Patent Application
20230271268
The present invention generally relates to cartridges for a contact start plasma arc torch, and more particularly, to one or more replaceable, low-cost cartridges, each having multiple integrated components.
Thermal processing torches, such as plasma arc torches, are widely used for high temperature processing (e.g., heating, cutting, gouging and marking) of materials. A plasma arc torch generally includes a torch body, an electrode mounted within the torch body, an emissive insert disposed within a bore of the electrode, a nozzle with a central exit orifice mounted within the torch body, a shield, electrical connections, passages for cooling, passages for arc control fluids (e.g., plasma gas) and a power supply. A swirl ring can be used to control fluid flow patterns in the plasma chamber formed between the electrode and the nozzle. In some torches, a retaining cap is used to maintain the nozzle and/or swirl ring in the plasma arc torch. In operation, the torch produces a plasma arc, which is a constricted jet of an ionized gas with high temperature and sufficient momentum to assist with removal of molten metal. Gases used in the torch can be non-reactive (e.g., argon or nitrogen), or reactive (e.g., oxygen or air).
One method for producing a plasma arc in a plasma arc torch is the contact start method. The contact start method involves establishing physical contact and electrical communication between the electrode and the nozzle to create a current path between them. The electrode and the nozzle can cooperate to create a plasma chamber within the torch body. An electrical current is provided to the electrode and the nozzle, and a gas is introduced to the plasma chamber. Gas pressure builds up until the pressure is sufficient to separate the electrode and the nozzle. The separation causes an arc to be formed between the electrode and the nozzle in the plasma chamber. The arc ionizes the introduced gas to produce a plasma jet that can be transferred to the workpiece for material processing. In some applications, the power supply is adapted to provide a first electrical current known as a pilot current during generation of the arc and a second current known as a transferred arc current when the plasma jet has been transferred to the workpiece.
Various configurations are possible for generating the arc. For example, the electrode can move within the torch body away from the stationary nozzle. Such a configuration is referred to as the “blow-back” contact start method because the gas pressure causes the electrode to move away from the workpiece. A problem with such systems relates to precise alignment of the nozzle and electrode consumables, which significantly impacts life expectancy of the consumables and material processing/cut quality. In another configuration, the nozzle can move away from the relatively stationary electrode. Such a configuration is referred to as the “blow-forward” contact start method because the gas pressure causes the nozzle to move toward the workpiece.
Existing plasma cutting systems include a large array of separate consumables available for use with different currents and/or operating modes. The large number of consumable options requires large part counts and inventories for users, and can confuse users and increase the possibility of installing incorrect consumables. The large number of consumable options can also cause lengthy torch setup time(s) and make it difficult to transition among cutting processes that require different arrangements of consumables in the torch, arrangement and installation of which is often performed in the field one component at a time. For example, before a cutting operation, selecting and installing the correct set of consumables for a particular cutting task can be burdensome and time-consuming. Furthermore, selection, assembly, and installation of these components in the field can cause alignment issues or compatibility issues when old components are used with new components. During torch operation, existing consumables can experience performance issues such as failing to maintain proper consumable alignment and spacing. Furthermore, current consumables include substantial amounts of expensive materials (e.g., Vespel™) and often require a relatively complex manufacturing process, which leads to significant manufacturing costs and inhibits their widespread commercialization, production and adoption. What is needed is a new and improved consumable platform that decreases manufacturing costs and time, decreases part count, increases system performance (e.g., component alignment, cut quality, consumable life, variability/versatility, etc.), and eases installation and use of consumables by end users.
The present invention provides one or more integrated, cost-effective cartridge designs for a plasma arc torch, such as for a manually-operated, air-cooled plasma arc torch. Generally, because a cartridge includes a suite of two or more consumable components, it provides ease of use and shortens the time for installation into a plasma arc torch in comparison to installing each consumable component individually. In addition, the use of a cartridge in a torch improves component alignment and cut consistency. However, manufacturing and material costs can prohibit the widespread commercialization and production of cartridges. The present invention solves this problem by providing one or more cost effective cartridge designs that facilitate cartridge commercialization and production and improve their installation.
The invention, in one aspect, features a cartridge for an air-cooled plasma arc torch. The cartridge comprises a swirl ring and a crown. The swirl ring includes a molded thermoplastic elongated body having a substantially hollow portion, the molded thermoplastic elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end and configured to receive an electrode within the hollow portion. The swirl ring also includes a plurality of gas flow openings defined by the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirling motion to a plasma gas flow for the plasma arc torch. The swirl ring further includes a nozzle retention feature on a surface of the elongated body at the distal end for retaining a nozzle to the elongated body. The crown is affixed to the proximal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring. The crown substantially encloses the proximal end of the elongated body.
In some embodiments, the crown is formed of an electrically conductive material. The crown can be configured to retain the electrode within the cartridge and pass an electrical current to the electrode. The crown can comprise a biasing surface for physically contacting a resilient element that biases against a proximal end of the electrode. Additionally, the crown can comprise a substantially hollow body configured to retain the resilient element between the biasing surface and the proximal end of the electrode.
