A buffer for wire feeding

Abstract

The utility model provides a buffer for welding wire wire feeding belongs to welding equipment technical field, include: buffer body, buffer body is provided with buffer cavity, the entrance and the export of buffer cavity are not collinear to make the welding wire that passes through buffer cavity to bend into arc, the area that is located two sides of start -stop critical position in buffer cavity is respectively parking area and running area, proximity switch, proximity switch sets up in buffer body, the inductive area of proximity switch is located one of parking area and running area, and proximity switch is set as through detecting one of parking area and running area whether there is welding wire to output signal, the utility model has the advantages of: can make the welding wire form the curved structure of arc line in buffer cavity, and the length of welding wire determines its curvature, and the curvature of welding wire determines that it is in parking area or running area, and proximity switch can induct the area where welding wire is and thus send corresponding control signal, and the detection precision and response speed are improved greatly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of welding equipment and relates to a buffer for feeding welding wire. Background Technology

[0002] Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) is a welding method that uses a solid welding wire protected by an inert gas (Ar or He) arc, and it is widely used in aluminum alloy welding. During the welding operation, a high-speed servo motor is used to rapidly draw the welding wire, thus feeding it to the contact tip of the welding torch.

[0003] Existing wire feeding equipment typically uses two motors to perform the wire pushing and drawing actions separately, forming a wire feeding system. This system requires the two motors to maintain a high degree of synchronization; otherwise, the stability and accuracy of wire feeding will be affected, and problems such as wire bending, tangling, breakage, or difficulty in drawing may occur. To reduce the difficulty of synchronizing the two motors, some wire feeding devices incorporate a buffer between them. This buffer can store a certain length of welding wire and has the function of detecting the internal wire buffer length, thereby controlling the wire pushing speed of the pushing motor in the dual-motor system.

[0004] Although existing buffers can meet the needs of conventional wire feeding, in high-speed wire feeding systems, due to the high wire feeding speed, their detection accuracy and response speed are difficult to meet the needs of high-speed wire feeding, resulting in the wire feeding system being unable to achieve the function of high-speed wire feeding. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing a buffer for feeding welding wire.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: a buffer for feeding welding wire, comprising:

[0007] The buffer body has a buffer cavity, the inlet and outlet of which are not collinear, so that the welding wire passing through the buffer cavity is bent into an arc shape. The buffer cavity has a start-stop critical position, and the areas on both sides of the start-stop critical position are the stop area and the running area, respectively.

[0008] A proximity switch is disposed on the buffer body, the sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in one of the stop area and the running area, and the proximity switch is configured to output a signal by detecting whether there is a welding wire in one of the stop area and the running area.

[0009] Preferably, the buffer cavity is configured as a crescent-shaped structure, the inner edge of the buffer cavity is configured as the lower limit boundary of the welding wire, the outer edge of the buffer cavity is configured as the upper limit boundary of the welding wire, the arc length of the upper limit boundary of the welding wire is greater than the arc length of the lower limit boundary of the welding wire, the area between the upper limit boundary of the welding wire and the critical start / stop position is the stop area, and the area between the lower limit boundary of the welding wire and the critical start / stop position is the operating area.

[0010] Preferably, the welding wire passing through the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity is configured to gradually increase in length along the direction from the lower boundary of the welding wire to the upper boundary of the welding wire; within the buffer cavity, the length of the welding wire within the buffer cavity corresponds one-to-one with its position.

[0011] Preferably, the sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the stop area, and the proximity switch is configured to output an NPN disconnect signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the stop area, and to output an NPN connect signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the stop area.

[0012] Alternatively, the sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the operating area, and the proximity switch is configured to output an NPN on signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the operating area, and to output an NPN off signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the operating area.

[0013] Preferably, the proximity switch is configured as a capacitive proximity switch.

[0014] Preferably, the buffer includes a base and a slot cover, the base being provided with a buffer slot, and the slot cover sealing the opening of the buffer slot to form the buffer cavity.

[0015] Preferably, both the slot cover and the base are provided as insulating components.

