Electric power source equipment for thermal processing

Abstract

To provide electric power source equipment for thermal processing, which is improved in operability for a worker not skilled in work, and is not suppressed in operability for a skilled worker.SOLUTION: There is provided welding electric power source equipment A1 comprising: a power conversion part 1; a control part 2 controlling the power conversion part 1; and a display part 4 displaying information in a screen of a display device. The control part 2 comprises a display control part 24 which causes the display part 4 to display a parameter display picture on which a plurality of parameters concerning welding are arranged, and a mode switching part 23 which switches between a simple mode and a mode for a skilled worker. The plurality of parameters include a plurality of essential parameters and a plurality of additional parameters. In the simple mode, the display control part 24 causes the display part to display a first picture 9b in which only the plurality of essential parameters are arranged, as the parameter display picture. In the mode for a skilled worker, the display control part causes the display part to display a second picture 9a in which the plurality of essential parameters and the plurality of additional parameters are arranged, as the parameter display picture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device for thermal processing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, thermal processing power supplies are known that generate an arc between the tip of a torch electrode and a workpiece to perform thermal processing such as welding or cutting of the workpiece. In thermal processing power supplies, operators are required to set various parameters. For example, in a welding power supply for welding, parameters such as welding voltage and welding current are set, and the current parameter settings are displayed on a display device. The operator can change the settings displayed on the display device by operating an operating device. Recent welding power supplies are equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) as the display device. The display device is capable of simultaneously displaying many parameters on the screen. Patent Document 1 discloses a welding machine in which a processor 11 generates an editable work list editing screen SC1, outputs it to a display unit 13, and accepts editing operations based on operator input. The work list editing screen SC1 displays numerous parameters, such as welding command values, base material material, plate thickness, wire information, joints, welding method, and waveform. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7349610 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although it is not necessary to adjust all of the many parameters displayed on the display screen, an unskilled worker may not easily recognize which parameters need to be adjusted.

[0005] The present invention was conceived under the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a power supply device for thermal processing that improves operability for those who are not skilled in the work, while not restricting operability for those who are skilled in the work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following technical means.

[0007] A thermal processing power supply device according to the present invention comprises a power conversion unit that converts input power into power for thermal processing, a control unit that controls the power conversion unit, and a display unit that has a display device and displays information on the screen of the display device. The control unit comprises a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a parameter display screen on which a plurality of parameters related to thermal processing are arranged, and a mode switching unit that switches between a first mode and a second mode. The plurality of parameters include a plurality of essential parameters and a plurality of additional parameters. When switched to the first mode, the display control unit displays a first screen on which only the plurality of essential parameters are arranged as the parameter display screen, and when switched to the second mode, displays a second screen on which the plurality of essential parameters and the plurality of additional parameters are arranged as the parameter display screen.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, any of the plurality of parameters can be changed in either the first mode or the second mode.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first screen can switch between displaying a plurality of essential parameters for each of the initial stage, main processing stage, and final stage of thermal processing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which welding is performed using a tip of a welding wire as an electrode, the plurality of essential parameters include a set value for a welding voltage and a set value for a welding current output by the power conversion unit, and the plurality of additional parameters include a set value for a plate thickness of a workpiece, a set value for a length of an arc to be generated, a set value for arc characteristics, and a set value for a feed speed of the welding wire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when the display device is switched to the first mode, a first screen containing only required parameters is displayed, and when the display device is switched to the second mode, a second screen containing additional parameters in addition to the required parameters is displayed. By switching between the first mode and the second mode, an operator can switch between the first screen and the second screen. By designating parameters requiring adjustment as required parameters and parameters not necessarily requiring adjustment as additional parameters, the first mode can display the first screen containing only parameters requiring adjustment, and the second mode can display the second screen containing numerous parameters regardless of whether adjustment is required. Therefore, an inexperienced operator can recognize parameters requiring adjustment by selecting the first mode and displaying the first screen. On the other hand, an experienced operator can simultaneously check numerous parameters by selecting the second mode and displaying the second screen. Therefore, the thermal processing power supply device according to the present invention improves operability for an inexperienced operator and does not impede operability for an experienced operator.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a welding system including a welding power supply according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of parameter display screens, in which (a) shows the parameter display screen in expert mode, and (b) shows the parameter display screen in simple mode. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of setting value change screens, in which FIG. 10A shows the setting value change screen in expert mode, and FIG. 10B shows the setting value change screen in simple mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a welding system including a welding power supply according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where a power supply device for thermal processing according to the present invention is a welding power supply device.

[0015] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a welding system including a welding power supply A1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The welding system includes a welding power supply A1, power cables C1 and C2, a wire feeder D, and a welding torch T.

