Protective housing for a sensor, imaging device, welding system, method for cooling a sensor, and method for controlling cooling of a sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor protection housing that can locally cool a sensor input portion near a welding heat source and can also effectively cool a sensor body. The sensor protection housing (30) includes: a housing body (33) for accommodating a sensor body (21) and a sensor input portion (22); and a centralized cooling portion (35) that is partitioned by a partition wall (34) so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input portion (22), thereby forming an independent space within the housing body (33). The housing body (33) includes a first gas inlet (37) for allowing gas (G) to flow into the housing body (33) and a first gas outlet (38) for allowing gas (G) to flow out of the housing body (33). The partition wall includes a second gas inlet (39) connected to the first gas inlet (37) and for allowing gas (G) to flow into the centralized cooling portion (35), and a second gas outlet (40) for allowing gas (G) to flow out of the centralized cooling portion (35) into the housing body (33).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective housing for a sensor, a photographing device, a welding system, a cooling method for the sensor, and a cooling control method for the sensor. Background Art

[0002] Gas shielded arc welding (GAW) of non-consumable and consumable electrode types is used for welding structures using metals and nonferrous metals as base materials. These welding methods typically use a welding torch to generate an arc between the electrode and the object to be welded (hereinafter also referred to as the "workpiece"). The heat melts the object to be welded, forming a molten pool. Furthermore, welding is performed while shielding the atmosphere with a shielding gas.

[0003] In gas shielded arc welding, variations in welding conditions, such as arc stability and droplet transfer, are affected by factors such as the shape of the workpiece and interference during welding, significantly impacting welding quality. Consequently, conventional approaches have employed sensors to monitor and record the welding state while welding or to control welding conditions. Sensors used to monitor welding conditions are often located close to the arc or other heat source, potentially significantly impacting sensor performance and lifespan. Consequently, cooling mechanisms are often incorporated.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a welding camera device comprising a camera body, a camera unit including a lens barrel detachably mounted to the camera body, a housing body housing the camera body, and a camera case including a lens cover detachably mounted to the housing body to cover the lens barrel. The welding camera device captures images of welding. Furthermore, the welding camera device includes a camera cooling mechanism that cools the camera unit by circulating cooling gas into the camera case.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-42241 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] Furthermore, the main causes of temperature increases in sensors used for observing welding conditions include radiant heat from the thermal energy generated during welding and heat generation in the sensor itself. However, while the welding imaging device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a camera cooling mechanism for cooling the camera unit, it does not consider cooling radiant heat from the thermal energy generated during welding.

[0010] The present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a sensor protective housing, a shooting device, a welding system, a sensor cooling method and a sensor cooling control method that can locally cool the sensor input part that is close to the heat source of welding and is greatly affected by radiant heat, and can also effectively cool the sensor body.

[0011] Solutions to Problems

[0012] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following structure [1] or [2] of the protective housing for the sensor.

[0013] [1] A protective housing for a sensor capable of accommodating a sensor having a sensor body and a sensor input portion for observing a welding state or controlling welding.

[0014] The sensor protection housing is characterized in that:

[0015] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0016] a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and

[0017] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body;

[0018] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0019] The partition wall has one or more second gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and one or more second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0020] [2] A sensor protective housing capable of accommodating a sensor having a sensor body and a sensor input portion for observing a welding state or controlling welding,

[0021] The sensor protection housing is characterized in that:

[0022] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0023] a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion;

[0024] a first concentrated cooling unit that is partitioned by a first partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and

[0025] a second concentrated cooling portion which is partitioned by a second partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor body, thereby forming an independent space in the housing body;

[0026] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0027] The first partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the first concentrated cooling part, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the first concentrated cooling part to the second concentrated cooling part.

[0028] The second partition wall has one or more fourth gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the second gas outlet for allowing the gas to flow into the second concentrated cooling unit, and one or more fourth gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the second concentrated cooling unit into the housing body.

[0029] In addition, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following [3] structure of the shooting device.

[0030] [3] A photographing device, characterized in that:

[0031] The photographing device comprises:

[0032] Vision sensor, which is used for observing welding status or controlling welding;

[0033] The sensor protection housing described in [1] or [2] above, which is capable of accommodating the visual sensor; and

[0034] A gas cooling device is used to cool the gas flowing into the sensor protection housing.

[0035] In addition, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following [4] structure of the welding system.

[0036] [4] A welding system comprising the imaging device described in [3], a welding device, a control device, and a welding power source,

[0037] The welding system is characterized in that

[0038] The camera is arranged near the welding torch of the welding device and acquires welding information.

[0039] The welding device includes a device control unit for controlling various parts of the welding device.

[0040] The control device outputs the welding information input from the imaging device to the welding power source and the device control unit.

[0041] In addition, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following structure [5] of the sensor cooling method.

[0042] [5] A method for cooling a sensor using a sensor protective housing capable of accommodating a sensor for observation of welding conditions or welding control and having a sensor body and a sensor input portion,

[0043] The sensor cooling method is characterized in that:

[0044] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0045] a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and

[0046] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body;

[0047] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0048] The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0049] The total flow rate of the gas supplied to the first gas inlet is 100 to 200 L / min.

[0050] In addition, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is achieved by the following structure [6] of the sensor cooling control method.

[0051] [6] A method for controlling the cooling of a sensor, wherein the method comprises cooling the sensor using a sensor protective housing and a control device having a temperature control unit, wherein the sensor protective housing is capable of accommodating the sensor for observing or controlling welding conditions and having a sensor body and a sensor input unit.

