Welding torch

Abstract

To meet user demands for different specifications while suppressing cost increase in a welding torch used in a semi-automatic arc welding apparatus.SOLUTION: A welding torch 100 comprises a torch main body 110, a torch holder 130, an operation switch 140, and a guard member 200. The torch holder 130 houses a part of the torch main body 110 and is gripped by an operator. The operation switch 140 is disposed on the torch holder 130 and is operated by the operator when welding is started. The guard member 200 is detachably provided in the vicinity of the operation switch 140 on the torch holder 130. When the guard member 200 is attached to the torch holder 130, in an operation direction of the operation switch 140, a distance from a reference surface 135 of the torch holder 130 to a protruding end 230 of the guard member 200 is equal to or greater than a distance from the reference surface 135 to the protruding end 230 of the operation switch 140.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a welding torch, and more particularly to a technique for preventing malfunction of a welding torch that is held and operated by a welding worker during welding. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-246528 (Patent Document 1) discloses a semi-automatic arc welding device in which a welding worker holds and operates a welding torch in his / her hand during welding, in which a lock lever is provided on the welding torch to prevent the operation switch of the welding torch from being accidentally operated when welding is not being performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-246528 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the welding torch disclosed in JP 2008-246528 A (Patent Document 1), when the lock lever is positioned vertically, the operation of the operating lever is restricted by a protrusion on the lock lever, thereby preventing the operating switch of the welding torch from being operated accidentally.

[0005] On the other hand, some experienced welders may wish to continue using welding torches with the conventional configuration. In such cases, changing the welding torch to suit the welder's preferences requires replacing the entire torch holder of the welding torch. This requires the user to prepare torch holders that are compatible with both specifications individually, which can incur additional costs. Furthermore, welding torch manufacturers may need to manufacture torch holders with different specifications, which can increase production costs.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to respond to user demands for different specifications for torch holders for welding torches used in semi-automatic arc welding devices while suppressing cost increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A welding torch according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a torch body, a torch holder, an operation switch, and a guard member. The torch holder accommodates a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator. The operation switch is disposed on the torch holder and is operated by the operator to start welding. The guard member is configured to be detachable from the torch holder near the operation switch. When the guard member is attached to the torch holder, the distance from a reference surface of the torch holder to a protruding end of the guard member in the operation direction of the operation switch is equal to or greater than the distance from the reference surface to the protruding end of the operation switch.

[0008] A welding torch according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a torch body, a torch holder, an operation switch, and a guard member. The torch holder accommodates a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator. The operation switch is disposed on the torch holder and is operated by the operator when starting welding. The guard member is configured to be detachable from the torch holder near the operation switch. When the guard member is attached to the torch holder, the distance from the reference surface of the torch holder to the protruding end of the guard member in the operation direction of the operation switch is equal to or greater than the stroke of the operation switch moving from a non-operated state to the start of welding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the welding torch according to the present disclosure, the guard member for preventing malfunction of the switch is detachable from the torch holder. Therefore, even when changing to a conventional configuration, it is possible to change only the guard member without changing the entire torch holder. This allows for responding to user requests for different torch holder specifications while suppressing cost increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of an entire semi-automatic arc welding device in which a welding torch according to a first embodiment is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the welding torch of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the welding torch of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the state in which the guard member is attached to the torch holder. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the guard member is removed from the torch holder. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a state in which an auxiliary member is attached to a torch holder instead of a guard member. [Figure 7] 10 is a view for explaining a method for fixing a guard member in a welding torch according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] (Configuration of semi-automatic arc welding equipment) 1 is a schematic diagram of an entire semi-automatic arc welding apparatus 10 that uses a welding torch 100 according to embodiment 1. In addition to welding torch 100, semi-automatic arc welding apparatus 10 includes a power supply unit 20 for welding, a gas cylinder 30, a wire feeder 40, and a remote control box 50 for operation.

