Heat processing torch and heat processing system

Abstract

To provide a torch for heat processing which is small, light-weight, and inexpensive and enables operations other than turing on / off electric power supply, and to provide a heat processing system.SOLUTION: A welding torch 3 includes: a torch main body (a torch body 37 and a handle 38); and a torch switch 31 which is attached to the handle 38 and pressed by a worker to be operated. The torch switch 31 includes a switch 32 which may output three and more types of operation signals according to a pressing force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal processing torch used in thermal processing and a thermal processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a thermal processing system for performing thermal processing such as welding and cutting by utilizing heat from an arc or the like. The thermal processing system includes a torch and a power supply device that supplies power to the torch. The torch includes a torch switch that is operated by an operator. For example, in the case of a welding system, when the torch switch is pressed by the operator, the power supply device supplies power to the torch. This generates an arc between the tip of the torch and the workpiece, and welding is performed. Also, when the torch switch is released, the power supply device stops supplying power. This stops the welding. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a welding torch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-6409 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for small, lightweight, and inexpensive torches that do not have extra functions. Such torches are not provided with any operating means other than the torch switch, so when performing inching or a gas check, the worker must operate the operating means provided on the power supply unit or the operating means of a remote control connected to the power supply unit. Therefore, the worker must either go to the power supply unit or prepare a remote control.

[0005] The present invention was devised in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to provide a thermal processing torch and thermal processing system that are small, lightweight, and inexpensive, and that are capable of operations other than turning welding work on and off. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] A thermal processing torch provided by a first aspect of the present invention comprises a torch body and a torch switch attached to the torch body and pressed by an operator, the torch switch comprising a multi-stage switch capable of outputting three or more types of operation signals depending on the pressing force.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the multi-stage switch outputs a first operation signal when pressed to a first stage, and outputs a second operation signal when pressed to a second stage, which requires more pressing force than the first stage.

[0009] A thermal processing system provided by a second aspect of the present invention comprises a thermal processing torch provided by the first aspect of the present invention and a power supply device to which the operation signal output by the thermal processing torch is input, and when the power supply device receives the second operation signal from the thermal processing torch, it supplies power to the thermal processing torch.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the power supply device receives the first operation signal from the thermal processing torch, the power supply device performs a task based on any operation performed in a thermal processing treatment.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device further includes a feed motor for feeding a welding wire to the thermal processing torch, and a solenoid valve for releasing shielding gas from a gas cylinder to the thermal processing torch, and the power supply device includes a switching unit that switches between performing inching or performing a gas check, and when the first operation signal is input from the thermal processing torch, depending on the state of the switching unit, causes the feed motor to feed the welding wire for the inching, or causes the solenoid valve to release the shielding gas for the gas check. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, since the torch switch is equipped with a multi-stage switch, the thermal processing torch can output three or more types of operation signals without providing other operating means. Therefore, the thermal processing torch according to the present invention is small, lightweight, and inexpensive, and is capable of operations other than turning on and off the welding work.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a welding system including a welding torch according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a welding torch according to a first embodiment, where (a) is an external view, and (b) is a cross-sectional view for explaining a torch switch. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating principle of a switch, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating principle of a modified example of the switch. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operating principle of a modified example of the switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case in which the present invention is applied to a welding torch (welding system).

[0016] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a welding system A1 equipped with a welding torch according to a first embodiment, and is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the welding system A1.

[0017] 1, welding system A1 includes welding power supply 1, wire feeder 2, welding torch 3, torch cable 39, power cables 41 and 42, signal line 5, gas cylinder 6, and gas piping 7. In this embodiment, welding system A1 corresponds to the "thermal processing system" of the present invention, and welding torch 3 corresponds to the "thermal processing torch" of the present invention. Also, welding power supply 1 corresponds to the "power supply" of the present invention.

[0018] One output terminal a of the welding power supply 1 is connected to the welding torch 3 via a power cable 41. The wire feeder 2 feeds the welding wire to the welding torch 3, causing the tip of the welding wire to protrude from the tip of the welding torch 3. The power cable 41 and the welding wire are electrically connected to a contact tip disposed at the tip of the welding torch 3. The other output terminal b of the welding power supply 1 is connected to the workpiece W via a power cable 42. The welding power supply 1 generates an arc between the tip of the welding wire protruding from the tip of the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and supplies power to the arc. The welding system A1 welds the workpiece W by the heat of the arc. The welding system A1 uses a shielding gas during welding. The shielding gas in the gas cylinder 6 is supplied to the tip of the welding torch 3 by a gas pipe 7 provided so as to pass through the welding power supply 1 and the wire feeder 2.