In some embodiments, the body of the crown has a substantially uniform thickness. In some embodiments, the crown includes at least one vent hole.
In some embodiments, the crown comprises a contact surface for facilitating electrical contact with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode when the plasma arc torch is operated in a transferred arc mode. The contact surface of the crown is characterized by the absence of contact with the corresponding contact surface of the electrode during initiation of a pilot arc. The contact surface can be configured to physically contact the corresponding contact surface of the electrode when the torch is operated in the transferred arc mode.
In some embodiments, the plurality of gas flow openings of the swirl ring include slots defined by a plurality of extensions disposed about the distal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring, each slot situated between a pair of the extensions.
In some embodiments, the nozzle retention feature includes a groove located on an external surface of the extensions. Retention of the nozzle to the swirl ring can be via one of snap fit, threading or crimping. In some embodiments, engagement between the crown and the swirl ring is by one of crimping, snap fit, or threading.
In some embodiments, the elongated body of the swirl ring is molded from a thermoplastic material comprising a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules. The thermoplastic material can have one or more properties comprising (i) a glass transition temperature (Tg) of greater than about 320 Fahrenheit (F), (ii) a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of less than about 22 micro-inch/inch-Fahrenheit (micro·in/in·F) below Tg, (iii) a CLTE of less than about 55 micro·in/in·F above Tg, (iv) a melting point of greater than about 720 Fahrenheit, and (v) a dielectric strength of greater than about 480 kilo-volt/inch.
In some embodiments, the ratio of an axial length (L) of each gas flow opening to an average radius (R) between the radius of the electrode and the radius of an inner wall of the swirl ring is less than about 0.5. In some embodiments, the plurality of gas flow openings are disposed in a single layer about the distal end of the elongated body, each gas flow opening having an offset of about 0.040 inches between an opening in an inner wall of the swirl ring and an opening on an outer wall of the swirl ring.
In another aspect, a molded swirl ring for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The molded swirl ring comprises a molded thermoplastic elongated body comprising a substantially hollow portion. The molded thermoplastic elongated body has a distal end and a proximal end and configured to receive an electrode within the hollow portion. The molded swirl ring also includes a plurality of molded gas flow openings each extending from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the elongated body. The molded gas flow openings are disposed about the distal end of the elongated body and configured to impart a swirl to a plasma gas flow of the plasma arc torch. The molded swirl ring further includes a nozzle retention surface on the body for retaining a nozzle at the distal end of the elongated body.
In some embodiments, the plurality of gas flow openings include slots defined by a plurality of extensions disposed about the distal end of the elongated body, each slot situated between a pair of the extensions. The distal end of the elongated body of the swirl ring and the nozzle can cooperatively define the plurality of gas flow openings.
In some embodiments, the nozzle retention surface includes a nozzle retention feature located on an external surface of the extensions. The nozzle retention feature can comprise a groove configured to receive a portion of the nozzle via crimping. In some embodiments, the nozzle retention surface comprises a sloped surface configured to receive a portion of the nozzle via crimping.
In some embodiments, the swirl ring is configured to engage the nozzle via one of snap fit or threading. In some embodiments, the swirl ring is configured to engage the nozzle via crimping.
In some embodiments, the elongated body is molded from a thermoplastic material comprising a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules. The thermoplastic material can further comprise one or more additives.
In another aspect, an assembly for an air-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The assembly comprises an electrode, a swirl ring molded from a thermoplastic material, a nozzle, and a crown. The swirl ring comprises a nozzle retention surface at a distal end and a crown retention element at a proximal end. The nozzle is fixedly secured to the distal end of the swirl ring via the nozzle retention surface, where the nozzle includes an exit orifice at a distal end of the nozzle. The crown is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the swirl ring via the crown retention element. The crown is configured to enclose the swirl ring at the proximal end. The securement of the swirl ring, the nozzle and the crown creates a chamber in which the electrode is permanently disposed and aligned relative to the nozzle.
In some embodiments, the nozzle retention surface comprises a sloped surface and the nozzle is secured to the distal end of the swirl ring by crimping at least a portion of the nozzle against the sloped surface. The crimping of the nozzle to the nozzle retention can establish (1) a radial centering of the nozzle exit orifice within the chamber with respect to a distal end of the electrode to within 0.005 inches, and (2) a longitudinal positioning of the electrode within the chamber between the distal end of the electrode and the nozzle exit orifice during a transferred arc operation of the assembly to within 0.030 to 0.060 inches.
In some embodiments, the crown retention element comprises a groove configured to secure the swirl ring by at least one of crimping, threading, or snap fit. The securement of the crown to the swirl ring via the crown retention element can establish a longitudinal positioning of the electrode within the chamber between a distal end of the electrode and the nozzle exit orifice during a transferred arc operation of the assembly to within 0.030 to 0.060 inches.
In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a resilient element between a biasing surface of the crown and the electrode, the resilient element physically contacting the electrode and imparting a separation force upon the electrode. The resilient element can pass substantially all of a pilot arc current to the electrode when the plasma arc torch is operated in a pilot arc mode. The crown can comprise a hollow body for maintaining the resilient element substantially therein. In some embodiments, the resilient element comprises at least one of a spring or wire.
