve 98b: Second valve 99a: Operation part 99b: Control part 10 : Base material CP: Commercial power source PG: Pilot gas SG: Shielding gas CL: Coolant WI: First cable connecting terminal WIa: First cable connecting terminal WIb for plasma welding: First cable connecting terminal WO for discharge welding: Second Cable connection terminal M: Base material cable connection terminal A: Arc discharge AP: Arc plasma WW: Welding wire

Claims (9)

A plasma torch capable of ejecting plasma,
A discharge torch capable of arc discharge,
A pilot power source for generating the plasma, a main power source, and a high-frequency power, a shield gas, and a pilot gas, respectively, a welding machine body for supplying to the plasma torch or the discharge torch,
Equipped with
When ejecting the plasma from the plasma torch,
Generating the high frequency power using each of the pilot power source and the main power source, supplying the high frequency power, the shield gas, and the pilot gas to the plasma torch,
When the arc discharge from the discharge torch,
The welding apparatus is configured to generate the high-frequency power using the main power source and supply the high-frequency power and the shield gas to the discharge torch. With plasma/discharge welding converter,
The plasma/discharge welding converter is
When ejecting the plasma from the plasma torch,
Converting the high frequency power and the supply destination of the shielding gas from the discharge torch to the plasma torch,
When the arc discharge from the discharge torch,
The welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a supply destination of the high-frequency power and the shield gas is configured to be converted from the plasma torch to the discharge torch. The welding apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plasma/discharge welding converter is installed in the main body of the welding machine. The plasma torch is
A first electrode housing space to which the pilot gas is supplied and a first electrode is detachably housed to generate plasma, and an insert tip having a coolable ejection hole at the tip for ejecting plasma by passing the plasma. ,
The shield gas is supplied and has a shield gas space surrounding the outer periphery of the insert tip, and a first opening at the tip for passing the ejected plasma and the shield gas covering the outer periphery of the ejected plasma. A first shield cap,
Including
The discharge torch is
A second electrode accommodating space to which the shield gas is supplied and a second electrode is detachably accommodated; and a second opening at a tip for passing a discharge arc and the shield gas covering the outer periphery of the discharge arc. 2 shield cap,
Including
The main body of the welder is
A first cable connecting terminal to which a first cable is connected and electrically coupled to each of the first terminal of the pilot power supply and the second terminal of the main power supply;
A second cable connecting terminal to which a second cable is connected and electrically coupled to the third terminal of the pilot power supply;
An electrical coupler that is provided in a path of a wiring that electrically couples each of the first terminal and the second terminal to the first cable connection terminal, and that electrically couples a high frequency generator to the wiring. When,
A pilot gas hose connection terminal connected to the first gas hose and connected to a pilot gas source,
A second gas hose is connected, and a shield gas hose connection terminal is connected to the shield gas source,
Including
The plasma/discharge welding converter is
A first power input terminal to which the first cable is connected;
A second power input terminal to which the second cable is connected;
A pilot gas receiving terminal to which the first gas hose is connected,
A shield gas receiving terminal to which the second gas hose is connected,
A third cable electrically connected to the first electrode is connected, and a first power output terminal electrically connected to the first power input terminal via a first switch,
A second power output terminal electrically connected to the second electrode and connected to a fourth cable, and electrically connected to the first power input terminal via a second switch,
A third power supply output terminal electrically connected to the second power supply input terminal, to which a fifth cable electrically connected to the insert tip is connected,
A pilot gas supply terminal connected to a third gas hose connected to the first electrode housing space and connected to the pilot gas receiving terminal;
A fourth gas hose connected to the shield space is connected, and a first shield gas supply terminal is connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a first valve,
A second shield gas supply terminal connected to a fifth gas hose connected to the second electrode housing space and connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a second valve;
The welding apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The main body of the welder is
A base material cable connecting terminal electrically connected to the fourth terminal of the main power source, to which a base material cable is connected;
The welding device according to claim 4, wherein the base material cable is electrically coupled to a base material that is adjacent to the ejection hole or the second electrode during work. The main body of the welder is
When ejecting the plasma from the plasma torch,
Supplying the pilot gas to the plasma torch,
When the arc discharge from the discharge torch,
The welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the welding device is configured to stop the supply of the pilot gas to the plasma torch. The main body of the welder is
When the arc discharge from the discharge torch,
The welding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the welding device is configured to stop the supply of the pilot power source and the pilot gas. A welding method using the welding device according to claim 1.
Using the discharge torch, perform temporary welding to the base material,
After the tack welding, the plasma torch is used to perform main welding on the base material. A plasma/discharge welding converter capable of switching a plasma power supply device to a plasma welding power supply or a discharge welding power supply,
A first power supply input terminal capable of connecting a first cable electrically coupled to each of a first terminal of a pilot power supply of the plasma power supply device and a second terminal of a main power supply of the plasma power supply device;
A second power supply input terminal capable of connecting a second cable electrically coupled to the third terminal of the pilot power supply;
A pilot gas supply terminal capable of connecting the first gas hose connected to the pilot gas source,
A shield gas supply terminal capable of connecting a second gas hose coupled to the shield gas source,
A first power supply output terminal electrically connected to the first power supply input terminal via a first switch, to which a third cable electrically connected to the first electrode of the plasma torch is connectable;
A second power supply output terminal electrically connectable to the first power supply input terminal and a second switch, to which a fourth cable electrically connected to the second electrode of the discharge torch is connectable;
A third power output terminal electrically connected to the second power input terminal, to which a fifth cable electrically connected to the insert tip of the plasma torch can be connected,
A pilot gas supply terminal connected to the pilot gas supply terminal, capable of connecting a third gas hose connected to the first electrode housing space of the plasma torch,
A first shield gas supply terminal connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a first valve, which is capable of connecting a fourth gas hose connected to the shield space of the plasma torch;
A second shield gas supply terminal connected to the shield gas supply terminal via a second valve, capable of connecting a fifth gas hose connected to the second electrode housing space of the discharge torch;
And a plasma/discharge welding converter.

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