Shielding gas device, welding device, welding equipment, welding process and method of manufacturing a cylindrical structure

Abstract

A shielding gas device (10) comprises a gas supply section (20). The gas supply section (20) comprises an outlet section (21h). The outlet section (21h) is configured to blow a shielding gas from the outlet section towards a workpiece (200). The gas supply section (20) comprises a protective section (21) and a first retention mechanism section (22). The protective section (21) is arranged to surround the outlet section (21h) in the direction in which the shielding gas is blown. The first retention mechanism section (22) is configured to maintain a constant distance between the protective section (21) and the workpiece (200), regardless of the position of a welding torch (1).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protective gas device, a welding device, a welding equipment, a welding process and a method for manufacturing a cylindrical structure. background

[0002] Traditionally, a welding apparatus used to produce a cylindrical structure or the like may include a rotatable roller that maintains a constant distance between a welding torch and a workpiece. A shielding gas supply device includes a protective compartment. To suppress oxidation of a weld bead, the protective compartment prevents diffusion of the shielding gas (see, for example, Japanese patent number 2022-149068). Citation list of patent literature

[0003] PTL 1: Japanese patent, publication number 2022 - 149 068 Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] While in such a welding device as described above the distance between the protective section and a workpiece is kept constant by the rotating roller, the after-shielding gas device moves along with the welding torch, and therefore the relative position of the protective section with respect to the workpiece is not properly adjusted. Consequently, there is a possibility that diffusion of the after-shielding gas is not sufficiently suppressed.

[0005] The present disclosure was made to solve the problem described above, and one objective of the present disclosure is to provide a welding device which suppresses the diffusion of a shielding gas. Solution to the problem

[0006] A post-shielding gas device according to the present disclosure comprises a gas supply section. The gas supply section comprises an output section. The output section is configured to blow a post-shielding gas from the output section towards a workpiece. The gas supply section comprises a protective section and a first retention mechanism section. The protective section is arranged to surround the output section in the direction in which the post-shielding gas is blown. The first retention mechanism section is configured to maintain a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece, regardless of the position of a welding torch.

[0007] A welding device according to the present disclosure comprises the welding torch and the after-shielding gas device. A welding apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises the welding device, a holding mechanism section, and a rotation mechanism section. The holding mechanism section holds the workpiece. The rotation mechanism section rotates the workpiece.

[0008] A welding process according to the present disclosure comprises: moving the workpiece to the vicinity of the welding apparatus; and welding the workpiece. Moving the workpiece comprises moving it so that it is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section. Welding comprises: causing the welding torch to generate an arc in the direction of the workpiece. Welding comprises: causing the shielding gas to be blown from the gas supply section in the direction of the workpiece. Welding comprises: maintaining a constant distance between the shielding section and the workpiece by means of the first retention mechanism section. Welding comprises: maintaining a constant distance between the welding torch and the workpiece by means of the second retention mechanism section.

[0009] A welding process according to the present disclosure comprises: moving the workpiece to the vicinity of the welding apparatus; and welding the workpiece. Moving the workpiece includes moving it so that it is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section. Welding comprises: causing the welding torch to generate an arc in the direction of the workpiece. Welding comprises: causing the shielding gas to be blown from the gas supply section in the direction of the workpiece. Welding comprises: maintaining a constant distance between the shielding section and the workpiece by means of the first retention mechanism section. Welding comprises: adjusting the distance between the welding torch and the workpiece by means of the drive unit.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical structure according to the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a cylindrical structure using the welding process described above. The workpiece comprises a body section and two end sections, which form the cylindrical structure. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0011] According to the above, it is possible to obtain a welding device which suppresses diffusion of the shielding gas. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas supply section along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 8 is a side view showing a modification of a lateral protective section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view showing a modification of the lateral protective section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 10 is a side view showing a positional relationship between the lateral protective section and a welding torch in the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 11A is a side view showing a modification of a first retention mechanism section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 11B is a side view showing a modification of the first retention mechanism section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 11C is a front view showing a modification of the first retention mechanism section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 11D is a side view showing a modification of the lateral protective section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 11E is a side view showing a modification of the lateral protective section of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of a protective gas device of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the after-shielding gas device of the welding device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a gas supply section of a welding device according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 15A is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a gas supply section of a welding device according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 15B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the gas supply section of the welding device according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a welding device according to embodiment 4. Fig. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification of the welding device according to embodiment 4. Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of welding equipment according to embodiment 5. Description of embodiments

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated, and their description is not repeated herein. embodiment 1. Configuration of a welding device

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gas supply section 20 along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1.

[0014] The in Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a welding device 100 which performs a so-called TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding process and is a component of a welding equipment 300 (see Figure 1 to 3). Fig. 19), as described below. The welding apparatus 100 mainly comprises a welding torch 1, a drive unit 2, and a shielding gas device 10. The welding torch 1 is held by the drive unit 2 (not shown). The position of the welding torch 1 can be adjusted by the drive unit 2.

[0015] The distance between the welding torch 1 and a workpiece 200 (a weld pool of the workpiece) is kept constant. The after-welding gas supply device 10, which moves together with the welding torch 1, supplies a after-welding gas to the thermally deformed workpiece 200 after welding. A method exists for maintaining a constant relative position between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 by lowering the welding torch 1 at a low speed before each welding process. This brings an electrode section 1a of the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 into contact, thus establishing a conductive connection between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200, allowing the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 to be checked.In order to avoid contact between the after-shielding gas device 10 and the workpiece 200 in this case, it is necessary to increase the distance between the after-shielding gas device 10 and the workpiece 200 by a distance by which the welding torch 1 is lowered.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the welding torch 1 includes the electrode section 1a. Electrical energy is supplied to the electrode section 1a to cause an arc to be generated between the electrode section 1a and the workpiece 200. While the workpiece 200 is being welded, the welding torch 1 is held by the drive unit 2, and therefore the absolute position of the welding torch 1 cannot be changed, and the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 can be adjusted based on the arc tension.

[0017] The shape of electrode section 1a is, for example, a rod shape along a central axis 1c, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the central axis 1c of the electrode section 1a is an imaginary axis which extends in the direction in which the electrode section 1a extends, and which passes through the central section of a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode section 1a extends, if the shape of the electrode section 1a is a rod shape.

[0018] In the case where the workpiece 200 is a cylindrical structure, the welding torch 1 can be arranged such that the central axis 1c is perpendicular to a tangent to the cylindrical structure. The tangent is a tangent to a welding section A. The welding section A is a section where the cylindrical structure is welded by the welding torch 1.

[0019] The after-shielding gas device 10 comprises the gas supply section 20, two rails 30, and a first connecting section 40. The first connecting section 40 is slidable on the rails 30. The first connecting section 40 can hold the welding torch 1. In particular, the first connecting section 40 comprises a sliding section 41, a first block section 42, a second block section 43, and an arm section 44.

[0020] The sliding section 41 is connected to the rail 30 and is slidable along the rail 30. The first block section 42 is connected so that it is fixed to the sliding section 41. The second block section 43 is connected so that it is fixed to the first block section 42. The arm section 44 is connected so that it is fixed to the second block section 43. The arm section 44 can hold the welding torch 1.

[0021] If the welding torch 1 is positioned such that the central axis 1c is perpendicular to the tangent to the workpiece 200, the rails 30 extend in the same direction as the central axis 1c. In this case, if the first connecting section 40 is moved along the rails 30, the arm section 44 moves along the central axis 1c.

[0022] Each of the two rails 30 has a stopper 31. The stopper 31 is located at the upper end of the rail 30. This prevents the sliding section 41 from detaching from the rail 30.

[0023] The gas supply section 20 comprises an outlet section 21h, a protective section 21, and a filter 21f. The after-shielding gas is blown from the outlet section 21h towards the workpiece 200. The outlet section 21h is a space formed by being surrounded by the protective section 21. The filter 21f is located within this space (outlet section 21h).

