JP6919241B2 - Judgment system, management device, judgment method and judgment program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a determination system, a management device, a determination method, and a determination program.

Conventionally, as a welding method for metals and the like, there is a method in which a welding operation is performed while blowing a gas such as carbon dioxide onto the welded portion in order to prevent contact between the welded portion and the outside air. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-013562 (Patent Document 1) describes a welding system including a gas pipe that supplies a shield gas to a welding torch via a welding power supply device and a wire feeding device.

In addition, if the use of gas is not appropriate, such as when a gas leak occurs, the cost will increase, so it is necessary to confirm whether or not the use of gas is appropriate. For example, Japan Welding Association, Welding Information Center, "Joining / Welding Technology Q & A1000", [online], [Search on December 19, 2016], Internet <URL: http: // www. it. jwes. or. jp / qa / detachs. jsp? In pg_no = 0020020250> (Non-Patent Document 1), the welding operator periodically checks each gas flow meter to check whether there is a gas leak and whether the amount of gas used is appropriate. It is stated that it will be confirmed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-013562

Japan Welding Association, Welding Information Center, "Joining / Welding Technology Q & A1000", [online], [Search on December 19, 2016], Internet <URL: http: // www. it. jwes. or. jp / qa / detachs. jsp? pg_no = 0020020250>

However, the method of manually checking each gas flow meter requires a lot of time and labor. Therefore, a technique that can easily confirm whether or not the use of gas is appropriate is desired.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is a determination system, a management device, and a determination that can easily confirm whether or not the use of gas used for welding is appropriate. To provide a method and a determination program.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the determination system according to a certain aspect of the present invention includes one or a plurality of first sensors for measuring the flow rate of gas supplied to one or a plurality of welding facilities, and the one or a plurality of first sensors. One or more second sensors that measure the current or voltage supplied to a plurality of welding facilities, the first measurement information that shows the measurement result of the first sensor, and the second measurement that shows the measurement result of the second sensor. It is provided with a management device that acquires information and determines the use of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information.

(10) In order to solve the above problems, the management device according to a certain aspect of the present invention includes the first measurement information showing the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas. It is provided with an acquisition unit for acquiring the second measurement information capable of determining the above, and a determination unit for determining the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit. ..

(11) In order to solve the above problems, the determination method according to a certain aspect of the present invention is a determination method in a determination system, which measures the flow rate of gas supplied to one or more welding facilities, and the welding. It includes a step of measuring the current or voltage supplied to the facility, and a step of determining the use of the gas based on the measured flow rate of the gas and the measured current or voltage.

(12) In order to solve the above problems, the determination method according to another aspect of the present invention is the determination method in the management device, and the first measurement information showing the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and A step of acquiring a second measurement information capable of determining the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas, and a step of determining the use of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information. And include.

(13) In order to solve the above problems, the determination program related to a certain aspect of the present invention is a determination program used in a management device, and is a first determination program showing a measurement result of a flow rate of a gas used for welding with a computer. Based on the acquisition unit that acquires the measurement information and the second measurement information that can determine the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas, and the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit. , A program for functioning as a determination unit for determining the use of the gas.

The present invention can be realized not only as a management device provided with such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of the management device.

According to the present invention, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gas flow rate sensor, a current sensor, and welding equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a gas flow rate sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart defining an operation procedure of a processing unit in the gas flow rate sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in which the operating procedure of the determination system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is defined. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a determination method by a determination unit in the management device according to the first modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart defining an operation procedure of a processing unit in the gas flow rate sensor according to the second modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

(1) The determination system according to the embodiment of the present invention is supplied to one or a plurality of first sensors for measuring the flow rate of gas supplied to one or a plurality of welding facilities, and the one or a plurality of welding facilities. Acquired and acquired one or a plurality of second sensors for measuring the current or voltage, the first measurement information indicating the measurement result of the first sensor, and the second measurement information indicating the measurement result of the second sensor. A management device for determining the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information is provided.

With such a configuration, the operating status of the welding equipment and the gas usage status can be grasped together, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment. .. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

(2) Preferably, the management device makes a determination regarding gas leakage as a determination regarding the use of the gas.

With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the possibility that the gas used for welding is leaking or the situation where the gas is leaking, and it is possible to suppress the generation of wasteful costs.

(3) Preferably, in the management device, the flow rate of the gas is larger than the first predetermined value in the acquired first measurement information, and the current or the voltage is the second predetermined value in the acquired second measurement information. If it is less than, a determination is made to affirm the gas leak.

With such a configuration, it can be determined that there is a possibility of gas leak or there is a gas leak when the gas of the predetermined value or more is supplied to the welding equipment which is stopped, so that the gas leak can occur. It is possible to appropriately determine whether or not there is a possibility or whether or not there is a gas leak.

(4) Preferably, the management device determines whether or not there is a problem in using the gas as a determination regarding the use of the gas.

With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp whether or not the use of gas in the welding work is appropriate, such as the amount of gas used in the welding work.

(5) Preferably, the management device calculates the usage amount of the gas per unit time based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information, and is based on the calculated usage amount and threshold value. To determine the presence or absence of the problem.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the amount of gas used is appropriate.

(6) Preferably, when the usage amount is less than the first threshold value, the management device determines that the usage amount is insufficient.

With such a configuration, it is possible to know that the amount of gas used is insufficient, so that it is possible to prevent the quality of the welding object from being deteriorated due to the insufficient amount of gas used.

(7) Preferably, when the usage amount is larger than the second threshold value, the management device determines that the usage amount is excessive.

With such a configuration, it is possible to know that the amount of gas used is excessive, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary costs.

(8) Preferably, the first sensor includes a transmission unit that performs wireless communication, and the transmission unit transmits the first measurement information capable of recognizing the flow rate of the gas in a predetermined measurement period to the management device. do.

With such a configuration, it is possible to determine the use of gas in the measurement period by using the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired in the same measurement period.

Here, when the first sensor transmits the measurement information indicating the current gas flow rate a plurality of times in the measurement period instead of transmitting the first measurement information, the management device performs a plurality of measurements from the first sensor. By accumulating a plurality of values indicated by the information, the gas flow rate during the measurement period is acquired. However, in this case, if the transmission of the measurement information from the first sensor to the management device fails, the management device cannot accurately calculate the gas flow rate during the measurement period.

On the other hand, as described above, the first sensor transmits the first measurement information indicating the flow rate of the gas in a predetermined measurement period, so that the first sensor transmits the first measurement information to the management device. Even if it fails, for example, the first sensor retransmits the first measurement information, so that the management device can grasp the accurate value of the gas flow rate during the measurement period. Therefore, the determination regarding the use of gas can be made more accurately.

Further, with such a configuration, the number of times the radio signal is transmitted from the first sensor to the management device can be reduced, so that the possibility of interference between the first measurement information and the second measurement information in the radio section is reduced. be able to.

