Abstract:
A power transfer assembly for a contact-start plasma arc torch conducts electrical current to an electrode through mating structures provided on two conductive elements. The mating structures are defined by sidewalls that are parallel to an assembly axis, and are configured to translatably engage each other, but are blocked from rotating with respect to each other. A compression and torsion spring serves to bias the conductive elements apart to bias the electrode to a forward position, and to apply a torsional load to the mating structures to maintain their sidewalls in contact. The mating structures can be provided by a shaped recess in one conductive element and a corresponding shaped protrusion extending from the other element. The spring can be secured to the conductive elements to maintain the components of the power transfer assembly together when the torch in which they are employed is disassembled.
Abstract:
The invention is a plasma torch (1; 101; 201) of the type comprising: a first element (20) provided with a through opening (21) serving as an outlet for a plasma flow; a hollow electrode (19) that is developed longitudinally along a main axis (X) and is suited to be positioned with respect to said first element (20) in such a way as to define a striking area, of the type comprising a hollow cavity (25) that extends at least partially along the main axis (X); a first conveyance way (51, 52, 53) suited to convey a carrier gas towards said striking area; a second conveyance way (56, 56a, 56b) suited to convey a portion of the carrier gas towards the inner cavity (25) of the hollow electrode (19), the portion of the carrier gas being suited to cool the hollow electrode (19). This torch comprises conveyance means (59, 60a, 60b) suited to convey the carrier gas from the inner cavity (25) of the hollow electrode (19) towards a way so as not to affect the striking area. The invention concerns also a method of operation of a plasma torch (1; 101; 201).
Abstract:
A contact start plasma torch has a shuttle element disposed between a cathodic component and an anodic component. The shuttle element is movable between a first position and a second position and is maintained in the first position during an idle mode and a cutting mode. When the shuttle element is in the first position, a separation is maintained between the cathodic component and the anodic component of the plasma torch. The shuttle element momentarily bridgingly connects the cathodic component and the anodic component when it is located in the second position and initiates a plasma arc therebetween as it returns to the first position.
Abstract:
A plasma arc torch (10) is provided that comprises a set of torch consumable components secured to a torch head (12), wherein a supply of cooling fl uid flows coaxially through the torch to cool torch components and a supply of plasma gas and secondary gas flows through the torch to generate and stabilize a plasma stream for operations such as cutting workpieces. The torch consumable components, in part, comprise an electrode (100) and a tip (102) that include a variety of configurations for improved cooling, ele ctrical contact, and attachment to adjacent torch components. Further, a consumables cartridge is provided for ease of use and replacement of the torch consumable components. Additionally, methods of operating the plasma arc torch at relatively high current levels are also provided by the present invention.
Abstract:
A translatable nozzle is supported in a contact start plasma arc torch at an aft end by a swirl ring and at a longitudinally spaced forward end by an insulative bearing member of a nozzle retainer. The nozzle is biased into contact with an electrode by a compliant spring element. A pilot arc is formed by first passing current through the electrode and nozzle. Upon pressurization of a plasma chamber formed therebetween, the nozzle is translated forward, compressing the spring element and initiating the pilot arc. The spring element may be maintained integrally with the nozzle to facilitate removal and replacement of the spring element with the consumable nozzle.
Abstract:
An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a generally cylindrical elongated body formed of an electrically conductive material. The elongated body includes a proximal end that connects to a power supply and a distal end that receives an emissive element. The electrode can include a flange that is disposed about a surface relative to the distal end of the elongated body, extends radially from the surface of the elongated body, and is utilized to establish a uniform gas flow distribution of a plasma gas flow about the distal end of the elongated body. The electrode can include a contact element that is in electrical communication with the proximal end of the electrode. The contact element includes seating portion that has an outer width that is greater than the outermost diameter of the electrode body and is configured to position the contact element within the plasma arc torch.
Abstract:
A component for a contact start plasma arc torch is provided. The component includes a hollow body defining a channel with a longitudinal axis. The channel is capable of slideably receiving an electrode body along the longitudinal axis. The component includes a contact element disposed in the hollow body and includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to facilitate electrical communication with a power supply and the second surface is adapted to physically contact a surface of the electrode body when the plasma arc torch is operated in a transferred arc mode. In addition, the second surface is characterized by the absence of physical contact with the surface of the electrode body when the torch is operated in a pilot arc mode.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Innenbrenner (1) zum Lichtbogendrahtspritzen von Hohlräumen, insbesondere von Zylinderlaufflächen (9). Dieser weist zwei aufschmelzbare Elektroden auf, welche in zwei Zuführungskanälen (5) eine Austrittsdüse (6) des Innenbrenners (1) zugeführt werden. Zur elektrischen Energieübertragung sind die beiden Elektroden mit zwei Schleifkontakten (4) verbunden. Erfindungswesentlich ist dabei, dass die beiden Schleifkontakte (4) in Axialrichtung (10) verschiebbar gelagert und mit jeweils einem ebenfalls in Axialrichtung (10) verschiebbar gelagertem Leitelement (7) verbunden sind. Das jeweilige Leitelement (7) ist dabei über jeweils zumindest eine zugehörige Feder (11) axial vorgespannt und drückt dadurch den Schleifkontakt (4) gegen die Elektrode, wobei die Zuführungskanäle (5), die Schleifkontakte (4) und die Leitelemente (7) parallel zueinander im Sprühkopf (2) angeordnet sind.
Abstract:
An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Wasserdampfplasmabrenner 6 mit einem Brennergriff 6a und einem Brennerkörper 6b, wobei im Brennerkörper 6b eine Flüssigkeitszuleitung 32, eine Heizeinrichtung 26, eine Brennkammer 27, eine mit einem Kathodenhalter 28 verbundene Kathode 22 und eine als Düse 23 ausgebildete Anode 24 mit einer Austrittsöffnung 25 angeordnet ist, sowie eine Kathode 22 und eine Düse 23 für einen derartigen Wasserdampfplasmabrenner 6. Zur Schaffung eines solchen Wasserdampfplasmabrenners 6, der optimal gezündet werden kann und dessen Verschleißteile möglichst einfach ausgebaut werden können, ist vorgesehen, dass der Kathodenhalter 28 mit der Kathode 22 als axial verschiebbarer Kolben ausgebildet ist und mit einem Federelement 30 verbunden ist, so dass die Kathode 22 im Ruhezustand an die Düse 23 gepresst wird, und dass der Kathodenhalter 28 mit der Flüssigkeitszuleitung 32 derart in Verbindung steht, dass während des Betriebszustands bei Zufuhr von Wasser die Kathode 22 von der Düse 23 abgehoben wird, so dass ein Lichtbogen zwischen der Kathode 22 und der Anode 24 gezündet werden kann.