[0016] One output terminal of the welding power supply A1 is conductively connected to the welding torch T via a power cable C1. The wire feeder D feeds the welding wire to the welding torch T, causing the tip of the welding wire to protrude from the tip of the welding torch T. The power cable C1 and the welding wire are electrically connected via a contact tip located at the tip of the welding torch T. The other output terminal of the welding power supply A1 is conductively connected to the workpiece W via a power cable C2. The welding power supply A1 generates an arc between the tip of the welding wire protruding from the tip of the welding torch T and the workpiece W, and supplies power to the arc. The welding system welds the workpiece W using the heat of the arc. Note that the configuration of the welding system is not limited. For example, the welding system may not include the wire feeder D and may use a non-consumable electrode instead of the welding wire.

[0017] Welding power supply A1 supplies DC power for arc welding to welding torch T. Welding power supply A1 includes a power conversion unit 1, a control unit 2, an operation unit 3, a display unit 4, a memory unit 6, and a current sensor 7.

[0018] The power conversion unit 1 converts AC power input from, for example, a commercial power source into DC power suitable for welding and outputs the DC power. For example, the power conversion unit 1 includes a primary rectifier circuit, an inverter circuit, a transformer, and a secondary rectifier circuit (not shown). The primary rectifier circuit converts AC power into DC power and outputs the DC power. The inverter circuit converts the DC power output from the primary rectifier circuit into high-frequency AC power. The high-frequency AC power is input to the secondary rectifier circuit via a transformer. The secondary rectifier circuit converts the high-frequency AC power into DC power and outputs the DC power. Note that the configuration of the power conversion unit 1 is not limited to the one described above. For example, the power conversion unit 1 may further include an inverter between the secondary rectifier circuit and the output terminal to output AC power.

[0019] Current sensor 7 detects the output current of welding power supply A1. In this embodiment, current sensor 7 is disposed on a connection line between one output terminal of power conversion unit 1 and the output terminal to which power cable C2 is connected. The location of current sensor 7 is not limited. Current sensor 7 outputs a current detection signal corresponding to the output current to control unit 2.

[0020] Display unit 4 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various information on the screen of the display device in response to commands from control unit 2 (display control unit 24, described later). Display unit 4 displays, for example, a parameter display screen on which multiple welding-related parameters are arranged so that the parameters can be viewed at a glance, a setting value change screen for changing the parameters, and the like.

[0021] The operation unit 3 is equipped with operation means such as operation buttons and operation dials, and outputs operation of the operation means by the operator as operation signals to the control unit 2. There are no limitations on the type and number of operation means equipped in the operation unit 3. For example, the operation unit 3 may be equipped with a touch screen arranged on the screen of a liquid crystal display as an operation means.

[0022] The operating means of the operating unit 3 and the display device of the display unit 4 are arranged, for example, on an operation panel of a housing (not shown). The operator operates the operating means while looking at the screen of the display device to perform various settings.

[0023] The storage unit 6 has a memory and stores various information. The various information includes the current setting values ​​of each welding parameter, information for displaying each screen, and control software. The storage unit 6 stores, rewrites, and reads information in response to commands from the control unit 2.

[0024] Control unit 2 controls welding power supply A1 and is realized by, for example, a microcomputer. Control unit 2 controls the inverter circuit of power conversion unit 1 so that the output current of welding power supply A1 becomes the set current. Control unit 2 also performs predetermined processing in response to operation signals input from operation unit 3. Control unit 2 also displays various information on display unit 4. Control unit 2 also stores, rewrites, and reads information from memory unit 6. Control unit 2 has, as its functional configuration, a set value setting unit 21, a current control unit 22, a mode switching unit 23, and a display control unit 24.

[0025] The set value setting unit 21 is a functional component for setting set values. The set value setting unit 21 reads and sets the current set value of each parameter stored in the memory unit 6. For example, the set value setting unit 21 outputs the set value of the welding current stored in the memory unit 6 to the current control unit 22 as a current command value.

[0026] Current control unit 22 is a functional component for controlling the output current of welding power supply A1. Current control unit 22 performs feedback control of the output current of welding power supply A1 based on a current detection signal input from current sensor 7. Specifically, current control unit 22 generates a drive signal based on the difference between a current value corresponding to the current detection signal and a current command value input from set value setting unit 21, and outputs the drive signal to power conversion unit 1. Power conversion unit 1 controls the output current to the current command value by turning on and off each switching element of the inverter circuit based on the input drive signal.

[0027] In this embodiment, the functional configuration in which the control unit 2 performs current control is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 2 may also have functional configurations for other control methods.