[0052] The sensor cooling control method is characterized in that:

[0053] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0054] a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion;

[0055] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and

[0056] a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the sensor,

[0057] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0058] The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0059] The cooling control method of the sensor includes a sensor temperature control process or a temperature management process. In the sensor temperature control process, after the temperature information of the sensor measured by the temperature sensor is input into the temperature control unit, the temperature control unit controls the cooling information of the gas based on the temperature information. In the temperature management process, the temperature control unit generates an alarm when it is determined that the temperature information exceeds a pre-set threshold.

[0060] Effects of the Invention

[0061] According to the sensor protective housing, imaging device, welding system, sensor cooling method and sensor cooling control method of the present invention, gas can be used to locally cool the vicinity of the heat source of welding such as the sensor input part, that is, the part where the heat is particularly high due to the action of radiant heat, and the sensor body can be effectively cooled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 It is a partially exploded perspective view of the sensor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA cross-sectional view of the sensor unit is shown.

[0064] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the gas supply mechanism for supplying gas to the sensor unit shown is shown.

[0065] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the welding system equipped with a sensor unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The following describes in detail various embodiments of the present invention, including a sensor protective housing, an imaging device, a welding system, a sensor cooling method, and a sensor cooling control method, based on the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description uses an imaging device capable of observing the shape of a workpiece, the welding state, and the like, specifically a visual sensor such as a camera, as an example of a sensor, but is not particularly limited to visual sensors.

[0071] [Sensor unit]

[0072] Regarding the sensor unit including the imaging device and the sensor protection case, first to fifth embodiments will be described in order.

[0073] (First embodiment)

[0074] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 A sensor unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the sensor unit of the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA cross-sectional view of the sensor unit shown. And, Figure 3 It is Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the gas supply mechanism for supplying gas to the sensor unit shown is shown.

[0075] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the sensor unit 10 includes an imaging device 20, such as a camera, and a sensor protective housing 30 that houses the imaging device 20. The imaging device 20 includes a camera body 21, which serves as the sensor's main body, and a lens 22, which serves as the sensor input unit, attached to the front end of the camera body 21. The imaging device 20 is positioned near the weld and acquires various welding information used for observing the weld state and controlling the weld. The imaging device 20, and particularly the lens 22, positioned near the weld, is susceptible to temperature increases due to radiant heat from the weld.

[0076] The sensor protection housing 30 has a Figure 1 The sensor protective housing 30 includes a housing body 33 (with the upper surface in the center) having an opening 31 and being a hollow shell having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The sensor protective housing 30 also includes a cover 32 that closes the opening 31. Furthermore, the sensor protective housing 30 includes a centralized cooling section 35 that is partitioned by a partition wall 34 within the housing body 33 to form an independent space within the housing body 33. It should be noted that the centralized cooling section 35 does not necessarily need to be a sealed space as long as it forms an independent space within the housing body 33. However, a sealed space further enhances the cooling effect within the centralized cooling section 35, and therefore, the centralized cooling section 35 is preferably a sealed space.

[0077] The camera body 21 as the sensor body and the lens 22 as the sensor input portion are housed in the housing body 33. Figure 1 The lens (in the center) protrudes from the partition wall 34 into the centralized cooling section 35 and is accommodated in the centralized cooling section 35. It should be noted that the camera body 21 includes an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, which performs photoelectric conversion on received light and outputs it as an electrical signal.

[0078] On the rear wall 36 of the shell body 33, a first gas inlet 37 for allowing gas G supplied from outside the shell body 33 to flow into the shell body 33 and a first gas outlet 38 for allowing gas G after cooling the shooting device 20 to flow out of the shell body 33 are provided in a state that the rear wall 36 is penetrated.

[0079] Furthermore, connection terminals 42 for outputting image signals obtained by the imaging device 20 , supplying power to the imaging device 20 , and inputting control signals to the imaging device 20 are provided on the rear wall 36 of the housing body 33 .

[0080] Furthermore, the partition wall 34 constituting the centralized cooling section 35 is provided with a second gas inlet 39 for allowing the gas G flowing into the housing body 33 to flow into the centralized cooling section 35 and a second gas outlet 40 for allowing the gas G flowing into the centralized cooling section 35 to flow out of the centralized cooling section 35 into the housing body 33.

[0081] It should be noted that the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are directly or indirectly connected. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The first embodiment shown is an example in which the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are indirectly connected via a tube 41. In the example in which the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are directly connected, Figure 4 This will be described in the second embodiment shown.

[0082] The gas G supplied to the sensor protective housing 30 from the first gas inlet 37 is then supplied to the centralized cooling unit 35 via the tube 41 and the second gas inlet 39, thereby locally cooling the lens 22, which serves as the sensor input portion. The gas G is then discharged from the second gas outlet 40 into the housing body 33, where it cools the camera body 21 before being discharged outside the housing body 33 via the first gas outlet 38.

[0083] According to the above structure, gas G can be used to locally cool the vicinity of the welding heat source such as the lens 22 serving as the sensor input part, that is, the part where the heat is particularly high due to the action of radiant heat, and the camera body 21 serving as the sensor body can be effectively cooled.

[0084] Furthermore, the first and second gas outlets 38, 40 are arranged so that the direction in which the gas G is ejected from the second gas outlet 40 is substantially coaxial with the direction in which the gas G is ejected from the first gas outlet 38. Furthermore, the camera body 21, serving as a sensor body, is arranged between the first and second gas outlets 38, 40. Consequently, at least a portion of the camera body 21 is arranged within the flow of gas G from the second gas outlet 40 toward the first gas outlet 38, enabling efficient cooling of the camera body 21.

