JP7129621B2 - welding machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a welding machine.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a welding output condition adjusting device that switches welding conditions by intermittently turning on and off a torch switch, which is a push button switch for opening and closing the output of a welding power supply device, repeatedly in a short period of time. there is

JP-A-58-41672

By the way, in recent years, the number of welding conditions pre-stored in the internal memory of the welding machine has increased in order to perform optimum welding according to the plate thickness and material of the work.

For example, the internal memory stores a plurality of welding conditions in numerical order. The welder switches the welding conditions in ascending order of number in response to repeated on/off of the torch switch. Workers may desire welding conditions associated with high numbers. A large number of desired welding conditions require the operator to turn the torch switch on and off many times. Therefore, it takes a long time to switch to the desired welding conditions, and there is a risk that the work efficiency will deteriorate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to enable speedy selection of welding conditions.

The present invention is directed to a welding machine that performs welding on a workpiece based on predetermined welding conditions, and has taken the following solutions.

A first invention provides a first storage unit storing a first quantity of welding conditions;
at least one second storage storing a second quantity of welding conditions smaller than the first quantity extracted from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage;
an input operation unit that receives a predetermined input operation;
and a control unit that selects one of the second quantity of welding conditions stored in the second storage unit based on the predetermined input operation.

In the first invention, the first storage unit stores a first quantity of welding conditions. The second storage stores a second quantity of welding conditions extracted from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage. The second quantity is less than the first quantity. The input operation unit receives a predetermined input operation. The control unit selects one of the second quantity of welding conditions stored in the second storage unit based on a predetermined input operation.

As a result, welding conditions can be selected quickly. For example, the first storage unit stores a plurality of welding conditions according to the plate thickness and material of the work. Therefore, when trying to select the welding conditions from the first storage unit, the input operation must be performed many times, which is time-consuming.

On the other hand, if only the welding conditions frequently used by the worker are extracted from the first storage unit and stored in the second storage unit, and the welding conditions are selected from the second storage unit, a small number of input operations can be performed. , can be switched to the desired welding conditions.

A second invention is based on the first invention,
A welding output unit that performs welding on the workpiece,
The input operation section is provided near the welding output section.

In the second invention, an input operation section is provided near the welding output section. As a result, it is possible to switch to a desired welding condition by performing a simple input operation at hand of the operator.

A third invention is the first or second invention,
The at least one second storage unit stores a number table that associates a plurality of storage numbers with the second quantity of welding conditions,
The predetermined input operation is the number of operations of the input operation unit,
The control unit selects one of the plurality of storage numbers according to the number of times the input operation unit is operated, and refers to the number table to select one of the second quantity of welding conditions. , associated with said one of said plurality of storage numbers.

In the third invention, the second storage unit stores a number table that associates a plurality of storage numbers with the second quantity of welding conditions. Then, the control unit selects one of the plurality of storage numbers according to the number of times the input operation unit is operated, and refers to the number table to select the plurality of welding conditions from the second quantity of welding conditions. Select one associated with one of the stored numbers.

As a result, welding conditions can be selected smoothly. For example, if the desired welding condition is associated with the second memory number among the plurality of memory numbers, the operator can select the desired welding condition by operating the input operation unit twice. can.

A fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions,
further comprising an authentication unit for authenticating the operator,
The second quantity of welding conditions is set by the operator,
The control unit extracts the second quantity of welding conditions set for the worker authenticated by the authentication unit from the first storage unit and stores the welding conditions in the second storage unit.

In the fourth invention, the welding machine extracts the welding conditions set for the worker from the first storage section and stores them in the second storage section by authenticating the worker.

As a result, welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator. Specifically, when one welding machine is shared by a plurality of workers, frequently used welding conditions may differ for each worker. Then, it takes time and effort to store new welding conditions in the second storage unit every time the worker who uses the welding machine changes.

On the other hand, if the operator is authenticated and the welding conditions set by the operator are automatically stored in the second storage unit, the welding condition setting work can be made more efficient.

Here, worker authentication may be performed by, for example, authentication by selecting oneself from a list of workers, authentication by a password, authentication by an ID card, biometric authentication by a fingerprint, or the like.

A fifth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The at least one second storage unit comprises a plurality of second storage units,
further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of second storage units;
The control unit selects the one of the second quantity of welding conditions from the one of the second storage units selected by the selection unit.

In the fifth invention, one of the plurality of second storage units is selected, and welding conditions are selected from the selected second storage unit.