[0016] Preferably, the buffer is provided with an inlet connector and an outlet connector, the inlet connector and the outlet connector being located at the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity, respectively.

[0017] Preferably, the buffer further includes a flip cover, the slot cover is disposed on the flip cover, one side of the flip cover is hinged to the base, and the other side of the flip cover is detachably connected to the base via a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0018] Preferably, the buffer further includes a top cover, the slot cover is disposed on the top cover, and the top cover is detachably connected to the base.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. It enables the welding wire to form an arc-shaped bending structure within the buffer chamber. The length of the welding wire determines its curvature, and the curvature determines whether it is in the stop or running area. The proximity switch can sense the area where the welding wire is located and send out corresponding control signals, which greatly improves the detection accuracy and response speed.

[0021] 2. Capacitive proximity switches use a non-contact detection method, which means that there is no need for contact with the welding wire during detection. That is, no friction is generated between the welding wire and the capacitive proximity switch, which is crucial for high-speed, low-resistance wire feeding.

[0022] 3. Because the inlet and outlet of the buffer chamber are not aligned in a straight line (not collinear), direct wire threading is difficult and inconvenient. However, by using a flip-top structure or a detachable top cover structure, the tank cover and base can be separated, thereby opening the buffer chamber and exposing its opening. After opening the buffer chamber, the operator can thread the welding wire into the buffer chamber through the inlet connector, then manually bend the welding wire so that the head of the welding wire exits through the outlet connector, and finally close the tank cover again. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the buffer cavity of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the buffer structure when the slot cover and flip cover of this utility model are designed as separate parts.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the buffer structure when the slot cover and flip cover of this utility model are designed as an integrated unit.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the sensing logic of the buffer of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram, 100 is the buffer body; 110 is the base; 111 is the buffer groove; 120 is the groove cover; 130 is the inlet connector; 140 is the outlet connector; 150 is the flip cover; 200 is the buffer chamber; 210 is the start / stop critical position; 220 is the upper limit boundary of the welding wire; 230 is the lower limit boundary of the welding wire; 240 is the stop area; 250 is the running area; and 300 is the capacitive proximity switch. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, a buffer for feeding welding wire includes:

[0031] The buffer body 100 is provided with a buffer cavity 200. The inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity 200 are not collinear, so that the welding wire passing through the buffer cavity 200 is bent into an arc shape. The buffer cavity 200 has a start-stop critical position 210. The areas on both sides of the start-stop critical position 210 in the buffer cavity 200 are the stop area 240 and the running area 250, respectively.

[0032] A proximity switch is disposed on the buffer body 100. The sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in one of the stop area 240 and the running area 250. The proximity switch is configured to output a signal by detecting whether there is a welding wire in one of the stop area 240 and the running area 250.

[0033] The inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity 200 are not on the same straight line. Due to the bending characteristics of the welding wire, when the welding wire passes through the buffer cavity 200, the part of it inside the buffer cavity 200 will inevitably form a bend (similar to an arc). Since the positions of the two ends of the welding wire inside the buffer cavity 200 remain unchanged, once the length (arc length) of the welding wire changes, the curvature of the welding wire changes accordingly, causing the welding wire to shift to the corresponding position.

[0034] Specifically, when the length of the welding wire within the buffer chamber 200 is at the threshold value, the welding wire is precisely at the start / stop critical position 210. Once the length of the welding wire exceeds the threshold value, the welding wire is in the stop region; when the length of the welding wire is less than the threshold value, the welding wire is in the operating region 250. Therefore, the specific position of the welding wire within the buffer chamber 200 directly corresponds to its length (reserve quantity). By detecting the specific position of the welding wire, the proximity switch can determine whether the length of the welding wire is greater than or less than the threshold value.

[0035] The proximity switch determines whether the wire length exceeds a threshold by detecting the position of the welding wire. It has high detection signal response characteristics and a response time of less than milliseconds, which can adapt to high-speed wire feeding environments. In addition, the proximity switch is very sensitive and can detect even the tiny position of the welding wire within the buffer chamber 200. This allows the switch control element to control the buffer length of the welding wire under high-speed wire feeding, thereby achieving the purpose of high-speed push-pull wire feeding by dual motors.