[0085] It should be noted that at least one of an air filter, a fan, and a muffler is preferably provided at the first gas outlet 38 or the second gas outlet 40. This facilitates the flow of the gas G and improves cooling performance. Furthermore, the noise generated when the gas G flows out can be suppressed.

[0086] In addition, regarding the concentrated cooling portion 35, it is preferable that the area S1 of the second gas inlet 39, specifically the actual cross-sectional area S1, is 7.0 to 25.0 mm. 2The area S2 of the second gas outlet 40, specifically the actual cross-sectional area S2, is 2.0 to 15.0 mm 2 , and the ratio S2 / S1 of the area S2 of the second gas outlet 40 to the area S1 of the second gas inlet 39 is 0.30 to 1.00. This allows for appropriate control of the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas G flowing within the centralized cooling unit 35, effectively cooling the lens 22, which serves as the sensor input unit and is susceptible to temperature increases.

[0087] It should be noted that, in order to cool the lens 22 more effectively, it is more preferable that the actual cross-sectional area S1 of the second gas inlet 39 is 8.0 to 21.0 mm. 2 The actual cross-sectional area S2 of the second gas outlet 40 is 3.0 to 14.0 mm 2 , and the above ratio S2 / S1 is 0.45 to 0.80. More preferably, the actual cross-sectional area S1 of the second gas inlet 39 is 9.6 to 19.6 mm 2 The actual cross-sectional area S2 of the second gas outlet 40 is 4.9 to 12.6 mm 2 , and the above ratio S2 / S1 is 0.51~0.64.

[0088] In addition, the area of the second gas inlet 39 and the area of the second gas outlet 40 are preferably defined by the effective cross-sectional area. In this case, the effective cross-sectional area A1 of the second gas inlet 39 is preferably 3.0 to 10.0 mm. 2 The effective cross-sectional area A2 of the second gas outlet 40 is 1.5 to 7.5 mm 2 , and a ratio A2 / A1 of an effective cross-sectional area A2 of the second gas outlet 40 to an effective cross-sectional area A1 of the second gas outlet 39 is 0.40 to 1.00.

[0089] Furthermore, in order to cool the lens 22 more effectively, it is more preferable that the effective cross-sectional area A1 of the second gas inlet 39 is 4.0 to 9.0 mm. 2 The effective cross-sectional area A2 of the second gas outlet 40 is 2.5 to 5.5 mm 2 , and the above ratio A2 / A1 is 0.50 to 0.70, and the above ratio A2 / A1 is more preferably 0.60 to 0.65.

[0090] An opening 51 for observing the welding state is formed along the optical axis of the lens 22 on the front wall 50 of the centralized cooling unit 35. Furthermore, a slit 52 with a rectangular cross section is formed on the side of the front wall 50. A protective glass 53 is attached to the slit 52 to protect the lens 22 from foreign matter such as spatter generated during welding.

[0091] It should be noted that in Figure 2 In the embodiment, a wall is formed as a part of the front wall 50 between the protective glass 53 and the concentrated cooling portion 35 , but the protective glass 53 and the concentrated cooling portion 35 may directly face each other without the wall therebetween.

[0092] then, Figure 3 FIG is a schematic diagram of a gas supply mechanism for cooling the gas supplied to the sensor unit. Figure 3 As shown, the gas supply mechanism 60 includes an air filter 61 and a vortex cooler 62 serving as a gas cooling device. Compressed air, such as compressed air, supplied from a compressed air supply source such as factory air is filtered by the air filter 61 to remove foreign matter. The compressed air is then cooled to a predetermined temperature by the vortex cooler 62 and supplied as cooling air from the first gas inlet 37 to the sensor protective housing 30.

[0093] Here, the total flow rate of the gas G supplied to the first gas inlet 37 is preferably 100 to 200 L / min. With the total flow rate of the gas G being 100 to 200 L / min, the temperature rise suppression effect can be sufficiently achieved, and the sensor body and the sensor input portion can be efficiently cooled.

[0094] return Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The gas G supplied to the first gas inlet 37 is guided to the second gas inlet 39 via the tube 41 and supplied to the centralized cooling section 35, and the lens 22 serving as the sensor input section, which is easily heated due to the radiant heat from the welding section, is efficiently cooled by the gas G with a faster flow rate.

[0095] The gas G that has cooled the lens 22 flows out from the second gas outlet 40 into the housing body 33 , cools the sensor body 21 accommodated in the housing body 33 , and is discharged to the outside of the sensor protection housing 30 from the first gas outlet 38 .

[0096] Note that the gas G can use air, nitrogen, inert gas, carbon dioxide gas, and mixed gases thereof, and can also use shielding gas used during welding.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, if a muffler 63 is provided at the first gas outlet 38, the exhaust sound is muted, thereby enabling quiet operation of the gas supply mechanism 60. Alternatively, an air filter, fan, or the like (not shown) may be provided at the first gas outlet 38 or the second gas outlet 40. Furthermore, if an air filter or dehumidifier is provided at the first gas inlet 37 or the second gas inlet 39 to prevent dust and moisture from entering the housing body 33 and the centralized cooling unit 35, cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0098] It should be noted that the sensor protective housing 30 is preferably made of a highly heat-resistant material, preferably a heat-resistant and flame-retardant resin, because it absorbs radiant heat from the welds. Alternatively, non-ferrous metals or metals such as aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys, which have high thermal conductivity and are lightweight, may also be used. Furthermore, the sensor protective housing 30 is preferably white, as it efficiently reflects radiant heat.

