Welding torch

Abstract

To suppress drift of shielding gas.SOLUTION: A welding torch comprises a cylindrical tip body 100, an orifice 120, and a nozzle 150. The cylindrical tip body 100 extends in an axial direction. The orifice 120 is located in a radial outside of the tip body 100, and an annular first space 11 is formed between the orifice and the tip body 100. The nozzle 150 is located in a radial outside of the orifice 120, and an annular second space 12 is formed between the nozzle and the orifice 120. The tip body 100 comprises a plurality of first through-holes 101 which communicate an inside space 10 of the tip body 100 with the first space 11. The orifice 120 comprises a plurality of second through-holes 132 which communicate the first space 11 with the second space 12, and are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the orifice 120. Each of the plurality of second through-holes 132 has a long-hole shape extending in the circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a welding torch.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document disclosing an orifice for a welding torch, there is a microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 01-134928 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 03-076666) (Patent Document 1). In the orifice for a welding torch described in Patent Document 1, a number of holes for discharging gas from a gas diffuser into a nozzle are formed in a staggered pattern in the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the orifice.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the orifice for a welding torch described in Patent Document 1, since a large amount of shielding gas exits from the holes near the tip of the nozzle among the many holes of the orifice, unevenness occurs in the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice, and the shielding gas flowing from the orifice to the tip of the nozzle becomes in a state of uneven flow. Further, when the through-hole formed in the orifice is circular, the pressure loss when the shielding gas passes through the through-hole increases, the rectifying characteristics of the shielding gas by the orifice deteriorate, and this also makes it easier for the shielding gas to be in a state of uneven flow.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a welding torch capable of suppressing uneven flow of shielding gas.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The welding torch according to the present invention includes a cylindrical tip body, an orifice, and a nozzle. The tip body extends in the axial direction. The orifice is disposed radially outside the tip body, and an annular first space is formed between the tip body and the orifice. The nozzle is disposed radially outside the orifice, and an annular second space is formed between the orifice and the nozzle. The tip body is provided with a plurality of first through holes that communicate the inner space of the tip body with the first space. The orifice is provided with a plurality of second through holes that communicate the first space with the second space, arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the orifice. The plurality of second through holes have a long hole shape extending along the circumferential direction.

[0007] By providing the orifice with a plurality of second through holes having a long hole shape extending along the circumferential direction, it is possible to reduce the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice while reducing the pressure loss of the shielding gas when passing through the second through holes, and suppress the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice to the tip of the nozzle.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through holes is equal to or greater than the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through holes.

[0009] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the shielding gas flowing out from the plurality of second through holes from becoming excessively high pressure, and reduce the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice, so that the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice to the tip of the nozzle can be suppressed.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through holes is 1.3 times or less with respect to the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through holes.

[0011] This suppresses the excessive reduction in pressure in the first space between the chip body and the orifice, and can maintain the rectifying characteristics of the shielding gas by the orifice at a high level, so that the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice to the tip of the nozzle can be suppressed.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the orifice includes a first member made of resin and a second member made of metal. The first member is located outside the first space. The second member is connected to the first member in the axial direction and is located on the tip side of the nozzle with respect to the first member.

[0013] This prevents the melting of the first member in the orifice due to the heat influence caused by the adhesion of sputtering, suppresses the gas leakage generated by the formation of a gap between the chip body and the first member, and can electrically insulate the chip body and the nozzle by the second member.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the first member and the second member are connected to each other by fitting along the circumferential direction.

[0015] This can reduce the thickness of the orifice in the radial direction, so that the orifice can be miniaturized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the uneven flow of the shielding gas can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, a welding torch according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a welding torch according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the welding torch in FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow II-II. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the welding torch in FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of the arrow III-III. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first member in the orifice provided in the welding torch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tip body 100, an orifice 120, and a nozzle 150. The welding torch 1 in the present embodiment further includes a liner member 110, an insulating member 160, and a tip 170. The welding torch 1 is applied to high-speed welding such as laser-arc hybrid welding, for example.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tip body 100 is cylindrical. The tip body 100 extends in the axial direction (DR1 direction). The tip body 100 is connected to the liner member 110 at the rear end in the welding torch 1.

