Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN101529999B/en
Timestamp: 2020-02-23 21:38:47
Document Index: 390060342

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CN101529999B - Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes - Google Patents
Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes Download PDF
CN101529999B
CN101529999B CN2007800059323A CN200780005932A CN101529999B CN 101529999 B CN101529999 B CN 101529999B CN 2007800059323 A CN2007800059323 A CN 2007800059323A CN 200780005932 A CN200780005932 A CN 200780005932A CN 101529999 B CN101529999 B CN 101529999B
CN2007800059323A
CN101529999A (en
P·J·特瓦罗格
S·T·艾克霍夫
海别得公司
2006-02-17 Priority to US77445106P priority Critical
2006-02-17 Priority to US60/774,451 priority
2007-02-20 Application filed by 海别得公司 filed Critical 海别得公司
2007-02-20 Priority to PCT/US2007/004344 priority patent/WO2007098145A2/en
2009-09-09 Publication of CN101529999A publication Critical patent/CN101529999A/en
2012-05-03 First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=38278891&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=CN101529999(B) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
2013-09-25 Publication of CN101529999B publication Critical patent/CN101529999B/en
An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.
Be used for the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch and the contact start plasma arc torch of use kind electrode
This area generally relates to plasma welding torch, and relates more specifically to electrode and welding torch for the contact start plasma arc torch application.
Material handling device such as plasma welding torch and laser is widely used for being called cutting and the mark of the metal material of workpiece.Plasma welding torch generally includes the welding torch body, is installed in intrinsic electrode, has nozzle, the electrical connector in central outlet hole, the passage that is used for cooling and arc control fluid, eddy current ring and the power supply of control fluid flow pattern.The gas that uses in the welding torch can be (for example argon gas or nitrogen) or active (for example oxygen or the air) of inertia.Welding torch produces plasma arc, and plasma arc is the ionization jet of contraction of the plasma gas of high temperature and high momentum.
A kind of method that is used at plasma welding torch generation plasma arc is the contact start method.The contact start method comprises that the direct contact that forms between electrode and the nozzle and electric connection produce current path therebetween.Electrode and nozzle can cooperate to produce plasma chamber in the welding torch body.Provide electric current to electrode and nozzle, and gas is introduced plasma chamber.Forming gas pressure is enough to electrode is separated with nozzle up to pressure.This separation makes and form electric arc between electrode in plasma chamber and nozzle.This electric arc with the gas ionization transferable to produce (transfer) introduced to workpiece with carry out material processed plasma jet.In some applications, power supply is suitable for providing first electric current that is called guide current in the electric arc production process, and second electric current that is called the transferred arc electric current is provided when plasma jet is transferred to workpiece.
Have and can be used in the various structures that produce electric arc.For example, electrode can move away from stationary nozzle in the welding torch body.This structure is called " flowing backwards (blow-back) " contact start method, because air pressure makes electrode mobile away from workpiece ground.In another structure, nozzle can be away from moving relative to static electrode.This structure is called " preceding stream (blow-forward) " contact start method, because air pressure makes nozzle move towards workpiece.In another structure, other torch component (for example eddy current ring) can move between stationary electrode and nozzle.
Some parts of material handling device damage in use for some time.Under the situation of plasma welding torch, these " consumption " parts comprise electrode, eddy current ring, nozzle and shielding part.In addition, using the contact start method to start in the process of welding torch, various consumable parts can not overlap, and this shortens the useful life of parts and reduces accuracy and the repeatability of plasma jet location.It is desirable to, these parts are easy to change at the scene.But, change consumable part and can cause downtime and reduce productivity ratio.
In the refluence method of contact start plasma arc torch, electrode moves to cause pilot arc (pilot arc) between (initiate) electrode and the nozzle away from nozzle.The near-end of electrode (for example away from workpiece) cooperates with the power supply contact of a part that forms the welding torch body.Electrode is gone back the portable power source contact away from the motion of nozzle.The use repeatedly of welding torch causes the wearing and tearing on power supply contact and the electrode.The replacing electrode is the customary affairs in the plasma welding torch operation, and routine is carried out this process.But, change that the power supply contact comprises dismounting welding torch body and be consuming time and cost high because the power supply contact is not designed to be consumable part.Some refluence welding torch comprises with respect to static relatively welding torch body portable power source contact.The movement of this power supply contact and the validity of welding torch can be subjected to the power supply contact is connected to the stiffness of cable of power supply or the influence of rigidity.
For example, Fig. 1 is the cutaway view of known contact start plasma arc torch.System 100 comprises by current carring cable 104 and the power supply (not shown) that power supply contact 108 electric connections of electric current are provided to welding torch 112.Welding torch 112 comprises the cathode block 116 that also centers on power supply contact 108 with power supply contact 108 electric insulations.Power supply contact 108 is in abutting connection with the near-end 120 of conductive electrode 124.The spring 128 that is arranged in the cathode block 116 reacts on the surface 132 of cathode block 116 so that power supply contact 108 and electrode 124 are pushed towards conduction nozzle 136.Before causing, the electric arc for the treatment of the workpiece (not shown) contacts with nozzle 136 by spring pushing electrode 124.
From cable 104 to power supply contact 108, electrode 124 and nozzle 136 form current paths.Electric current can pass through along this current path.Electrode 124 and nozzle 136 cooperate to form the part of plasma chamber 140.Plasma gas can be fed to plasma chamber 140 increases the pressure in the plasma chamber 140 and the power that is provided by spring 128 is provided.This pressure forces electrode 124 and power supply contact 108 away from nozzle 136.When the gap 144 between electrode 124 and the nozzle 136 increases, form electrical potential difference between electrode 124 (for example negative electrode) and the nozzle 136 (for example anode).The electric arc (not shown) causes with the gas particles ionization and across gap 144 with for the treatment of workpiece.
A shortcoming of system 100 is when electrode 124 moves with starting arc, needs power supply contact 108 also mobile.When the current carrying capacity of cable 104 increased, the size of cable 104 increased, but the flexibility of cable 104 reduces.The flexibility of cable 104 reduces versatility and the mobility that can reduce welding torch 112.In addition, power supply contact 108 and cathode block 116 need relatively compact tolerance (for example, the relatively little gap between power supply contact 108 and the cathode block 116).Relatively compact tolerance moves at power supply contact 108, for example locatees between the pilot arc induction period and guiding power supply contact 108.
Need a kind ofly to optimize the welding torch operation and the electrode that is used for contact start plasma arc torch of premature failure not.In addition, need the concept of a kind of this paper of employing to make the contact start formula welding torch that has parts longest-lived in the welding torch design now.Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of more lasting electrode and the parts that use with this electrode at plasma welding torch.Another purpose provides the structure of wearing and tearing that a kind of minimizing is not designed to the torch component of expendable part.Another purpose provides welding torch operating period (for example pilot arc and transferred arc pattern) with respect to the torch component align structures.
On the one hand, the electrode that is used for plasma welding torch has the mains connection with the power supply electric connection.Electrode comprises the slender electrode body of being made and limited longitudinal axis by electric conducting material.Electrode comprise for the pilot arc operating period chien shih of plasma welding torch basically all pilot arc electric current by the elastic component between power supply and the electrode body.This elastic component is carried out electric function and mechanical function, and can be described as the dual-use function spare of welding torch.Elastic component comprises electric conducting material so that the heat of carrying pilot arc electric current and the relevant pilot arc electric current that dissipates melts between the pilot arc induction period to prevent elastic component.Can select electric conducting material according to the rated current of for example electric conducting material.Elastic component comprises for the minimum resistance of guide current and/or the path that the highest electricity is led between carrying mains connection and the electrode body.In addition, the engineering properties of elastic component promotes the movement of electrode body with contact start plasma arc torch.In certain embodiments, elastic component helps electrode body is aimed at respect to welding torch.
In certain embodiments, electrode body can vertically move with respect to welding torch.In certain embodiments, electrode body comprises the reaction surface away from the spaced apart setting of near-end at workpiece place of being positioned at respect to electrode body.Reaction surface is configured to and electrically conductive elastic spare electric connection.In certain embodiments, reaction surface comprises the flange that radially extend integrally formed with electrode body.
In certain embodiments, elastic component is fixed with respect to electrode body.For example, elastic component can fix by radial interference fit or frictional fit.In certain embodiments, the adjacent setting of the far-end of elastic component and electrode body, and far-end comprises the emission part.In certain embodiments, elastic component and electrode body form one.In certain embodiments, the pilot arc operation comprises the initiation of pilot arc.In certain embodiments, pilot arc operation comprise the initiation of pilot arc and after pilot arc causes arc transfer before the workpiece or the period of welding torch before the transferred arc mode operation.
In certain embodiments, electrode also comprises for the maintenance elastic component with for the hollow body of admitting electrode body slidably.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of plasma welding torch.Electrode comprises by electric conducting material and forms and limit longitudinal axis and comprise the slender electrode body of the far-end of launching part.Electrode body can move with respect to welding torch.Electrode comprises contact element.Contact element comprises for promoting with the first surface of the electric connection of power supply and being used at the welding torch second surface that promotion is communicated with the corresponding contact surface electrical of electrode body during with the transferred arc mode operation.The feature of the second surface of contact element is not contact with the contact surface of electrode body between the pilot arc induction period.
Electrode body can move axially with respect to welding torch.In certain embodiments, second surface is configured to directly contact with the contact surface of electrode body during with the transferred arc mode operation when welding torch.In certain embodiments, electrode body comprises and contacting with electrically conductive elastic spare and with respect to the reaction surface of the spaced apart setting of near-end of electrode body.Near-end is away from comprising the far-end setting of launching part.Reaction surface can be by the flange limit that radially extend integrally formed with electrode body.
In certain embodiments, electrode comprise with contact element or electrode body in the electrically conductive elastic spare of at least one electric connection.Elastic component can with electrode body or contact element at least one form one.In certain embodiments, the adjacent setting of the far-end of elastic component and electrode body.Elastic component can be kept by electrode body.In certain embodiments, electrode body comprises the reaction surface that forms one with electrode body.Elastic component can be arranged between the second surface of reaction surface and contact element.
In certain embodiments, elastic component be configured to pilot arc operating period chien shih basically all pilot arc electric current by power supply and electrode body between.Elastic component can comprise at least one in spring or the wire.In certain embodiments, at least a portion of contact element cooperates with electrode body slidably.In certain embodiments, when contact element cooperated with electrode body slidably, the part of contact element can promote the pilot arc electric current by between contact element and the electrode body.Contact element can be kept by electrode body.In certain embodiments, contact element comprises the connecting elements that limits alignment surface, and alignment surface is used for the radial motion of restriction electrode body.Connecting elements can form one with contact element.In certain embodiments, electrode body comprises the jack away from the adjacent setting of near-end of workpiece with electrode body.This jack can be configured to stop contact element and electrode body to throw off.
On the other hand, be useful at power supply and be slidably mounted in the contact element of conduction current between the intrinsic welding torch electrode of welding torch of contact start plasma arc torch.Contact element comprises for promotion with the first surface of the electric connection of power supply with for the second surface of promotion with the contact surface electric connection of the near-end restriction of welding torch electrode.When the welding torch electrode directly contacts with second surface, at least a portion of transferred arc electric current by between contact element and power supply and the welding torch electrode under the transferred arc pattern, to move welding torch.Contact element comprises the electrically conductive elastic spare with the adjacent setting of electrode body, elastic component be used for pilot arc operating period chien shih basically all pilot arc electric current by power supply and electrode body between.
In certain embodiments, connecting elements extends to cooperate with electrode body slidably from second surface.Connecting elements can form one with second surface.In certain embodiments, connecting elements comprises the 3rd surface, and the 3rd surface is configured between a part that welding torch makes the transferred arc electric current during with the transferred arc mode operation is by power supply and electrode body.In certain embodiments, contact element comprises the receptacle portion for the part of the near-end that centers on electrode body.Elastic component can be arranged in the receptacle portion of contact element.In certain embodiments, at least one in first surface or the second surface limits annular surface.
In certain embodiments, contact element comprises the 3rd surface, and the 3rd surface is used for and power supply electric connection and being used between a part that welding torch makes the transferred arc electric current during with the transferred arc mode operation is by power supply and electrode body.In certain embodiments, contact element comprises the alignment portion that limits axis.This alignment portion is arranged to the near-end of electrode body spaced apart, and is configured to limit moving radially of electrode body.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of plasma welding torch.Electrode comprises the slender electrode body that is formed and limited longitudinal axis by electric conducting material.Electrode body comprises the far-end that is defined for the hole of admitting the emission part and is defined for near-end with the contact surface of power supply electric connection.Electrode body comprises the jack in the near-end that is arranged on electrode body, at least a portion that this socket configuration becomes to admit contact element.The first of contact element between the pilot arc induction period practically away from electrode body, and the first of contact element be used for welding torch make basically during with the transferred arc mode operation all transferred arc electric currents by power supply and electrode body between.Hole and jack are separated by electrode body.
In certain embodiments, at least a portion of contact surface is arranged in the jack.Contact element can comprise circular structure.In certain embodiments, jack comprises cylindrical part and is arranged on the limiting surface that the jack near-end stops contact element and jack to be thrown off for a part that reacts on contact element.This limiting surface can be circular structure.
In certain embodiments, cylindrical part is limited by first diameter, and limiting surface comprises second diameter, and the remote area of the connecting elements of contact element limits the 3rd diameter, makes the 3rd diameter greater than second diameter and less than first diameter.Remote area can be the far-end of connecting elements.In certain embodiments, jack comprises that along the surface of the radial axis sizing of jack this surface is used for the radial motion of restriction electrode body.Radially the surface of sizing is used for and directly being contacted by the jack receiving portion of contact element.
In certain embodiments, electrode body comprises the reaction surface with respect to the spaced apart setting of contact surface.Reaction surface can be the flange that radially extends integrally formed with electrode body.In certain embodiments, electrode comprises the electrically conductive elastic spare that is kept by electrode body.This reaction surface can be used for contacting with elastic conduction spare.Elastic component can keep by radial interference fit.Elastic component can be provided with jack.
On the other hand, be provided at power supply and be slidably mounted in the contact element of conduction current between the intrinsic electrode of welding torch of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode body comprises far-end, and this far-end comprises the emission part.Contact element comprises for promotion with the first surface of the electric connection of power supply with for the second surface of promotion with the near-end electric connection of electrode body.Second surface does not contact with near-end between the pilot arc induction period, and during the transferred arc pattern, contact with near-end, make when welding torch during with the transferred arc mode operation, arrive electrode body between first and second surfaces of at least a portion by contact element from the transferred arc electric current of power supply.
In certain embodiments, contact element comprises the electrically conductive elastic spare with the adjacent setting of electrode body.Elastic component be used for pilot arc induction period chien shih basically all pilot arc electric current by power supply and electrode body between.Contact element can comprise the connecting elements that is arranged between second surface and the electrode body.In certain embodiments, connecting elements can form one with second surface.In certain embodiments, connecting elements limits axis and alignment surface, and alignment surface and near-end are spaced apart and be used for limiting the radial motion of electrode body.In certain embodiments, first surface, second surface or both limit annular surface.
Contact element can comprise the eddy current loop section.In certain embodiments, contact element and eddy current loop section form one.The eddy current loop section can give pass plasma welding torch air-flow with radial motion.The eddy current loop section also can and guide gas towards the part of a plurality of fins of restriction of electrode body with electrode body and nozzle isolation.The eddy current ring also can limit the radial motion of electrode body in the welding torch.In certain embodiments, the eddy current loop section can be carried out all these functions.In certain embodiments, the eddy current loop section can be carried out one or more in these functions.The unenforced function of eddy current loop section can be carried out by one or more separating components.
On the other hand, provide plasma welding torch.Plasma welding torch comprises for the power supply that electric current is provided to welding torch.Welding torch comprises the plasma chamber that is limited by nozzle and conductive electrode body, and electrode body is slidably mounted in the welding torch along the axis that the far-end by the near-end of electrode body and electrode body limits.Near-end limits contact surface, and the adjacent setting of the outlet opening of far-end and nozzle.Welding torch comprises the power supply contact that is arranged on respect to the resting position of plasma chamber.Power supply contact and power supply electric connection.Welding torch comprises electrically conductive elastic spare, and this elastic component is used at pilot arc operating period chien shih basically between all contact surface of pilot arc electric current by power supply contact and electrode body.Welding torch comprises contact element.Contact element comprises and the first surface of power supply electric connection and the second surface that is communicated with the corresponding contact surface electrical of electrode body.Contact element can make during the transferred arc pattern transferred arc electric current by power supply and electrode body between.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare is setovered electrode body towards nozzle.In certain embodiments, contact element is arranged on the resting position with respect to electrode body.Contact element can form one with the power supply contact.In certain embodiments, welding torch comprises shielding part, the outlet port of the adjacent setting of outlet opening of this shielding part restriction and nozzle.This shielding part can be installed in and keep on the cap, and this maintenance cap is bearing on the welding torch body of plasma welding torch.In certain embodiments, welding torch comprises the eddy current ring, this eddy current ring give pass welding torch air-flow with radial motion.
On the other hand, provide a kind of plasma welding torch.Plasma welding torch comprises for the power supply that electric current is provided to welding torch.Welding torch comprises the plasma chamber that is limited by nozzle and conductive electrode body, axis installation slidably in welding torch that electrode body limits along the far-end by the near-end of electrode body and electrode body.Electrode body limits contact surface, and the adjacent setting of the outlet opening of far-end and nozzle.This welding torch comprise be arranged on respect to the resting position of plasma chamber and with the power supply contact of power supply electric connection.Welding torch comprises elastic conduction spare, and this elastic conduction spare is used at the pilot arc operating period chien shih of plasma welding torch basically between all contact surface of pilot arc electric current by power supply contact and electrode body.Elastic conduction spare is setovered electrode body towards nozzle.
In certain embodiments, the power supply contact comprises for promoting during with the transferred arc mode operation at welding torch to contact with corresponding second contact surface of electrode body direct and the first surface of electric connection.The feature of the first surface of power supply contact is not contact with corresponding second contact surface of electrode body between the pilot arc induction period.
On the other hand, be provided for electrode with the plasma welding torch of power supply electric connection.Electrode comprises the slender electrode body that is formed and limited longitudinal axis by electric conducting material.Electrode body comprises first surface, be used between the pilot arc induction period and the first electric-conductor electric connection with between promoting that the pilot arc electric current is by power supply and electrode body.Electrode body also comprises the second surface that arranges away from first surface.Second surface can transferred arc operating period directly contact with the respective surfaces of power supply contact and electric connection with promote to make basically all transferred arc electric currents by power supply and electrode body between.The feature of the second surface of electrode body is not contact with the respective surfaces of power supply contact between the pilot arc induction period.
In certain embodiments, electrode body can vertically move with respect to welding torch.Although embodiment described herein relates generally to electrode body vertically moving in welding torch, some embodiment have can along except along axis vertically the electrode body that moves of direction.For example, electrode body can cause or other welding torch operating period moves along the direction transverse to longitudinal axis at pilot arc.Electrode body also can rotate around axis.Other motion of the electrode body of vertical, horizontal or the combination that rotatablely moves (for example distortion or bending motion) takes place in certain embodiments.
On the other hand, be provided for admitting the plasma torch parts of electrode.These parts comprise the elongated hollow body and are used for promoting the electrically conductive elastic spare of the electric connection of pilot arc.The elongated hollow body has first end and second end; The elongated hollow body comprises: (a) inner surface; (b) on this inner surface and be arranged on first end of hollow body and one or more forming parts, step or the flange between second end, described one or more forming parts, step or flange limit are suitable for the shaping opening of the complementary shape part of hold electrodes slidably; (c) first opening in first end of hollow body, this opening is sized to admit electric contacts; And (d) second opening in second end of hollow body, this opening is sized to admit slidably electrode.Electrically conductive elastic spare is arranged in the hollow body, makes elastic component by above-mentioned one or more forming parts, step or flange is at least part of remains in the hollow body, and wherein elastic component is aimed at first opening.
In certain embodiments, the hollow body of parts also comprises a plurality of holes adjacent with second opening of hollow body, is used for giving gas with eddy current.A kind of embodiment also comprises the contact element in first end that is arranged on hollow body.In this embodiment, contact element remains on elastic component in the hollow body, and promotes electrically connecting between elastic component and the power supply.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.This electrode comprises the slender electrode body of being made by electric conducting material and second end that arranges adjacent to electrode body.Electrode body limits longitudinal axis and is used for holding the far-end of launching part.Second end limits to have along first length of first direction with along the part that extends axially of second length of second direction.Second length that extends axially part is longer than first length.
In certain embodiments, extend axially the restriction of first direction partly and second direction perpendicular to the surface of longitudinal axis.In certain embodiments, first and second directions are vertical.Electrode can comprise two or more radially extensions, and each extends axially part accordingly and has corresponding first length and corresponding second length longer than corresponding first length.In certain embodiments, two or more extend axially part around axis with etc. the structure setting of angular separation.The value of operating current that is used for the transferred arc operation of plasma welding torch is associated with above-mentioned two or more quantity partly that extend axially.That is, specific operating current can be corresponding to the part that extends axially that is positioned at specific quantity on the electrode body.
In certain embodiments, first direction and the second direction that extends axially part radially extended away from axis.In one embodiment, first and second directions limit the surface that comprises first area and second area.First area and elastic component electric connection, be used for pilot arc induction period chien shih basically all pilot arc electric current by therebetween.Second area moves to the power supply contact and directly contacts with electric connection to carry out the transferred arc operation.In certain embodiments, power supply contact and power supply electric connection.The power supply contact comprises for directly contacting with second area and first contact surface of electric connection and be used for second contact surface with the elastic component electric connection.
In certain embodiments, second end and electrode body form one.In certain embodiments, electrode also comprises the eddy current ring, and this eddy current ring limits the inner surface that arranges with respect to shoulder.This shoulder limits complementary moulding circumference, to pass it in second length and complementary moulding circumference to being convenient to second length on time.In certain embodiments, when second length and complementary moulding section misalignment, the shoulder prevention extends axially part and passes it.Complementary moulding circumference can limit three length longer than second length.In certain embodiments, extend axially the width that second length partly is substantially equal to electrode body.
On the other hand, be provided for the eddy current ring of contact start plasma arc torch.The eddy current ring comprises: (a) by insulating material longitudinally axis form and limit the hollow body of outer surface and inner surface; (b) extend to one or more gas passages of inner surface from outer surface; And (c) with respect to the shoulder of inner surface setting and restriction forming open, this opening can be admitted the complementary shape part of electrode body.
In some embodiment aspect this, shoulder partly passes it in the complementary shape part of forming open and electrode body to the complementary shape of punctual permission electrode body.In certain embodiments, when the moulding opening not with complementary shape part on time, shoulder stops the complementary shape of electrode body partly to pass it.Shoulder can comprise that the reaction part is with the angular displacement of restriction electrode body.In one embodiment, forming open limits internal diameter and external diameter.The eddy current ring also can comprise around axis with etc. angular separation structure be arranged on two or more parts in the forming open, these two or more parts are limited by the external diameter of forming open.
On the other hand, be provided for the parts of contact start plasma arc torch.These parts comprise the hollow body that limits longitudinal axis and the inner surface of body.The inner surface of body comprises one or more forming parts, step or flange, described one or more forming parts, step or flange limit shaping opening, and this shaping opening can be admitted the complementary shape part of electrode body slidably along axis.The shaping opening has along first length of first direction with along second length of second direction.This second length is longer than first length.
In certain embodiments, these parts also comprise the eddy current loop section, and the eddy current loop section limits outside, inside and leads to one or more holes of inside from the outside, and fluid is given with eddy motion in described one or more holes.The eddy current loop section can form one with hollow body.In certain embodiments, forming part, step or flange contact to stop elastic component to remove from welding torch with the respective surfaces of elastic component.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of contact start formula plasma torch.This electrode comprise the slender electrode body and with second end of the adjacent setting of electrode body.The slender electrode body is made and is limited longitudinal axis and is used for holding the far-end of launching part by electric conducting material.One or more zones that second end limits first surface and extends from first surface to near-end, first surface has first diameter that centers around longitudinal axis.In one or more zones each have shape be arranged to provide directly contact with elastic conduction spare and electric connection to promote the part that flows of guide current.
In some embodiment aspect this, the first surface of second end of electrode moves to the respective surfaces of power supply contact and directly contacts and electric connection passing through with promotion transferred arc electric current.In certain embodiments, electrode also comprises the second surface that arranges with respect to first surface.Second surface moves to the respective surfaces of power supply contact and directly contacts and electric connection passing through with promotion transferred arc electric current.In certain embodiments, second surface is parallel to first surface and is arranged on the distal side or is arranged on the proximal lateral with respect to first surface with respect to first surface.
In certain embodiments, the first surface from second end is arranged essentially parallel to longitudinal axis to one or more zones that near-end extends.In one or more zones each can limit second diameter littler than first diameter.In certain embodiments, each in one or more zones is from longitudinal axis spaced set radially.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode comprise by electric conducting material form and limit longitudinal axis and be used for holding the far-end of launching part slender body and with second end of the adjacent setting of electrode body.Second end comprise for the device that cooperates with the inner surface of the parts of plasma welding torch slidably along axis, be used between the pilot arc induction period with the device of elastic component electric connection to promote guide current and flow through device therebetween and to be used for moving in transferred arc operating period electric connection when directly contacting with the power supply contact.
On the other hand, be provided for the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.This electrode comprises: (a) made and limited the slender electrode body of electrode width by electric conducting material, this electrode body is slidably attached to adjacent members; (b) far-end of electrode body; (c) be positioned at the emission part of electrode body far-end; (d) second end of electrode body has be used to the surface of accepting operating current; And (e) locational radially extension between the far-end of electrode body and second end.Radially the extension has be used to the surface of accepting the pilot arc electric current.Radially the extension has the first of first length and the second portion of second length.This second length is bigger than electrode width and first length.
In other embodiments of the invention, any aspect can comprise one or more above features more than.One embodiment of the invention can provide all above feature and advantage.Can understand these and other feature more completely with reference to following specification and accompanying drawing, accompanying drawing is illustrative and needs not to be drafting in proportion.
Fig. 1 is the cutaway view of known contact start plasma arc torch.
Fig. 2 A is feature electrode body, the electrically conductive elastic spare of various embodiments of the present invention, the exploded view of power supply contact.
Fig. 2 B is illustrated in the cutaway view that pilot arc is operated the exemplary contact start plasma arc torch of the parts that adopt Fig. 2 A before.
Fig. 2 C illustrates the cutaway view of the plasma welding torch of Fig. 2 B during the transferred arc pattern.
Fig. 3 A is the cutaway view that is used in the exemplary embodiment of the electrode in the contact start plasma arc torch.
Fig. 3 B is the more detailed view of the parts of the electrode of Fig. 3 A before the embodiment of assembling electrode.
Fig. 4 A is illustrated in the cutaway view that comprises the exemplary contact start plasma arc torch of illustrative components under the pilot arc operation structure before.
Fig. 4 B illustrates the cutaway view of the plasma welding torch of Fig. 4 A that comprises illustrative components under the structure during the transferred arc pattern.
Fig. 5 A illustrates the contact element that comprises in the jack that is arranged on electrode body and the cutaway view of the exemplary electrode of elastic conduction spare.
Fig. 5 B illustrates the electrode of Fig. 5 A that arranges with the transferred arc pattern.
Fig. 6 A illustrates the cutaway view of the exemplary electrode of the contact element that comprises the near-end that is arranged on electrode body and elastic conduction spare.
Fig. 6 B illustrates the electrode of Fig. 6 A that arranges with the transferred arc pattern.
Fig. 7 A illustrates the partial exploded view of the exemplary contact element, elastic component and the power supply contact that embody principle of the present invention.
Fig. 7 B illustrates the parts that are arranged on Fig. 7 A in the plasma welding torch operation.
Fig. 8 A illustrates and is installed to the plasma welding torch cutaway view of another embodiment of electrode body, elastic conduction spare and contact element before.