[0028] The mode switching unit 23 has a functional configuration for switching between an expert mode and a simple mode. The expert mode is a mode selected when a worker who is somewhat skilled in welding work uses the welding machine. On the other hand, the simple mode is a mode selected when a worker who is not very skilled in welding work uses the welding machine. The mode switching unit 23 switches between the expert mode and the simple mode in response to the operation of the operation means by the worker. For example, a selection screen for selecting the expert mode or the simple mode may be provided on the menu screen, and the mode switching unit 23 may switch between the expert mode and the simple mode when the worker makes a selection on the selection screen. Alternatively, the operation unit 3 may include a button for switching modes as the operation means, and the mode switching unit 23 may switch between the expert mode and the simple mode when the worker operates the button. The method for switching modes is not limited.

[0029] The display control unit 24 is a functional component for controlling the display of various information on the display unit 4. The control unit 2 determines the display content depending on the situation and outputs a display command to the display control unit 24. In response to the display command from the control unit 2, the display control unit 24 reads information from the storage unit 6 and displays it on the display unit 4. The control unit 2 outputs different display commands to the display control unit 24 for the expert mode and the simple mode. Therefore, the display control unit 24 performs different displays in the expert mode and the simple mode.

[0030] In this embodiment, the memory unit 6 stores information for displaying each screen in the expert mode (information on the screen layout, etc.) and information for displaying each screen in the simple mode. The welding-related parameters stored in the memory unit 6 include a plurality of required parameters and a plurality of additional parameters. The required parameters are parameters that require adjustment by the operator, and include the set values ​​of the welding current and welding voltage output by the power conversion unit 1. The additional parameters are parameters that do not necessarily require adjustment by the operator, and include the set values ​​of the thickness of the workpiece W, the set values ​​of the arc length, the set values ​​of the arc characteristics (arc penetration width), and the set value of the welding wire feed speed. The required parameters and additional parameters are not limited to those described above.

[0031] When a command to display a parameter display screen in simple mode is input from control unit 2, display control unit 24 displays the first screen on which only essential parameters are arranged. On the other hand, when a command to display a parameter display screen in expert mode is input from control unit 2, display control unit 24 displays the second screen on which essential parameters and additional parameters are arranged.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows an example of a screen 9 displayed on the display device of the display unit 4. Fig. 2(a) shows an example of a second screen (parameter display screen in expert mode) 9a. Fig. 2(b) shows an example of a first screen (parameter display screen in simple mode) 9b.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2(a), when the expert mode is selected, the second screen 9a includes a current display section 931, a voltage display section 932, a thickness display section 933, a feed speed display section 934, an arc characteristic display section 935, an arc length display section 936, and multiple tabs 91. When the current display section 931, the voltage display section 932, the thickness display section 933, the feed speed display section 934, the arc characteristic display section 935, and the arc length display section 936 are not distinguished from one another, they are referred to as the "display section 93." The multiple tabs 91 indicate the currently displayed screen and are selected to switch screens. In FIG. 2(a), the tab 91 labeled "Home" is selected, indicating that the parameter display screen is selected. The operator can switch to the menu screen by selecting the tab 91 labeled "Menu," for example.

[0034] The current display section 931 displays the current setting value of the welding current. The voltage display section 932 displays the current setting value of the welding voltage. The thickness display section 933 displays the current setting value of the thickness of the workpiece W. The feed speed display section 934 displays the current setting value of the wire feed speed. The arc characteristic display section 935 displays the current setting value of the arc characteristic. The arc length display section 936 displays the current setting value of the arc length. Note that the parameters displayed on the second screen 9a are not limited to those described above.

[0035] The cursor 92 moves on the second screen 9a in response to the operation of the operating means of the operating unit 3. The operator can select one of the tabs 91 by aligning the cursor 92 with the tab 91 and pressing the operation button, thereby changing to the corresponding screen. In addition, the operator can change to the setting value change screen by aligning the cursor 92 with each display unit 93 and pressing the operation button, thereby changing the corresponding parameter.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2(b), when the simple mode is selected, the first screen 9b has a current display section 931 and a voltage display section 932 for displaying essential parameters. However, the first screen 9b does not have a plate thickness display section 933, a feed speed display section 934, an arc characteristic display section 935, or an arc length display section 936 for displaying additional parameters. Note that the parameters displayed on the first screen 9b are not limited to those described above.