[0024] Output section 21h has an output area of ​​21s. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the output surface 21s faces the workpiece 200. The protective gas is blown out of the output surface 21s. The direction in which the protective gas is blown is perpendicular to the output surface 21s. Fig. 3 is the direction in which the protective gas is blown, defined as the Z-direction. Fig. 3. The X-direction is defined as the direction in which the welding torch 1 is arranged from the perspective of output section 21h. The X-direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction. A direction perpendicular to both the X-direction and the Z-direction is defined as the Y-direction. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the Z-direction is also a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the workpiece 200.

[0025] The protective section 21 comprises an upper protective section 21a, a rear protective section 21b, and two side protective sections 21c. In a cross-sectional view of the gas supply section 200 seen in the Y-direction, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cross-sectional shape of the upper protective section 21a is, for example, an L-shape. In particular, the upper protective section 21a includes a projecting section 21g. The projecting section 21g is formed in the direction of the workpiece 200. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the upper protective section 21a the projection section 21g is arranged in the X direction at a position which is closest to the welding torch 1.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the two lateral protective sections 21c are separated from each other in the Y-direction. The two lateral protective sections 21c are arranged such that the upper protective section 21a is positioned between them.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the rear guard section 21b is positioned furthest from the welding torch 1 in the X direction. The rear guard section 21b is connected to the upper guard section 21a and the two side guard sections 21c. Therefore, the upper guard section 21a, the rear guard section 21b, and the two side guard sections 21c are connected to each other to form the output section 21h. The upper guard section 21a, the rear guard section 21b, and the two side guard sections 21c can be connected to each other by any method and can, for example, be fastened to each other with screws.

[0028] The protective section 21 is therefore arranged to surround the output section 21h in order to prevent the after-shielding gas from escaping and diffusing through a gap between the output surface 21s and the workpiece 200. This allows the after-shielding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere. In particular, the output section 21h is preferably surrounded by the protective section 21 along all four sides.

[0029] For example, argon, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of these gases can be used as a protective gas. The gas mixture can contain oxygen as the active gas.

[0030] A pipe connector 51 is connected to the rear protective section 21b. A through-hole is formed in a lateral surface of the rear protective section 21b, and the pipe section 51 is attached to the through-hole. A hose (not shown), branching off from a central piping system in a factory, is connected, for example, to the pipe connector 51 arranged in this way. The pipe connector 51 allows the hose and the outlet section 21h to communicate with each other. The protective gas is supplied to the outlet section 21h through the pipe connector 51. The pipe connector 51 can be connected to either the upper protective section 21a or the lateral protective section 21c.

[0031] The protective gas supplied to the output section 21h is blown from the output area 21s through the filter 21f towards the workpiece 200. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a side view of the gas supply section 20, the filter 21f is arranged in the Z-direction between the outlet surface 21s and the pipe connector 51. The filter 21f has a grid shape, for example. Therefore, the flow of the after-shielding gas is controlled by its passage through the filter 21f. This prevents the after-shielding gas from being blown locally onto the workpiece 200 and instead directs it over a large area.

[0032] The filter 21f can be attached in the output section 21h in any way. For example, a groove can be formed in the projecting section 21g of the upper protective section 21a, in the rear protective section 21b, and in the two side protective sections 21c. The outer edge section of the filter 21f is inserted into the grooves so that the filter 21f is held in the output section 21h.

[0033] The gas supply section 20 can include several filters 21f. In particular, the number of filters 21f can be one, but the number of filters 21f can be two, three, or more, as for example in Fig. Figure 2 shows that multiple filters 21f can be separated from each other in the Z-direction. Therefore, the multiple filters 21f are provided to better control the flow of the after-shielding gas, so that the after-shielding gas is blown over a larger area towards the workpiece 200.

[0034] The shape of filter 21f can be a grid, and the material forming filter 21f can be, for example, a metal grid. In addition to a metal grid, the material forming filter 21f can be perforated metal, steel wool, or a combination thereof. Filter 21f can be a porous body made of ceramic or metal.

[0035] The after-shielding gas device 10 according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that the gas supply section 20 is configured to adjust the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 independently of the position of the welding torch 1. In particular, the gas supply section 20 comprises a first retention mechanism section 22. The first retention mechanism section 22 comprises a ball roller 22a and a holder 22b.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the bracket 22b can, for example, have an L-shaped side surface. In particular, the bracket 22b has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a surface that is perpendicular to the second surface.

[0037] The bracket 22b only needs to be connected to the gas supply section 20, and in embodiment 1, the first surface of the bracket 22b is connected to the side guard section 21c. The bracket 22b only needs to be attached to the side guard section 21c by any method and can, for example, be connected by a screw.

[0038] The ball rolling element 22a is connected to the holder 22b. In particular, the ball rolling element 22a is connected, for example, to a column-shaped part. A through-hole may be formed in the second surface of the holder 22b. An external thread may be formed in the lateral surface of the column-shaped part, and an internal thread may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. This means that the column-shaped part can be inserted into the through-hole of the holder 22b and the column-shaped part can be fastened to the holder 22b with nuts such that the second surface lies between them. The ball rolling element 22a is positioned at the distal end of the column-shaped part. The ball rolling element 22a can roll on the surface of the workpiece 200.

[0039] The first retention mechanism section 22 can be connected to at least one of the two lateral protective sections 21c. Two first retention mechanism sections 22 can be provided. In this case, the first retention mechanism sections 22 can be connected to the two lateral protective sections 21c.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first retention mechanism section 22 can be connected to a single lateral protective section 21c. It is assumed that the workpiece 200 is formed from two separate elements. If the two separate elements are to be joined together, for example by welding, and one of the two separate elements has, for example, an uneven or inclined surface, it is difficult to adjust the distance between the after-shielding gas device 10 and the workpiece 200, even if the two first retention mechanism sections 22 are in contact with the workpiece 200. In such a case, it is not necessary to provide two first retention mechanism sections 22, and the first retention mechanism section 22 can be connected to a single lateral protective section 21c, depending on the workpiece 200.

[0041] The operating mode of the welding torch 1 and the after-shielding gas device 10 will now be described. The position of the welding torch 1 is adjusted by the drive unit 2. The welding torch 1 is held in place by the drive unit 2. As the welding torch 1 is moved upwards away from the workpiece 200 (along the central axis 1c), the displacement section 41 is brought into contact with the stopper 31. The gas supply section 20 is connected to the rails 30. Therefore, the after-shielding gas device 10 moves upwards together with the welding torch 1.

[0042] During the welding of workpiece 200, the welding torch 1 is positioned at an arbitrary location by the drive unit 2. The ball roller 22a is in contact with the workpiece 200. The position of the welding torch 1 is determined by the drive unit 2. This means that the absolute position of the welding torch 1 is determined by the drive unit 2, while the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 can vary.

[0043] As described below, the welding device 100 can be a processing circuit 3 (see Fig. 18) include. The processing circuit 3 detects the voltage of an arc generated by the electrode section 1a of the welding torch 1. The drive unit 2 can adjust the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 based on the detected arc voltage.

[0044] During welding of the workpiece, the after-shielding gas device 10 is held against the workpiece 200 by the ball roller body 22a. This means that the relative position of the protective section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 is determined by the first retention mechanism section 22.

[0045] If the workpiece 200 is a cylindrical structure, it may be eccentric, or it may not have the shape of a perfect circle. In these cases, as the workpiece 200 rotates, the relative positions of the welding torch 1 and the protective section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 change.

[0046] If the relative position of the protective compartment 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 changes, there is a possibility that the shielding gas could diffuse out of a gap between the protective compartment 21 and the workpiece 200. Consequently, a weld section A of the workpiece 200 may not be adequately protected from the atmosphere by the shielding gas.

[0047] In the after-shielding gas device 10 according to embodiment 1, the ball roller 22a rolls on the surface of the workpiece 200 when the workpiece 200 rotates. Therefore, even if the workpiece 200 is eccentric or does not have the shape of a perfect circle, the relative position of the protective section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 does not change. This means that the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first retention mechanism section 22.