(9) Preferably, the management device makes a determination regarding the use of the gas for each determination target, and outputs the determination result for each determination target in a recognizable manner.

With such a configuration, by checking the output result of the management device, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not the use of gas is appropriate for a plurality of determination targets in a factory or the like.

(10) The management device according to the embodiment of the present invention has first measurement information showing the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and second measurement capable of determining the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas. It includes an acquisition unit for acquiring information, and a determination unit for determining the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit.

With such a configuration, the operating status of the welding equipment and the gas usage status can be grasped together, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment. .. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

(11) The determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a determination method in the determination system, in which the flow rate of gas supplied to one or more welding facilities is measured, and the current supplied to the welding equipment or It includes a step of measuring the voltage and a step of determining the use of the gas based on the measured flow rate of the gas and the measured current or voltage.

By such a method, the operating status of the welding equipment and the gas usage status can be grasped together, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment. .. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

(12) The determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention is the determination method in the management device, and is the first measurement information showing the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and the welding equipment using the gas. It includes a step of acquiring a second measurement information capable of determining an operating status, and a step of determining the use of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information.

By such a method, the operating status of the welding equipment and the gas usage status can be grasped together, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment. .. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

(13) The determination program according to the embodiment of the present invention is a determination program used in the management device, and the computer uses the first measurement information indicating the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and the gas. Judgment regarding the use of the gas based on the acquisition unit that acquires the second measurement information that can determine the operating status of the welding equipment used, and the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit. It is a program for functioning as a judgment unit for performing the above.

With such a configuration, the operating status of the welding equipment and the gas usage status can be grasped together, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment. .. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration and basic operation]
(Judgment system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the determination system 301 includes a gas flow rate sensor (first sensor) 101, a current sensor (second sensor) 131, a plurality of welding equipment 151, a management device 201, and a display device 251. Be prepared.

The gas flow rate sensor 101 and the current sensor 131 are installed corresponding to the welding equipment 151.

Specifically, the determination system 301 includes welding equipment 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d as four welding equipment 151, gas flow sensors 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d as four gas flow sensors 101, and four current sensors 131. The current sensors 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d are provided as the above.

The gas flow rate sensor 101a is provided in the gas pipe 171a for supplying gas from the gas supply source 221 to the welding equipment 151a. The current sensor 131a is provided on the power line 162a for supplying electric power from the power supply source 222 to the welding equipment 151a via the switchboard 161.

The gas flow rate sensor 101b is provided in the gas pipe 171b for supplying gas from the gas supply source 221 to the welding equipment 151b. The current sensor 131b is provided on the power line 162b for supplying electric power from the power supply source 222 to the welding equipment 151b via the switchboard 161.

The gas flow rate sensor 101c is provided in the gas pipe 171c for supplying gas from the gas supply source 221 to the welding equipment 151c. The current sensor 131c is provided on the power line 162c for supplying electric power from the power supply source 222 to the welding equipment 151c via the switchboard 161.

The gas flow rate sensor 101d is provided in the gas pipe 171d for supplying gas from the gas supply source 221 to the welding equipment 151d. The current sensor 131d is provided on the power line 162d for supplying electric power from the power supply source 222 to the welding equipment 151d via the switchboard 161.

Hereinafter, each of the power lines 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d is also referred to as a "power line 162". Further, each of the gas pipes 171a, 171b, 171c, and 171d is also referred to as "gas pipe 171".

The determination system 301 may include one to three or five or more gas flow rate sensors 101. Further, the determination system 301 may include one to three or five or more current sensors 131. The determination system 301 may include one to three or five or more welding facilities 151.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gas flow rate sensor, a current sensor, and welding equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 2, the welding equipment 151 is equipment used for welding metal and the like, and includes a main body 50 and a nozzle 51. When operated by an operator, the main body 50 operates by receiving power supplied from the switchboard 161 via the power line 162.

Further, the main body 50 is connected to the gas pipe 171 and receives a gas such as carbon dioxide from the gas pipe 171 during operation and discharges the gas from the nozzle 51. As a result, gas is blown onto the object to be welded, so that contact between the welded portion and the outside air can be prevented during the welding operation.

The gas pipe 171 is provided with a valve 172, and the operator can avoid the release of unnecessary gas by opening the valve 172 before the welding work and closing the valve 172 after the welding work.

The gas flow rate sensor 101 is, for example, a battery-powered sensor, and includes a measurement unit 11 and a communication processing unit 12. The measuring unit 11 measures the flow rate of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 via the gas pipe 171 and notifies the communication processing unit 12 of the measurement result. The measuring unit 11 may be installed at a place other than the gas pipe 171 as long as the flow rate of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 can be measured.

Based on the measurement result notified from the measurement unit 11, the communication processing unit 12 creates gas amount information (first measurement information) indicating the volume amount of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 in the predetermined measurement period TA, for example. do. Then, the communication processing unit 12 transmits the created gas amount information to the management device 201 by, for example, wireless communication.

The length of the measurement period TA is, for example, 1 minute, and the measurement period TA is continuously repeated. The communication processing unit 12 transmits gas amount information indicating the volume amount of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 via the gas pipe 171 to the management device 201, for example, every minute.

The current sensor 131 is, for example, a battery-powered sensor, and includes a measuring unit 21 and a communication processing unit 22. The measuring unit 21 measures the current supplied to the welding equipment 151 via the power line 162, and notifies the communication processing unit 22 of the measurement result.

The communication processing unit 22 creates current information (second measurement information) indicating the measurement result based on the measurement result notified from the measurement unit 21, and transmits the created current information to the management device 201 by, for example, wireless communication. do. The communication processing unit 22 creates current information indicating the current measured by the measuring unit 21 every minute, for example, and transmits the created current information to the management device 201.

In order to avoid interference between the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 and the current information transmitted from the current sensor 131 in wireless communication, the transmission timing of the gas amount information and the transmission timing of the current information are different. Is set to.

The management device 201 receives the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 101 and the current information from the current sensor 131. Then, the management device 201 targets the welding equipment 151 included in the determination system 301, that is, the welding equipments 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d, and determines the use of gas based on the received gas amount information and current information. ..

Here, if gas leaks from the valve 172 due to forgetting to close the valve 172 after the welding work, or if gas leaks from the seam of the gas pipe 171 due to aging of the gas pipe 171 or the like, the cost increases. there is a possibility.

In addition, if the amount of gas used during the welding work is insufficient due to forgetting to open the valve 172 before the welding work, or if the amount of gas used during the welding work is excessive due to a failure of the welding equipment 151, etc., the welding target It may lead to deterioration of the quality of goods.

Therefore, the management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas, for example, a determination regarding gas leakage and a determination as to whether or not there is a problem in using gas during the welding operation.

Specifically, the management device 201 determines the operating status of the welding equipment 151 based on the current information from the current sensor 131. Further, the management device 201 determines whether or not gas is supplied to the welding equipment 151 based on the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 101.

Then, for example, when the management device 201 determines that the welding equipment 151 is out of operation and determines that gas is being supplied to the welding equipment 151, there is a possibility of a gas leak or a gas leak. Is determined to exist.

Further, the management device 201 calculates the operating time of the welding equipment 151 based on the current information from the current sensor 131. Further, the management device 201 determines the volume amount of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 based on the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 101.

Then, the management device 201 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time in the welding equipment 151 based on the operating time of the welding equipment 151 and the volume amount of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151.

Then, when the calculated usage amount is less than the threshold value GTh11, the management device 201 determines that the gas usage amount is insufficient. Further, when the calculated usage amount is larger than the threshold value GTh12, the management device 201 determines that the gas usage amount is excessive. The threshold value GTh12 is a value equal to or higher than the threshold value GTh11.

Then, the management device 201 outputs the determination result for each determination target in a recognizable manner. For example, the management device 201 performs a display process of displaying the judgment result for each judgment target on the monitor or the like of the display device 251.

The determination system 301 may be configured to include, instead of the current sensor 131, another device capable of detecting the presence or absence of power supply to the welding equipment 151, specifically, a voltage sensor.

Further, the management device 201 may be configured to perform either a determination regarding gas leakage or a determination as to whether or not there is a problem in using gas during welding work as a determination regarding the use of gas.

(Gas flow sensor)
(A) Detailed configuration FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the gas flow rate sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 3, the communication processing unit 12 in the gas flow rate sensor 101 includes a processing unit 31, a timer unit 32, and a transmission unit 33.

The measuring unit 11 measures the flow rate of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151, and outputs a pulse once when the measured flow rate reaches a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, 100 L / min.

The timer unit 32 notifies the processing unit 31 of, for example, the start timing of the measurement period TA at a preset cycle.

The processing unit 31 monitors the output of the pulse from the measuring unit 11 and counts the pulse. Then, the processing unit 31 determines, for example, a cumulative value of the counts up to the latest measurement period TA, and a difference value between the cumulative value of the count and the cumulative value of the counts up to the previous measurement period TA (hereinafter, simply ". Create gas amount information indicating (referred to as "difference value").

Specifically, when the measurement period TA is 1 minute and the volume of gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 is 500 L, the cumulative value of the count by the processing unit 31 is “5”. Further, when the volume amount of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 in the next 1 minute is 0 L, the cumulative value of the count by the processing unit 31 remains “5”, and the difference value becomes “± 0”. In this case, the processing unit 31 creates gas amount information indicating the cumulative value "5" and the difference value "± 0" of the count.

Then, the processing unit 31 outputs the created gas amount information to the transmission unit 33. Then, the transmission unit 33 transmits the gas amount information received from the processing unit 31 to the management device 201.

Further, the processing unit 31 resets the cumulative value of the count when the predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the gas flow rate sensor 101 further includes a reset button (not shown) in addition to the measuring unit 11 and the communication processing unit 12.

The processing unit 31 can detect whether or not the reset button is operated by the user. For example, when it is detected that the reset button has not been operated continuously for one week or more, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (not shown) is used. Performs processing such as turning on, and prompts the user to operate the reset button.

Then, when the processing unit 31 detects the operation of the reset button, it determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and resets the cumulative value of the count. Further, when the cumulative value of the count is reset, the processing unit 31 transmits the completion information indicating the completion of the reset to the management device 201 via the transmission unit 33.

The processing unit 31 may be configured to reset the cumulative value of the count once a week, for example, regardless of whether or not the reset button is operated.

Further, the processing unit 31 may be configured to create gas amount information that does not include the difference value. In this case, the management device 201 can calculate the difference value based on the cumulative value of the count indicated by the gas amount information at a certain transmission timing and the cumulative value of the count indicated by the gas amount information at the next transmission timing.

Further, the processing unit 31 may be configured to create gas amount information that does not include the cumulative value of the count. In this case, the management device 201 can calculate the cumulative value of the count by accumulating the difference values indicated by the gas amount information.

However, when the gas amount information does not include the difference value, if the transmission of the gas amount information at a certain transmission timing fails, the management device 201 cannot accurately calculate the difference value.

Further, when the gas amount information does not include the cumulative value of the count, if the transmission of the gas amount information at a certain transmission timing fails, the management device 201 cannot accurately calculate the cumulative value of the count.

On the other hand, when the gas amount information shows both the cumulative value and the difference value of the count as described above, for example, even if the transmission of the gas amount information at one transmission timing fails, the gas at the next transmission timing If the amount information is successfully transmitted, the management device 201 can grasp the cumulative value and the difference value of the counts indicated by the gas amount information in which the transmission has failed. Therefore, it is preferable that the processing unit 31 is configured to create gas amount information including both the cumulative value and the difference value of the count.

(B) Flow of Operation of Processing Unit FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart defining an operation procedure of the processing unit in the gas flow rate sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Each device and each sensor in the determination system 301 includes a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads a program including a part or all of each step of the following sequence from a memory (not shown) and executes the program. The programs of the plurality of devices and the plurality of sensors can be installed from the outside. The programs of the plurality of devices and the plurality of sensors are distributed in a state of being stored in a recording medium, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 4, first, the processing unit 31 starts monitoring the pulse from the measuring unit 11 when its own gas flow rate sensor 101 is turned on (step S11) by, for example, an operation of the user.

Then, when the processing unit 31 receives a pulse output from the measuring unit 11 (“YES” in step S12), the processing unit 31 counts up (step S13). On the other hand, the processing unit 31 does not count up when there is no pulse output from the measuring unit 11 (“NO” in step S12).

Next, the processing unit 31 confirms whether or not, for example, the timer unit 32 has notified the start timing of the next measurement period TA (step S14).

Then, when the processing unit 31 receives the notification of the start timing of the next measurement period TA (“YES” in step S14), the processing unit 31 creates gas amount information indicating the cumulative value and the difference value of the count, and the created gas amount. The information is output to the transmission unit 33 (step S15). On the other hand, when the processing unit 31 has not received the notification of the start timing of the next measurement period TA (“NO” in step S14), the processing unit 31 does not create and output the gas amount information.

Next, the processing unit 31 confirms whether or not the reset button has been operated (step S16), and when the operation of the reset button is detected (“YES” in step S16), resets the cumulative value of the count (step S16). S17), the operation after step S12 is performed again. On the other hand, when the operation of the reset button is not detected (“NO) in step S16), the processing unit 31 does not reset the cumulative value of the count, and repeats the operations after step S12.

The set of steps S12 and S13, the set of steps S14 and S15, and the set of steps S16 and S17 can be interchanged.

(Management device)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 5, the management device 201 includes an acquisition unit 41, a determination unit 42, a storage unit 43, and a display processing unit 44.

