Fastening structure for welding equipment

Abstract

To improve the workability of screw fastening between components of a welding device. [Solution] The fastening structure 2 for the welding apparatus comprises a first member 10 and a second member 20 located on the welding wire feeding path. The first member 10 includes a shaft portion 100, a right-hand threaded portion 110, and a left-hand threaded portion. The right-hand threaded portion 110 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 100 in a first region in a first direction of the shaft portion 100. The left-hand threaded portion is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 100 in the first region. The second member 20 includes a cylindrical portion 150, a right-hand threaded portion 160, and a left-hand threaded portion. The right-hand threaded portion 160 is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 150 in a second region in a first direction of the cylindrical portion 150 and is screwable onto the right-hand threaded portion 110. The left-hand threaded portion is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 150 in a second region and is screwable onto the left-hand threaded portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening structure for a welding device.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document disclosing the configuration of a tip of a MIG welding torch, there is Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 57-7678 (Patent Document 1). The first tip described in Patent Document 1 includes a tip portion and a base end portion. Separate members are respectively screwed to the tip portion and the base end portion. The thread of the tip portion and the thread of the base end portion are formed to be left-right opposite to each other.

[0003] As a prior art document disclosing the configuration of a fastening and holding structure, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-214761 (Patent Document 2). The fastening and holding structure described in Patent Document 2 includes a male threaded body, a first female threaded body, and a second female threaded body. In the male threaded body, a first male thread and a second male thread having different lead angles and / or different lead directions are formed overlapping in the same region. The male threaded body can constitute a so-called double-thread specification in which a right-hand thread and a left-hand thread are formed in the same region. The first female threaded body is threadedly engaged with the first male thread. The second female threaded body is threadedly engaged with the second male thread spiral groove.

[0004] As a prior art document disclosing a configuration similar to Patent Document 1, there is Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-84125 (Patent Document 3). As a prior art document disclosing a configuration similar to Patent Document 2, there is International Publication No. 2017 / 078174 (Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] When fastening components of a welding device together using screws, if the threaded portion of the component is either a right-hand or left-hand thread, the screw can only be tightened in one direction. In this case, depending on the working environment or the worker's posture, the screw fastening process may be difficult, potentially reducing the efficiency of the screw fastening.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a fastening structure for a welding device that can improve the workability of screw fastening between the components of the welding device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first member and a second member located on the feeding path of a welding wire. The first member includes a shaft portion, a right-hand threaded portion, and a left-hand threaded portion. The shaft portion extends along a first direction. The right-hand threaded portion is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion in a first region in the first direction of the shaft portion. The left-hand threaded portion is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion in the first region. The second member includes a cylindrical portion, a right-hand threaded portion, and a left-hand threaded portion. The cylindrical portion extends along a first direction. The right-hand threaded portion is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion in a second region in the first direction of the cylindrical portion and is screwable onto the right-hand threaded portion. The left-hand threaded portion is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion in a second region and is screwable onto the left-hand threaded portion.

[0009] In this case, when fastening the first and second members together, fastening can be done in either the right-hand or left-hand thread direction. As a result, screw fastening between the component members becomes easier, thereby improving the workability of screw fastening between the component members of the welding apparatus.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first member includes a first contact surface. The first contact surface extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second member includes a second contact surface. The second contact surface extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and is capable of contacting the first contact surface from the first direction. When the right-hand male thread portion and the right-hand female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member at a reference rotational angle position in the circumferential direction of the shaft. When the left-hand male thread portion and the left-hand female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member at a rotational angle position different from the reference rotational angle position in the circumferential direction.

[0011] In this case, if a component wears down during a portion of the rotation angle, the wear location can be made different for a right-hand thread and a left-hand thread, thereby reducing the frequency of wear on the component.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pitches of the right-hand male thread portion and the left-hand male thread portion are the same.

[0013] In this case, the axial force generated by screw fastening can be made equivalent for both right-hand and left-hand threads. When machining the threaded portion, the same machining tools can be used for both right-hand and left-hand threads, allowing for efficient manufacturing of the threaded portion.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shaft portion is provided with a plurality of slits that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion and are aligned along the first direction so as to pass through the virtual starting point of at least one of the right-hand male thread portion and the left-hand male thread portion.