[0013] Wire feeder 40 is equipped with wire reel 41. Wire feeder 40 feeds the welding wire wound around wire reel 41 to welding torch 100.

[0014] Welding torch 100 is held by a welding operator. As will be described later with reference to Figure 2, welding torch 100 is provided with an operation switch 140 that is operated by the operator. The operator starts and stops welding by operating operation switch 140.

[0015] Power supply device 20 is connected to an external power supply system 60 and supplies power for welding to a welding wire fed to welding torch 100. The welding current and welding voltage for welding can be set by remote control box 50. Power supply device 20 is also connected to workpiece 70, which is connected to ground potential. When an operator operates welding torch 100 to supply power to the welding wire in welding torch 100 that is brought close to workpiece 70, an arc is generated between welding torch 100 and workpiece 70, and welding is performed.

[0016] Gas cylinder 30 stores an insulating shielding gas. The shielding gas is supplied from welding torch 100 to the periphery of the welding wire during welding. This shielding gas prevents the arc generated between the welding wire and workpiece 70 from diffusing to the surroundings, allowing the arc to be directed toward workpiece 70.

[0017] (Detailed configuration of welding torch) Next, the detailed configuration of welding torch 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view of welding torch 100, and Figure 3 is a side view of welding torch 100.

[0018] 2 and 3, welding torch 100 includes a torch body 110, a nozzle 120, a torch holder 130, an operation switch 140, a power cable 150, and a guard member 200.

[0019] A nozzle 120 is attached to one end of the torch body 110, and a power cable 150 is connected to the other end. A welding wire from a wire feeder 40 and a shielding gas from a gas cylinder 30 are supplied into the power cable 150. The welding wire passes through the center of the torch body 110 and is fed to the nozzle 120. The shielding gas is emitted from the nozzle 120.

[0020] Torch holder 130 includes two holder portions 130A and 130B that are symmetrical to each other. Holder portions 130A and 130B are elongated along the extension direction of torch body 110 and power cable 150, and are secured with fastening members such as bolts while sandwiching torch body 110 and power cable 150. This allows a portion of torch body 110 to be housed within torch holder 130. When welding, the operator grips torch holder 130 by grip portion 132, which is partially tapered.

[0021] Operation switch 140 is provided on torch holder 130 at a position closer to nozzle 120 than grip portion 132. When an operator operates operation switch 140 while holding torch holder 130 to turn it ON, welding wire is fed to welding torch 100, and power and shielding gas are supplied, thereby starting welding. When the operator stops operating operation switch 140 and turns it OFF, welding stops.

[0022] Guard member 200 is disposed in the area between grip portion 132 and operation switch 140. Guard member 200 is a member provided to prevent operation switch 140 from being accidentally turned on due to an object coming into contact with operation switch 140 when an operator places welding torch 100 on the floor or the like.

[0023] In the following description, the extension direction of elongated torch holder 130 is referred to as the X-axis direction, the direction from holder part 130B toward holder part 130A is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction in which operation switch 140 is arranged on torch holder 130 is referred to as the Z-axis direction. Note that the positive direction of the Z-axis may also be referred to as the upward direction, and the negative direction of the Z-axis may also be referred to as the downward direction.

[0024] Next, the attachment of guard member 200 to torch holder 130 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The bottom part of Figure 4 and Figure 5 are enlarged views of guard member 200 and its surrounding area with holder part 130B of torch holder 130 removed.

[0025] When guard member 200 is fixed to torch holder 130, it has a first portion 210 located inside torch holder 130, and a second portion 220 located outside torch holder 130. First portion 210 of guard member 200 protrudes upward from the connection portion with second portion 220 and has a generally wedge shape with the upper side larger in dimension than the lower side. Second portion 220 of guard member 200 has a generally quadrangular pyramid shape extending downward from the connection portion with first portion 210.