[0036] This method of length detection has a clear and simple logic and a fast response speed. The detection and judgment are based on changes in physical position and do not rely on complex calculations. The proximity switch directly outputs a switching signal, which facilitates a fast response and avoids noise interference or calculation errors that may occur when making logical judgments after accurately measuring the length.

[0037] Furthermore, this buffer is used in a wire feeding device. The working principle of wire feeding is as follows: the wire pusher motor pushes the welding wire into the buffer chamber 200 of the buffer, which stores a certain length of welding wire. The wire drawing motor drives the drawing wheel to actively and uniformly draw the welding wire from the buffer chamber 200, supplying it to the welding torch for welding. Based on the above principle, the speed of the wire pusher motor needs to be strictly consistent with the speed of the wire drawing motor. If the speeds of the two motors are inconsistent, it will seriously affect the stability and accuracy of wire feeding, and easily lead to bending, tangling, breakage, or difficulty in drawing the welding wire.

[0038] The proximity switch senses the length of the welding wire within the buffer chamber 200, and controls the high-speed start and stop of the wire pusher motor based on the wire length. This ensures that the wire pusher motor operates at the same speed as the wire drawing motor, guaranteeing that the wire length within the buffer chamber 200 is neither too long nor too short. Specifically, the proximity switch within the buffer body 100 provides feedback on the wire length to the switch control element, which then controls the wire pusher motor to start or stop based on the wire length. In actual operation, the wire pusher motor operates in a high-speed start-stop state; when the wire length within the buffer chamber 200 is too long, the proximity switch sends an open signal, stopping the wire pusher motor; when the wire length within the buffer chamber 200 is too short, the proximity switch sends an open signal, restarting the wire pusher motor.

[0039] When the buffer is applied to the wire feeding device, the buffer chamber 200 amplifies the positional change (arc length difference) of the wire length variation through geometric design, making it easier for the proximity switch to capture key state change points. Combined with a fast start / stop element (IGBT module), it adapts to high-speed wire feeding rhythms. Compared to installing precision linear displacement proximity switches (such as encoders or rulers) and performing digital conversion and judgment, this position triggering method is lower in cost and significantly improves sensing sensitivity and response speed.

[0040] Based on the above implementation, the buffer cavity 200 is configured as a crescent-shaped structure, the inner edge of the buffer cavity 200 is configured as the lower limit boundary 230 of the welding wire, the outer edge of the buffer cavity 200 is configured as the upper limit boundary 220 of the welding wire, the arc length of the upper limit boundary 220 of the welding wire is greater than the arc length of the lower limit boundary 230 of the welding wire, the area between the upper limit boundary 220 of the welding wire and the start / stop critical position 210 is the stop area 240, and the area between the lower limit boundary 230 of the welding wire and the start / stop critical position 210 is the running area 250.

[0041] When the length of the welding wire in the buffer cavity 200 increases, the welding wire shifts towards the outer edge of the buffer cavity 200 (upper limit boundary 220 of the welding wire), eventually causing the welding wire to enter the stop region; when the length of the welding wire in the buffer cavity 200 decreases, the welding wire shifts towards the inner edge of the buffer cavity 200 (lower limit boundary 230 of the welding wire), eventually causing the welding wire to enter the operating region 250.

[0042] Based on the above implementation, the welding wire passing through the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity 200 is configured to gradually increase in length along the direction from the lower limit boundary 230 to the upper limit boundary 220 of the welding wire; within the buffer cavity 200, the length of the welding wire within the buffer cavity 200 corresponds one-to-one with its position.

[0043] Example 1:

[0044] The sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the stop area 240. The proximity switch is configured to output an NPN disconnect signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the stop area 240, and to output an NPN connect signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the stop area 240.