[0015] This eliminates the sharp point where the right-hand and left-hand male threads intersect, thereby suppressing jamming during screw fastening.

[0016] A first member in one aspect of the present invention is a tip provided with a through hole through which a welding wire is inserted, the through hole being arranged along a first direction. A second member is a tip body that supports the tip.

[0017] This makes it possible to suppress wear of the tip, which is subject to relatively frequent wear due to contact with the welding wire in a welding apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of screw fastening between the constituent members of a welding apparatus. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a welding torch provided with a fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the configuration of the male threaded portion of the first member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the second member in Fig. 4, viewed from the direction of the arrows along line V-V. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the right male threaded portion of the first member and the right female threaded portion of the second member are screwed together. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the left male threaded portion of the first member and the left female threaded portion of the second member are screwed together. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing that the rotational angle positions differ between the right-hand thread and the left-hand thread when the first member is screwed onto the second member. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the configuration of the male threaded portion of the first member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the female threaded portion of the second member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11]A perspective view showing the configuration of a welding torch equipped with a fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The fastening structures for welding devices according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the figures will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0021] In the drawings, the first direction (DR1 direction) is defined as the direction in which the shaft portion of the first member extends or the direction in which the cylindrical portion of the second member extends. Furthermore, some detailed configurations of the components are omitted in the drawings. Additionally, the drawings depict an ideal threaded state, and therefore, the gaps between the threaded male and female portions that are threaded together and in contact are not shown.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a welding torch equipped with a fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the welding torch 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is, for example, a welding torch for MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding or MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding. The type of welding is not limited as long as the first member 10 and the second member 20, which will be described later, can be screwed together by the fastening structure according to the present invention.

[0024] The welding torch 1 is equipped with a fastening structure 2 for welding equipment. The fastening structure 2 for welding equipment includes a first member 10 and a second member 20 located on the welding wire feeding path.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first member 10 is a tip. The tip is located at the tip of the welding torch 1. The tip is surrounded by a nozzle. The welding wire 3 is fed out from the tip.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second member 20 is a tip body. The tip body supports the tip. The tip body is located on the rear end side of the tip in the welding torch 1.

[0027] The first member 10 and the second member 20 are made of, for example, chromium copper. However, the material of the first member 10 and the second member 20 is not limited to chromium copper, and other metallic materials may be used.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the first member 10 has a main body portion 11, a shaft portion 100, and a male screw portion 101.

[0029] The main body portion 11 is the main part of the first member 10. The main body portion 11 has a cylindrical shape. The main body portion 11 extends in the first direction (DR1 direction). In this embodiment, the first direction (DR1 direction) is along the insertion direction of the welding wire.

[0030] The shaft portion 100 is located on the rear end side of the main body portion 11. The shaft portion 100 is connected to the rear end side of the main body portion 11. The shaft portion 100 extends along the first direction (DR1 direction). A male threaded portion 101 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 100.

[0031] Figure 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the male screw portion of the first member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first member 10 is provided with a first through-hole 12. The first through-hole 12 is provided along the first direction (DR1 direction). The first through-hole 12 penetrates the main body portion 11 and the shaft portion 100.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the shaft portion 100 has a first end portion 13 and a second end portion 14. The first end portion 13 is the end of the shaft portion 100 opposite to the main body portion 11 in the first direction (DR1 direction). That is, the first end portion 13 is the rear end end of the welding torch 1. The second end portion 14 is the end of the shaft portion 100 on the main body portion 11 side in the first direction (DR1 direction). That is, the second end portion 14 is the front end end of the welding torch 1.

[0034] A first region R1 is defined in the shaft portion 100. The first region R1 is a region that occupies approximately 80% of the length of the shaft portion 100 in the first direction (DR1 direction). The first region R1 is located from the first end 13 toward the second end 14.

[0035] The first member 10 includes a first contact surface portion 15. The first contact surface portion 15 is the end face of the main body portion 11 on the shaft portion 100 side. The first contact surface portion 15 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (DR1 direction). In this embodiment, the first contact surface portion 15 extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the shaft portion 100.

[0036] The male threaded portion 101 of the first member 10 has a right-hand male threaded portion 110 and a left-hand male threaded portion 120.