Fig. 8 B illustrates the structure of the parts of Fig. 8 A during the transferred arc pattern.
Fig. 9 illustrates the cutaway view of another embodiment that embodies electrode of the present invention.
Figure 10 A is the stereogram of exemplary contact element and elastic conduction spare.
Figure 10 B is illustrated in pilot arc operating period and adopts the cutaway view of a part of plasma welding torch of the parts of Figure 10 A.
Figure 11 A illustrates the exemplary contact element for contact start plasma arc torch.
The contact element that Figure 11 B illustrates Figure 11 A rotates 90 ° around vertical axis.
Figure 12 A is the partial perspective view that cuts open that is used in the assembly of contact start plasma arc torch.
Figure 12 B is the exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 12 A.
Figure 12 C is the decomposition view of a part of the assembly of Figure 12 A.
Figure 13 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.
Figure 13 B is the front view for the assembly of the electrode of Figure 13 A.
Figure 14 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.
Figure 14 B is the front view for the assembly of the electrode of Figure 14 A.
Figure 15 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.
Figure 15 B is the front view for the assembly of the electrode of Figure 15 A.
Figure 16 is the stereogram that is used in the electrode of contact start plasma arc torch.
Fig. 2 A is feature electrode body, the electrically conductive elastic spare of various embodiments of the present invention, the exploded view of power supply contact.System 200 comprises electrode body 202, elastic conduction spare 204 and power supply contact 206 (being also referred to as mains connection).Power supply contact 206 is by for example feed cable (for example feed cable among Fig. 1 104) and power supply (not shown) electric connection.Power supply is provided for moving the electric current of the plasma welding torch of the welding torch 112 that is similar to Fig. 1 to power supply contact 206.Electrode body 202 comprises reaction surface 208, and this reaction surface is configured to and elastic conduction spare 204 electric connections.Reaction surface 208 is arranged to the near-end 210 of electrode body 202 spaced apart.In certain embodiments, reaction surface 208 limits the flange that radially extends from longitudinal axis A.In certain embodiments, reaction surface 208 forms one with electrode body 202.For example, reaction surface 208 can by make with electrode body 202 identical materials or by different materials make but in conjunction with or be fixed to electrode body 202.
The near-end 210 of electrode body 202 and far-end 212 opposite settings.In the embodiment shown, the diameter of far-end 212 is greater than the diameter of near-end 210, thus when making elastic conduction spare 204 in being installed to welding torch around near-end 210.In other words, the diameter of near-end 210 is less than the internal diameter of elastic conduction spare 204.In other embodiments, the diameter of near-end 210 is equal to or greater than the diameter of far-end 212.
Power supply contact 206 comprises be used to the surface 214 that reacts on the elastic conduction spare 204.Elastic conduction spare 204 reacts on the reaction surface 208 of static relatively surface 214 and relative removable electrode body 202, to make it away from power supply contact 206 at pilot arc operating period bias electrode body.Electrode body 202 limits contact surface 216, and this contact surface is configured to directly contact and electric connection with the respective surfaces 218 of power supply contact 206.During the rear operating of pilot arc and during the transferred arc pattern, contact surface 216 is in abutting connection with corresponding surface 218.Power supply contact 206 adjacent with surface 218 also extends to surface 214 part 220 and limits and make elastic conduction spare 204 around the diameter of part 220.
In certain embodiments, power supply contact 206 is made for the part (for example, by power supply contact 108 being machined to the architectural feature that comprises power supply contact 206) of the power supply contact 108 of Fig. 1.These embodiment make the user can adopt the concept of describing with reference to Fig. 2 A in the existing torch system 112 of Fig. 1.In certain embodiments, power supply contact 108 can be fixed the refluence position that is arranged on Fig. 1 with respect to welding torch 112 usefulness folders or retaining ring (not shown) by machining groove on power supply contact 108 with power supply contact 108.Like this, power supply contact 108 is all static with respect to welding torch 112 maintenances in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating period.Generally speaking, can improve power supply contact 108 and in the torch system 112 of Fig. 1, use any embodiment as herein described according to principle as herein described.
The flexibility of static relatively 108 pairs of feed cables of power supply contact requires lower.Be suitable for use as the exemplary current of pilot arc electric current between about 10 to about 31 amperes.The electric current of transferred arc operating period can be up to about 200 amperes.But, greater than 200 amperes electric currents also within the scope of the invention, for example 400 amperes.In certain embodiments, power supply contact 108 is by tellurium copper, brass, copper or be suitable for other material that electric current passes through in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating period and make.
Generally speaking, pilot arc operation refers to electric current is being provided to electrode body 202 and plasma arc is transferred to period between the workpiece.More particularly, pilot arc operation can comprise the initiation of pilot arc and pilot arc cause after but with arc transfer certain period before the workpiece.Some welding torch design comprises whether release mechanism to stop the pilot arc operation after the time of scheduled volume, has been transferred to workpiece with plasma arc and had nothing to do.These mechanism design one-tenth prolonged the working life of torch component and improve fail safe by the time that the specific application of nothing limits the welding torch operation (for example, processing workpiece).
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is fixed to electrode body 202 or power supply contact 206.In other embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 be fixed to electrode body 202 and power supply contact 206 both.For example, elastic conduction spare 204 can be fixed to electrode body 202 or power supply contact 206 by welding, soft soldering, combination or with other fixed form.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is fixed to the near-end 208 of electrode body 202 by the frictional fit of radial interference fit or other type.For example, the internal diameter of the comparable elastic conduction spare 204 of external diameter of the near-end 208 of electrode body is big slightly.In certain embodiments, the feature of the near-end 208 of electrode body 202 is extension (not shown), and the internal diameter of this extension is littler than the internal diameter of elastic conduction part 204.The extension can form one or otherwise be fixed to electrode body 202 with electrode body 202.This structure can be used in the welding torch 240 of Fig. 2 B for example the electrode body 124 of Fig. 1.
In certain embodiments, the part 220 of power supply the contact 206 tapered or frustoconical of axis A longitudinally.In certain embodiments, electrode body 202 can comprise the shoulder (not shown) that radially extends, the diameter of this shoulder is greater than the internal diameter of elastic conduction spare 204, makes elastic conduction spare advance towards the far-end 212 of electrode body 202 and surpasses (for example crossing) and radially extend shoulder and can stop elastic conduction spare 204 radially to be thrown off with electrode body 202 towards near-end 210.
In certain embodiments, the distal face (not shown) of shoulder is the reaction surface of electrode body 202.Can use similar radial interference fit for power supply contact 206.For example, elastic conduction spare 204 can axially be advanced above the surface 214 of power supply contact away from electrode body 202, and the face 222 opposite with part 220 that makes surface 214 stops elastic conduction spares 204 and power supply contact to be thrown off.In certain embodiments, the interface between face 222 and the elastic conduction spare 204 forms the current path from power supply contact 206.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is arranged to far-end 212 rather than the near-end 210 of electrode body 202 spaced apart.Far-end 212 generally includes the emission part (not shown) such as hafnium, is used for making the generation of plasma arc and workpiece to handle more effective.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 forms one with electrode body 202 or power supply contact 206.For example, elastic conduction spare 204 can be by making with electrode body 202 identical materials.In other embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is attached to or is fixed to electrode body 202 to stop in (for example, under the influence of gas pressure and/or gravity or other power) under the normal operation and electrode body 202 disengagements.
Fig. 2 B illustrate the parts that adopt Fig. 2 A and concept the cutaway view of exemplary contact start plasma arc torch.The structure of Fig. 2 B illustrates the welding torch 240 before the pilot arc operation.Welding torch 240 comprises electrode body 202, elastic conduction spare 204 and the power supply contact 206 of Fig. 2 A, and they are installed in the welding torch body 242.Nozzle 244 and eddy current ring 246 also are installed to welding torch body 242.Power supply contact 206 is with respect to the static relatively setting of travelling electrode body 202.The far-end 212 of power supply contact 206 and electrode body 202 rear end of welding torch 240 (for example) is oppositely arranged.The far-end 212 of electrode body 202 comprises the emission part 248 with outlet opening 250 substantial registration of nozzle 244.In certain embodiments, emission part 248 and outlet opening 250 center around longitudinal axis A basically.Eddy current ring 246 is arranged to the radial motion of part restriction electrode body 202 in welding torch body 242.For example, the gap that can be made between the one or more radial fins 252 that make eddy current ring 246 and electrode body 202 of eddy current ring 246 is less relatively.
Elastic conduction spare 204 reacts on the surface 214 of the reaction surface 208 of electrode body 202 and power supply contact 206 with pushing electrode body 202 adjoining nozzles 244.Gas flows into the plasma chamber 254 that forms between electrode body 202 and the nozzle 244, and guide current is led to power supply contact 206 from the power supply (not shown).
In plasma chamber 254, form gas pressure and be enough to overcome the power that is provided by elastic conduction spare 204 up to pressure.Gas pressure moves electrode body 202 and move on in abutting connection with power supply contact 206 away from nozzle 244.Electrode body 202 basically longitudinally axis A move.Because electrode body 202 moves away from nozzle 244 by gas pressure, in plasma chamber 254, produce or starting arc.Forming plasma arc or jet, this plasma arc or jet are from the jet of hole 250 ejections of nozzle 244 and transfer to the workpiece (not shown) with the gas ionization in the plasma chamber 254 for electric arc.
Elastic conduction spare 204 is constructed or is designed to basically by all guide current between power supply contact 206 and the electrode body 202.Elastic conductive part 204 can be made by the material that is beneficial to carrying and the electric current that causes pilot arc or the electric loading heat relevant with this electric current with dissipation, melts in pilot arc operating period to prevent elastic conduction spare.In certain embodiments, can select the material of elastic conduction spare 204 according to the rated current of for example material.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is paths that resistance is minimum and/or electricity is led maximum between power supply contact 206 and the electrode body 202.In addition, the engineering properties of elastic conduction spare 206 promotes the movement for the electrode body of contact start plasma arc torch.In certain embodiments, elastic component helps electrode body is aimed at respect to welding torch.
Elastic conduction spare 204 can be to reach 5 seconds or to conduct about 31 amperes electric current in the longer time reliably with the operation of channeling conduct electric arc, and can not melt or otherwise change the power spring of the mechanical performance of spring.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 by The alloy of X-750 is made.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is made by stainless steel.For example, elastic conduction spare 204 can be made by 17/4 precipitation quenching stainless steel wire (meeting the AMS5604 standard) or 302 type stainless steel wires (meeting AMS 5866 or ASTM A 313 standards).In certain embodiments, the external diameter of about 7.62mm (about 0.3 inch) 300/1000 and the length of about 12.7mm of axis A (for example, about 0.5 inch) are longitudinally made and limited to elastic conduction spare 204 by the wire of the about 0.762mm of diameter (about 0.03 inch).
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 coating be coated with silver or silver alloy to reduce resistance and/or to improve electricity and lead.Although this paper is depicted as spiral compression spring, elastic conduction spare 204 can comprise that also for example wavy spring packing ring, finger spring packing ring, flexural spring packing ring, top are to the flat wire compression spring of top type or the circular cone dish of fluting.For example, the spring to these types in No. the 5th, 994,663, the United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm company that transfers Hanover, the state of New Hampshire is illustrated, its content with referring to mode include this paper in.Other spring structure also within the scope of the invention.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is arranged on the wire of the near-end 210 of electrode body 202, and the second elastic component (not shown) is arranged on the far-end 212 of electrode body 202.Second elastic component in pilot arc operating period with electrode body towards far-end 204 biasings, and in the radial motion of welding torch operating period (for example, in pilot arc operating period with during workpiece is handled) restriction electrode body 202.Like this, second elastic component is at welding torch operating period aligning electrode body 202.
Fig. 2 C illustrates the cutaway view of the plasma welding torch of Fig. 2 B during the transferred arc pattern.The contact surface 216 of electrode body 202 directly cooperates to set up electric connection (for example electric current passing through at the interface in contact surface 216 and respective surfaces 218) in the plane basically contiguously with the respective surfaces 218 of power supply contact 206 between electrode body 202 and power supply contact 206.When the contact surface 216 of electrode body 202 during in abutting connection with the respective surfaces 218 of power supply contact 206, form a current path and make electric current directly by between power supply contact 206 and the electrode body 202.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 moves to and no longer carries the main magnitude of current after power supply contact 206 contacts at electrode body 202.In these embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is loaded current between the pilot arc induction period, but during not being pilot arc operation whole.In these embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 continues loaded current during pilot arc operation whole.
When arc transfer arrives workpiece, to welding torch 240 supply cutting currents (for example during the transferred arc pattern).In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 does not carry the main magnitude of current during the transferred arc pattern.More particularly, the direct current path between power supply contact 206 and the electrode body 202 has lower resistance and/or higher electricity is led with comparing to the current path of electrode body 202 by elastic conduction spare 204 from power supply contact 206.Design shown in Fig. 2 A, 2B and the 2C is attached to single parts in dual-use function (even electrode body 202 towards nozzle 244 biasing and current path between power supply contact 206 and the electrode body 202 is provided) with the quantity that reduces consumable part and simplifies welding torch design.
Transfer the previous welding torch design that discloses in No. the 4th, 791,268, the United States Patent (USP) of Hypertherm company of Hanover, the state of New Hampshire and adopt the spring of the mechanical force that is used for providing the various torch component of biasing.These welding torch designs also adopt electric parts (for example non-resilient wire) to think pilot arc operation and transferred arc operation supply electric current.These designs need the wire as main current path have big relatively diameter be convenient to transferred arc operating period by electric current (for example, up to 200 amperes) and do not make the wire fusing.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is conductive wire or bonding jumper, is used for passing through electric current in pilot arc operating period between power supply contact 206 and electrode body 202.When electrode body 202 is in the refluence state (for example, the surface 216 of electrode body 202 directly contacts and electric connection with the surface 218 of power supply contact 206), be useful on is kept the electric current of plasma arc directly by between surface 216 and the surface 218 in the transferred arc pattern basically.More particularly, when surface 216,218 directly during contact the current path between surface 216 and the surface 218 compare with elastic conduction spare 202 and can have lower resistance and/or higher conductivity.Adopt wire to replace spring as the design of elastic conduction spare 204 the plunger wire of No. the 4th, 791,268, wire and United States Patent (USP) to be compared and have less diameter and the flexibility of increase.Because the elastic conduction spare 204 of Fig. 2 A, 2B and 2C does not carry the whole electric currents relevant with the transferred arc operation, so less wire is fine.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 204 is conductive casings, and this conductive casings and power supply contact 206 and electrode body 202 electric connections are to pass through the pilot arc electric current betwixt.For example, this sleeve pipe can be designed to closely to be engaged on the near-end 210 of electrode body 202 and be engaged on the part 220 of power supply contact 206.In certain embodiments, for example the second elastic component (not shown) of spring can be used for providing the mechanical function of electrode body 202 towards nozzle 244 biasings with thimble joint.