[0019] Welding power supply 1 supplies power for arc welding to welding torch 3. Welding power supply 1 also controls wire feeder 2. Welding power supply 1 is functionally configured to include a power supply unit 11, a feed motor control unit 12, a solenoid valve control unit 13, a signal input unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0020] Power supply unit 11 converts three-phase AC power input from power system P into power suitable for arc welding and outputs it. Feeder motor control unit 12 controls a feeder motor 21 (described later) of wire feeder 2 in response to a command from control unit 16. Solenoid valve control unit 13 controls a gas solenoid valve 24 (described later) of wire feeder 2 in response to a command from control unit 16.

[0021] The signal input unit 14 outputs an operation signal input from the welding torch 3 via the signal line 5 to the control unit 16. In this embodiment, the signal input unit 14 applies a predetermined voltage to the signal line 5 and detects a current flowing through the signal line 5. The signal input unit 14 outputs the detected current signal to the control unit 16. In this embodiment, the signal input unit 14 detects a state in which no current flows and two other levels of current. That is, three types of operation signals are input to the signal input unit 14 from the welding torch 3 via the signal line 5. Hereinafter, an operation signal that is a low level current is referred to as a "first operation signal" and an operation signal that is a high level current is referred to as a "second operation signal."

[0022] The operation unit 15 includes an operation means (not shown) and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation means to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 outputs commands to the power supply unit 11, the feed motor control unit 12, and the solenoid valve control unit 13 according to the operation signals input from the operation unit 15 and the signal input unit 14. The control unit 16 performs different controls depending on whether a first operation signal is input from the signal input unit 14 or a second operation signal is input.

[0023] The wire feeder 2 feeds the welding wire to the welding torch 3. The welding wire is guided to the tip of the welding torch 3 through the inside of the torch cable 39 and a liner provided inside the welding torch 3. The wire feeder 2 includes a feed motor 21, a feed roller 22, a wire reel 23, and a gas solenoid valve 24. The feed motor 21 is controlled by a feed motor control unit 12 to rotate the feed roller 22. The feed roller 22 feeds the welding wire wound around the wire reel 23 by rotating. The gas solenoid valve 24 is provided on the gas pipe 7 inside the wire feeder 2. The gas solenoid valve 24 is controlled to open and close by the solenoid valve control unit 13, and releases shielding gas from the gas cylinder 6 to the welding torch 3 when it is opened. The gas solenoid valve 24 may be provided outside the wire feeder 2 (for example, the welding power supply 1).

[0024] The wire feeder 2 and the welding torch 3 are connected by a torch cable 39. The torch cable 39 is a cable connected to the base end of the welding torch 3, and has a power cable 41, a signal line 5, a gas pipe 7, and a liner arranged inside the cable.

[0025] The welding torch 3 is held by an operator to perform welding. The welding torch 3 welds the workpiece W with welding power supplied from the welding power supply 1.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a welding torch 3. Fig. 2(a) is an external view of the welding torch 3. Fig. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view for explaining a torch switch. As shown in Fig. 2(a), the welding torch 3 includes a torch body 37, a nozzle 371, a handle 38, and a torch switch 31.

[0027] Torch body 37 is a cylindrical metal member, and has a liner through which a welding wire is inserted, power cable 41, signal line 5, and gas pipe 7 arranged therein. Nozzle 371 is attached to the tip of torch body 37. Torch body 37 has a curved portion so that an operator can easily aim nozzle 371 at workpiece W. Handle 38 is a part for an operator to hold, and is provided to hold the base end of torch body 37. An operator holds handle 38 to perform welding work. Torch switch 31 is arranged on handle 38. The combination of torch body 37 and handle 38 corresponds to the "torch main body" of the present invention.