[0037] The right-hand threaded portion 110 is a male thread having a right-hand thread shape. The right-hand threaded portion 110 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 100 in a first region R1 in the first direction (DR1 direction) of the shaft portion 100.

[0038] The left-hand threaded portion 120 is a male thread having a left-hand thread shape. The left-hand threaded portion 120 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 100 in the first region R1.

[0039] Since the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 are formed within the same region (first region R1), the shaft portion 100 has a male thread portion 101 having the shape of a so-called double thread. The right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 are formed including the end portion (first end portion 13) of the shaft portion 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, the male thread portion 101 is composed of a male thread portion 102 and a male thread groove portion 103. The male thread portion 101 has the male thread portion 102 and the male thread groove portion 103 alternately formed along the first direction (DR1 direction). The male thread portion 102 functions as the thread portion of the right male thread portion 110 and the left male thread portion 120, respectively.

[0041] If the thread portion of either the right-hand male thread portion 110 or the left-hand male thread portion 120 is positioned to overlap with the other thread groove portion of the right-hand male thread portion 110 or the left-hand male thread portion 120, the thread portion of the right-hand male thread portion will be removed to match the shape of the other thread groove portion. The radial height of the shaft portion 100 will change to match the shape of the other thread groove portion. As a result, the male thread portion 102 will have a roughly crescent shape when viewed from the first direction (DR1 direction).

[0042] The male thread portion 102 functions as the thread portion of the right male thread portion 110 and the left male thread portion 120, respectively. The configuration in which the male thread portion 102 is approximately crescent-shaped when viewed from the first direction (DR1 direction) allows the right male thread portion 110 and the left male thread portion 120 to be formed within the same region (first region R1).

[0043] The pitches of the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 are the same. Note that "the thread pitches are the same" means that the thread pitches are the same in design, and this includes any deviations in pitch due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0044] The right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 are formed, for example, by cutting with a threading tool or by rolling.

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the second member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, the second member 20 has a connecting portion 21, a cylindrical portion 150, and a female threaded portion 151.

[0046] The connecting portion 21 is the part connected to the torch body of the welding torch 1. The connecting portion 21 extends in the first direction (DR1 direction).

[0047] The cylindrical portion 150 extends along the first direction (DR1 direction). The cylindrical portion 150 is located on the tip side of the second member 20. The cylindrical portion 150 is connected to the tip side of the connecting portion 21. A female threaded portion 151 is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 150.

[0048] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the second member in Figure 4, as seen from the direction of the VV arrow.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second member 20 is provided with a second through-hole 22. The second through-hole 22 is provided along the first direction (DR1 direction). The second through-hole 22 penetrates the connecting portion 21 and the cylindrical portion 150.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical portion 150 has a third end 23 and a fourth end 24. The third end 23 is the end of the cylindrical portion 150 opposite to the connecting portion 21 in the first direction (DR1 direction). In other words, the third end 23 is the end on the tip side of the welding torch 1. The fourth end 24 is the end of the cylindrical portion 150 on the connecting portion 21 side in the first direction (DR1 direction). In other words, the fourth end 24 is the end on the rear side of the welding torch 1.

[0051] A second region R2 is defined in the cylindrical portion 150. The second region R2 is a region that occupies approximately 70% of the length of the cylindrical portion 150 in the first direction (DR1 direction). The second region R2 is located at a distance from the third end portion 23 toward the fourth end portion 24.

[0052] The second member 20 includes a second contact surface portion 25. The second contact surface portion 25 is the end face of the cylindrical portion 150 on the side of the first member 10. The second contact surface portion 25 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (DR1 direction). In this embodiment, the second contact surface portion 25 extends circumferentially along the end face of the cylindrical portion 150. The second contact surface portion 25 can contact the first contact surface portion 15 from the first direction (DR1 direction).

[0053] The female thread portion 151 of the second member 20 has a right female thread portion 160 and a left female thread portion 170.

[0054] The right-hand female thread portion 160 is a female thread having a right-hand thread shape. The right-hand female thread portion 160 is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 150 in the second region R2 in the first direction (DR1 direction) of the cylindrical portion 150. The right-hand female thread portion 160 can be screwed into the right-hand male thread portion 110.