[0099] In addition, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the first gas inlet 37, the first gas outlet 38, the second gas inlet 39, and the second gas outlet 40 are each described as a single component, but they can also be configured as multiple components. It should be noted that the total flow rate of gas G supplied to the first gas inlet 37 described above, when the first gas inlet 37 is configured as multiple components, refers to the total amount of gas G supplied to each first gas inlet 37.

[0100] (Second embodiment)

[0101] Reference Figure 4 A sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to Embodiment 2. The sensor unit 10 of this embodiment is an example in which the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are directly connected.

[0102] The first gas inlet 37 penetrates the side wall 46 of the housing body 33 and communicates directly with the centralized cooling unit 35 from the side wall 46. This shortens the path of the gas G supplied to the centralized cooling unit 35, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the centralized cooling unit 35.

[0103] As for other parts, they are the same as the sensor unit of the first embodiment described above, and therefore, the same reference numerals or equivalent reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description thereof is simplified or omitted. It should be noted that in each embodiment described below, the description will mainly focus on the changed parts, and the same reference numerals or equivalent reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description thereof is simplified or omitted.

[0104] (Third embodiment)

[0105] Reference Figure 5 A sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to Embodiment 3. The sensor unit 10 of this embodiment is an example in which the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are indirectly connected.

[0106] Specifically, a gas flow path 45 connecting the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 is formed by a gap C formed between a side wall 46 of the sensor protection housing 30 and a second side wall 47 provided parallel to the side wall 46. In other words, the side wall 46 and the second side wall 47 of the sensor protection housing 30 form a double structure, with a gap C between them.

[0107] Thus, by configuring the gas flow path 45 as a double structure along the side wall 46 of the sensor protection case 30 , the sensor protection case 30 itself can be cooled by flowing the gas G through the gas flow path 45 , thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the entire sensor unit 10 .

[0108] It should be noted that the surface having the double structure in the sensor protection case 30 is preferably arranged to face the welded portion. This can suppress the temperature increase of the sensor protection case 30 due to radiant heat.

[0109] In this embodiment, the gap C is connected to the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 , respectively. However, as shown in a fourth embodiment described below, the gap C may be connected to the third gas inlet 71 and the third gas outlet 72 , respectively.

[0110] (Fourth embodiment)

[0111] Reference Figure 6 A sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment. The sensor unit 10 of this embodiment includes a third side wall 48 having a generally L-shaped cross section, extending along the side wall 46 of the sensor protection housing 30 and the front wall 50 of the centralized cooling unit 35. Furthermore, a generally L-shaped gas flow path 49 is formed by a generally L-shaped gap C formed between the side wall 46, the front wall 50, and the third side wall 48.

[0112] A third gas inlet 71 is provided at one end of the gas flow path 49 on the side of the rear wall 36 of the housing body 33, and a third gas outlet 72 is provided at the other end of the gas flow path 49 on the side of the front wall 50. Gas G supplied from a gas supply source (not shown) is supplied from the third gas inlet 71 to the gas flow path 49 and discharged toward the protective glass 53 provided on the surface of the wall constituting the housing body 33 facing the lens 22 serving as the sensor input unit, i.e., on the front side of the centralized cooling unit 35, thereby forming a gas curtain on the front surface of the protective glass 53.

[0113] In this manner, the protective glass 53 is protected and cooled by the gas curtain of gas G, and the lens 22, which serves as the input portion of the imaging device 20, is cooled by the gas G supplied from the second gas inlet 39 to the centralized cooling unit 35, thereby effectively cooling the sensor unit 10. Furthermore, the adhesion of fumes and spatter to the surface facing the lens 22 can be suppressed.

[0114] Here, the total flow rate of gas G supplied to the third gas inlet 71 is preferably 100 to 200 L / min. By setting the total flow rate of gas G at 100 to 200 L / min, the surface facing the lens 22 can be protected by the air curtain effect, and the influence of radiant heat on the lens 22 can be suppressed by the sufficient temperature rise suppression effect.

[0115] It should be noted that it is better to spit out the gas curtain in the opposite direction relative to the welding part. In this way, the influence of the gas G constituting the gas curtain on the work of the shielding gas can be suppressed. In addition, the third gas inlet 71 and the third gas outlet 72 can also be as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Although it is arranged inside the sensor protection case 30 as shown, it may be arranged independently outside the sensor protection case 30 .

[0116] Furthermore, the first gas outlet 38 and the third gas outlet 71 may be used Figure 6 The connection path 73 indicated by the middle dashed line is directly or indirectly connected, and the gas G after cooling the imaging device 20 is discharged from the third gas outlet 72 toward the protective glass 53 provided on the front surface of the centralized cooling unit 35, thereby forming an air curtain on the front surface of the protective glass 53. In this way, the gas G used for cooling and the gas G used for forming the air curtain are circulated, thereby effectively utilizing the gas G.

[0117] (Fifth embodiment)

[0118] Reference Figure 7 A sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment. The sensor unit 10 of this embodiment includes a second centralized cooling section 85 for cooling the camera body 21, which is the sensor body, in addition to a first centralized cooling section 82 for cooling the lens 22, which is the sensor input section, within the housing body 33.

