Plasma arc torch, and methods of assembling and disassembling a plasma arc torch
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A plasma arc torch, comprising:
- a torch body assembly comprising a generally cylindrical torch body and an insulator body disposed in the torch body;
an electrode assembly mounted in the torch body assembly, an electrode of the electrode assembly projecting out from a front end of the insulator body;
a nozzle engaged with the torch body assembly and defining a central bore extending therethrough for directing a flow of a plasma gas from the central bore through an exit orifice defined in a front end of the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an externally threaded portion and a front-facing surface spaced rearwardly of the externally threaded portion;
a hollow generally cylindrical nozzle retaining cup assembly comprising a rear portion forming a releasable connection with the torch body assembly and a front portion defining an aperture through which the externally threaded portion of the nozzle projects, the front portion further defining a rear-facing surface surrounding the aperture and opposing the front-facing surface of the nozzle; and
an internally threaded retainer engaging the externally threaded portion of the nozzle and engaging the front portion of the nozzle retaining cup assembly to urge the front-facing surface of the nozzle toward the rear-facing surface of the nozzle retaining cup assembly so as to retain the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the nozzle together as a unit, said unit being removable from the torch body assembly by disengaging the releasable connection between the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the torch body assembly so as to provide access to the electrode assembly.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A plasma arc torch and methods for assembling and disassembling a plasma arc torch wherein a plurality of front end parts of the torch form a unit that is removable from the torch in a single operation to gain access to the electrode. The unit can then be reinstalled in the torch in a single operation after replacement of the electrode. An assembly fixture is employed to facilitate pre-assembly of the unit of front end parts prior to installation of the unit in a torch.
29 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A plasma arc torch, comprising:
-
a torch body assembly comprising a generally cylindrical torch body and an insulator body disposed in the torch body; an electrode assembly mounted in the torch body assembly, an electrode of the electrode assembly projecting out from a front end of the insulator body; a nozzle engaged with the torch body assembly and defining a central bore extending therethrough for directing a flow of a plasma gas from the central bore through an exit orifice defined in a front end of the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an externally threaded portion and a front-facing surface spaced rearwardly of the externally threaded portion; a hollow generally cylindrical nozzle retaining cup assembly comprising a rear portion forming a releasable connection with the torch body assembly and a front portion defining an aperture through which the externally threaded portion of the nozzle projects, the front portion further defining a rear-facing surface surrounding the aperture and opposing the front-facing surface of the nozzle; and an internally threaded retainer engaging the externally threaded portion of the nozzle and engaging the front portion of the nozzle retaining cup assembly to urge the front-facing surface of the nozzle toward the rear-facing surface of the nozzle retaining cup assembly so as to retain the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the nozzle together as a unit, said unit being removable from the torch body assembly by disengaging the releasable connection between the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the torch body assembly so as to provide access to the electrode assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A method for assembling a plasma arc torch that includes a torch body assembly comprising a generally cylindrical torch body and an insulator body disposed in the torch body, and an electrode assembly mounted in the torch body assembly, an electrode of the electrode assembly projecting out from a front end of the insulator body, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a nozzle structured and arranged to be engaged with the torch body assembly and defining a central bore extending therethrough for a flow of a plasma gas that is discharged from the central bore through an exit orifice defined in a front end of the nozzle, the nozzle comprising an externally threaded portion and a front-facing surface spaced rearwardly of the externally threaded portion; providing a hollow generally cylindrical nozzle retaining cup assembly comprising a rear portion structured and arranged to form a releasable connection with the torch body assembly and a front portion defining an aperture sized to receive the externally threaded portion of the nozzle therethrough, the front portion further defining a rear-facing surface surrounding the aperture for opposing the front-facing surface of the nozzle; providing an internally threaded retainer structured and arranged to engage the externally threaded portion of the nozzle; positioning the rear-facing surface of the nozzle retaining cup assembly in opposition with the front-facing surface of the nozzle such that the externally threaded portion of the nozzle projects out from the aperture; engaging the internally threaded retainer with the externally threaded portion of the nozzle and with the front portion of the nozzle retaining cup assembly to retain the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the nozzle together as a unit; and assembling said unit with the torch body assembly by forming the releasable connection between the nozzle retaining cup assembly and the torch body assembly. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification