Electrofusion device

Abstract

To provide an electrofusion device capable of applying an amount of electric power required to fuse a joint.SOLUTION: An electrofusion device 1 includes: a reading unit 11 that reads a fusion code 109 including fusion information specifying a fusion voltage V, a fusion time T, and a fusion resistance value R required to fuse a joint 105; a measurement unit 12 that measures a battery voltage V' output from a secondary battery 36; a fusion power supply unit 22 that applies a voltage; a storage unit 14 in which a maximum current I' that can be output by the secondary battery and a power conversion efficiency η of the fusion power supply unit are stored; and a control unit that controls the fusion power supply unit. The control unit calculates a required power W based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R, calculates a battery power Wb based on the battery voltage V' and the maximum current I', and, when the required power W exceeds a value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, causes the fusion power supply unit to reduce an output voltage V to an output voltage Va expressed by a mathematical formula and apply it for a converted time T' expressed by a mathematical formula.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrofusion apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, polyethylene pipes (PE pipes) have been used for a wide range of purposes, including water supply and distribution applications such as water mains, outdoor buried piping, and water supply pipes within buildings, as well as fire extinguishing equipment, air conditioning equipment, plant piping, and sewerage piping. Electric fusion (EF fusion) is used as a joining method for these PE pipes. In electric fusion, an electric current output from a dedicated power supply (electric fusion device) is passed through an electric heating wire embedded inside the joint, causing the resin of the joint and pipe to melt due to Joule heat, and the joint is then joined by being compressed using the internal pressure of the resin, which is then cooled.

[0003] The input power control method used during fusion is a "constant voltage time control method" that reads the voltage and resistance recorded on a barcode attached to the joint and controls the fusion time. The input power source for electric fusion devices is typically an existing power source, a temporary power source, or a generator, but in places where the voltage is unstable or where power sources are limited, there are problems such as not being able to secure power or not being able to supply the power required for fusion. Therefore, development is underway to deal with sudden voltage fluctuations at construction sites and to develop fusion splicers that are battery (secondary battery) driven (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-128067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, battery-powered electrofusion devices have the following problems (1) and (2). (1) Generally, commercially available batteries are distributed as single cells or assembled batteries made up of assembled cells, and assembled batteries are often used when large amounts of power are required. (2) The more cells in a battery pack, the larger its capacity and current output will be, but the larger it will be, and the heavier the battery will be.

[0006] In an electrofusion device, the weight of the tool also has a significant impact on the ease of use. Therefore, for a battery-powered electrofusion device, it is preferable to select a battery that is as light as possible, taking portability into consideration. This makes it difficult to weld large diameter joints with a battery-powered electrofusion device.

[0007] For example, the fitting has a bar code (fusion code) attached to it that contains fusion information that identifies the fusion voltage and fusion time required to apply the amount of power required to fuse the fitting. An electric fusion device applies a fusion voltage to fuse a joint, but the power that can be supplied from the battery may not be enough to fuse the joint. Even if there is no shortage at the start of fusion, the battery voltage decreases as the battery is used during fusion, and the battery power may run out halfway through fusion.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an electric fusion device that can apply the amount of power required to fuse a joint, even if the power required for fusion exceeds the power that can be supplied from a secondary battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. (1) Aspect 1 of the present invention is an electrofusion apparatus comprising: a reading unit that reads a fusion code containing fusion information that specifies the fusion voltage V, fusion time T, and fusion resistance value R required to weld a joint; a measuring unit that measures the battery voltage V' output from a secondary battery; a fusing power supply unit that applies a voltage; a memory unit that stores the maximum current I' that the secondary battery can output and the power conversion efficiency η of the fusing power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the fusing power supply unit, wherein the control unit calculates the required power W based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R, calculates the battery power Wb based on the battery voltage V' and the maximum current I', and when the required power W exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, the fusing power supply unit reduces the fusion voltage V to an output voltage Va expressed by equation (1) so that the required power W does not exceed this value, and applies the fusion voltage V for a conversion time T' expressed by equation (2) so that the amount of power required for fusion does not change. Va = √(Wb × η × R) (1) T'=(V / Va) 2 ×T ··(2)

[0010] In this invention, the fusion code is read by a reader to identify the fusion voltage V, fusion time T, and fusion resistance value R required to weld the joint. The measurement unit measures the battery voltage V' output from the secondary battery. The memory unit stores the maximum current I' that the secondary battery can output and the power conversion efficiency η of the fusing power source. The control unit then calculates the required power W based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R, and the battery power Wb based on the battery voltage V' and the maximum current I'. Furthermore, when the required power W exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, the control unit reduces the output voltage of the fusing power source to an output voltage Va expressed by equation (1) so that the required power W does not exceed this value, and applies the output voltage Va for a conversion time T' expressed by equation (2) so that the amount of power required for fusion does not change. Even when the output voltage Va is applied in this way, the fusing power source outputs the amount of power required to weld the joint. Therefore, even when the battery power Wb is relatively low, such that the required power W for welding exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb that can be supplied from the secondary battery by the power conversion efficiency η, the amount of power required to weld the joint can be applied.

[0011] (2) A second aspect of the present invention may be the electro-fusion apparatus according to (1), wherein the converted time T' has an upper limit of 1.1 times the reference time T'' expressed by the formula (3). T''=(V / V') 2 ×T ··(3) In this invention, even if heat is dissipated from the joint due to the outside temperature, the joint can be fused more reliably.

[0012] (3) Aspect 3 of the present invention may be an electrofusion apparatus as described in (1) or (2), which displays a warning when the converted time T' exceeds 1.1 times the reference time T'' expressed by equation (4). T''=(V / V') 2 ×T ··(4) In this invention, when the converted time T' becomes relatively long, a warning can be visually recognized by the user of the electrofusion device.

[0013] (4) Aspect 4 of the present invention may be an electrofusion device as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit is switchable between a first control mode in which the fusing power source unit reduces the output voltage to Va and applies the converted time T', and a second control mode in which the fusing power source unit applies the predetermined fusing voltage V specified in the fusion code for the fusion time T, and the memory unit stores information for selecting the first control mode and the second control mode. In this invention, the information for selecting the control mode can be identified based on the storage in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The electro-fusion device of the present invention can apply the amount of power required to fuse the joint even if the power required for fusion exceeds the power that can be supplied from the secondary battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a fusion control device in an electrofusion apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electrofusion device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication device of the electrofusion apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a battery charger for charging a battery pack. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electrofusion apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fusion code read by an electrofusion device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the main parts of an electrofusion apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of an electrofusion apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The electrofusion apparatus 1 of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used to join two pipes 100 together via a joint 105, for example. The pipe 100 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene resin. The shape of the joint is not limited. The joint 105 shown in Fig. 2 is, for example, a socket-shaped joint with two sockets. However, the joint 105 may also be a cheese-shaped joint with three sockets. The joint 105 includes a joint body 106, an electric wire (not shown), and two terminals 107.

[0017] The joint body 106 is formed in a cylindrical shape from the same material as the pipe 100. A locking portion 106a is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the joint body 106 at the center in the axial direction of the joint body 106. The locking portion 106a is annular and is disposed coaxially with the joint body 106. In the joint body 106, both ends in the axial direction, sandwiching the locking portion 106a, form sockets. A fusion code 109, such as a bar code (hereinafter also referred to as BC), is provided on the outer surface of the joint body 106. The fusion code 109 includes fusion information. For example, the fusion information specifies the fusion voltage V (V: volts), the fusion resistance R (Ω: ohms; joint resistance), and the fusion time T (s: seconds). The fusion voltage V is the voltage required to fuse one joint 105. The fusion resistance R is the electrical resistance of the wire in one joint 105. The fusion time T is the time required to fuse one joint 105. In this example, the fusion voltage V and the fusion time T are the conditions required to fuse two pipes 100 to one joint 105.

