JP6231294B2 - Communication device control circuit, communication device, welding power supply device, wire feeding device, welding device, welding system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control circuit for a communication device, a communication device, a welding power supply device, a wire feeding device, a welding device, a welding system, a control method, and a program, for transmitting and receiving a spread spectrum signal through a power transmission line. It is.

  The consumable electrode type welding apparatus is usually separated into a welding power source apparatus that is not moved due to its weight and a wire feeding apparatus that is carried by an operator as the welding position is moved. When the welding power supply is installed at a location away from the position where the welding operation is performed, it is efficient for the operator to go to the location where the welding power supply is installed to change the setting of the welding voltage and welding current. bad. In order to solve this problem, a method of performing communication between the welding power supply device and the wire feeding device has been developed.

  Since the welding power supply device and the wire feeding device are connected by a power cable, a method for transmitting and receiving signals using this power cable has been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a welding apparatus that transmits and receives signals between a welding power supply device and a wire feeding device via a power cable using a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communication method. Has been.

Japanese Patent No. 4737921

  For example, when a large number of welding apparatuses are used at a shipyard or the like, welding power supply apparatuses are installed together, and the wire feeding apparatus is connected to each welding power supply apparatus with a power cable.

  FIG. 9 shows a state where welding work is performed using five welding apparatuses. The five welding power supply devices 1a to 1e are collectively installed in one place. Wire feeders 2a to 2e carried by each worker are connected to welding power supply devices 1a to 1e by power cables 3a to 3e, respectively. The power cables 3a to 3e are arranged in a bundle from the place where the welding power source apparatuses 1a to 1e are installed to the vicinity of the work place. Therefore, magnetic coupling occurs between adjacent power cables, and a signal carried on one power cable may be carried on another power cable.

  In the direct spread spectrum communication method, 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. If a different spreading code is used for each welding device, even if a signal transmitted / received by another welding device is received, the signal is despread with a different spreading code and removed as noise. Does not occur. In the present specification, crosstalk means that a signal spread with the same spreading code transmitted through a certain line leaks to the other line and affects devices connected to the other line.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining crosstalk that occurs between a plurality of welding apparatuses. Welding power supply device 1a and wire feeding device 2a are connected by power cable 3a, and welding power supply device 1b and wire feeding device 2b are connected by power cable 3b. In FIG. 10A, the welding power source device 1 a generates encoded data A by performing spectrum spreading on the transmission data A using the spread code α. The encoded data A is processed as digital / analog conversion and transmitted as a signal A. The signal A is received by the wire feeder 2a through the power cable 3a. Similarly, the welding power source device 1b performs spectrum spreading on the transmission data B using the spread code β to generate encoded data B. The encoded data B is transmitted as a signal B, and the signal B is received by the wire feeder 2b through the power cable 3b. Even if the signal B is also received by the wire feeder 2a via the power cable 3a due to the magnetic coupling between the power cable 3a and the power cable 3b, the wire feeder 2a performs the despreading by the spreading code α. As a result, the signal B is removed as noise. Therefore, crosstalk does not occur.

  However, since the number of spreading codes is limited, there is a problem that crosstalk occurs when the number of welding apparatuses used increases or depending on initial setting conditions at the time of shipment. For example, when an M sequence having a spreading factor of 127 is used, there are eight types of spreading codes that are completely orthogonal (other spreading codes can be converted into noise). Therefore, when using nine or more welding apparatuses, one of the welding apparatuses uses the same spreading code as the other welding apparatuses. If despreading is performed using the same spreading code, it is not removed as noise, and crosstalk occurs.

  FIG. 10B shows a case where the welding power source apparatus 1b and the wire feeding apparatus 2b also use the spread code α. The welding power source apparatus 1b performs spread spectrum on the transmission data B using the spread code α to generate encoded data B ′. The encoded data B 'is transmitted as a signal B', and the signal B 'is also received by the wire feeder 2a via the power cable 3a. Since the wire feeder 2a performs despreading using the spreading code α, the signal B ′ is not removed as noise, but is returned to the transmission data B, causing crosstalk.

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and provides a welding apparatus capable of eliminating crosstalk even when the number of welding apparatuses used increases and crosstalk occurs. Is the purpose.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

The control circuit provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a control circuit for a communication device that transmits and receives a spectrum spread signal through a power transmission line, and the signal received by the communication device is transmitted through the power transmission line. And determining means for determining whether or not the signal is transmitted by a second communication apparatus that communicates with the communication apparatus, and the determining means determines that the signal is not transmitted by the second communication apparatus. And a spread code changing means for changing a first spread code which is a spread code of the spread spectrum set in the communication apparatus .