[0045] In Example 1, when the proximity switch detects that the welding wire is in the stop zone 240, it indicates that the length of the welding wire in the buffer chamber 200 exceeds the threshold. At this time, the proximity switch outputs an NPN disconnect signal, and the switch control element (IGBT module) controls the wire pusher motor to stop, thereby reducing the amount of welding wire in the buffer chamber 200. When the proximity switch detects that the welding wire is not in the stop zone 240, then the welding wire must be in the running zone 250, indicating that the length of the welding wire is less than the threshold. The proximity switch outputs an NPN connect signal, and the IGBT module controls the wire pusher motor to run, thereby increasing the amount of welding wire in the buffer chamber 200.

[0046] During actual operation, the position of the welding wire in the buffer chamber 200 is dynamically changing, moving back and forth between the stop area 240 and the running area 250. The proximity switch controls the high-speed start and stop of the motor through the IGBT module in the form of pulse signals, so that the length of the welding wire in the buffer chamber 200 is maintained within a small buffer margin range.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] The sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the operating area 250. The proximity switch is configured to output an NPN on signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the operating area 250, and to output an NPN off signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the operating area 250.

[0049] The principle of Example 2 is the same as that of Example 1. The only difference between the two is the location of the proximity switch sensing area, so it will not be described again here.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the proximity switch is configured as a capacitive proximity switch 300.

[0051] The capacitive proximity switch 300 includes an electrode (sensing surface) and an associated oscillation circuit. When any object (medium) that can affect the electric field appears near the electrode, a capacitor is formed between the object and the electrode. This external capacitor is connected to the high-frequency oscillation circuit inside the switch, thereby changing the capacitance value of the circuit. When the changed capacitance value reaches a preset detection threshold, the electronic circuit of the switch will generate an output state change.

[0052] When the welding wire enters and leaves the sensing area, the capacitance of the capacitive proximity switch 300 increases or decreases significantly, thereby outputting a corresponding signal to detect the position of the welding wire. The capacitive proximity switch 300 is highly sensitive, with high signal response characteristics and a response time of less than milliseconds. It can adapt to high-speed wire feeding environments. The capacitive proximity switch 300, in conjunction with an IGBT module, can control the welding wire buffer length within a predetermined range even under high-speed wire feeding conditions.

[0053] In addition, the capacitive proximity switch 300 uses a non-contact detection method, which does not require contact with the welding wire during detection. That is, no friction is generated between the welding wire and the capacitive proximity switch 300, which is crucial for high-speed, low-resistance wire feeding.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the buffer includes a base 110 and a groove cover 120. The base 110 is provided with a buffer groove 111, and the groove cover 120 seals the opening of the buffer groove 111 to form a buffer cavity 200.

[0055] Based on the above embodiment, both the slot cover 120 and the base 110 are configured as insulating components. The welding wire is made of aluminum metal, and this design can shield interference, enabling the capacitive proximity switch 300 to detect the position of the welding wire more accurately.

[0056] Based on the above embodiment, the buffer is provided with an inlet connector 130 and an outlet connector 140, which are located at the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity 200, respectively. The welding wire enters the buffer cavity 200 through the inlet connector 130 and exits the buffer cavity 200 through the outlet connector 140.

[0057] It is important to note here that because the inlet and outlet of the buffer chamber 200 are not aligned in a straight line (not collinear), direct wire threading is difficult and inconvenient. However, through the following two structures (Flip-top 150 type) and (Removable top cover), the groove cover 120 can be separated from the base 110, thereby opening the buffer chamber 200 and exposing its opening. After opening the buffer chamber 200, the operator can thread the welding wire into the buffer chamber 200 through the inlet connector 130, then manually bend the welding wire so that the head of the welding wire exits through the outlet connector 140, and finally close the groove cover 120 again.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the buffer also includes a flip cover 150, a slot cover 120 disposed on the flip cover 150, one side of the flip cover 150 is hinged to the base 110, and the other side of the flip cover 150 is detachably connected to the base 110 by a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0060] In Embodiment 3, the flip cover 150 can be opened or closed, and the slot cover 120 can be connected to the flip cover 150, or the slot cover 120 can be part of the flip cover 150. When it is necessary to thread the welding wire, first thread the welding wire into the buffer cavity 200 through the inlet connector 130, and then separate the snap-fit ​​structure between the flip cover 150 and the base 110, so that the flip cover 150 rotates relative to the base 110, thereby opening the flip cover 150. At this time, the slot cover 120 separates from the base 110, thus exposing the opening of the buffer cavity 200. The user can directly operate facing the open buffer cavity 200 to thread the welding wire out through the outlet connector 140. After threading the wire, close the flip cover 150, and the flip cover 150 and the base 110 are locked together again by the snap-fit ​​structure, and the slot cover 120 seals the opening of the buffer cavity 200.