In certain embodiments, power supply contact 206 and elastic conduction spare 204 all are installed to welding torch body 242 and with respect to travelling electrode body 202 relative fixed.For example, when nozzle 244 removed from welding torch body 242, elastic conduction spare 204 was released welding torch body 242 (for example electrode body 202 is ejected) with electrode body 202, and the current path between elastic conduction spare 204 and the electrode body 202 disconnects.In such an embodiment, electrode body 202 is consumable parts of welding torch 240.In other embodiments, the combination of electrode body 202 and elastic conduction spare 204 is consumable parts of welding torch 240, and for example these parts can be packed together and be sold or buy.
Fig. 3 A is the cutaway view that is used in the exemplary embodiment of the electrode in the contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 300 comprises the slender electrode body 302 of axis A orientation longitudinally.Electrode body 302 can be made by the electric conducting material such as tellurium copper, silver, yellow gold or other alloy.Electrode body 302 comprises far-end 304 and near-end 308, and far-end comprises be used to the hole 306 that holds emission part (not shown).The emission part can be made and for increasing the working life of plasma welding torch (not shown) and reduce wearing and tearing on the electrode body 302 by for example hafnium.During plasma welding torch operation and workpiece processing, the far-end 304 of electrode body 302 arranges near the workpiece (not shown), and near-end 308 is away from workpiece setting.When electrode 300 was installed in the welding torch, electrode body 302 longitudinally axis A moved.
Electrode 300 comprises electrically conductive elastic spare 310 (being also referred to as elastic conduction spare 310 here).Elastic conduction spare 310 be configured to pilot arc operating period by power supply (not shown) and electrode body 302 between all pilot arc electric current basically.Elastic conduction spare 310 is depicted as helical spring, and the flange 312 (for example shoulder) that radially extends on this helical spring and the near-end 306 that is arranged on electrode body 302 cooperates.This flange 312 can be the reaction surface for elastic conduction spare 310.Direct contact between the flange 312 of elastic conduction spare 310 and electrode body 302 forms current path.
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 is fixed to flange 312 (for example by welding or soft soldering) and makes elastic conduction spare 310 be kept by electrode body 302.Elastic conduction spare 310 can keep by the frictional fit of radial interference fit or other type.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 forms one (for example electrode body 302 and elastic conduction spare 310 are made by same material) with electrode body 302.Elastic conduction spare 310 can be fixing to stop elastic conduction spare 310 and electrode body 302 to be thrown off during processing or attended operation with respect to conductive body 302.
As shown in the figure, electrode body 302 comprises a series of fins 314 that form one with electrode body 302.Fin 314 increase the surface area of electrode bodies 302 and as heating surface with at welding torch operating period cooling electrode body 302.A plurality of fins 314 also form a kind of sealing, make the plasma gas of introducing plasma chamber (for example, the plasma chamber 254 of Fig. 2 B) can form enough air pressure so that electrode body 302 vertically moves towards near-end 308 along axis A.As mentioned above, in the time of between the pilot arc electric current is by elastic conduction spare 310 and electrode body 302, electrode body 302 moves the initiation pilot arc towards near-end 308.The setting of a plurality of fins 314 provides axial spiral groove along electrode body 302.In No. the 4th, 902,871, the United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm company that transfers Hanover, the state of New Hampshire, exemplary fin 314 is illustrated, its content with referring to mode include this paper in.A plurality of fins 314 are depicted as from longitudinal axis A and radially extend.A plurality of fins 314 also may be other structures, for example along axis A longitudinal extension, as described in No. the 6th, 403,915, the United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm company that also transfers Hanover, the state of New Hampshire like that, its content with referring to mode include this paper in.Some embodiment of electrode 300 does not comprise that fin 314 and air pressure apply power with traveling electrode body during causing pilot arc at the different surfaces of electrode body 302.
Electrode 300 comprises contact element 316, and this contact element comprises first surface 318 and second surface 320.First surface 318 is configured to and power supply (not shown) electric connection.For example, first surface 318 can be in abutting connection with the respective surfaces of power supply contact (for example, the power supply contact 206 of Fig. 2 A, not shown among Fig. 3 A).Power supply can be provided to the electric current of contact element 316 by the power supply contact.Second surface 320 be configured to after pilot arc causes and during the transferred arc pattern with surperficial 322 electric connections of the corresponding contact of electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, when electrode 300 was installed in the welding torch, the first surface 318 of contact element 316 is static (for example, first surface 318 kept directly cooperating with the power supply contact or contacting) basically.Contact element 316 can be made by material hard relatively and conduction, for example stainless steel, chromium-copper, nickel or beryllium copper.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 is made by the material harder than the material of making electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 scribbles the material of hard relatively and conduction.
As shown in the figure, elastic conduction spare 310 cooperates around the near-end 308 of electrode body 302 and with the second surface 320 of contact element 316.Be used for providing from contact element 316 by elastic conduction spare 310 to other structure of the current path of electrode body 302 also within the scope of the invention.In certain embodiments, the second electric-conductor (not shown) provides the current path between contact element 316 and the electrode body 302, and this current path is compared with elastic conduction spare 310 has lower resistance and/or higher conductivity.In these embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 is setovered electrode body (for example, carrying out mechanical function) away from contact element 316, but does not carry main guide current amount.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 is fixed to contact flange 316 (for example by welding or soft soldering) or forms one with contact element 316.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 can be arranged between the corresponding contact surface 322 of the second surface 320 of contact element 316 and electrode body.In certain embodiments, the first surface 318 of contact element 316 cooperates with elastic conduction spare 310.
The electrode body 302 that illustrates comprises the jack 324 (for example hole 306 and jack 324 are not through holes) that is arranged on electrode body 302 near-ends 308 and separates with the hole 306 at far-end 304 places of electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, inner surface 326 is aimed at and limited to jack 324 with axis A basically.Contact element 316 comprises the connecting elements 328 that extends from second surface 320.In certain embodiments, connecting elements 328 cooperates with electrode body 302 slidably.For example, connecting elements 328 comprises basically the alignment portion 330 with longitudinal axis A coaxial line.Alignment portion 330 can cooperate with the inner surface 326 of jack 324 slidably.
In certain embodiments, the engagement limits electrode body 302 between alignment portion 330 and the inner surface 326 or the radial motion of contact element 316 in welding torch.
This jack 324 can be configured to stop contact element 316 and electrode body 302 to throw off.Electrode body 302 comprises the limiting surface 332 that is arranged on jack 324 near-ends, stops disengagement for a part that reacts on contact element 316.In certain embodiments, limiting surface 332 reacts on connecting elements 328 or the alignment portion 330 (for example passing through radial interference fit) of contact element 316.In certain embodiments, limiting surface 332 comprises annular or ring-shaped structure.Limiting surface 332 can be arranged in the jack 324, makes limiting surface not disturb the second surface 320 of contact element 316 or the second surface 320 that prevents contact element 316 directly contacts with the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302 in the mode on plane basically.
In certain embodiments, first surface 318, second surface 320 or both can scribble silver or silver alloy and improve electric current between power supply and the electrode body 302 flow (for example surface 318 by reducing contact element 316 and the resistance at 320 places).In certain embodiments, slidably cooperate the current path provide to compare with elastic conduction spare 310 to have lower resistance and/or higher conductivity between contact element 316 and the electrode body 302.In these embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 is setovered electrode body (for example, carrying out mechanical function) away from contact element 316, but does not carry main guide current amount.More particularly, connecting elements 328 or alignment portion 330 can be made into relatively compact tolerance, and this tolerance is enough to form electric current leads to electrode body 302 by for example jack 324 low resistance path.Need relatively compact tolerance to prevent the ionization of space inner arc between connecting elements 328 or alignment portion 330 and jack 324 or the formation of arc.
Fig. 3 B is the assembling more detailed view of the parts of the electrode of Fig. 3 A before.Fig. 3 B illustrates the close-up view of the near-end 308 of electrode body 302.In the embodiment shown, electrode body 302, elastic conduction spare 310 and contact element 316 do not form the one assembly.More particularly, contact element 316 (for example, connecting elements 128 and alignment portion 130) can freely be thrown off with elastic conduction spare 310 and electrode body 302 (for example jack 324).In certain embodiments, the length of connecting elements 328 and alignment portion 330 is no more than the degree of depth of jack 324, thereby makes contact element " not touch the end " in the lower surface 334 of jack 324.
The near-end 308 of electrode body 302 can limit the lip 336 adjacent with jack 324, and this lip longitudinally axis A radially extends.Lip 336 can be by making with material of electrode body 302 phases.In certain embodiments, can keep in touch element 316 (for example, the part of electrode body 302 stops contact element 316 and electrode body 302 to be thrown off) with respect to electrode body 302.For example, connecting elements 328 and alignment portion 330 can be arranged in the jack 324.Contact element 316 compresses electrode body 302, makes to advance to when directly contacting with the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302 when second surface 320, and the second surface 320 of contact element 316 cooperates with lip 336.
Make lip 336 distortion enter adjacent jack 324 cooperating between second surface 320 and the lip 336, can between the contact surface 322 of the second surface 320 of contact element 318 and electrode body 302, forming the direct contact of facing.The lip 336 of distortion can form the limiting surface 332 of Fig. 3 A.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 compresses electrode body 302, launches part simultaneously and is arranged in the hole 306.For example, in being called the technology of swaged forging, the power that applies the axis A longitudinally near-end 308 of electrode body 302 (for example, towards) with respect to the emission part is fixed in the hole 306 will launch part.During swaged forging, apply the opposite power of the direction far-end 304 of electrode body 302 (for example towards) and make lip 336 distortion with the near-end 308 that contact element 316 is compressed electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, the power that applies is about the power (for example, about 1000 pounds power) of 4,450N.In certain embodiments, after the swaged forging, limiting surface 332 can bear the power (for example, about 80 pounds power) of about 356N before lost efficacy (contact element 316 can be thrown off with electrode body 302).
In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 was arranged between electrode body 302 (for example directly contacting with flange 312) and the contact element 316 (for example, directly contacting with second surface 320) before lip 336 distortion.Elastic conduction spare 310 can " be clipped in " between contact element 316 and the electrode body 302.Limiting surface 332 can stop the contact element of installing slidably 316 to be thrown off with electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, electrode 300 was assembled in the plasma welding torch before using and can be packaged into black box.
In certain embodiments, limiting surface 332 has circular structure when longitudinally axis A extends axially around the circumference of jack 324 (for example, when lip 336).In other embodiments, the part less than whole circumference along jack 324 circumferences forms limiting surface 332.Connecting elements 328 or alignment portion 330 can freely insert jack 324 and not interfere with limiting surface 336, can stop contact element 316 to be thrown off by the interference of setting up between limiting surface 332 and connecting elements or the alignment portion 330 but for example rotate contact element 316 around longitudinal axis A.
Fig. 4 A illustrates the cutaway view of exemplary contact start plasma arc torch.The structure of Fig. 4 A can be described as " forward " structure or " startup " structure.Welding torch 400 comprises the welding torch body 402 that limits gas access 404.Welding torch 400 comprises and the power supply contact 406 of power supply (not shown) electric connection that power supply provides electric current to power supply contact 406.Welding torch 400 comprises the electrode 300 of Fig. 3 A.The first surface 318 of contact element 316 is configured to directly contact and electric connection with power supply contact 306.Elastic conduction spare 310 pushing electrode bodies 302 directly contact and electric connection away from power supply contact 306 and with nozzle 408.Electrode body 302 (for example far-end 304 of electrode body 302) and nozzle 408 cooperate to form the part of plasma chamber 410.Nozzle 408 comprises outlet opening 412, and outlet opening 412 makes plasma arc or jet (not shown) flow out plasma chamber 410 to transfer to the workpiece (not shown).Shielding part 414 is installed to and keeps cap 416, keeps cap 416 to be installed on the part 418 of welding torch body 402.Shielding part 414 comprises the outlet port 420 adjacent with the outlet opening 412 of nozzle 408.Outlet port 420 makes plasma jet transfer to workpiece from welding torch 400.Shielding part 414 prevents the material build of splashing down on nozzle 408 and shortens the useful life of nozzle 408 or electrode 300 in the workpiece processing procedure.Welding torch 400 also comprises the eddy current ring 422 that limits one or more ports 424, and described one or more ports make the gas (not shown) can flow into or flow out plasma chamber 410.
The pilot arc operation starts from the initiation of pilot arc.Guide current is by between power supply and the power supply contact 406.Contact element 316 is led to guide current in the interface that power supply contact 406 crosses between the first surface 318 of power supply contact 406 and contact element 316.Guide current is by between contact element 316 (for example second surface 320) and the elastic conduction spare 310.Electric current is by between elastic conduction spare 310 and electrode body 302 and the nozzle 408 then.Be suitable for use as the exemplary current of pilot arc electric current between about 22 to about 31 amperes.In certain embodiments, power supply contact 406 is suitable for making by other material of electric current by tellurium copper, brass, copper or in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating period.
In pilot arc operating period, gas enters welding torch 400 by the entrance 404 that is limited by welding torch body 402.Along passage 426 directional later exhausts that limited by welding torch body 402.Eddy current ring 422 limits the one or more air flues 428 that make gas can lead to the space 430 that outside and part 418 by eddy current ring 422 limit from passage 426.Gas flow enters plasma chamber 410 by port 424.Form gas pressure in the plasma chamber 410, be enough to overcome the power that is provided by elastic conduction spare 310 up to this pressure, and electrode body 302 is moved away from nozzle 408, between electrode body 302 and nozzle 408, form space or gap thus.In certain embodiments, the gas in the plasma chamber 410 acts on the fin 314 of electrode body 302, and longitudinally axis A exerts pressure towards the near-end 310 of electrode body 302.Electrode body 302 basically longitudinally axis A move with respect to welding torch 400.In certain embodiments, by the radial motion of restriction electrode body 302 during pilot arc operating period and transferred arc pattern, contact element 316 is aimed at electrode body 302.Because electrode body 302 moves away from nozzle 408, between plasma chamber 302 and nozzle 408, produce relative electromotive force.Produce electric arc (not shown) (for example passing through the most low-resistance path ionization between electrode body 302 and the nozzle 408) in the existing gap of this electromotive force official post between electrode body 302 and nozzle 408.Electric arc is used in the plasma jet of workpiece in handling with the gas ionization in the plasma chamber 310 with formation.
Fig. 4 B illustrates the cutaway view that pilot arc causes the plasma welding torch of Fig. 4 A that comprises illustrative components afterwards.The structure of Fig. 4 B can be described as " refluence " structure, because electrode body 302 separates with nozzle 408.Electrode body 302 moves along axis A, contacts with the second surface 320 of contact element 316 up to the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302.The first surface 318 of contact element 316 keeps directly contacting and electric connection with power supply contact 406, and power supply contact 406 is static relatively with respect to electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, electrode body 102 is less than or equal to about 0.3 second along the time that axis A moves.In these embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 (for example pilot arc operating period after pilot arc causes) loaded current in the structure that flows backwards.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 310 loaded current between the pilot arc induction period only.
Generally speaking, by welding torch 400 being positioned near the workpiece electric arc is transferred to the workpiece (not shown) to handle workpiece from nozzle 408.Workpiece remains on the electromotive force lower relatively than nozzle 408.In certain embodiments, at transferred arc between the pilot arc induction period (for example before the refluence structure at Fig. 4 B).The electrical lead (not shown) that is communicated with workpiece can provide signal to the transfer of workpiece to the power supply (not shown) according to electric arc.When electrode body 302 was in the refluence structure, power supply provided the electric current (for example, cutting current) of increase to welding torch 400.Be called " two-threshold value " and in No. the 6th, 133,543, the United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm company that transfers Hanover, the state of New Hampshire, be described for increasing an example to the method for the electric current of welding torch, its content with referring to mode include this paper in.
Cutting current can be for example about 100 to about 150 amperes.Cutting current is relevant with the operation of welding torch 400 in the transferred arc pattern.The amount of the cutting current that provides in certain embodiments, depends on the physical characteristic (for example degree of depth of the thickness of workpiece or otch) of composition or the workpiece of workpiece.In certain embodiments, the transferred arc pattern refers to that electric arc is transferred to workpiece and power supply provides cutting current.In other embodiments, the transferred arc pattern refers to that arc transfer arrives workpiece.
When electrode body 302 was in the refluence structure, power supply provided electric current to power supply contact 406, contact element 316 and electrode body 302.Contact element 316 keeps relative static with respect to electrode body 302 with power supply contact 406.More particularly, in electrode 300 is installed to welding torch 400 after, the first surface 318 of contact element 316 can be designed to keep directly contacting and electric connection with power supply contact 406.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 is fixing with respect to power supply contact 406 by for example frictional fit, for example makes that the terrestrial gravitation that acts on the electrode body 302 is not enough to electrode 300 is removed from welding torch 400.Since during the operation (for example start and stop) of welding torch 400 contact repeatedly of electrode body 302 and contact element 316 with separate, so the wearing and tearing of the major part on the electrode 300 all occur between the contact surface 322 of the second surface 320 of contact element 316 and electrode body 302 at the interface.The design of electrode 300 reduces the wear extent on the power supply contact 406, and this is because 318 maintenances of the first surface of contact element 316 contact to reduce the formation of electric arc between power supply contact 406 and the first surface 318 with power supply contact 406.The formation of electric arc can produce the blemish of the operation lifetime that shortens power supply contact 406 and electrode 300 between power supply contact 406 and the first surface 318.
Fig. 5 A illustrates the cutaway view of the exemplary electrode of the elastic conduction spare in the jack that comprises contact element and be arranged on electrode body.Electrode 500 comprises electrode body 502, and electrode body 502 limits the near-end 506 of far-end 504 and the opposite setting of axis A longitudinally.Far-end 504 is defined for the hole 508 of admitting emission part 510.The near-end 506 of electrode body 502 limits center the jack 512 in the cylindrical structure around longitudinal axis A.In certain embodiments, can use for the non-cylindrical of jack 512 structure.Jack 512 separates (for example, electrode body 502 does not have through hole) by electrode body 502 with hole 508.Jack 512 limits first contact surface 514 that is arranged on jack 512 bottoms.Contact surface 514 is configured to power supply contact (shown in Fig. 5 B) electric connection and/or directly contacts.Jack 512 also limits second contact surface 516.
Electrode 500 comprises contact element 518 and the elastic conduction spare 520 that is arranged in the jack 512.Contact element 518 limits first surface 522 and second surface 524.Second surface 524 is configured to react on second contact surface 516 of elastic conduction spare 520 and jack.Elastic conduction spare 520 reacts on first contact surface 514 in being installed in plasma torch the time, so that electrode body 502 is pressed to the adjoining nozzles (not shown).In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 520 can react on the 3rd surperficial (not shown) in the jack 512.
Contact element 518 limits the circular structure that is designed to around the power supply contact.Circular structure provides alignment portion 526 to limit the radial motion of electrode body 502 by reacting on the power supply contact.By the diameter tapering part 528 littler than the diameter of contact element 518, keep in touch element 518 and elastic conduction spare 520 with respect to jack 512.In certain embodiments, tapering part 528 is the limiting surfaces that stop contact element 518 and elastic conduction spare 520 to be thrown off from electrode body 502 (for example jack 512).For example, the combination of tapering part 528 and contact element 518 stops elastic conduction spare 520 to be thrown off from electrode body 502 by radial interference fit.In certain embodiments, conical surface 528 limits circular structure.In certain embodiments, jack 512 does not comprise tapering part 528, and does not maintain contact element 518 and elastic conduction spare 520 with respect to jack 512.
Fig. 5 B illustrates the electrode of Fig. 5 A that arranges with the transferred arc pattern.Fig. 5 B illustrates the amplification view of the near-end 506 of electrode body 502 and power supply contact 540.Power supply contact 540 limits and extends axially part 542, extends axially part 542 and is configured to interact with the contact of jack 512 and electrode 500.Extending axially part 542 is defined for respectively and first contact surface 514 (for example being limited by jack 512) of electrode body 502 and first surface 522 electric connections and/or first respective surfaces 544 that directly contacts and second respective surfaces 546 of contact element 518.Power supply contact 540 also limits and is configured to corresponding to the tapering part 528 of the electrode body 502 seat part 548 with the radial motion of restriction electrode body 502.
In certain embodiments, electrode 500 is arranged in the welding torch, make contact element 518 first surface 522 and power supply contact 540 second respective surfaces, 546 electric connections and/or directly contact, keep static relatively interface to be formed on welding torch operating period with respect to electrode body 502.The second surface 524 of contact element 518 is originally away from second contact surface 516 of jack 512, and first respective surfaces 544 of power supply contact is away from the contact surface 514 of electrode body 502.
In pilot arc operating period, guide current is by between power supply (not shown) and the power supply contact 540.Guide current is led to contact element 518 from power supply contact 540, and arrives electrode body 502 from contact element 518 by elastic conduction spare 520, makes elastic conduction spare 518 carry whole pilot arc electric current basically.When electrode body 502 moves to produce electric arc away from the nozzle (not shown), second contact surface 516 moves to the second surface 524 of contact element 516 and contacts, and first contact surface 514 moves to first respective surfaces 544 of power supply contact 540 and contacts.Basically all cutting currents lead to electrode body 502 and directly lead to electrode body by contact element 516 from power supply contact 540.In transferred arc operating period, elastic conduction spare 520 does not carry the main magnitude of current.
In certain embodiments, first respective surfaces 544 or second respective surfaces 546 are led to electrode body 502 with all electric currents basically in transferred arc operating period.A plurality of respective surfaces 544,546 can reduce the physical abrasion on the first surface 522 of first contact surface 514 of electrode body 502 or contact element 518.This structure by reduce with power supply contact 540 and contact element 518 and electrode body 502 in each between directly contact relevant mechanical load and reduce wear.Reduce wear and to prolong the life-span of electrode 500.
Fig. 6 A illustrates the cutaway view of the exemplary electrode of the contact element that comprises the near-end that is arranged on electrode body and elastic conduction spare.Electrode 600 comprises electrode body 602, and electrode body 602 limits the near-end 606 of far-end 604 and the opposite setting of axis A longitudinally.Far-end 604 is defined for the hole 608 of admitting emission part 610.Electrode 600 comprises contact element 612 and elastic conduction spare 614.Contact element 612 limits first contact surface 616 and second contact surface 618, first contact surface 616 is configured to power supply contact electric connection and/or directly contacts (seeing Fig. 6 B), and second contact surface 618 is used for respective surfaces 620 electric connections of electrode body 602 and/or directly contacts.The near-end 606 of electrode body 602 limits and power supply contact electric connection and/or the contact surface 622 that directly contacts.Electrode body 602 limits reaction surface 624, is used for reacting on elastic conduction spare 614 to provide against the bias force of the reaction surface 624 of electrode body 602.The near-end 606 of electrode body 602 limits first limiting surface 626, and this limiting surface (for example passing through radial interference fit) stops contact element 612 and elastic conduction spare 614 to be thrown off.In certain embodiments, electrode body 602 does not comprise limiting surface 624, and contact element 612 and/or elastic conduction spare 614 can be thrown off with respect to electrode body 602.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 614 is fixed to electrode body 602 or power supply contact element 612 or both.
Contact element 614 limits circular structure and comprises the alignment portion 628 of restriction electrode body 602 radial motions.For example, alignment portion 628 can interact with the part 630 that extends axially of the near-end 606 of electrode body 602.The diameter of this part 630 is slightly littler than the diameter of aiming at part 628, make part 630 can be slidably longitudinally axis A cooperate with alignment portion 628, and radially shaking significantly.
Fig. 6 B illustrates the electrode of Fig. 6 A that arranges with the transferred arc pattern.The structure of Fig. 6 B comprises the power supply contact 640 with respect to near-end 606 settings of electrode body 602.Power supply contact 640 limits opening 642, and when electrode body 602 moved away from the nozzle (not shown) under gas pressure, the near-end 606 of electrode body 602 was advanced and entered opening 642.Opening 642 is adjacent with the receptacle portion 644 that centers around longitudinal axis A basically.Receptacle portion 644 limits first contact surface 646 and second contact surface 648, first contact surface 646 is used for contact element 612 electric connections and/or directly contacts, and second contact surface 648 is for respective surfaces 622 electric connections of electrode body 602 and/or directly contact.Receptacle portion 644 is sized to also admit contact element 612 and elastic conduction spare 614 except the part of the near-end of electrode body 602.In certain embodiments, receptacle portion 644 is sized to only admit the near-end 606 of electrode body 602.
Between installation period, electrode 600 is arranged to make first contact surface, 646 electric connections of first surface 616 and power supply contact 640 and/or is directly contacted, to be formed on the welding torch operating period interface static relatively with respect to electrode body 602.The second surface 618 of contact element 612 is originally away from the respective surfaces 620 of electrode body, and the contact surface 622 of electrode body 602 is originally practically away from second contact surface 648 of power supply contact 640.
In pilot arc operating period, guide current is by between power supply (not shown) and the power supply contact 640.Guide current is led to contact element 612 from power supply contact 640, and arrives electrode body 602 from contact element 612 by elastic conduction spare 614, makes elastic conduction spare 614 carry whole pilot arc electric current basically.When electrode body 602 moves to produce electric arc away from the nozzle (not shown), respective surfaces 620 moves to second surface 618 electric connections of contact element 612 and/or directly contacts, and contact surface 622 moves to second contact surface, 648 electric connections of power supply contact and/or directly contacts.Basically all cutting currents lead to electrode body 602 and directly lead to electrode body 602 by contact element 612 from power supply contact 640.In transferred arc operating period, elastic conduction spare 614 does not carry the main magnitude of current.
In certain embodiments, first respective surfaces 646 or second respective surfaces 648 feed electrode body 602 with all electric currents basically in transferred arc operating period.A plurality of respective surfaces 646,648 can reduce the physical abrasion on first contact surface 616 of first contact surface 622 of electrode body 602 or contact element 612.This structure by reduce with power supply contact 640 and contact element 612 and electrode body 602 in each between directly contact relevant mechanical load and reduce wear.Reduce wear and to prolong the life-span of electrode 600.
Fig. 7 A illustrates the partial exploded view of the exemplary contact element, elastic component and the power supply contact that embody principle of the present invention.Two-piece type mains connection 700 comprises basically longitudinally power supply contact 702, contact element 704 and the elastic component 706 of axis A aligning.Power supply contact 702 limits the hole 708 adjacent with cavity 710, and what cavity 710 was used for admitting contact element 704 extends axially part 712.The diameter of part 712 is slightly littler than the diameter of cavity 710.Second elastic component 714 is along the scope that extends axially of part 712 sizing radially, to provide abundant friction with respect to cavity 710 to stop part 712 and contact element 704 to throw off (for example frictional fit) with power supply contact 702 and to limit the radial motion of contact element 704.In certain embodiments, second elastic component 714 is for example to be made by beryllium copper and by the Louvertac of the Tyco Electronics Corp (Tyco Electronics Corp.) of Pennsylvanian Harrisburg TMSpring.Other copper alloy also within the scope of the invention.In certain embodiments, second elastic component 714 is coated with conducting metal, for example gold, silver, nickel or tin.In certain embodiments, second elastic component 714 is that part conduction and that make the electric current of being supplied by the power supply (not shown) is by between power supply contact 702 and the contact element 704.Elastic component 706 can be between pilot arc induction period chien shih guide current be by power supply and electrode body.