Thereby, for example, the welding conditions respectively set for the plurality of workers are stored in the plurality of second storage units, and the second storage in which the desired welding conditions are stored among the plurality of second storage units. By selecting the part, the welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator.

A sixth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions,
A plurality of pages are provided in the second storage unit,
the second quantity of welding conditions stored on one of the plurality of pages;
further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of pages in the second storage unit;
The control unit selects the one of the second quantity of welding conditions from the one of the plurality of pages of the second storage unit selected by the selection unit.

In the sixth invention, the second storage section is provided with a plurality of pages. Welding conditions are stored in the page. One of the multiple pages is selected and welding conditions are selected from the selected page.

As a result, for example, welding conditions respectively set for a plurality of workers are stored in a plurality of pages of the second storage unit, and a page in which a desired welding condition is stored is selected from among the plurality of pages. Thus, welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator.

In a seventh aspect, the control unit is connected to the first storage unit and the second storage unit,
The control unit
creating a copy of the second quantity of welding conditions out of the first quantity of welding conditions by accessing the first storage unit;
The second storage is accessed to store the second quantity of copies of the welding conditions as the second quantity of welding conditions.

That is, the control unit causes the second storage unit to store the second amount of welding conditions while leaving the first amount of welding conditions stored in the first storage unit.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, selection of welding conditions can be performed rapidly.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a welding machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the torch. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining welding conditions stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit. FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the ON operation of the torch switch for welding. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a click operation of a torch switch for selecting welding conditions. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a case where welding conditions are switched during welding work. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the welding machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a welding machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a welding machine according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following description of preferred embodiments is essentially merely an example, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

<<Embodiment 1>>
<Construction of welding machine>
As shown in FIG. 1, the welding machine 1 includes a welding power source 10 and a torch 20 (welding output section). The welder 1 generates an arc between the electrode 21 of the torch 20 and the work W, and welds the work W with the heat of the arc.

One output terminal of welding power source 10 is connected to torch 20 via first output cable 3 . The other output terminal of welding power source 10 is connected to workpiece W via second output cable 4 . Welding power supply 10 supplies power for arc welding to torch 20 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , torch 20 has electrode 21 , torch handle 22 and torch switch 23 . A worker performs welding while holding the torch handle 22 . A torch switch 23 is provided on the torch handle 22 .

The torch switch 23 has a lever-type switch movable portion 24 . The operator can turn on the torch switch 23 by pressing down the switch movable portion 24 with a finger. Torch switch 23 receives an ON operation and outputs an operation signal to welding power source 10 . Welding power supply 10 outputs welding power to torch 20 in response to the operation signal.

On the other hand, the operator can release the ON operation of the torch switch 23 by releasing the finger from the switch movable portion 24 . The torch switch 23 stops outputting the operation signal upon receiving the release of the ON operation. Welding power source 10 stops outputting welding power to torch 20 in response to the output stop of the operation signal. Thus, the operator can perform welding with the torch 20 only while the torch switch 23 is being turned on. The torch switch 23 is also used as an input operation section for selecting welding conditions of the welding machine 1, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the welding power source 10 includes an input section 11, a control section 12, a display section 13, a first storage section 14, a second storage section 15, a gas control circuit section 16, and a high frequency circuit. It has a section 17 , a welding output circuit section 18 and a current detection section 19 .

The input section 11 is connected to the setting switch 5 and the torch switch 23 . As will be described below, the operator can select desired welding conditions using either the setting switch 5 or the torch switch 23 . The setting switch 5 receives, for example, at least one of the material of the workpiece W, the plate thickness of the workpiece W, the type of gas, the welding speed, the welding current, etc., from the operator as parameters of the welding conditions. A setting signal indicating the welding conditions received by the setting switch 5 is output to the input section 11 .

The control unit 12 performs welding control by correcting the conditions according to the welding parameters set by the setting switch 5 . Control unit 12 is connected to display unit 13 , first storage unit 14 , and second storage unit 15 .

The display unit 13 is composed of a liquid crystal screen for displaying character information and the like. The operator can perform various settings while confirming the parameters displayed on the display unit 13 .

The first storage unit 14 stores a first number of welding conditions (100 in the example shown in FIG. 3). The welding conditions stored in the first storage section 14 are displayed on the display section 13 . The operator selects the welding conditions by operating the setting switch 5 while confirming the welding conditions displayed on the display unit 13 . This sets the conditions necessary for the desired welding, and then actually starts the welding.