[0037] The condition switching unit 94 is a display for switching the welding current setting value displayed in the current display unit 931 and the welding voltage setting value displayed in the voltage display unit 932 between the initial condition setting value, the main condition setting value, and the crater condition setting value. The operator can select one of the "initial condition," "main condition," and "crater condition" displays in the condition switching unit 94 by moving the cursor 92 over the display and pressing the operation button. The setting values ​​for the condition corresponding to the selected display are displayed in the current display unit 931 and the voltage display unit 932, respectively. In FIG. 2(b), the selected display is displayed in a different color (shown as stippled lines in FIG. 2(b)). Although the condition switching unit 94 is not displayed on the second screen 9a, the operator can check and change the welding current and welding voltage for each condition on the waveform setting screen by selecting the "waveform setting" tab 91.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows an example of a screen 9 displayed on the display device of the display unit 4. Fig. 3(a) shows an example of a fourth screen (a setting value change screen in expert mode) 9c. Fig. 3(b) shows an example of a third screen (a setting value change screen in simple mode) 9d.

[0039] The fourth screen 9c is displayed by aligning the cursor 92 with one of the display sections 93 on the second screen 9a (see FIG. 2(a)) and pressing the operation button. As shown in FIG. 3(a), on the fourth screen 9c, the display of each display section 93 changes to a lighter color, allowing the setting value of the display section 93 surrounded by the cursor 92 (current display section 931 in FIG. 3(a)) to be changed. The operator changes the setting value by operating the operation means of the operation section 3. Then, by selecting the complete button 96, the operator rewrites the setting value stored in the memory section 6. The operator can also change the setting value of the selected display section 93 by moving the cursor 92 to select another display section 93. The target to be changed can also be changed by selecting each display in the parameter change section 95. The operator can return to the display of the second screen 9a by selecting the back button 97.

[0040] The third screen 9d is displayed by aligning the cursor 92 with one of the display sections 93 on the first screen 9b (see FIG. 2(b)) and pressing the operation button. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the display of each display section 93 on the third screen 9d changes to a lighter color, allowing the setting value of the display section 93 surrounded by the cursor 92 (the current display section 931 in FIG. 3(b)) to be changed. The operator changes the setting value by operating the operation means of the operation unit 3. Then, the operator selects the complete button 96, which rewrites the setting value stored in the memory unit 6. The operator can also change the setting value of the selected display section 93 by moving the cursor 92 to select another display section 93. The operator can also change the setting value of the selected display section 93 by selecting each display in the parameter change section 95. Therefore, the operator can change additional parameters that are not displayed on the first screen 9b when the simple mode is selected by switching to the third screen 9d and selecting each display in the parameter change section 95. In this embodiment, the same parameters as those in the expert mode can be changed even in the simple mode. Alternatively, the additional parameters may include parameters that cannot be changed in the simple mode. The operator can return to the display of the first screen 9b by selecting the back button 97.

[0041] Next, the effects of the welding power supply A1 will be described.

[0042] According to this embodiment, mode switching unit 23 switches between the expert mode and the simple mode in response to an operation by the operator. Display control unit 24 displays first screen 9b (see FIG. 2(b)), on which only essential parameters are displayed, as the parameter display screen in the simple mode. Meanwhile, display control unit 24 displays second screen 9a (see FIG. 2(a)), on which essential parameters and additional parameters are displayed, as the parameter display screen in the expert mode. Therefore, an unskilled worker can easily identify parameters that require adjustment by selecting the simple mode and displaying first screen 9b. In this way, welder A1 has improved operability for an unskilled worker. Meanwhile, an experienced worker can simultaneously check multiple parameters and quickly adjust each parameter by selecting the expert mode and displaying second screen 9a. Thus, welder A1 does not impede operability for an experienced worker.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, even when the simple mode is selected, the same parameters as when the expert mode is selected can be changed, so even when the simple mode is selected, adjustments similar to those when the expert mode is selected are possible.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first screen 9b can switch between displaying the welding current and welding voltage settings for the initial condition, the main condition, and the crater condition, allowing the operator to easily switch between and check the welding current and welding voltage settings for each condition.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the required parameters include the set value of the welding current and the set value of the welding voltage. Therefore, the welding power supply A1 can display the set value of the welding current and the set value of the welding voltage on the parameter display screen regardless of whether the welding power supply A1 is in the simple mode or the expert mode. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the additional parameters include the set value of the thickness of the workpiece, the set value of the length of the arc to be generated, the set value of the arc characteristics, and the set value of the welding wire feed speed. Therefore, the welding power supply A1 can display these set values ​​on the parameter display screen only when the welding power supply A1 is switched to the expert mode.