[0055] The left-hand female thread portion 170 is a female thread having a left-hand thread shape. The left-hand female thread portion 170 is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 150 in the second region R2. The left-hand female thread portion 170 can be screwed into the left-hand male thread portion 120.

[0056] Since the right-hand female thread portion 160 and the left-hand female thread portion 170 are formed within the same region (second region R2), the cylindrical portion 150 has a female thread portion that has the shape of a so-called double thread.

[0057] In this embodiment, the female thread portion 151 is composed of a female thread portion 152 and a female thread groove portion 153. The female thread portion 151 has the female thread portion 152 and the female thread groove portion 153 alternately formed along the first direction (DR1 direction). The female thread portion 152 functions as the thread portion of the right female thread portion 160 and the left female thread portion 170, respectively.

[0058] If the thread portion of either the right-hand female thread portion 160 or the left-hand female thread portion 170 is positioned to overlap with the other thread groove portion of the right-hand female thread portion 160 or the left-hand female thread portion 170, the one thread portion will be removed to match the shape of the other thread groove portion. The height of the one thread portion in the inner diameter direction of the cylindrical portion 150 will change to match the shape of the other thread groove portion. As a result, the female thread portion 152 will have a roughly crescent shape when viewed from the first direction (DR1 direction).

[0059] The female thread portion 152 functions as the thread portion of the right female thread portion 160 and the left female thread portion 170, respectively. The configuration in which the female thread portion 152 is approximately crescent-shaped when viewed from the first direction (DR1 direction) allows the right female thread portion 160 and the left female thread portion 170 to be formed within the same region (second region R2).

[0060] The pitches of the right-hand female thread portion 160 and the left-hand female thread portion 170 are the same, corresponding to the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120, respectively.

[0061] The right-hand female thread portion 160 and the left-hand female thread portion 170 are formed, for example, by cutting while controlling their position using a thread mill or the like.

[0062] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the right-hand male thread portion of the first member and the right-hand female thread portion of the second member are screwed together. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the left-hand male thread portion of the first member and the left-hand female thread portion of the second member are screwed together.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151 are screwed together, the first contact surface portion 15 and the second contact surface portion 25 come into contact in the first direction (DR1 direction). The right male thread portion 110 is screwed into the right female thread portion 160. The left male thread portion 120 is screwed into the left female thread portion 170.

[0064] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing that the rotational angle position differs between right-hand and left-hand threads when the first member is screwed into the second member.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, when the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the right-hand female thread portion 160 are screwed together and the first contact surface portion 15 and the second contact surface portion 25 come into contact in the first direction (DR1 direction), the first member 10 is fastened to the second member 20 at a reference rotation angle position A1 in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 100.

[0066] On the other hand, when the left male thread portion 120 and the left female thread portion 170 are screwed together and the first contact surface portion 15 and the second contact surface portion 25 come into contact in the first direction (DR1 direction), the first member 10 is fastened to the second member 20 in the circumferential direction at a rotational angle position A2 that is different from the reference rotational angle position A1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the reference rotational angle position A1 and rotational angle position A2 are indicated as marks around the first through hole 12. However, the marks for the reference rotational angle position A1 and rotational angle position A2 are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention and are not necessarily required.

[0068] In this embodiment, when comparing the state in which the right male thread portion 110 and the right female thread portion 160 are screwed together with the state in which the left male thread portion 120 and the left female thread portion 170 are screwed together, the first contact surface portion 15 and the second contact surface portion 25 come into contact with the first member 10 at a 180° offset in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 100, and the screwing is completed. That is, the reference rotation angle position A1 and the rotation angle position A2 are in a positional relationship that is 180° offset in the circumferential direction of the first direction.

[0069] By having a difference between the reference rotation angle position A1 and the rotation angle position A2, the rotation angle of the first through-hole 12 through which the welding wire 3 is inserted at the tip position of the first member 10 can be made different. This changes the contact position of the welding wire 3 with the first member 10 (tip) at different rotation angles. In this embodiment, the reference rotation angle position A1 and the rotation angle position A2 are in a positional relationship that is shifted by 180° in the circumferential direction in the first direction (DR1 direction), and are furthest apart from each other, making it easier to disperse the effects of wear when the welding wire 3 slides against the first member 10.