The welding conditions selected from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage unit 14 are transmitted to the control unit 12 . Control unit 12 operates gas control circuit unit 16 , high-frequency circuit unit 17 , and welding output circuit unit 18 , which will be described later, according to the welding conditions transmitted from first storage unit 14 . Thereby, welding can be performed under the welding conditions set by the operator.

The second storage unit 15 stores a second quantity of welding conditions extracted from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage unit 14 . The second quantity (four cases in the example shown in FIG. 3) is less than the first quantity. For example, the operator may select only the welding conditions that are frequently used with the setting switch 5 and copy the welding conditions from the first storage unit 14 to the second storage unit 15 . For example, the input unit 11 receives an operator's instruction to select the second quantity of welding conditions and an instruction to copy the selected second quantity of welding conditions from the setting switch 5, the torch switch 23, or another user interface. , the selection instruction and the copy instruction are transferred to the control unit. In response to the selection instruction and the copy instruction, the control unit 12 accesses the first storage unit 14 to create a copy of the second quantity of welding conditions indicated in the selection instruction, and accesses the second storage unit 15. Save the second quantity of copies of the welding procedure.

The control section 12 is connected to the gas control circuit section 16 , the high frequency circuit section 17 , the welding output circuit section 18 and the current detection section 19 .

The gas control circuit unit 16 performs control for adjusting the flow rate of shielding gas supplied from a gas cylinder (not shown) to the torch 20 .

The high frequency circuit section 17 performs control for supplying high frequency voltage to the torch 20 . A dielectric breakdown is caused between the electrode 21 of the torch 20 and the workpiece W by the high-frequency voltage.

The welding output circuit unit 18 performs control for supplying electric power to the torch 20 so as to generate arc discharge between the electrode 21 of the torch 20 and the workpiece W after dielectric breakdown.

The current detector 19 detects the current flowing between the electrode 21 of the torch 20 and the workpiece W. As shown in FIG.

<Selection of welding conditions>
As shown in FIG. 3, the first storage unit 14 stores a plurality of welding conditions CH1 to CH100. Welding conditions are set according to the plate thickness and material of the work W so that an optimum output can be obtained.

The second storage unit 15 stores a second quantity of welding conditions extracted from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage unit 14 . A number table 30 is stored in the second storage unit 15 . In the number table 30, the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5 are set as storage numbers. A second quantity of welding conditions is stored in one of the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5, respectively. That is, the second quantity of welding conditions is associated with any one of the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5, respectively.

The operator selects welding conditions that are frequently used, and stores the welding conditions extracted from the first storage unit 14 in the second storage unit 15 .

In the example shown in FIG. 3, welding conditions CH3 are stored in the first stack S1. Welding conditions CH1 are stored in the second stack S2. Welding conditions CH5 are stored in the third stack S3. A welding condition CH99 is stored in the fourth stack S4. No welding conditions are stored in the fifth stack S5, and it is an empty area.

Then, the operator performs a predetermined input operation when switching the welding conditions during the welding operation. In this embodiment, a predetermined input operation is performed using the torch switch 23 (see FIG. 2).

Specifically, the control unit 12 determines that the torch switch 23 is turned on when the switch movable portion 24 of the torch switch 23 is depressed for 500 ms or longer (see FIG. 4). While the torch switch 23 is being turned on, welding power is supplied from the welding power source 10 to the torch 20, and the torch 20 can perform welding.

On the other hand, when the switch movable part 24 is pressed down for less than 500 ms, the control part 12 determines that the input operation is for switching the welding conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the torch switch 23 is released after the torch switch 23 is kept pressed for 250 ms.

In this manner, the welding conditions are switched by performing a so-called click operation to turn on/off the torch switch 23 in the OFF state within 500 ms. The welding conditions stored in the second storage unit 15 can be selected according to the number of times the torch switch 23 is operated.

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the operator wants to select the welding condition CH5 associated with the third stack S3 in the second storage unit 15, the operator clicks the torch switch 23 three times. Control unit 12 reads welding condition CH5 from third stack S3 of second storage unit 15 based on the input operation of torch switch 23, and operates welding power source 10 according to welding condition CH5. More specifically, the control unit 12 receives an input operation by the torch switch 23 and selects one of the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5 according to the number of times of the input operation. The control unit 12 accesses the second storage unit 15 and selects the welding conditions stored in the selected one of the first stack S1 to the fifth stack. The control unit 12 operates the gas control circuit unit 16, the high frequency circuit unit 17, and the welding output circuit unit 18 according to the selected welding conditions. As a result, welding can be performed under the welding conditions selected by the operator.

