Patent ID: 6346685
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
A nozzle retaining cup assembly for retaining a shielding gas nozzle on the end of a gas-shielded plasma arc torch having a cylindrical outer housing, an insulator body partially disposed within the outer housing with a free end of the insulator body projecting out from an open end thereof, an electrode projecting out from the free end of the insulator body, and the shielding gas nozzle surrounding the electrode, the nozzle retaining cup assembly comprising:a holder formed as a generally cylindrical member having a first end adapted to be attached to the outer housing of the torch and having a generally cylindrical inner surface adapted to surround the insulator body; a cup having a generally cylindrical first portion received and secured within the inner surface of the holder and projecting out from a second end of the holder, the first portion having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with an outer surface of an insulator body to define a coolant flow path therebetween, and the cup further having a second cup-shaped portion integrally formed with the first portion and including a surface adapted to engage the nozzle for retaining the nozzle in the torch; and at least one shielding gas passage defined between the holder and the cup for passing shielding gas to the nozzle.