[0028] Torch switch 31 is an operating means for accepting an operation to start / stop welding, and is disposed at a position where an operator holding handle 38 can easily press the torch switch 31 with his / her index finger. When torch switch 31 is turned on (pressed), an operation signal (second operation signal) is output to welding power supply 1. When the operation signal (second operation signal) due to the on operation is input, welding power supply 1 outputs welding power. When the on operation of torch switch 31 is released, welding power supply 1 no longer inputs the operation signal (second operation signal), and stops outputting welding power. In other words, welding power supply 1 supplies welding power to welding torch 3 only while torch switch 31 is turned on. Welding torch 3 can perform welding only while welding power is being supplied. In this embodiment, torch switch 31 can output a first operation signal for performing another function, in addition to the second operation signal for outputting welding power.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the torch switch 31 includes a switch 32, a switch cover 33, a spring , and an attachment portion .

[0030] The attachment portion 35 is a member for attaching the torch switch 31 to the handle 38. The attachment portion 35 is fixed to the handle 38.

[0031] The switch cover 33 covers the switch 32 between the handle 38 and the switch cover 33, and transmits the pressing operation by the operator to the switch 32. One end of the switch cover 33 (the left end in FIG. 2B) is attached to be rotatable around a fixed shaft 351 of the attachment portion 35, and the other end (the right end in FIG. 2B) is constantly biased downward in FIG. 2 by the spring 34. As a result, when the operator does not perform a pressing operation, the other end of the switch cover 33 moves downward by the spring 34, and the transmission of the pressing operation to the switch 32 is released. A protrusion 331 is disposed on the inside of the switch cover 33. The protrusion 331 is in contact with an operating lever 321 (described later) of the switch 32. When the operator performs a pressing operation to move the other end of the switch cover 33 upward, the protrusion 331 presses the tip of the operating lever 321 to move it upward.

[0032] The switch 32 is fixed to the mounting portion 35, and includes an operating lever 321, a plunger 322, and a fixed shaft 323. The operating lever 321 is attached at its base end so as to be rotatable around the fixed shaft 323. The operating lever 321 presses the plunger 322 when its tip is moved upward by the protruding portion 331 of the switch cover 33. When an operator presses the switch cover 33, the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is pressed. The switch 32 outputs an operation signal according to the pressing force of the pressing operation to the welding power supply 1 via the signal line 5. In this embodiment, the switch 32 is a two-stage push switch, and outputs an operation signal indicating a non-operated state (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "non-operation signal") and two other types of operation signals. In this embodiment, the switch 32 includes a variable resistor having two contacts. The variable resistor switches its resistance value by switching the contacts depending on the distance that the plunger 322 moves according to the pressing force. Since a predetermined voltage is applied to the switch 32 from the signal line 5, the switch 32 outputs a current according to the resistance value of the variable resistor.

[0033] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the operating principle of the switch 32. When the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is not pressed, the contact 51 provided at the tip of the signal line 5 is not connected to any of the contacts of the variable resistor. In this case, no current flows through the signal line 5, and a no-operation signal is output to the welding power supply 1. When the plunger 322 is pressed to the first stage, the contact 51 connects to the contact P1 of the variable resistor, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3(a). In this case, the resistance value of the variable resistor becomes a high resistance value (R1+R2), and a low level of current flows through the signal line 5, and a first operation signal is output to the welding power supply 1. When the plunger 322 is pressed to the second stage, which requires a greater pressing force than the first stage, the contact 51 connects to the contact P2 of the variable resistor, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3(a). In this case, the resistance value of the variable resistor becomes a low resistance value (R1) and a high level of current flows through signal line 5, so that a second operation signal is output to welding power supply 1.

[0034] The configuration of switch 32 is not limited to that described above. Furthermore, the appearance of welding torch 3 is not limited to that described above. For example, the shapes of torch body 37 or handle 38 are not limited. Furthermore, the location and shape of torch switch 31 are not limited.

[0035] Next, the control of welding power supply 1 in response to the operation of torch switch 31 will be described.

