Electrode and electrode holder with threaded connection
First Claim
1. A thread configuration of a plasma arc torch electrode for being threadedly engaged in a corresponding thread configuration in a plasma arc torch comprising:
- a threaded portion for threadedly holding the electrode within the plasma arc torch and defining at least one thread form extending helically and at least partially around a thread axis, the threaded portion defining;
a major diameter comprising a larger diameter of the threaded portion,a minor diameter comprising a smaller diameter of the threaded portion,a mean diameter between the major diameter and the minor diameter,a crest portion extending in one direction from the mean diameter and defining a width along the mean diameter,a root area extending in an opposite direction from the mean diameter than the crest portion and defining a width along the mean diameter, andwherein the width of the root portion of the electrode is at least about 35% greater than the width of the root area of the corresponding thread configuration in the plasma arc torch.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A threaded connection for an electrode holder and an electrode in a plasma arc torch is provided. The threaded connection has relatively low height, and the engaged portion of a male threaded portion of the electrode and a female threaded portion of the electrode holder are positioned at least partially within a nozzle chamber. In one inventive aspect, the nominal pitch diameter of the electrode is less than the minor diameter of the electrode. In another, the width of the root area of the electrode thread is wider than the width of the root area of the electrode holder thread by at least about 35%. The width of the root area of the electrode is at least about 15% wider than the width of the crest portion of the electrode. As such, the less consumable of the two parts, the electrode holder, is provided with a thread that is less likely to be worn and damaged. In one particular embodiment, the crest profile of the electrode is that of a Stub Acme thread separated by a larger root profile.
71 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A thread configuration of a plasma arc torch electrode for being threadedly engaged in a corresponding thread configuration in a plasma arc torch comprising:
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a threaded portion for threadedly holding the electrode within the plasma arc torch and defining at least one thread form extending helically and at least partially around a thread axis, the threaded portion defining; a major diameter comprising a larger diameter of the threaded portion, a minor diameter comprising a smaller diameter of the threaded portion, a mean diameter between the major diameter and the minor diameter, a crest portion extending in one direction from the mean diameter and defining a width along the mean diameter, a root area extending in an opposite direction from the mean diameter than the crest portion and defining a width along the mean diameter, and wherein the width of the root portion of the electrode is at least about 35% greater than the width of the root area of the corresponding thread configuration in the plasma arc torch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A plasma arc torch comprising:
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a torch body; a nozzle attached to the torch body and defining a nozzle chamber extending from a larger proximal opening to a smaller distal exit orifice, the plasma arc being emitted through the exit orifice when the torch is in operation; an electrode defining a distal portion from which the arc is emitted and a p roximal portion defining a male threaded portion for attaching the electrode to the plasma arc torch; and an elongate electrode holder connected to the torch body at one end and defining a female threaded portion at the other end for holding the electrode, the female threaded portion of the electrode holder and the male threaded portion of the electrode being engaged together along at least a portion of their respective lengths, wherein the engaged portion is positioned at least partially within the nozzle chamber when the torch is assembled. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An electrode holder for removably holding a consumable electrode in a nozzle chamber of a plasma arc torch, the electrode holder comprising:
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an elongate body having; a proximal end for being connected to the torch, and, an opposite distal end defining a female threaded portion for threadingly engaging the electrode, wherein the female threaded portion of the electrode holder is positioned at least partially within the nozzle chamber when the torch is assembled. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification