专利摘要:
Plasma torch and method of starting a plasma torch The present invention relates to an improved plasma torch and method of lighting the torch. The torch may comprise a main torch body with an electrode assembly coupled to a piston therein. the piston and electrode assembly are movable between a starting position whereby the electrode assembly contacts a nozzle, and an operating position whereby the electrode assembly does not contact the nozzle. The piston is movable by directing the fluid, which can comprise refrigerant through the plasma torch either in a first direction that tilts the piston to the starting position, or in a second opposite direction that tilts the piston to refract the piston. electrode assembly to an operating position. A reversing valve or reversible pump can be used to control the direction of fluid flow. In this way, the refrigerant supply can be used to cool the torch as well as control torch starting and operation.
公开号:BR112012003101B1
申请号:R112012003101
申请日:2010-08-02
公开日:2019-12-10
发明作者:Wayne Stanley Severance;Ruben A. Chico
申请人:The Esab Group, Inc.;
IPC主号:
专利说明:

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for "PLASMA TORCH AND METHOD OF STARTING A PLASMA TORCH".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present application concerns plasma torches and associated methods. Plasma torches are commonly used for cutting and welding. Plasma torches typically include an electrode positioned inside a mouthpiece. A pressurized gas is supplied to the torch and flows through the nozzle and close to the electrode, and an electrical arc is established between the electrode and a workpiece. According to a typical method for starting a plasma torch, a pilot mode is first initiated by establishing an arc at a relatively low current between the electrode and the nozzle. A metering system distributes a gas flow through the nozzle during pilot mode. The plasma torch is then switched from pilot mode to operational mode, transferring the arc to the workpiece so that the arc extends between the electrode and the workpiece. The arc current is increased for the operational mode and the flow rate or type of gas can also be adjusted. The arc ionizes the gas, and the resulting high temperature gas can be used for cutting or other welding operations.
[002] The present description is aimed at an improved plasma torch and method of starting the plasma torch.
SUMMARY OF VARIOUS MODALITIES
[003] The present description in one aspect describes a plasma torch comprising a main torch body, a nozzle, and a piston in a piston cavity defined within the torch main body, in which the piston is coupled to an electrode. A first fluid passage and a second fluid passage communicating with the piston cavity, the first fluid passage communicating with a first region of the piston cavity on a first side of the piston, and the second fluid passage communicating with a second region of the piston cavity on a second side of the piston. A connecting path, which can be defined in part by the nozzle or an electrode fluid passage, is configured to conduct the fluid between the first and second region of the piston cavity. The piston is configured to move the electrode between a start position and an operational position, the electrode contacting the nozzle in the start position, and the electrode not contacting the nozzle in the operational position.
[004] When the fluid flows in a first direction from the first fluid passage into the first region, through the connection path in the second region, and then out through the second fluid passage, the piston moves the electrode to the starting position. When fluid flows in a second opposite direction from the second fluid passage into the second region, through the connection path into the first region, and then outside the first fluid passage, the piston moves the electrode to the operational position . The first fluid passage and the second fluid passage can be configured to receive a flow of refrigerant, such as water.
[005] In some embodiments, the plasma torch may further comprise a reversible valve movable between a first position and a second position, the reversible valve operable to provide flow into the first fluid passage in the first position, and operable to provide flow in the second fluid passage in the second position. The reversible valve, which can be located between the plasma torch and a fluid heat exchanger, can comprise a four port valve. Instead of a reversible valve, the plasma torch can include a reversible pump, the reversible pump operable to provide flow in the first fluid passage in a first mode, and operable to supply fluid to the second fluid passage in a second mode .
[006] In additional modalities, the electrode may comprise an electrode holder and an electrode. The electrode holder may comprise a flange, in which the flange contacts a stop within the main torch body, such as a deflector, when the electrode is in the operational position. The plasma torch may further comprise a wave spring, where the wave spring electrically contacts it to connect the wave spring to the nozzle. The wave spring can work to conduct a pilot current of fifty or more amps to the nozzle. Regarding the current supply to the electrode, the plasma torch can also comprise a contactor that contacts the piston in order to provide an electrical connection between the piston and the electrode. The contactor can be positioned circumferentially around the piston in a groove. The groove can be in the main torch body of the plasma torch, so that the contactor contacts a first piston section when the electrode is in the start position, and the torque contact contacts a second piston section when the electrode is in the operational position. The groove can alternatively be in the piston, such that the contactor moves with the piston.
[007] The embodiments of the invention further include a method of lighting a plasma torch comprising draining gas through a plasma torch nozzle and flowing the fluid through the plasma torch in a first direction through a first fluid passage and outwards through a second passage of fluid in order to advance a piston, so the advance of the piston moves an electrode to contact the nozzle. The method can further comprise the application of a pilot arc current through the electrode and the nozzle and the inversion of the fluid flow such that the fluid flows in a second opposite direction through the second fluid passage and outwards through the first passage of fluid in order to retract the piston, so the refraction of the piston moves the electrode without contact with the nozzle and thus initiates a pilot arc between the nozzle and the electrode. The flow reversal step may comprise the actuation of an inversion valve. Alternatively, the step of draining the fluid may comprise the operation of a fluid pump in one direction, and the step of reversing the flow may comprise the operation of the reversing fluid pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] Having thus described the modalities in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily outlined in scale, and in which: [009] Figure 1 illustrates a modified sectional view of a torch modality plasma;
[0010] figure 2 illustrates a refrigerant flow through the plasma torch of figure 1 in a first direction;
[0011] figure 3 illustrates a refrigerant flow through the plasma torch of figure 1 in a second opposite direction;
[0012] figure 4 shows a perspective view of a reversible valve;
[0013] figure 5 illustrates a fluid circuit including a cross-sectional view of the reversible valve of figure 2 in a first position;
[0014] figure 6 illustrates a fluid circuit including a cross sectional view of the reversible valve of figure 2 in a second position;
[0015] figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of an alternating embodiment of a plasma torch;
[0016] figure 8 shows a perspective view of a corrugated spring;
[0017] figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the detailed section W of figure 7;
[0018] figure 10 shows an enlarged portion of figure 7 showing a contactor;
[0019] figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of the plasma torch of figure 7 in a cross section along the longitudinal axis of the plasma torch in the contactor; and [0020] figure 12 illustrates a method of lighting a plasma torch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The apparatus and methods for lighting a plasma torch will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some, but not all, of the modalities are shown. In fact, the present development can be accomplished in many different ways and should not be construed as limited to the modalities determined here. Preferably, these arrangements are provided so that this description meets the applicable legal requirements. Similar numbers refer to similar elements completely.
[0022] It is known that a plasma torch can be lit by a method of "contact start", which involves contacting an electrode with a nozzle and then separating the nozzle and the electrode in order to create a pilot arc. One type of plasma torch that uses this method of lighting is a so-called "short circuit" plasma torch. In a plasma torch (short circuit) (plasma torch (blowback)), the nozzle is substantially fixed in position, and the electrode is configured to translate or adjust in one direction along the axis of the torch. The electrode is tilted in a forward position by a spring so that the electrode makes contact with the nozzle in a normal resting position. When a metering system provides a gas stream to the torch, the gas stream propels the electrode in a direction away from the workpiece, thereby overcoming the spring and separating the electrode from the nozzle so that a pilot arc is established between they. In a "blow-forward" torch, the nozzle is mobile instead of the electrode, so that upon starting the nozzle is moved in a forward direction by the flow of gas through the nozzle. In each case, the pilot arc can be established between the separate nozzle and the electrode, and the arc can subsequently be transferred from the nozzle to the workpiece for cutting or welding.
[0023] It is also conventional to light a plasma torch by inducing a high frequency, high voltage between the electrode and the nozzle in order to produce a spark discharge. With this method, a mechanism for producing relative motion of the nozzle and electrode is unnecessary.
[0024] However, these plasma torches and associated methods are not necessarily ideal. Successful operation of a plasma torch in high quality or high current applications may require gas flow rates or pressures incompatible with the use of plasma gas to light the torch. It is not, for example, desirable to have to cut off the gas flow in order to light the torch if that torch is being used for underwater cutting or if a tungsten electrode is being used, because the service life could be compromised. At the same time, high frequency starting can cause many problems with nearby electronic devices and may require expensive shielding as a consequence.
[0025] Consequently, the applicants have developed a plasma torch apparatus and associated methods which seek to avoid the problems mentioned above. Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a plasma torch 10 of the invention. The plasma torch 10 comprises a main torch body 12. The plasma torch 10 further includes a nozzle 14 and an electrode assembly 16. The electrode assembly 16 may comprise several parts including an electrode holder 18 at a first end of the electrode assembly, and an electrode 20 at a second end of the electrode assembly. The electrode holder 18 is coupled to a piston 22 within the main torch body 12.