The acquisition unit 41 receives the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 101, and outputs the received gas amount information to the determination unit 42. Further, the acquisition unit 41 receives the current information from the current sensor 131 and outputs the received current information to the determination unit 42.

The determination unit 42 stores the gas amount information and the current information received from the acquisition unit 41 in the storage unit 43. Further, the determination unit 42 reads out the gas amount information and the current information stored in the storage unit 43 periodically or irregularly, and makes a determination regarding the use of gas based on the read out gas amount information and the current information. Then, the determination unit 42 notifies the display processing unit 44 of the determination result.

Upon receiving the notification of the determination result by the determination unit 42, the display processing unit 44 performs display processing for displaying the determination result on a monitor or the like in the display device 251.

Specifically, for example, the determination unit 42 periodically makes a determination regarding the use of gas, and notifies the display processing unit 44 of the determination result each time a new determination is made. Then, when the display processing unit 44 receives a new determination result from the determination unit 42, for example, the display processing unit 44 updates the content displayed on the monitor or the like with the new content.

The management device 201 is not limited to the configuration including the display processing unit 44, and for example, a device other than the management device 201 may output the determination result by the determination unit 42 so as to be recognizable.

(Specific example of judgment)
(A) Judgment Regarding Gas Leakage FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a determination process by a determination unit in the management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 6, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest current information stored in the storage unit 43 for each determination target, and when the current value indicated by the read current information is equal to or greater than the threshold value ITh, the welding equipment 151 Judge that it is in operation. On the other hand, when the current value indicated by the current information is less than the threshold value ITh, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151 is stopped. The threshold ITh is, for example, 15A.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151a and the welding equipment 151b are in operation, and determines that the welding equipment 151c and the welding equipment 151d are inactive.

Then, the determination unit 42 does not determine the gas leak of the welding equipment 151a and the welding equipment 151b that are determined to be in operation. On the other hand, with respect to the welding equipment 151c and the welding equipment 151d determined to be out of operation, the determination unit 42 determines, for example, whether or not the flow rate of the supplied gas is larger than a predetermined value, thereby causing a gas leak. Make a judgment about. For example, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not there is a possibility of gas leakage or whether or not there is a gas leak by determining whether or not gas is supplied.

Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151c is not currently supplied with gas when the difference value indicated by the gas amount information is “± 0”. Further, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151d is currently being supplied with gas when the difference value indicated by the gas amount information is “+2”.

Then, the determination unit 42 makes a determination to affirm the gas leak with respect to the welding equipment 151d which is determined to be out of operation and currently being supplied with gas. That is, the determination unit 42 determines that there is a possibility of gas leakage or that there is a gas leak in the welding equipment 151d. On the other hand, when the determination unit 42 determines that the gas is not currently supplied based on the gas amount information, the determination unit 42 determines that the gas leak is denied, that is, there is no possibility of the gas leak or there is no gas leak. Make a judgment to that effect.

As a determination regarding gas leakage, the determination unit 42 may determine the probability of gas leakage instead of determining the possibility of gas leakage or the presence or absence of gas leakage. For example, the determination unit 42 may determine the current gas flow rate based on the gas amount information, and may determine that the larger the determined gas flow rate, the higher the probability of gas leakage.

Further, the determination unit 42 is not limited to the configuration using the above method as the determination method for gas leakage, and may be configured to determine the gas leakage by using another method.

(B) Judgment of the presence or absence of a problem in using gas The judgment unit 42 reads out each current information stored in the storage unit 43 for each judgment target, and based on each read current information, the welding equipment 151 in the cumulative period. Calculate the operating time of. The start date and time, end date and time, and period of the cumulative period can be arbitrarily set by the user.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 42 calculates, for example, 10 hours as the operating time of the welding equipment 151a.

Further, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information stored in the storage unit 43 for each determination target, and determines the amount of gas used in the cumulative period based on the cumulative value of the count indicated by the read out gas amount information. do.

Specifically, when the cumulative period of the determination unit 42 is one week and the cumulative value of the count indicated by the gas amount information corresponding to the welding equipment 151a is "30", the gas for one week in the welding equipment 151a It is determined that the amount of gas used is 3000 L.

In addition, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time for each determination target. More specifically, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time by dividing the amount of gas used in the cumulative period by the operating time in the cumulative period for each determination target.

Specifically, when the welding equipment 151a uses 3000 L of gas for one week and the operating time for one week is 10 hours, the determination unit 42 determines the amount of gas used per unit time. Calculate 300 L / hour.

Then, the determination unit 42 confirms whether or not the calculated gas usage amount per unit time is less than the threshold value GTh11 for each determination target, and if the usage amount is less than the threshold value GTh11, the gas usage amount. Is insufficient. The threshold GTh11 is, for example, 100 L / hour.

Further, the determination unit 42 confirms whether or not the calculated gas usage amount per unit time is larger than the threshold value GTh12 for each determination target, and if the usage amount is larger than the threshold value GTh12, the gas usage amount is excessive. Is determined to be. The threshold value GTh12 is a value equal to or higher than the threshold value GTh11, and is, for example, 500 L / hour.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the amount of gas used in the welding equipment 151b per unit time is 1000 L / hour, which is larger than the threshold value GTh12. Therefore, the determination unit 42 uses an excessive amount of gas in the welding equipment 151b. Is determined.

Further, since the amount of gas used in the welding equipment 151c per unit time is 50 L / hour, which is less than the threshold value GTh11, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used in the welding equipment 151c is insufficient. ..

Further, the amount of gas used per unit time in the welding equipment 151a is 300 L / hour, which is larger than the threshold value GTh11 and equal to or less than the threshold value GTh12. Further, since the welding equipment 151a is in operation, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151a is in a normal state.

The determination unit 42 makes the above determination and notifies the display processing unit 44 of the determination result for each determination target.

Further, the determination unit 42 notifies the display processing unit 44 of the information used for the determination in addition to the determination result, for example. Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines the determination result, the current operating status, the flow rate of the currently supplied gas, the amount of gas used in the cumulative period, the operating time in the cumulative period, the amount of gas used per unit time, And the content of the determination result is notified to the display processing unit 44.

The determination unit 42 is not limited to the configuration using the above method as a method for determining the presence or absence of a problem in using gas, and determines the presence or absence of a problem in using gas by using another method. It may be a configuration.

(Specific example of display processing)
Upon receiving the notification of the determination result and the information used for the determination from the determination unit 42, the display processing unit 44 performs display processing for displaying the determination result and the content of the information on a monitor or the like in the display device 251. For example, the display processing unit 44 displays the table X shown in FIG. 6 on the monitor.

Further, the display processing unit 44 is a portion on the table X corresponding to the welding equipment 151d which is determined to have a possibility of gas leak or has a gas leak, and is used for determining the gas leak. The value, that is, the display area of the flow rate of the currently supplied gas is displayed in a display mode different from that of other areas.