[0018] The fusion code may be a QR code (registered trademark), an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag, etc. provided on the joint body 106, or a barcode, QR code, etc. shown on a mobile terminal, paper, label, etc. corresponding to the joint 105.

[0019] The electric wire is embedded in the joint body 106. The electric wire heats the joint body 106. Two terminals 107 are provided on the outer surface of the joint body 106. The two terminals 107 are respectively connected to the ends of electric wires. In the joint 105 configured as above, the ends of the pipe 100 are placed inside each end of the joint body 106 .

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrofusion device 1 includes a fusion control device 10 and a communication device 45. As shown in Figure 2, the fusion control device 10 includes a main reading unit (reading unit) 11, a measurement unit 12, a memory unit (recording unit) 14, a main input unit 16, a main display unit 17, a wireless communication unit 20, a main power supply unit 21, a fusion power supply unit 22, a main control unit (control unit) 23, and a battery pack 24. In the following, the battery pack 24 will be first described.

[0021] The battery pack 24 includes a case 35, a secondary battery 36, and a battery connection terminal 38. The case 35 has a predetermined shape that can accommodate the secondary battery 36 . The secondary battery 36 is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The battery connection terminal is made of, for example, a conductive metal, and is fixed to the outer surface of the case 35. The battery connection terminal is connected to the secondary battery . The battery voltage V' (V) output from the secondary battery 36 decreases as the secondary battery 36 is used. The battery voltage V' increases when the secondary battery 36 is charged. The battery pack 24 may be composed of only the secondary battery 36.

[0022] The main reading unit 11 includes, for example, a known optical reading device. The main reading unit 11 reads the fusion code 109 provided on the joint 105. The measuring unit 12 measures the battery voltage V′ output from the secondary battery 36 of the battery pack 24 . The memory unit 14 stores the maximum current I', the power conversion efficiency η of the fusible power source unit 22, the type of control mode described below, and the like. The maximum current I' is the maximum value of the current that can be output from the secondary battery 36. The control mode is a control method using the fusible power source unit 22, in which a predetermined voltage is applied by the fusible power source unit 22 for a predetermined time.

[0023] The main input unit 16 has buttons and the like (not shown). A user of the electrofusion apparatus 1 operates the main input unit 16 to input information. The main display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and performs display. The wireless communication unit 20 performs wireless communication with the outside. The main power supply unit 21 supplies control power from the secondary battery 36 of the battery pack 24 to the main reading unit 11, measurement unit 12, memory unit 14, main input unit 16, main display unit 17, wireless communication unit 20, melting power supply unit 22, main control unit 23, etc. In this embodiment, although not shown, a plug is connected to the main power supply unit 21 via an AC / DC converter and a cable. By connecting the plug to an AC 100V outlet, power can be supplied directly to the main power supply unit 21. The electrofusion apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to include the AC / DC converter, the cable, and the plug.

[0024] A first end of a cable 27 is connected to the fusible power supply unit 22. Two output connectors 28 are provided at a second end of the cable 27 opposite the first end. The two output connectors 28 are detachably connected to two terminals 107 of the joint 105. The fused power supply unit 22 applies a voltage between two output connectors 28 via a cable 27 .

[0025] Although not shown, the main control unit 23 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc. The main control unit 23 is connected to the main reading unit 11, the measurement unit 12, the memory unit 14, the main input unit 16, the main display unit 17, the wireless communication unit 20, and the melting power source unit 22. The main control unit 23 controls the memory unit 14, the main display unit 17, the wireless communication unit 20, and the melting power source unit 22. The main control unit 23 calculates the required power (fusion power) W (W: watts) based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R. Specifically, the main control unit 23 calculates the required power W from equation (5). W=V 2 / R ··(5) Furthermore, the main control unit 23 calculates the battery power (maximum output power of the secondary battery 36) Wb (W) based on the battery voltage V' and the maximum current I'. Specifically, the main control unit 23 calculates the battery power Wb from equation (6). Wb = V' × I' (6)

[0026] The main control unit 23 has a normal mode (second control mode), a time-saving mode, and a battery-saving mode (power-saving mode, first control mode) as control modes for applying voltage from the melting power source unit 22. The normal mode, the time-saving mode, and the battery-saving mode are types of control modes. The main control unit 23 can be switched between the normal mode, the time-saving mode, and the battery-saving mode.