Note that the time for determining whether a click operation has been performed is merely an example, and is not limited to this numerical value (500 ms). Also, the determination time for the click operation can be changed according to the preference of the operator.

A case of switching the welding conditions during the welding operation will be described below. FIG. 6 illustrates a case where metal plates are overlapped and fillet welding is performed.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, a first metal plate W1 having a plate thickness t1 of 1.2 mm, a second metal plate W2 having a plate thickness t2 of 3.2 mm, and a third metal plate W3 having a plate thickness t3 of 3.2 mm are superimposed on each other.

Here, welding conditions CH3 (for example, a welding current of 120 A) necessary for fillet welding the first metal plate W1 and the second metal plate W2 are stored in the first stack S1 of the second storage unit 15. (See Figure 3).

Further, welding conditions CH1 (for example, a welding current of 200 A) necessary for fillet welding the second metal plate W2 and the third metal plate W3 are stored in the second stack S2 of the second storage unit 15. (see Figure 3).

First, when performing fillet welding between the first metal plate W1 and the second metal plate W2, the torch switch 23 is clicked once. The control unit 12 reads the welding condition CH3 from the first stack S1 of the second storage unit 15 based on the input operation of the torch switch 23, and sets the welding current to 120 A according to the welding condition CH3. The operator performs welding with the torch 20 according to the set welding conditions CH3.

After completion of fillet welding between the first metal plate W1 and the second metal plate W2, the torch switch 23 is clicked twice when performing fillet welding between the second metal plate W2 and the third metal plate W3. Manipulate. The control unit 12 reads the welding condition CH1 from the second stack S2 of the second storage unit 15 based on the input operation of the torch switch 23, and sets the welding current to 200 A according to the welding condition CH1. The operator performs welding with the torch 20 under the set welding conditions CH1.

As described above, in the welding machine 1 according to the present embodiment, only the welding conditions frequently used by the operator are extracted from the first storage unit 14 and stored in the second storage unit 15, and the torch switch 23 is stored in the second storage unit 15. Welding conditions are selected from the second storage unit 15 based on the click operation of . As a result, welding conditions can be selected quickly.

Also, the torch switch 23 is fixed to the torch handle 22 . Since the torch switch 23 is provided in the vicinity of the torch 20, it is possible to switch to desired welding conditions by performing a simple input operation at hand of the operator.

In addition, since the welding conditions associated with the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5 in the second storage unit 15 are selected according to the number of times the torch switch 23 is operated, the welding conditions can be selected smoothly. .

<<Embodiment 2>>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the welding machine according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the same parts as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and only the points of difference will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7 , welding power source 10 includes authentication section 35 . The authentication section 35 is connected to the input section 11 .

The authentication unit 35 authenticates the worker who uses the welding machine 1 . The authentication unit 35 is, for example, a selection button for selecting oneself from the worker list displayed on the display unit 13 . The operator authentication may be performed by password authentication, ID card authentication, biometric authentication by fingerprint, or the like.

The authentication information of the worker authenticated by the authentication unit 35 is output to the input unit 11 . The first storage unit 14 may store a table including multiple workers and multiple entries associated with each of the multiple workers. Each of the multiple entries may store at least one welding condition set for the corresponding worker. The control unit 12 identifies the welding conditions set for the worker based on the operator authentication information and the table input to the input unit 11, and extracts the identified welding conditions from the first storage unit 14. and store it in the second storage unit 15 .

As a result, welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator. Specifically, when one welding machine 1 is shared by a plurality of workers, frequently used welding conditions may differ for each worker. Then, it takes time and effort to store new welding conditions in the second storage unit 15 each time the worker using the welding machine 1 changes.

On the other hand, the welder 1 authenticates the worker and automatically stores the welding conditions set for the worker in the second storage unit 15 . As a result, the work of setting welding conditions can be made more efficient.

<<Embodiment 3>>
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a welding machine according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the welding power source 10 includes a plurality of second storage sections 15 and a jog dial 36 (selection section). A plurality of second storage units 15 are connected to the control unit 12 .

The welding conditions extracted from the first storage unit 14 are stored in the plurality of second storage units 15, respectively. The welding conditions stored in the multiple second storage units 15 are different from each other. For example, welding conditions set for each worker may be stored in each of the plurality of second storage units 15 .

