GB941895A - Improvements relating to the mounting of electric arc electrodes - Google Patents

Abstract

941,895. Electrode clamps. BIRLECEFCO (MELTING) Ltd. May 7, 1962 [May 31, 1961], No. 19677/61. Heading H5H. An electrode clamping arrangement which permits controlled axial displacement of the electrode includes a clamp for holding the electrode against a force tending to produce such displacement, and an electromagnet controlling the clamp and connected to a circuit which includes means for briefly and repeatedly causing the release of the clamp, to permit an incremental displacement of the electrode by the force. Arc electrode 1 is positioned within an axially split sleeve 2, which is itself supported by its flange 2<SP>1</SP> and caused to clamp the electrode by the split cylinder 3, the flanged portions 9 and 11 of which are urged together by compression springs 4. The core and yokes 7 of an electromagnet having a coil 8 are secured to the flange 9, and an armature 10 is secured by tie-rods 12 to flange 11, whereby energization of the magnet causes it to be displaced towards the armature, counteracting the effect of springs 4 and allowing the electrode to slide down within sleeve 2 while energization persists. Operation of switch PB allows capacitor C to discharge through resistor RD, energizing the magnet for a period determined by the circuit time constant. As an alternative to the repeated manual depression of a button PB, the operation of a push-button may initiate, and maintain until released, the operation of an automatic pulse repetition circuit feeding coil 8. Switch S permits continuous energization, to allow removal of the electrode from the clamp. In a modification (Fig. 2, not shown), the electromagnet acts upon a mechanical linkage which actuates the clamp.