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the determining means determines that the signal is not transmitted by the second communication device, the third communication device that transmitted the received signal has priority. Second spreading means for judging whether the third communication device has priority when the second judging means judges that the third communication device has priority . 1 Spread code is changed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the second determining means determines that the third communication device does not have priority, the third communication device is set as its own device. further comprising a third determination means for determining whether or not to change the third spreading code is a spreading code, said spreading code changing means, by the third discriminating means, the third communication device is the first When it is determined that the 3 spread code is not changed, the first spread code is changed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the third determination unit receives a signal transmitted by the second communication device after a predetermined time has elapsed, the third communication device performs the third spreading code. Is determined to have been changed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the third discriminating unit receives a signal transmitted by the third communication apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed, the third communication apparatus transmits the third spreading code. Is determined not to have been changed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the third determination unit receives a signal transmitted by the third communication device a predetermined number of times or more, the third communication device receives the third spreading code. Determine that no change was made.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a common identification number is assigned to the communication device and the second communication device, and the identification means includes the identification number included in the received signal. A determination is made based on whether the identification number matches.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spreading code changing means further changes a second spreading code which is a spreading code set in the second communication apparatus.

  The communication device provided by the second aspect of the present invention includes the control circuit provided by the first aspect of the present invention.

  The welding power supply device provided by the third aspect of the present invention includes the communication device provided by the second aspect of the present invention, and is connected to the wire feeding device via the power transmission line. It is characterized by performing communication.

  The wire feeding device provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention includes the communication device provided by the second aspect of the present invention, and is connected to the welding power supply device via the power transmission line. It is characterized by performing communication.

  The welding apparatus provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention includes a welding power supply apparatus including the communication apparatus provided by the second aspect of the present invention, and the communication apparatus provided by the second aspect of the present invention. The wire feeding device is provided, and communication is performed between the welding power source device and the wire feeding device via the power transmission line.

  The welding system provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of welding apparatuses provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention, and the power transmission lines of the plurality of welding apparatuses are arranged in a bundle. It is characterized by.

A control method provided by a seventh aspect of the present invention is a control method for a communication device that transmits and receives a spectrum spread signal through a power transmission line, and the signal received by the communication device is transmitted to the communication device by the power. A step of determining whether or not the signal is a signal transmitted by a second communication device connected by a transmission line; and when it is determined that the signal is not a signal transmitted by the second communication device, the signal is set in the communication device. And a step of changing the spread code of the spread spectrum.

A program provided by an eighth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a control circuit of a communication device that transmits and receives a spectrum spread signal through a power transmission line, and the communication device receives the computer. And determining means for determining whether or not the transmitted signal is a signal transmitted by a second communication apparatus connected to the communication apparatus via the power transmission line, and the determination means transmits the second communication apparatus. When it is determined that the received signal is not a received signal, it is made to function as spreading code changing means for changing the spread code of the spread spectrum set in the communication device .

According to the present invention, when it is determined that the received signal is not a signal transmitted by the second communication apparatus, the first spreading code is changed. Therefore, even if crosstalk occurs when a signal transmitted by a third communication device other than the second communication device is received, the signal transmitted by the third communication device is changed after the first spreading code is changed. Is eliminated as noise by despreading, so that crosstalk can be eliminated.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of the welding apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the internal structure of a communication circuit. It is a figure for demonstrating the frame format of an information transmission signal. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reception process which a data processing part performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other Example of a reception process. It is a figure for demonstrating the change of the spreading code at the time of crosstalk occurrence. It is a figure for demonstrating the change of the spreading code at the time of crosstalk occurrence. It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of the welding apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which is performing welding operation using many welding apparatuses in a shipyard. It is a figure for demonstrating the crosstalk which generate | occur | produces between several welding apparatuses.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a welding apparatus that performs communication between a welding power source apparatus and a wire feeding apparatus using the communication apparatus according to the present invention. .

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the welding apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the welding apparatus A includes a welding power supply device 1, a wire feeding device 2, power cables 3 and 4, and a welding torch T. One output terminal of the welding power source device 1 is connected to the wire feeding device 2 via the power cable 3. The wire feeding device 2 feeds the wire electrode to the welding torch T and causes the tip of the wire electrode to protrude from the tip of the welding torch T. In the wire feeder 2, the power cable 3 and the wire electrode are electrically connected. The other output terminal of the welding power source device 1 is connected to the workpiece W via the power cable 4. The welding power source apparatus 1 generates an arc by applying a high voltage between the tip of the wire electrode protruding from the tip of the welding torch T and the workpiece W. The welding apparatus A welds the workpiece W with the heat of the arc. Note that the welding apparatus A may actually include a shielding gas gas tank for discharging from the welding torch T, a cooling water circulation device for circulating cooling water for cooling the welding torch T, and the like. The description and explanation are omitted.