[0070] In welding methods that feed the welding wire 3 by rapidly repeating forward and reverse feeding of the welding wire 3, the welding wire 3 may come into contact with the first through-hole 12 of the first member 10 (tip), causing the first through-hole 12 to wear down and expand in diameter. In this case, the power supply from the first member 10 (tip) to the welding wire 3 may become unstable, and the target position of the welding wire 3 may shift, affecting the welding quality. Furthermore, in welding wire reels or forced-pressure type welding torches, the welding wire 3 may be pressed against one side of the first through-hole 12 of the first member 10 (tip), causing only that side to wear down.

[0071] In the above case, because the rotation angle position differs between right-hand screw fastening and left-hand screw fastening, the rotation angle of the first through-hole 12 through which the welding wire 3 is inserted at the tip of the first member 10 can be changed, thereby changing the wear position of the first through-hole 12. By reducing the wear frequency of the first member 10 (tip), the welding quality can be improved.

[0072] To make the rotational angle positions different for right-hand and left-hand threads, the pitch of the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151, the rotational angle position at the start of threading, and the number of rotations of the screw from the start of threading to completion are adjusted. In this embodiment, the pitch of the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151 are the same. The rotational angle position at which the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151 begin to thread is the same. The number of rotations of the screw from the start of threading to completion is adjusted so that the first contact surface portion 15 and the second contact surface portion 25 come into contact at positions that are 180° different.

[0073] Furthermore, the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 may have different lengths in the first region R1. This allows for increasing the length of the male thread in the frequently used thread direction, thereby ensuring sufficient contact area between the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151 and improving the durability of the threaded portion.

[0074] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a right-hand male thread portion 110 and a left-hand male thread portion 120 are provided on the first member 10 (tip) within the same region (first region R1), and a right-hand female thread portion 160 that can be screwed into the right-hand male thread portion 110 and a left-hand female thread portion 170 that can be screwed into the left-hand male thread portion 120 are provided on the second member 20 (tip body) within the same region (second region R2). This forms so-called double threads on the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151. As a result, when fastening the first member 10 and the second member 20 together, fastening can be done in either the right-hand or left-hand thread direction. Consequently, it is possible to make screw fastening between the component members easier, thereby improving the workability of screw fastening between the component members of the welding apparatus. For example, when it is difficult to insert a tool into the fastening position, the tightening of the right-hand and left-hand threads can be flexibly changed depending on the work environment or the working posture of the worker when screw fastening is performed.

[0075] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, by forming double threads on the first member 10 (tip) and the second member 20 (tip body), the first member and the second member can be fastened together in either the right-hand or left-hand thread direction. As a result, when one threaded portion is worn out, the other threaded portion can be reused, thereby extending the lifespan of the threaded portions.

[0076] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the rotational angle positions of the first member 10 and the second member 20 during screw fastening are made different for right-hand screw fastening and left-hand screw fastening. This makes it possible to make the position of wear for right-hand screws and the position of wear for left-hand screws different when the components wear down in a part of the rotational angle. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency of wear of the components.

[0077] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, by forming so-called double threads on the male thread portion 101 and the female thread portion 151, the contact position of the first member 10 (tip) with respect to the welding wire 3 can be varied. This reduces the number of parts and improves the workability of screw fastening compared to cases where the contact position is varied by inserting another member between the tip and the tip body.

[0078] In the fastening structure 2 for welding equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, by making the pitches of the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 the same, the axial force generated by screw fastening can be made equal for both right-hand and left-hand threads. When machining the threaded portion, the same machining tools can be used for both right-hand and left-hand threads, allowing for efficient manufacturing of the threaded portion. Furthermore, by making the pitches of the right-hand female thread portion 160 and the left-hand female thread portion 170 the same, the same effect can be obtained as when the pitches of the right-hand male thread portion 110 and the left-hand male thread portion 120 are made the same.

[0079] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, by making the first member 10 and the second member 20, which employ a double-threaded structure, into a tip and a tip body, wear of the tip, which is subject to relatively frequent contact and wear by the welding wire 3 in the welding apparatus, can be suppressed.

[0080] The fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. The fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from the fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in that the configuration of the male thread portion of the first member (tip) and the female thread portion of the second member (tip body) are different. Therefore, the configurations that are the same as those of the fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will not be repeated.