[0022] The chip body 100 is made of metal. The chip body 100 is composed of, for example, copper. Note that the chip body 100 only needs to be composed of a metal material and is not limited to copper. The chip body 100 is powered by a torch body (not shown).

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chip body 100 is provided with a plurality of first through holes 101. Each of the plurality of first through holes 101 in the present embodiment is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the axial direction. Note that the axial positions of the plurality of first through holes 101 may be shifted from each other.

[0024] The liner member 110 is a member that forms a passage for supplying a wire (not shown) to the chip 170. The liner member 110 includes a liner 111 and a connection member 112.

[0025] The liner 111 is inserted through the chip body 100 in the axial direction. As a result, an annular inner space 10 is formed between the chip body 100 and the liner 111.

[0026] The connection member 112 is connected to the rear end side of the liner 111. The connection member 112 is connected to a torch body (not shown) at an end opposite to the liner 111.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the orifice 120 is cylindrical. The orifice 120 is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the chip body 100. An annular first space 11 is formed between the orifice 120 and the chip body 100.

[0028] Each of the plurality of first through holes 101 in the chip body 100 communicates the inner space 10 of the chip body 100 with the first space 11.

[0029] The orifice 120 includes a first member 130 and a second member 140. In the present embodiment, the orifice 120 is composed of two members, but it is not limited thereto and may be composed of a single member. The first member 130 is located outside the first space 11.

[0030] The first member 130 is made of resin. The first member 130 is, for example, a phenolic resin. Note that the first member 130 is not limited to a phenolic resin and may be a resin such as polyacetal or a ceramic. By disposing the first member 130 between the chip body 100 and the nozzle 150, the chip body 100 and the nozzle 150 are electrically insulated.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first member 130 has a flange portion 131. The flange portion 131 is disposed on the rear end side of the welding torch 1. The flange portion 131 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle 150.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a plurality of second through holes 132 that communicate the first space 11 and the second space 12 are provided in the first member 130 of the orifice 120 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. The plurality of second through holes 132 are located on the rear end side of the welding torch 1 with respect to the plurality of first through holes 101. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of second through holes 132 is provided on the flange portion 131 side in the first member 130.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of second through holes 132 have an elongated hole shape extending along the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. In the present embodiment, six second through holes 132 are provided in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. The aperture diameter in the axial direction (DR1 direction) of the elongated hole shape of the plurality of second through holes 132 is, for example, 1.5 mm.

[0034] The ratio of the total length of the plurality of second through-holes 132 to the total length of the first member 130 in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120 is, for example, 60 to 80%. Thereby, it is suppressed that the shielding gas is jetted from the plurality of second through-holes 132 at an excessively high pressure.

[0035] By forming each of the plurality of second through-holes 132 in a long hole shape, the pressure loss of the shielding gas when passing through the plurality of second through-holes 132 can be reduced as compared with the case where each of the plurality of second through-holes has a circular shape having a diameter equal to the minor diameter of the long hole shape. Further, by forming each of the plurality of second through-holes 132 in a long hole shape, the number of through-holes required to secure the opening area can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost required for drilling can be reduced.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the second member 140 is connected to the first member 130 in the axial direction (DR1 direction) and is located on the tip side of the nozzle 150 with respect to the first member 130.

[0037] The second member 140 is made of metal. The second member 140 is constituted by, for example, copper. Note that the second member 140 only needs to be constituted by a metal material having a relatively high melting point, and is not limited to copper.

[0038] The first member 130 and the second member 140 are connected to each other by fitting along the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. In the present embodiment, the inner peripheral portion of the first member 130 and the outer peripheral portion of the second member 140 are fitted at the fitting portion 121, whereby they are connected to each other. Thereby, the thickness in the radial direction of the orifice 120 can be made thinner than, for example, the case where a female screw and a male screw formed in the first member 130 and the second member 140 are screwed and fastened.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the nozzle 150 is cylindrical. The nozzle 150 is disposed radially outside the orifice 120. An annular second space 12 is formed between the nozzle 150 and the orifice 120. The tip side of the nozzle 150 is open to the outside. The nozzle 150 is made of a metal material.

