CN104081882B - Electrode for contact start plasma arc torch and the contact start plasma arc torch using the electrode - Google Patents

Electrode for contact start plasma arc torch and the contact start plasma arc torch using the electrode Download PDF

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Publication number
CN104081882B
CN104081882B CN201280066360.0A CN201280066360A CN104081882B CN 104081882 B CN104081882 B CN 104081882B CN 201280066360 A CN201280066360 A CN 201280066360A CN 104081882 B CN104081882 B CN 104081882B
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China
Prior art keywords
contact element
electrode
contact
electrode body
flexible member
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CN201280066360.0A
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CN104081882A (en
Inventor
约翰森·P·马瑟
尼古拉斯·A·桑德斯
乔恩·W·琳赛
彼得·特沃罗格
E·迈克尔·施普斯基
段正
大卫·约翰森·库克
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Hypertherm Inc
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Hypertherm Inc
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Priority claimed from US13/344,860 external-priority patent/US9492883B2/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
    • H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
    • H05H1/24—Generating plasma
    • H05H1/26—Plasma torches
    • H05H1/32—Plasma torches using an arc
    • H05H1/34—Details, e.g. electrodes, nozzles
    • H05H1/3489—Means for contact starting

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Arc Welding In General (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a kind of part for contact start plasma arc torch.The part includes hollow body, and the hollow body defines the passage with longitudinal axis.The passage can slidably receive electrode body along the longitudinal axis.The part includes the contact element in the hollow body, and including first surface and second surface.When the plasma welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, the first surface is suitable to promote to be electrically connected with power supply, and the second surface is suitable to be managed with the surface formation of the electrode body and contacts.Additionally, when the welding torch is operated with pilot arc pattern, physical contact is not formed between the surface of the second surface and the electrode body.

Description

Electrode for contact start plasma arc torch and opened using the contact of the electrode Dynamic formula plasma welding torch
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
The application be apply on 2 20th, 2007 and require to apply on 2 17th, 2006 the 60/774,451st Continue case, the Shen of the application for the part of the 11/709th, No. 315 U.S. Patent application of the benefit of priority of number U.S. Patent application Ask someone while enjoy above-mentioned two parts of applications, and the mode of overall reference be provided to be incorporated into this.
Technical field
The invention mainly relates to plasma welding torch, be particularly applied to contact start plasma arc torch electrode and Welding torch.
Background technology
It is referred to as in the cutting of the metal material of workpiece and mark, widely uses plasma welding torch and laser etc Material handling device.Plasma welding torch generally includes torch body, installed in intrinsic electrode, with central drainage aperture Nozzle, electrical connector controls the path of fluid for cooling down with arc, to the ring of eddy that fluid flow pattern is controlled, And power supply.The gas used in welding torch can be inert gas (such as argon gas or nitrogen), or active gases (for example oxygen or Air).Welding torch produces plasma arc, and plasma arc is the contraction ionization jet of high temperature and the plasma gas of momentum high.
A kind of method for producing plasma arc in plasma welding torch is contact start method.Contact start method Current path therebetween is produced including forming the physical contact between electrode and nozzle and electric connection.Electrode and nozzle can coordinate To produce plasma chamber in torch body.Electric current is provided to electrode and nozzle, and introduces a gas into plasma chamber.Increase Gas pressure is sufficient so that electrode and nozzle separation until the pressure.The separation is caused between plasma intracavity electrode and nozzle Form electric arc.The electric arc causes the gas ionization for introducing, thus produce can be transferred to workpiece with carry out the grade of material process from Sub- jet.In some applications, power supply is suitable to during electric arc is produced provide the first electric current for being referred to as guiding electric current, and is waiting Ionic fluid has been transferred to provide the second electric current for being referred to as transferred arc electric current during workpiece.
There are various constructions that can produce electric arc.For example, electrode can be in torch body along the direction for leaving stationary nozzle It is mobile.This construction is referred to as " flowing backwards (blow-back) " contact start method, because air pressure makes electrode along the direction for leaving workpiece It is mobile.In another construction, nozzle can be moved along the direction of the electrode for leaving geo-stationary.This construction is referred to as " preceding stream (blow-forward) " contact start method, because air pressure causes that nozzle is moved along towards the direction of workpiece.In another construction In, other torch components (such as ring of eddy) can be moved between stationary electrode and nozzle.
Some parts of material handling device can be damaged in use for some time.The material handling device for wait from In the case of subarc welding torch, these " consumption " parts include electrode, ring of eddy, nozzle, and shielding part.Additionally, using contact During startup method starts welding torch, various consumable parts become not lining up, and thus shorten the service life of part and drop The accuracy and repeatability of low ionic fluid positioning.It is desirable that these parts are easy to be changed at the scene.But, Changing consumable part can cause to shut down and reduce productivity ratio.
In the refluence method of contact start plasma arc torch, the direction movement of nozzle is left to trigger electricity in electrode edge Pilot arc between pole and nozzle.The near-end (for example, away from one end of workpiece) of electrode be formed as a part of torch body Physical contact engagement.Electrode can also be so that physical contact be moved along the movement for leaving nozzle direction.Welding torch repeatedly makes Worn and torn with physical contact and electrode can be caused.In plasma welding torch operation, it is routine operation to change electrode, and example Row carries out the treatment.However, changing physical contact includes dismounting torch body and time-consuming long, high cost, because power supply connects Contact element is not designed to consumable part.Some flow backwards welding torch and are related to be contacted relative to the torch body portable power source of geo-stationary Part.The movement of such physical contact and the validity of welding torch can be subject to the intensity of the cable that physical contact is connected to power supply Or the influence of rigidity.
For example, Fig. 1 is the sectional view of known contact start plasma arc torch.System 100 (is not shown including power supply Go out), it is electrically connected with by current carring cable 104 with the physical contact 108 that electric current is provided to welding torch 112.Welding torch 112 include with The cathode block 116 that physical contact 108 is electrically insulated and is set around physical contact 108.Physical contact 108 connects conductive electricity The near-end 120 of pole 124.The surface 132 that the spring 128 being arranged in cathode block 116 reacts on cathode block 116 connects with by power supply Contact element 108 and electrode 124 are pushed towards conductive nozzle 136.Before the electric arc for processing workpiece (not shown) is triggered, pass through Spring pushes electrode 124 to be allowed to be contacted with nozzle 136.
In cable 104 to physical contact 108, current path is formed between electrode 124, and nozzle 136.Electric current can be along this Current path passes through.Electrode 124 coordinates to form a part for plasma chamber 140 with nozzle 136.Plasma gas can be supplied Increase the pressure in plasma chamber 140 to plasma chamber 140 and the power provided by spring 128 is provided.This pressure forces electricity Pole 124 and physical contact 108 are moved along the direction for leaving nozzle 136.With the gap 144 between electrode 124 and nozzle 136 Increase, electrical potential difference is formed between electrode 124 (such as negative electrode) and nozzle 136 (such as anode).Electric arc (not shown) is micro- by gas Grain ionization simultaneously triggers for treatment workpiece across gap 144.
One of system 100 has the disadvantage that when electrode 124 is moved with starting arc physical contact 108 is also required to movement. When the current carrying capacity of cable 104 increases, the size of cable 104 increases, but the flexible of cable 104 reduces.Cable 104 Flexibility is reduced can reduce the versatility of welding torch 112 and handling.Additionally, physical contact 108 and cathode block 116 need it is relatively tight Tolerance (for example, the relatively small gap between physical contact 108 and cathode block 116).Relatively compact tolerance connects in power supply (for example, in pilot arc elicitation procedure) is positioned and is oriented to physical contact 108 in the moving process of contact element 108.
The content of the invention
Industry needs a kind of torch operation that optimizes without breaking down ahead of time for contact start plasma arc torch Electrode.Furthermore, it is necessary to a kind of contact for extending the component life of existing torch design as far as possible using idea of the invention Startup formula welding torch.Therefore, one object of the present invention be provide a kind of more longlasting electrode and in plasma welding torch with The part that electrode is used together.Another object is constructed to provide one kind, its part for being not designed to expendable part that can reduce welding torch Abrasion.A further object for provide torch operation during (for example, pilot arc and transferred arc pattern) relative to welding torch portion The align structures of part.
On the one hand, there is provided a kind of part for contact start plasma arc torch.The part includes hollow Body, the hollow body defines the passage with longitudinal axis.The passage can slideably hold along the longitudinal axis Nano electrode body.The part also includes the contact element in the hollow body.The contact element include first surface and Second surface.When the plasma welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, the first surface promotion is electrically connected with power supply Lead to, and the second surface can be contacted with the surface formation of electrode body reason.The feature of the second surface exists In, when with pilot arc pattern operate the welding torch when, do not formed between the surface of the second surface and the electrode body Physical contact.
In some embodiments, the part includes swirl ring portion, and the swirl ring portion defines exterior section, internal Part, and from the exterior section by one or more holes of the interior section, to cause that fluid carries out eddy motion.Institute State swirl ring portion integrally formed with the hollow body.In some embodiments, the hollow body includes swirl ring portion.
In some embodiments, the part includes flexible member, when the electrode body inserts the passage, the bullet Property element contact the electrode body.The flexible member is configured to apply separating force to the electrode body.Some embodiments In, the flexible member is fixed to the passage by radial interference fit.The flexible member is connected to the contact element. In some embodiments, the part includes physical contact, and it is electrically connected with the first surface of the power supply and the contact element It is logical.
In some embodiments, the contact element is maintained static.In some embodiments, the passage is included for limiting institute State the shoulder for vertically moving of contact element.In some embodiments, the inner surface of the passage includes insulating materials.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of method for operating contact start plasma arc torch.Methods described is included along vertical Electrode body is slidably received within passage to axis.The passage is by hollow of part of the plasma welding torch Body is defined.Methods described include when with transferred arc pattern operate the plasma welding torch when, promote 1) power supply be located at Electric connection between the first surface of the contact element in the passage, and the 2) second surface of the contact element and the electricity Physical contact between the surface of pole body.Methods described also includes, when the welding torch is operated with pilot arc pattern, keeping Physical contact is not formed between the surface of the second surface of the contact element and the electrode body.
In some embodiments, methods described includes causing that fluid passes through one or more holes to institute from the outer surface of the part State the inner surface of part and so that the fluid carries out eddy motion.In some embodiments, methods described connects by located at described The flexible member touched between the second surface of element and the surface of the electrode body applies separating force to the electrode body.One In a little embodiments, methods described includes for the flexible member being connected to the contact element.In some embodiments, described logical Vertically moving for the contact element is limited in road.
In some embodiments, methods described includes causing the inner surface insulation of the passage.In some embodiments, the side Method includes promoting being electrically connected for physical contact and the first surface of the contact element.The physical contact and the power supply It is electrically connected.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of part for contact start plasma arc torch.The part includes hollow Body, the hollow body defines the passage with longitudinal axis.The passage can be along the longitudinal direction axially slidably Accommodate electrod body.The part includes the first contact element being arranged in the hollow body.The first contact element Including first contact element surface and second contact element surface.The first contact element surface promotion is electrically connected with power supply It is logical.The part also includes the supplementary contact element in the hollow body.The supplementary contact element includes that first is attached Element surface and the second supplementary contact element surface are touched in adjunction.When the plasma welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, The first supplementary contact element surface contacts with second contact element surface formation reason, the second supplementary contact unit Physical contact is formed between the surface of part surface and the electrode body.
In some embodiments, the part includes swirl ring portion, and it defines exterior section, interior section, and from institute Exterior section is stated by one or more holes of the interior section, to cause that fluid carries out eddy motion.In some embodiments, The swirl ring portion is integrally formed with the hollow body.
In some embodiments, the part includes the second contact element surface in the passage with described the Flexible member between one supplementary contact element surface.The flexible member is configured to apply to separate to the supplementary contact element Power.The flexible member is fixed to the passage by radial interference fit.In some embodiments, the flexible member is connected to At least one of the first contact element or the supplementary contact element.
In some embodiments, the first contact element is maintained static.The supplementary contact element can be relative to described One contact element is translated.In some embodiments, the inner surface of the passage includes insulating materials.
In some embodiments, the part also includes physical contact, itself and the power supply and the first contact element First contact element surface be electrically connected.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of method for operating contact start plasma arc torch, methods described is included along vertical Electrode body is slidably received within passage to axis.The passage is by hollow of part of the plasma welding torch Body is defined.Methods described includes promoting the first contact element surface of power supply and the first contact element in the passage Between electric connection.Methods described includes when the plasma welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, promotes 1) described the The second contact element surface of one contact element and the first supplementary contact element of the supplementary contact element in the passage Physical contact between surface, and 2) the second supplementary contact element surface of the supplementary contact element and the electrode body Physical contact between surface.
In some embodiments, methods described includes causing that fluid passes through one or more holes to institute from the outer surface of the part State the inner surface of part and so that the fluid carries out eddy motion.In some embodiments, methods described is included by located at institute The flexible member between second contact element surface and the first supplementary contact element surface is stated to the supplementary contact element Apply separating force.
In some embodiments, methods described includes for the flexible member being attached to the first contact element or attached At least one of contact element.In some embodiments, methods described is included in the transferred arc mode process so that institute Supplementary contact element is stated to be translated relative to the first contact element.In some embodiments, methods described includes causing described leading to The inner surface insulation in road.
In some embodiments, methods described includes promoting the first contact element of physical contact and the first contact element The electric connection on part surface.The physical contact is electrically connected with the power supply.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of assembly for contact start plasma arc torch.The assembly includes Hollow body, the hollow body defines longitudinal axis.The hollow body can slideably hold along the longitudinal axis Nano electrode body.The assembly includes the contact element in the hollow body.The contact element includes the first table Face and second surface.When the electrode body inserts the hollow body, the first surface can promote the electricity with power supply Connect, and the second surface can be contacted with the surface formation of electrode body reason.The assembly includes elasticity Element, it is connected to the contact element in the hollow body.It is described when the electrode body inserts the hollow body Flexible member forms physical contact and applies separating force to the surface of the electrode body with the electrode body.
In some embodiments, when welding torch is operated with pilot arc pattern, the flexible member is by substantially all of guiding Arc current is transferred to the electrode body.In some embodiments, the assembly includes conducting element, when with pilot arc mould During formula operation welding torch, substantially all of pilot arc electric current is transferred to the electrode body by the conducting element.
In some embodiments, the assembly is the consumable part of the plasma welding torch.It is described in some embodiments Assembly also includes nozzle, shielding part, ring of eddy, or position-limiting cover, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the flexible member is formed with the contact element and is physically contacted.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of electrode for contact start plasma arc torch.The electrode is included by leading The slender electrode body that electric material is formed.The electrode body defines longitudinal axis.The electrode also includes contact element, institute Stating contact element includes first surface and second surface.When the welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, the first surface Promotion is electrically connected with power supply, and the second surface can be contacted with the surface formation of electrode body reason.It is described Electrode includes the flexible member between the near-end and the contact element of the electrode body, and the flexible member is to described Applying electrode described in separating force between the surface of the second surface of contact element and the electrode also includes conducting element, and it is used for 1) when the welding torch is operated with pilot arc pattern, at least substantially all of pilot arc electric current is transferred to the electrode Body, or 2) be transferred at least substantially all of transferred arc electric current when the welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern The electrode body, or combination 1) and 2).
In some embodiments, the electrode includes being located between the flexible member and the electrode body or located at institute State between contact element and the flexible member, or located at the insulating materials of the two positions, to prevent the flexible member At least one of the pilot arc electric current or the transferred arc electric current are transferred to the electrode body.Some embodiments In, the flexible member is made from a material that be electrically non-conductive.
In some embodiments, the conducting element is the electric wire being electrically connected with the contact element and the electrode body. In some embodiments, the conducting element is the probe of at least partially embedded electrode body.In some embodiments, the spy Pin is suitable to keep the physical contact with the contact element.In some embodiments, the conducting element is to be connected to the electrode At least a portion of body and the second flexible member being physically contacted with contact element formation.In some embodiments, institute State conducting element and be configured to the substantially all of pilot arc electric current of transmission and transferred arc electric current.
In some embodiments, the electrode includes the table of the second surface and the electrode body located at the contact element Insulating materials between face, to prevent the transferred arc electric current in the transferred arc mode process from the contact element It is transferred to the electrode body.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of electrode for contact start plasma arc torch.The electrode is formed with power supply It is electrically connected.The electrode includes the slender electrode body formed by conductive material.The electrode body defines longitudinal axis.Institute Stating electrode includes the flexible member of the near-end near the electrode body.The flexible member can 1) when with pilot arc pattern When operating the welding torch, at least substantially all of pilot arc electric current is transferred to the electrode body, or 2) when with transfer When arc mode operates the welding torch, at least substantially all of transferred arc electric current is transferred to the electrode body.
On the other hand, there is provided a kind of method for operating contact start plasma arc torch.Methods described includes setting For the electrode of the plasma welding torch.The electrode includes defining the electrode body of longitudinal axis.The electrode body Including the near-end near flexible member.Methods described is included in the pilot arc operating process of the welding torch, by the bullet Property element by it is at least substantially all of by power supply generate pilot arc electric current be transferred to the electrode body.Methods described is also wrapped Include in the transferred arc operating process of the welding torch, at least substantially all of will be given birth to by the power supply by the flexible member Into transferred arc electric current be transferred to the electrode body.
In other embodiments of the invention, any of the above aspect may include one or more features above.It is of the invention One embodiment can provide all features above and advantage.These and other can be more fully understood with reference to description below and accompanying drawing Feature, accompanying drawing is illustrative and is not necessarily drawn to scale.
It should be understood that many aspects of the invention and embodiment can be combined in many ways.According to the teaching of this specification, this The those of ordinary skill in field can easily be determined that how to combine multiple these embodiments.
Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 is the sectional view of existing contact start plasma arc torch；
The exploded view of the electrode body that Fig. 2A includes for the embodiment of the present invention, conductive elastic component, and physical contact；
Fig. 2 B use the schematic contact start formula plasma arc of part shown in Fig. 2A before showing pilot arc operation The sectional view of welding torch；
Fig. 2 C show the sectional view of the plasma welding torch of Fig. 2 B in transferred arc pattern；
Fig. 3 A show the sectional view of the schematic electrode embodiment for contact start plasma arc torch；
Fig. 3 B show in detail the electrod assembly shown in Fig. 3 A before electrode embodiment is assembled；
Fig. 4 A show pilot arc operation before in the state of include schematic contact start formula of shown part etc. from The sectional view of subarc welding torch；
Fig. 4 B include the plasma arc welding (PAW) of Fig. 4 A of shown part in the state of showing in transferred arc mode process The sectional view of torch；
Fig. 5 A show the schematic electrode including the contact element in electrode body jack and resilient conductive element Sectional view；
Fig. 5 B show to be set to the electrode shown in Fig. 5 A of transferred arc pattern；
Fig. 6 A show cuing open for the schematic electrode including the contact element located at electrode body near-end and resilient conductive element View；
Fig. 6 B show to be set to the electrode shown in Fig. 6 A of transferred arc pattern；
Fig. 7 A are the part point of the schematic contact element for showing to embody the principle of the invention, elastic component, and physical contact Xie Tu；
Fig. 7 B show the part shown in Fig. 7 A in plasma welding torch operation；
Fig. 8 A show the electrode body before being installed in plasma welding torch, resilient conductive element, and contact element The sectional view of another embodiment.
Fig. 8 B show the form of part shown in Fig. 8 A in transferred arc mode process；
Fig. 9 shows to realize the sectional view of another embodiment of electrode of the invention；
Figure 10 A are the stereogram of schematic contact element and resilient conductive element；
Figure 10 B are cuing open for a part for the plasma welding torch of the part that Figure 10 A are used in pilot arc operating process View；
Figure 11 A show the schematic contact element for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 11 B show that contact element shown in Figure 11 A rotates 90 ° around vertical axis.
Figure 12 shows the embodiment of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 13 shows the embodiment of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 15 A are the partial perspective cutaway view of the assembly for being plasma welding torch for contact start；
Figure 15 B are the three-dimensional exploded view of assembly shown in Figure 15 A；
Figure 15 C are the front view of a part for assembly shown in Figure 15 A；
Figure 16 A are the stereogram of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 16 B are the front view of the assembly being used together with the electrode of Figure 16 A；
Figure 17 A are the stereogram of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 17 B are the front view of the assembly being used together with the electrode of Figure 17 A；
Figure 18 A are the stereogram of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 18 B are the front view of the assembly being used together with the electrode of Figure 18 A；
Figure 19 is the stereogram of the electrode for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 20 A show the embodiment of the assembly for contact start plasma arc torch；
Figure 20 B show the exploded perspective view of assembly shown in Figure 20 A；
Figure 21 A show another embodiment for contact start plasma arc torch assembly；
Figure 21 B show the exploded perspective view of assembly shown in Figure 21 A.
Specific embodiment
Fig. 2A is the exploded view of the electrode body of the embodiment of the present invention, flexible member, and physical contact.System 200 is wrapped Include electrode body 202, flexible member 204, and physical contact 206 (also referred to as mains connection).Physical contact 206 Such as it is electrically connected with power supply (not shown) by feed cable (for example, the feed cable 104 in Fig. 1).Power supply is to physical contact 206 provide electric current, for operating the plasma welding torch similar to welding torch 112 shown in Fig. 1.Electrode body 202 includes anti-work With surface 208, the reaction surface is configured to be electrically connected with flexible member 204.Reaction surface 208 is arranged to and electrode body 202 near-end 210 is spaced apart.In certain embodiments, reaction surface 208 define from longitudinal axis A radially extend it is convex Edge.In certain embodiments, reaction surface 208 forms one with electrode body 202.For example, reaction surface 208 can by with The identical material of electrode body 202 is made or is made from a different material but is bonded or affixed to electrode body 202.
Electrode body 202 includes the reaction surface 208 for being set to be electrically connected with flexible member 204.Reaction surface 208 It is set to be spaced apart with the near-end 210 of electrode body 202.In some embodiments, reaction surface 208 is defined from longitudinal axis The flange that A is radially extended.In some embodiments, reaction surface 208 is integrally formed with electrode body 202.For example, reaction table Face 208 can be made by with the identical material of electrode body 202, or be made from a different material but be bonded or affixed to electrode body 202。
The near-end 210 of electrode body 202 is located at the position relative with distal end 212.In illustrated embodiment, distal end 212 it is straight Footpath more than near-end 210 diameter so that flexible member 204 when being installed in welding torch around near-end 210.In other words, near-end Internal diameter of 210 diameter less than flexible member 204.In other embodiments, the diameter of near-end 210 is equal to or more than distal end 212 Diameter.
Physical contact 206 includes reacting on the surface 214 of flexible member 204.Flexible member 204 is reacted on relatively Static surface 214 and the reaction surface 208 of relative removable electrode body 202, so as to be operated in pilot arc In journey electrode body is pushed to leave the direction of physical contact 206.Electrode body 202 defines contact surface 216, the contact Surface is set to be physically contacted and be electrically connected with the respective surfaces 218 of physical contact 206.In the rear part operation of pilot arc In process and transferred arc mode process, contact surface 216 is connected with respective surfaces 218.The close surface of physical contact 206 218 and extend to surface 214 part 220 define cause flexible member 204 around the part 220 diameter.
In some embodiments, physical contact 206 is made for a part for physical contact 108 shown in Fig. 1 (for example, logical Cross and physical contact 108 is processed into the feature including physical contact 206).By such embodiment, user can be in Fig. 1 Using the concept described in reference picture 2A in shown existing torch system 112.In some embodiments, can be by physical contact Groove is processed on 108 and using folder or spacing ring (not shown) relative to the fixed power source contact 108 of welding torch 112, and Physical contact 108 is arranged on the refluence position shown in Fig. 1.Thus, physical contact 108 is in pilot arc operating process With in transferred arc operating process both relative to the remains stationary of welding torch 112.In general, can be according to the principles described herein to electricity Source contact 108 is modified and any embodiment as herein described is used in the torch system 112 of Fig. 1.
The physical contact 108 of geo-stationary requires the flexibility of feed cable relatively low.It is suitable for use as pilot arc electric current Schematic electric current be for about 10 to about 31 amperes.Electric current in transferred arc operating process may be up to about 200 amperes.However, big Also fallen into the scope of the present invention in 200 amperes of electric currents, such as 400 amperes.In some embodiments, physical contact 108 by Tellurium copper, brass, copper, or other pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating process in be suitable to the material that electric current passes through.
In general, pilot arc operation refers to provide electric current to electrode body 202 and plasma arc is transferred into work Duration between part.More specifically, pilot arc operation may include that the initiation of pilot arc and pilot arc trigger Some duration before by arc transfer to workpiece afterwards.Some torch designs include release mechanism, from regardless of whether waiting Whether ion arc has been transferred to workpiece, and pilot arc operation is terminated after predetermined time amount.Such mechanism is designed as, by not The time of torch operation is limited according to application-specific (for example, treatment workpiece) to extend the working life of torch component and improve Security.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is fixed to electrode body 202 or physical contact 206.Other embodiments In, flexible member 204 is fixed to both electrode body 202 and physical contact 206.For example, flexible member 204 can be by weldering Connect, soft soldering, with reference to or be otherwise affixed to electrode body 202 or physical contact 206.In some embodiments, elasticity unit Part 204 is fixed to the near-end 208 of electrode body 202 by radial interference fit or other types of frictional fit.For example, electrode The external diameter of the near-end 208 of body is slightly larger than the internal diameter of flexible member 204.In some embodiments, the near-end of electrode body 202 208 include extension (not shown), the internal diameter of the internal diameter less than flexible member 204 of the extension.The extension Can be integrally formed with electrode body 202 or it be otherwise affixed to electrode body 202.This kind of construction makes the electrode shown in Fig. 1 Body 124 can for example be used in welding torch 240 shown in Fig. 2 B.
In some embodiments, the part 220 of physical contact 206 is along longitudinal axis A is tapered or frustoconical.Some realities In applying example, electrode body 202 may include the shoulder (not shown) for radially extending, the shoulder with diameter greater than flexible member 204 Internal diameter, as a result, flexible member 204 advances through (for example, crossing) towards the distal end 212 of electrode body 202 radially prolonging Stretch shoulder and flexible member 204 can be prevented to depart from electrode body 202 axially towards proximally 210 direction.
In some embodiments, the distal face (not shown) of the shoulder is the reaction surface of electrode body 202.Can be relative Similarly radially interference fit is used in physical contact 206.For example, flexible member 204 can be along the side for leaving electrode body 202 The surface 214 of physical contact is crossed to axial advancement so that the face 222 opposite with part 220 on surface 214 prevents elasticity Element 204 departs from physical contact.In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is conductive and face 222 and flexible member Interface between 204 forms the current path from physical contact 206.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is set to be spaced rather than near-end 210 with the distal end 212 of electrode body 202 Open.Distal end 212 generally includes the transmitting part (not shown) of hafnium etc, more effectively to generate plasma arc and treatment workpiece.One In a little embodiments, flexible member 204 is integrally formed with electrode body 202 or physical contact 206.For example, flexible member 204 can It is made by with the identical material of electrode body 202.In other embodiments, flexible member 204 is attached to or is fixed to electrode sheet Body 202 with prevent under normal operation (for example, under the influence of gas pressure and/or gravity or other power) from electrode body 202 depart from.
Fig. 2 B show the sectional view of the schematic contact start plasma arc torch using part shown in Fig. 2A and concept. The construction of Fig. 2 B shows the welding torch 240 before pilot arc operation.Welding torch 240 include in the torch body 242 such as figure Electrode body 202 shown in 2A, flexible member 204, and physical contact 206.Nozzle 244 and ring of eddy 246 are also mounted to weldering Torch body 242.The position of physical contact 206 is arranged with respect to the geo-stationary of travelling electrode body 202.Physical contact 206 position is set to (for example, in rear end of welding torch 240) opposite with the distal end 212 of electrode body 202.Electrode body 202 it is remote End 212 includes the transmitting part 248 substantially aligned with the tap 250 of nozzle 244.In some embodiments, launch part 248 and discharge Show greatly centered on longitudinal axis A in hole 250.The position of ring of eddy 246 is set to part and limits electrode body 202 in torch body Radial motion in 242.For example, ring of eddy 246 can be made into make ring of eddy 246 and electrode body 202 one or more radially Relatively small gap is formed between fin 252.
Flexible member 204 reacts on the reaction surface 208 of electrode body 202 and reacts on physical contact 206 surface 214 is allowed to connect nozzle 244 to push electrode body 202.Gas flows into electrode body 202 and nozzle 244 Between the plasma chamber 254 that is formed, and guide electric current to flow to physical contact 206 from power supply (not shown).
Gas pressure is formed in plasma chamber 254 until the pressure is enough to overcome the power provided by flexible member 204. Gas pressure causes that electrode body 202 is moved and is moved to along the direction for leaving nozzle 244 and is connected with physical contact 206. The A movements generally about the longitudinal axis of electrode body 202.Due to electrode body 202 by gas pressure along the side for leaving nozzle 244 To movement, so as to be produced or starting arc in plasma chamber 254.Electric arc cause gas ionization in plasma chamber 254 with Plasma arc or jet are formed, the plasma arc or jet spray from the hole 250 of nozzle 244 and be transferred to workpiece (not shown).
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is electrically conductive, and constructs or be designed as substantially transmitting physical contact 206 All guiding electric currents and electrode body 202 between.Flexible member 204 can be made up of such material, i.e. it promotes to hold simultaneously Electric current or the load related to pilot arc is triggered, and the heat related to the electric current that dissipate are carried to prevent elastic conductive component Melted in pilot arc operating process.In some embodiments, rated current that can be for example according to material selects flexible member 204 material.In some embodiments, flexible member 204 be between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202 resistance it is minimum and/ Or the maximum path of conductance.Additionally, the engineering properties of flexible member 206 promotes the movement of electrode body with contact start plasma arc Welding torch.In some embodiments, flexible member helps to align electrode body with welding torch.
Flexible member 204 can be such power spring, i.e. it can be up to about 5 seconds or interior for more time reliable The electric current of about 31 amperes of ground conduction is operated with guiding electric arc, changes without fusing or otherwise the mechanicalness of spring Energy.In some embodiments, flexible member 204 byThe alloy of X-750 is made.In some embodiments, flexible member 204 are made of stainless steel.For example, flexible member 204 can be stainless by 17/4 precipitation-hardening (precipitation hardening) Steel wire (meeting AMS5604 specifications) or 302 type stainless steel wires (meeting AMS5866 or ASTM A313 specifications) are made.Some are implemented In example, flexible member 204 is made up of the wire of diameter about 0.762mm (about 0.03 inch) and defines about 7.62mm (about 0.3 Inch) 300/1000 external diameter and the length of the about 12.7mm (for example, about 0.5 inch) along longitudinal axis A.Some embodiments In, flexible member 204 is coated or plated with silver or silver alloy to reduce resistance and/or improvement or provide conductance.
Although as shown herein is spiral compression spring, flexible member 204 also can for example include wavy spring packing ring, finger-like bullet Spring packing ring, flexural spring packing ring pushes up the flat wire compression spring to top-type, or the Cone Disc slotted.For example, new transferring Spring in No. 5,994,663 United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm companies of Hampshire state Hanover to these types is carried out Explanation, is integrated with herein its content by quoting.Other springs construction also falls into the scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is the wire of the near-end 210 located at electrode body 202, and the second elasticity Element (not shown) is located at the distal end 212 of electrode body 202.Second flexible member is in pilot arc operating process towards distal end 204 push electrode body, and (for example, in pilot arc operating process and in workpiece processing procedure during torch operation In) limitation electrode body 202 radial motion.Thus, the second flexible member causes electrode body 202 during torch operation Alignment.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 conducts minimum only between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202 Pilot arc electric current or non-conducting.For example, flexible member 204 can be by not having electric conductivity or being made compared with the material of low electric conductivity. Or, flexible member 204 can scribble insulating materials to prevent from conducting electric current.In some embodiments, can be conductive using one or more Element conducts pilot arc electric current between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202.For example, it is electric to can be used electric wire to guide Arc current is transferred to electrode body 202 from physical contact 206.
Fig. 2 C show the sectional view of plasma welding torch shown in Fig. 2 B in transferred arc mode process.Electrode body 202 Contact surface 216 is engaged in the way of general plane is physically contacted with the respective surfaces 218 of physical contact 206 and is electrically connected with foundation It is logical (for example, electric current by the interface of contact surface 216 and respective surfaces 218 electrode body 202 and physical contact 206 it Between transmit).When the contact surface 216 of electrode body 202 connects the respective surfaces 218 of physical contact 206, at least one is formed The current path that portion of electrical current is directly transmitted between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202.When arc transfer to workpiece it Afterwards, cutting current (for example, in transferred arc mode process) is supplied to welding torch 240.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is conductive.Flexible member 204 is configured in pilot arc operating process Electric current is transmitted between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202, but main electrical current is not carried in transferred arc mode process Amount.More specifically, the Direct Current path between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202 is logical with from physical contact 206 Flexible member 204 is crossed to the current path of electrode body 202 compared to relatively low resistance and/or conductance higher.That is, electricity is worked as Pole body 202 is in refluence state (for example, the formation of surface 218 of the surface 216 of electrode body 202 and physical contact 206 Reason contact and electric connection), the essentially all of electric current (in transferred arc pattern) for being used to maintain plasma-arc is all direct Transmitted between surface 216 and surface 218.Design shown in Fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C is thus by dual-use function (that is, towards nozzle 244 pushing electrode bodies 202 and current path between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202 is provided) be combined into it is single The interior quantity to reduce consumable part of part and simplified torch design.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 carries at least one of electric current in transferred arc pattern.For example, bullet Property element 204 can carry the transferred arc electric current of real mass, thus, when physical contact 206 and the two portions of electrode body 202 No current is caused when part forms contact in transferred arc mode process or only smaller current is transmitted from physical contact 206 To electrode body 202.For example, can be by the surface 216 of electrode body 202 and/or on the surface of physical contact 206 Insulating materials is set on 218 and is reached.Additionally, flexible member 204 can be set to appropriate size or otherwise construct, to hold Idling moves arc current.
Flexible member 204 is conductive filament or bonding jumper, in pilot arc operation and/or transferred arc operating process Electric current is transmitted between physical contact 206 and electrode body 202.In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is conductive casings, It is electrically connected to transmit electric current therebetween with physical contact 206 and electrode body 202.For example, this sleeve pipe may be designed to tightly Thickly coordinate on the near-end 210 of electrode body 202 and coordinate on the part 220 of physical contact 206.Some embodiments In, the second flexible member (not shown) of such as spring etc can be used together with flexible member 204, so as to provide electrode sheet The mechanical function that body 202 is pushed towards nozzle 244.
In some embodiments, flexible member 204 is non-conductive and is mainly used in providing towards the pushing electrode body of nozzle 244 202 separating force.Using at least one conducting element (for example, non-resilient line) come from physical contact 206 to electrode body 202 Supply the electric current for pilot arc operation and/or transferred arc operation.If conducting element transmits main pilot arc electric current, Then the part in one embodiment can be in the electric current for reliably conducting about 31 amperes up to about 5 seconds or in the longer time to carry out Pilot arc is operated, the mechanical performance without melting or otherwise changing spring.If the conducting element is used as guiding Main electrical current path in arc mode and transferred arc pattern the two mode process, then the part in one embodiment can be The electric current for being up to about 200 amperes is conducted in transferred arc operating process without changing its performance.
In some embodiments, physical contact 206 and flexible member 204 are all attached to torch body 242, and relative to Travelling electrode body 202 is relatively fixed.For example, when nozzle 244 leaves torch body 242, flexible member 204 is by electrode sheet Body 202 is biased out torch body 242 (for example, electrode body is ejected).In this embodiment, electrode body 202 is welding torch 240 Consumable part.In other embodiments, the combination of electrode body 202 and flexible member 204 is the consumable part of welding torch 240, example Such as, these parts can together pack and sell or buy.
Fig. 3 A are used in the sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the electrode in contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 300 include the slender electrode body 302 oriented along longitudinal axis A.Electrode body 302 can by such as tellurium copper, silver, yellow gold or The conductive material of other alloys etc is made.Electrode body 302 includes distal end 304 and near-end 308, and distal end is included for accommodating hair Penetrate the hole 306 of part (not shown).Transmitting part can be made up and of such as hafnium for increasing the work of plasma welding torch (not shown) Life-span simultaneously reduces the abrasion of electrode body 302.In plasma welding torch operation and workpiece processing procedure, electrode body 302 The position of distal end 304 is close proximity to workpiece (not shown), and the position of near-end 308 is then set to away from workpiece.When electrode 300 is installed When in welding torch, electrode body 302 can be moved along longitudinal axis A.
Electrode 300 includes conductive elastic component 310 (also referred to as elastic conductive component 310).Elastic conductive component 310 It is configured in pilot arc operating process transmit essentially all of guiding between power supply (not shown) and electrode body 302 Arc current.Elastic conductive component 310 is shown as helical spring, itself and the radial direction being arranged on the near-end 306 of electrode body 302 Flange 312 (such as shoulder) engagement of extension.Flange 312 can be the reaction surface for elastic conductive component 310.Elasticity Physical contact between the flange 312 of conducting element 310 and electrode body 302 forms current path.
In some embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 is fixed to flange 312 (for example, by soft soldering or welding) and causes bullet Property conducting element 310 is kept by electrode body 302.Elastic conductive component 310 can be by radial interference fit or other types of Frictional fit keeps.In some embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 is integrally formed with electrode body 302 (for example, electrode sheet Body 302 and elastic conductive component 310 are made up of same part material).Elastic conductive component 310 can be solid relative to electrode body 302 It is fixed to prevent elastic conductive component 310 from departing from electrode body 302 with during treatment or attended operation.
As illustrated, electrode body 302 includes one group of fin 314 being integrally formed with electrode body 302.Fin 314 increases Plus electrode body 302 surface area and be used as heat-transfer surface with during torch operation cool down electrode body 302.It is described many Individual fin 314 also forms a type of seal, and it causes to introduce plasma chamber (for example, plasma chamber 254 of Fig. 2 B) Plasma gas can form enough air pressure so that electrode body 302 proximally facing 308 is vertically moved along axis A.As above institute State, when pilot arc electric current is transmitted between elastic conductive component 310 and electrode body 302, the direction of electrode body 302 is near The mobile initiation pilot arc at end 308.
The arrangement of the multiple fin 314 provides the spiral groove axially along electrode body 302.Transferring Xin Hanbu Schematic property fin 314 is carried out in No. 4,902,871 United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm companies of Shi Er states Hanover Illustrate, integrated with herein its content by quoting.The multiple fin 314 is shown as being radially extended from longitudinal axis A.It is described Multiple fins 314 are also likely to be other constructions, such as, along axis A Longitudinal extendings, such as also transferring state of New Hampshire Chinese promise Described in 6th, 403, No. 915 United States Patent (USP) of the Hypertherm companies of prestige, its content is integrated with herein by quoting.Electricity Some embodiments of pole 300 not include fin 314, and air pressure electrode body 302 different surfaces applying power with trigger Traveling electrode body during pilot arc.
Electrode 300 includes contact element 316, and the contact element includes first surface 318 and second surface 320.First Surface 318 is configured to be electrically connected with power supply (not shown).For example, first surface 318 can connect the respective surfaces of physical contact (for example, the physical contact 206 of Fig. 2A, Fig. 3 A not shown in).Power supply can be provided to contact element 316 by physical contact Electric current.Second surface 320 be configured to pilot arc trigger after and transferred arc mode process in electrode body 302 Corresponding contact surface 322 is electrically connected.In some embodiments, when electrode 300 is arranged in welding torch, the first of contact element 316 Surface 318 it is substantially stationary (for example, first surface 318 keep with physical contact physical engagement or contact).Contact element 316 Can be made up of relatively hard and conductive material, such as stainless steel, chromium-copper, nickel, or beryllium copper.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 are made up of the material harder than being made the material of electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 scribbles relatively hard And the material of conduction.
As illustrated, elastic conductive component 310 around electrode body 302 near-end 308 and with the second of contact element 316 Surface 320 engages.Other are used to provide leads to from contact element 316 via the electric current of elastic conductive component 310 to electrode body 302 The construction on road is also fallen into the scope of the present invention.In some embodiments, the second conducting element (not shown) provides contact element 316 And the current path between electrode body 302, the current path compared with elastic conductive component 310 have relatively low resistance and/ Or electrical conductivity higher.In such embodiment, elastic conductive component 310 pushes electrode sheet along the direction for leaving contact element 316 Body (for example, performing mechanical function), but the main guiding magnitude of current is not carried.In some embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 is consolidated Surely contact element 316 (for example, by welding or soft soldering) or integrally formed with contact element 316 is arrived.In some embodiments, elasticity Conducting element 310 can be located between the second surface 320 of contact element 316 and the corresponding contact surface 322 of electrode body.Some In embodiment, the first surface 318 of contact element 316 is engaged with elastic conductive component 310.
Shown electrode body 302 include socket 324, its be located at the near-end 308 of electrode body 302 and with electrode body 302 Distal end 304 at hole 306 separate (for example, hole 306 and socket 324 are not through holes).In some embodiments, socket 324 is big Cause that inner surface 326 is alignd and defined with axis A.Contact element 316 includes the connecting elements extended from second surface 320 328.In some embodiments, connecting elements 328 is slideably engaged with electrode body 302.For example, connecting elements 328 is included greatly Cause the aligned portions 330 coaxial with longitudinal axis A.Aligned portions 330 can be slideably with socket 324 inner surface 326 connect Close.In some embodiments, the engagement between aligned portions 330 and inner surface 326 coordinates limitation electrode body 302 or contact element 316 radial motion in welding torch.
Socket 324 can be configured to prevent contact element 316 from departing from electrode body 302.Electrode body 302 is included located at slotting The limiting surface 332 of 324 near-ends of mouth, for reacting on a part for contact element 316 so as to prevent to depart from.Some embodiments In, limiting surface 332 reacts on the connecting elements 328 or aligned portions 330 of contact element 316 (for example, by radial interference Coordinate).In certain embodiments, limiting surface 332 includes annular or ring-shaped structure.Limiting surface 332 may be provided at socket 324 It is interior, limiting surface is not disturbed the second surface 320 of contact element 316 or is prevented the second surface 320 of contact element 316 with big The mode of plane is caused to be physically contacted with the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302.
In certain embodiments, first surface 318, second surface 320, or both can all scribble silver or silver alloy is improved Electric current flowing between power supply and electrode body 302 is (such as by the electricity at the surface 318 and 320 for reducing contact element 316 Resistance).In certain embodiments, the current path and bullet that offer is slidably provided between contact element 316 and electrode body 302 Property conducting element 310 compared to have relatively low resistance and/or electrical conductivity higher.In these embodiments, elastic conductive component Electrode body is biased (for example, performing mechanical function) by 310 away from contact element 316, but does not carry the main guiding magnitude of current. More specifically, connecting elements 328 or aligned portions 330 can be made into relatively compact tolerance, and the tolerance is enough to form electric current and passes through For example socket 324 is transferred to the low resistance path of electrode body 302.Relatively compact tolerance is needed to prevent in connecting elements 328 Or the ionization of space inner arc or the formation of arc between aligned portions 330 and socket 324.
Fig. 3 B are the more detailed views of the part of the electrode of Fig. 3 A before assembling.Fig. 3 B show the near-end of electrode body 302 308 close-up view.In the embodiment shown, electrode body 302, elastic conductive component 310, and contact element 316 is not formed One assembly.More specifically, contact element 316 (for example, connecting elements 128 and aligned portions 130) can be with elastic conduction Element 310 and electrode body 302 (such as socket 324) freely depart from.In certain embodiments, connecting elements 328 and alignment part Divide the depth of 330 of length no more than socket 324, so that contact element " does not bottom out " lower surface 334 in socket 324.
The near-end 308 of electrode body 302 can define the lip 336 adjacent with socket 324, and the lip is along longitudinal axis A It is axially extending.Lip 336 can be made up with electrode body 302 of same part material.In certain embodiments, can be relative to electrode sheet Body 302 keeps contact element 316 (for example, a part for electrode body 302 prevents contact element 316 from being taken off with electrode body 302 From).For example, connecting elements 328 and aligned portions 330 may be provided in socket 324.Contact element 316 compresses electrode body 302 so that when second surface 320 is advanced to be physically contacted with the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302, contact element 316 Second surface 320 coordinates with lip 336.
Cooperation between second surface 320 and lip 336 makes lip 336 deform into adjacent sockets 324, that can connect The physical contact for facing is formed between the second surface 320 and the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302 that touch element 318.Deformation Lip 336 can form the limiting surface 332 of Fig. 3 A.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 compresses electrode body 302, while Transmitting part is arranged in hole 306.For example, in the technique of referred to as swaged forging, relative to transmitting part apply along longitudinal axis A (for example, Towards the near-end 308 of electrode body 302) power with will transmitting part be fixed in hole 306.In swaging process, apply direction phase Anti- power (such as towards the distal end 304 of electrode body 302) is so that contact element 316 to be compressed the near-end 308 of electrode body 302 Deform lip 336.In certain embodiments, the power of applying is about the power (for example, about 1000 pounds power) of 4,450N.At some In embodiment, after swaged forging, limiting surface 332 is before failure (such as, it is allowed to which contact element 316 departs from electrode body 302) The power (for example, about 80 pounds power) of about 356N can be born.
In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 was arranged on the (example of electrode body 302 before the deformation of lip 336 Such as, it is physically contacted with flange 312) and contact element 316 (for example, being physically contacted with second surface 320) between.Elastic conduction unit Part 310 " can be clipped in " between contact element 316 and electrode body 302.Limiting surface 332 can prevent the contact being slidably mounted Element 316 departs from electrode body 302.In certain embodiments, electrode 300 is assembled into plasma welding torch before the use And overall package part can be packaged into.
In some embodiments, limiting surface 332 has circular structure (for example, when lip 336 along longitudinal axis A around slotting When the circumference of mouth 324 is axially extending).In other embodiments, formed along the part less than whole circumference of the circumference of socket 324 Limiting surface 332.Connecting elements 328 or aligned portions 330 can be inserted freely into socket 324 without interfering with limiting surface 336, but For example rotating contact element 316 around longitudinal axis A can be by setting up limiting surface 332 and connecting elements or aligned portions 330 Between interference and prevent contact element 316 from departing from.
Fig. 4 A show that exemplary contact starts the sectional view of formula plasma welding torch.The construction of Fig. 4 A can be described as " forward " structure Make or " startup " construction.Welding torch 400 includes defining the torch body 402 of gas access 404.Welding torch 400 is included with power supply (not Show) be electrically connected physical contact 406, power supply to physical contact 406 provide electric current.Welding torch 400 includes the electrode of Fig. 3 A 300.The first surface 318 of contact element 316 is configured to be physically contacted and be electrically connected with physical contact 406.Elastic conduction unit Part 310 pushes electrode body 302 and forms physical contact away from physical contact 406 and with nozzle 408 and be electrically connected.Electrode body 302 (such as distal ends 304 of electrode body 302) cooperate with forming a part for plasma chamber 410 with nozzle 408.Nozzle 408 is wrapped Tap 412 is included, tap 412 makes plasma arc or jet (not shown) flow out plasma chamber 410 to be transferred to workpiece (not Show).Shielding part 414 is installed to retention cap 416, and retention cap 416 is installed in a part 418 for torch body 402.Shielding part 414 include the discharge port 420 adjacent with the tap 412 of nozzle 408.Discharge port 420 enables plasma jet from weldering Torch 400 is transferred to workpiece.Shielding part 414 prevents the material splashed down in workpiece processing procedure from accumulating on nozzle 408 and shortening The service life of nozzle 408 or electrode 300.Welding torch 400 also includes defining the ring of eddy 422 of one or more ports 424, institute Stating one or more ports enables gas (not shown) to flow in or out plasma chamber 410.
Pilot arc operation starts from the initiation of pilot arc.Guiding electric current is passed between power supply and physical contact 406 Pass.Physical contact 406 will guide electric current to cross the boundary between physical contact 406 and the first surface 318 of contact element 316 Face is transferred to contact element 316.Guiding electric current contact element 316 (such as second surface 320) and elastic conductive component 310 it Between transmit.Then electric current is transmitted between elastic conductive component 310 and electrode body 302 and nozzle 408.It is suitable for use as guiding The exemplary current of arc current is between about 22 to about 31 amperes.In certain embodiments, physical contact 406 is by tellurium copper, Brass, copper, or other materials for being suitable to be transmitted in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating process electric current are made.
In pilot arc operating process, gas enters welding torch 400 by the entrance 404 defined by torch body 402. Along the directional later exhaust of passage 426 defined by torch body 402.Ring of eddy 422 defines and allows gas to enough be transmitted from passage 426 To one or more air flues 428 in the space 430 defined by the outside and part 418 of ring of eddy 422.Gas flows through end Mouth 424 enters plasma chamber 410.Gas pressure is formed in plasma chamber 410, until the pressure is enough to overcome by elastic conduction unit The power that part 310 is provided, and moves away from nozzle 408 by electrode body 302, thus the shape between electrode body 302 and nozzle 408 Into space or gap.In certain embodiments, the gas in plasma chamber 410 is acted on the fin 314 of electrode body 302, Apply pressure towards the near-end 310 of electrode body 302 along longitudinal axis A.Axis A is relative along a substantially longitudinal for electrode body 302 Moved in welding torch 400.In certain embodiments, all limited by pilot arc operating process and in transferred arc mode process The radial motion of electrode body processed 302, contact element 316 aligns with electrode body 302.Because electrode body 302 is away from nozzle 408 movements, relative potentials are produced between electrode body 302 and nozzle 408.The potential official post is in electrode body 302 and nozzle Electric arc (not shown) is produced in existing gap between 408 (such as by will be minimum between electrode body 302 and nozzle 408 Resistor path is ionized).Electric arc penetrates the gas ionization in plasma chamber 310 to form the plasma in workpiece treatment Stream.
Fig. 4 B show that pilot arc includes the sectional view of the plasma welding torch of Fig. 4 A of illustrative components after triggering.Figure The construction of 4B can be described as " refluence " construction, because electrode body 302 is separated with nozzle 408.Electrode body 302 is moved along axis A It is dynamic, until the contact surface 322 of electrode body 302 is contacted with the second surface 320 of contact element 316.The of contact element 316 One surface 318 keeps being physically contacted and being electrically connected with physical contact 406, and physical contact 406 is relative to the phase of electrode body 302 To static.In certain embodiments, the time that electrode body 102 is moved along axis A was less than or equal to about 0.3 second.In these realities Apply in example, elastic conductive component 310 is in (such as pilot arc operating process after pilot arc initiation in flowing backwards construction In) carry electric current.In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 only carries electric current in pilot arc elicitation procedure.
In general, electric arc being transferred into workpiece from nozzle 408 and (not being shown by the way that welding torch 400 is positioned at near workpieces Go out) to process workpiece.Workpiece is maintained at the potential more relatively low than nozzle 408.In certain embodiments, triggered in pilot arc Transferred arc (such as before the refluence construction of Fig. 4 B) in journey.The electrical lead (not shown) connected with workpiece can be arrived according to electric arc The transfer of workpiece and to power supply (not shown) provide signal.When electrode body 302 is in flows backwards construction, power supply is to welding torch 400 Increased electric current (for example, cutting current) is provided.An example referred to as " double-threshold for increasing to the method for the electric current of welding torch Value " is simultaneously carried out in the Hypertherm companies of state of New Hampshire Hanover the No. 6,133,543 United States Patent (USP) is transferred Description, is merged herein its content by quoting.
Cutting current for example can be about 100 to about 150 amperes.Cutting current is with welding torch 400 in transferred arc pattern Operation is relevant.In certain embodiments, there is provided cutting current amount depend on workpiece composition or workpiece physical characteristic (example Such as the thickness or the depth of otch of workpiece).In certain embodiments, transferred arc pattern refers to that electric arc is transferred to workpiece and electricity Source provides cutting current.In other embodiments, transferred arc pattern refers to arc transfer to workpiece.
When electrode body 302 is in flows backwards construction, power supply is to physical contact 406, contact element 316, and electrode Body 302 provides electric current.Contact element 316 keeps geo-stationary relative to electrode body 302 and physical contact 406.More Body ground, after electrode 300 is installed in welding torch 400, the first surface 318 of contact element 316 may be designed to keep and power supply Contact 406 is physically contacted and is electrically connected.In certain embodiments, contact element 316 for example, by frictional fit relative to electricity Source contact 406 is fixed, for example, cause that the terrestrial gravitation acted on electrode body 302 is not enough to electrode 300 from welding torch 400 Remove.Because electrode body 302 and contact element 316 be repeatedly during the operation of welding torch 400 (such as start and stop) It is contacting and separating, so the most of abrasion on electrode 300 all occurs the second surface 320 and electrode sheet in contact element 316 Interface between the contact surface 322 of body 302.The design of electrode 300 reduces the wear extent on physical contact 406, and this is Because the first surface 318 of contact element 316 keeps contacting to reduce physical contact 406 and first with physical contact 406 The formation of electric arc between surface 318.The formation of electric arc can produce shortening power supply between physical contact 406 and first surface 318 The surface defect of the operation lifetime of contact 406 and electrode 300.
In some embodiments, elastic conductive component 310 is configured in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operating process All transmit substantially all of electric current.In transferred arc operation, electric current is transferred to physical contact 406 by power supply.Hereafter, power supply Electric current is transferred to contact element 316 by contact 406, and electric current is transferred to elastic conductive component 310 by contact element 316, and Electric current is transferred to electrode body 302 and nozzle 408 by elastic conductive component 310.In " refluence " shape construction, can be using suitable Mechanism is transmitted preventing the Direct Current between electrode body 302 and contact element 316.In some embodiments, electrode body 302 Contact surface 322 and/or the second surface 320 of contact element 316 insulating materials can be scribbled to prevent in transferred arc pattern In the electric current transmission therebetween when electrode body 302 and contact element 316 form contact.In some embodiments, transfer In arc mode, physical clearance is kept between the contact surface 322 of electrode body and the second surface 320 of contact element 316, with Prevent electric current from shifting.For example, can be by ensuring elastic conductive component 310 along longitudinal axis long enough and/or the edge of electrode body 302 Longitudinal length is short enough, and so that the second surface 320 of the contact surface 322 of electrode body and contact element 316 is in " refluence " Physical contact cannot be formed under construction to realize.Usually, in pilot arc operation and transferred arc operation, elastic electric conductor 310 can all form the current path with minimum resistance between contact element 316 and electrode body 302.Some schematic realities Apply in example, elastic conductive component 310 can conduct up to 200 amperes of electric current.
Fig. 5 A show to include being arranged on the exemplary electrical of the contact element and elastic conductive component in the socket of electrode body The sectional view of pole.Electrode 500 includes electrode body 502, and electrode body 502 defines distal end 504 and conversely set along longitudinal axis A The near-end 506 put.Distal end 504 defines the hole 508 for receiving transmitting part 510.The near-end 506 of electrode body 502 is defined Centered in the socket 512 in cylindrical structure around longitudinal axis A.In certain embodiments, can be used for socket 512 Non-cylindrical is constructed.Socket 512 is separated (for example, electrode body 502 does not have through hole) by electrode body 502 with hole 508.Insert Mouth 512 defines the first contact surface 514 for being arranged on the bottom of socket 512.Contact surface 514 is configured to and physical contact (being shown in Fig. 5 B) is electrically connected and/or is physically contacted.Socket 512 also defines the second contact surface 516.
Electrode 500 includes the contact element 518 and elastic conductive component 520 that are arranged in socket 512.Contact element 518 Define first surface 522 and second surface 524.Second surface 524 is configured to react on elastic conductive component 520 and socket 512 the second contact surface 516.Elastic conductive component 520 reacts on the first contact table when in plasma welding torch Face 514, electrode body 502 is pressed to and connects nozzle (not shown).In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 520 can React on the 3rd surface (not shown) in socket 512.
Contact element 518 defines the circular structure for being designed around physical contact.Circular structure provides aligned portions 526 limiting the radial motion of electrode body 502 by reacting on physical contact.By diameter than contact element 518 The small conical section 528 of diameter, keep contact element 518 and elastic conductive component 520 relative to socket 512.In some realities Apply in example, conical section 528 is to prevent contact element 518 and elastic conductive component 520 from (such as socket of electrode body 502 512) limiting surface for departing from.For example, the combination of conical section 528 and contact element 518 prevents bullet by radial interference fit Property conducting element 520 departs from from electrode body 502.In certain embodiments, conical surface 528 defines circular structure.At certain In a little embodiments, socket 512 does not include conical section 528, and not with respect to socket 512 to contact element 518 and elastic conduction Element 520 carries out spacing.
Fig. 5 B show the electrode of Fig. 5 A set with transferred arc pattern.Fig. 5 B show electrode body 502 and electrical power contacts The amplification view of the near-end 506 of part 540.Physical contact 540 defines axial continuation 542, axial continuation 542 are configured to be interacted with the contact element of socket 512 and electrode 500.Axial continuation 542 define for respectively with First contact surface 514 (for example being defined by socket 512) and the first surface 522 of contact element 518 of electrode body 502 The first respective surfaces 544 and the second respective surfaces 546 for being electrically connected and/or being physically contacted.Physical contact 540 also defines seat Part 548, the conical section 528 that it is configured corresponding to electrode body 502 is limiting the radial motion of electrode body 502.
In certain embodiments, electrode 500 is arranged in welding torch so that the first surface 522 and power supply of contact element 518 Second respective surfaces 546 of contact 540 are electrically connected and/or are physically contacted, to be formed in during torch operation relative to electricity Pole body 502 keeps the interface of geo-stationary.The second surface 524 of contact element 518 is originally away from the second contact of socket 512 Surface 516, and physical contact the first respective surfaces 544 away from electrode body 502 contact surface 514.
In pilot arc operating process, guiding electric current passes through between power supply (not shown) and physical contact 540.Guiding Electric current is transferred to contact element 518 from physical contact 540, and reaches electricity by elastic conductive component 520 from contact element 518 Pole body 502 so that elastic conductive component 518 substantially carries whole pilot arc electric current.When electrode body 502 is away from nozzle To produce during electric arc, the second contact surface 516 is moved to and formed with the second surface 524 of contact element 516 for (not shown) movement Contact, and the first contact surface 514 is moved to be formed with first respective surfaces 544 of physical contact 540 and contacted.Substantially institute Some cutting currents are transferred to electrode body 502 and are transferred directly to electrode sheet from physical contact 540 by contact element 516 Body.In transferred arc operating process, elastic conductive component 520 does not carry main electrical current amount.
In certain embodiments, the first respective surfaces 544 or the second respective surfaces 546 base in transferred arc operating process All of electric current is transferred to electrode body 502 on this.Multiple respective surfaces 544,546 can reduce the first of electrode body 502 Physical abrasion on the first surface 522 of contact surface 514 or contact element 518.This construction is by reduction and electrical power contacts Related mechanical load is physically contacted between part 540 and each in contact element 518 and electrode body 502 to reduce mill Damage.Reducing abrasion can extend the life-span of electrode 500.
Fig. 6 A show to include the contact element of the near-end for being arranged on electrode body and the exemplary electrode of elastic conductive component Sectional view.Electrode 600 includes electrode body 602, and electrode body 602 defines distal end 604 and is reversed along longitudinal axis A Near-end 606.Distal end 604 defines the hole 608 for receiving transmitting part 610.Electrode 600 includes contact element 612 and elasticity Conducting element 614.Contact element 612 defines the first contact surface 616 and the second contact surface 618, the first contact surface 616 It is configured to be electrically connected with physical contact and/or be physically contacted (see Fig. 6 B), the second contact surface 618 is used for and electrode body 602 respective surfaces 620 are electrically connected and/or are physically contacted.The near-end 606 of electrode body 602 is defined and physical contact electricity Connection and/or the contact surface 622 of physical contact.Electrode body 602 defines reaction surface 624, for reacting on bullet Property conducting element 614 is providing the bias force against the reaction surface 624 of electrode body 602.The near-end of electrode body 602 606 define the first limiting surface 626, and the limiting surface (such as by radial interference fit) prevents contact element 612 and bullet Property conducting element 614 departs from.In certain embodiments, electrode body 602 does not include limiting surface 624, and contact element 612 And/or elastic conductive component 614 can depart from relative to electrode body 602.In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 614 is consolidated Surely electrode body 602 or physical contact 612 or both are arrived.
Contact element 614 defines circular structure and the aligned portions 628 including limiting the radial motion of electrode body 602. For example, aligned portions 628 can interact with the axial continuation 630 of the near-end 606 of electrode body 602.The part 630 Diameter is more slightly smaller than the diameter of aligned portions 628 so that part 630 slideably can match somebody with somebody along longitudinal axis A with aligned portions 628 Close, radially shaken without significant.
Fig. 6 B show the electrode of Fig. 6 A set with transferred arc pattern.The construction of Fig. 6 B is included relative to electrode body The physical contact 640 that 602 near-end 606 is set.Physical contact 640 defines opening 642, when electrode body 602 is in gas When nozzle (not shown) is moved away under body pressure, the near-end 606 of electrode body 602 travels into opening 642.Opening 642 with Abutted essentially around the jack part 644 that longitudinal axis A centers.Jack part 644 defines the He of the first contact surface 646 Second contact surface 648, the first contact surface 646 is used to be electrically connected and/or be physically contacted with contact element 612, the second contact Surface 648 is used to be electrically connected and/or be physically contacted with the contact surface 622 of electrode body 602.The size of jack part 644 sets It is set to and contact element 612 and elastic conductive component 614 is also received in addition to a part for the near-end 606 of electrode body 602.At certain In a little embodiments, jack part 644 is sized to only receive the near-end 606 of electrode body 602.
In installation process, electrode 600 is arranged to make the first contact surface 646 of first surface 616 and physical contact 640 It is electrically connected and/or is physically contacted, is formed in during torch operation the interface relative to the geo-stationary of electrode body 602.Connect The second surface 618 of element 612 is touched originally away from the respective surfaces 620 of electrode body, and electrode body 602 contact surface 622 originally practically away from the second contact surface 648 of physical contact 640.
In pilot arc operating process, guiding electric current passes through between power supply (not shown) and physical contact 640.Guiding Electric current is transferred to contact element 612 from physical contact 640, and reaches electricity by elastic conductive component 614 from contact element 612 Pole body 602 so that elastic conductive component 614 substantially carries whole pilot arc electric current.When electrode body 602 is away from nozzle (not shown) movement to produce during electric arc, respective surfaces 620 move to be electrically connected with the second surface 618 of contact element 612 and/ Or physical contact, and contact surface 622 moves to and is electrically connected with the second contact surface 648 of physical contact and/or physics connects Touch.Essentially all of cutting current from physical contact 640 by contact element 612 be transferred to electrode body 602 and directly It is transferred to electrode body 602.In transferred arc operating process, elastic conductive component 614 does not carry main electrical current amount.
In certain embodiments, the first respective surfaces 646 or the second respective surfaces 648 base in transferred arc operating process All of electric current is led into electrode body 602 on this.What multiple respective surfaces 646,648 can reduce electrode body 602 first connects Touch the physical abrasion in the first contact surface 616 of surface 622 or contact element 612.This construction is by reducing electrical power contacts Related mechanical load is physically contacted between part 640 and each in contact element 612 and electrode body 602 to reduce mill Damage.Reducing abrasion can extend the life-span of electrode 600.
Fig. 7 A show to embody the office of the exemplary contact element of principle of the invention, flexible member, and physical contact Portion's exploded view.Two-piece type mains connection 700 includes the physical contact 702 of axis A alignment along a substantially longitudinal, contact element 704 and flexible member 706.Physical contact 702 defines the hole 708 adjacent with cavity 710, and cavity 710 connects for receiving Touch the axial continuation 712 of element 704.The diameter of part 712 is more slightly smaller than the diameter of cavity 710.The edge of second flexible member 714 The axial extension of part 712 is radially sized, and the He of part 712 is prevented to provide the abundant friction relative to cavity 710 Contact element 704 departs from (such as frictional fit) and limits the radial motion of contact element 704 with physical contact 702.At certain In a little embodiments, the second flexible member 714 is for example made up of beryllium copper and by the safe section electricity of Pennsylvanian Harrisburg The Louvertac of subsidiary (Tyco Electronics Corp.)TMSpring.Other copper alloys are also within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the second flexible member 714 is coated with conducting metal, for example gold, silver, nickel, or tin.In certain embodiments, Second flexible member 714 is that a part that is conductive and making the electric current supplied by power supply (not shown) passes through physical contact 702 And contact element 704 between.Flexible member 706 can make guiding electric current in power supply and electrode body in pilot arc elicitation procedure Between transmit.
Physical contact 702 defines the surface 716 of abutting aperture 708, and electric current is transferred into the first of contact element 704 Respective surfaces 718, first surface 718 is abutted with extension 712.Contact element 704 is also included for reacting on the first bullet The second surface 720 opposite with first surface 718 of property element 706.Contact element 704 includes axially prominent from second surface 720 The part 722 and diameter for going out are smaller than the internal diameter of flexible member 706 so that flexible member 706 is around the part 722.The part 722 It is configured to be electrically connected with the near-end of torch electrode body (not shown).The part 722 defines circumferential surface 724 and end surfaces 726.In certain embodiments, circumferential surface 724, end surfaces 726, or both all coordinate with the respective surfaces of electrode body.Bullet Property element 706 is connected to part 728.Part 728 is designed to react on the respective surfaces (not shown) of electrode body to provide Towards the axial force (for example, away from physical contact 700) of the distal end (not shown) of electrode body.In transferred arc operating process In, gas pressure reacts on the gas reaction surface of electrode body and overcomes axial force to be axially facing closely with by electrode body End movement, until circumferential surface 724, end surfaces 726, or both react on the appropriate section of electrode body.
In certain embodiments, part 728 and flexible member 706 formed one and by with the identical material of flexible member 706 Material is made.In certain embodiments, part 728 is the part that is separated with flexible member 706 and/or by with flexible member 706 not Same material is made and is fixed to flexible member 706.Part 728 is shown as being connected to the ring washer of flexible member 706.Also may be used Using part 728 other construct, for example around flexible member 706 adjacent axially outer circular slab or sleeve design (example As similar to the contact element 904 discussed referring to Fig. 9).This construction causes to be seen not in the stereogram of electrode body To flexible member 706 so that electrode body and part 728 can be substantially opposite physical contact 702 and move together.More Body ground, part 728 is static relative to electrode body and can be moved relative to contact element 704 and physical contact 702.
In certain embodiments, the first surface (not shown) of part 728 towards electrode body respective surfaces, and part End surfaces 726 of the 728 second surface (not shown) towards contact element 704.In transferred arc operating process, part 728 Second surface be physically contacted with the end surfaces 726 of contact element 704, and part 728 first surface and electrode body physics Contact, the current path of electrode body is reached to provide from power supply by physical contact 702 and contact element 704.
In certain embodiments, flexible member 706 is nonconducting, and conducting element (not shown) is in pilot arc operation During provide to part 728 current path.Conducting element can be arranged to for example by soft soldering, weld or other are connecing The part is electrically connected to contact element by the tactile mode that electrical contact is set up between element 704 or physical contact 702 and conducting element The wire or conductive bar of part 704 or physical contact 702.
In transferred arc operating process, transferred arc electric current can via physical contact (for example, by circumferential surface 724, End surfaces 726, or both) transmitted between contact element 704 and electrode body.This construction can be used with relatively low specified The conducting element of electric current will guide electric current to be transferred to electrode body, and this allows to use relatively small conducting element.It is less to lead Electric device is advantageously reduced between conducting element and the movable part (for example, flexible member 706 and electrode body) of torch system Physical interference.Essentially all of operating current (for example, guiding electric current and transferred arc electric current) is transferred to by part 728 Electrode body.
Fig. 7 B show the part of Fig. 7 A for being arranged to plasma welding torch operation.The part 712 of contact element 704 advances to In cavity 710, and the second flexible member 714 reacts on the inner surface (not shown) of cavity 710 to prevent to connect using friction Element 704 is touched to depart from.First respective surfaces 718 of contact element 704 be resisted against with cavity 710 abut surface 716 on or with Physical contact, to provide the current path from physical contact 702 to contact element 704.In certain embodiments, it is replaceable Contact element 704 or flexible member 706 and be changed without physical contact 702.Because physical contact 702 and contact element 704 Between interface (for example, the interface between surface 716 and respective surfaces 718) it is static relative to physical contact 702, power supply connects Contact element 702 will not image current path and actual interface (physical interface) coincidence construction in rapidly grind like that Damage.In certain embodiments, contact element 704 and physical contact 702 can form monomer (being for example manufactured from the same material) and It is not two separate parts.By with two-piece type mains connection 700 come instead of monomer physical contact 108 and by change The construction of Fig. 7 A and 7B can be used in the existing contact start for example shown in Fig. 1 to facilitate mains connection 700 for cathode block 116 In formula plasma welding torch.Mains connection 700 can be as described above by folder or pin relative to electrode body geo-stationary Ground is fixed.
Fig. 8 A be shown mounted to plasma welding torch before electrode body, another reality of elastic conductive component and contact element Apply the sectional view of example.Electrode 800 includes being substantially opposite the electrode body 802 of longitudinal axis A alignment, the He of contact element 804 Elastic conductive component 806.Fig. 8 A show may be provided at the near-end 808 of the electrode 800 in plasma arc torch body (not shown). Electrode body 802 is characterized in the shoulder 810 radially extended from electrode body 802.Shoulder 810 defines the He of first surface 812 Second surface 814.In certain embodiments, first surface 812 is used as limiting surface, and the limiting surface is configured to and contact element 804 respective surfaces 816 contact and prevent from existing axial force (such as by elastic conductive component 806, gas pressure, or at certain That gravity is provided in the case of a little) when contact element 804 depart from electrode body 802.The second surface 814 of shoulder 810 is configured to Coordinate to form reaction interface with the surface 818 of elastic conductive component 806.
Contact element 804 defines first surface 820 and second surface 822.First surface 820 be designed or configured to against Foundation physical contact is mutually equipped with the respective surfaces (not shown) of physical contact (not shown) or with the surface and be electrically connected. The second surface 822 of contact element 804 is designed or configured to correspond to the surface 826 defined by electrode body 802.At some In embodiment, elastic conductive component 806 coordinates to provide axial force with the second surface 822 of contact element 804.Contact element 804 define socket 828.Socket 828 is sized to enable elastic conductive component 806 around the one of electrode body 802 Part 830 sets and is arranged in the socket 828 of contact element.
In certain embodiments, in pilot arc operating process, first surface 820 and the power supply of contact element 804 connect Contact element is electrically connected (and/or physical contact).Physical contact provides electric current to first surface 820, and the electric current crosses contact element 804 are transferred to second surface 822.Electric current can be via the interface between elastic conductive component 806 and second surface 822 in contact element Transmitted between part 804 and elastic conductive component 806.Elastic conductive component 806 provide for make electric current pass through physical contact and Current path between electrode body 802.For example, electric current is between surface 818 and the corresponding second surface 814 of shoulder 810 Interface passes through between electrode body 802 and elastic conductive component 806.In general, when electrode 800 is installed on plasma arc welding (PAW) During torch, socket 828, elastic conductive component 806 and/or surface 812 coordinate to limit the radial motion of electrode body 802.
Fig. 8 B show the construction of the part of Fig. 8 A in transferred arc mode process.In pilot arc mode process, gas Pressure reacts on electrode body 802, acts on moving with the pushing for overcoming elastic conductive component 806 to be axially distant from near-end 808 Moving electrode body 802, specifically surface 826 contacted to the corresponding second surface 822 of contact element 804.In this configuration, may be used Directly formed between contact element 804 and electrode body 802 and be electrically connected, and electric current can be increased for transferred arc operation.At certain In a little embodiments, contact element 804 defines the end surfaces 840 on the surface 842 away from electrode body 802.In some embodiments In, end surfaces 840 are contacted or " bottoming out " by reacting on surface 842, to provide contact element 804 and electrode body 802 Between the second current path.
Fig. 9 shows to embody the sectional view of another embodiment of electrode of the invention.Electrode 900 includes axle along a substantially longitudinal The electrode body 902 of line A alignment, contact element 904, and elastic conductive component 906.Electrode body 902 is defined and radially extended Surface 908, the extensional surface can react on the surface 910 of elastic conductive component 906 with prevent elastic conductive component 906 with Electrode body 902 departs from (for example clamp).Elastic conductive component 906 or surface 910 can axially advance and oppress along longitudinal axis A Or be pressed against on surface 908 to form radial interference fit.Also other types of cooperation is can be used to prevent elastic conductive component 06 departs from electrode body 902.
Contact element 904 defines socket 912, first surface 914, and second surface 916, first surface be used for wait from The respective surfaces of the physical contact of subarc welding torch (not shown) are electrically connected and/or are physically contacted, and second surface is used for and electrode The respective surfaces 918 of body 902 are electrically connected and/or are physically contacted.The internal diameter that can be sized to make socket of socket 912 is slightly smaller In the external diameter of elastic conductive component 906.Contact element 904 and the pressable of socket 912 or compressing on elastic conductive component 906 With the friction or other types of cooperation set up between a part for elastic conductive component 906 and socket 912.In some embodiments In, can be used alternately or additionally link or fit structure that contact element 904 is fixed into elastic conductive component 906 and electrode 900.In general, when electrode 900 is arranged in plasma welding torch, socket 912 coordinates with footpath with elastic conductive component 906 To limitation electrode body 902.
Figure 10 A are the exemplary contact element and the stereogram of elastic conductive component for embodying principle of the invention.System 1000 include contact element 1002 and the elastic conductive component 1004 being arranged in the socket 1006 of contact element 1002.Contact element Part 1002 includes the flange 1008 for defining one or more through holes 1010 to promote to pass through around the gas of system 1000.At certain In a little embodiments, the through hole 1010 when gas move around electrode body so that gas is with eddy motion, such as cooling down electrode Body or plasma welding torch.In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 1004 is fixed or fastened (such as with reference to) to contact Element 1002.In certain embodiments, elastic conductive component 1004 is integrally formed with contact element 1002.
Figure 10 B show a part for the plasma welding torch of the part using Figure 10 A in pilot arc operating process Sectional view.Welding torch 1020 includes the contact element 1002 of axis A alignment along a substantially longitudinal, elastic conductive component 1004, electrode Body 1022, and physical contact 1024.In certain embodiments, physical contact 1024 is electrically connected with power supply (not shown). Physical contact 1024 is by torch component 1026 around torch component 1026 coordinates with the outer surface 1028 of contact element 1004 Define gas passage 1030.Gas is supplied as being discussed as described above with Fig. 2A to produce plasma arc and be used for work Part treatment.Flowed towards physical contact 1024 by around electrode body 1022 (for example by by fin 1032 guide around The vortex of electrode body 1022) and discharge the gas pressure in welding torch 1020.Gas may flow through in contact element 1004 Hole 1010 and along gas passage 1030 away from electrode body 1022.
In the embodiment shown, flange 1008 is arranged on the surface 1034 of torch component 1026 and the surface of ring of eddy 1038 Between 1036.In certain embodiments, the system 1000 of Figure 10 A is consumable part and is arranged in welding torch 1020, and electrode sheet Body 1022 is more replaced as frequently as than system 1000.This can for example consume and easily change electrode body 1022 without taking apart Welding torch 1020.In certain embodiments, system 1000 is fixed by interference fit relative to physical contact 1024.For example, being System 1000 is located in welding torch 1020, and ring of eddy 1038 is fixed relative to the outer surface 1040 of torch component 1026 and (for example passed through Screw thread), by flange 1008 relative to torch component 1026, physical contact 1024, and/or the axial direction of welding torch 1020 and/or footpath To fixation.In certain embodiments, flange reacts on or is resisted against other parts of welding torch 1020.
One or more parts of system 1000 can form one with ring of eddy 1038.For example, flange 1008 can combine or Ring of eddy 1038 is otherwise affixed to form integrated component.In certain embodiments, contact element 1002 is in machining Or be made by with the identical material of ring of eddy 1038 in manufacturing process.Flexible member 1004 can match somebody with somebody or it for example, by radial interference Its fixing means is fixed to contact element 1002- ring of eddies 1038 and combines.In certain embodiments, flexible member 1004 is unlocked To contact element 1002 or ring of eddy 1038.
Electrode body 1022 can be moved (such as by gas pressure) towards physical contact 1024 so that electrode body 1022 surface 1042 coordinates with the respective surfaces 1044 of contact element 1002 and is electrically connected and is physically contacted to set up.With welding torch The electric current of 1020 transferred arc operation correlation passes through between electrode body 1022 and contact element 1002.
Figure 11 A show the exemplary contact element for contact start plasma arc torch.Contact element 1100 includes First surface 1102, second surface 1104, extension 1106, and restricted part 1108.First surface 1102 be configured to etc. The physical contact (not shown) of plasma arc torch is electrically connected.For example, by the respective surfaces (not shown) with physical contact Physical contact can set up electric connection.Second surface 1104 is configured to and electrode body (not shown), elastic conductive component or two Person is electrically connected.For example, can be by the physical contact foundation between second surface 1104 and the respective surfaces of electrode body and electrode The electric connection of body.In certain embodiments, the physical contact between physical contact and first surface 1102 and electrode body Physical contact and second surface between is set up electric current and flows through road of the physical contact (for example, power supply) and electrode body between Footpath.
The extension 1106 of contact element is adjacent with restricted part 1108.In certain embodiments, extension and limit System part forms one (being for example manufactured from the same material).Extension 1106 is vertically prominent from second surface 1104.As schemed Show, extension 1106 defines the circular cross section with a diameter but it is also possible to be other geometries.Restricted part 1108 width w exceedes the diameter of extension 1106, and the thickness t of restricted part 1108 is less than the diameter.
Figure 11 B show the contact element of Figure 11 A that 90 ° are rotated around vertical axis.In certain embodiments, restricted part 1108 and extension 1106 along as shown in Figure 11 B first orientation be advanced into the socket of electrode body (not shown).With insert The adjacent opening size of mouth is arranged to enable restricted part 1108 and extension 1106 to enter socket.However, around vertical Axis rotates (for example, as shown in Figure 1) contact element 1100 and contact element 1100 can be positioned into the reaction of restricted part 1108 In a part for socket preventing contact element and electrode body from departing from.Contact element 1100 otherwise (can for example pass through Screw thread or by interference fit) be fixed to electrode body.
In some embodiments of the present invention, flexible member has minimum electric current between contact element and electrode body Or without electric current conduction.Flexible member mainly provides the mechanical function that electrode body is pushed towards nozzle.For example, Figure 12 shows The sectional view of the electrode embodiment including such flexible member is gone out.Electrode 1700 includes electrode body 1702, and it defines edge Distal end 1704 and near-end 1708 that longitudinal axis A is oppositely arranged.The near-end 1708 of electrode body 1702 is defined around longitudinal axis A The socket 1724 for centering.
Electrode 1700 includes contact element 1716, and it has the first surface 1718 being electrically connected with power supply (not shown), fits In the second surface 1720 that the contact surface 1722 with electrode body 1724 is contacted, and socket is extended into from second surface 1720 1724 connector 1728.Connector 1728 is configured to slideably be engaged with electrode body 1702.For example, connector 1728 is wrapped Include the alignment part 1730 substantially coaxial with longitudinal axis A.In some embodiments, electrode body 1702 includes near located at socket 1724 The limited part 1732 at end, connector 1728 or alignment part 1730 for reacting on contact element 1716, so as to prevent contact The disengaging of element 1716.
Electrode 1700 includes the conducting element 1712 of flexible member 1710 and electric wire or conductive bar etc, conducting element 1712 Electrode body 1702 is electrically connected to contact element 1716 or power supply (not shown).The function of flexible member 1710 is substantially similar In the separation function of the conductive elastic component 312 with reference to Fig. 3 A and 3B description.However, flexible member 1719 is designed as in contact element Minimum current is transmitted between part 1716 and electrode body 1702 or electric current is not transmitted.
However, in some embodiments, flexible member 1710 is by tellurium copper, silver, the conduction of yellow gold or other alloys etc Material is made.Thus, can between flexible member 1710 and the surface of electrode body 1702 flexible member 1710 and contact element 1716 places for forming contact set insulating materials 1706.The insulating materials is suitable to substantially prevent electric current from flexible member 1710 are transferred to electrode body 1702.In some embodiments, insulating materials (not shown) can be inserted into flexible member 1710 and contact Flexible member 1710 forms the place for contacting with contact element 1716 between the surface of element 1715.The insulating materials is suitable to base Prevent electric current from being transmitted between contact element 1716 and flexible member 1710 on this.In some embodiments, flexible member 1710 by The insulation of dielectric material etc or the material of low electric conductivity are made.
Conducting element 1712 may be designed as transmitting substantially all of pilot arc electric current in pilot arc operating process, or Person transmits substantially all of electric current, or combinations thereof in transferred arc operating process.In some embodiments, conducting element The 1712 substantially all of pilot arc electric currents of transmission.More specifically, in pilot arc operating process, guiding electric current in power supply and Conducting element 1712 to electrode body 1702 is passed through between contact element 1716, thus, conducting element 1712 is carried substantially All of pilot arc electric current.
In some embodiments, in transferred arc pattern, conducting element 1712 is transmitted between power supply and electrode body 1702 Substantially all of cutting current, for example, the setting according to torch system may be up to 20,50, or 100 amperes.Thus, due to electrode To leave the direction movement of nozzle (not shown) to generate electric arc, can use prevents electric current in contact element 1716 to body 1702 The mechanism directly transmitted between the contact surface 1712 of second surface 1720 and electrode body 1702.For example, can be in contact element Insulating materials (not shown) is inserted between 1716 second surface 1720 and the contact surface 1722 of electrode body, substantially to prevent Only electric current transmission.Thus, in transferred arc operation, conducting element 1712 provides contact element 1716 and electrode body 1702 Between minimum resistance and/or maximum conductivity path.
In other embodiment, in transferred arc operating process, conducting element 1712 does not transmit electric current or only transmits minimum Electric current.Or, as the contact surface 1722 of electrode body 1702 forms physical contact with the second surface of contact element 1716, The interface being consequently formed is delivered in substantially all electricity in transferred arc mode process between providing 1702 from power supply to electrode body The direct circuit footpath of stream.Specifically, the interface provide minimum resistance between contact element 1716 and electrode body 1702 and/ Or the path of maximum conductivity.
In some embodiments, in transferred arc operating process, electric current is by conducting element 1712 and when contact element 1716 Second surface 1720 touch both physical interfaces formed during the contact surface 1722 of electrode body 1702 in contact element Transmitted between part 1716 and electrode body 1702.Multiple current paths can be by the reduction mechanical load related to physical contact The physical abrasion of electrode body 1702 and contact element 1716 is reduced, thus extends the life-span of electrode 1700.
Figure 13 shows another embodiment of electrode 1800, and it includes being configured to being transferred to minimum current or no electric current The flexible member 1810 of electrode body 1802.The function of flexible member 1810 is to be approximately similar to reference to leading that Fig. 3 A and 3B are described The pushing function of electric flexible member 312.Describe to prevent the flexible member 1810 from carrying out many of electric current conduction according to Figure 12 above Plant mechanism.
Electrode 1800 includes electrode body 1802, and it defines the distal end 1804 and near-end being oppositely arranged along longitudinal axis A 1808.The near-end 1808 of electrode body 1802 defines the socket 1824 centered on longitudinal axis A.Electrode 1800 also includes connecing Element 1816 is touched, it has the first surface 1818 being electrically connected with power supply (not shown), is suitable to the contact with electrode body 1802 The second surface 1820 of the physical contact of surface 1822, and the connector 1827 that socket 1824 is extended into from second surface 1820.Even Fitting 1827 is configured to slideably be engaged with electrode body 1802.For example, connector 1827 is including substantially same with longitudinal axis A The alignment part 1830 of axle.In some embodiments, electrode body 1802 includes the limiting unit 1832 located at the near-end of socket 1824, with anti- The alignment part 1830 of connector 1827 or contact element 1816 is acted on, so as to prevent the disengaging of contact element 1816.Some realities Apply in example, alignment part 1830 defines opening 1834, it is configured to receive the probe 1828 that is partially submerged into electrode body 1802 Part I 1831.As illustrated, centered on opening 1834 is substantially about longitudinal axis A.
Probe 1828 includes extending into second of the Part I 1831 of socket 1824 and intercalation electrode body 1802 Divide 1832.Part I 1831 can be made into have in the opening 1834 relatively compact tolerance and with the inner surface of opening 1834 At least a portion keeps constant contact.In transferred arc operating process, with electrode body 1802 under gas pressure along from The direction movement of nozzle is opened, the Part I 1831 of probe 1828 advances further into opening 1834, until Part I The first surface 1836 and/or the contact openings of surface 1842 of Part II 1832 of 1831 contact openings 1834 of surface 1838 1834 second surface 1840.
Probe 1828 can be the conducting probe and/or for example, the metal of gold, silver, nickel, or tin etc being made up of copper alloy The conducting probe of electroplating material.In some embodiments, probe 1828 is configured to conduct substantially all of pilot arc electric current.Example Such as, in pilot arc operating process, pilot arc electric current is transferred to contact element 1816 and from contact from power supply (not shown) Element 1816 is transferred to the Part I of conducting probe 1828, and it constitutes the low resistance road that pilot arc electric current is transmitted in the process Footpath.Hereafter, pilot arc electric current is transferred to electrode body 1802 by probe 1828.
In some embodiments, in transferred arc pattern, transmitted between power supply and electrode body 1802 by probe 1828 Essentially all of cutting current.More specifically, in transferred arc pattern, the surface 1838 of Part I 1831 and opening The surface 1842 of contact and/or Part II 1832 between 1834 first surface 1836 and the second surface of opening 1834 Contact between 1840 provides the minimum resistance path between contact element 1816 and electrode body 1802.In some embodiments, Because electrode body 1802 is moved in transferred arc operating process along the direction for leaving nozzle (not shown), can be used and reference What Figure 12 was described designs similar mechanism to prevent electric current in the second surface 1820 and electrode body 1802 of contact element 1816 Contact surface 1812 between directly transmit.
In some embodiments, in transferred arc operating process, electric current is by probe 1828 and when contact element 1816 Second surface 1820 touches both current paths formed during the contact surface 1822 of electrode body 1802 in contact element Transmitted between 1816 and electrode body 1802.Multiple current paths can be subtracted by reducing the mechanical load related to physical contact The physical abrasion of few electrode body 1802 and contact element 1816, thus extends the life-span of electrode 1800.
Figure 14 shows the another embodiment of electrode 1900, including is configured to for minimum current or no electric current to be transferred to electricity The flexible member 1910 of pole body 1902.The function of flexible member 1910 is to be approximately similar to the conduction with reference to Fig. 3 A and 3B description The pushing function of flexible member 312.Describe to prevent the flexible member 1910 from carrying out the various of electric current conduction according to Figure 12 above Mechanism.
Electrode 1900 includes electrode body 1902, and it defines the distal end 1904 and near-end being oppositely arranged along longitudinal axis A 1908.The near-end 1908 of electrode body 1902 defines the socket 1924 centered on longitudinal axis A.Electrode 1900 also includes connecing Element 1916 is touched, it has the first surface 1918 being electrically connected with power supply (not shown), be configured to be connect with electrode body 1902 Touch the second surface 1920 of the physical contact of surface 1922, and the connector 1928 that socket 1924 is extended into from second surface 1920. Connector 1928 is configured to slideably be engaged with electrode body 1902.For example, connector 1928 is included with longitudinal axis A substantially Coaxial alignment part 1930.In some embodiments, electrode body 1902 includes the limiting unit 1932 located at the near-end of socket 1924, with The alignment part 1930 of connector 1927 or contact element 1916 is reacted on, so as to prevent the disengaging of contact element 1916.
Electrode body 1902 includes part 1924, and it extends axially into socket 1924 and defines less than the second elasticity The small diameter of the internal diameter of element 1940, so that the surrounding portion 1942 of the second flexible member 1940.Second flexible member The surface 1944 of 1940 alignment parts 1930 for being configured to react on contact element 1916 is to provide separating force.Transferred arc is operated During, the (not shown) of electrode body 1902 is pushed away nozzle and overcomes the elasticity of flexible member 1910 and second by gas pressure The separating force of element 1940, with the axial movement electrode body 1902 of proximally facing end 1908 until the surface of aligned portions 1930 1944 form physical contact with the corresponding surface 1946 of part 1942.
Second flexible member 1940 for example can be the conducting element being made up of beryllium copper.Other conducting metals also fall into the present invention Scope.In some embodiments, in the elicitation procedure of pilot arc, the second flexible member 1940 is configured in contact element Substantially all of pilot arc circuit is transmitted between 1916 and electrode body 1902.In certain embodiments, grasped in transferred arc In work, electric current is by the second flexible member 1940 and when the surface 1944 of aligned portions 1930 touches the corresponding table of part 1942 Both current paths formed during face 1946 are being transmitted between contact element 1916 and electrode body 1902.Further, since Electrode body 1902 can be used and the design with reference to Figure 12 descriptions along the direction movement of nozzle (not shown) is left to generate electric arc Similar mechanism prevents electric current in the second surface 1920 of contact element 1916 and the contact surface 1922 of electrode body 1902 Between directly transmit.
As shown in figs. 12-14, flexible member can be non-conductive, and be configured to mainly promote electrode body movement enter The contact start of row plasma welding torch.Or, in transferred arc operating process, can use one or more conducting elements with Pilot arc electric current is transferred to electrode body from power supply in pilot arc operating process, or with transferred arc operating process It is middle that cutting current is transferred to electrode body, or combinations thereof from power supply.For example, the conducting element 1712 shown in Figure 12, Probe 1828 shown in Figure 13, or the second flexible member 1940 shown in Figure 14 can be set to appropriate size and be designed as conduction One or both is used for the electric current of contact start plasma arc torch.After reading the present invention, the ordinary skill of this area Personnel should be understood that and can clearly be designed using these in the way of multiple combination.
Figure 15 A be assembly 1200 for contact start plasma arc torch partial perspective cutaway view.Assembling Part 1200 includes electrode 1204, hollow body 1208, flexible member 1212, and physical contact 1216.Electrode 1204 includes electricity Pole body 1220, electrode body 1220 includes accommodating the distal end 1224 of transmitting part.Electrode 1204 is also located away from distal end including it 1224 end 1232.Relative to the position (for example, near electrode body 1220) that distal end 1224 determines end 1232.Electrode sheet Body 1220 include one group of spiral groove 1236 with air-flow is oriented to or ease of assembly part 1200 cooling.Work as assembly 1200 be arranged on welding torch (not shown) when, electrode 1204 can be moved along axis A, thus for example slideably with hollow body 1208 Inner surface 1240 engage.Hollow body 1208 includes forward part 1244 and rear part 1248.In one embodiment, forward part 1244 Including one or more from outer surface 1256 to the hole 1252 of inner surface 1240.Hole 1252 may be such that the gas for flowing through assembly 1200 Eddy motion is carried out relative to axis A.Hollow body 1208 with such hole 1252 for being used to generate vortex gas flow is commonly referred to as It is ring of eddy.It should be understood that the simple change of vortex ring system hollow body 1208 and system as herein described can be at hollow Worked in body 1208 or in ring of eddy construction.It will also be appreciated that hollow body can be the part that welding torch is integrally formed.
The end 1232 of electrode 1204 is included along axis A axially extending part 1260.Part 1260 is included along first party To first length 1264 (or distance) in (for example, the direction of axis A radially away) and in a second direction (for example, radially away Axis A and perpendicular to first direction) the second length 1268 (or distance).Hollow body 1208 is included relative to inner surface 1240 shoulders 1272 (for example, being defined on inner surface 1240) for setting.Shoulder 1272 can also turn into profile portion (contour), Stage portion, or flange, and can relative to inner surface 1240 have various geometries (for example, semicircle, triangle, rectangle, Or irregular polygon geometry).Shoulder 1272 defines Part I 1276 and Part II 1280.Part I 1276 It is engaged to form the forming open that the part 1260 of electrode 1240 is moved in Part II 1280.More specifically, The distance that Part II 1280 leaves axis A is sufficient so that the second length 1268 and can slide through therebetween.Part I 1276 are engaged with Part II 1280 to define the opening with groove 1284, and the size of groove 1284 is more than the first length 1264 And being sufficient so that the first length 1264 can slide through therebetween.Electrode 120 is pacified in the way of in hollow body 1208 In welding torch, to cause that part 1260 can move axially and be reciprocated through by Part I 1276 and second along axis A Points 1280 define go out opening.
Part 1260 also includes surface 1288, it include first area 1290 for being electrically connected with flexible member 1212 and For the second area 1292 being electrically connected with physical contact 1216, for example, the corresponding surface for passing through physical contact 1216 1294 physical contact.Flexible member 1212 is towards the Elastic pusher electrode 1204 of distal end 1224.By when mounted with distal end The nozzle (not shown) of 1224 physical contacts prevents electrode 1204 from being ejected from welding torch.Nozzle is fixed to welding torch, so that portion 1260 (for example, passing through first areas 1290) are divided to form physical contact with flexible member 1212.For example, install nozzle can pressing portion 1260 are divided to pass through groove 1284 and be defined as the position of first area 1290 to form physical contact with flexible member 1212. When nozzle is installed, flexible member 1212 is compressed.
Flexible member 1212 is positioned between shoulder 1272 and the flange 1296 of physical contact 1216.Flexible member 1212 It is spacing or be fastened on hollow body 1208 (for example, by shoulder 1272) and physical contact 1216 (for example, passing through flange 1296) between.Thus shoulder 1272 limits flexible member 1212 and promotes the contact resilient element 1212 of electrode 1204 and power supply Contact 1216.
Physical contact 1216 is electrically connected with power supply (not shown).In pilot arc elicitation procedure, power supply is by pilot arc Electric current is provided to physical contact 1216, and the electric current flow to electrode 1204 from flange 1296 via flexible member 1212 First area 1290.In pilot arc elicitation procedure, plasma gas (not shown) flows around electrode, and the plasma (orifice) gas Fluid pressure on body increase electrode 1204.The pressure cause electrode 1204 moved axially towards physical contact 1216 and Form physical contact.The physical separation of electrode 1204 and nozzle in the plasma chamber being formed between nozzle and electrode 1204 (not Show) middle generation pilot arc.Pressure causes that electrode 204 is formed with physical contact 1216 and is physically contacted and is electrically connected.When Electrode 1204 is formed when contacting with physical contact, and part 1260 is within groove 1284.
In transferred arc operating process, transferred arc electric current by the second area 1292 on the surface 1288 of part 1260 with Physical contact between the corresponding surface 1294 of physical contact 1216 flow to electrode from power supply via current contact 1216 1204.In transferred arc operating process, gas pressure increases to form the plasma jet for processing workpiece (not shown).
Although assembly 1200 is illustrated as first area 1290 and forms directly physical contact with flexible member 1212, its It is also available that he constructs.For example, flexible member 1212 may include that the separation contact surface of such as air ring girth sheets etc (is not shown Go out), it is fixed to flexible member 1212 to be formed and the physical contact of electrode 1204 and be electrically connected.Similarly, physical contact Electrodepositable or be coated with material on 1216 corresponding surface 1294 so that electrode 1204 contacted with electrodeposited coating or coat and It is not physical contact 1216 contact itself.Such construct also falls into the scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, the forward part 1244 of hollow body 1208 and rear part 1248 are integrally formed (for example, by identical Material pieces be made).In some embodiments, forward part 1244 and rear part 1248 are formed by different materials, for example, forward part 1244 are made up of insulating materials, and then part 1248 has conductive material to be made.
In some embodiments, the size of groove 1284 be approximately greater than the first length 1264 with promote in hollow body 1208 around Axis A carries out some angular displacements (for example, when part 1260 is in groove 1284) to electrode 1204.Groove 1284 can also prevent electricity Pole 1204 around axis A angular displacements, for example, by reacting on part 1260 in case angle till displacement.In some embodiments, surface 1288 first area 1290 and second area 1292 and non-co-planar are not formed as the region on same surface.For example, the One region 1290 can be axially distant from second area 1292, convex to cause that the part 1260 of electrode 1204 includes axial step portion Edge, or shoulder (not shown).
Figure 15 B are the three-dimensional exploded view of assembly 1200 shown in Figure 18 A, and wherein hollow body 1208 cuts a part.Figure 18B shows the electrode 1204 in unassembled state, hollow body before plasma welding torch (not shown) is installed to 1208, flexible member 1212, physical contact 1216.In assembling process, electrode 1204 slidably engages hollow body 1208, Thus electrode 1204 can be attached to hollow body 1208 without screw thread.The surface 1297 of flexible member 1212 is shown in figure. When flexible member 1212 is located in welding torch, surface 1297 forms with the shoulder 1272 of hollow body 1208 and contacts.First area 1290 move through groove 1284 and form physical contact with least a portion on the surface 1297 of flexible member 1212 and be electrically connected It is logical.
Figure 15 C are the front view of a part for assembly 1200 shown in Figure 18 A.Figure 15 C show hollow body 1208, electricity Source contact 1216, and flexible member 1212 surface 1297.Not shown electrode 1204, but with reference to the electrode of Figure 18 A descriptions 1204 multiple parts.Hollow body 1208 includes shoulder 1272.Shoulder 1272 defines Part I 1276 and Part II 1280, it is engaged to form the forming open that the part 1260 of electrode 1204 is moved in.As illustrated, Part I 1276 and Part II 1280 coordinate to form the groove 1284A and 1284B in the opening, when electrode 1204 be arranged on welding torch in When, the part 1260 of electrode 1204 may pass through wherein (for example, by reciprocatingly sliding).In this construction, hollow body 1208 Groove 1284A and 1284B have the shape with the complementation of part 1260 of electrode.The complementary embodiment of groove 1284A and 1284B shape Its shape be set to can accommodate electrod part 1260.However, the shape of groove 1284A and 1284B is without the part with electrode 1260 shape matches.Conversely, the shape of groove 1284A and 1284B only need can be by the part 1260 of electrode.
In some embodiments, Part I 1276 and Part II 1280 coordinate with formed have a groove 1284A or 1284B rather than two forming open of groove.Each groove 1284A and 1284B is defined by two parts 1285 being parallel to each other.Part 1285 can also define other geometries or orientation, for example, part 1285 can be directed radially towards axis A (for example, forming triangle Shape groove).Part 1285 or circle, it is semicircle, or other curve shapes.Usually, part 1285 can define any fair Perhaps the part 1260 of electrode through shoulder 1272 (for example, through opening for being defined by Part I 1276 and Part II 1280 Mouthful) geometry.
Axis A is to Part II 1280 apart from d1More than axis A to Part I 1276 apart from d2.Axis A to elasticity Element 1212 apart from d3Less than apart from d1.In some embodiments, apart from d3Less than apart from d2(for example, working as annular plate (not shown) When being fixed to flexible member 1212).Axis A is to physical contact 1216 apart from d4Less than apart from d3, to promote second area 1292 form physical contact and are electrically connected through flexible member 1212 and with the corresponding surface 1294 of physical contact 1216.
In some embodiments, electrode 1204 need not pass through shoulder, for example, when part 1260 and groove 1284A and 1284B be not right Qi Shi.In this construction, the contact of part 1260 shoulder 1272, shoulder 1272 prevents part 1260 from passing through.In some embodiments, electricity Pole 1204 can be fixed in welding torch.For example, part 1260 entirely can be formed through shoulder 1272 with flexible member 1212 connecing Touch (for example, passing through first area 1290).Part 1260 presses flexible member 1212.Flexible member 1212 is pushed away towards distal end 1224 Piezoelectricity pole 1204.When part 1260 is around axis A angular displacements, the proximal face (not shown) of shoulder 1272 prevent electrode 1204 to Move in distally.The interaction of the proximal face of part 1260 and shoulder 1272 prevent flexible member 1212 by electrode 1204 therefrom Ejected in empty body 1208 and/or welding torch.
In some embodiments, part 1260 has the circular structure centered on axis A.In such embodiment, part 1260 include the first area 1290 for forming physical contact with flexible member 1212 and being electrically connected (for example, the ring-type of circular structure Outer perimeter) and the second area 1292 be physically contacted and be electrically connected is formed with physical contact 1216 (for example, located at circular outer periphery Region in boundary).As it was previously stated, first area 1290 and second area 1292 can be copline (for example, the difference on same surface Part) or non-co-planar (for example, different piece of different surfaces).Instead of in embodiment, first area 1290 can be along electrode The independent radially extending portion (not shown) that the length of 1204 longitudinal axis A is set, such as radially across the pin of electrode 1204.Footpath Function to extension is identical with first area 1290, i.e. be electrically connected to flexible member 1212 to pass as by electrode 1204 Lead the mechanism of pilot arc.In one embodiment, radial extension is divided into such elongated shoulder or pin, i.e. it may pass through shoulder 1272 still allow for flexible member 1212 is maintained in hollow body 1208.In this embodiment, the position of shoulder 1272 is along court To electrode distal end portion direction be located at hollow body 1208 axial length further below.
Figure 16 A are the stereogram of the electrode 1300 for contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1300 is similar to figure Electrode 1204 shown in 18A.The electrode includes the end 1308 of distal end 1304 and second.Second end 1308 is included along axis A axial directions The extension 1312 of extension.Extension 1312 defines three parts 1316A, 1316B, and the 1316C (also referred to as " wing Piece "), three parts all extend away from axis A.Each in three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C defines first Length l1With the second length l more long than the first length l12.In certain embodiments, three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C In the first length l of each1With the second length l2Value it is identical.It is each in three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C The first individual length l1With the second length l2Value can also be different.Show that length l1 and l2 directions are perpendicular to one another.In some implementations In example, length l1And l1Be can be oriented in other constructions and be for example respectively facing point 1320A and 1320B radially away from axis A.It is long Degree l1And l2Also can be towards other directions.
As illustrated, in three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C each with etc. angular separation construct (for example, portion Angle, θ in point 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C between each is about 120 °) set around axis A.However, three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C can be arranged to other angles construction of the angular separation such as non-around axis A.
Each in three parts 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C is included for corresponding with flexible member (not shown) Corresponding first area 1324A, 1324B, and 1324C that surface (not shown) is electrically connected and/or is physically contacted.Three parts Each in 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C is included for surface corresponding with physical contact (not shown) (not shown) electricity Connection and/or corresponding second area 1328A, 1328B, and the 1328C of physical contact.
As illustrated, first area 1324A, 1324B, and the 1324C of each part 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C show It is coplanar with corresponding Part II 1328A, 1328B, and 1328C.In certain embodiments, first area 1324A, 1324B, and 1324C is not coplanar with corresponding second area 1328A, 1328B, and 1328C.In certain embodiments, second area 1328A, 1328B, and 1328C is not coplanar with each other with other second areas.In certain embodiments, three subsets of part (for example, 1316A and 1316B) it is electrically connected with flexible member, and other parts (for example, 1316C) are not electrically connected with flexible member.Not with bullet Property element be electrically connected part (for example, 1316C) alignment structures or increased surface area can be provided to improve to the cold of electrode But.In transferred arc operating process, part 1316C is still movable to be physically contacted and is electrically connected with physical contact.At certain In a little embodiments, first area 1324A, 1324B, and 1324C or second area 1328A, 1328B, and 1328C or both can be with Extension 1312 overlaps.For example, being electrically connected by with extension 1312 (for example, being made electrical contact with by above-mentioned slip), guide Electric current and/or transferred arc electric current can flow through between power supply and electrode 1300.
Figure 16 B are the front views of the assembly 1340 being used together with the electrode 1300 of Figure 16 A.During assembly 1340 includes Empty body 1344, flexible member 1348, and physical contact 1352.The assembly is similar to the assembly 1200 shown in Figure 15 C. Assembly 1340 is configured for the electrode 1300 of Figure 13.More specifically, hollow body 1344 includes shoulder 1356, its tool There are Part I 1360 and Part II 1364, this two parts coordinates to be formed with three grooves 1368A, 1368B, and 1368C Forming open.Opening and three grooves 1368A, 1368B, and 1368C promote appropriate section 1316A, 1316B, and 1316C movement Physical contact is formed through opening and with flexible member 1348 and be electrically connected.As described above, groove 1368A, 1368B are shown, and Size of the size of 1368C about with part 1316A, 1316B, with 1316C is identical；But, groove 1368A, 1368B, and 1368C It is big (for example, circumferentially bigger) than appropriate section 1316A, 316B, and 1316C.
Figure 17 A-17B, 18A-18B, and 19 electrodes and assembly for operating with being shown similar to above-described embodiment replacement Embodiment.
Figure 17 A are used in the stereogram of the electrode 1400 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1400 includes four Part 1404A, 1404B, 1404C, and 1404D.
Figure 17 B are the front views of the assembly 1420 being used together with the electrode 1400 of Figure 17 A.During assembly 1420 includes Empty body 1424, hollow body includes shoulder 1428, and the shoulder 1428 includes Part I 1432 and Part II 1436, and this two Part is defined with four forming opens of groove 1440A, 1440B, 1440C, and 1440D, to promote four appropriate sections 1404A, 1404B, 1404C, and 1404D are physically contacted through forming open and with flexible member 1444 and physical contact 1448 And/or be electrically connected.
Figure 18 A are used in the stereogram of the electrode 1500 of contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1500 includes five Part 1504A, 1504B, 1504C, 1504D, and 1504E.
Figure 18 B are the front views of the assembly 1520 of the electrode 1500 for Figure 18 A.Assembly 1520 includes hollow body 1524, hollow body includes shoulder 1528, and shoulder defines forming open, to promote five appropriate sections 1504A, 1504B, 1504C, 1504D, and 1504E through forming open and be physically contacted with flexible member 1532 and physical contact 1536 and/or It is electrically connected.Electrode 1500 can be similar to the electricity of the above-mentioned electrode 1204 for Figure 18 A, the electrode 1300 of Figure 16 A, and Figure 17 A The mode of pole 1400 is used.
The value of the operating current of plasma welding torch can be with the quantity of the part included by special electrodes (for example, Figure 16 A Four part 1404A-1404D of three part 1316A-1316C, Figure 17 A, or Figure 18 A five part 1504A-1504E) It is relevant or related.For example, the electrode with three part 1316A-1316C can be used in transferred arc operating process about 60 The welding torch of the lower work of ampere.Electrode with four part 1404A-1404D can be used in transferred arc operating process about The welding torch worked under 80 amperes.Electrode with five part 1504A-1504E can be used in transferred arc operating process The welding torch worked under about 100 amperes.Using the electrode of the design shown in Figure 16 A, 17A, and 18A can be respectively used to construction just like The welding torch of forming open shown in Figure 16 B, 17B, and 18B.In certain embodiments, electrode may include the part of more than five.
It is associated with welding torch operating current by by the quantity of fin, it can be ensured that the given operating current for welding torch is used Correct electrode.For example, in 60 amperes of work of welding torch, using hollow with three grooves 1368A, 1368B, and 1368C Body 1344 can be received with respective numbers part (or " fin "), such as three the 60 of part 1316A-1316C amperes of electricity Pole.On the other hand, if user attempts to be used in three the 60 of groove 1368A, 1368B, and 1368C amperes of welding torches are configured with 100 amperes of electrodes, for example, with five electrodes of part 1504A-1504E 1500, electrode 1500 and hollow body 1344 can not Match.Five part 1504A-1504E are prevented from through three groove 1368A-1368C.By using this system, can be to specific The specific welding torch of electrode optimization.Therefore, in certain embodiments, preventing user will have five electrodes of fin (for example, electrode 1500) for not to the welding torch (for example, with three welding torches of groove 1368A-1368C) of the electrode optimization.Additionally, prevention has The electrode (for example, electrode 1300) of less fin (for example, three part 1316A-1316C) for using more multiple-grooved (for example, in Five grooves of empty body 1524) welding torch, this flows through the magnitude of current of electrode to extend the working life of electrode by optimization.
Figure 19 is the stereogram of the electrode 1600 for being used in contact start plasma arc torch.Electrode 1600 includes distal end 1604 and second end 1608.Second end 1608 includes extension 1612, and extension 1612 is defined with diameter d1Table Face 1616.Two region 1620A and 1602B extend along axis A from surface 1616.1620A and 1620B are respectively defined accordingly in region End surfaces 1624A and 1624B.End surfaces 1624A and 1624B can be used for the respective surfaces of flexible member (for example, Figure 15 C The surface 1297 of flexible member 1212) it is physically contacted and is electrically connected.The electric current triggered for pilot arc by surface 1624A and 1624B and region 1620A and 1620B flow through between flexible member (not shown) and electrode 1600.Triggered in pilot arc When electrode 1600 moves (for example, along the direction for leaving distal end 1604) along proximally facing direction in journey, region 1620A and 1620B compression elastic elements.Surface 1616 moves to the respective surfaces (not shown) with physical contact (not shown), such as schemes It is physically contacted and is electrically connected to carry out transferred arc operation in the surface 1294 of the physical contact 1216 of 18A.
Region 1620A and 1620B also define corresponding extensional surface 1628A and 1628B.1620A and 1620B can wear in region The groove 1284A and 1284B of Figure 15 C are crossed (for example, the groove defined by the Part I 1276 and Part II 1280 of shoulder 1272 1284A and 1284B).Extension 1628A and 1628B can react on groove 1284A and 1284B to prevent or resist electrode 1600 in welding torch around the angular displacement of axis A.As illustrated, region 1620A and 1620B are arranged essentially parallel to axis A.Also may be used Use other constructions or alignment structures of region 1620A and 1620B.Each in region 1620A and 1620B is defined than straight Footpath d1Small diameter d2。
In certain embodiments, the second extension (not shown) extends from surface 1616 and defines second surface and (do not show Go out).Second surface can be parallel to surface 1616.Second extension can to distal end extend (for example, towards distal end 1604) with The cavity (not shown) relative to surface 1616 is defined in second end 1608.Second extension can proximally extend (for example, Leave the direction of distal end 1604 in edge) to define cylinder or base-like part (not shown).In these embodiments, the second table Face is movable to and be physically contacted with the respective surfaces of physical contact and be electrically connected to carry out transferred arc operation.
Diameter is oppositely arranged and equidistant apart from axis A phases region 1620A each other with 1620B.In certain embodiments, electricity Pole 1600 includes more than two region 1620A and 1620B (for example, being respectively used to the assembly of Figure 16 B, 17B, and 18B 1340,1420, and three of 1520, four, or five regions).In certain embodiments, electrode 1600 only includes a region 1620A or 1620B.In these embodiments, region 1620A or 1620B parallel to axis A or can be aligned.In this reality Apply in example, shoulder (for example, shoulder 1272) can define the opening with substantially continuous circumference (for example, without groove 1284). The diameter of opening is smaller than the external diameter of flexible member and more than the internal diameter of flexible member to prevent flexible member from being removed from welding torch.Area The diameter of domain 1620A or 1620B is less than the diameter of opening but more than the internal diameter of flexible member, to promote region 1620A or 1620B Contact and flexible member between.
Figure 20 A show the embodiment of the assembly 2000 for contact start plasma arc torch.Assembly 2000 Including electrode 2004, hollow body 2008, flexible member 2012, contact element 2014 and physical contact 2016.Electrode 2004 Including electrode body 2020, electrode body 2020 includes accommodating the distal end 2024 of transmitting part 2028.Electrode body 2020 includes one Group spiral groove 2036 with air-flow is oriented to or ease of assembly part 2000 cooling.When assembly 2000 is arranged on weldering During torch, electrode 2004 can be moved along axis A, so as to for example slideably be engaged with the inner surface 2040 of hollow body 2008.In Empty body 2008 includes forward part 2044 and rear part 2048.In one embodiment, forward part 2044 includes ring of eddy, the vortex Ring includes one or more from outer surface 2056 to the hole 2052 of inner surface 2040.Hole 2052 may be such that and flow through hole 2052 and assembly 2000 gas phase carries out eddy motion for axis A.Ring of eddy can be integrally formed with hollow body 2008.Hollow body also may be used It is an integrally formed part for plasma welding torch.In some embodiments, the inner surface 2040 of hollow body 2008 is by insulating Material is made or is coated with insulating materials.
As illustrated, hollow body 2008 includes the shoulder 2072 set relative to inner surface 2040, to limit contact element The moving radially in hollow body 2008 of part 2014.Contact element 2014 includes the surface being electrically connected with physical contact 2016 (not shown).Contact element 2014 also includes along axis A axially extending part 2094.Part 2094 is along the direction towards distally Extend to promote to be electrically connected with the part 2060 of electrode body 2020 in the lower section of shoulder 2072.Specifically, the boundary of part 2094 Make for flexible member 2012 proximal face (not shown) formed physical contact first surface 2096 and for electricity The second surface 2062 of the part 2060 of pole body 2020 forms the second surface 2098 of physical contact.Except second surface 2062, part 2060 also includes being formed for the distal surface (not shown) with flexible member 2012 first surface of physical contact 2088.Thus, between the contact element 2014 and electrode 2004 that flexible member 2012 are limited in hollow body 2008.Some In embodiment, flexible member 2012 is fixed to hollow body 2008 by radial interference fit.Flexible member 2012 be configured to Electrode 2004 applies separating force and pushes electrode 2004 towards distal end portion 2024.Electrode 2004 is prevented by nozzle (not shown) From welding torch ejection.Nozzle is fixed to welding torch, so that part 2060 forms physical contact with flexible member 2012.For example, peace Can be defined as the position on the surface 2088 of electrode 2004 being connect with the distal surface formation physics of flexible member 2012 by dress nozzle Touch so that when nozzle is installed, flexible member 2012 is compressed.
Physical contact 2016 is electrically connected with power supply (not shown).In pilot arc elicitation procedure, power supply is by pilot arc Electric current is provided to physical contact 2016, and then the electric current is transferred to contact element 2014.In some embodiments, elasticity Element 2012 is conductive, and thus pilot arc electric current is transferred to the table of electrode 2004 from contact element 2014 via flexible member 2012 Face 2088.In other embodiment, flexible member 2012 is non-conductive, thus can be using the device described by any reference Figure 12-14 Pilot arc electric current is conducted to electrode 2004 from contact element 2014.In pilot arc elicitation procedure, plasma gas (does not show Go out) around electrode flowing, and the plasma gas increases the Fluid pressure on electrode 2004.The pressure overcomes flexible member 2012 apply separating forces and cause electrode 2004 moved axially towards physical contact 2016.The electrode 2004 for being formed and spray Physical separation between mouth generates pilot arc in the plasma chamber (not shown) defined by nozzle and electrode 2004.More Body ground, the second surface 2062 of pressure traveling electrode 2004 simultaneously is allowed to form physics with the second surface 2098 of contact element 2014 Contact, to carry out transferred arc operation.In some embodiments, contact element 2014 is fixed in hollow body 2008.
In transferred arc operating process, transferred arc electric current flow to contact element 2014 from power supply.In some embodiments, electricity Physical contact between surface 2098 and the surface 2062 of part 2060 that stream passes through part 2094 flow to from contact element 2014 Electrode 2004.In other embodiment, electric current is flow to by other devices described above with reference to Figure 12-14 from contact element 2014 Electrode 2004.In transferred arc operating process, as electric current increases, gas pressure increase (is not shown with being formed for processing workpiece Go out) arc cutting.
Figure 20 B are the three-dimensional exploded view of assembly 2000 shown in Figure 20 A, and wherein hollow body 2008 cuts a part.Figure 20B shows the electrode 2004 in unassembled state, flexible member before plasma welding torch (not shown) is installed to 2012, hollow body 2008, contact element 2014, and physical contact 2016.In assembling process, contact element 2014 is axially inserted Enter hollow body until the proximal face limitation contact element 2014 of the shoulder 2072 of hollow body 2008.Flexible member 2012 is inserted Enter hollow body 2008 until the proximal face 2099 of flexible member 2012 is interior and contact element 2014 in hollow body 2008 Surface 2096 forms contact.Electrode 2004 slidably engages hollow body 2008, and thus electrode 2004 can group without screw thread It is filled to hollow body 2008.Electrode 2004 is suitable in hollow body be contacted with the distal surface 2097 of flexible member 2012.One In a little embodiments, before assembling, flexible member 2012 is connected to contact element 2014 or is integrally formed therewith.Some embodiments In, before assembling, flexible member 2012 is integrally formed with electrode 2004 or is connected to electrode 2004.
In some embodiments, hollow body 2008, physical contact 2016, in flexible member 2012, and electrode 2004 At least one is the consumable part of plasma welding torch.In other embodiment, hollow body 2008, physical contact 2016, bullet One or more in property element 2012, and contact element 2014 are combined into the single consumable part of plasma welding torch.
Figure 21 A show the assembly 2100 for contact start plasma arc torch according to embodiments of the present invention Partial cross-sectional perspective view.Shown assembly includes electrode 2104, hollow body 2108, flexible member 2112, first contact element 2114, second contact element 2115, and physical contact 2116.Electrode 2104 and hollow body 2108 respectively with shown in Figure 20 A Electrode 2014 and hollow body 2008 it is roughly the same.Second contact element 2115 can be made up of relatively hard and conductive material, Such as stainless steel, chromium-copper, nickel, or beryllium copper.Second contact element 2115 can be by identical or different with first contact element 2114 Material is made.This assembly is preferable, because flexible member 2112 is limited in the specific region of the assembly into elasticity simultaneously Element 2112 can on demand push multiple parts of welding torch so that it contacts with each other or separates.
More specifically, hollow body 2108 includes the first shoulder 2172, its inner surface relative to hollow body 2108 2140 set to limit the moving radially in hollow body 2108 of first contact element 2114.Hollow body 2108 also includes the Two shoulders 2173, it sets relative to inner surface 2140 and is moved towards the radial direction of distal end portion 2124 with limiting second contact element 2115 It is dynamic.First contact element 2114 includes the surface (not shown) being electrically connected with physical contact 2116.First contact element 2114 Also include along axis A axially extending part 2194.Part 2194 extends along distal direction 2124 in the lower section of shoulder 2172.Portion Points 2194 define for the proximal face (not shown) with flexible member 2112 formed physical contact first surface 2196 and The second surface 2198 of physical contact is formed for the second surface 2162 with second contact element 2114.Except second surface 2198, second contact element 2115 also includes forming physical contact for the distal surface (not shown) with flexible member 2112 First surface 2188.Second contact element 2115 also includes forming physical contact and electricity for the part 2160 with electrode 2104 The threeth surface (not shown) relative with first surface 2188 of connection.Thus, flexible member 2112 is limited in hollow body Between first contact element 2114 and second contact element 2115 in 2108.In some embodiments, flexible member 2112 passes through Radial interference fit is fixed to electrode body 2108.Flexible member 2112 is configured to apply separating force to second contact element 2115 And second contact element 2115 is pushed towards distal direction, second contact element 2115 distad holds 2124 pushing electrodes 2114.Prevent second contact element 2115 from being ejected from welding torch and electrode is prevented by nozzle (not shown) by shoulder 2173 2104 eject from welding torch.Nozzle is fixed to welding torch, so that the part 2160 of electrode 2104 and the thing of second contact element 2115 Reason contact, the contact resilient element 2012 of second contact element 2115.For example, install nozzle part 2160 can be positioned to and second Flexible member 2115 forms physical contact so that when nozzle is installed, and flexible member 2112 is subject to second contact element 2115 Compression.
Physical contact 2116 is electrically connected with power supply (not shown).In pilot arc elicitation procedure, power supply is by pilot arc Electric current is provided to physical contact 2116, and the electric current is transferred to first contact element 2114.In some embodiments, elasticity Element 2112 is conductive, and thus pilot arc electric current is transferred to the second contact from first contact element 2114 via flexible member 2112 Element 2115, and electric current is transferred to electrode 2104 by second contact element 2115.In some embodiments, can use any with reference to figure Device described by 12-14 conducts to electricity pilot arc electric current from first contact element 2114 via second contact element 2115 Pole 2104.In pilot arc elicitation procedure, plasma gas (not shown) flows around electrode, and the plasma gas increases Fluid pressure on electrode 2104.The pressure overcomes the power of the applying of flexible member 2112 and causes electrode 2104 axially backward It is mobile, so that second contact element 2115 is translated towards first contact element 2114.The electrode 2104 and nozzle for being formed Between physical separation generate pilot arc in the plasma chamber (not shown) being formed between nozzle and electrode 2104.More Body ground, pressure traveling electrode 2104 simultaneously is allowed to be physically contacted with the formation of second contact element 2115, and second contact element 2115 Pushed by the part 2160 of electrode 2104 and form physical contact with first contact element 2114, so as to carry out transferred arc behaviour Make.In some embodiments, contact element 2114 is fixed in hollow body 2108, and second contact element 2115 can be first Translated relative to first contact element 2114 between the shoulder 2173 of shoulder 2172 and second.
In transferred arc operating process, transferred arc electric current flow to first contact element 2114 from power supply.Some embodiments In, the electricity that electric current is generated when contacting the surface 2162 of second contact element 2115 by the surface 2198 of first contact element 2114 Flow path flow to second contact element 2115 from first contact element 2114.Hereafter, this electric current is from second contact element 2115 It is transferred to electrode 2104.In certain embodiments, electric current is via other devices described above with reference to Figure 12-14 from contact element 2014 flow to electrode 2004.In transferred arc operating process, gas pressure increases to be formed for processing workpiece (not shown) Plasma jet.
Figure 21 B are the three-dimensional exploded view of assembly 2100 shown in Figure 21 A, and wherein hollow body 2108 cuts a part.Figure 21B shows the electrode 2104 in unassembled state before contact start plasma arc torch (not shown) is installed to, Hollow body 2008, second contact element 2115, flexible member 2112, first contact element 2114, and physical contact 2016. In some embodiments, before miscellaneous part is installed, during second contact element 2115 and flexible member 2112 are pre-installed to Between the first shoulder 2172 and the second shoulder 2173 in empty body 2108.
In some embodiments, hollow body 2108, physical contact 2116, first contact element 2114, the second contact element At least one of part 2115, flexible member 2112, and electrode 2104 are the consumable part of plasma welding torch.Other embodiment In, hollow body 2108, physical contact 2116, first contact element 2114, second contact element 2115, flexible member 2112 In one or more be combined into the single consumable part of plasma welding torch.
Although the present invention is specifically illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiment, those skilled in the art should manage Spirit of the invention that the various changes that solution can carry out form and details to it are defined without departing from appended claims and Scope.Although for example, showing that some surfaces are planes, also can be used can have other nonplanar geometries, such as It is spherical, hemispherical, the surface of conical and/or cylindrical geometries is without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It should be understood that many aspects of the invention and embodiment can be combined in many ways.For example, the aspect of Figure 21 can be with figure The electrode combination of 3A, and the invention of Figure 13 can be combined with the assembly of Figure 20 A.According to the teaching of this specification, this area it is general Logical technical staff can easily determine how and combine these embodiments.

Claims (20)

1. a kind of part for contact start plasma arc torch, the part includes：
Hollow body, the hollow body defines the passage with longitudinal axis, and the passage can be along the longitudinal axis Slidably receive electrode body；
First contact element, it is located in the hollow body and including first contact element surface and second contact element table Face, the first contact element surface promotion is electrically connected with power supply；
Supplementary contact element, it is arranged in the ducted body and including the first supplementary contact element surface and the second supplementary contact Element surface, the second supplementary contact element surface structure is into when with the transferred arc pattern operation plasma welding torch When, the second supplementary contact element surface physics contacts the surface of the electrode body；And
One or two shoulder, is arranged in the passage for limiting in the first contact element or supplementary contact element extremely Few one vertically moves.
2. part as claimed in claim 1, also including swirl ring portion, the swirl ring portion defines exterior section, interior Portion part and from the exterior section by one or more holes of the interior section, to cause that fluid forms eddy motion.
3. part as claimed in claim 2, wherein the swirl ring portion is integrally formed with the hollow body.
4. part as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow body includes swirl ring portion.
5. part as claimed in claim 1, also including flexible member, it is arranged on the second contact element in the passage Between surface and the first supplementary contact element surface, wherein the flexible member is configured to apply to divide to the supplementary contact element From power.
6. part as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible member is fixed to the passage by radial interference fit.
7. part as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible member is connected to the first contact element or described additional At least one of contact element.
8. part as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first contact element is maintained static and the supplementary contact element Can be translated relative to the first contact element.
9. part as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shoulder includes being vertically moved for limiting the first contact element The first shoulder and for limiting the second shoulder that the supplementary contact element is vertically moved.
10. part as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the passage includes insulating materials.
11. parts as claimed in claim 1, also including physical contact, itself and the power supply and the first contact element First contact element surface be electrically connected.
12. parts as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first supplementary contact element surface structure is into the transferred arc Under pattern, the second contact element surface is physically contacted.
A kind of 13. methods for operating contact start plasma arc torch, methods described includes：
Electrode body is slidably received within passage along longitudinal axis, the passage by the plasma welding torch part Hollow body define；
When the plasma welding torch is operated with transferred arc pattern, 1) power supply is promoted to be connect with first in the passage Touch element first contact element surface between electric connection, and 2) the second supplementary contact element surface of supplementary contact element with Physical contact between the surface of the electrode body；
When the welding torch is operated with pilot arc pattern, the second supplementary contact element surface of the supplementary contact element is kept Physical contact is not formed and the surface of the electrode body between；
Limit at least one of the first contact element or supplementary contact element vertically moving in passage.
14. methods as claimed in claim 13, also include：Pass through one or more from the outer surface of the part by making fluid Hole reaches the inner surface of the part and causes that fluid forms eddy motion.
15. methods as claimed in claim 13, also include：By the second contact element table located at the first contact element Flexible member between face and the first supplementary contact element surface of the supplementary contact element is applied to the supplementary contact element Plus separating force.
16. methods as claimed in claim 15, also include：The flexible member is connected to the first contact element or attached At least one of plus contact element.
17. methods as claimed in claim 13, wherein limitation it is described vertically move to be included in the passage limit described the Both one contact element and supplementary contact element are vertically moved.
18. methods as claimed in claim 13, also include：So that the inner surface insulation of the passage.
19. methods as claimed in claim 13, also include：Physical contact is promoted to be connect with the first of the first contact element The electric connection between element surface is touched, wherein the physical contact is electrically connected with the power supply.
20. methods as claimed in claim 13, further include when with the transferred arc pattern operation plasma welding torch When, between the second contact element surface and the first supplementary contact element surface of supplementary contact element of promotion first contact element Physical contact.
CN201280066360.0A 2012-01-06 2012-12-06 Electrode for contact start plasma arc torch and the contact start plasma arc torch using the electrode Active CN104081882B (en)

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US13/344,860 US9492883B2 (en) 2006-02-17 2012-01-06 Electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch and contact start plasma arc torch employing such electrodes
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EP2801244A1 (en) 2014-11-12
WO2013103466A1 (en) 2013-07-11

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