  The welding power supply device 1 supplies electric power for generating an arc. The welding power supply device 1 includes a power conversion circuit 5, a control circuit 6, and a communication circuit 7.

  The power conversion circuit 5 converts the three-phase AC power input from the power system into DC power suitable for arc welding and outputs the DC power. The three-phase AC power input to the power conversion circuit 5 is converted to DC power by the rectifier circuit and converted to AC power by the inverter circuit. The voltage is boosted by a transformer, converted into DC power by a rectifier circuit, and output. The configuration of the power conversion circuit 5 is not limited to the above.

  The control circuit 6 controls the welding power source apparatus 1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control circuit 6 performs control so that the welding voltage and welding current output from the welding power source device 1 are set voltage and setting current. Also, control is performed such as changing the set voltage or set current in accordance with the operation of a setting switch (not shown) or starting up the power conversion circuit 5 in accordance with the operation of a start switch (not shown). Moreover, the control circuit 6 displays the detected value of the welding voltage and welding current detected by a sensor (not shown) on a display device (not shown), or notifies a notification device (not shown) when an abnormality occurs. The control circuit 6 also changes the set voltage or set current or starts the power conversion circuit 5 based on the signal input from the communication circuit 7, and detects the detected welding voltage or welding current detection signal, A signal indicating the occurrence of abnormality is output to the communication circuit 7.

  The communication circuit 7 is for performing communication with the wire feeder 2 via the power cable 3. The communication circuit 7 demodulates the signal received from the wire feeder 2 and outputs it to the control circuit 6. The signal received from the wire feeder 2 includes, for example, a signal for instructing change of the set voltage or set current, a signal for instructing activation of the power conversion circuit 5, and the like. Further, the communication circuit 7 modulates the signal input from the control circuit 6 and transmits the modulated signal to the wire feeding device 2. The signal transmitted to the wire feeder 2 includes, for example, a detection signal of a detected welding voltage or welding current, a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality, or the like.

  The communication circuit 7 performs communication using a direct spread spectrum communication method. The communication circuit 7 transmits / receives a signal spread using a common spreading code to / from the communication circuit 9 of the wire feeder 2. Since the received signal can be despread using a common spreading code to remove noise, communication can be performed with high communication quality.

  In addition, the communication circuit 7 determines whether or not crosstalk has occurred, and when it determines that crosstalk has occurred, changes the spread code according to a predetermined algorithm. That is, the communication circuit 7 determines whether or not the crosstalk partner has priority, and if there is no priority (if the partner has priority), the communication circuit 7 changes the spreading code. If there is priority, the other party changes the spreading code, so there is no need to change its own spreading code, but the other party may not be aware of the crosstalk. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the crosstalk state from continuing if the other party is not aware of the crosstalk, the communication circuit 7 performs spreading when the other party does not change the spreading code even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Change the sign. Details of the algorithm for changing the spreading code when crosstalk occurs will be described later. A predetermined spreading code is set in advance in the communication circuit 7, and the spreading code is changed according to a predetermined order.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the communication circuit 7. The communication circuit 7 includes a signal coupling circuit 71, a filter circuit 72, an analog / digital conversion circuit 73, a communication control circuit 74, a digital / analog conversion circuit 75, and a filter circuit 76.

  The signal coupling circuit 71 uses magnetic coupling to transmit a signal with the power cable 3 and detect a signal sent with the power cable 3. The signal coupling circuit 71 includes a coil disposed around the power cable 3 and magnetically coupled to the power cable 3, and transmits a transmission signal input from the filter circuit 76 through the coil via the power cable 3. . In addition, the signal coupling circuit 71 detects a signal sent by the power cable 3 by the coil, and outputs it to the filter circuit 72 as a reception signal.

  The filter circuit 72 includes a band-pass filter, removes signals other than a predetermined frequency band from the reception signal input from the signal coupling circuit 71, and outputs the signal to the analog / digital conversion circuit 73. The analog / digital conversion circuit 73 converts the analog signal input from the filter circuit 72 into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the communication control circuit 74 as a spread reception signal SR.

  The digital / analog conversion circuit 75 converts the spread transmission signal SS that is a digital signal input from the communication control circuit 74 into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the filter circuit 76. The filter circuit 76 includes a band-pass filter, removes a signal other than a predetermined frequency band from the signal input from the digital / analog conversion circuit 75, and outputs the signal as a transmission signal to the signal combining circuit 71.

  The communication control circuit 74 processes signals to be transmitted and received, and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The communication control circuit 74 demodulates the spread received signal SR input from the analog / digital conversion circuit 73 and outputs it to the control circuit 6. The communication control circuit 74 outputs the spread transmission signal SS modulated according to the signal input from the control circuit 6 to the digital / analog conversion circuit 75. The communication control circuit 74 includes a despreading processing unit 74a, a demodulation processing unit 74b, a data processing unit 74c, a modulation processing unit 74d, a spreading processing unit 74e, and a spreading code changing unit 74f.