[0027] When the required power W read by the main reading unit 11 is equal to or less than the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, the normal mode can be set as the control mode. When the control mode is the normal mode, the main control unit 23 applies an output voltage V from the fusion power source unit 22 for the fusion time T. In this case, since the resistance value of the electric wire of the joint 105 is the fusion resistance value R, the joint 105 is supplied with an amount of electric power E (J: joules) expressed by equation (10) from the battery pack 24 (secondary battery 36).

[0028]

number

[0029] where η is the output efficiency of the electric fusion device 1 and takes a value greater than 0 and less than 1. Here, (W=V 2 / R) (W(J) is the required power), equation (10) can be expressed as equation (11).

[0030] When the required power W is less than the battery power Wb multiplied by the power conversion efficiency η (W / (Wb×η)<1), the time-saving mode can be set as the control mode. When the control mode is the time-saving mode, the main control unit 23 applies the output voltage Va (V) expressed by the formula (15-1) through the melting power source unit 22 for the conversion time T' (s) expressed by the formula (15). T'=(V / Va) 2 ×T ··(15) Va = √(Wb × η × R) (15-1) Here, the reference time T'' expressed by equation (15-2) is defined. T''=(V / V') 2×T ··(15-2) In this case, it can be seen from equation (16) that even in the time-saving mode, the same amount of power E as in the normal mode is supplied.

[0031]

Number

[0032] The converted time T' is shorter than the fusion time T, and one joint 105 can be fused in a relatively short time. Note that the converted time T' in the time-saving mode may be limited to 0.8 times the fusion time T.

[0033] When the required power W exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η (1 < W / (Wb × η)), the battery care mode can be performed as the control mode. When the control mode is the battery care mode, the main control unit 23 applies the output voltage Va for the converted time T' represented by equation (15) so that the amount of power required for fusing the joint 105 does not change. The converted time T' becomes longer than the fusion time T. The converted time T' may be the reference time T''. When the converted time T' is the reference time T'', it can be seen from equation (16) that even in the battery care mode, the same amount of power E as in the normal mode is supplied so that the amount of power required for fusing the joint 105 does not change. Here, let (Wb’ = Va 2 / R) (Wb’ (J) is the corrected battery power), and equation (16) is expressed as equation (17).

[0034]

Number

[0035] Note that in the battery care mode, it is preferably controlled so that (0.85 ≦ Wb’ / W). In this case, (0.92 ≦ Va / V). It is desirable that the converted time T' be 1.1 times the reference time T'' or less. In other words, it is desirable that the upper limit of the converted time T' be 1.1 times the reference time T''. The main control unit 23 calculates the corrected battery power Wb'.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring unit 12 and other components are housed in a case 30. A battery connection terminal 31 is fixed to the case 30. The part of the case 30 to which the battery connection terminal 31 is fixed is provided with a battery storage section 30a to which the battery pack 24 is detachably attached (see also FIG. 1). The battery connection terminal 31 is connected to the main power supply unit 21, the melting power supply unit 22, and the like.

[0037] When the battery pack 24 is attached to the battery storage portion 30 a of the case 30 , the battery connection terminal 38 of the battery pack 24 is connected to the battery connection terminal 31 .