[0046] Second Embodiment FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a welding power supply A2 according to a second embodiment, and is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a welding system including the welding power supply A2. In FIG. 4, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The welding power supply A2 according to this embodiment differs from the welding power supply A1 according to the first embodiment in that it can be displayed and operated by a remote control device. The configuration and operation of other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0047] The welding power supply A2 according to this embodiment further includes a communication unit 5 and a remote control device 8. The communication unit 5 communicates with the remote control device 8 via a communication line. The communication unit 5 transmits signals input from the control unit 2 to the remote control device 8. The communication unit 5 also outputs signals received from the remote control device 8 to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 transmits a display command to the remote control device 8 via the communication unit 5 instead of (or in addition to) the display unit 4. The control unit 2 also receives an operation signal from the remote control device 8 via the communication unit 5 instead of (or in addition to) receiving an operation signal from the operation unit 3.

[0048] The remote control device 8 is a device for operating the welding power supply A2 and is realized by installing a dedicated program on, for example, a general-purpose tablet terminal. The dedicated program may be downloaded from a server via a communication line or provided in a storage medium such as a USB memory. The remote control device 8 may also be a dedicated device with the dedicated program pre-installed. The remote control device 8 includes a control unit 82, an operation unit 83, a display unit 84, a storage unit 86, and a communication unit 85. The communication unit 85 communicates with the communication unit 5 via a communication line. The control unit 82 outputs display commands received via the communication unit 85 to the display unit 84. In response to the display commands, the display unit 84 displays a parameter display screen, a setting value change screen, or the like on a display device such as an LCD display. The operation unit 83 includes an operation means, such as a touch screen arranged on the LCD display screen, and outputs operation signals input by the operator to the control unit 2. The control unit 82 transmits the operation signals via the communication unit 85. That is, the display unit 84 of the remote control device 8 functions in the same way as the display unit 4, and the operation unit 83 of the remote control device 8 functions in the same way as the operation unit 3.

[0049] Note that communication between communication unit 85 of remote control device 8 and communication unit 5 of welding power supply A2 is not limited to wireless communication and may be wired communication. Furthermore, remote control device 8 may be a so-called remote control connected to welding power supply A2 by a cable.

[0050] In this embodiment, mode switching unit 23 also switches between expert mode and simple mode in response to an operator's operation. Display control unit 24 displays first screen 9b as the parameter display screen in simple mode and second screen 9a as the parameter display screen in expert mode. Therefore, welding power supply A2 improves operability for those unskilled in the work, while not impairing operability for skilled operators. Furthermore, welding power supply A2, by sharing a configuration with welding power supply A1, achieves the same effects as welding power supply A1. As can be seen from this embodiment, the locations of the display device and operating means are not limited to the housing of the welding power supply main body.

[0051] In the first and second embodiments, the present invention has been described as being applied to a welding power supply, but is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to thermal processing power supply devices for processes other than welding. For example, the present invention can be applied to thermal processing power supply devices that supply power to a plasma cutting system that generates plasma at the tip of a torch to cut a workpiece W, or an air arc gouging system that digs grooves by using the heat of an arc generated at the tip of a torch and a jet of compressed air.

[0052] The thermal processing power supply device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part of the thermal processing power supply device according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] A1-A2: welding power supply, 1: power conversion unit, 2: control unit, 23: mode switching unit, 24: display control unit, 4: display unit, 9a: second screen, 9b: first screen

Claims

1. a power conversion unit that converts input power into power for thermal processing; a control unit that controls the power conversion unit; a display unit having a display device and displaying information on a screen of the display device; Equipped with The control unit a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a parameter display screen on which a plurality of parameters related to thermal processing are arranged; a mode switching unit that switches between a first mode and a second mode; Equipped with the plurality of parameters includes a plurality of required parameters and a plurality of additional parameters; The display control unit When the first mode is selected, a first screen on which only the plurality of essential parameters are arranged is displayed as the parameter display screen; When the second mode is selected, a second screen on which the plurality of essential parameters and the plurality of additional parameters are arranged is displayed as the parameter display screen. Power supply for thermal processing.

2. Any of the plurality of parameters may be changed in either the first mode or the second mode. The power supply device for thermal processing according to claim 1.

3. The first screen can switch between and display a plurality of essential parameters for each of the initial stage, main processing stage, and final stage of thermal processing. The power supply device for thermal processing according to claim 1.

4. In a configuration in which welding is performed using the tip of a welding wire as an electrode, the plurality of required parameters include a set value of a welding voltage and a set value of a welding current output by the power conversion unit; the plurality of additional parameters include a set value for a thickness of a workpiece, a set value for a length of an arc to be generated, a set value for arc characteristics, and a set value for a feed speed of the welding wire; 4. The power supply device for thermal processing according to claim 1.

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