[0081] (Embodiment 2) Figure 9 is a side view showing the configuration of the male thread portion of the first member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises the first member 10A.

[0082] The shaft portion 100 of the first member 10A is provided with a plurality of first slit portions 230. The plurality of first slit portions 230 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 100 and are aligned in the first direction (DR1 direction) so as to pass through the virtual starting point of at least one of the right male thread portion 210 and the left male thread portion 220. In this embodiment, the plurality of first slit portions 230 are provided so as to pass through the virtual starting point P1 of the right male thread portion 210 and the left male thread portion 220 (only two locations are illustrated in Figure 9).

[0083] The virtual starting point P1 is located at the intersection of the male thread portion 202 and the male thread groove portion 203. The virtual starting point P1 is a virtual starting point where the starting point where the male thread portion 202 rises from the shaft portion 100 due to the overlap of the male thread portion 202 and the male thread groove portion 203 is removed.

[0084] As in this embodiment, when the pitches of the right-hand male thread portion 210 and the left-hand male thread portion 220 are the same, each of the multiple first slit portions 230 is configured in a straight line. The first slit portions 230 are parallel to the first direction (DR1 direction). Because the first slit portions 230 are parallel to the first direction (DR1 direction), the machining path is simplified when machining the first slit portions 230, making it easier to form the first slit portions 230.

[0085] The first slit portion 230 is formed over the entire area of ​​the first region R1. Alternatively, the first slit portion 230 may be provided only in a portion of the first region R1. By adjusting the area occupied by the first slit portion 230 within the first region R1, the contact area between the male thread portion and the female thread portion can be secured as needed.

[0086] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the female thread portion of the second member according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that in Figure 10, the second member (tip body) is shown from the same arrow direction as in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 10, the fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes the second member 20A.

[0087] The cylindrical portion 150 of the second member 20A is provided with a plurality of second slit portions 280. The plurality of second slit portions 280 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 150 and are aligned in the first direction (DR1 direction) so as to pass through the virtual starting point of at least one of the right female thread portion 260 and the left female thread portion 270. In this embodiment, the plurality of second slit portions 280 are provided so as to pass through the virtual starting point P2 of the right female thread portion 260 and the left female thread portion 270 (only two locations are illustrated in Figure 10).

[0088] As in this embodiment, when the pitches of the right-hand female thread portion 260 and the left-hand female thread portion 270 are the same, each of the multiple second slit portions 280 is configured in a straight line. The second slit portions 280 are parallel to the first direction (DR1 direction). Because the second slit portions 280 are parallel to the first direction (DR1 direction), the machining path is simplified when machining the second slit portions 280, making it easier to form the second slit portions 280.

[0089] The second slit portion 280 is formed over the entire area of ​​the second region R2. Alternatively, the second slit portion 280 may be provided only in a portion of the second region R2. By adjusting the area occupied by the second slit portion 280 in the second region R2, the contact area between the male thread portion and the female thread portion can be secured as needed.

[0090] When the first member 10A and the second member 20A are screwed together, the corresponding first slit portion 230 and the second slit portion 280 are positioned at the same rotational angle in the circumferential direction in the first direction (DR1 direction). As a result, the first slit portion 230 and the second slit portion 280 are positioned facing each other, ensuring that the male thread portion and the female thread portion engage with each other. Consequently, the first slit portion 230 and the second slit portion 280 can be provided while ensuring the fastening force of the screw.

[0091] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a first slit portion 230 is provided in the shaft portion 100, thereby eliminating the sharp point where the right male thread portion 210 and the left male thread portion 220 intersect, and suppressing jamming during screw fastening.

[0092] In the fastening structure 2 for a welding device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a second slit portion 280 is provided in the cylindrical portion 150, thereby eliminating the sharp point where the right female thread portion 260 and the left female thread portion 270 intersect, and suppressing jamming during screw fastening.

[0093] The fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. Since the target members of the first and second members of the fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention are different from those of the fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the same configuration as that of the fastening structure for a welding device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will not be repeated in the description.

[0094] (Embodiment 3) Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a welding torch equipped with a fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, the fastening structure 2B for the welding apparatus provided in the welding torch 1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention includes a first member 10B and a second member 20B. In this embodiment, the first member 10B is an outlet guide. In this embodiment, the second member 20B is a guide adapter. A welding wire is inserted through the outlet guide and the guide adapter.