[0038] Next, the communication device 45 will be described. The communication device 45 is configured using a computer such as a high-performance mobile phone, a so-called smartphone, etc. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication device 45 includes a communication display input unit 46, a communication reading unit (reading unit) 47, a wireless communication unit 48, and a communication control unit 49. The communication display input unit 46 has a communication input unit 46a and a communication display unit 46b. The communication input unit 46a is, for example, a touch panel. A user operates the communication input unit 46a to input information. The communication display unit 46b is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information. The communication input unit 46a and the communication display unit 46b are arranged so as to overlap each other, constituting the communication input unit 46.

[0039] The communication reading unit 47 includes a known optical reading device and reads the fusion code 109 provided on the joint 105. The wireless communication unit 48 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication unit 20 of the fusion control device 10 via a communication network NW (see FIG. 2), or performs wireless communication directly with the wireless communication unit 20. The communication control unit 49 is connected to the communication display input unit 46 , the communication reading unit 47 and the wireless communication unit 48 , and controls the communication display input unit 46 and the wireless communication unit 48 .

[0040] 4 shows a battery charger 55 for charging the battery pack 24. The battery charger 55 has a device main body 56 and a plug 58 connected to the device main body 56 via a cable 57. Device main body 56 has an AC / DC converter (not shown) and electrical contacts. The AC / DC converter is connected to cable 57. For example, the AC / DC converter converts AC commercial power input from plug 58 into DC power. The converted power is output to the electrical contacts. When the battery pack 24 is attached to the device body 56 of the battery charger 55 , the battery connection terminals 38 of the battery pack 24 are connected to the electrical contacts of the device body 56 .

[0041] In the battery-care mode, when the converted time T' exceeds 1.1 times the reference time T'', the main control unit 23 may display a warning on at least one of the main display unit 17 and the communication display unit 46b. This warning may be given by sound, vibration, or the like.

[0042] Next, the operation of the electro-fusion apparatus 1 configured as above will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the electro-fusion apparatus 1. The battery pack 24, which has been charged in advance by the battery charger 55, is attached to the battery storage section 30a of the fusion control device 10. For example, by operating the communication input section 46 of the communication device 45, the maximum current I' based on the specifications of the secondary battery 36 and the power conversion efficiency η of the fusion power source section 22 are stored in the memory section 14 of the fusion control device 10. In this example, the plug of the fusion control device 10 is not connected to an outlet due to the usage environment of the electrofusion apparatus 1. Two pipes 100 are inserted into the joint body 106 of the joint 105, and two output connectors 28 of the fusion control device 10 are connected to two terminals 107 of one joint 105.

[0043] First, in step S10 shown in FIG. 5, the user operates, for example, the communication display input unit 46 of the communication device 45 to turn on the power of the electrofusion apparatus 1 (start up the electrofusion apparatus 1). Next, in step S11, the main control unit 23 displays a message such as "Please select the control mode from normal mode, time-saving mode, or battery-saving mode" on the communication display input unit 46. The user operates the communication display input unit 46 to select, for example, normal mode as the control mode. Note that this display may also be displayed on the main display unit 17 of the fusion control device 10. Next, in step S12, the communication reading unit 47 of the communication device 45 reads the fusion code 109, which is a bar code (BC), of the joint 105. At this time, the fusion code 109 may be read by the main reading unit 11 of the fusion control device 10.

[0044] Next, in step S13, the main control unit 23 calculates the required power W and the battery power Wb from equations (5) and (6). Next, in step S14, the main control unit 23 determines the type of control mode. If the control mode is the normal mode, the process proceeds to step S20. Similarly, if the control mode is the time-saving mode, the process proceeds to step S30, and if the control mode is the battery-saving mode, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0045] In step S20, it is determined whether the battery power Wb is smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η (W<(Wb×η)), where Wb is calculated using the formula (V′×I′). The condition in step S20 may be "whether the required power W calculated from the fusion voltage V and fusion resistance value R read from the fusion code 109 is smaller than the maximum output power (battery power Wb, etc.) of the AC power source or secondary battery 36." If (W<(Wb×η)), the answer is YES, and the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if ((Wb×η)≦W), the answer is NO, and the process proceeds to step S22.