[0048] The rails 30 are connected to the gas supply section 20. Therefore, if the absolute position of the gas supply section 20 changes, the absolute position of the rails 30 also changes. Since the absolute position of the welding torch 1 is adjusted by the drive unit 2, the first connecting section 40 on the rails 30 moves. This means that the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant, regardless of the position of the welding torch 1. In this way, the relative position of the protective section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 is appropriately adjusted, so that diffusion of the after-shielding gas from the gap between the output surface 21s and the workpiece 200 is better suppressed. This allows the after-shielding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere. Therefore, oxidation of the weld section A can be suppressed.

[0049] The welding torch 1 does not need to be held by the drive unit 2. For example, the welding torch 1 can be held by the first connecting section 40. The first connecting section 40 can be held by the drive unit 2.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section 20 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 corresponds Fig. 2. The welding device 100, which is in Fig. The device shown in Figure 4 has essentially the same configuration as the welding device 100 shown in Figure 4. Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a different structure in the upper protective section 21a. In particular, the upper protective section 21a includes a section with a curved surface 21r. The section with a curved surface 21r is formed at a corner of the projection section 21g in the inner circumferential surface of the upper protective section 21a.

[0051] Therefore, the protective gas supplied from the pipe connector 51 does not remain in the corner of the output section 21h, but flows downwards.

[0052] Fig. Figures 5 to 7 are schematic cross-sectional views, each showing a modification of the gas supply section 20 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Each of the Fig. 5 to 7 corresponds Fig. 2. The in Fig. The welding fixtures shown in Figures 5 to 7 have essentially the same configuration as those in Figure 100. Fig. The welding apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from it in that the gas supply section 20 comprises a diffusion plate(s) 52.

[0053] The diffusion plate 52 is located in the output section 21h. The diffusion plate 52 prevents the after-shielding gas supplied from the pipe connector 51 from becoming a turbulent flow. This means that the diffusion plate 52 causes the after-shielding gas to flow downwards as a laminar flow.

[0054] The diffusion plate 52 can be fastened in the output section 21h by any method. For example, a groove can be formed in each of the two lateral protective sections 21c. The outer edge section of the diffusion plate 52 is inserted into the grooves so that the diffusion plate 52 is held in the output section 21h.

[0055] The material that forms the diffusion plate 52 is not limited in any particular way, but can be, for example, iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum or ceramic.

[0056] The shape, position, and number of diffusion plate(s) 52 are not specifically limited. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the diffusion plate 52 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the X-direction. Therefore, the protective gas supplied by the pipe connector 51 is blown via the diffusion plate 52 to the workpiece 200.

[0057] The diffusion plate 52 does not have to be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the X-direction. The diffusion plate 52 can be arranged so that it is inclined with respect to the X-direction, as for example in Fig. 6 is shown.

[0058] While the number of diffusion plates 52 can be one, multiple diffusion plates 52 can be arranged in output section 21h. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the number of diffusion plates 52 can be, for example, two. The two diffusion plates 52 can be distributed in the X direction.

[0059] The lateral protective section 21c has an upper surface, a front surface 25s2, a rear surface 25s1, and a lower surface 25. The upper surface is opposite the lower surface 25. The lower surface 25 faces the workpiece 200. This means that the upper surface and the lower surface 25 are opposite end surfaces in the Z-direction. The front surface 25s2 is opposite the rear surface 25s1. The rear surface 25s1 is the surface furthest from the welding torch 1 in the X-direction. This means that the front surface 25s2 and the rear surface 25s1 are opposite end surfaces in the X-direction.

[0060] While the shape of the lateral protective section 21c can be any shape, the shape of the lower surface 25 is preferably a shape that extends along the surface of the workpiece 200. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the lower surface 25 can comprise two horizontal sections 25a and one inclined section 25b. In the X-direction, the inclined section 25b is positioned between the two horizontal sections 25a. The two horizontal sections 25a are spaced apart from each other in the Z-direction. The two horizontal sections 25a are connected by the inclined section 25b. The inclined section 25b extends along the surface of the workpiece 200. In this way, the gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 can be reduced. This suppresses diffusion of the after-shielding gas from the gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200. This allows the after-shielding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0061] Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 are side views, each showing a modification of the lateral protective section 21c of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. The welding devices 100, which are shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. The figures shown in 9 have essentially the same configuration as those in Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from it in terms of the shape of the lateral protective section 21c.

[0062] The shape of the lower surface 25 simply needs to be a shape that extends along the surface of the workpiece 200. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the shape of the lower surface 25 can therefore, for example, be a shape of a combination of several straight sections 25c. The several straight sections 25c are arranged such that they are positioned between the two horizontal sections 25a. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the lower surface 25 can, for example, have a section with a curved surface 25d. The section with curved surface 25d is arranged such that it is positioned between the two horizontal sections 25a.

[0063] In this way, the gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 can be reduced more effectively. This suppresses the diffusion of the after-shielding gas from the gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200. As a result, the after-shielding gas can adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0064] While the welding torch 1 can be arranged in any position, it is preferably arranged such that it is positioned in the Y-direction between the two lateral protective sections 21c. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a side view of the welding device 100, the welding torch 1 and the electrode section 1a preferably overlap the lateral protective section 21c in the X-direction. From another perspective, the welding torch 1 is preferably arranged in the X-direction between the front surface 25s2 and the rear surface 25s1 of the lateral protective section 21c. Therefore, the shielding gas, whose diffusion in the Y-direction is suppressed by the lateral protective sections 21c, comes into contact with the welding section A. Accordingly, oxidation of the welding section A is better suppressed.

[0065] Fig. Figure 10 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the lateral protective section 21c and the welding torch 1 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a side view of the welding device 100, part of the welding torch 1 need not overlap the side guard section 21c. Alternatively, in the side view of the welding device 100, the entire welding torch 1 need not overlap the side guard section 21c. In particular, the welding torch 1 can be located in the X-direction away from the front surface 25s2 of the side guard section 21c, as seen from the rear surface 25s1 of the side guard section 21c. Therefore, the positional relationship between the electrode section 1a and the workpiece 200 can be easily verified visually because the electrode section 1a of the welding torch 1 is not covered by the side guard section 21c.

[0066] Fig. Figure 11A is a side view showing a modification of the first retention mechanism section 22 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. The Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figure 11A has essentially the same configuration as the one in Figure 11A. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from it, however, with respect to the structure of the first retention mechanism section 22. The first retention mechanism section 22 can have any structure. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11A, the first retention mechanism section 22 consists of a shaft section 22c and a rotatable rolling element 22d. The shaft section 22c connects the first retention mechanism section 22 and the side guard section 21c. The shaft section 22c extends along the Y-direction. The rotatable rolling element 22d rotates around the shaft section 22c. As the workpiece 200 rotates, the rotatable rolling element 22d can roll on the surface of the workpiece 200.

[0067] As described above, the side protective section 21c has the rear surface 25s1 and the front surface 25s2. The side protective section 21c is connected to the rear protective section 21b at the rear surface 25s1. The front surface 25s2 is positioned opposite the rear surface 25s1 in the X direction.

[0068] The first retention mechanism section 22, which comprises the shaft section 22c and the rotatable rolling element 22d, can be arranged to reduce the effects of heat generated by welding. In particular, the central axis of the shaft section 22c can be located in a region Q1 in the X-direction. Region Q1 is an area extending from the rear surface 25s1 to 50% of a width L in the X-direction. The width L can be the distance from the rear surface 25s1 to the front surface 25s2 in the X-direction. Region Q1 can be an area extending from the rear surface 25s1 to the central axis 1c of the welding torch 1. Therefore, the rotatable rolling element 22d is located close to the rail 30, and thus the rotatable rolling element 22d can roll more easily on the surface of the workpiece 200.