[0096] In the fastening structure 2B for a welding apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, by using the first member 10B and the second member 20B, which employ a double-threaded structure, as an outlet guide and a guide adapter, wear of the outlet guide, which is subject to relatively frequent contact and wear by the welding wire in a welding apparatus, can be suppressed.

[0097] Although the fastening structure for welding equipment described above was intended for use in a welding torch, the fastening structure for welding equipment described above may also be used in other devices that make up a welding device, such as a welding wire feeding device.

[0098] [Note] As described above, this embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0099] [Configuration 1] A fastening structure for a welding apparatus comprising a first member and a second member located on the welding wire feeding path, The first member is, A shaft portion extending along the first direction, A right-hand male threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion in the first region in the first direction of the shaft portion, The first region includes a left-hand male threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion, The second member is, A cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, In the second region of the cylindrical portion in the first direction, a right-hand female thread portion is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion and is capable of being screwed into the right-hand male thread portion, A fastening structure for a welding device, comprising a left-hand female threaded portion formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion in the second region and capable of being screwed onto the left-hand male threaded portion.

[0100] [Configuration 2] The first member includes a first contact surface portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The second member extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes a second contact surface portion that can contact the first contact surface portion from the first direction. When the right male thread portion and the right female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member at a reference rotational angle position in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein when the left male thread portion and the left female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member in the circumferential direction at a rotational angle position different from the reference rotational angle position.

[0101] [Configuration 3] The fastening structure for a welding device according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein the pitches of the right male thread portion and the left male thread portion are the same.

[0102] [Structure 4] The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the shaft portion is provided with a plurality of slits that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion and along the first direction so as to pass through the virtual starting point of at least one of the right male thread portion and the left male thread portion.

[0103] [Composition 5] The first member is a tip through which the welding wire is inserted, provided along the first direction. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the second member is a tip body that supports the tip.

[0104] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included. In the description of the embodiments above, combinatorial configurations may be combined with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1,1B Welding torch, 2,2B Fastening structure for welding equipment, 3 Welding wire, 10,10A,10B First member, 11 Main body, 12 First through hole, 13 First end, 14 Second end, 15 First contact surface, 20,20A,20B Second member, 21 Connecting part, 22 Second through hole, 23 Third end, 24 Fourth end, 25 Second contact surface, 100 Shaft, 101 Male threaded part, 102,202 Male threaded part, 103,203 Male threaded groove, 110,210 Right-hand male threaded part, 120,220 Left-hand male threaded part, 150 Cylindrical part, 151 Female threaded part, 152 Female threaded part, 153 Female threaded groove, 160,260 Right-hand female threaded part, 170,270 Left female thread section, 230 first slit section, 280 second slit section, A1 reference rotation angle position, A2 rotation angle position, P1, P2 virtual rising point, R1 first region, R2 second region.

Claims

1. A fastening structure for a welding apparatus comprising a first member and a second member located on the feeding path of a welding wire, The first member is, A shaft portion extending along the first direction, A right-hand male threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion in the first region in the first direction of the shaft portion, The first region includes a left-hand threaded portion formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion, The second member is, A cylindrical portion extending along the first direction, In the second region of the cylindrical portion in the first direction, a right-hand female thread portion is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion and is capable of being screwed into the right-hand male thread portion, A fastening structure for a welding device, comprising a left-hand female threaded portion formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion in the second region and capable of being screwed into the left-hand male threaded portion.

2. The first member includes a first contact surface portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The second member extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes a second contact surface portion that can contact the first contact surface portion from the first direction. When the right male thread portion and the right female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member at a reference rotational angle position in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the left male thread portion and the left female thread portion are screwed together and the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion come into contact in the first direction, the first member is fastened to the second member in the circumferential direction at a rotational angle position different from the reference rotational angle position.

3. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pitches of the right male thread portion and the left male thread portion are the same.

4. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shaft portion is provided with a plurality of slit portions that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion and along the first direction so as to pass through the virtual starting point of at least one of the right male thread portion and the left male thread portion.

5. The first member is a tip through which the welding wire is inserted, provided along the first direction. The fastening structure for a welding apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second member is a tip body that supports the tip.

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