[0036] When a worker performs welding work, he or she strongly presses torch switch 31. This causes plunger 322 of switch 32 to be pressed to the second stage, and switch 32 outputs a second operation signal to welding power supply 1. When the second operation signal is input, control unit 16 of welding power supply 1 performs control for welding. Specifically, first, control unit 16 outputs an open command to solenoid valve control unit 13. Solenoid valve control unit 13, which has received the open command, opens gas solenoid valve 24 to release shielding gas from gas cylinder 6 to welding torch 3. Next, control unit 16 outputs a feed command to feed motor control unit 12, and outputs an output command to power supply unit 11. Feed motor control unit 12, which has received the feed command, rotates feed motor 21 to feed welding wire from wire reel 23 to welding torch 3. Power supply unit 11, which has received the output command, supplies welding power to welding torch 3. This generates an arc between the welding torch 3 and the workpiece W, and arc welding begins.

[0037] When the operator releases the pressure on torch switch 31, the pressure on plunger 322 of switch 32 is released, and switch 32 stops outputting the second operation signal to welding power supply 1 (a state in which a no-operation signal is output). This causes control unit 16 of welding power supply 1 to stop welding. Specifically, first, control unit 16 outputs a feed stop command to feed motor control unit 12, and outputs a stop command to power supply unit 11. Upon receiving the feed stop command, feed motor control unit 12 stops the rotation of feed motor 21 to stop feeding of the welding wire. Upon receiving the stop command, power supply unit 11 stops supplying welding power. This causes arc welding to stop. Control unit 16 also outputs an open stop command to solenoid valve control unit 13. Upon receiving the open stop command, solenoid valve control unit 13 closes gas solenoid valve 24 to stop releasing the shielding gas. In this way, welding is performed only while the torch switch 31 is being pressed hard (while the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is pressed to the second stage). The order and timing of outputting each command by the control unit 16 are not limited.

[0038] In this embodiment, the operator can perform an operation other than the start of welding by lightly pressing the torch switch 31. When the operator lightly presses the torch switch 31, the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is pressed to the first stage, and the switch 32 outputs a first operation signal to the welding power supply 1. When the first operation signal is input, the control unit 16 of the welding power supply 1 performs control for a preset operation other than the control for welding. For example, inching and gas check are set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. The control unit 16 includes a switching unit 161. The switching unit 161 sets the operation when the first operation signal is input to either inching or gas check, depending on the operation signal input from the operation unit 15. The operator can switch the operation when the first operation signal is input by operating the operation means (e.g., a changeover switch) of the operation unit 15.

[0039] When inching is set by the switching unit 161, the control unit 16 performs control for inching when the first operation signal is input. Specifically, the control unit 16 outputs a feed command to the feed motor control unit 12. The feed motor control unit 12, to which the feed command is input, rotates the feed motor 21 to feed the welding wire from the wire reel 23 to the welding torch 3. When the operator releases the pressing of the torch switch 31, the switch 32 stops outputting the first operation signal to the welding power supply 1 (a state in which a no-operation signal is output). This causes the control unit 16 of the welding power supply 1 to output a feed stop command to the feed motor control unit 12. The feed motor control unit 12, to which the feed stop command is input, stops the rotation of the feed motor 21 to stop the feeding of the welding wire. In this way, the welding wire is fed only while the torch switch 31 is being pressed lightly (while the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is pressed to the first stage), and the operator can perform inching.

[0040] When the gas check is set by the switching unit 161, the control unit 16 performs control for the gas check when the first operation signal is input. Specifically, the control unit 16 outputs an open command to the solenoid valve control unit 13. The solenoid valve control unit 13, to which the open command is input, opens the gas solenoid valve 24 to release the shielding gas from the gas cylinder 6 to the welding torch 3. When the operator releases the torch switch 31, the switch 32 stops outputting the first operation signal to the welding power supply 1 (a state in which a no-operation signal is output). This causes the control unit 16 of the welding power supply 1 to output an open stop command to the solenoid valve control unit 13. The solenoid valve control unit 13, to which the open stop command is input, closes the gas solenoid valve 24 to stop the release of the shielding gas. In this way, the shielding gas is released from the welding torch 3 only while the torch switch 31 is weakly pressed (while the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is pressed to the first stage), and the operator can perform a gas check.

[0041] In addition, only one of inching and gas check may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. In this case, the control unit 16 may not be provided with the switching unit 161. In addition, the operation when the first operation signal is input is not limited to inching and gas check, and may be an operation based on any operation operated in the welding process. If the welding torch 3 is a water-cooled torch, the welding system A1 further includes a chiller that circulates cooling water. The chiller operates during the welding process to circulate the cooling water to the welding torch 3. In this case, the start of the chiller may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. That is, the control unit 16 may output a start command to the chiller to start the chiller when the first operation signal is input. In addition, the start check of the chiller may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input.

