Processing torch having a separably assembled torch base and torch head

• US 5,874,707 A
• Filed: 07/09/1997
• Issued: 02/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Komatsu Industries Corporation (Komatsu Ltd.), Komatsu Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Komatsu Industries Corporation (Komatsu Ltd.), Komatsu Ltd.
• Inventors: Sato, Hitoshi, Iida, Noboru, Yamashita, Toshio, Yoshimitsu, Toshio
• Primary Examiner(s): Paschall, Mark H.
• Application Number:
  US08/860,870
• Time in Patent Office: 594 Days
• Field of Search: 219/121.48, 219/121.39, 219/121.51, 219/121.52, 219/74, 219/75, 219/121.36, 315/111.21, 439/10, 439/11, 439/29
• US Class Current: 219/121.48
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3423 Connecting means, e.g. electrical connecting means or fluid connections
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3436 Hollow cathodes with internal coolant flow
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3442 Cathodes with inserted tip
• CPC Class Codes: H05H 1/3478 Geometrical details

Abstract

A processing torch having a separably assembled torch base and torch head includes a first ring member rotatably provided on an outer periphery of one of the torch base and the torch head, and a second ring member fixed on the other one of the torch base and the torch head. An engaging projection is provided on one of the first and second ring members, and an inclined track provided on the other of the first and second ring members for engaging with the engaging projection. In addition, an elastic biasing member is provided for increasing an engaging force between the inclined track and the engaging projection so as to sealingly engage the inclined track and the engaging projection. Connection and disconnection between the torch base and the torch head are performed by rotation of at least one of the first and second ring members.

Claims

1. A processing torch having a separably assembled torch base and torch head, comprising:

a first ring member rotatably provided on an outer periphery of one of said torch base and said torch head, and a second ring member fixed on the other one of said torch base and said torch head,

an engaging projection provided on one of said first and second ring members, and an inclined track provided on the other of said first and second ring members for engaging with said engaging projection, and

an elastic biasing member for increasing an engaging force between said inclined track and said engaging projection so as to sealingly engage said torch base and said torch head,

wherein connection and disconnection between said torch base and said torch head are performed by rotation of said first ring member.

2. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein an inclination of said inclined track is steeper in a vicinity of an inlet portion thereof than in other portions thereof.

3. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inclined track is provided with a return preventing means for preventing said engaging projection from returning.

4. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second ring members mutually engage each other at portions outside of an engaging portion of said inclined track and said engaging projection, and wherein said engaging portion comprises a sealing structure.

5. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

connecting members provided on both said torch base and said torch head, said connecting members being formed into a tapered-shaped configuration to tightly engage with each other, and

a sealing member disposed between mating surfaces of said connecting members.

6. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a valve provided in a passage in said torch base.

7. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a valve provided in a vicinity of a connecting portion between said torch base and said torch head.

8. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of medium passages provided in a connecting portion between said torch base and said torch head.

9. A processing torch as set forth in claim 8, further comprising:

a plurality of medium stop valves provided in respective ones of said plurality of medium passages, and

an opening and closing member for opening and closing said medium stop valves substantially at a same timing upon separating and assembling of said torch base and said torch head.

10. A processing torch as set forth in claim 8, wherein said plurality of medium passages are coaxially arranged.

11. A processing torch as set forth in claim 8, wherein said plurality of medium passages are arranged in parallel.

12. A processing torch as set forth in claim 9, wherein at least one of said medium stop valves and said opening and closing member is non-conductive.

13. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein a connecting portion provided between said torch base and said torch head is exchangeable.

14. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inclined track is inclined in an arc-shaped and stepless manner.

15. A processing torch as set forth in claim 2, wherein said other portions of said inclined track include a plurality of recesses.

16. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inclined track comprises a protrusion and said engaging projection comprises a ball shaped member, and wherein said ball shaped member rotatingly contacts an upper surface of said protrusion.

17. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inclined track comprises a protrusion and said engaging projection comprises a plunger member, and wherein said plunger member rotatingly contacts an upper surface of said protrusion.

18. A processing torch as set forth in claim 17, wherein said upper surface of said protrusion is bonded by an elastic member.

19. A processing torch as set forth in claim 18, wherein said plunger member is bonded by an elastic member.

20. A processing torch as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inclined track comprises a groove having a V-shaped cross section and said engaging projection comprises a ball-shaped member, and wherein said ball-shaped member engages said groove.