[0026] Each of holder parts 130A and 130B has a wedge-shaped opening 131 formed therein that corresponds to the shape of first part 210 of guard member 200. By joining holder parts 130A and 130B together with first part 210 engaged in opening 131, guard member 200 is fixed to torch holder 130 without using any fastening members. In other words, guard member 200 can be detached from torch holder 130 by disassembling torch holder 130.

[0027] When guard member 200 is fixed to torch holder 130, the distance (projection length L1) from the lower end face (reference plane 135) of holder portion 130A to projecting end 230 of second portion 220 in the operation direction (i.e., downward) of operation switch 140 is equal to or greater than the distance (projection length L2) from reference plane 135 to projecting end 141 on the lower side of operation switch 140 (L1≧L2). By setting projection length L1 of guard member 200 from torch holder 130 to this dimension, it is possible to prevent other objects from coming into contact with operation switch 140 when torch holder 130 is placed on the floor, etc. This prevents operation switch 140 from being accidentally turned on and unintentionally starting welding.

[0028] Note that the protruding length L1 of the guard member 200 may be equal to or greater than the stroke amount ST that the operation switch 140 moves from the non-operated state to the ON state (i.e., until welding starts). Even in this case, even if another object comes into contact with the operation switch 140, the guard member 200 can prevent the operation switch 140 from being turned ON, thereby preventing unintended welding.

[0029] Although providing a guard member on the torch holder as described above can prevent unintentional welding, some experienced welding operators who are accustomed to welding torches without the guard member may wish to continue using the conventional welding torch. In such cases, if a torch holder with an integral guard member is used, the entire torch holder must be replaced to accommodate the operator's preferences. This requires the user to separately prepare torch holders compatible with both specifications, which can incur additional costs. Furthermore, welding torch manufacturers must manufacture torch holders with different specifications, which can increase production costs.

[0030] On the other hand, as in welding torch 100 of embodiment 1, guard member 200 is formed separately from torch holder 130 using a different material, and guard member 200 is configured to be detachable from torch holder 130. This allows a common torch holder to be used for two specifications, and allows for easy specification changes. Furthermore, the parts to be replaced can be made smaller than when the entire torch holder is replaced. This reduces inventory costs for users and manufacturing costs for manufacturers.

[0031] In the case of a specification that does not use guard member 200, it is possible to perform work with guard member 200 removed from torch holder 130, but as in welding torch 100X in Figure 6, instead of guard member 200, an auxiliary member 250 that protrudes from reference plane 135 to a shorter length than operation switch 140 may be attached to torch holder 130.

[0032] Similar to guard member 200, auxiliary member 250 has a first portion 260 located inside torch holder 130 when fixed to torch holder 130, and a second portion 270 located outside torch holder 130. Like first portion 210 of guard member 200, first portion 260 of auxiliary member 250 has a generally wedge shape. With first portion 260 engaged with openings 131 of holder portions 130A and 130B, auxiliary member 250 is fixed to torch holder 130 by joining holder portions 130A and 130B.

[0033] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the guard member can be attached to and detached from the torch holder without disassembling the torch holder.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for fixing guard member 200A in welding torch 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0035] In guard member 200A of welding torch 100A, first portion 210A located inside torch holder 130 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. This allows first portion 210A to be inserted into opening 131 formed in holder portions 130A and 130B while holder portions 130A and 130B are joined together. However, in this case, guard member 200A cannot be fixed to torch holder 130 as is, so guard member 200A is fixed to torch holder 130 using fastening member 160 such as a bolt.

[0036] Even in the case of such a fixing method, by forming the guard member separately from a material different from the torch holder, it is possible to easily change the specifications to suit the worker's preferences and reduce costs for the user and manufacturer.

[0037] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0038] (Item 1) A welding torch according to one aspect includes a torch body, a torch holder, an operation switch, and a guard member. The torch holder houses a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator. The operation switch is disposed on the torch holder and is operated by the operator when starting welding. The guard member is configured to be detachable from the torch holder near the operation switch. When the guard member is attached to the torch holder, the distance from the reference surface of the torch holder to the protruding end of the guard member in the operation direction of the operation switch is equal to or greater than the distance from the reference surface to the protruding end of the operation switch.