[0046] In step S21, the main control unit 23 applies the output voltage V from the fusion power supply unit 22 for the fusion time T. Two pipes 100 are fused to one joint 105. In step S21, the communication display input unit 46 may display the remaining time required for fusion decreasing from the fusion time T to 0 (s). When step S21 ends, the operation of the electrofusion apparatus 1 ends. In step S22, it is determined whether the electrofusion apparatus 1 is battery-powered, i.e., whether the plug of the communication device 45 is connected to an outlet. If the plug is not connected to an outlet, the result is YES, and the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the plug is connected to an outlet, the result is NO, and the process proceeds to step S24.

[0047] In step S23, for example, the main control unit 23 displays "Please select the battery-saving mode as the control mode" on the communication display input unit 46, and then the process proceeds to step S11. In step S24, the main control unit 23 displays an error message on the communication display input unit 46, and terminates the operation of the electrofusion apparatus 1.

[0048] In step S30, which is performed when the control mode is the time-shortening mode, the main control unit 23 corrects the voltage. Specifically, in step S31, it is determined whether the required power W and the corrected battery power Wb' satisfy the condition (Wb' / W≦1.15). If this condition is satisfied, the answer is YES, and the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if this condition is not satisfied, the answer is NO, and the process proceeds to step S33.

[0049] In step S32, the fusion time T is corrected to a converted time T' so that the time is shortened, and the main control unit 23 causes the fusion power source unit 22 to apply the output voltage Va for the converted time T' expressed by equation (15). Two pipes 100 are fused to one joint 105. When step S32 is completed, the operation of the electrofusion apparatus 1 is completed. In step S33, if it is determined that the time cannot be shortened, for example, the main control unit 23 displays "Please select the normal mode or the battery care mode as the control mode." on the communication display input unit 46 and proceeds to step S11.

[0050] In step S40, which is the step to proceed when the control mode is the battery care mode, it is determined whether the required power W is less than the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η (W < Wb×η). If (W < (Wb×η)), it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if (W < (Wb×η)) is not satisfied, it is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step S42. In step S41, since the required power W is less than the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η (the battery power Wb is greater than the required power W), welding is performed under the same conditions as in step S21 of the normal mode. When step S41 ends, the operation of the electric welding device 1 ends.

[0051] In step S42, it is determined that (W≧(Wb×η)), that is, the required power W is greater than or equal to the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η. In step S42, the main control unit 23 performs voltage correction. Specifically, in step S43, it is determined whether (0.85≦Wb’ / W) is satisfied. If this condition is satisfied, it is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, if this condition is not satisfied, it is determined as NO and the process proceeds to step S47.

[0052] In step S44, the main control unit 23 corrects the welding time T to a conversion time so that the time becomes longer. In step S45, the main control unit 23 displays the corrected conversion time on the communication display input unit 46. In step S46, the main control unit 23 applies the output voltage Va from the fusion power supply unit 22 for the converted time. Two pipes 100 are fused to one joint 105. In step S46, the communication display input unit 46 may display the remaining time required for fusion decreasing from the converted time to 0 (s). When step S46 ends, the operation of the electrofusion apparatus 1 ends.

[0053] In step S47, the main control unit 23 displays on the communication display input unit 46 that fusion is not possible and is not supported, and then ends the operation of the electrofusion apparatus 1.

[0054] The storage unit 14 may store information for selecting a control mode from among the normal mode, the time-saving mode, and the battery-saving mode.

[0055] Here, the battery-care mode will be described with reference to an example. For example, suppose secondary battery 36 is an assembled battery consisting of seven lithium-ion cells, each with a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, a nominal capacity of 3.3 Ah, and a maximum current of 8 A, connected in series to form a series battery, and five such series batteries connected in parallel. In this case, a maximum power output of secondary battery 36 with a nominal voltage of 25.2 V, a nominal capacity of 16.5 Ah, and a maximum current of 40 A can be obtained. However, in consideration of the safety and lifespan of secondary battery 36, a battery monitoring unit (BMS) is installed in battery pack 24, and the output current that can be continuously extracted is limited to approximately 90% of the maximum current (36 A). Therefore, the power that can be used for fusion by the electric fusion device 1 using the secondary battery 36 is limited to 907.2 W (25.2 V×36 A).