[0119] Specifically, the sensor protection housing 30 includes a first concentrated cooling portion 82 that is partitioned by a first partition wall 81 in the housing body 33 to form an independent space in the housing body 33. Figure 7The front end portion of the lens (in the center) protrudes from the first partition wall 81 into the first centralized cooling portion 82 and is accommodated in the first centralized cooling portion 82.

[0120] In addition, the first partition wall 81 constituting the first centralized cooling section 82 is provided with a second gas inlet 39 for allowing the gas G flowing into the shell body 33 to flow into the first centralized cooling section 82 and a second gas outlet 40 for allowing the gas G flowing into the first centralized cooling section 82 to flow out from the first centralized cooling section 82 to the second centralized cooling section 85.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 are indirectly connected via the tube 83 , but the first gas inlet 37 and the second gas inlet 39 may be directly connected.

[0122] Furthermore, the sensor protection housing 30 includes a second centralized cooling portion 85 which is separated by a second partition wall 84 in the housing body 33 to form an independent space in the housing body 33. Figure 7 The central portion (the side portion of the camera body 21 in the middle) protrudes from the second partition wall 84 into the second centralized cooling portion 85 and is accommodated in the second centralized cooling portion 85.

[0123] In addition, the second partition wall 84 constituting the second centralized cooling section 85 is provided with a fourth gas inlet 86 for allowing the gas G flowing out of the first centralized cooling section 82 to flow into the second centralized cooling section 85 and a fourth gas outlet 87 for allowing the gas G flowing into the second centralized cooling section 85 to flow out from the second centralized cooling section 85 into the shell body 33.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, the second gas outlet 40 and the fourth gas inlet 86 are indirectly connected via the tube 88 , but the second gas outlet 40 and the fourth gas inlet 86 may be directly connected.

[0125] The gas G supplied from the first gas inlet 37 to the sensor protection housing 30 is then supplied to the first centralized cooling unit 82 via the tube 83 and the second gas inlet 39, locally cooling the lens 22, which serves as the sensor input unit. The gas G is then discharged from the second gas outlet 40 and supplied to the second centralized cooling unit 85 via the tube 88 and the fourth gas inlet 86, locally cooling the camera body 21, which serves as the sensor element. The gas G is then discharged from the fourth gas outlet 87 into the housing body 33, where it further cools the camera body 21 and lens 22 before being discharged outside the housing body 33 via the first gas outlet 38.

[0126] With the above-described configuration, the gas G can be used to locally cool areas near welding heat sources, such as the lens 22 serving as the sensor input portion, where heat generation is particularly high due to radiant heat. Furthermore, the camera body 21 serving as the sensor main body can also be locally cooled. Furthermore, by further cooling the camera body 21 and lens 22 with the gas G subsequently exhausted into the housing main body 33, the camera body 21 and lens 22 can be cooled even more effectively.

[0127] It should be noted that, as described in the first embodiment, the first centralized cooling section 82 and the second centralized cooling section 85 do not necessarily need to be enclosed spaces as long as they constitute independent spaces within the shell body 33. However, if they are enclosed spaces, the cooling effect within the first centralized cooling section 82 and the second centralized cooling section 85 will be further improved. Therefore, the first centralized cooling section 82 and the second centralized cooling section 85 are preferably enclosed spaces respectively.

[0128] Although not shown, as a modification of the sensor unit 10 of the fifth embodiment, the gas G supplied from the first gas inlet 37 may be branched into two via a pipe or the like and directly fed into the first concentrated cooling section 82 and the second concentrated cooling section 85 .

[0129] [Welding system]

[0130] Reference Figure 8 The welding system including the sensor unit 10 will be described. Figure 8 As shown, the structure includes a welding device 110 , an imaging device 20 , a control device 120 , and a welding power source 130 .

[0131] Welding device 110 includes a welding robot 111, a welding torch 114 that feeds welding wire 113 from a wire feeder 112, and a device controller 115. Based on commands from device controller 115, the operation of various components of welding robot 111, the wire feed speed, and other parameters are controlled to weld a workpiece W. Welding robot 111 includes all types of welding robots, including six-axis robots, mobile welding robots, and dedicated machines.

[0132] As described in the first embodiment, the imaging device 20 includes a camera body 21 and a lens 22 housed in a sensor protection housing 30. In addition, a gas supply mechanism 60 (see FIG. 1 ) includes a vortex cooler 62 as a gas cooling device. Figure 3) supplies gas G to the sensor protective housing 30 to cool the imaging device 20. A temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of the imaging device 20 is also provided within the sensor protective housing 30. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of at least one of the back surface of the lens 22, the side surface of the lens 22, and the camera body 21, and outputs the temperature information to the control device 120.

[0133] The imaging device 20 is disposed near the welding torch 114 of the welding device 110 , and outputs various welding information such as acquired image data and the temperature of each part of the imaging device 20 to the control device 120 .

[0134] The control device 120 outputs command signals to the device control unit 115, welding power source 130, and the like based on various welding information acquired from the imaging device 20. Furthermore, the control device 120 includes a temperature control unit (not shown) that controls cooling information of the gas G, such as the gas flow rate and gas temperature, by executing a sensor temperature control process based on temperature information input from a temperature sensor. Furthermore, if the temperature information input from the temperature sensor is determined to exceed a preset threshold, a temperature management process is executed to generate an alarm.

[0135] Thus, the gas cooling information is controlled based on the sensor temperature information measured by the temperature sensor, or an alarm is generated when it is determined that the temperature information exceeds a preset threshold value, so that the sensor temperature can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0136] Welding power source 130 supplies power to welding wire 113 and workpiece W based on a command from device control unit 115 , thereby generating an arc between welding wire 113 and workpiece W.