Power supply contact 702 limits the surface 716 adjacent with hole 708, is used for electric current is led to first respective surfaces 718 of contact element 704, and first surface 718 is adjacent with extension 712.Contact element 704 also comprise be used to react on first elastic component 706 with first surface 718 opposed second surface 720.Contact element 704 comprises that part 722 and the diameter axially given prominence to from second surface 720 are littler than the internal diameter of elastic component 706, makes elastic component 706 around this part 722.This part 722 is configured to the near-end electric connection with welding torch electrode body (not shown).This part 722 limits circumferential surface 724 and end surfaces 726.In certain embodiments, circumferential surface 724, end surfaces 726 or both cooperate with the respective surfaces of electrode body.Elastic component 706 is connected to parts 728.Parts 728 are designed to react on the respective surfaces (not shown) of electrode body so that the axial force (for example, away from power supply contact 700) towards the far-end (not shown) of electrode body to be provided.In transferred arc operating period, gas pressure reacts on the gas reaction surface of electrode body and overcomes axial force so that electrode body is axially moved towards near-end, reacts on the appropriate section of electrode body up to circumferential surface 724, end surfaces 726 or both.
In certain embodiments, parts 728 are with elastic component 706 formation one and by making with elastic component 706 identical materials.In certain embodiments, parts 728 are parts of separating with elastic component 706 and/or make and be fixed to elastic component 706 by the material different with elastic component 706.Parts 728 are depicted as the ring washer that is connected to elastic component 706.Also can use other structure of parts 728, for example center on the adjacent shaft of elastic component 706 to circular slab or the sleeve design (for example being similar to the following contact element of discussing with reference to Fig. 9 904) of outside.This structure makes can't see elastic component 706 in the stereogram of electrode body, make that electrode body and parts 728 can be mobile together with respect to power supply contact 702 basically.More particularly, parts 728 are static and can move with respect to contact element 704 and power supply contact 702 with respect to electrode body.
In certain embodiments, the first surface (not shown) of parts 728 is towards the respective surfaces of electrode body, and the second surface (not shown) of parts 728 is towards the end surfaces 726 of contact element 704.In transferred arc operating period, the second surface of parts 728 directly contacts with the end surfaces 726 of contact element 704, and the first surface of parts 728 directly contacts with electrode body, so that the current path that arrives electrode body from power supply by power supply contact 702 and contact element 704 to be provided.
In certain embodiments, elastic component 706 is nonconducting, and the electric-conductor (not shown) is provided to the current path of parts 728 in pilot arc operating period.Electric-conductor can be for example to be arranged to by soft soldering, welding or to set up wire or the bus that the alternate manner that electrically contacts is electrically connected to these parts contact element 704 or power supply contact 702 between contact element 704 or power supply contact 702 and electric-conductor.
In transferred arc operating period, the transferred arc electric current can pass through via the direct contact between contact element 704 (for example, by circumferential surface 724, end surfaces 726 or both) and the electrode body.This structure can use the electric-conductor with low relatively rated current that guide current is led to electrode body, and this allows to use relatively little electric-conductor.Less electric-conductor is conducive to reduce the direct interference between the movable part (for example, elastic component 706 and electrode body) of electric-conductor and torch system.Basically all operating currents (for example guide current and transferred arc electric current) lead to electrode body by parts 728.
Fig. 7 B illustrates the parts of Fig. 7 A that is arranged to the plasma welding torch operation.The part 712 of contact element 704 advances in the cavity 710, and the inner surface (not shown) that second elastic component 714 reacts on cavity 710 stops contact element 704 to be thrown off to use friction.First respective surfaces 718 of contact element 704 is placed on the surface 716 adjacent with cavity 710 or directly contacts with it, so that 704 current path to be provided from power supply contact 702 to contact element.In certain embodiments, replaceable contact element 704 or elastic component 706 and do not change power supply contact 702.Because the interface between power supply contact 702 and the contact element 704 (for example, interface between surface 716 and the respective surfaces 718) static with respect to power supply contact 702, power supply contact 702 can the image current path and the structure that overlaps of actual interface in wearing and tearing like that rapidly.In certain embodiments, contact element 704 and power supply contact 702 can form monomer (for example being manufactured from the same material) rather than two parts that separate.By replacing monomer power supply contact 108 with two-piece type mains connection 700 and being convenient to mains connection 700 by changing cathode block 116, the structure of Fig. 7 A and 7B can be used in the existing contact start plasma arc torch for example shown in Figure 1.Mains connection 700 can be fixing relatively still with respect to electrode body by folder or pin as described above.
Fig. 8 A illustrates and is installed to the plasma welding torch cutaway view of another embodiment of electrode body, elastic conduction spare and contact element before.Electrode 800 comprises electrode body 802, contact element 804 and the elastic conduction spare of aiming at respect to longitudinal axis A basically 806.Fig. 8 A illustrates the near-end 808 that can be arranged on the electrode 800 in the plasma welding torch body (not shown).The feature of electrode body 802 is the shoulders 810 that radially extend from electrode body 802.Shoulder 810 limits first surface 812 and second surface 814.In certain embodiments, first surface 812 is as limiting surface, and this limiting surface is configured to contact with the respective surfaces 816 of contact element 804 and contact element 804 and electrode body 802 disengagements when preventing from existing axial force (for example by elastic conduction spare 806, gas pressure or be that gravity provides in some cases).The second surface 814 of shoulder 810 is configured to cooperate to form the reaction interface with the surface 818 of elastic conduction spare 806.
Contact element 804 limits first surface 820 and second surface 822.First surface 820 design or be configured to is placed in to be equipped with mutually to set up on the respective surfaces (not shown) of power supply contact (not shown) or with this surface and directly contacts and electric connection.The second surface 822 of contact element 804 designs or is configured to corresponding to the surface 826 that is limited by electrode body 802.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 806 cooperates to provide axial force with the second surface 822 of contact element 804.Contact element 804 limits jack 828.Jack 828 is sized to make elastic conduction spare 806 to arrange and to be arranged in the jack 828 of contact element around the part 830 of electrode body 802.
In certain embodiments, in pilot arc operating period, the first surface 820 of contact element 804 and power supply contact electric connection (and/or directly contacting).The power supply contact provides electric current to first surface 820, and this electric current crosses contact element 804 and transfers to second surface 822.Electric current can be via the interface between elastic conduction spare 806 and the second surface 822 by between contact element 804 and the elastic conduction spare 806.Elastic conduction spare 806 is provided for making electric current to pass through current path between power supply contact and the electrode body 802.For example, electric current is passing through between electrode body 802 and the elastic conduction spare 806 at the interface between the corresponding second surface 814 of surface 818 and shoulder 810.Generally speaking, when electrode 800 was installed on plasma welding torch, jack 828, elastic conduction spare 806 and/or surface 812 cooperated to limit the radial motion of electrode body 802.
Fig. 8 B illustrates the structure of the parts of Fig. 8 A during the transferred arc pattern.During the pilot arc pattern, gas pressure reacts on electrode body 802, be used for traveling electrode body 802 away from the pushing of near-end 808 vertically to overcome elastic conduction spare 806, surface 826 contacts with the corresponding second surface 822 of contact element 804 specifically.In this structure, can between contact element 804 and electrode body 802, directly form electric connection, and can be transferred arc operation increase electric current.In certain embodiments, contact element 804 restrictions are away from the end surfaces 840 on the surface 842 of electrode body 802.In certain embodiments, end surfaces 840 contacts or " touching the end " by reacting on surface 842, so that second current path between contact element 804 and the electrode body 802 to be provided.
Fig. 9 illustrates the cutaway view of another embodiment that embodies electrode of the present invention.Electrode 900 comprises basically longitudinally electrode body 902, contact element 904 and the elastic conduction spare 906 of axis A aligning.Electrode body 902 limits radially extensional surface 908, and this extensional surface can react on the surface 910 of elastic conduction spare 906 and throw off (for example clamping) to stop elastic conduction spare 906 and electrode body 902.Axially advance and oppress or by being pressed on the surface 908 to form radial interference fit in elastic conduction spare 906 or surface 910 longitudinally axis A.Also can use the cooperation of other type to stop elastic conduction spare 906 and electrode body 902 to break away from.
Contact element 904 limits jack 912, first surface 914 and second surface 916, first surface is used for the respective surfaces electric connection of the power supply contact of plasma welding torch (not shown) and/or directly contacts, and second surface is for respective surfaces 918 electric connections of electrode body 902 and/or directly contact.The size of jack 912 can be arranged to make the internal diameter of jack to be slightly smaller than the external diameter of elastic conduction spare 906.Contact element 904 and jack 912 can be by being pressed in or oppressing in a part and the friction between the jack 912 or the cooperation of other type to set up elastic conduction spare 906 on the elastic conduction spare 906.In certain embodiments, can use alternative or additional binding or fit structure that contact element 904 is fixed to elastic conduction spare 906 and electrode 900.Generally speaking, when electrode 900 was installed in the plasma welding torch, jack 912 cooperated radially to limit electrode body 902 with elastic conduction spare 906.
Figure 10 A embodies the exemplary contact element of principle of the present invention and the stereogram of elastic conduction spare.System 1000 comprises contact element 1002 and is arranged on elastic conduction spare 1004 in the jack 1006 of contact element 1002.Contact element 1002 comprises the flange 1008 of the one or more through holes 1010 of restriction to promote to pass through around the gas of system 1000.In certain embodiments, through hole 1010 is given gas with eddy motion when gas moves around electrode body, for example with cooling electrode body or plasma welding torch.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 1004 fixing or fastening (for example combination) is to contact element 1002.In certain embodiments, elastic conduction spare 1004 forms one with contact element 1002.
Figure 10 B is illustrated in pilot arc operating period and adopts the cutaway view of a part of plasma welding torch of the parts of Figure 10 A.Welding torch 1020 comprises basically longitudinally contact element 1002, elastic conduction spare 1004, electrode body 1022 and the power supply contact 1024 of axis A aligning.In certain embodiments, power supply contact 1024 and power supply (not shown) electric connection.Power supply contact 1024 is centered on by torch component 1026, and torch component 1026 cooperates to limit gas passage 1030 with the outer surface 1028 of contact element 1004.Can as above discuss with reference to Fig. 2 A supply gas handle to produce plasma arc and workpiece.By discharging the gas pressure in the welding torch 1020 towards power supply contact 1024 around electrode body 1022 mobile (for example by the eddy current around electrode body 1022 by fin 1032 guiding).Gas can flow through in the contact element 1004 hole 1010 and along gas passage 1030 away from electrode body 1022.
In the embodiment shown, flange 1008 is arranged between the surface 1036 of the surface 1034 of torch component 1026 and eddy current ring 1038.In certain embodiments, the system 1000 of Figure 10 A is consumable parts and is installed in the welding torch 1020, and electrode body 1022 is changed more continually than system 1000.This for example can consume with changing electrode body 1022 easily needn't take welding torch 1020 apart.In certain embodiments, system 1000 is fixing with respect to power supply contact 1024 by interference fit.For example, system 1000 is positioned at welding torch 1020, and eddy current ring 1038 is with respect to the outer surface 1040 fixing (for example passing through screw thread) of torch component 1026, so that flange 1008 axially and/or is radially fixed with respect to torch component 1026, power supply contact 1024 and/or welding torch 1020.In certain embodiments, flange reacts on or is placed in other parts of welding torch 1020.
One or more parts of system 1000 can form one with eddy current ring 1038.For example, flange 1008 can in conjunction with or otherwise be fixed to eddy current ring 1038 to form a body component.In certain embodiments, contact element 1002 in machine work and manufacture process by making with eddy current ring 1038 identical materials.Elastic component 1004 can be fixed to 1038 combinations of contact element 1002-eddy current ring by for example radial interference fit or other fixing means.In certain embodiments, elastic component 1004 is not fixed to contact element 1002 or eddy current ring 1038.
Electrode body 1022 can move (for example passing through gas pressure) towards power supply contact 1024, makes the surface 1042 of electrode body 1022 cooperate to set up electric connection and directly contact with the respective surfaces 1044 of contact element 1002.The electric current relevant with the transferred arc operation of welding torch 1020 is by between electrode body 1022 and the contact element 1002.
Figure 11 A illustrates the exemplary contact element for contact start plasma arc torch.Contact element 1100 comprises first surface 1102, second surface 1104, extension 1106 and restricted part 1108.First surface 1102 is configured to the power supply contact (not shown) electric connection with plasma welding torch.For example, by setting up electric connection with direct contact of the respective surfaces (not shown) of power supply contact.Second surface 1104 is configured to and electrode body (not shown), elastic conduction spare or both electric connections.For example, can be by the direct electric connection that contacts foundation and electrode body between the respective surfaces of second surface 1104 and electrode body.In certain embodiments, the direct contact between power supply contact and the first surface 1102 and the direct contact between electrode body and the second surface are set up electric current and are flow through path between power supply contact (for example power supply) and the electrode body.
The extension 1106 of contact element is adjacent with restricted part 1108.In certain embodiments, extension and restricted part form one (for example being manufactured from the same material).Extension 1106 is vertically outstanding from second surface 1104.As shown in the figure, extension 1106 limits has the circular cross section of a diameter, but also can be other geometry.The width w of restricted part 1108 surpasses the diameter of extension 1106, and the thickness t of restricted part 1108 is less than this diameter.
Figure 11 B illustrates the contact element that rotates Figure 11 A of 90 ° around vertical axis.In certain embodiments, restricted part 1108 and extension 1106 are advanced in the jack of electrode body (not shown) along first orientation shown in Figure 11 B.The opening size adjacent with jack is arranged to make restricted part 1108 and extension 1106 can enter jack.But, contact element 1100 can be positioned to restricted part 1108 around vertical axis rotation (for example, shown in Figure 1A) contact element 1100 and react on the part of jack to stop the disengagement of contact element and electrode body.Contact element 1100 can be otherwise (for example by screw thread or pass through interference fit) is fixed to electrode body.