[0056] When the output efficiency η of the electric fusion apparatus 1 is 90%, the maximum power that can be applied to the joint 105 is approximately 816.5 W (907.2 W×0.9). Generally, large diameter joints require a large amount of power and energy for fusion welding, while small diameter joints require a small amount of power and energy for fusion welding. In this example, the joint with diameter A, which has a power of 800 W and a total power of 160 kW-seconds, can be fused, but the joint with diameter B, which has a power of 900 W and a total power of 198 kW-seconds, cannot be fused due to the constraints of the maximum power of the secondary battery 36.

[0057] As described above, in the electrofusion apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the fusion voltage V, fusion time T, and fusion resistance value R required to fuse the joint 105 are determined by reading the fusion code 109 using the communication reading unit 47 of the communication device 45. The measurement unit 12 measures the battery voltage V' output from the secondary battery 36. The memory unit 14 stores the maximum current I' that the secondary battery 36 can output and the power conversion efficiency η of the fusing power source 22. The main control unit 23 then calculates the required power W based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R, and the battery power Wb based on the battery voltage V' and the maximum current I'. Furthermore, when the required power W exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, the main control unit 23 applies the output voltage Va from the fusing power source 22 for the conversion time T' expressed by equation (15) so that the amount of power required for fusion does not change. Even if the output voltage Va is applied in this way, the amount of power required to fuse the joint 105 is output from the melting power source 22. Therefore, even if the battery power Wb is relatively low, such that the required power W for welding exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb that can be supplied from the secondary battery 36 by the power conversion efficiency η, the amount of power required to fuse the joint 105 can be applied.

[0058] The upper limit of the converted time T' is 1.1 times the reference time T''. In this case, even if the joint 105 radiates heat due to the outside air temperature, the joint 105 can be fused more reliably. A warning may be displayed when the converted time T' exceeds 1.1 times the reference time T''. In this case, when the converted time T' becomes relatively long, the warning can be made visible to the user of the electrofusion apparatus 1.

[0059] The storage unit 14 may store information for selecting a control mode. In this case, the information for selecting a control mode can be identified based on the information stored in the storage unit 14.

[0060] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The same components as those in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Only the differences will be described. The electro-fusion device of this embodiment can be the electro-fusion device 1 of the first embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as shown in Fig. 6, the fusion codes read by the main reading unit 11 and the communication reading unit 47 of the electro-fusion device 1 are fusion codes 115, 116, and 117. The fusion codes 115, 116, and 117 may include control mode information that specifies the type of control mode.

[0061] For example, fusion code 115 includes control mode information specifying the normal mode. Similarly, fusion code 116 includes control mode information specifying the time-saving mode, and fusion code 117 includes control mode information specifying the battery-saving mode. For example, the fusion cords 115, 116, and 117 of the joint 105 are provided on the outer surface of the joint body 106.

[0062] In this embodiment, for example, when the fusion code 115 is read by the communication reading unit 47, the normal mode is selected as the control mode, and step S11 in the flowchart of the first embodiment is omitted.

[0063] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The same components as those in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. Only the differences will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the fusion control device 65 of the electrofusion device 2 of this embodiment has two branch sections 66 in addition to the components of the fusion control device 10 of the electrofusion device 1. Each branching section 66 has a connector 67, a first branching cable 68, a second branching cable 69, and a first output connector and a second output connector (not shown).

[0064] A connector 67 is connected to a first end of the first branch cable 68 and a first end of the second branch cable 69. A first output connector is connected to a second end of the first branch cable 68 opposite the first end. A second output connector is connected to a second end of the second branch cable 69 opposite the first end. Each of the connectors 67 is connected to an output connector 28 .

[0065] The electrofusion device 2 is used to simultaneously fuse, for example, two joints 105. The fusion code used to fuse the two joints 105 is not provided on each joint 105, but is indicated on a label or the like. The first output connectors of the two branch sections 66 are respectively connected to the two terminals 107 of one of the two joints 105. The second output connectors of the two branch sections 66 are respectively connected to the two terminals 107 of the other of the two joints 105. In other words, the two joints 105 are connected in parallel to the fusion control device 65 by the two branch sections 66. When the main control unit 23 applies a voltage from the melting power supply unit 22, the two pipes 100 are fused to the two joints 105, respectively.

[0066] The fusion information contained in this fusion code can be expressed as information in which the fusion resistance value R is half the value of the fusion information contained in the fusion code 109 for one joint 105. If sufficient power (corrected battery power Wb') cannot be output when the fusion codes for the two joints 105 are read, the main control unit 23 may display "Simultaneous fusion not possible" on the communication display input unit 46.

[0067] The electro-fusion device 1 of the second embodiment and the electro-fusion device 2 of the second embodiment configured as above can also achieve the same effects as the electro-fusion device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0068] Although the first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes modifications, combinations, deletions, etc. of the configurations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the configurations shown in each embodiment can be used in appropriate combinations. For example, in the first to third embodiments, the electrofusion apparatuses 1 and 2 may not include one of the main reading unit 11 of the fusion control device 10 and the communication reading unit 47 of the communication device 45.

[0069] The main control unit 23 does not necessarily have to have the time-saving mode. The fusion control device 10 may not have at least one of the memory unit 14, the main input unit 16, the main display unit 17, and the main power supply unit 21. The communication device 45 may not have the communication display input unit 46. The fusion control device 10 and the communication device 45 of the electrofusion device 1 may be integrally configured. In this case, the electrofusion device does not include the wireless communication unit 20, the communication reading unit 47, the wireless communication unit 48, and the communication control unit 49. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1,2 Electric fusion device 11 Main reading unit (reading unit) 12 Measuring part 14 Storage section 22 Melting power supply 23 Main control unit (control unit) 36 Secondary battery 47 Communication reading unit (reading unit) 105 Joint 109,115,116,117 fusion cord

Claims

1. a reader for reading a fusion code containing fusion information specifying the fusion voltage V, fusion time T, and fusion resistance R required to fuse the joint; a measurement unit for measuring a battery voltage V' output from the secondary battery; a melting power source unit that applies a voltage; a memory unit that stores the maximum current I′ that the secondary battery can output and the power conversion efficiency η of the fusible power source unit; a control unit for controlling the melting power source; Equipped with The control unit Calculating the required power W based on the fusion voltage V and the fusion resistance value R; calculating a battery power Wb based on the battery voltage V′ and the maximum current I′; When the required power W exceeds the value obtained by multiplying the battery power Wb by the power conversion efficiency η, The electric fusion device reduces the output voltage Va expressed by the formula (1) by the fusion power source unit and applies it for a conversion time T' expressed by the formula (2) so that the amount of power required for fusion does not change. Va=√(Wb×η×R)...(1) T'=(V / Va) ２ ×T ・・(2)

2. 2. The electrofusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the converted time T' has an upper limit of 1.1 times the reference time T'' expressed by equation (3). T’’=(V / V’) ２ ×T ・・(3)

3. 2. The electro-fusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning is displayed when the converted time T' exceeds 1.1 times the reference time T'' expressed by equation (4). T’’=(V / V’) ２ ×T ・・(4)

4. The control unit a first control mode in which the output voltage is reduced to Va by the fusing power source unit and applied for the converted time T'; a second control mode in which the predetermined fusion voltage V designated by the fusion power source unit is applied to the fusion cord for the fusion time T; It is possible to switch to The electrofusion apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit stores information for selecting the first control mode or the second control mode.

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