[0040] The insulating member 160 is a member that insulates the chip body 100 and the nozzle 150 together with the first member 130. The insulating member 160 includes a first insulating member 161 and a second insulating member 162.

[0041] The first insulating member 161 is provided radially outside the chip body 100. A part of the second insulating member 162 is fitted and connected to the first insulating member 161. The nozzle 150 is fitted to the radially outer side of the second insulating member 162.

[0042] The chip 170 is connected to the tip of the chip body 100. The chip 170 is provided with a through hole extending in the axial direction (DR1 direction). A wire (not shown) can be inserted into the through hole. By feeding power to the chip 170 through the chip body 100 while inserting a wire into the chip 170, an arc discharge occurs between the wire and a welded member (not shown).

[0043] Here, the flow of the shielding gas in the welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of the shielding gas in the welding torch with the V portion in FIG. 1 enlarged.

[0044] In the welding torch 1, shield gas composed of an inert gas or the like jets out from the tip side of the nozzle 150. As the flow of the shield gas inside the welding torch 1, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the shield gas that has flowed through the inside of the connecting member 112 from a torch body (not shown) flows through the inner space 10. Next, the shield gas passes through a plurality of first through-holes 101 from the inner space 10 and flows into the first space 11. Next, the shield gas passes through a plurality of second through-holes 132 from the first space 11 and flows into the second space 12. After that, the shield gas flows through the second space 12 and jets out to the outside from the tip of the nozzle 150.

[0045] In the above-described flow of the shield gas, the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through-holes 132 is equal to or greater than the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through-holes 101. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the shield gas jetting from the plurality of second through-holes 132 from becoming excessively high pressure, and to reduce the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shield gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120.

[0046] Further, the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through-holes 132 is 1.3 times or less with respect to the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through-holes 101. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the inside of the first space 11 from becoming excessively low pressure, and to maintain the rectifying characteristics of the shield gas by the orifice 120 at a high level, so that the uneven flow of the shield gas can be suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, since the flow direction of the shield gas in each of the inner space 10 and the second space 12 and the flow direction of the shield gas in the first space 11 are opposite to each other in the axial direction (DR1 direction), the distance that the shield gas flows inside the welding torch 1 is increased to secure a rectifying section of the shield gas, and the uneven flow of the shield gas can be suppressed.

[0048] Here, the simulation analysis results of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the welding torch according to the present embodiment and the welding torch according to the comparative example will be described. The welding torch according to the comparative example differs from the welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention only in the shape of the plurality of second through holes. Each of the plurality of second through holes of the welding torch according to the comparative example has a perfect circular shape. The plurality of second through holes in the comparative example are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the orifice, eight in number.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the distribution of the flow velocity of the shielding gas inside the tip of the welding torch according to the comparative example.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, in the welding torch 9 according to the comparative example, there are large irregularities in the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas around the tip 970 in the second space 92 at the tip of the welding torch 9. Specifically, for example, as in the position P9 shown in FIG. 6, there are locations where the flow velocity of the shielding gas is locally high and locations where the shielding gas hardly flows.

[0051] This large irregularity in the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas inside the tip of the nozzle 950 is caused by the shielding gas being ejected from the plurality of perfect circular second through holes at an excessively high pressure. The shielding gas ejected from the plurality of perfect circular second through holes at an excessively high pressure flows through the second space 92 while being deflected in the circumferential direction of the nozzle 950. As a result, the shielding gas ejected from the nozzle 950 to the outside is deflected in the circumferential direction of the nozzle 950, so that gas shielding performance cannot be ensured.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the distribution of the flow velocity of the shielding gas inside the tip of the welding torch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, in the welding torch 1 according to the present embodiment, the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas around the tip 170 in the second space 12 at the tip of the welding torch 1 was reduced. Specifically, for example, as in the position P1 shown in FIG. 7, the flow velocity of the shielding gas was leveled, and there was no place where the shielding gas hardly flowed. In this way, it was confirmed that by forming the second through-hole in a long-hole shape, the uneven flow of the shielding gas can be suppressed and the gas shielding property can be ensured.