[0039] (Item 2) A welding torch according to one aspect includes a torch body, a torch holder, an operation switch, and a guard member. The torch holder houses a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator. The operation switch is disposed on the torch holder and is operated by the operator when starting welding. The guard member is configured to be detachable from the torch holder near the operation switch. When the guard member is attached to the torch holder, the distance from the reference surface of the torch holder to the protruding end of the guard member in the operation direction of the operation switch is equal to or greater than the stroke of the operation switch moving from a non-operated state to the start of welding.

[0040] (Item 3) In the welding torch described in items 1 or 2, the torch holder includes a first holder part and a second holder part configured to sandwich the torch body. The guard member is fixed to the torch holder by being sandwiched between the first holder part and the second holder part.

[0041] (Item 4) In the welding torch described in item 3, the guard member includes a first portion located inside the torch holder when fixed to the torch holder, and a second portion located outside the torch holder. The first portion has a wedge shape.

[0042] (Item 5) In the welding torch described in item 4, the first holder part and the second holder part each have an opening formed therein having a shape corresponding to the first portion. The guard member is fixed to the torch holder by engaging the first portion with the opening of each holder part.

[0043] (Item 6) In the welding torch described in item 3, the guard member includes a first portion located inside the torch holder when fixed to the torch holder, and a second portion located outside the torch holder. The welding torch further includes a fastening member for fastening the first portion to the torch holder.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 10 semi-automatic arc welding device, 20 power supply, 30 gas cylinder, 40 wire feeder, 41 wire reel, 50 remote control box, 60 system power supply, 70 workpiece, 100, 100A, 100X welding torch, 110 torch body, 120 nozzle, 130 torch holder, 130A, 130B holder part, 131 opening, 132 grip part, 135 reference surface, 140 operation switch, 141, 230 protruding end, 150 power cable, 160 fastening member, 200, 200A guard member, 210, 210A, 260 first part, 220, 270 second part, 250 auxiliary member.

Claims

1. The torch body, a torch holder that accommodates a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator; an operation switch disposed on the torch holder and operated by an operator when starting welding; a guard member configured to be detachable in the vicinity of the operation switch in the torch holder, A welding torch wherein, when the guard member is attached to the torch holder, in the operating direction of the operation switch, the distance from the reference surface of the torch holder to the protruding end of the guard member is equal to or greater than the distance from the reference surface to the protruding end of the operation switch.

2. The torch body, a torch holder that accommodates a portion of the torch body and is held by an operator; an operation switch disposed on the torch holder and operated by an operator when starting welding; a guard member configured to be detachable in the vicinity of the operation switch in the torch holder, A welding torch in which, when the guard member is attached to the torch holder, the distance from the reference surface of the torch holder to the protruding end of the guard member in the operating direction of the operation switch is equal to or greater than the stroke amount that the operation switch moves from a non-operated state to the start of welding.

3. the torch holder includes a first holder portion and a second holder portion configured to sandwich the torch body, 3. The welding torch according to claim 1, wherein the guard member is fixed to the torch holder by being sandwiched between the first holder part and the second holder part.

4. the guard member includes a first portion located inside the torch holder when fixed to the torch holder, and a second portion located outside the torch holder, The welding torch of claim 3 , wherein the first portion has a wedge shape.

5. an opening having a shape corresponding to the first portion is formed in each of the first holder portion and the second holder portion; The welding torch of claim 4 , wherein the guard member is secured to the torch holder by engaging the first portion with the opening in each holder portion.

6. the guard member includes a first portion located inside the torch holder when fixed to the torch holder, and a second portion located outside the torch holder, The welding torch of claim 3 , further comprising a fastener for securing the first portion to the torch holder.

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