[0069] In the case where the workpiece 200 is formed from two elements (for example, a body section 201 or an end section 202, shown in Fig. 19), the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 cannot be adequately adjusted by the rotatable rolling element 22d if both or one of these elements has a deformed shape. Therefore, the first retention mechanism section 22 can be connected to either of the two lateral protective sections 21c, so that the rotatable rolling element 22d can be in contact with one of these elements.

[0070] Fig. Figure 11B is a side view showing a modification of the first retention mechanism section 22 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 11B corresponds to Fig. 11A. The first retention mechanism section 22, which is in Fig. The section shown in 11B has essentially the same configuration as the first retention mechanism section 22, which is shown in Fig. Figure 11A differs from this, however, in that a position adjustment section 23 is provided between the lateral protection section 21c and the first retention mechanism section 22.

[0071] The position adjustment section 23 can, for example, be a plate element, as shown in Fig. Figure 11B shows that the plate element has several through holes h1, h2, and h3. A screw is inserted through the through hole h1, h2, or h3. This means that a screw is inserted through one of the through holes h1, h2, or h3 to fasten the first retention mechanism section 22 to the plate element.

[0072] The through holes h1 and h2 can, for example, be drilled holes created with a drill bit. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, the shape of the openings of the through holes h1 and h2 (the shape of the through holes h1 and h2 seen in the Y direction) can be circular or elliptical.

[0073] The through-hole h1 is located away from the through-hole h2 in the X-direction. The position in the X-direction where the first retention mechanism section 22 is attached can be adjusted by inserting a screw through either of the through-holes h1 or h2. The relative position of the first retention mechanism section 22 with respect to the lateral protective section 21c can thus be changed.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11B, the opening of the through-hole h3 can extend in the Z-direction. In particular, the size of the through-hole h3 in the Z-direction can be larger than its size in the X-direction. Therefore, the through-hole h3 can be an elongated hole extending in the Z-direction. The position in the Z-direction where the first retention mechanism section 22 is attached can be adjusted by inserting a screw at any position in the Z-direction through the through-hole h3. The relative position of the first retention mechanism section 22 with respect to the lateral protective section 21c can be changed in this way.

[0075] The opening of the through-hole h3 can extend in the X-direction. In particular, the size of the through-hole h3 in the X-direction can be larger than its size in the Z-direction. Therefore, the through-hole h3 can be an elongated hole extending in the X-direction.

[0076] Fig. Figure 11C is a front view showing a modification of the first retention mechanism section 22 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. The first retention mechanism section 22, which is shown in Fig. 11C, has essentially the same configuration as the first retention mechanism section 22, which is shown in Fig. The first retention mechanism section 22, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, differs in that it has an adjusting bolt mechanism. The first retention mechanism section 22 is shown in Fig. 11C shown in a front view, seen in the X direction.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11C, the ball rolling element 22a is connected, for example, to a column-shaped part 22f. A through-hole may be formed in a second surface 22b2 of the holder 22b. An external thread may be formed in the side surface of the column-shaped part 22f, and an internal thread may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole. The column-shaped part 22f is inserted into the through-hole of the holder 22b. The column-shaped part 22f is movable in the direction perpendicular to the second surface 22b2 (for example, the direction along the Z-direction). The column-shaped part 22f is fastened to the holder 22b by a nut. The relative position of the ball rolling element 22a of the first retention mechanism section 22 with respect to the lateral guard section 21c can be changed in this way.In the case in which the formation of a scratch or the like on the workpiece 200, for example the body section 201 or the end section 202, is shown in . Fig. 19, acceptable, must be the spherical rolling body 22a or the rotatable rolling body 22d, shown in Fig. 11A to 11C cannot be used. In this case, the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 can be adjusted by bringing the lateral protective section 21c or the support 22b into direct contact with the workpiece 200.

[0078] Fig. Figure 11D is a side view showing a modification of the lateral protective section 21c of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. The Fig. The side protection section 21c shown in 11D has essentially the same configuration as the one in Fig. The lateral protective section 21c shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from the lateral protective section 21c in that it has a connecting element 23g.

[0079] The connecting element 23g can be a plate-shaped element. One side forming the connecting element 23g corresponds to the shape of the workpiece 200. Part of this side forming the connecting element 23g can be in contact with the workpiece 200.

[0080] The connecting element 23g is connected to the lateral protective section 21c by a shaft section 23g1. The connecting element 23g is equipped with the shaft section 23g1. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11D, the shaft section 23g1 is located near the distal end of the welding torch 1. The connecting element 23g and the lateral protective section 21c are connected to each other by the shaft section 23g1. The shaft section 23g1 extends along the Y-direction. The connecting element 23g rotates around the shaft section 23g1, which serves as the central axis.

[0081] The connecting element 23g has a through-hole h4. The opening of the through-hole h4 extends along the direction of rotation of the connecting element 23g. A fastening element 23g2 is inserted through the through-hole h4. The relative position of the connecting element 23g with respect to the lateral protective section 21c can be fixed by the fastening element 23g2.

[0082] The first retention mechanism section 22 is arranged in the X direction near the rear surface 25s1. This better suppresses diffusion of the after-shielding gas from a gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 through the connecting element 23g. As a result, the after-shielding gas can adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere without the use of the rails 30.

[0083] Fig. Figure 11E is a side view showing a modification of the lateral protective section 21c of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. The Fig. The side protection section 21c shown in Figure 11E has essentially the same configuration as the one in Figure 11E. Fig. The lateral protective section 21c shown in 1 to 3 differs from this, however, in that the lateral protective section 21c includes a movable section 8.

[0084] In particular, the side guard section 21c comprises a main body section 81 and a movable section 82. The main body section 81 is connected to the rear guard section 21b. The first retention mechanism section 22 is connected to the main body section 81.

[0085] The movable section 82 is connected to the main body section 81 by a coupling section 84. The movable section 82 is arranged in the X-direction opposite the rear surface 25s1. The movable section 8 is formed by several coupled elements 83. The several coupled elements 83 are connected to each other by coupling sections 84.

[0086] Each of the multiple coupled elements 83 is displaceable, for example, in the X-direction and the Z-direction. In particular, the coupled element 83 is equipped with a mounting section in which the coupling section 84 is attached. The mounting section can, for example, be a through-hole extending in the X-direction. The position of the coupled element 83 in the X-direction is determined by the position at which the coupling section 84 is attached in the mounting section. The coupled element 83 can rotate about the coupling section 84. Therefore, the coupled element 83 is displaceable in the X-direction and the Y-direction relative to the adjacent coupled element 83. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11E, the multiple coupled elements 83 can therefore be arranged such that the respective lower ends of the multiple coupled elements 83 correspond to the shape of the workpiece 200 (for example, body section 201 or end sections 202, shown in Figure 11E). Fig. 19).

[0087] In this way, diffusion of the shielding gas from a gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is better suppressed. This allows the shielding gas to adequately protect the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0088] Fig. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the after-shielding gas device 10 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 12 corresponds Fig. 3. The in Fig. The welding device shown in Figure 12, number 100, has essentially the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 12. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from the welding device 100 in that the after-shielding gas device 10 includes a flame-retardant cover 24. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the welding device 100 differs from the welding device shown in Figure 10 in that the after-shielding gas device 10 includes a flame-retardant cover 24. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the cover 24 is connected to the gas supply section 20. The cover 24 can consist of two covers. The two covers 24 are arranged outside the protective section 21 in the Y-direction. In particular, the two covers 24 can be arranged such that the two lateral protective sections 21c are positioned between them in the Y-direction.

[0089] If the workpiece 200 is welded in such a way that the shielding gas does not escape from a gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200, the cover 24 is preferably arranged near the workpiece 200. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the cover 24 can be in contact with the workpiece 200. Therefore, the cover 24 can have incisions formed at any position, such that the shape of the cover corresponds to the surface of the workpiece 200.