  The modulation processing unit 74d modulates the carrier signal according to the input signal by BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) modulation. The modulation processing unit 74d modulates the carrier signal according to the information transmission signal IS input from the data processing unit 74c, and outputs the modulated carrier signal as a modulated transmission signal MS to the spreading processing unit 74e. Note that the modulation method is not limited to this, and ASK modulation or FSK modulation may be performed. The spread processing unit 74e performs spread spectrum using a spread code to spread a narrowband signal into a wideband signal. The spread processing unit 74 e spreads the modulated transmission signal MS input from the modulation processing unit 74 d into the spread transmission signal SS and outputs the spread transmission signal SS to the digital / analog conversion circuit 75.

  The despreading processing unit 74a uses a spreading code to despread a signal spread over a wide band into a narrowband signal. The despreading processing unit 74a despreads the spread reception signal SR input from the analog / digital conversion circuit 73, performs filtering, and outputs the result to the demodulation processing unit 74b as a modulation reception signal MR. Thereby, signals and noises spread using different spreading codes are removed. The demodulation processing unit 74b demodulates the modulated signal. The demodulation processing unit 74b demodulates the modulated reception signal MR input from the despreading processing unit 74a and outputs it to the data processing unit 74c as an information reception signal IR. Note that the signal transmitted from the welding power supply apparatus 1 to the wire feeding apparatus 2 and the signal transmitted from the wire feeding apparatus 2 to the welding power supply apparatus 1 use different frequency bands. Therefore, the carrier signal used in the modulation processing unit 74d and the carrier signal used in the demodulation processing unit 74b have different frequencies.

  Note that the despreading processing unit 74a and the demodulation processing unit 74b, and the modulation processing unit 74d and the spreading processing unit 74e may be interchanged. That is, the transmitting side may first modulate the information transmission signal IS output from the data processing unit 74c after performing spectrum spreading, and the receiving side may first demodulate and then despread.

  The data processing unit 74c performs processing for transferring data to and from the control circuit 6. Each welding apparatus A is given a unique identification ID. The data processing unit 74c adds an identification ID to the transmission data input from the control circuit 6 and outputs the transmission data to the modulation processing unit 74d as an information transmission signal IS. FIG. 3 shows a frame format of the information transmission signal IS.

  In addition, the data processing unit 74c decomposes the information reception signal IR input from the demodulation processing unit 74b into an identification ID and received data, and determines whether crosstalk has occurred based on the identification ID. That is, when the identification ID is not the identification ID assigned to the welding apparatus A, it is determined that crosstalk has occurred. The data processing unit 74c outputs the received data to the control circuit 6 when no crosstalk has occurred. If crosstalk has occurred, the received data is not output to the control circuit 6, but a change signal is output to the spread code changing unit 74f according to a predetermined algorithm. The data processing unit 74c determines whether or not there is a priority right based on the identification ID. If there is no priority right, the data processing unit 74c outputs a change signal to the spreading code changing unit 74f. If there is priority, it is determined whether or not the crosstalk continues after a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the crosstalk continues, a change signal is output to the spreading code changing unit 74f.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the reception process performed by the data processing unit 74c. The reception process is started when the welding power supply device 1 is activated.

  First, it is determined whether or not the information reception signal IR is input from the demodulation processing unit 74b (S1). When the signal combining circuit 71 detects the received signal, filtering, analog / digital conversion, despreading, and demodulation are performed, and the information received signal IR is input to the data processing unit 74c. When the information reception signal IR is not input (S1: NO), the process returns to step S1 to wait for the input of the information reception signal IR. When the information reception signal IR is input (S1: YES), the information reception signal IR is decomposed into the identification ID and the reception data, and the identification ID is extracted (S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the extracted identification ID is IDm that is the identification ID assigned to the welding apparatus A (S3). When the extracted identification ID is IDm (S3: YES), since the received signal can be determined as a signal transmitted from the wire feeder 2 connected to the welding power source device 1 by the power cable 3, a reception response is received. The data is output (S4), and the received data is output to the control circuit 6 (S5). The control circuit 6 performs processing based on the input received data. Steps S6 and S7 will be described later.