[0026] Piston 22 is located in a cavity of piston 24 within the main torch body 12 of the plasma torch 10. The cavity of piston 24 is in communication with a first fluid passage 26 and a second fluid passage 28. In particular, the piston 22 can be arranged in the piston cavity 24 such that the first fluid passage 26 communicates with the first region 30 of the piston cavity 24 on a first side 32 of the piston 22 and the second fluid passage 28 if communicates with the second region 34 of the piston cavity 24 on a second side 36 of the piston. A connection path 38 leads the fluid between the first and second regions 30, 34 of the piston cavity 24. Thus, the fluid can travel through one of the first and second fluid passages 26, 28, into one of the first or second second regions 30, 34 of the piston cavity 24, through the connection path 38, into another of the first and second regions of the piston cavity, and out through another of the first and second fluid passages.
[0027] The first fluid passage 26 can connect to a first external line 40 (see figures 5 and 6) and the second fluid passage 28 can connect to a second external line 42, with the first and second external lines supplying and returning the fluid to the plasma torch 10. Thus, the fluid can travel in a closed cycle. In such embodiments, the plasma torch 10 may further include a fluid heat exchanger 44 (see figures 5 and 6), which cools the fluid. The use of a heat exchanger 44 to cool the fluid can be advantageous because the fluid can be a refrigerant, such as water, which cools the plasma torch 10. The water can be mixed with ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to form the refrigerant that resists freezing. Additionally or alternatively, water can be mixed with additives configured to prevent corrosion, algae growth and / or bacteria growth. Two portions of the plasma torch 10 in particular which benefit from cooling are electrode 20 and the nozzle 14. Therefore, in one embodiment, at least part of the connection path 38 can be defined by one of the electrode fluid passage 46 within the electrode holder 18. By draining the fluid such that it contacts the electrode 20, the fluid can cool the electrode. For example, the fluid may enter through one or more openings 48 in the electrode holder 18 and travel through the fluid passage of the electrode 46, which can be defined in part by a refrigerant tube 19 coaxially displaced within the electrode tubular support 18. In other embodiments, the connection path 38 may additionally or alternatively be defined at least in part by the nozzle 14. For example, the connection path 38 may comprise a circumferential channel 50 defined on one side by another surface 52 of the nozzle 14. Thus, by contacting electrode 20 and / or nozzle 14, the fluid can cool the plasma torch 10 during operation.
[0028] In the closed cycle modes described above, the fluid is heated as it travels through the plasma torch 10 and as described above, a fluid heat exchanger 44 can be used to cool the fluid before it is returned to the plasma torch. In alternating embodiments, an open cycle can be formed in which the fluid is directed through one of the first or second passages 26, 28 and outside the other of the first or second passages without being recycled. These modalities can bypass a heat exchanger because the hot fluid coming out of the plasma torch 10 is not returned into the plasma torch.
[0029] Regardless of when a closed-loop or open-loop fluid path is used, the fluid can be used for purposes other than just cooling the plasma torch 10. One such purpose is to control the positioning of the electrode assembly 16 in order to light and operate the plasma torch 10. Consequently, the use of a separate fluid supply may not be necessary, which can thereby significantly reduce the complexity and cost of the plasma torch 10 when compared to prior art. In this respect, the relative direction of fluid travel in and out of the first fluid passage 26 and the second fluid passage 28 can be used to control the positioning of the electrode assembly 16.
[0030] As illustrated on the plasma torch 10 in figure 2, when it is desired that the electrode assembly 16 is moved to a starting position in which the electrode 20 contacts the nozzle 14, the fluid is directed to flow in a first direction 53. The flow of fluid in the first direction 53 travels through the first fluid passage 26 into the first region 30 of the piston cavity 24, through the connection path 38 into the second region 34 of the piston cavity, and then outward through the second fluid passage 28. The flow of fluid in the first direction 53 tilts the piston 22 such that the electrode 20 contacts the nozzle 14. This movement occurs due to a pressure differential being formed between the first region 30 and the second region 34 of piston cavity 24. With the first region having a higher fluid pressure than the second region. The pressure differential results from the pressure drop created by the tortuous fluid path that moves along as the fluid travels through the plasma torch 10.