[0090] The diffusion of the shielding gas from a gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is therefore better suppressed. This allows the shielding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0091] During the welding of the workpiece 200, the temperature of the workpiece 200 can reach a high temperature due to the heat generated by the welding process. Therefore, the cover 24 is preferably flame-retardant. In particular, the material forming the cover 24 is preferably, for example, glass fiber, ceramic-based fiber, or carbon fiber.

[0092] If the cover 24 is in contact with the workpiece 200, the wear of the cover 24 is accelerated by consumption and heat from welding. Therefore, the cover 24 need not be in contact with the workpiece 200 when welding it.

[0093] Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a modification of the after-shielding gas device 10 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 13 corresponds Fig. 1. The in Fig. The welding device shown in Figure 13, number 100, has essentially the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 13. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from the latter in that the protective section 21 includes a front protective section 21d. The front protective section 21d is specifically connected to the front surfaces of the two lateral protective sections 21c. The welding torch 1 is arranged in the X direction between the projecting section 21g of the upper protective section 21a and the front protective section 21d. Therefore, the after-shielding gas can adequately protect the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0094] The material forming the after-shielding gas device 10 can be, for example, iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or ceramic. Several after-shielding gas devices 10 can be provided in the welding device 100. Functions and effects

[0095] The after-shielding gas device 10 according to the present disclosure comprises the gas supply section 20. The gas supply section 20 comprises the outlet section 21h. An after-shielding gas is blown from the outlet section 21h in the direction of the workpiece 200. The gas supply section 20 comprises the protective section 21 and the first retention mechanism section 22. The protective section 21 is arranged such that it surrounds the outlet section 21h, viewed in the direction in which the after-shielding gas is blown. The first retention mechanism section 22 is configured to maintain a constant distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200, regardless of the position of the welding torch 1.

[0096] In this way, the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant regardless of the position of the welding torch 1. Therefore, the diffusion of the after-shielding gas from any gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is suppressed. This allows the after-shielding gas to adequately protect the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0097] The after-shielding gas device 10 comprises the rail 30 and the first connecting section 40. The rail 30 is connected to the gas supply section 20. The first connecting section 40 is slidable along the rail 30. The first connecting section 40 can hold the welding torch 1. Therefore, the first holding mechanism section 22 is designed to maintain a constant distance between the shielding section 21 and the workpiece 200, regardless of the position of the welding torch 1.

[0098] The after-welding gas device 10 includes the cover 24. The cover 24 is connected to the gas supply section 20. The cover 24 is flame-retardant. When welding the workpiece 200, the cover 24 can therefore be positioned close to the workpiece 200. This means that the diffusion of the after-welding gas from a gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is suppressed. As a result, the after-welding gas can adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0099] In the after-welding gas device 10, the material forming the cover 24 comprises glass fiber, ceramic-based fiber, or carbon fiber. Therefore, when welding the workpiece 200, the cover 24 can be positioned close to the workpiece 200. This allows the after-welding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0100] The welding device 100 according to the present disclosure comprises the welding torch 1 and the after-welding gas device 10. Therefore, the distance between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant regardless of the position of the welding torch 1. Consequently, the diffusion of the after-welding gas from any gap between the protective section 21 and the workpiece 200 is suppressed. This allows the after-welding gas to adequately protect the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere. Design 2. Configuration of the welding device

[0101] Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the gas supply section 20 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 2. The Fig. The welding device shown in Figure 14, number 100, has essentially the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 14. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 differs from it, however, with regard to the structure of the gas supply section 20. In particular, the shape of the upper protective section 21a is not L-shaped, but a flat plate shape, as shown in Figure 1 to 3. Fig. 14 is shown. In contrast to the one in Fig. In the upper protective section 21a shown in embodiment 2, the projection section 21g is not formed on the upper protective section 21a according to embodiment 2.

[0102] A groove is formed in each of the upper protective section 21a, the rear protective section 21b, and the two side protective sections 21c. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the filter 21f is held in the output section 21h such that the outer edge section of the filter 21f is inserted into the groove of the upper protective section 21a, the rear protective section 21b, and the two side protective sections 21c. In a side view of the filter 21f, the shape of the filter 21f therefore has a curved section, as shown in Figure 14. Fig. 14 is shown.

[0103] Therefore, the shielding gas supplied by the pipe connector 51 is blown in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the workpiece 200 and in a direction along the tangent. The direction along the tangent refers to the direction parallel to the tangent and a direction inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or less with respect to the tangent. In particular, the shielding gas is blown through the filter 21f in the direction along the X-direction and in the direction along the Z-direction. This allows the welding device 100 according to embodiment 2 to blow the shielding gas towards a larger area of ​​the workpiece 200 than the welding device 100 according to embodiment 1. Functions and effects

[0104] With the after-weld shielding gas device 10, the after-weld shielding gas is blown in one direction perpendicular to a tangent to the workpiece 200 and in one direction along the tangent. Therefore, the after-weld shielding gas can be supplied to a large area of ​​the workpiece 200. This allows the after-weld shielding gas to adequately protect the weld section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere. Design 3. Configuration of the welding device

[0105] Fig. 15A and Fig. Figure 16 are perspective cross-sectional views showing the gas supply section 20 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 15A and Fig. 16 correspond Fig. 14. The in Fig. 15A and Fig. The welding device shown in Figure 16, number 100, has essentially the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 16. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figure 14 differs from the one shown in Figure 14 in that the welding torch 1 is arranged in an inclined position relative to the workpiece 200. In particular, as shown in Figure 14, the welding torch 1 is arranged in an inclined position relative to the workpiece 200. Fig. As shown in Figure 15A, an inclined section 26 is formed in the upper surface of the upper protective section 21a. The inclined section 26 is located at a corner section of the upper protective section 21a near the welding torch 1. The inclined section 26 is a surface on which the welding torch 1 is mounted.

[0106] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the welding torch 1 is arranged on the inclined section 26. An arm section 44 (not shown) is positioned to hold the inclined welding torch 1. Accordingly, the position of the welding section A is further away. In a side view of the filter 21f, however, the filter 21f has a curved section. Therefore, the shielding gas supplied by the pipe connector 51 is blown in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the workpiece 200 and in a direction along the tangent. This allows the shielding gas to adequately protect the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0107] The welding torch 1 is inclined relative to the workpiece 200. From another perspective, the central axis 1c of the electrode section 1a is inclined relative to the tangent to the workpiece 200. Therefore, due to an arc, the pressure exerted on the welding section A is distributed not only in the direction perpendicular to the tangent to the workpiece 200 (Z-direction), but also in the direction parallel to the tangent (X-direction). This reduces the pressure exerted on the welding section A in the Z-direction and prevents the welding section A from melting and forming a molten pool.

[0108] The in Fig. 15A and Fig. The gas supply section 20 shown in Figure 16 can comprise a diffusion plate 52, which is located in Fig. 5 to 7 are shown (not shown).

[0109] The rails 30 can be inclined along the central axis 1c of the welding torch 1 (not shown). From another perspective, the rails 30 can extend along the central axis 1c of the welding torch 1. Therefore, the welding torch 1 and the gas supply section 20 can move independently of each other along the central axis 1c of the welding torch 1.

[0110] In the case where the welding torch 1 is arranged in an inclined position, either part of the welding torch 1 need not overlap the lateral protective section 21c, or the entire welding torch 1 must overlap the lateral protective section 21c in a side view of the welding device 100, as above with reference to Fig. 10 described, do not overlap.

[0111] The inclined section 26 is formed by a flat surface. The shape of the surface forming the inclined section 26 can be modified to match the outer edge shape of the welding torch 1.

[0112] Fig. Figure 15B is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a modification of the gas supply section 20 of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 15B corresponds to Fig. 15A. The one in Fig. The gas supply section 20 shown in Figure 15B has essentially the same configuration as the one in Figure 15B. Fig. The gas supply section 20 shown in Figure 15A differs from this, however, in that the inclined section 26 is formed by a curved surface. In particular, the inclined section 26 is shaped as a depression in the direction away from the welding torch 1.