[0137] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. For example, in the present invention, an example of using an imaging device as a sensor is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sensor may also be a laser device that uses laser light to measure the state of a workpiece, the shape of a workpiece, or the distance from a detection unit to the workpiece W.

[0138] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0139] (1) A sensor protection housing capable of accommodating a sensor having a sensor body and a sensor input portion for observing a welding state or controlling welding,

[0140] The sensor protection housing is characterized by comprising:

[0141] a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and

[0142] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body;

[0143] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0144] The partition wall has one or more second gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and one or more second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0145] According to this configuration, the sensor input portion and other portions near the welding heat source, ie, portions where the heat is particularly high due to radiant heat, can be locally cooled by gas, thereby effectively cooling the sensor body.

[0146] (2) The sensor protection case according to (1), characterized in that:

[0147] The first gas outlet and the second gas outlet are arranged so that the ejection direction of the gas from the second gas outlet is substantially coaxial with the ejection direction of the gas from the first gas outlet.

[0148] The sensor body is arranged between the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet.

[0149] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the sensor main body is arranged in the flow of gas from the second gas outflow port toward the first gas outflow port, so the sensor main body can be efficiently cooled.

[0150] (3) The sensor protection case according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

[0151] At least one of an air filter, a fan, and a muffler is provided at the first gas outlet or the second gas outlet.

[0152] According to this structure, the flow of gas is promoted to improve the cooling performance. In addition, the noise generated when the gas G flows out can be suppressed.

[0153] (4) The sensor protection case according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0154] An air filter or a dehumidifier is provided at the first gas inlet or the second gas inlet.

[0155] According to this structure, dust and moisture are prevented from flowing into the housing body and the concentrated cooling portion, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency.

[0156] (5) The sensor protection case according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0157] The S1 of the second gas inlet is 7.0 to 25.0 mm 2 The area S2 of the second gas outlet is 2.0 to 15.0 mm 2 , and a ratio S2 / S1 of an area S2 of the second gas outlet to an area S1 of the second gas inlet is 0.30 to 1.00.

[0158] According to this configuration, the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas flowing in the concentrated cooling portion can be appropriately controlled, and the lens as the sensor input portion, the temperature of which easily rises, can be effectively cooled.

[0159] (6) The sensor protection case according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein:

[0160] In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap.

[0161] The gap is connected to the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet so that the gas flows.

[0162] According to this configuration, the gas flow path is formed into a double structure along the side wall of the sensor protection case. The sensor protection case itself can be cooled by flowing gas through the gas flow path, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the entire sensor unit.

[0163] (7) The sensor protection case according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein:

[0164] The shell body also has a single or multiple third gas inlet ports for allowing gas to flow into the shell body, and a single or multiple third gas outlet ports directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet ports and for ejecting the gas toward the surface facing the sensor input portion in the wall constituting the shell body.

[0165] This configuration forms a gas curtain on the surface facing the sensor input unit, protecting and cooling the sensor input unit and suppressing any effects on the sensor input unit. Furthermore, it suppresses the adhesion of fumes and spatter to the surface facing the sensor input unit.

[0166] (8) The sensor protection case according to (7), characterized in that:

[0167] The first gas outlet is directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet.

[0168] According to this configuration, the gas for cooling and the gas for forming the air curtain are circulated and used, thereby making it possible to effectively utilize the gas.

[0169] (9) The sensor protection case according to (7) or (8), characterized in that:

[0170] In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap.

[0171] The gap is connected to the third gas inlet and the third gas outlet so that the gas flows.

[0172] According to this configuration, the gas flow path is formed into a double structure along the side wall of the sensor protection case. The sensor protection case itself can be cooled by flowing gas through the gas flow path, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the entire sensor unit.

[0173] (10) The sensor protection case according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein:

[0174] The sensor is a visual sensor, and the sensor input portion is a lens of the visual sensor.

[0175] According to this configuration, the welding state can be observed as an image using the visual sensor.

[0176] (11) A sensor protection housing capable of accommodating a sensor for observing a welding state or controlling welding and having a sensor body and a sensor input portion,

[0177] The sensor protection housing is characterized by comprising:

[0178] a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion;

[0179] a first concentrated cooling unit that is partitioned by a first partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and

[0180] a second concentrated cooling portion which is partitioned by a second partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor body, thereby forming an independent space in the housing body;

[0181] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0182] The first partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the first concentrated cooling part, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the first concentrated cooling part to the second concentrated cooling part.

[0183] The second partition wall has one or more fourth gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the second gas outlet for allowing the gas to flow into the second concentrated cooling unit, and one or more fourth gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the second concentrated cooling unit into the housing body.

[0184] This configuration allows gas to be used to locally cool areas near welding heat sources, such as the sensor input portion, where heat generation is particularly high due to radiant heat, and also to locally cool the sensor body. Furthermore, by further cooling the sensor body and sensor input portion using gas subsequently exhausted into the housing body, both can be cooled more effectively.

[0185] (12) A photographing device, characterized in that:

[0186] The photographing device comprises:

[0187] Vision sensor, which is used for observing welding status or controlling welding;

[0188] (10) The sensor protection housing is capable of housing the visual sensor; and

[0189] A gas cooling device is used to cool the gas flowing into the sensor protection housing.

[0190] According to this configuration, the gas cooled by the gas cooling device is caused to flow into the sensor protection case, thereby cooling the vision sensor accommodated in the sensor protection case.