[0031] As illustrated in the plasma torch 10 in figure 3, when it is desired that the electrode assembly 16 is retracted to the operating position where the electrode 20 does not contact the nozzle 14, the fluid is directed to flow in a second opposite direction 53 '. The flow of fluid in the second opposite direction 53 'travels through the second fluid passage 28 into the second region 34 of the piston cavity 24, then through the connection path 38 into the first region 30 of the piston cavity, and then out of the first fluid passage 26. Fluid flow in the second opposite direction 53 'tilts piston 22 such that electrode assembly 16 retracts to a position through which electrode 20 does not contact nozzle 14. As determined above, the slope is believed to occur due to a pressure differential being formed between the first region 30 and the second region 34 of the piston cavity 24 as a result of the flow of fluid that travels along a tortuous path through the plasma torch 10. In the case of flow in the second opposite direction 53 ', the second region 34 has a higher fluid pressure than the first region 30, which thus tilts the piston 22 towards the position the operation.
[0032] As described above, the direction of fluid flow through the plasma torch 10 determines whether piston 22 moves electrode assembly 16 to the start position or the operating position. Therefore, the plasma torch 10 includes one or more mechanisms capable of changing the direction of fluid flow. Thus, some embodiments of the plasma torch 10 comprise a reversible pump (not shown). In such embodiments, the reversible pump is operable to provide flow into the first fluid passage 26 in a first mode, and operable to provide flow into the second fluid passage 28 in a second mode. In this way, the reversible pump can reverse the fluid flow by changing the first mode that tilts piston 22 and electrode assembly 16 to the start position, to the second mode that tilts piston and electrode assembly to the starting position. operation. One method of changing the reversible pump mode may comprise changing the polarity of the current supplied to the reversible pump, through various other methods that can be used as would be understood by someone skilled in the art.
[0033] As illustrated in figure 4, alternative embodiments of the plasma torch 10 may comprise an inversion valve 54 instead of the reversible pump. Various types of inversion valves would be apparent to those skilled in the art. The reversing valve 54 can comprise four orifices 56, 58, 60, 62, and the operation of the reversing valve can be controlled by a movable lever 64, the movement of which can be automated such as through the use of an air cylinder or solenoid (not shown).
[0034] As shown in figure 5, the inversion valve 54 can be part of a closed loop fluid circuit 66, such as one with pump 68 and a fluid heat exchanger 44. In such an embodiment, the first and second holes 56, 58 can connect respectively to the first fluid passage 26 through the first outer line 40 and the second fluid passage 28 through the second outer line 42, and the third and fourth holes 60, 62 can connect to the exchanger respectively fluid heat 44 through the third and fourth outer lines 70, 72. The pump 68 can be located along the third or fourth outer lines 70, 72 such that it is positioned between the plasma torch 10 and the heat exchanger of fluid 44.
[0035] When the inversion valve 54 is in a first position as illustrated in figure 5, the fluid flows from the pump 68 through the third external line 70 into the third orifice 60 of the inversion valve. The fluid is then directed out of the inversion valve 54 through the first orifice 56 and into the first outer line 40 through which the fluid flows into the first fluid passage 26 of the plasma torch 10 in the first direction 53 , which, as described above, moves piston 22 and electrode assembly 16 to the starting position (see figure 2). After traveling through the plasma torch 10 in the manner described above, the hot fluid exits the plasma torch in the second fluid passage 28 and travels through the second outer line 42 through which the fluid enters the reversible valve 54 in the second orifice 58. Inside the reversible valve 54 the fluid is directed towards the fourth orifice 62, through which the fluid travels and enters the fourth outer line 72. Finally, the fourth outer line 72 directs the fluid through the heat exchanger 44, the which cools the fluid before it is returned to the third outer line 70 and the pump 68.
[0036] When the inversion valve 54 is moved to a second position, as illustrated in the closed loop fluid circuit 66 in figure 6, the fluid flows in the following manner: first, the fluid flows from the pump 68 through from the third outer line 70 into the third orifice 60 of the reversing valve 54. The fluid is then directed out of the reversing valve 54 through the second orifice 58 and into the second outer line 42 through which the fluid flows into the second fluid passage 28 of the plasma torch 10 in the second opposite direction 53 ', which retracts, as described above, the piston 22 and the electrode assembly 16 to the operating position (see figure 3). After traveling through the plasma torch 10 in the manner described above, the hot fluid leaves the plasma torch at the first fluid passage 26 and travels through the first outer line 40 through which the fluid enters the reversible valve 54 at the first orifice 56. Inside the reversible valve 54, the fluid is directed towards the fourth orifice 62, through which the fluid travels and enters the fourth outer line 72. Finally, the fourth outer line 72 directs the fluid through the heat exchanger 44 , which cools the fluid before it is returned to the third outer line 70 and the pump 68.