Further, the display processing unit 44 is a portion on the table X corresponding to, for example, the welding equipment 151b in which the amount of gas used is determined to be excessive, and is used for determining whether or not there is a problem in using gas. The value, that is, the display area of the amount of gas used per unit time is displayed in a display mode different from that of other areas.

Further, the display processing unit 44 is a portion on the table X corresponding to, for example, the welding equipment 151c in which the amount of gas used is determined to be insufficient, and is used for determining whether or not there is a problem in using gas. The value used, that is, the display area of the amount of gas used per unit time is displayed in a display mode different from that of other areas.

The display processing unit 44 is configured to perform output processing such as sounding an alarm according to the determination result by the determination unit 42 instead of performing the display processing as described above or in addition to the display processing as described above. There may be.

[Operation flow by judgment system]
Next, the flow of operation by the determination system 301 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in which the operating procedure of the determination system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is defined.

With reference to FIG. 7, first, the gas flow rate sensor 101 measures the flow rate of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151, and transmits the gas amount information indicating the measurement result to the management device 201 (step S21). Then, the management device 201 receives the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 101 (step S22).

Next, the current sensor 131 measures the current supplied to the welding equipment 151, and transmits the current information indicating the measurement result to the management device 201 (step S23). Then, the management device 201 receives the current information from the current sensor 131 (step S24).

The order of transmitting gas amount information (step S21) and receiving gas amount information (step S22) and transmitting current information (step S23) and receiving current information (step S24) are in reverse order. It may be. That is, after the current information is transmitted from the current sensor 131 and the current information is received by the management device 201, the gas amount information is transmitted from the gas flow sensor 101 and the gas amount information is received by the management device 201. It may be done.

Next, the management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas based on the received gas amount information and current information. Specifically, the management device 201 determines the gas leak and the presence or absence of a problem in using the gas (step S25).

Then, the management device 201 outputs the determination result so as to be recognizable by displaying the determination result and the content of the information used for the determination on, for example, a monitor in the display device 251 (step S26).

Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

<Second Embodiment>
In the determination system 301 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the gas flow rate sensor 101 and the current sensor 131 are installed corresponding to the welding equipment 151.

On the other hand, in the determination system 302 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the gas flow rate sensor 102 and the current sensor 132 are installed corresponding to a plurality of welding facilities 151. That is, the gas flow rate sensor 102 and the current sensor 132 are installed corresponding to a group consisting of a plurality of welding facilities 151.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 8, the gas flow rate sensor 102 is provided, for example, in the gas pipe 175 that supplies gas to the welding facilities 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d. The current sensor 132 is provided, for example, on the power line 165 between the switchboard 161 and the power supply source 222.

The management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas based on the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 102 and the current information from the current sensor 132. The determination target by the management device 201 is a group G composed of four welding facilities 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

(A) Judgment Regarding Gas Leakage With reference to FIG. 9, the determination unit 42 in the management device 201 reads out the latest current information stored in the storage unit 43, and the current value indicated by the read current information is equal to or higher than the threshold value ITh. If so, it is determined that Group G is in operation. On the other hand, when the current value indicated by the current information is less than the threshold value ITh, the determination unit 42 determines that the group G is inactive.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that the operation of the group G is stopped, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information stored in the storage unit 43, and returns to the group G based on the difference value indicated by the read out gas amount information. Judge whether or not the gas is supplied.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that the gas is being supplied, it determines that there is a possibility of a gas leak or that there is a gas leak.

(B) Determining whether or not there is a problem in using gas The determination unit 42 reads out the current information stored in the storage unit 43 during the cumulative period, and based on the read current information, the operating time of the group G in the cumulative period. Is calculated. The cumulative period is, for example, one week. The operating time of the group G is the time during which at least one of the four welding facilities 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d is operating.

Further, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information stored in the storage unit 43, and determines the amount of gas used in the cumulative period based on the cumulative value of the count indicated by the read out gas amount information.

Specifically, when the cumulative period of the determination unit 42 is one week and the cumulative value of the count indicated by the gas amount information is "90", the amount of gas used for the group G for one week is 9000 L. Judge that there is.

In addition, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time. More specifically, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time by dividing the amount of gas used for group G in the cumulative period by the operating time of group G in the cumulative period.

Specifically, when the determination unit 42 uses 9000 L of gas for one week and the operating time of Group G for one week is 30 hours, the amount of gas used per unit time is 300 L / L. Calculate the time.

Then, when the calculated amount of gas used per unit time is less than the threshold value GTh21, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is insufficient. The threshold GTh21 is, for example, 400 L / hour.

Further, when the calculated amount of gas used per unit time is larger than the threshold value GTh22, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is excessive. The threshold value GTh22 is a value equal to or higher than the threshold value GTh21, and is, for example, 2000 L / hour.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, since the amount of gas used per unit time is 300 L / hour, the threshold value is GTh21 or more and the threshold value is GTh22 or less, the determination unit 42 determines that there is no problem in using gas.

Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated here.

<Third embodiment>
In the determination system 303 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the gas flow rate sensor 103 is installed corresponding to a plurality of welding facilities 151. Further, the current sensor 133 is installed corresponding to the welding equipment 151. That is, the gas flow rate sensor 103 is installed corresponding to a group consisting of a plurality of welding facilities 151, and the plurality of current sensors 133 are installed corresponding to each of the plurality of welding facilities 151.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 10, the gas flow rate sensor 103 is provided in the gas pipe 175, for example, like the gas flow rate sensor 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

For example, four current sensors 133 are provided, and the four current sensors 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d are the current sensors 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Similarly, the power lines 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d are provided, respectively.

The management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas based on the gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 103 and the current information from the current sensors 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d. The determination target by the management device 201 is a group G composed of four welding facilities 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 11, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest current information stored in the storage unit 43, and determines the operating status of each welding facility 151 based on the read out current information.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that all the four welding facilities 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d are out of operation, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information from the gas flow rate sensor 103 stored in the storage unit 43. Based on the difference value indicated by the read gas amount information, it is determined whether or not gas is supplied to the group G.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that the gas is being supplied, it determines that there is a possibility of a gas leak or that there is a gas leak.

Further, the determination unit 42 determines whether or not there is a problem in using gas, and the determination unit 42 determines whether or not there is a problem in using gas in the management device 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above. Since it is the same, the detailed description will not be repeated here.

Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, detailed description will not be repeated here.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the determination system 304 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the gas flow rate sensor 104 is installed corresponding to the welding equipment 151. Further, the current sensor 134 is installed corresponding to a plurality of welding facilities 151. That is, the plurality of gas flow rate sensors 104 are installed corresponding to the plurality of welding facilities 151, respectively. Further, the current sensor 134 is installed corresponding to a group consisting of a plurality of welding facilities 151.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a determination system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 12, for example, four gas flow rate sensors 104 are provided, and the four gas flow rate sensors 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d relate to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. Similar to the gas flow rate sensors 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, they are provided in the gas pipes 171a, 171b, 171c, and 171d, respectively.