[0042] Next, the effects of welding torch 3 and welding system A1 will be described.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the torch switch 31 of the welding torch 3 includes a switch 32. The switch 32 is a two-stage push switch, and can output two types of operation signals according to the pressing force of the pressing operation in addition to the no-operation signal. Therefore, the welding torch 3 can output three types of operation signals (no-operation signal, first operation signal, and second operation signal) without having an operation means other than the torch switch 31. The welding torch 3 can be made smaller and lighter than a welding torch further provided with an operation means other than the torch switch 31, and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. In addition, since the welding torch 3 can output two types of operation signals in addition to the no-operation signal using only the torch switch 31, operations other than turning on and off the welding work are also possible. Therefore, there is no need to operate the operation means of the welding power supply 1 for operations other than turning on and off the welding work, and there is no need to prepare a remote control.

[0044] Moreover, according to this embodiment, the control unit 16 includes a switching unit 161. The switching unit 161 sets the operation to be performed when the first operation signal is input to either inching or gas check. Therefore, the worker can select the operation to be performed when the first operation signal is output by operating the torch switch 31.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, switch 32 includes a variable resistor, and outputs a current corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor when a predetermined voltage is applied from signal input unit 14. Signal input unit 14 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the current input from switch 32 to control unit 16. This allows torch switch 31 to output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing force to welding power supply 1.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 32 outputs a first operation signal when the plunger 322 is pressed to a first stage, and outputs a second operation signal when the plunger 322 is pressed to a second stage, which requires a greater pressing force than the first stage. This allows the torch switch 31 to output two types of operation signals depending on the pressing force.

[0047] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, welding power supply 1 outputs welding power to perform welding when the second operation signal is input from torch switch 31, and performs work other than welding when the first operation signal is input from welding torch 3. Thus, by operating torch switch 31, the worker can perform welding and also work other than welding.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which control unit 16 of welding power supply 1 performs control in response to an operation signal from switch 32, but this is not limited to the above. For example, wire feeder 2 may include a control unit and perform control in response to an operation signal from switch 32. Furthermore, welding system A1 may further include a control device and the control device may perform control in response to an operation signal from switch 32.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the switch 32 is described as having a variable resistor with two contacts, but the present invention is not limited to this. The switch 32 may be provided with a variable resistor whose resistance value changes continuously according to the moving distance of the plunger 322 (see FIG. 3(b)). In this case, the resistance value changes continuously according to the pressing force, so the current flowing through the signal line 5 also changes continuously. The signal input unit 14 may determine the two types of operation signals depending on whether the detected current is equal to or greater than a threshold value or less than a threshold value.