[0191] (13) A welding system comprising the imaging device described in (12), a welding device, a control device, and a welding power source,

[0192] The welding system is characterized in that

[0193] The camera is arranged near the welding torch of the welding device and acquires welding information.

[0194] The welding device includes a device control unit for controlling various parts of the welding device.

[0195] The control device outputs the welding information input from the imaging device to the welding power source and the device control unit.

[0196] According to this configuration, the welding device can be controlled based on the welding information acquired by the imaging device to perform welding with good welding quality.

[0197] (14) A method for cooling a sensor, wherein the method comprises cooling the sensor using a sensor protection housing capable of accommodating a sensor used for observing a welding state or controlling welding and having a sensor main body and a sensor input portion.

[0198] The sensor cooling method is characterized in that:

[0199] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0200] a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and

[0201] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body;

[0202] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0203] The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0204] The total flow rate of the gas supplied to the first gas inlet is 100 to 200 L / min.

[0205] According to this configuration, a sufficient temperature increase suppression effect can be obtained, and thus the sensor main body and the sensor input portion can be cooled efficiently.

[0206] (15) The sensor cooling method according to (14), characterized in that:

[0207] The housing body further includes a single or multiple third gas inlet ports for allowing gas to flow into the housing body, and a single or multiple third gas outlet ports directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet ports and for ejecting the gas toward the surface of the wall constituting the housing body that the sensor input portion faces.

[0208] The total flow rate of the gas supplied to the third gas inlet is 100 to 200 L / min.

[0209] According to this configuration, the surface facing the sensor input portion can be protected by the air curtain effect, and the influence of radiant heat on the sensor input portion can be suppressed by a sufficient temperature rise suppression effect.

[0210] (16) A sensor cooling control method for cooling a sensor using a sensor protection housing and a control device having a temperature control unit, wherein the sensor protection housing can accommodate the sensor used for observing or controlling welding conditions and has a sensor body and a sensor input unit.

[0211] The sensor cooling control method is characterized in that:

[0212] The sensor protection housing comprises:

[0213] a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion;

[0214] a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and

[0215] a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the sensor,

[0216] The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body.

[0217] The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

[0218] The cooling control method of the sensor includes a sensor temperature control process or a temperature management process. In the sensor temperature control process, after the temperature information of the sensor measured by the temperature sensor is input into the temperature control unit, the temperature control unit controls the cooling information of the gas based on the temperature information. In the temperature management process, the temperature control unit generates an alarm when it is determined that the temperature information exceeds a pre-set threshold.

[0219] According to this configuration, the gas cooling information is controlled based on the sensor temperature information measured by the temperature sensor, or an alarm is generated when it is determined that the temperature information exceeds a preset threshold value, thereby maintaining the sensor temperature at an appropriate temperature.

[0220] (17) The sensor cooling control method according to (16), characterized in that:

[0221] The sensor is a visual sensor,

[0222] The sensor input part is the lens of the visual sensor,

[0223] The temperature sensor measures a temperature of at least one of a rear surface of the lens, a side surface of the lens, and the sensor body.

[0224] According to this configuration, the lens and the sensor body can be maintained at appropriate temperatures.

[0225] (18) The sensor cooling control method according to (16) or (17), characterized in that:

[0226] The cooling information includes at least one of a gas flow rate and a gas temperature of the gas.

[0227] According to this configuration, the sensor can be cooled efficiently.

[0228] While various embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to devise various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical solutions, which are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various components of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0229] It should be noted that this application is based on the Japanese patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-168540) filed on October 5, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0230] Description of Reference Numerals

[0231] 10 sensor units

[0232] 20 Camera (sensor, visual sensor)

[0233] 21 Camera body (sensor body)

[0234] 22 Lens (sensor input part)

[0235] 30 Sensor protective housing

[0236] 33 Shell body

[0237] 34 Next Door

[0238] 35 Centralized cooling unit

[0239] 37 First gas inlet

[0240] 38 first gas outlet

[0241] 39 Second gas inlet

[0242] 40 Second gas outlet

[0243] 60 Gas supply mechanism

[0244] 61 Air filter

[0245] 62 Vortex cooler (gas cooling device)

[0246] 63 muffler

[0247] 71 Third gas inlet

[0248] 72 third gas outlet

[0249] 73 Link Road

[0250] 81 First Next Door

[0251] 82 First centralized cooling unit

[0252] 84 The Second Next Door

[0253] 85 Second centralized cooling unit

[0254] 86 Fourth gas inlet

[0255] 87 Fourth gas outlet

[0256] 100 welding systems

[0257] 110 welding equipment

[0258] 111 Welding Robot

[0259] 114 welding torch

[0260] 115 Device Control Unit

[0261] 120 control device

[0262] 130 welding power supply

[0263] C Gap

[0264] G gas.

Claims

1. A sensor protection housing capable of accommodating a sensor having a sensor body and a sensor input portion for observing or controlling welding conditions. The sensor protection housing is characterized in that: The sensor protection housing comprises: a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body. The partition wall has one or more second gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and one or more second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body.

2. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1, wherein: The first gas outlet and the second gas outlet are arranged so that the ejection direction of the gas from the second gas outlet is substantially coaxial with the ejection direction of the gas from the first gas outlet. The sensor body is arranged between the first gas outlet and the second gas outlet.

3. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of an air filter, a fan, and a muffler is provided at the first gas outlet or the second gas outlet.

4. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: An air filter or a dehumidifier is provided at the first gas inlet or the second gas inlet.

5. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The S1 of the second gas inlet is 7.0 to 25.0 mm 2 The area S2 of the second gas outlet is 2.0 to 15.0 mm 2 , and a ratio S2 / S1 of an area S2 of the second gas outlet to an area S1 of the second gas inlet is 0.30 to 1.

00.

6. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap. The gap is connected to the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet so that the gas flows.

7. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shell body also has a single or multiple third gas inlet ports for allowing gas to flow into the shell body, and a single or multiple third gas outlet ports directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet ports and for ejecting the gas toward the surface facing the sensor input portion in the wall constituting the shell body.

8. The sensor protection housing according to claim 6, wherein: The shell body also has a single or multiple third gas inlet ports for allowing gas to flow into the shell body, and a single or multiple third gas outlet ports directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet ports and for ejecting the gas toward the surface facing the sensor input portion in the wall constituting the shell body.

9. The sensor protection housing according to claim 7, wherein: The first gas outlet is directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet.

10. The sensor protection housing according to claim 8, wherein: The first gas outlet is directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet.

11. The sensor protection housing according to claim 7, wherein: In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap. The gap is connected to the third gas inlet and the third gas outlet so that the gas flows.

12. The sensor protection housing according to claim 8, wherein: In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap. The gap is connected to the third gas inlet and the third gas outlet so that the gas flows.

13. The sensor protection housing according to claim 9, wherein: In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap. The gap is connected to the third gas inlet and the third gas outlet so that the gas flows.

14. The sensor protection housing according to claim 10, wherein: In the housing body, at least one surface of the walls constituting the housing body has a double structure having a gap. The gap is connected to the third gas inlet and the third gas outlet so that the gas flows.

15. The sensor protection housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensor is a visual sensor, and the sensor input portion is a lens of the visual sensor.

16. A sensor protection housing capable of accommodating a sensor having a sensor body and a sensor input portion for observing a welding state or controlling welding. The sensor protection housing is characterized in that: The sensor protection housing comprises: a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; a first concentrated cooling unit that is partitioned by a first partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and a second concentrated cooling portion which is partitioned by a second partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor body, thereby forming an independent space in the housing body; The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body. The first partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the first concentrated cooling part, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the first concentrated cooling part to the second concentrated cooling part. The second partition wall has one or more fourth gas inlets directly or indirectly connected to the second gas outlet for allowing the gas to flow into the second concentrated cooling unit, and one or more fourth gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the second concentrated cooling unit into the housing body.

17. A photographing device, characterized in that: The photographing device comprises: Vision sensor, which is used for observing welding status or controlling welding; The sensor protection housing according to claim 15, which is capable of accommodating the visual sensor; and A gas cooling device is used to cool the gas flowing into the sensor protection housing.

18. A welding system comprising the imaging device according to claim 17, a welding device, a control device, and a welding power source. The welding system is characterized in that The camera is arranged near the welding torch of the welding device and acquires welding information. The welding device includes a device control unit for controlling various parts of the welding device. The control device outputs the welding information input from the imaging device to the welding power source and the device control unit.

19. A method for cooling a sensor, comprising cooling the sensor using a sensor protection case capable of accommodating a sensor used for observing a welding state or controlling welding and having a sensor main body and a sensor input portion. The sensor cooling method is characterized in that: The sensor protection housing comprises: a housing body for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; and a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body. The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body. The total flow rate of the gas supplied to the first gas inlet is 100 to 200 L / min.

20. The sensor cooling method according to claim 19, characterized in that: The housing body further includes a single or multiple third gas inlet ports for allowing gas to flow into the housing body, and a single or multiple third gas outlet ports directly or indirectly connected to the third gas inlet ports and for ejecting the gas toward the surface of the wall constituting the housing body that the sensor input portion faces. The total flow rate of the gas supplied to the third gas inlet is 100 to 200 L / min.

21. A method for cooling a sensor, comprising: using a sensor protection housing and a control device having a temperature control unit to cool the sensor; the sensor protection housing being capable of accommodating the sensor used for observing or controlling welding conditions and having a sensor body and a sensor input unit; The sensor cooling control method is characterized in that: The sensor protection housing comprises: a housing body, used for accommodating the sensor body and the sensor input portion; a centralized cooling unit that is partitioned by a partition wall so as to include at least a portion of the sensor input unit, thereby forming an independent space within the housing body; and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the sensor, The housing body has a single or multiple first gas inlet for allowing gas to flow into the housing body and a single or multiple first gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the housing body. The partition wall has a single or multiple second gas inlet connected directly or indirectly to the first gas inlet for allowing the gas to flow into the centralized cooling unit, and a single or multiple second gas outlets for allowing the gas to flow out of the centralized cooling unit into the housing body. The cooling control method of the sensor includes a sensor temperature control process or a temperature management process. In the sensor temperature control process, after the temperature information of the sensor measured by the temperature sensor is input into the temperature control unit, the temperature control unit controls the cooling information of the gas based on the temperature information. In the temperature management process, the temperature control unit generates an alarm when it is determined that the temperature information exceeds a pre-set threshold.

22. The sensor cooling control method according to claim 21, characterized in that: The sensor is a visual sensor, The sensor input part is the lens of the visual sensor, The temperature sensor measures a temperature of at least one of a rear surface of the lens, a side surface of the lens, and the sensor body.

23. The sensor cooling control method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that: The cooling information includes at least one of a gas flow rate and a gas temperature of the gas.

Images