The current sensor 134 is provided on the power line 165, for example, like the current sensor 134 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

The management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas based on the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensors 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d, respectively, and the current information transmitted from the current sensor 134. Welding equipment 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d are the targets for determining the possibility of gas leakage or the presence or absence of gas leakage by the management device 201, and the target for determining the presence or absence of gas usage problems by the management device 201 is the group. It is G.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the determination process by the determination unit in the management device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 13, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest current information stored in the storage unit 43, and determines the operating status of the group G based on the read current information.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that the operation of the group G is stopped, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information stored in the storage unit 43, and based on the difference value indicated by the read out gas amount information, each welding equipment. Whether or not gas is supplied to 151 is determined.

Then, when the determination unit 42 determines that gas is being supplied to at least one of the four welding equipments 151a, 151b, 151c, and 151d, the welding equipment that is supplying gas is being supplied. It is determined that there is a possibility of gas leakage or there is a gas leak in the gas pipe 171 corresponding to 151.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the determination unit 42 determines that there is a possibility of gas leakage or there is a gas leak in the gas pipe 171d corresponding to the welding equipment 151d.

Further, the determination unit 42 reads out the current information stored in the storage unit 43 during the cumulative period, and calculates the operating time of the group G in the cumulative period based on the read current information.

Further, the determination unit 42 reads out the latest gas amount information stored in the storage unit 43, and calculates the amount of gas used in the cumulative period for each welding facility 151 based on the read out gas amount information. Then, the determination unit 42 calculates the gas usage amount of the group G in the cumulative period by calculating the total value of the usage amount for each of the calculated welding equipment 151.

In addition, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time. More specifically, the determination unit 42 calculates the amount of gas used per unit time by dividing the amount of gas used for group G in the cumulative period by the operating time of group G in the cumulative period.

Then, when the calculated amount of gas used per unit time is less than the threshold value GTh21, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is insufficient. Further, when the calculated amount of gas used per unit time is larger than the threshold value GTh22, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is excessive.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, since the amount of gas used per unit time is 300 L / hour, the threshold value is GTh21 or more and the threshold value is GTh22 or less, the determination unit 42 determines that there is no problem in using gas.

Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, detailed description will not be repeated here.

<Modification example 1>
The determination unit 42 in the management device 201 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention described above determines whether or not there is a problem in using gas based on the amount of gas used in the cumulative period.

However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the determination unit 42 may determine in real time whether or not there is a problem in using the gas based on the flow rate of the gas currently supplied to the welding equipment 151.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a determination method by a determination unit in the management device according to the first modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the determination process by the determination unit 42 in the management device 201 according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similarly, the determination unit 42 in the management device 201 according to the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention can also execute the determination process as described below.

With reference to FIG. 14, it is assumed that the current value indicated by the current information transmitted from the current sensor 131 during the measurement period TA1 from time t1 to time t2 is 0A and the threshold value ITh is 15A. In this case, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151 is stopped, and does not determine whether or not there is a problem in using the gas.

Further, when the current value indicated by the current information transmitted from the current sensor 131 during the measurement period TA2 from time t2 to time t3 is 20A, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151 is in operation.

Then, the determination unit 42 confirms the difference value indicated by the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 during the measurement period TA2, and determines the flow rate of the gas currently supplied to the welding equipment 151, thereby determining the flow rate of the gas. Determine if there is a problem in use.

Specifically, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is insufficient, for example, when the flow rate of the gas supplied to the welding equipment 151 in operation is less than 50 L / min. Further, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is excessive, for example, when the flow rate of the gas is 150 L / min or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the difference value indicated by the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 during the measurement period TA2 is “± 0”, and the gas is not supplied to the welding equipment 151 in operation. Therefore, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is insufficient.

Further, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151 is stopped when the current value indicated by the current information transmitted from the current sensor 131 during the measurement period TA3 from the time t3 to the time t4 is 0A. Do not judge whether there is a problem in using gas.

Further, when the current value indicated by the current information transmitted from the current sensor 131 during the measurement period TA4 from the time t4 to the time t5 is 20A, the determination unit 42 determines that the welding equipment 151 is in operation.

Then, the determination unit 42 confirms the difference value indicated by the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 during the measurement period TA4, and determines the flow rate of the gas currently supplied to the welding equipment 151, thereby determining the flow rate of the gas. Determine if there is a problem in use.

Specifically, the difference value indicated by the gas amount information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 during the measurement period TA4 is "+2", and the gas is supplied to the welding equipment 151 in operation at a flow rate of 200 L / min. Suppose you are. In this case, the determination unit 42 determines that the amount of gas used is excessive.

The determination unit 42 creates screen information for displaying a graph showing the transition of the current value and the transition of the cumulative value of the count as shown in FIG. 14, and outputs the created screen information to the display processing unit 44. You may. In this case, the display processing unit 44 receives the screen information from the determination unit 42 and displays, for example, the graph shown in FIG. 14 on the monitor or the like of the display device 251.

Further, the determination unit 42 is not limited to the determination based on the current information and the gas amount information received in the latest measurement period TA, and has received, for example, in the past 2-3 measurement period TAs including the latest measurement period TA. The determination may be made based on the current information and the gas amount information.

<Modification 2>
The processing unit 31 in the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention described above counts the pulses from the measuring unit 11 in the measurement period TA, and the cumulative value of the counts. And the gas amount information indicating the difference value is transmitted to the management device 201 via the transmission unit 33.

On the other hand, the processing unit 31 in the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 according to the second modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention receives a pulse output from the measuring unit 11. The pulse detection information indicating that the pulse has been output is transmitted to the management device 201 via the transmission unit 33. In this case, the pulse detection information corresponds to the first measurement information.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart defining an operation procedure of a processing unit in the gas flow rate sensor according to the second modification of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 15, first, when the processing unit 31 in the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 turns on its own gas flow rate sensor 101 by, for example, an operator's operation (step S31), the measurement period It is determined that TA has started, and pulse monitoring from the measuring unit 11 is started.

Next, when the processing unit 31 outputs the pulse from the measuring unit 11 (“YES” in step S32), the processing unit 31 outputs the pulse detection information to the transmitting unit 33 (step S33), and performs the operations after step S32. Do it again.

On the other hand, when there is no pulse output (“NO” in step S32), the processing unit 31 does not output the pulse detection information and repeats the operations after step S32.

When the processing unit 31 performs the above operation, the management device 201 counts the number of times the pulse detection information transmitted from the gas flow rate sensor 101 is received during the measurement period TA, so that the welding equipment 151 is sent to the welding equipment 151 during the measurement period TA. Calculate the flow rate of the supplied gas.