  When the extracted identification ID is not IDm (S3: NO), the received signal is a wire feeding device different from the wire feeding device 2 (hereinafter referred to as “wire feeding device 2 ′” for distinction). The welding apparatus including the wire feeding device 2 ′ is referred to as “welding apparatus A ′”), and it is determined that crosstalk has occurred. In this case, the received data is not output to the control circuit 6, and it is determined whether or not the extracted identification ID is larger than IDm (S8). When the extracted identification ID is larger than IDm (S8: YES), a change signal is output to the spread code changing unit 74f (S9), and the process returns to step S1. That is, the spreading code is changed assuming that the welding apparatus A 'has a higher priority than the welding apparatus A (the welding apparatus A has no priority). In the present embodiment, priority is given to the one with the larger identification ID, but priority may be given to the one with the smaller identification ID. In this case, the inequality sign in step S8 may be reversed.

  When the extracted identification ID is smaller than IDm (S8: NO), that is, when the welding apparatus A has priority, the elapsed time from occurrence of crosstalk is counted. That is, it is determined whether or not the timer for counting the elapsed time is being measured (S10), and when the timer is not being measured (S10: NO), timing is started (S11). If the time is being measured (S10: YES), it is determined whether the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time (S12). The predetermined time is set to a sufficient time from when the occurrence of crosstalk is recognized until the spreading code is changed. When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time (S12: YES), a change signal is output to the spread code changing unit 74f (S13), the time measurement is stopped (S14), and the process returns to step S1. That is, normally, a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the crosstalk, and the spread code should be changed by the welding apparatus A 'having no priority, so that the crosstalk should be eliminated. However, since the state of the crosstalk continues, there is a possibility that the welding apparatus A 'is not aware of the crosstalk. In this case, the data processing unit 74c changes the spread code in order to prevent the crosstalk state from continuing. If the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time (S12: NO), the process returns to step S1.

  Even while the crosstalk continues, the communication circuit 7 receives the signal transmitted from the wire feeder 2. Since the identification ID of the information reception signal IR based on this signal is IDm, it is appropriately processed in steps S3 to S5. In the following step S6, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the occurrence of the crosstalk exceeds a predetermined time (S6). When the predetermined time is exceeded (S6: YES), the time measurement is stopped (S7). ). That is, immediately after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the crosstalk, the signal transmitted from the wire feeder 2 is received, so that it is temporarily determined that the crosstalk has been eliminated, and the spreading code is not changed. . Note that when the crosstalk has not actually been resolved, the signal from the wire feeding device 2 ′ is received again, so that the determination in steps S3, S8, and S10 (S3: NO, S8: NO, S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11, and the elapsed time from the occurrence of the crosstalk is started. That is, the spread code is changed by the welding apparatus A 'without priority, or YES in step S12 and the data processing unit 74c changes the spread code, so that the crosstalk is eliminated.

  If the state of the received signal detected by the signal combining circuit 71 is poor and is not demodulated properly, the extracted identification ID becomes an inappropriate value, so the process proceeds to step S8 (step S3: NO), If ID> IDm (S8: YES), the spreading code is immediately changed (S9), and if ID <IDm (S8: NO), the spreading code is changed if the state continues (S13).

  Note that the flowchart of the reception process is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, the priority may be respected, and if the welding apparatus A has priority, it may wait for the partner (welding apparatus A ') to change the spreading code, and may not change the spreading code. The flowchart in this case is as shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 5A is obtained by deleting steps S6, S7, and S10 to S14 from the flowchart of FIG. However, in this case, since the state of the crosstalk continues until the other party notices the crosstalk, it may take a long time to eliminate the crosstalk.

  Further, the spread code may be changed when crosstalk occurs regardless of the priority. The flowchart in this case is as shown in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 5B, when step S3 is NO in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step S9, and steps S6, S7, S8, and S10 to S14 are deleted. In this case as well, crosstalk can be eliminated, but the spreading code may be changed at the same timing between the other party and yourself.

  In the flowchart of the reception process shown in FIG. 4, the crosstalk partner changes the spreading code depending on whether or not the signal received after a predetermined time has elapsed from the occurrence of crosstalk is transmitted from a valid communication partner. It is determined whether or not it has been done, but other methods may be used. For example, when a signal from a crosstalk partner is received a predetermined number of times or more, it may be determined that the crosstalk partner has not changed the spreading code. Further, when a signal of a predetermined number of times or more is received from a crosstalk partner within a predetermined time, it may be determined that the crosstalk partner has not changed the spreading code.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the spreading code changing unit 74f changes the spreading code set in the spreading processing unit 74e and the despreading processing unit 74a. The spread code changing unit 74f changes the spread code according to a predetermined order every time a change signal is input from the data processing unit 74c.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the communication control circuit 74 is realized by a microcomputer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication control circuit 74 may be realized by a general purpose computer. That is, a process performed by each unit may be designed by a program, and the general-purpose computer may function as the communication control circuit 74 by executing the program. The program may be recorded on a recording medium and read by a general-purpose computer.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the wire feeding device 2 feeds the wire electrode to the welding torch T. The wire feeding device 2 includes a control circuit 8 and a communication circuit 9.