[0113] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the welding torch 1 is cylindrical. From another perspective, the outer edge of the welding torch 1 is circular. Therefore, when the outer edge of the welding torch 1 is circular, the gap formed between the inclined section 26 and the welding torch 1 is smaller. This suppresses diffusion of the shielding gas from the gap. It also prevents the atmosphere from flowing from the gap to the welding section A.

[0114] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15B, the gas supply section can comprise 20 diffusion plate(s) 52, as shown in Fig. 5 to 7 is shown. Functions and effects

[0115] In the welding apparatus 100 described above, the welding torch 1 comprises the electrode section 1a. The central axis 1c of the electrode section 1a is inclined with respect to a tangent to the workpiece 200. Therefore, the pressure exerted on the welding section A is reduced by an arc. This prevents the welding section A from melting and forming a molten pool. Design 4. Configuration of the welding device

[0116] Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 4. Fig. 17 corresponds Fig. 1. The in Fig. The welding device shown in Figure 17, number 100, has essentially the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 17. Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figure 1 differs from the one shown in Figure 1 in that the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted by a retention mechanism section independently of the position of the protective section 21. In particular, the welding device 100 comprises a second connecting section 40y and two rails 30y. The second connecting section 40y is connected to the welding torch 1. As shown in Figure 1, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted by a retention mechanism section independently of the position of the protective section 21. Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the second connecting section has essentially the same configuration as the first connecting section 40x. The second connecting section 40y can hold the welding torch 1. The second connecting section 40y comprises a displacement section 41y, a first block section 42y, a second block section 43y (not shown), an arm section 44y, and a third block section 45y.

[0117] The sliding section 41y is connected to the rail 30y and is movable along the rail 30y. The first block section 42y is connected so that it is fixed to the sliding section 41y. The second block section 43y is connected so that it is fixed to the first block section 42y. The arm section 44y is connected so that it is fixed to the second block section 43y. The arm section 44y can hold the welding torch 1.

[0118] The third block section 45y is connected in such a way that it is fixed to the arm section 44y. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the third block section 45y, seen in a side view of the welding device 100, has a rectangular shape. The third block section 45y extends in the Z-direction.

[0119] The rails 30y are rigidly connected to the drive unit 2. Each of the two rails 30y has a stopper 31y. The stopper 31y is located at the upper end of the rail 30y. This prevents the sliding section 41y from detaching from the rail 30y.

[0120] The second connecting section 40y includes a second retention mechanism section 22y. The second retention mechanism section 22y has the same configuration as the first retention mechanism section 22x, except that the second retention mechanism section 22y is rigidly connected to the third block section 45y. The second retention mechanism section 22y maintains a constant distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200.

[0121] In this way, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the second retention mechanism section 22y. Meanwhile, the distance between the guard section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first retention mechanism section 22x. This means that the relative position of the guard section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. Therefore, if the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or the like, the relative positions of the welding torch 1 and the guard section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 remain the same and are kept constant, even if the workpiece 200 rotates. Functions and effects

[0122] The welding device 100 described above includes the second connecting section 40y. The second connecting section 40y is connected to the welding torch 1. The second connecting section 40y includes the second retention mechanism section 22y. The second retention mechanism section 22y can maintain the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 constant. Therefore, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the second retention mechanism section 22y. This means that the relative positions of the guard section 21 and the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. In the event that the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or the like, the relative positions of the welding torch 1 and the guard section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 remain the same and are kept constant, even if the workpiece 200 rotates. Modification configuration

[0123] Fig. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram to explain a configuration of a modification of the welding device 100 according to embodiment 4. The in Fig. Welding device 100 shown in 18 has essentially the same configuration as the one in Fig. The welding device 100 shown in Figure 17 differs from the welding device in that the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted based on the voltage of an arc generated by the electrode section 1a of the welding torch 1. In particular, the welding device 100 includes the processing circuit 3. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the processing circuit 3 comprises a control unit 3a and a detection unit 3b.

[0124] Detection unit 3b is connected to control unit 3a. Detection unit 3b detects the voltage of an arc generated by electrode section 1a of welding torch 1. A voltage sensor that measures the arc voltage can be used as detection unit 3b. If the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or similar factors, the distance (arc length) between the workpiece 200 and welding torch 1 changes, and this changes the arc voltage.

[0125] The control unit 3a controls the drive unit 2 based on the arc voltage detected by the detection unit 3b. Specifically, the control unit 3a controls the drive unit 2 so that the arc voltage approaches a preset voltage. This allows the drive unit 2 to change the position of the welding torch 1 relative to the workpiece 200. Therefore, the position of the welding torch 1, i.e., the position of the electrode section 1a, can be adjusted.

[0126] In this way, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 can be adjusted based on the voltage of the arc generated by the electrode section 1a, independently of the position of the guard section 21. This means that the relative positions of the guard section 21 and the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. Therefore, if the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or the like, the relative positions of the welding torch 1 and the guard section 21 with respect to the workpiece 200 remain the same and are kept constant or adjusted to remain constant, even if the workpiece 200 rotates. Functions and effects

[0127] The welding device 100 described above comprises the drive unit 2 and the processing circuit 3. The drive unit 2 is connected to the welding torch 1. The processing circuit 3 detects the voltage of an arc generated by the electrode section 1a of the welding torch 1. The drive unit 2 adjusts the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 based on the voltage.

[0128] In this way, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted based on the voltage of the arc generated by the electrode section 1a, independently of the position of the protective section 21. This means that the relative positions of the protective section 21 and the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. Design 5. Configuration of the welding equipment

[0129] Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a welding equipment 300 according to embodiment 5. The in Fig. The welding equipment 300 shown in Figure 19 is for welding the workpiece 200, which is a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure is, for example, a hot water storage tank for a water heating system. The hot water storage tank consists of a body section 201 and two end sections 202. The body section 201 is, for example, a cylindrical object produced by rolling a thin sheet. The end section 202 is a shell-shaped object formed from a thin sheet. The material forming the hot water storage tank can be, for example, a steel sheet, such as a stainless steel sheet.

[0130] Body section 201 is positioned between the two end sections 202. End section 202 is welded to the end face of body section 201 by welding equipment 300. This means that the section where body section 201 and end section 202 are joined is weld section A.

[0131] The welding equipment 300 mainly comprises the welding device 100 according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, a holding mechanism section 301, and a rotation mechanism section 302. The holding mechanism section 301 holds the workpiece 200. The rotation mechanism section 302 rotates the workpiece 200. In embodiment 5, the holding mechanism section 301 holds the end sections 202. The end sections 202 are connected to the body section 201. This means that while the end sections 202 are held in contact with the opposite ends of the body section 201, the workpiece is gripped by the welding equipment 300. The workpiece 200 is welded while the body section 201 and the two end sections 202 are rotated by the rotation mechanism section 302. In this way, the hot water storage tank is manufactured, in which the body section 201 and the two end sections 202 are assembled. Welding process

[0132] Next, a welding process using the welding equipment 300 is described, which includes the second retention mechanism section 22y, which is in Fig. 17 is shown.

[0133] A preparatory step is carried out at the beginning. In this step, the workpiece 200 and the welding equipment 300 are prepared as described in... Fig. 19 shown prepared. The welding device 100 includes the in Fig. Figure 17 shows the second retention mechanism section 22y. The workpiece 200 is a cylindrical structure or a can body, for example, the hot water storage tank, which consists of the body section 201 and two end sections 202. While the end sections 202 are held in contact with the opposite ends of the body section 201, the workpiece is gripped by the retention mechanism section 301.

[0134] A movement step is then performed. In this step, the workpiece 200 is moved close to the welding device 100. Specifically, the workpiece 200 is moved so that it comes into contact with the first retention mechanism section 22x and the second retention mechanism section 22y. The first retention mechanism section 22x and the second retention mechanism section 22y are each in contact with the surface of the body section 201 or the end section 202.