[0037] Returning to figure 1, the plasma torch 10 can incorporate several additional features. One such feature is that the travel of the piston 22 and the electrode assembly 16 can be limited. With respect to the starting position, the travel of the piston 22 is limited because the electrode 20 contacts the nozzle 14. However, several types of structures can be provided to prevent the piston 22 and the electrode assembly 16 from traveling through a position desired operation. One embodiment, as illustrated in figure 1, may comprise a flange 74 on the piston 22 which engages a corresponding stop 76 within the main torch body 12 of the plasma torch 10 when the electrode assembly 16 is in the operating position. As illustrated in the alternative embodiment of a plasma torch 10 'in Figure 7, the plasma torch may additionally or alternatively comprise a flange 74' on a portion of the electrode assembly 16 ', such as on the electrode holder 18', which contacts a corresponding stop 76 'on the main torch body 12' of the plasma torch when the electrode assembly is in the operating position, in this embodiment, stop 76 'may be part of a gas deflector. The use of a flange 74 'extending from the electrode holder 18' has an advantage that it dramatically reduces the tolerances that must be satisfied when machining the piston cavity 24 'and the piston 22'. However, this modality may require the use of a seal 75 'between the piston 22' and the main torch body 12 'which may not be useful. In contrast, embodiments using a flange 74 on the piston 22 which engages a corresponding stop 76, as shown in Figure 1, may not require such a seal because the flange and stop can seal together properly.
[0038] Another feature that can be included in the plasma torch is an electrical connection to the nozzle to supply current to it. The electrical connection can be established through the use of a corrugated spring 80, as illustrated in figure 8. As can be seen in detail in section W of figure 7, which is enlarged in figure 9, the corrugated spring 80 can be placed in a position such that it is compressed by the end of the nozzle 14 'opposite from the tip against a front body insert 81', which may have a pilot arc lead (not shown) welded thereto. The corrugated spring 80 acts to supply current to the nozzle 14 ', which is used to create a pilot arc during start-up. The corrugated spring 80 overcomes issues such as annealing those conventional springs that they can have when charging pilot arc current to the nozzle 14 'in the order of fifty amps or more. It is hypothesized that the corrugated spring 80 avoids annealing at least in part because the corrugated spring has a minimum cross section that is relatively larger than a similar spiral spring. In addition, the corrugated spring 80 forms a "wave" shape (see figure 8) which results in multiple points of contact between the corrugated spring and the nozzle 14 'and the front body insert 81'. Multiple contact points can allow the current to flow through the wave spring along several paths, in contrast to the spiral spring, which provides only a single path for the current flow. These multiple current flow paths within the wave spring can further contribute to a greater capacity to carry current when compared to a spiral spring, which in this way makes the operation of the plasma torch possible.
[0039] The plasma torch modalities may include an additional feature that allows the current to be transferred to the electrode assembly. As illustrated in the detailed portion of figure 7 shown in figure 10, this is achieved with a contactor 82 'that engages piston 22'. The piston 22 'in turn acts as an electrode transport and provides the passage for the current to the electrode assembly 16'. The contactor 82 'allows the operation of the current to be supplied to the electrode assembly 16' despite the relationship of movement of the electrode assembly with respect to the main torch body 12 'of the plasma torch 10'. The contactor 82 'can be located in a variety of different positions within the plasma torch 10'. For example, contactor 82 'can be positioned circumferentially around piston 22' within a groove 84 'in the main torch body 12' of the plasma torch 10 ', and the contactor can thus slide contact with the piston 22 'as the piston and electrode assembly 16' move between the start and operating positions, whereby the contactor contacts a first piston section 86 'when the electrode assembly is in the start position , and through which the contactor contacts a second section 88 'of the piston when the electrode assembly is in the operating position. Figure 11 illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the plasma torch 10 'along the longitudinal axis of the torch, in the region of the contactor 82'. As can be seen, contactor 82 'extends through groove 84' to contact both piston 22 'and main torch body 12' or a separate electrical contact. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the contactor can be positioned circumferentially around the piston within a groove in the piston, such that the contactor moves with the piston, but works in a similar manner.