  The control circuit 8 controls the wire feeder 2 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. The control circuit 8 controls a feeding motor (not shown) to control the feeding of the wire electrode. Further, the control circuit 8 outputs a signal for starting the power conversion circuit 5 of the welding power source device 1 to the communication circuit 9 in response to an operation of a start switch (not shown). In addition, a signal for changing the setting voltage or the setting current of the welding power source device 1 is output to the communication circuit 9 in accordance with an operation of a setting switch (not shown). Further, the control circuit 8 displays the detected value of the welding voltage or welding current input from the communication circuit 9 on a display device (not shown) or is not shown based on a signal indicating the occurrence of abnormality input from the communication circuit 9. Notifying the notification device.

  The communication circuit 9 is for communicating with the welding power source device 1 via the power cable 3. The communication circuit 9 demodulates the signal received from the welding power source device 1 and outputs it to the control circuit 8. The signal received from the welding power source device 1 includes, for example, a detection signal of a welding voltage or a welding current detected by a sensor in the welding power source device 1 and a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality. Further, the communication circuit 9 modulates a signal input from the control circuit 8 and transmits it to the welding power source apparatus 1. The signal transmitted to the welding power source device 1 includes, for example, a signal for instructing activation of the power conversion circuit 5 and a signal for instructing change of the set voltage or set current.

  The configuration of the communication circuit 9 is the same as that of the communication circuit 7 of the welding power source device 1. That is, the communication circuit 9 also performs communication using the direct spread spectrum communication method. The communication circuit 9 transmits / receives a signal spread using a common spreading code to / from the communication circuit 7 of the welding power source apparatus 1. The communication circuit 9 also determines whether or not crosstalk has occurred, and if it determines that crosstalk has occurred, changes the spread code according to a predetermined algorithm. Since the internal configuration of the communication circuit 9 is common to the internal configuration of the communication circuit 7 shown in FIG. 2, the block diagram and detailed description thereof are omitted. Since the algorithm for changing the spreading code is also common to that of the communication circuit 7 and the flowchart showing the reception process is also common to that of the communication circuit 7 (see FIG. 4), description thereof is omitted.

  Since the configuration of the communication circuit 9 is the same as that of the communication circuit 7 and transmits and receives signals to and from each other, when the spread code is changed in the communication circuit 7, the communication circuit 9 also spreads at the same timing. The sign is changed. Therefore, a common spreading code is set in the communication circuit 7 and the communication circuit 9. In addition, when one spreading code is changed, the other spreading code may be changed.

  FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining which welding power source device 1 and wire feeding device 2 change the spreading code when crosstalk occurs. 6 and 7 show a state in which three welding apparatuses Aa, Ab, and Ac are used at the same time. The welding apparatus Aa has the largest identification ID (highest priority), the welding apparatus Ab has the next identification ID, and the welding apparatus Ac has the smallest identification ID (lowest priority). In welding apparatus Aa, welding power supply apparatus 1a and wire feeding apparatus 2a communicate with each other via a power cable. Similarly, in welding apparatus Ab, welding power supply apparatus 1b and wire feeding apparatus 2b communicate with each other, and in welding apparatus Ac, welding power supply apparatus 1c and wire feeding apparatus 2c communicate with each other. .

  In FIG. 6A, the spreading code α is set for the welding power source device 1a and the wire feeding device 2a, the spreading code α is set for the welding power source device 1b and the wire feeding device 2b, and the welding power source device 1c and A state where the spread code β is set in the wire feeder 2c is shown. At this time, crosstalk has occurred between the welding device Aa and the welding device Ab (see broken line arrows in the figure). That is, the wire feeder 2b also receives the signal transmitted by the welding power source device 1a, and the wire feeder 2a also receives the signal transmitted by the welding power source device 1b. Further, the welding power supply 1b also receives the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2a, and the welding power supply 1a also receives the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2b.