Figure 12 A is the partly cut-away's stereogram that is used in the assembly 1200 of contact start plasma arc torch.Assembly 1200 comprises electrode 1204, hollow body 1208, elastic component 1212 and power supply contact 1216.Electrode 1204 comprises electrode body 1220, and electrode body comprises the far-end 1224 of launching part 1228 be used to holding.Electrode 1204 also comprises the end 1232 that arranges away from far-end 1224.End 1232 arranges with respect to far-end 1224 (for example adjacent with electrode body 1220).Electrode body 1220 comprises one group of spiral groove 1236, is used for the cooling of steering current or promotion assembly 1200.In the time of for example in assembly 1200 is installed in the welding torch (not shown), electrode 1204 can move along axis A, to cooperate with the inner surface 1204 of hollow body 1208 slidably.Hollow body 1208 comprises front portion 1244 and rear portion 1248.In one embodiment, anterior 1248 comprise from outer surface 1256 to inner surface one or more holes 1252 of 1240.The gas of flowing through component 1200 can be given with the eddy motion with respect to axis A in hole 1252.The hollow body 1208 that has for generation of this hole 1252 of eddy current air-flow is commonly referred to the eddy current ring.Will be appreciated that the eddy current ring only is the modification of hollow body 1208, and system disclosed herein can be used in the hollow body 1208 or eddy current ring structure in.It should also be appreciated that hollow body can form one with the part of welding torch.
The end 1232 of electrode 1204 comprises the axially extended part 1260 along axis A.This part 1260 comprises along first length 1264 of first direction (for example radially away from axis A) (or distance) with along second length 1268 (or distance) of second direction (for example radially away from axis A and perpendicular to first direction).Hollow body 1208 comprises the shoulder 1272 that (for example being limited on the inner surface 1240) is set with respect to inner surface 1240.Shoulder 1272 also can be described as forming part, step or flange and can have various geometries (for example semicircle, triangle, rectangle or irregular polygon geometry) with respect to inner surface 1240.Shoulder 1272 limits first 1276 and second portion 1280.First 1276 and second portion 1280 cooperate to form the part 1260 removable forming open of passing through of electrode 1240.More particularly, second portion 1280 is positioned at the one segment distance place apart from axis A, and this distance is enough to be convenient to second length 1268 and passes wherein slidably.First 1276 cooperates to limit the opening with groove 1284 with second portion 1280, and the size of groove 1284 is bigger that abundant so that first length 1264 is passed wherein slidably than first length 1264.Electrode 1204 is installed in the interior hollow body 1208 of welding torch, makes part 1260 to move axially and back and forth to pass the opening that is limited by first 1276 and second portion 1280 along axis A.
Part 1260 also comprises surface 1288, surface 1288 comprise for the first area 1290 of elastic component 1212 electric connections with for example be used for by directly contacting with the respective surfaces 1294 of power supply contact 1216 and the second area 1292 of power supply contact 1216 electric connections.Elastic component 1212 is flexibly towards far-end 1224 pushing electrodes 1204.When nozzle is installed, by stoping electrode 1204 to eject from welding torch with nozzle (not shown) that far-end 1224 directly contacts.Nozzle is fixed to welding torch makes part 1260 (for example by first area 1290) directly contact with elastic component 1212.For example, installation nozzle pushing part 1260 is passed groove 1284 and first area 1290 is positioned to directly contact with elastic component 1212.When nozzle was installed, elastic component was compressed.
Elastic component 1212 is positioned between the flange 1296 of shoulder 1272 and power supply contact 1236.Elastic component 1212 keeps or is clipped between hollow body 1208 (for example by shoulder 1272) and the power supply contact 1216 (for example by flange 1296).Therefore shoulder 1272 keeps elastic component 1212 and is convenient to electrode 1204 touching elastic component 1212 and power supply contact 1216.
Power supply contact 1216 and power supply (not shown) electric connection.Between the pilot arc induction period, power supply provides the pilot arc electric current to power supply contact 1216, and this electric current flows through the first area 1290 that elastic component 1212 arrives electrode 1204 from flange 1296.Between the pilot arc induction period, the plasma gas (not shown) flows around electrode, and plasma gas increases the fluid pressure on the electrode 1204.Pressure moves axially electrode 1204 and it is moved to it directly contact towards power supply contact 1216.Produce pilot arc in the plasma chamber (not shown) that the actual separation of electrode 1204 and nozzle forms between nozzle and electrode 1204.Pressure moves to electrode 1204 with power supply contact 1216 and directly contacts with electric connection to carry out the transferred arc operation.When electrode 1204 contacted with the power supply contact, part 1260 was arranged in the groove 1284.
In transferred arc operating period, the transferred arc electric current by the surface 1280 of part 1260 second area 1292 and the direct contact between the respective surfaces 1294 of power supply contact 1216, flow to electrode 1204 from power supply by power supply contact 1216.In transferred arc operating period, gas pressure increases to be formed for handling the plasma jet of workpiece (not shown).
Directly directly contacting with elastic component 1212 for first area 1290 although assembly 1200 is shown, also may be other structure.For example, elastic component 1212 can comprise that the separation contact surface (not shown) such as annular, washer-shaped plate that is fixed to elastic component 1212 is directly to contact and electric connection with electrode 1204.Similarly, the respective surfaces 1294 of power supply contact 1216 can be coated with or scribble material and makes electrode 1204 contact with coating or coating rather than contact with power supply contact 1216 itself.These structures also within the scope of the invention.
In certain embodiments, the front portion 1244 of hollow body 1208 and rear portion 1248 form one (for example being made by same same material).In certain embodiments, anterior 1244 and rear portion 1248 made by different materials, for example anterior 1244 can be made by insulating material, and rear portion 1248 can be made by electric conducting material.
In certain embodiments, the size of groove 1284 or size obviously greater than first length 1264 so that electrode 1204 centers on some angular displacement (for example, in part 1260 is arranged on groove 1284 time) of axis A hollow body 1208 in.Groove 1284 also can be resisted electrode 1204 around the angular displacement of axis A, for example stops angular displacement by reacting on part 1260.In certain embodiments, 1288 first area 1209, surface and second area 1292 are coplanar or do not form each zone of similar face.For example, first area 1290 can make the part 1260 of electrode 1204 comprise axial step, flange or shoulder (not shown) axially away from second area 1292 ground settings.
Figure 12 B is the exploded perspective view of the assembly 1200 of Figure 12 A, and wherein the part of hollow body 1208 is cut.The view of Figure 12 B illustrates and is installed in electrode 1204, hollow body 1208, elastic component 1212 and the power supply contact 1216 that decomposes before the plasma welding torch (not shown) under the structure.During assembling, electrode 1204 cooperates with hollow body 1208 slidably, and making does not need screw thread just electrode 1204 can be attached to hollow body 1208.The surface 1297 of elastic component 1212 is shown.When elastic component 1212 was arranged in the welding torch, surface 1297 contacted with the shoulder 1272 of hollow body 1208.First area 1290 moves through groove 1284 and directly contacts and electric connection with at least a portion on the surface 1297 of elastic component 1212.
Figure 12 C is the front view of a part of the assembly 1200 of Figure 12 A.Figure 12 C illustrates the surface 1297 of hollow body 1208, power supply contact 1216 and elastic component 1212.Not shown electrode 1204, but can be with reference to each feature of the electrode 1204 shown in Figure 12 A.Hollow body 1208 comprises shoulder 1272.Shoulder 1272 limits first 1276 and second portion 1280, and these two parts cooperate to form the part 1260 removable forming open of passing through of electrode 1204.As shown in the figure, when electrode 1204 was installed in the welding torch, first 1276 and second portion 1280 cooperated to form groove 1284A and the 1284B in the opening that the part 1260 removable (for example, by reciprocatingly sliding) of electrode 1204 passes.In this structure, the groove 1284A in the hollow body 1208 and 1284B have the shape with the shape complementarity of the part 1260 of electrode.The complementation of groove 1284A and 1284B shape is that they can be formed from the part 1260 of admitting electrode.But the shape of groove 1284A and 1284B does not need the form fit with the part 1260 of electrode.But the shape of groove 1284A and 1284B only needs to allow the part 1260 of electrode can pass through (clearance).
In certain embodiments, first 1276 and second portion 1280 cooperate to form the forming open with a groove 1284A or 1284B (but not being both).Among groove 1284A and the 1284B each is limited by two parts 1285 parallel to each other.Two parts 1285 also can limit other geometry or orientation, and for example, two parts 1285 can be with respect to axis A radial directed (for example, to form vee gutter 1284).Two parts 1285 can also be circular, semicircle or other curved shape.Generally speaking, two parts 1285 can limit any geometry that the part 1260 that makes electrode can be passed shoulder 1272 (for example, passing the opening that is limited by first 1276 and second portion 1280).
From axis A to second portion 1280 apart from d 1Greater than from axis A to first 1276 apart from d 2From axis A to elastic component 1212 apart from d 3Greater than distance d 2And less than distance d 1In certain embodiments, apart from d 3Can be less than distance d 2(for example, when the annular slab (not shown) is fixed to elastic component 1212).From axis A to power supply contact 1216 apart from d 4Less than distance d 3, so that second area 1292 passes elastic component 1212 and directly contacts and electric connection with the respective surfaces 1294 of power supply contact 1216.
In certain embodiments, electrode 1204 does not move through shoulder, for example, and when part 1260 and groove 1284A and 1284B misalignment.In this structure, part 1260 contacts with shoulder 1272, and this stops part 1260 to be passed wherein.In certain embodiments, electrode 1204 can be arranged in the welding torch reliably.For example, part 1260 can wholely be passed shoulder 1272 and be contacted (for example, by first area 1290) with elastic component 1212.Part 1260 compression elastic pieces 1212.Elastic component 1212 is towards far-end 1224 pushing electrodes 1204.In part 1260 during around axis A angular displacement, the near surperficial (not shown) of shoulder 1272 stop electrode 1204 far to movement.Interaction between the nearly surface of part 1260 and shoulder 1272 prevents that elastic component 1212 from eject electrode 1204 from hollow body 1208 and/or welding torch.
In certain embodiments, part 1260 has the circular structure that centers around main line A.In these embodiments, part 1260 comprise directly contact with elastic component 1212 and the first area 1290 of electric connection (for example, the annular outer perimeter of circular structure) with power supply contact 1216 electric connections and the second area 1292 that directly contacts (for example, be arranged in the annular outer perimeter zone).As mentioned above, first area 1290 and second area 1292 can coplanar (for example, the parts of similar face) or not coplanar (for example, the part of different surfaces).In an alternative embodiment, first area 1290 can be the radially extension (not shown) that separates along the length setting of the longitudinal axis of electrode 1204, such as the pin that radially extends through electrode 1204.Radially work in the mode identical with first area 1290 in the extension, conducts pilot arc by the mechanism that is provided for electrode 1204 is electrically coupled to elastic component 1212.In one embodiment, radially extension is elongated shoulder or the pin that can pass shoulder 1272, simultaneously elastic component 1212 can be remained in the hollow body 1208.In such an embodiment, shoulder 1272 is arranged to far-end towards electrode along more downward at the axial length of hollow body 1208.
Figure 13 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode 1300 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1300 is similar to the electrode 1204 shown in Figure 12 A.Electrode comprises far-end 1304 and second end 1308.Second end 1308 comprises along the axially extended extension 1312 of axis A.Extension 1312 limits three part 1316A, 1316B and 1316C (being also referred to as " fin "), and three parts are all extended away from axis A.Among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C each limits first length l 1With than first length l 1The second long length l 2In certain embodiments, first length l of each among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C 1With second length l 2Value identical.First length l of each among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C 1With second length l 2Value also can be different.Length l is shown 1And l 2Direction is perpendicular to one another.In certain embodiments, length l 1And l 2In other structure, for example can be oriented to radially away from axis A respectively towards a 1320A and 1320B.Also length l may be arranged 1And l 2Other direction.
As shown in the figure, each among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C with etc. the angular separation structure
(for example the angle θ between each is about 120 ° among part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C) arranges around axis A.But three part 1316A, 1316B and 1316C can be arranged to other angle configuration around axis A of angular separation such as non-.
Among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C each comprise for the respective surfaces (not shown) electric connection of elastic component (not shown) and/or corresponding first area 1324A, 1324B and the 1324C that directly contacts.Among three part 1316A, 1316B and the 1316C each comprise for the power supply contact
Corresponding second area 1328A, 1328B and the 1328C of the respective surfaces (not shown) electric connection of (not shown) and/or directly contact.
As shown in the figure, first area 1324A, the 1324B of each part 1316A, 1316B and 1316C and 1324C are depicted as with corresponding second portion 1328A, 1328B and 1328C coplanar.In certain embodiments, first area 1324A, 1324B and 1324C are not coplanar with corresponding second area 1328A, 1328B and 1328C.In certain embodiments, second area 1328A, 1328B and 1328C are not coplanar each other with other second area.In certain embodiments, the subclass of three parts (for example 1316A and 1316B) and elastic component electric connection, and other parts (for example 1316C) not with the elastic component electric connection.The part (for example 1316C) with the elastic component electric connection can not provide the surface area of align structures or increase to improve the cooling to electrode.In transferred arc operating period, part 1316C still is movable to the power supply contact and directly contacts and electric connection.In certain embodiments, first area 1324A, 1324B and 1324C or second area 1328A, 1328B and 1328C or both can overlap with extension 1312.For example, by with extension 1312 electric connections (for example, electrically contacting by above-mentioned slip), guide current and/or transferred arc electric current can flow through between power supply and the electrode 1300.
Figure 13 B is the front view for the assembly 1340 of the electrode 1300 of Figure 13 A.Assembly 1340 comprises hollow body 1344, elastic component 1348 and power supply contact 1352.This component class is similar to the assembly 1200 shown in Figure 12 C.Assembly 1340 is configured for the electrode 1300 of Figure 13 A.More particularly, hollow body 1344 comprises the shoulder 1356 with first 1360 and second portion 1364, and two parts cooperate to form the forming open with three groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C.Opening and three groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C are convenient to appropriate section 1316A, 1316B and are moved through opening with 1316C and directly contact and electric connection with elastic component 1348.As mentioned above, the size that groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C be shown approximately and part 1316A, 1316B and 1316C measure-alike; But, the comparable appropriate section 1316A of groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C, 1316B and 1316C big (for example, circumferentially bigger).