[0040] Modalities of the invention further comprise methods of lighting a plasma torch. Such a method, as illustrated in figure 12, comprises draining the gas through a plasma torch nozzle (step 1000), and draining the fluid through the plasma torch in a first direction through a first fluid passage and outward through a second fluid passage (step 1002) in order to advance a piston (step 1004), through which the piston advance moves an electrode to contact the nozzle 1006. The method may additionally comprise the application of a pilot arc current through the electrode and the nozzle (step 1008), and the reversal of the fluid flow (step 1010) such that the fluid flows in a second opposite direction through the second fluid passage and out through the first passage fluid in order to refract the piston (step 1012), whereby refraction of the piston moves the electrode without contact with the nozzle (step 1014) and thereby initiates a pilot arc (step 1016) between the nozzle and the electrode . The inversion of the flow (step 1010) can comprise the actuation of an inversion valve (step 1018). Alternatively, the fluid flow (step 1002) can comprise the operation of a fluid pump in one direction (step 1020), and the flow reversal (step 1010) can comprise the operation of the reverse fluid pump (step 1022).
[0041] Many modifications and other modalities will come to the mind of those versed in the technique to which these modalities belong, taking advantage of the teachings presented in the previous descriptions and in the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the modifications and other modalities are intended to be included within the scope of the attached claims. Although specific terms are used hereinafter, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation.
权利要求:
Claims (22)
[1]
1. Plasma torch (10, 10 '), comprising; a main torch body (12, 12 '); a nozzle (14, 14 '); a piston (22, 22 ') in a piston cavity (24, 24') defined within the main torch body (12, 12 '), the piston (22, 22') coupled to an electrode assembly (16, 16 '); a first fluid passage (26) and a second fluid passage (28) in communication with the piston cavity (24, 24 '), the first fluid passage (26) communicating with a first region (30) of the cavity of the piston (24) on a first side (32) of the piston (22, 22 '), and the second fluid passage (28) communicating with a second region (34) of the piston cavity (24, 24') in a second side (36) of the piston (22, 22 '); the piston (22, 22 ') being configured to move the electrode assembly (16, 16') between a start position and an operating position, the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') contacting the nozzle (14, 14 ') in the starting position, and the electrode assembly (16, 16') not contacting the nozzle (14, 14 ') in the operating position; and characterized by the fact that: a connection path (38) configured to conduct fluid between the first and second regions (32, 34) of the piston cavity (24, 24 '); wherein when the fluid flows in a first direction from the first fluid passage (26) into the first region (30), then through the connection path (38) into the second region (34), and the following outwards through the second fluid passage (28), the piston (22, 22 ') moves the electrode assembly (16, 16') to the starting position, where when the fluid flows in a second opposite direction from the second fluid passage (28) into the second region (34), then through the connection path (38) into the first region (30), and then through the first fluid passage (26) , the piston (22, 22 ') moves the electrode assembly (16, 16') to the operating position.
[2]
Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fluid passage (26) and the second fluid passage (28) are configured to receive a flow of refrigerant.
[3]
Plasma torch according to claim 2, characterized in that the refrigerant flow comprises a water flow.
[4]
Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a reversing valve (54) movable between a first position and a second position, the reversing valve (54) operable to provide the flow inwards of the first fluid passage (26) in the first position, and operable to provide flow into the second fluid passage (28) in the second position.
[5]
Plasma torch according to claim 4, characterized in that the reversing valve (54) comprises a four-hole valve (56, 58, 60, 62).
[6]
Plasma torch according to claim 4, characterized in that the reversing valve (54) is located between the plasma torch (10, 10 ') and a fluid heat exchanger (44).
[7]
Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a reversible pump, the reversible pump operable to provide flow into the first fluid passage (26) in a first mode, and operable to provide flow into the second fluid passage (28) in a second mode.
[8]
8. Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') comprises an electrode holder (18, 18') and an electrode (20).
[9]
Plasma torch according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrode holder (18, 18 ') comprises a flange (74, 74'), in which the flange (74, 74 ') contacts a stop (76, 76 ') inside the main torch body (12, 12') when the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') is in the operating position.
[10]
Plasma torch according to claim 9, characterized in that it still comprises a gas deflector, wherein the stop (76, 76 ') comprises the gas deflector.