[0054] In the welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second through-holes 132 having a long-hole shape extending along the circumferential direction are provided in the first member 130 at the orifice 120, so that while reducing the pressure loss of the shielding gas when passing through the second through-holes 132, the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120 can be reduced, and the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice 120 to the tip of the nozzle 150 can be suppressed.

[0055] In the welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through-holes 132 is equal to or larger than the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through-holes 101, it is possible to suppress the shielding gas flowing out from the plurality of second through-holes 132 from becoming excessively high in pressure, and reduce the unevenness of the flow velocity distribution of the shielding gas in the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. Therefore, the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice 120 to the tip of the nozzle 150 can be suppressed.

[0056] In the welding torch 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of second through-holes 132 is 1.3 times or less the total value of the opening areas of the plurality of first through-holes 101, it is possible to suppress the shielding gas flowing out from the plurality of second through-holes 132 from becoming excessively low in pressure, and maintain the high rectifying characteristics of the shielding gas by the orifice 120. Therefore, the uneven flow of the shielding gas flowing from the orifice 120 to the tip of the nozzle 150 can be suppressed.

[0057] In the welding torch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the orifice 120 includes a resin-made first member 130 and a metal-made second member 140 positioned on the tip side of the first member 130. By this, melting of the first member 130 in the orifice 120 due to the heat influence caused by the adhesion of spatter is prevented, gas leakage generated by a gap occurring between the tip body 100 and the first member 130 is suppressed, and the tip body 100 and the nozzle 150 can be electrically insulated by the second member 140.

[0058] In the welding torch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first member 130 and the second member 140 are connected to each other by fitting along the circumferential direction of the orifice 120. Thus, the thickness in the radial direction of the orifice 120 can be made thinner. Therefore, compared with the case where a female screw and a male screw formed in the first member 130 and the second member 140 are screwed together and fastened, the orifice 120 can be miniaturized.

[0059] Note that the above-described embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not a basis for restrictive interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not interpreted only by the above-described embodiments. Also, all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. In the description of the above-described embodiments, combinable configurations may be combined with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1,9 Welding torch, 10 Inner space, 11 First space, 12,92 Second space, 100 Tip body, 101 First through hole, 120 Orifice, 130 First member, 132 Second through hole, 140 Second member, 150,950 Nozzle.

Claims

1. A cylindrical chip body extending in the axial direction, an orifice disposed radially outside the chip body, with an annular first space formed therebetween, and a nozzle disposed radially outside the orifice, with an annular second space formed therebetween, comprising: The chip body is provided with a plurality of first through holes that communicate the inner space of the chip body with the first space. The orifice is provided with a plurality of second through holes that communicate the first space with the second space, arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the orifice. The plurality of second through holes have an elongated hole shape extending along the circumferential direction. The orifice includes a resinous first member located outside the first space, and a metallic second member connected to the first member in the axial direction and located on the tip side of the nozzle with respect to the first member, a welding torch.

2. A cylindrical chip body extending in the axial direction, an orifice disposed radially outside the chip body, with an annular first space formed therebetween, and a nozzle disposed radially outside the orifice, with an annular second space formed therebetween, comprising: The chip body is provided with a plurality of first through holes that communicate the inner space of the chip body with the first space. The orifice is provided with a plurality of second through holes that communicate the first space with the second space, arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the orifice. The plurality of second through holes have an elongated hole shape extending along the circumferential direction. The orifice includes a first member located outside the first space, and a second member connected to the first member in the axial direction and located on the tip side of the nozzle with respect to the first member, wherein the plurality of second through holes are provided in the first member, a welding torch.

3. The welding torch according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the total opening area of the plurality of second through holes is equal to or greater than the total opening area of the plurality of first through holes.

4. The welding torch according to claim 3, wherein the total opening area of the plurality of second through holes is 1.3 times or less with respect to the total opening area of the plurality of first through holes.

5. The welding torch according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first member and the second member are connected to each other by fitting along the circumferential direction.

Images