Figure 14 A-14B, 15A-15B and 16 illustrate the electrode that is similar to above-described embodiment ground operation and the alternate embodiment of assembly.
Figure 14 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode 1400 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1400 comprises four part 1404A, 1404B, 1404C and 1404D.
Figure 14 B is the front view for the assembly 1420 of the electrode 1400 of Figure 14 A.Assembly 1420 comprises hollow body 1424, hollow body comprises shoulder 1428, this shoulder 1428 comprises first 1432 and second portion 1436, this two parts limit has the forming open of four groove 1440A, 1440B, 1440C and 1440D, so that four appropriate section 1404A, 1404B, 1404C and 1404D pass forming open and directly contact and/or electric connection with power supply contact 1448 with elastic component 1444.
Figure 15 A is the stereogram that is used in the electrode 1500 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1500 comprises five part 1504A, 1504B, 1504C, 1504D and 1504E.
Figure 15 B is the front view for the assembly 1520 of the electrode 1500 of Figure 15 A.Assembly 1520 comprises hollow body 1524, hollow body comprises shoulder 1528, shoulder limits forming open, so that five appropriate section 1504A, 1504B, 1504C, 1504D and 1504E pass forming open and directly contact and/or electric connection with power supply contact 1536 with elastic component 1532.Electrode 1500 can be similar to the mode of the electrode 1400 of the electrode 1300 of above-mentioned electrode 1204 for Figure 12 A, Figure 13 A and Figure 14 A and use.
The value of the operating current of plasma welding torch can be relevant or relevant with the quantity of the included part of special electrodes (for example, five part 1504A-1504E of four part 1404A-1404D of three of Figure 13 A part 1316A-1316C, Figure 14 A or Figure 15 A).For example,, the electrode with three part 1316A-1316C is used in the welding torch that transferred arc operating period works under about 60 amperes.Electrode with four part 1404A-1404D is used in the welding torch that transferred arc operating period works under about 80 amperes.Electrode with five part 1504A-1504E is used in the welding torch that transferred arc operating period works under about 100 amperes.The electrode of the design shown in employing Figure 13 A, 14A and the 15A can be respectively applied to be configured with the welding torch of forming open shown in Figure 13 B, 14B and 15B.In certain embodiments, electrode can comprise the part more than five.
Be associated with the welding torch operating current by the quantity with fin, can guarantee to use the correct electrode for the given operating current of welding torch.For example, in the work of 60 amperes of welding torches, use the hollow body 1344 with three groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C to admit and have respective numbers part (or " fin "), for example 60 of three part 1316A-1316C amperes electrode.On the other hand, if the user attempts to use 100 amperes of electrodes in being configured with 60 amperes of welding torches of three groove 1368A, 1368B and 1368C, for example, have the electrode 1500 of five part 1504A-1504E, electrode 1500 and hollow body 1344 can mismatch.Five part 1504A-1504E are prevented from passing three groove 1368A-1368C.By adopting this system, can optimize specific welding torch to special electrodes.Therefore, in certain embodiments, prevent that the user will have the electrode of five fins (for example electrode 1500) for the welding torch of this electrode not being optimized (welding torch that for example, has three groove 1368A-1368C).In addition, stop have less fin (for example three part 1316A-1316C) electrode (for example, electrode 1300) be used for adopting the more welding torch of multiple-grooved (for example five of hollow body 1524 grooves), this flows through the working life that the magnitude of current of electrode prolongs electrode by optimization.
Figure 16 is the stereogram that is used in the electrode 1600 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1600 comprises far-end 1604 and second end 1608.Second end 1608 comprises extension 1612, and extension 1612 limits has diameter d 1Surface 1616.Two regional 1620A and 1602B 1616 extend from the surface along axis A.Zone 1620A and 1620B respectively limit respective end surface 1624A and 1624B.End surfaces 1624A and 1624B can be used for directly contacting and electric connection with the respective surfaces (for example, the surface 1297 of the elastic component 1212 of Figure 12 C) of elastic component.Being used for electric current that pilot arc causes flows through between elastic component (not shown) and electrode 1600 by surperficial 1624A and 1624B and regional 1620A and 1620B.When electrode 1600 moves (for example, away from far-end 1604) along the direction to near-end between the pilot arc induction period, regional 1620A and 1620B compression elastic piece.Surface 1616 moves to the respective surfaces (not shown) with power supply contact (not shown), and directly contact and electric connection are operated to carry out transferred arc as the surface 1294 of the power supply contact 1216 of Figure 12 A.
Zone 1620A and 1620B also limit corresponding extensional surface 1628A and 1628B.Zone 1620A and 1620B can pass the groove 1284A of Figure 12 C and 1284B (for example, groove 1284A and the 1284B that is limited by first 1276 and the second portion 1280 of shoulder 1272).Extension 1628A and 1628B can react on groove 1284A and 1284B with stop or opposing electrode 1600 in welding torch around the angular displacement of axis A.As shown in the figure, regional 1620A and 1620B are arranged essentially parallel to axis A.Also can use other structure or the align structures of regional 1620A and 1620B.Among zone 1620A and the 1620B each limits diameter group d 1Little diameter d 2
In certain embodiments, the second extension (not shown) extends and restriction second surface (not shown) from surperficial 1616.Second surface can be parallel to surface 1616.Second extension can be extended (for example, towards far-end 1604) to far-end to limit the cavity (not shown) with respect to surface 1616 in second end 1608.Second extension can be extended (for example away from far-end 1604) to near-end to limit cylindrical or base-like part (not shown).In these embodiments, second surface is movable to the respective surfaces of power supply contact and directly contacts with electric connection to carry out the transferred arc operation.
Zone 1620A and 1620B diameter each other are oppositely arranged and apart from axis A equidistant from distance.In certain embodiments, electrode 1600 comprises plural regional 1620A and 1620B (for example, being respectively applied to the assembly 1340 of Figure 13 B, 14B and 15B, three, four or five zones of 1420 and 1520).In certain embodiments, electrode 1600 only comprises a regional 1620A or 1620B.In these embodiments, can parallel to the axis A or aim at it of regional 1620A or 1620B.In such an embodiment, shoulder (for example shoulder 1272) can limit and have basically the opening of circumference (for example, not having groove 1284) continuously.The diameter of opening can remove from welding torch to stop elastic component less than the external diameter of elastic component and greater than the internal diameter of elastic component.The diameter of zone 1620A or 1620B is less than the diameter of opening but greater than the internal diameter of elastic component, so that the contact between regional 1620A or 1620B and the elastic component.
Although specifically illustrate and described the present invention with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art is to be understood that and can carries out the various changes of form and details and not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention that appended claims limits it.For example, be the plane although some surface is shown, also can use can have other, nonplanar geometry, such as the surface of sphere, hemisphere, taper shape and/or cylindrical geometries and do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
1. electrode that is used for contact start plasma arc torch, described electrode comprises:
Slender electrode body, described slender electrode body are made and are limited longitudinal axis and be used for holding the far-end of launching part by electric conducting material;
Second end, the adjacent setting with described electrode body of described second end, described second end limits and extends axially part, the described part that extends axially has along first length of first direction with along second length of second direction, described first direction and described second direction limit a surface, and described surface comprises:
The first area, described first area and elastic component electric connection, be used for pilot arc induction period chien shih basically all pilot arc electric current by described first area and described elastic component between; And
Second area, described second area move to the power supply contact and directly contact with electric connection to carry out the transferred arc operation.
2. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first direction and described second direction limit the surface perpendicular to described axis.
3. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first direction is vertical with described second direction.
4. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises two or more parts that extend axially, and each extends axially part accordingly and has corresponding first length and corresponding second length longer than corresponding first length.
5. electrode as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, described two or more extend axially part around described axis with etc. the structure setting of angular separation.
6. electrode as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, the value of operating current that is used for the transferred arc operation of plasma welding torch is associated with described two or more quantity partly that extend axially.
7. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first direction and described second direction are extended away from described radial axis.
8. electrode as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described power supply contact and power supply electric connection, described power supply contact comprise for directly contacting with described second area and first contact surface of electric connection and be used for second contact surface with described elastic component electric connection.
9. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described second end and described electrode body form one.
10. electrode as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise the eddy current ring, described eddy current ring limits the inner surface that arranges with respect to shoulder, described shoulder limits complementary moulding circumference, to pass described moulding circumference in described second length and described complementary moulding circumference to being convenient to described second length on time.
11. electrode as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, when described second length and described complementary moulding section misalignment, described shoulder stops and extends axially part and passes described moulding circumference.
12. electrode as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described complementary moulding circumference limits three length longer than described second length.
13. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described second length is substantially equal to the width of described electrode body.
14. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the eddy current ring, described eddy current ring comprises:
Hollow body, described hollow body longitudinally axis are made and are limited outer surface and inner surface by insulating material;
One or more gas passages, described one or more gas passages extend to described inner surface from described outer surface; And
Shoulder, described shoulder is with respect to described inner surface setting and limit forming open, and described forming open can be admitted the complementary shape part of electrode body.
15. electrode as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described shoulder partly passes described shoulder in described forming open and described complementary shape part to the described complementary shape of the described electrode body of punctual permission.
16. electrode as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described shoulder stops the described complementary shape of described electrode body partly to pass described shoulder when described forming open and described complementary shape part misalignment.
17. electrode as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described shoulder comprises that the reaction part is to limit the angular displacement of described electrode body.
18. electrode as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, described forming open limits internal diameter and external diameter.
19. electrode as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, also be included in the forming open, around described axis with etc. two or more parts of arranging of angular separation structure, described two or more parts are limited by described external diameter.
20. electrode as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises parts, described parts comprise:
Hollow body, described hollow body limits longitudinal axis; And
The inner surface of described body, described surface comprises one or more forming parts, step or flange, described one or more forming part, step or flange limit shaping opening, described shaping opening can be admitted the complementary shape part of electrode body slidably along described axis, wherein said shaping opening has along first length of first direction with along second length of second direction, and described second length is greater than described first length.
21. electrode as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, also comprises the eddy current loop section, described eddy current loop section limits outside, inside and leads to one or more holes of described inside from described outside, and fluid is given with eddy motion in described one or more holes.
22. electrode as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, described eddy current loop section and described hollow body form one.
23. electrode as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, described forming part, step or flange contact to stop described elastic component to remove from described welding torch with the respective surfaces of elastic component.
24. an electrode that is used for contact start plasma arc torch, described electrode comprises:
Second end, the adjacent setting with described electrode body of described second end, described second end limits:
First surface, described first surface have first diameter centered by described longitudinal axis, and described first surface is configured to move to and directly contacts with the respective surfaces of power supply contact and electric connection passes through to promote the transferred arc electric current, and
One or more zones, extend to near-end from described first surface in described one or more zone, each in described one or more zones have shape be arranged to provide directly contact with elastic conduction spare and electric connection to promote the part that flows of guide current.
25. electrode as claimed in claim 24, it is characterized in that, also comprise second surface, described second surface is with respect to described first surface setting, and wherein said second surface moves to and directly contacts with the respective surfaces of power supply contact and electric connection passes through to promote the transferred arc electric current.
26. electrode as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, described second surface is parallel to described first surface and is arranged on the distal side or is arranged on the proximal lateral with respect to described first surface with respect to described first surface.
27. electrode as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that, described one or more zones are arranged essentially parallel to described longitudinal axis.
28. electrode as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that, each in described one or more zones limits second diameter littler than described first diameter.
29. electrode as claimed in claim 28 is characterized in that, each in described one or more zones is from described longitudinal axis spaced set radially.
30. an electrode that is used for contact start plasma arc torch, described electrode comprises:
The slender electrode body, described slender electrode body is made and is limited electrode width by electric conducting material, and described slender body is slidably attached to adjacent members;
The far-end of described electrode body;
The emission part, described emission part is positioned at the described far-end of described electrode body;
Second end of described electrode body, described second end has be used to the surface of accepting operating current; And
Extension radially, described radially extension be in the described far-end of described electrode body and the position between described second end, and have be used to the surface of accepting the pilot arc electric current; Described radially extension has the first of first length and the second portion of second length, and wherein said second length is greater than described electrode width, and wherein said second length is greater than described first length.
CN2007800059323A 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes CN101529999B (en)
US77445106P true 2006-02-17 2006-02-17
US60/774,451 2006-02-17
PCT/US2007/004344 WO2007098145A2 (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
CN101529999A CN101529999A (en) 2009-09-09
CN101529999B true CN101529999B (en) 2013-09-25
ID=38278891
CN201210398687.XA CN102917528B (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
CN2007800059323A CN101529999B (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
CN200780005934.2A CN101554099B (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Electrode for contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
CN201410052104.7A CN103763846B (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-20 Contact start plasma arc torch and for the electrode of this welding torch, contact element
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ES (1) ES2387581T3 (en)
MX (1) MX2008010242A (en)
WO (2) WO2007098144A2 (en)
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EP1992206A2 (en) 2008-11-19
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US20070210035A1 (en) 2007-09-13
US20070210034A1 (en) 2007-09-13
CA2642210A1 (en) 2007-08-30
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WO2007098145A3 (en) 2009-03-19
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CA2642206A1 (en) 2007-08-30
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US20120152913A1 (en) 2012-06-21
WO2007098144A2 (en) 2007-08-30
CN103763846A (en) 2014-04-30
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WO2007098144A3 (en) 2009-03-26
ES2387581T3 (en) 2012-09-26
EP1992206B1 (en) 2012-06-06
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EP1989928B1 (en) 2016-05-04
CN101529999A (en) 2009-09-09
AU2007217815B2 (en) 2013-09-05
BRPI0707857B1 (en) 2018-06-26
EP3454627A1 (en) 2019-03-13
MX2008010242A (en) 2008-11-27
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US8541712B2 (en) 2013-09-24
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US8546718B2 (en) 2013-10-01
US8115136B2 (en) 2012-02-14
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CN103763846B (en) 2016-08-31
EP2442625A2 (en) 2012-04-18
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