[11]
Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a corrugated spring (80), in which the corrugated spring (80) contacts the nozzle (14, 14 ') in order to electrically connect the spring corrugated (80) for the nozzle (14, 14 ').
[12]
Plasma torch according to claim 11, characterized in that the corrugated spring (80) is configured to conduct the pilot current to the nozzle (14, 14 ').
[13]
Plasma torch according to claim 12, characterized in that the corrugated spring (80) is configured to conduct a current of at least 50 amps to the nozzle (14, 14 ').
[14]
14. Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it still comprises a contactor (82 '), in which the contactor (82') contacts the piston (22, 22 ') in order to provide electrical passage through from the piston (22, 22 ') to the electrode assembly (16, 16').
[15]
Plasma torch according to claim 14, characterized in that the contactor (82 ') is positioned circumferentially around the piston (22, 22') in a groove (84 ').
[16]
16. Plasma torch according to claim 15, characterized in that the groove (84 ') is in the main torch body (12, 12') of the plasma torch (10, 10 '), such that the contactor (82 ') contacts a first section (86') of the piston (22, 22 ') when the electrode assembly (16, 16') is in the starting position and where the contactor (82 ') contacts a second section ( 88 ') of the piston (22, 22') when the electrode assembly (16. 16 ') is in the operating position.
[17]
17. Plasma torch according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the groove (84 ') is in the piston (22, 22'), such that the contactor (82 ') moves with the piston (22, 22 ').
[18]
18. Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least part of the connection path (38) is defined by an electrode fluid passage (46) within the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') .
[19]
19. Plasma torch according to claim 1, characterized in that at least part of the connection path (38) is defined by the nozzle (14, 14 ').
[20]
20. Starting method of a plasma torch (10, 10 '), characterized by the fact that it comprises: draining the gas through a nozzle (14, 14') of the plasma torch (10, 10 '); flow the fluid through the plasma torch (10, 10 ') in a first direction through a first fluid passage (26) and outwards through a second fluid passage (28) in order to advance a piston (22, 22 '), whereby the piston advance (22, 22') moves an electrode assembly (16, 16 ') to make contact with the nozzle (14, 14'); applying a pilot arc current through the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') and the nozzle (14, 14'), and reversing the flow of the fluid that the fluid flows in a second opposite direction through the second fluid passage ( 28) and out through the first fluid passage (26) in order to retract the piston (22, 22 '), whereby the retraction of the piston (22, 22') moves the electrode assembly (16, 16 ') without contact with the nozzle (14, 14') and thus initiates a pilot arc between the nozzle (14, 14 ') and the electrode assembly (16, 16').
[21]
21. Method according to claim 20, characterized by the fact that the flow inversion step comprises the actuation of an inversion valve (54).
[22]
22. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the step of draining the fluid comprises the operation of a fluid pump in one direction, and the step of reversing the flow comprises the operation of the reversing fluid pump.
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CN106180996B|2020-03-03|High accessibility consumables for plasma arc cutting systems
KR101686540B1|2016-12-14|Water Cooling Type Plasma Torch
CN109845410A|2019-06-04|Equipped with the internal consumptive material component for removing thermal element
JP6923266B2|2021-08-18|Welding torch cooling system
CN213945232U|2021-08-13|Welding gun
KR20180000059U|2018-01-04|Nozzle for plasma torch
同族专利:
公开号 | 公开日
CN102577630B|2014-11-26|
US8633414B2|2014-01-21|
EP2465333A1|2012-06-20|
PL2465333T3|2013-08-30|
US20120298634A1|2012-11-29|
WO2011019531A1|2011-02-17|
CN102577630A|2012-07-11|
EP2465333B1|2013-06-05|
KR101404530B1|2014-06-09|
BR112012003101A2|2016-02-23|
TW201130394A|2011-09-01|
KR20120040738A|2012-04-27|
US20110031224A1|2011-02-10|
TWI420978B|2013-12-21|
US8258423B2|2012-09-04|
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法律状态:
2019-01-15| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
2019-07-09| B06T| Formal requirements before examination [chapter 6.20 patent gazette]|
2019-10-29| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
2019-12-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 02/08/2010, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. (CO) 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 02/08/2010, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS |
优先权:
申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
US12/538,567|US8258423B2|2009-08-10|2009-08-10|Retract start plasma torch with reversible coolant flow|
PCT/US2010/044081|WO2011019531A1|2009-08-10|2010-08-02|Retract start plasma torch with reversible coolant flow|
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