Further, when the processing unit 31 detects the operation of the reset button, the processing unit 31 transmits the completion information to the management device 201. Then, when the management device 201 receives the completion information from the gas flow rate sensor 101, the management device 201 resets the number of times the pulse detection information is received.

If the transmission of the pulse detection information from the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 to the management device 201 fails, the cumulative value of the count of the number of times the pulse detection information is received by the management device 201 will not be an accurate value. , It may not be possible to make an accurate judgment regarding the use of gas.

Therefore, as in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention described above, the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 count the pulses and manage the gas amount information indicating the cumulative value of the counts. It is preferable that the configuration is such that transmission is performed to the device 201.

By the way, if gas leaks from the valve due to forgetting to close the valve after welding work, or if gas leaks from the joint of the gas pipe due to aging of the gas pipe, the cost may increase. ..

In addition, if the amount of gas used during the welding work is insufficient due to forgetting to open the valve before the welding work, or if the amount of gas used during the welding work is excessive due to a failure of the welding equipment, etc., the welding target It may lead to deterioration of the quality of goods. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm whether the use of gas is appropriate.

However, the method of manually checking each gas flow meter requires a lot of time and labor. Therefore, a technique that can easily confirm whether or not the use of gas is appropriate is desired.

On the other hand, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 are transferred to one or a plurality of welding facilities 151. Measure the flow rate of the supplied gas. The current sensors 131, 132, 133, 134 measure the current supplied to one or more welding facilities 151. The management device 201 acquires gas amount information indicating the measurement results of the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 and current information indicating the measurement results of the current sensors 131, 132, 133, 134, and the acquired gas amount information. And based on the current information, make a determination regarding the use of gas.

With such a configuration, the operating status of the welding equipment 151 and the gas usage status can be grasped together. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment 151. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the management device 201 makes a determination regarding gas leakage as a determination regarding the use of gas.

With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the situation where the gas used for welding is leaking and suppress the generation of unnecessary costs.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, in the management device 201, the gas flow rate is larger than the first predetermined value in the acquired gas amount information, and the gas flow rate is larger than the first predetermined value. When the current is less than the second predetermined value in the acquired current information, a determination to affirm the gas leak is made.

With such a configuration, it can be determined that there is a possibility of gas leakage or there is a gas leak when the gas of the first predetermined value or more is supplied to the welding equipment 151 which is stopped. The presence or absence of a gas leak or the presence or absence of a gas leak can be appropriately determined.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the management device 201 determines whether or not there is a problem in using gas as a determination regarding the use of gas. conduct.

With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp whether or not the use of gas in the welding work is appropriate, such as the amount of gas used in the welding work.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the management device 201 determines the gas per unit time based on the acquired gas amount information and current information. The usage amount is calculated, and the presence or absence of a problem in gas usage is determined based on the calculated usage amount and the threshold value.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the amount of gas used is appropriate.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the management device 201 uses gas when the amount of gas used is less than the threshold values GTh11 and GTh21. Is insufficient.

With such a configuration, it is possible to know that the amount of gas used is insufficient, so that it is possible to prevent the quality of the welding object from being deteriorated due to the insufficient amount of gas used.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, when the amount of gas used by the management device 201 is larger than the threshold values GTh12 and GTh22, the amount of gas used is large. Determined to be excessive.

With such a configuration, it is possible to know that the amount of gas used is excessive, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary costs.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 include a transmission unit 33 that performs wireless communication. The transmission unit 33 transmits gas amount information capable of recognizing the gas flow rate during the measurement period TA to the management device 201.

With such a configuration, it is possible to determine the use of gas in the measurement period TA by using the gas amount information and the current information acquired in the same measurement period TA.

Here, when the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 transmit the measurement information indicating the current gas flow rate a plurality of times in the measurement period TA instead of transmitting the gas amount information, the management device 201 By accumulating a plurality of values indicated by a plurality of measurement information from the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104, the gas flow rate in the measurement period TA is acquired. However, in this case, if the transmission of the measurement information from the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 to the management device 201 fails, the management device 201 cannot accurately calculate the gas flow rate during the measurement period TA.

On the other hand, as described above, the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 transmit the gas amount information indicating the gas flow rate during the measurement period TA, so that the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 Even if the transmission of the gas amount information from the control device 201 to the control device 201 fails, for example, the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 retransmit the gas amount information, so that the control device 201 retransmits the gas flow rate during the measurement period TA. The exact value of can be grasped. Therefore, the determination regarding the use of gas can be made more accurately.

Further, with such a configuration, the number of times of transmission of the radio signal from the gas flow rate sensors 101, 102, 103, 104 to the management device 201 can be reduced, so that the gas amount information and the current information in the radio section interfere with each other. The possibility can be reduced.

Further, in the determination systems 301, 302, 303, 304 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the management device 201 makes a determination regarding the use of gas for each determination object, and the determination result for each determination object. Is output so that it can be recognized.

With such a configuration, by checking the output result of the management device 201, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not the use of gas is appropriate for a plurality of determination targets in a factory or the like.

Further, in the management device 201 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the acquisition unit 41 has gas amount information indicating the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding, and the welding equipment 151 using the gas. Acquires current information that can determine the operating status of. The determination unit 42 determines the use of gas based on the gas amount information and the current information acquired by the acquisition unit 41.

With such a configuration, the operating status of the welding equipment 151 and the gas usage status can be grasped together. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm whether or not the appropriate gas is used according to the operating status of the welding equipment 151. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the use of the gas used for welding is appropriate without the need for manual periodical confirmation work of each gas flow meter.

The function of the management device 201 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the first modification of the first to fourth embodiments, and the second modification of the first to fourth embodiments. Part or all of may be provided by cloud computing. That is, at least one of these management devices 201 may be configured by a plurality of cloud servers and the like.

Further, the components of each device according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the first modification of the first to fourth embodiments, and the second modification of the first to fourth embodiments. And some or all of the operations can be combined as appropriate.

It should be considered that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The above description includes the features described below.

[Appendix 1]
One or more first sensors that measure the flow rate of gas supplied to one or more welding equipment,
With one or more second sensors measuring the current or voltage supplied to the one or more welding equipment.
The first measurement information indicating the measurement result of the first sensor and the second measurement information indicating the measurement result of the second sensor are acquired, and based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information, the said Equipped with a management device that determines the use of gas
The first sensor is a gas flow rate sensor.
The second sensor is a current sensor and
Based on the acquired second measurement information, the management device determines that the welding equipment is out of operation, and based on the acquired first measurement information, the current flow rate of the gas is predetermined. If it is judged that the value is larger than the value, it is judged that there is a possibility of gas leakage or there is a gas leak.
The management device determines the operating time of the welding equipment based on the acquired second measurement information, determines the cumulative value of the flow rate of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information, and operates the operation. The amount of the gas used per unit time is calculated based on the time and the cumulative value, and if the calculated amount of use is less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the amount of use is insufficient, and the amount of use is determined. A determination system that determines that the amount used is excessive when the amount is larger than the second threshold value.