[0135] A welding step is then performed. In this step, the workpiece 200 is welded. Specifically, the workpiece 200 is rotated by the rotation mechanism section 302. The welding torch 1 generates an arc in the direction of the workpiece 200. A shielding gas is blown from the gas supply section 20 in the direction of the workpiece 200. If the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or the like, the distance between the guard section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first retention mechanism section 22x, even if the workpiece 200 rotates. Furthermore, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the second retention mechanism section 22y. This means that the relative position of the guard section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other.Therefore, the body section 201 and the end sections 202 are welded in the state in which the weld section A of the workpiece 200 is sufficiently protected against the atmosphere by the after-shielding gas.

[0136] In this way, a hot water storage tank is produced in which the body section 201 and the two end sections 202 are assembled. Welding process

[0137] Next, a welding process using the welding equipment 300, which is described in Fig. The processing circuit shown in section 18 comprises 3.

[0138] A preparatory step is carried out at the beginning. In this step, the workpiece 200 and the welding equipment 300 are prepared as described in... Fig. 19 shown prepared. The welding device 100 comprises the in Fig.18 Processing circuit shown 3. The workpiece 200 is a hot water storage tank, which consists of the body section 201 and the two end sections 202. While the end sections 202 are held in contact with the opposite ends of the body section 201, the workpiece is gripped by the holding mechanism section 301.

[0139] A movement step is then performed. In this step, the workpiece 200 is moved close to the welding device 100. Specifically, the workpiece 200 is moved so that it comes into contact with the first retention mechanism section 22. The first retention mechanism section 22 is in contact with the surface of the body section 201 or the end section 202.

[0140] A welding step is then performed. In this step, the workpiece 200 is welded. Specifically, the workpiece 200 is rotated by the rotation mechanism section 302. The welding torch 1 generates an arc in the direction of the workpiece 200. A shielding gas is blown from the gas supply section 20 in the direction of the workpiece 200. If the workpiece 200 is displaced due to eccentricity or the like, the distance between the shielding section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first retention mechanism section 22, even if the workpiece 200 rotates. Furthermore, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted by the drive unit 2. Specifically, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted based on the tension of the arc generated by the electrode section 1a.This means that the relative position of the protective section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. Therefore, the body section 201 and the end section 202 are welded in the state in which the welding section A of the workpiece 200 is sufficiently protected from the atmosphere by the shielding gas.

[0141] In this way, a hot water storage tank is produced in which the body section 201 and the two end sections 202 are assembled. Functions and effects

[0142] The welding equipment 300 according to the present disclosure comprises the welding device 100, the holding mechanism section 301 and the rotation mechanism section 302. The holding mechanism section 301 holds the workpiece 200. The rotation mechanism section 302 rotates the workpiece 200.

[0143] Therefore, a cylindrical structure, for example a hot water storage tank, can be welded in a state where the relative position of the shielding section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. In this case, the shielding gas sufficiently protects the welding section A of the workpiece 200 from the atmosphere.

[0144] A welding process according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: moving the workpiece 200 to the vicinity of the welding device 100; and welding the workpiece 200. In the moving step, the workpiece 200 is moved so that it comes into contact with the first retaining mechanism section 22x. In the welding step, the welding torch 1 generates an arc in the direction of the workpiece 200. In the welding step, a shielding gas is blown from the gas supply section 20 in the direction of the workpiece 200. In the welding step, the distance between the shielding section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first retaining mechanism section 22x. In the welding step, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the second retaining mechanism section 22y.

[0145] Therefore, the cylindrical structure, for example the hot water storage tank, can be welded in a state where the relative position of the protective section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. The shielding gas provides sufficient protection for the weld section A of the workpiece 200 against the atmosphere.

[0146] A welding process according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: moving the workpiece 200 to the vicinity of the welding device 100; and welding the workpiece 200. In the movement step, the workpiece 200 is moved so that it comes into contact with the first holding mechanism section 22. In the welding step, the welding torch 1 generates an arc in the direction of the workpiece 200. In the welding step, a shielding gas is blown from the gas supply section 20 in the direction of the workpiece 200. In the welding step, the distance between the shielding section 21 and the workpiece 200 is kept constant by the first holding mechanism section 22. In the welding step, the distance between the welding torch 1 and the workpiece 200 is adjusted by the drive unit 2.

[0147] Therefore, the cylindrical structure, for example the hot water storage tank, can be welded in a state where the relative position of the protective section 21 and the relative position of the welding torch 1 with respect to the workpiece 200 are independent of each other. The shielding gas provides sufficient protection for the weld section A of the workpiece 200 against the atmosphere.

[0148] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are fully illustrated, not limited. At least two of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined, provided there is no inconsistency. It is intended that the basic scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and includes all modifications and variations that are equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

[0149] The following are various aspects of the present revelation described together in the form of supplementary notes. (Supplementary Note 1)

[0150] A protective gas device comprising a gas supply section with an output section configured to blow a protective gas from the output section towards a workpiece, wherein the gas supply section comprises a protection section and a first retention mechanism section, the protective section is arranged in such a way that it surrounds the output section, viewed in the direction in which the after-shielding gas is blown, and The first retention mechanism section is designed to maintain a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece, regardless of the position of a welding torch. (Supplementary Note 2)

[0151] Protective gas device in accordance with supplementary note 1, comprising: a rail connected to the gas supply section; and a first connecting section which is movable on the rail, wherein the first connecting section is formed to hold the welding torch. (Supplementary Note 3)

[0152] A protective gas device in accordance with supplementary note 1 or 2, comprising a cover connected to the gas supply section, wherein The cover is flame-retardant. (Supplementary Note 4)

[0153] Protective gas device according to supplementary note 3, wherein a covering material comprises glass fiber, ceramic-based fiber or carbon fiber. (Supplementary Note 5)

[0154] A protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 4, which is designed to blow the protective gas in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the workpiece and in a direction along the tangent. (Supplementary Note 6)

[0155] Protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 5, wherein the welding torch is arranged in an X direction from the perspective of the output section, The protective section comprises a front surface and a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface in the X direction, and the first retention mechanism section comprises a rotatable rolling body which is located in a region extending in the X direction from the rear surface for at most 50% of a distance from the rear surface to the front surface, or in a region extending from the rear surface to the welding torch. (Supplementary Note 7)

[0156] Protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein A position adjustment section is provided between the protection section and the first retention mechanism section, and The position adjustment section changes the relative position of the first retention mechanism section with respect to the protection section. (Supplementary Note 8)

[0157] Protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein the protective section has a connecting element, and The relative position of the connection element with respect to the protective section can be changed. (Supplementary Note 9)

[0158] Protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 8, wherein the protective section comprises a movable section which is displaceable. (Supplementary Note 10)

[0159] A protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 9, wherein the protective section comprises an inclined section on which the welding torch is to be mounted. (Supplementary Note 11)

[0160] Protective gas device according to supplementary note 10, wherein the inclined section is formed by a curved surface. (Supplementary Note 12)

[0161] Welding device, comprising: the welding torch; and the protective gas device according to one of the supplementary notes 1 to 11. (Supplementary Note 13)

[0162] Welding device in accordance with supplementary note 12, wherein the welding torch includes an electrode section, and a central axis of the electrode section is inclined with respect to a tangent to the workpiece. (Supplementary Note 14)

[0163] Welding device according to supplementary note 12 or 13, comprising a second connecting section which is connected to the welding torch, wherein the second connecting section includes a second retention mechanism section, and The second retention mechanism section is designed to maintain a constant distance between the welding torch and the workpiece. (Supplementary Note 15)

[0164] Welding device according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 14, comprehensive: a drive unit connected to the welding torch; and a processing circuit which detects a voltage of an arc generated by the welding torch, wherein The drive unit adjusts the distance between the welding torch and the workpiece based on the voltage. (Supplementary Note 16)