[0061] Example 4:

[0062] The buffer also includes a top cover, a slot cover 120 disposed on the top cover, and the top cover is detachably connected to the base 110.

[0063] In Embodiment 4, the slot cover 120 can be connected to the top cover, or the slot cover 120 can be part of the top cover. The top cover can be detachably connected to the base 110 via a snap-fit ​​structure. When threading is required, the entire top cover can be removed directly, and after threading is completed, the top cover can be reinstalled.

[0064] Both Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4 achieve the purpose of conveniently opening the buffer cavity 200 for wire threading, but different mechanical structures are used to achieve the action of "separating the groove cover 120 from the opening of the buffer groove 111".

[0065] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0066] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0067] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A buffer for feeding welding wire, characterized in that, include: The buffer body (100) is provided with a buffer cavity (200). The inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity (200) are not collinear, so that the welding wire passing through the buffer cavity (200) is bent into an arc shape. The buffer cavity (200) has a start-stop critical position (210). The areas located on both sides of the start-stop critical position (210) in the buffer cavity (200) are respectively a stop area (240) and a running area (250). A proximity switch is disposed on the buffer body (100), the sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in one of the stop area (240) and the running area (250), and the proximity switch is configured to output a signal by detecting whether there is a welding wire in one of the stop area (240) and the running area (250).

2. The buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer cavity (200) is configured as a crescent-shaped structure. The inner edge of the buffer cavity (200) is configured as the lower limit boundary (230) of the welding wire, and the outer edge of the buffer cavity (200) is configured as the upper limit boundary (220) of the welding wire. The arc length of the upper limit boundary (220) of the welding wire is greater than the arc length of the lower limit boundary (230) of the welding wire. The area between the upper limit boundary (220) of the welding wire and the start / stop critical position (210) is the shutdown area (240), and the area between the lower limit boundary (230) of the welding wire and the start / stop critical position (210) is the operating area (250).

3. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The welding wire passing through the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity (200) is configured to gradually increase in length along the direction from the lower limit boundary (230) of the welding wire to the upper limit boundary (220) of the welding wire; within the buffer cavity (200), the length of the welding wire within the buffer cavity (200) corresponds one-to-one with its position.

4. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the stop area (240). The proximity switch is configured to output an NPN disconnect signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the stop area (240), and to output an NPN connect signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the stop area (240). Alternatively, the sensing area of ​​the proximity switch is located in the operating area (250), and the proximity switch is configured to output an NPN turn-on signal when it detects that the welding wire is in the operating area (250), and to output an NPN turn-off signal when it detects that the welding wire is not in the operating area (250).

5. A buffer for wire feeding as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The proximity switch is configured as a capacitive proximity switch (300).

6. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer includes a base (110) and a slot cover (120). The base (110) is provided with a buffer slot (111), and the slot cover (120) seals the opening of the buffer slot (111) to form the buffer cavity (200).

7. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Both the slot cover (120) and the base (110) are configured as insulating components.

8. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The buffer is provided with an inlet connector (130) and an outlet connector (140), the inlet connector (130) and the outlet connector (140) being located at the inlet and outlet of the buffer cavity (200), respectively.

9. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The buffer also includes a flip cover (150), the slot cover (120) is disposed on the flip cover (150), one side of the flip cover (150) is hinged to the base (110), and the other side of the flip cover (150) is detachably connected to the base (110) by a snap-fit ​​structure.

10. A buffer for wire feeding as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The buffer also includes a top cover, and the slot cover (120) is disposed on the top cover, and the top cover is detachably connected to the base (110).

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