[Appendix 2]
A plurality of the first sensors are installed corresponding to the plurality of welding facilities, respectively.
The determination system according to Appendix 1, wherein a plurality of the second sensors are installed corresponding to the plurality of welding equipments, respectively.

[Appendix 3]
One said first sensor is installed corresponding to a plurality of said welding equipment.
The determination system according to Appendix 1, wherein one second sensor is installed corresponding to a plurality of the welding equipments.

[Appendix 4]
One said first sensor is installed corresponding to a plurality of said welding equipment.
The determination system according to Appendix 1, wherein a plurality of the second sensors are installed corresponding to the plurality of welding equipments, respectively.

[Appendix 5]
A plurality of the first sensors are installed corresponding to the plurality of welding facilities, respectively.
The determination system according to Appendix 1, wherein one second sensor is installed corresponding to a plurality of the welding equipments.

[Appendix 6]
The acquisition unit that acquires the first measurement information that shows the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding and the second measurement information that can judge the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas.
A determination unit that determines the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit is provided.
The first sensor is a gas flow rate sensor.
The second sensor is a current sensor and
Based on the acquired second measurement information, the management device determines that the welding equipment is out of operation, and based on the acquired first measurement information, the current flow rate of the gas is predetermined. If it is judged that the value is larger than the value, it is judged that there is a possibility of gas leakage or there is a gas leak.
The management device determines the operating time of the welding equipment based on the acquired second measurement information, determines the cumulative value of the flow rate of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information, and operates the operation. The amount of the gas used per unit time is calculated based on the time and the cumulative value, and if the calculated amount of use is less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the amount of use is insufficient, and the amount of use is determined. A management device that determines that the amount used is excessive when the amount is larger than the second threshold value.

11 Measuring unit 12 Communication processing unit 21 Measuring unit 22 Communication processing unit 31 Processing unit 32 Timer unit 33 Transmission unit 41 Acquisition unit 42 Judgment unit 43 Storage unit 44 Display processing unit 50 Main unit 51 Nozzle 101, 102, 103, 104 Gas flow rate Sensor (1st sensor)
131, 132, 133, 134 Current sensor (second sensor)
151 Welding equipment 161 Switchboard 162,165 Power line 171,175 Gas pipe 172 Valve 201 Management device 221 Gas supply source 222 Power supply source 251 Display device 301, 302, 303, 304 Judgment system

Claims (11)

A gas flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of gas supplied to one or more welding facilities, and one or more gas flow rate sensors.
With one or more second sensors measuring the current or voltage supplied to the one or more welding equipment.
The first measurement information indicating the measurement result of the gas flow rate sensor and the second measurement information indicating the measurement result of the second sensor are acquired, and based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information, the said Equipped with a management device that determines the use of gas
The management apparatus as the determination relates to the use of the gas, had rows determination and determination of the presence or absence of the usage issues of the gas to gas leakage,
The management device performs a process of displaying the result of the determination and the information used for the determination.
The information used for the determination includes the operating status of the welding equipment, the flow rate of the gas currently being supplied, and the amount of the gas used per unit time . When the flow rate of the gas is larger than the first predetermined value in the acquired first measurement information and the current or the voltage is less than the second predetermined value in the acquired second measurement information, the management device said. The determination system according to claim 1, wherein a determination is made to affirm gas leakage. The management device calculates the usage amount of the gas per unit time based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information, and determines the presence or absence of the problem based on the calculated usage amount and threshold value. The determination system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the determination is made. The determination system according to claim 3 , wherein the management device determines that the usage amount is insufficient when the usage amount is less than the first threshold value. The determination system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the management device determines that the usage amount is excessive when the usage amount is larger than the second threshold value. The gas flow rate sensor includes a transmitter that performs wireless communication.
The determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the transmission unit transmits the first measurement information capable of recognizing the flow rate of the gas in a predetermined measurement period to the management device. The determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the management device makes a determination regarding the use of the gas for each determination object and outputs the determination result for each determination object in a recognizable manner. It ’s a management device,
The acquisition unit that acquires the first measurement information that shows the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding and the second measurement information that can judge the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas.
A determination unit that determines the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit is provided.
The flow rate of the gas is measured by a gas flow rate sensor and
The determination unit, a determination as to the use of the gas, had rows determination and determination of the presence or absence of the usage issues of the gas to gas leakage,
The management device performs a process of displaying the result of the determination and the information used for the determination.
The information used for the determination is a management device including the operating status of the welding equipment, the flow rate of the gas currently supplied, and the amount of the gas used per unit time. It is a judgment method in the judgment system.
A step of measuring the flow rate of gas supplied to one or more welding equipments, and measuring the current or voltage supplied to the welding equipments.
Including a step of making a determination regarding the use of the gas based on the measured flow rate of the gas and the measured current or voltage.
The flow rate of the gas is measured by a gas flow rate sensor and
In the step of determining the use of the gas, as the determination relates to the use of the gas, it had rows determination and determination of the presence or absence of the usage issues of the gas to gas leakage,
The determination method further
Including a step of performing a process of displaying the result of the determination and the information used for the determination.
The information used for the determination includes the operating status of the welding equipment, the flow rate of the gas currently being supplied, and the amount of the gas used per unit time . It is a judgment method in the management device.
A step of acquiring the first measurement information indicating the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding and the second measurement information capable of determining the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas.
Including a step of determining the use of the gas based on the acquired first measurement information and the second measurement information.
The flow rate of the gas is measured by a gas flow rate sensor and
In the step of determining the use of the gas, as the determination relates to the use of the gas, it had rows determination and determination of the presence or absence of the usage issues of the gas to gas leakage,
The determination method further
Including a step of performing a process of displaying the result of the determination and the information used for the determination.
The information used for the determination includes the operating status of the welding equipment, the flow rate of the gas currently being supplied, and the amount of the gas used per unit time . A judgment program used in the management device.
Computer,
The acquisition unit that acquires the first measurement information that shows the measurement result of the flow rate of the gas used for welding and the second measurement information that can judge the operating status of the welding equipment using the gas.
A determination unit that determines the use of the gas based on the first measurement information and the second measurement information acquired by the acquisition unit.
It is a program to function as
The flow rate of the gas is measured by a gas flow rate sensor and
The determination unit, a determination as to the use of the gas, had rows determination and determination of the presence or absence of the usage issues of the gas to gas leakage,
The determination program is a program for causing a computer to perform a process of displaying the result of the determination and the information used for the determination.
The information used for the determination is a determination program including the operating status of the welding equipment, the flow rate of the gas currently being supplied, and the amount of the gas used per unit time.

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