The jog dial 36 selects one of the plurality of second storage units 15 . By operating the jog dial 36, the operator selects the second storage section 15 in which the desired welding conditions are stored, from among the plurality of second storage sections 15. FIG. The control unit 12 selects welding conditions from the selected second storage unit 15 .

As a result, welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator.

In this embodiment, the jog dial 36 is used to select the second storage section 15, but the setting switch 5 may be used to select the second storage section 15. FIG.

<<Embodiment 4>>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a welding machine according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the second storage section 15 is provided with a plurality of pages 15a. The welding conditions extracted from the first storage unit 14 are stored in each of the pages 15a. The welding conditions stored in multiple pages 15a are different from each other. For example, welding conditions set for each worker may be stored in a plurality of pages 15a of the second storage unit 15, respectively.

The welding power source 10 has a jog dial 36 (selection section). The jog dial 36 selects one of the plurality of pages 15a of the second storage section 15. FIG. By operating the jog dial 36, the operator selects the page 15a storing the desired welding conditions from among the plurality of pages 15a of the second storage unit 15. FIG. The control unit 12 selects welding conditions from the selected page 15a.

As a result, welding conditions can be easily set according to the operator.

In this embodiment, the jog dial 36 is used to select the page 15a of the second storage section 15, but the setting switch 5 may be used to select the page 15a of the second storage section 15. good.

<<Other embodiments>>
The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

In this embodiment, one of a plurality of welding conditions is selected according to the number of clicks of the torch switch 23, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the torch 20 may be provided with a plurality of operation buttons. Then, the first stack S1 to the fifth stack S5 may be assigned to each of a plurality of operation buttons, and a desired welding condition may be selected by pressing a desired operation button.

Further, in the present embodiment, by clicking the torch switch 23 before starting the welding operation, the welding conditions are selected from each stack in the second storage unit 15 and the welding conditions are switched. However, it is not limited to this form.

For example, in the crater repeat mode, the welding conditions may be switched by clicking the torch switch 23 while the main current is being supplied (while the torch switch 23 is released).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention is extremely useful and has high industrial applicability because of its highly practical effect that welding conditions can be quickly selected.

Reference Signs List 1 welding machine 12 control unit 14 first storage unit 15 second storage unit 15a page 20 torch (welding output unit)
23 Torch switch (input operation part)
30 number table 35 authentication unit 36 jog dial (selection unit)
CH1 to CH100 Welding conditions S1 to S5 1st to 5th stack (memory number)
W Work

Claims (7)

A welder that welds a workpiece based on predetermined welding conditions,
a first storage unit storing a first quantity of welding conditions;
at least one second storage storing a second quantity of welding conditions smaller than the first quantity extracted from the first quantity of welding conditions stored in the first storage;
an input operation unit that receives a predetermined input operation;
and a control section that selects one of the second quantity of welding conditions stored in the second storage section based on the predetermined input operation. In claim 1,
A welding output unit that performs welding on the workpiece,
The welding machine, wherein the input operation section is provided in the vicinity of the welding output section. In claim 1 or 2,
The at least one second storage unit stores a number table that associates a plurality of storage numbers with the second quantity of welding conditions,
The predetermined input operation is the number of operations of the input operation unit,
The control unit selects one of the plurality of storage numbers in accordance with the number of times the input operation unit is operated, and refers to the number table to select one of the second quantity of welding conditions. selects the one associated with said one of said plurality of memory numbers of . In any one of claims 1 to 3,
further comprising an authentication unit for authenticating the operator,
The second quantity of welding conditions is set by the operator,
The welding machine, wherein the control unit extracts the second quantity of welding conditions set for the worker authenticated by the authentication unit from the first storage unit and stores the welding conditions in the second storage unit. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The at least one second storage unit comprises a plurality of second storage units,
further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of second storage units;
The welding machine, wherein the control unit selects the one of the second quantity of welding conditions from the one of the second storage units selected by the selection unit. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of pages are provided in the second storage unit,
the second quantity of welding conditions stored on one of the plurality of pages;
further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of pages in the second storage unit;
The welding machine, wherein the control section selects the one of the second quantity of welding conditions from the one of the plurality of pages of the second storage section selected by the selection section. In claim 1,
The control unit is connected to the first storage unit and the second storage unit,
The control unit
accessing said first storage unit to create a copy of said second quantity of welding conditions selected from said first quantity of welding conditions;
A welder that accesses the second storage to store the second quantity of copies of the welding condition as the second quantity of welding condition.

Images