[0165] Welding device according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 15, wherein the welding torch is arranged in an X direction from the perspective of the output section, The protective section comprises a front surface and a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface in the X direction, and the first retention mechanism section comprises a rotatable rolling body which is located in a region extending in the X direction from the rear surface for at most 50% of a distance from the rear surface to the front surface, or in a region extending from the rear surface to the welding torch. (Supplementary Note 17)

[0166] Welding device according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 16, wherein A position adjustment section is provided between the protection section and the first retention mechanism section, and The position adjustment section changes the relative position of the first retention mechanism section with respect to the protection section. (Supplementary Note 18)

[0167] Welding device according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 17, wherein the protective section has a connecting element, and The relative position of the connection element with respect to the protective section can be changed. (Supplementary Note 19)

[0168] Welding device according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 18, wherein the protective section comprises a movable section which is displaceable. (Supplementary Note 20)

[0169] Welding apparatus according to one of the supplementary notes 12 to 19, wherein the protective section comprises an inclined section on which the welding torch is to be mounted. (Supplementary Note 21)

[0170] Welding device according to supplementary note 20, wherein the inclined section is formed by a curved surface. (Supplementary Note 22)

[0171] Welding equipment, comprehensive: the welding device in accordance with one of the supplementary notes 12 to 21; a holding mechanism section that holds the workpiece; and a rotation mechanism section that rotates the workpiece. (Supplementary Note 23)

[0172] Welding processes, including: Moving the workpiece closer to the welding device in accordance with Supplementary Note 14; and Welding of the workpiece, whereby The movement includes: moving the workpiece so that the workpiece is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section, and Welding includes: Causing the welding torch to create an arc in the direction of the workpiece; To ensure that the protective gas is blown from the gas supply section towards the workpiece; Maintaining a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece by the first retention mechanism section; and Maintaining a constant distance between the welding torch and the workpiece is achieved through the second retention mechanism section. (Supplementary Note 24)

[0173] Welding processes, including: Moving the workpiece closer to the welding device in accordance with Supplementary Note 15; and Welding of the workpiece, whereby The movement includes: moving the workpiece so that the workpiece is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section, and Welding includes: Causing the welding torch to create an arc in the direction of the workpiece; To ensure that the protective gas is blown from the gas supply section towards the workpiece; Maintaining a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece by the first retention mechanism section; and Adjusting the distance between the welding torch and the workpiece via the drive unit. (Supplementary Note 25)

[0174] Welding process according to supplementary note 23 or 24, wherein the workpiece is a cylindrical structure. (Supplementary Note 26)

[0175] Method of producing a cylindrical structure using the welding process according to one of the supplementary notes 23 to 25, wherein the workpiece consists of a body section and two end sections, with the body section and the two end sections forming the cylindrical structure. Reference symbol list 1 welding torch; 1a Electrode section; 1c Central axis; 2 Drive unit; 3 Processing circuit; 3a Control unit; 3b Detection unit; 10 Protective gas device; 20 Gas supply section; 21 Protection section; 21a upper protection section; 21b rear protective section; 21c lateral protective section; 21d front protective section; 21f Filter; 21g lead section; 21h output section; 21r, 25d Section with curved surface; 21s output area; 22, 22x first retention mechanism section; 22a Ball rolling bodies; 22b bracket; 22c shaft section; 22d rotatable rolling body; 22f column-shaped part; 22y second retention mechanism section; 23 Position adjustment section; 23g connection element; 23g1 shaft section; 23g2 Fastening element; 24 Coverage; 25 lower surface; 25a horizontal section; 25b, 26 inclined section; 25c straight section; 25s1 rear surface; 25s2 front surface; 30, 30y rail; 31, 31y Stopper; 40, 40x first connecting section; 40y second connecting section; 41, 41y displacement section; 42, 42y first block section; 43, 43y second block section; 44, 44y arm section; 45y third block section; 51 pipe connectors; 52 Diffusion plate; 81 Body section; 82 movable section; 83 coupled element; 84 Coupling section; 100 welding devices; 200 workpieces; 201 Body section; 202 Final section; 300 welding equipment; 301 holding mechanism section; 302 Rotation mechanism section; A welding section; Q1 area; h1, h2, h3, h4 through hole. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022 - 149 068 [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] A protective gas device comprising a gas supply section with an output section configured to blow a protective gas from the output section towards a workpiece, wherein the gas supply section comprises a protection section and a first retention mechanism section, the protective section is arranged in such a way that it surrounds the output section, viewed in the direction in which the after-shielding gas is blown, and The first retention mechanism section is designed to maintain a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece, regardless of the position of a welding torch. [2] Protective gas device according to claim 1, comprising: a rail connected to the gas supply section; and a first connecting section which is movable on the rail, wherein the first connecting section is formed to hold the welding torch. [3] Protective gas device according to claim 1, comprising a cover connected to the gas supply section, wherein the cover is flame-retardant. [4] Protective gas device according to claim 3, wherein a covering material comprises glass fiber, ceramic-based fiber or carbon fiber. [5] Protective gas device according to claim 1, which is configured to blow the protective gas in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the workpiece and in a direction along the tangent. [6] Protective gas device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the welding torch is arranged in an X direction from the perspective of the output section, The protective section comprises a front surface and a rear surface that is opposite to the front surface in the X direction, and the first retention mechanism section comprises a rotatable rolling body which is located in a region extending in the X direction from the rear surface for at most 50% of a distance from the rear surface to the front surface, or in a region extending from the rear surface to the welding torch. [7] Protective gas device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein A position adjustment section is provided between the protection section and the first retention mechanism section, and The position adjustment section changes the relative position of the first retention mechanism section with respect to the protection section. [8] Protective gas device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective section has a connecting element, and The relative position of the connection element with respect to the protective section can be changed. [9] Protective gas device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protective section comprises a movable section which is displaceable. [10] Protective gas device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective section comprises an inclined section on which the welding torch is to be mounted. [11] Protective gas device according to claim 10, wherein the inclined section is formed by a curved surface. [12] Welding apparatus comprising: the welding torch; and the after-protection gas device according to one of claims 1 to 5. [13] Welding device according to claim 12, wherein the welding torch includes an electrode section, and a central axis of the electrode section is inclined with respect to a tangent to the workpiece. [14] Welding apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a second connecting section which is connected to the welding torch, wherein the second connecting section includes a second retention mechanism section, and The second retention mechanism section is designed to maintain a constant distance between the welding torch and the workpiece. [15] Welding device according to claim 12, comprising: a drive unit connected to the welding torch; and a processing circuit which detects a voltage of an arc generated by the welding torch, wherein The drive unit adjusts the distance between the welding torch and the workpiece based on the voltage. [16] Welding equipment, including: the welding device according to claim 12; a holding mechanism section that holds the workpiece; and a rotation mechanism section that rotates the workpiece. [17] Welding processes, comprising: Moving the workpiece into the vicinity of the welding device according to claim 14; and Welding of the workpiece, whereby The movement includes: moving the workpiece so that the workpiece is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section, and Welding includes: Causing the welding torch to create an arc in the direction of the workpiece; To ensure that the protective gas is blown from the gas supply section towards the workpiece; Maintaining a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece by the first retention mechanism section; and Maintaining a constant distance between the welding torch and the workpiece is achieved through the second retention mechanism section. [18] Welding processes, comprising: Moving the workpiece into the vicinity of the welding device according to claim 15; and Welding of the workpiece, whereby The movement includes: moving the workpiece so that the workpiece is brought into contact with the first retention mechanism section, and Welding includes: Causing the welding torch to create an arc in the direction of the workpiece; To ensure that the protective gas is blown from the gas supply section towards the workpiece; Maintaining a constant distance between the protective section and the workpiece by the first retention mechanism section; and Adjusting the distance between the welding torch and the workpiece via the drive unit. [19] Welding method according to claim 17, wherein the workpiece is a cylindrical structure. [20] Method of producing a cylindrical structure using the welding method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the workpiece is a body section and two end sections, the body section and the two end sections forming the cylindrical structure.

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