  In this case, since the identification ID extracted from the received signal is smaller than its own identification ID (S8: NO in FIG. 4), welding power supply device 1a starts measuring elapsed time. The same applies to the wire feeder 2a. On the other hand, since the identification ID extracted from the received signal is larger than its own identification ID (S8: YES in FIG. 4), welding power supply apparatus 1b changes the spreading code from α to β. Similarly, the wire feeder 2b also changes the spreading code from α to β. And the welding power supply device 1a stops receiving the signal which the wire feeder 2b transmitted, and stops timing, without changing a spreading code (S7 in FIG. 4). The same applies to the wire feeder 2a. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 6B, since the spreading code β is set in the welding power source device 1b, the wire feeding device 2b, the welding power source device 1c, and the wire feeding device 2c, the welding device Ab and the welding device Ac Crosstalk has occurred between them (see broken line arrows in the figure). That is, the wire feeder 2c also receives the signal transmitted from the welding power supply device 1b, and the wire feeder 2b also receives the signal transmitted from the welding power supply device 1c. Moreover, the welding power supply device 1c also receives the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2b, and the welding power supply device 1b also receives the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2c. In this case, similarly to the state of FIG. 6A, the welding power source device 1c and the wire feeding device 2c change the spread code from β to γ. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  In the state of FIG. 6B, there is a case where crosstalk occurs only on the welding apparatus Ab side and the welding apparatus Ac side does not notice the crosstalk. That is, the signal transmitted by the welding power supply device 1c is also received by the wire feeding device 2b, and the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2c is also received by the welding power supply device 1b, but the signal transmitted by the welding power supply device 1b is transmitted by wire. In this state, the welding power source device 1c does not receive the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2b.

  In this case, the welding power source device 1c and the wire feeding device 2c do not notice the occurrence of crosstalk and do not change the spreading code. Since the welding power source device 1b continues to receive the signal transmitted by the wire feeding device 2c even after a predetermined time has elapsed (S12: YES in FIG. 4), the spreading code is changed from β to γ. Similarly, the wire feeder 2b also changes the spreading code from β to γ. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  Next, a case where the types of spreading codes are limited will be described with reference to FIG. In the state of FIG. 6B, when there are only two types of spreading codes, α and β, the welding power source device 1c and the wire feeding device 2c change the spreading code from β to α. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7A, since the diffusion code α is set in the welding power source device 1a, the wire feeding device 2a, the welding power source device 1c, and the wire feeding device 2c, the welding device Aa and the welding device Ac Crosstalk has occurred between them (see broken line arrows in the figure). In this case, since welding apparatus Aa has priority, welding power supply apparatus 1c and wire feeding apparatus 2c change the spread code from α to β. As a result, the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7B, since the spreading code β is set in the welding power source device 1b, the wire feeding device 2b, the welding power source device 1c, and the wire feeding device 2c, the welding device Ab and the welding device Ac Crosstalk has occurred between them (see broken line arrows in the figure). In this case, since the welding apparatus Ab has priority, the welding power supply apparatus 1c and the wire feeding apparatus 2c change the spreading code from β to α. As a result, the state shown in FIG. That is, the state of FIG. 7A and the state of FIG. 7B are repeated.

  According to the present embodiment, when the crosstalk occurs, the data processing unit 74c changes the spreading code according to a predetermined algorithm. Since at least one of the two welding apparatuses A in which crosstalk has occurred changes the spreading code, the spreading codes of the two welding apparatuses A are different. Even if the spread spectrum signal is despread with different spreading codes, it is removed as noise, so that crosstalk can be eliminated.

  Further, the data processing unit 74c determines whether or not there is a priority based on the identification ID, and changes the spreading code when the user does not have the priority. If the user has priority, the crosstalk partner changes the spreading code, so there is no need to change the spreading code. Further, even if the data processing unit 74c has priority, the data processing unit 74c changes the spreading code if the crosstalk partner does not change the spreading code. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the crosstalk state from continuing when the other party is not aware of the crosstalk.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the signal coupling circuit 71 uses magnetic coupling by coils arranged around the power cable 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, using a capacitor connected to the power cable 3, the transmission signal may be transmitted as a voltage signal through the power cable 3, and the voltage signal transmitted through the power cable 3 may be detected.

  In the said 1st Embodiment, although the case where communication was performed between the welding power supply device 1 of the welding apparatus A and the wire feeder 2 was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, in the case of a non-consumable electrode type welding device, the wire feeding device 2 is not used, and communication is performed between the welding power source device 1 and a remote controller connected to the welding torch T. In this case, a communication circuit may be provided in the remote controller so as to communicate with the communication circuit 7 of the welding power source device 1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the welding apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the same figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element similar or similar to the welding apparatus A (refer FIG. 1) which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

  A welding apparatus A1 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the welding apparatus A according to the first embodiment in that a remote controller 21 is provided instead of the wire feeding apparatus 2. The remote controller 21 communicates with the welding power source device 1 via the power cable 3. The communication circuit 9 has the same configuration and the same function as the communication circuit 9 of the wire feeding device 2 in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in 2nd Embodiment, there can exist an effect similar to 1st Embodiment.

  Instead of attaching the remote controller 21 to the welding torch T, the welding torch T itself may be provided with the control circuit 8 and the communication circuit 9 so as to perform communication between the welding power source device 1 and the welding torch T. .