[0050] The variable resistor of the switch 32 is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the switch 32 may be a variable resistor having a plate-shaped resistor 91 and a conductor 92 made of an elastically deformable conductive material (e.g., conductive silicone rubber), and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes depending on the contact area between the conductor 92 and the resistor 91. When the plunger 322 of the switch 32 is not pressed, the conductor 92 is separated from the resistor 91 as shown in FIG. 4(a). In this case, the resistance value of the variable resistor is the same as the resistance value of the resistor 91, and a relatively low level of current flows through the signal line 5. When the plunger 322 is pressed to the first stage, a part of the conductor 92 comes into contact with the resistor 91 as shown in FIG. 4(b). In this case, a part of the current flows bypassing the conductor 92, so that the resistance value of the variable resistor becomes smaller than the resistance value of the resistor 91, and a higher level of current flows through the signal line 5 than in the case of FIG. 4(a). When the plunger 322 is pressed to the second stage, as shown in Fig. 4(c), the contact area between the conductor 92 and the resistor 91 becomes larger than that in Fig. 4(b). In this case, more current flows bypassing the conductor 92, so the resistance value of the variable resistor becomes smaller than that in Fig. 4(b), and a higher level of current flows through the signal line 5 than in Fig. 4(b). In this way, the variable resistor shown in Fig. 4 can also output a current according to the pressing force. The variable resistor included in the switch 32 may be one whose resistance value changes depending on the pressing force.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the switch 32 includes a variable resistor, and the signal input unit 14 applies a predetermined voltage to the variable resistor of the switch 32 via the signal line 5 to detect the current flowing through the signal line 5 to detect the operation signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. The switch 32 may be capable of outputting different operation signals depending on the pressing state.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the case where switch 32 outputs three types of operation signals (a no-operation signal, a first operation signal, and a second operation signal) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Switch 32 may output four or more types of operation signals. In this case, welding power supply 1 can be set to perform different operations for each input operation signal. For example, when switch 32 can output four types of operation signals, welding power supply 1 can be set to perform inching when a first operation signal is input, to perform a gas check when a second operation signal is input, and to perform welding when a third operation signal is input. In this case, the operator can perform three types of operations, inching, gas check, and welding, simply by operating torch switch 31.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the welding system A1 performs, for example, MIG (MAG) welding in which a shielding gas is supplied during welding and a welding wire is fed by the wire feeder 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the welding system A1 may perform TIG welding in which a welding wire is not used. In this case, the welding system A1 does not include the wire feeder 2. Meanwhile, the welding system A1 includes a high-frequency power source that applies a high-frequency voltage to start the main welding. In this case, a start-up check of the high-frequency power source may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. That is, the control unit 16 may output a start-up command to the high-frequency power source when the first operation signal is input. This allows the operator to check whether the high-frequency power source can be properly started and can apply the high-frequency voltage. The welding system A1 may also perform plasma welding. In this case, the welding system A1 supplies a plasma gas and a center gas in addition to the shielding gas. In this case, any gas check may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. Also, the switching unit 161 may switch which gas to check.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a welding torch (welding system), but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to an arc cutting torch (arc cutting system) that cuts the workpiece W by an arc generated at the tip, an arc gouging torch (arc gouging system) that carves a groove in the workpiece W, and the like. The present invention can also be applied to a thermal processing torch (thermal processing system) that performs thermal processing such as gas welding and resistance welding, without being limited to thermal processing by arc. For example, a resistance welding system includes a fixing device that clamps and fixes the workpiece W during welding processing. The fixing device clamps and fixes the workpiece W by applying pressure by hydraulic pressure before applying a welding current. In this case, a start check of the hydraulic solenoid valve may be set as the operation when the first operation signal is input. That is, the control unit 16 may open the solenoid valve of the fixing device when the first operation signal is input. This allows the operator to check whether the fixing device is started correctly.

[0055] The thermal processing torch and thermal processing system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. The specific configurations of the components of the thermal processing torch and thermal processing system according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] A1: welding system (thermal processing system), 1: welding power supply, 161: switching unit, 2: wire feeder, 21: feed motor, 24: gas solenoid valve, 3: welding torch (thermal processing torch), 31: torch switch, 32: switch (multi-stage switch), 37: torch body (torch main body), 38: handle (torch main body), 6: gas cylinder

Claims

1. A thermal processing torch; a power supply device to which an operation signal output by the thermal processing torch is input; Equipped with The thermal processing torch comprises: A torch body, a torch switch attached to the torch body and pressed by an operator; Equipped with The torch switch includes a multi-stage switch capable of outputting three or more types of the operation signal in response to a pressing force, the multi-stage switch outputs a first operation signal when pressed to a first stage, and outputs a second operation signal when pressed to a second stage requiring a greater pressing force than the first stage, When the first operation signal is input from the thermal processing torch, the power supply device performs control for a preset operation different from control for thermal processing. Thermal processing system.

2. The power supply device supplies power to the thermal processing torch when the second operation signal is input from the thermal processing torch. The thermal processing system of claim 1 .

3. The power supply device is A switching unit is provided for switching between a first operation and a second operation that are set in advance and are different from the control for the thermal processing, When the first operation signal is input from the thermal processing torch, control for the first operation or the second operation is performed depending on a state of the switching unit.

3. A thermal processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a feed motor for feeding a welding wire to the thermal processing torch; a solenoid valve for discharging a shielding gas from a gas cylinder to the thermal processing torch; Further equipped with the first operation is inching to cause the feed motor to feed the welding wire, The second operation is a gas check that causes the solenoid valve to release the shielding gas. The thermal processing system of claim 3.

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