  In addition, the communication apparatus according to the present invention can be used other than the welding apparatus. For example, a plasma cutting device that cuts the workpiece W by generating plasma at the tip of the torch, or an air arc gouging device that performs digging using the heat of the arc generated at the tip of the torch and the injection of compressed air For example, the communication apparatus according to the present invention can be used. That is, when communication is performed via a power cable between an installed power supply device and a torch carried by an operator and actually processed, or a remote control attached to the torch, the power supply device and the torch (remote control) ) Each may be provided with a communication device.

  The communication apparatus according to the present invention can also be used when a remote controller that performs communication with a machine having a power source is supplied with power from the machine and performs communication via a power transmission line.

  The control circuit, communication device, welding power supply device, wire feeding device, welding device, welding system, control method, and program of the communication device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the control circuit, the communication device, the welding power supply device, the wire feeding device, the welding device, the welding system, the control method, and the program of the communication device according to the present invention can be changed in various ways. .

A, A 'Welding device 1 Welding power supply device 2 Wire feeding device 2' Remote control 3, 4 Power cable (power transmission line)
5 Power Conversion Circuit 6 Control Circuit 7 Communication Circuit (Communication Device)
71 Signal coupling circuit 72 Filter circuit 73 Analog / digital conversion circuit 74 Communication control circuit (control circuit)
74a Despreading processing unit 74b Demodulation processing unit 74c Data processing unit (discriminating means, second discriminating means, third discriminating means)
74d Modulation processing unit 74e Spreading processing unit 74f Spreading code changing unit 75 Digital / analog conversion circuit 76 Filter circuit 8 Control circuit 9 Communication circuit (communication device)
T Welding torch W Work piece

Claims (15)

A control circuit for a communication device that transmits and receives a spectrum spread signal through a power transmission line,
Determining means for determining whether a signal received by the communication device is a signal transmitted by a second communication device that communicates with the communication device via the power transmission line;
A spread code changing means for changing a first spread code that is a spread code of a spread spectrum set in the communication apparatus when the determination means determines that the signal is not a signal transmitted by the second communication apparatus; ,
A control circuit comprising: A second determination for determining whether the third communication apparatus that has transmitted the received signal has priority when the determination means determines that the signal is not a signal transmitted by the second communication apparatus; Further comprising means,
The spreading code changing means, by the second discriminating means, when it is determined that there is priority to said third communication device, changes the first spreading code,
The control circuit according to claim 1. When the second determining means determines that the third communication device does not have priority, the third communication device changes the third spreading code that is a spreading code set in the own device. And further comprising a third determining means for determining whether or not
The spreading code changing means, by the third discriminating means, when the third communication apparatus is determined to have not changed the third spreading code, to change the first spreading code,
The control circuit according to claim 2. The third determining unit determines that the third communication device has changed the third spreading code when a signal transmitted by the second communication device is received after a predetermined time has elapsed.
The control circuit according to claim 3. The third determining means determines that the third communication device has not changed the third spreading code when a signal transmitted by the third communication device is received after a predetermined time has elapsed.
The control circuit according to claim 3. The third determining unit determines that the third communication device has not changed the third spreading code when the signal transmitted by the third communication device is received a predetermined number of times or more.
The control circuit according to claim 3. A common identification number is assigned to the communication device and the second communication device,
The determination means determines whether or not an identification number included in the received signal matches the assigned identification number.
The control circuit according to claim 1. The spreading code changing means further changes a second spreading code which is a spreading code set in the second communication device;
The control circuit according to claim 1. The control circuit according to claim 1 is provided.
A communication device. A communication device according to claim 9 is provided.
Communicate with a wire feeder via the power transmission line,
A welding power supply device characterized by that. A communication device according to claim 9 is provided.
Communicate with the welding power supply device via the power transmission line,
A wire feeder characterized by that. A welding power supply device comprising the communication device according to claim 9;
A wire feeding device comprising the communication device according to claim 9;
With
Communication is performed between the welding power supply device and the wire feeding device via the power transmission line.
A welding apparatus characterized by that. A plurality of welding devices according to claim 12 are provided,
Each power transmission line of the plurality of welding devices is arranged in a bundle,
A welding system characterized by that. A method for controlling a communication device for transmitting and receiving a spread spectrum signal through a power transmission line,
Determining whether the signal received by the communication device is a signal transmitted by a second communication device connected to the communication device via the power transmission line;
A step of changing a spread code of a spread spectrum set in the communication device when it is determined that the signal is not transmitted by the second communication device;
A control method comprising: A program that causes a computer to function as a control circuit of a communication device that transmits and receives a spectrum spread signal through a power transmission line,
The computer,
Determining means for determining whether or not the signal received by the communication device is a signal transmitted by a second communication device connected to the communication device via the power transmission line;
A spread code changing means for changing a spread code of a spread spectrum set in the communication apparatus when the determination means determines that the signal is not a signal transmitted by the second communication apparatus;
A program characterized by making it function.