In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises an o-ring configured to substantially surround the proximal end of the swirl ring to seal the swirl ring against a body of the plasma arc torch.
In another aspect, a crown is provided for a contact start plasma arc torch configured for electrical communication with an electrode. The crown comprises a substantially hollow body, formed from an electrically conductive material, configured to receive a resilient element. The hollow body has a substantially uniform thickness. The crown also includes a biasing surface at a proximal end of the crown for physically contacting the resilient element. The crown further includes an interior contact surface at the distal end for physically contacting, during a transferred arc mode of the plasma arc torch, a corresponding surface at the proximal end of the electrode. The contact surface is characterized by an absence of contact with the corresponding surface of the electrode during a pilot arc mode of the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the contact surface is configured to pass at least a portion of a transferred arc current from the power supply to the electrode during the transferred arc mode. Additionally, the resilient element can be configured to pass substantially all of a pilot arc current from the power supply to the electrode during the pilot arc mode.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a retention element for connection to a swirl ring via one of crimping, snap fit or threading. In some embodiments, the crown further includes at least one vent hole. In some embodiments, the crown further comprises a circular tunnel portion that includes the biasing surface and is configured to house at least a portion of the resilient element. In some embodiments, the crown further comprises a depressed center extending away from the proximal end that includes the contact surface.
In some embodiments, the crown is formed via a stamping process.
In another aspect, a method for aligning a plurality of components in a cartridge is provided. The method includes molding a thermoplastic material to form a swirl ring comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a hollow body. The method also includes disposing an electrode inside of the hollow body of the swirl ring and retaining the electrode to the cartridge by fixedly securing the nozzle to the distal end of the swirl ring. The method further includes longitudinally aligning the electrode relative to the nozzle by fixedly securing a crown to the proximal end of the swirl ring, thereby establishing the longitudinal alignment during a transferred arc operation of the cartridge when a gas flow is used to bias the electrode into contact with the crown.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming the crown via a stamping process. In some embodiments, the method further comprises radially aligning the electrode by restraining a radial motion of the electrode within the hollow body of the swirl ring.
In some embodiments, the longitudinal alignment comprises restraining a longitudinal motion of the electrode to within a blow-back distance defined by a distal end of the electrode and an exit orifice of the nozzle during the transferred arc operation.
In some embodiments, fixed securing the nozzle to the distal end of the swirl ring comprises crimping a portion of the nozzle into a retention surface on the distal end of the swirl ring.
In another aspect, a consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge includes an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, an inner component disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component, and a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The inner component includes a forward portion configured to axially secure and rotatatably engage the outer component to the inner component and a rear portion substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component. The rear portion is axially secured and rotatably engaged with the outer component via the forward portion. The hollow region is configured to receive a torch head to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component and a cathode of the torch head.
In some embodiments, the forward portion of the inner component includes a means for enabling axial securement and rotatable engagement of the outer component thereto. This means for enabling is dimensioned to permit independent rotation of the inner and outer components relative to each other. In some embodiments, the rear portion of the inner component has no means for enabling axial securement and rotatable engagement with the outer component. The axial securing and rotatable engaging of the outer component to the inner component can be by one of crimping, snap fitting, frictional fitting or threading.
In some embodiments, the outer component comprises at least one of a shield, an insulating component, a retaining cap or a cap sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner component comprises at least one of a crown, a swirl ring, an electrode or a nozzle.
In some embodiments, the rear portion of the inner component is configured to substantially surround and physically contact at least a portion of the cathode. The rear portion of the inner component can comprise a cavity configured to receive the at least a portion of the cathode extending into the cartridge. In some embodiments, at least one of the rear portion of the inner component or the outer component comprises at least one thread for engaging the torch head.
In some embodiments, the inner component further comprises one or more fins disposed on an external surface of the inner component. The outer component can also comprise one or more fins disposed on an internal surface of the outer component.
In some embodiments, the outer component provides an electrical path for a pilot arc current of the plasma arc torch.
In another aspect, a cartridge consumable for a plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge consumable comprises (i) an outer component defining a substantially hollow body, (ii) an inner component, comprising at least an electrode, disposed within the hollow body of the outer component; and (iii) an engagement feature disposed on the inner component. The engagement feature is adapted to axially constrain the outer component relative to the inner component while permitting independent rotation of the inner and outer components relative to each other.
In some embodiments, the inner component further comprises a crown that is substantially locked into position upon assembly into the plasma arc torch. A swirl ring can be connected to the outer component via a nozzle of the inner component. The electrode can be disposed within a hollow enclosure defined by the swirl ring and the nozzle. At least one of the swirl ring or the electrode can be a part of the inner component.
In some embodiments, the outer component comprises a metallic retaining cap and an electrically insulative cap sleeve overmolded onto the retaining cap. A shield can be connected to the inner component via the outer component. The shield can be a part of the outer component.
In some embodiments, the cartridge consumable further comprises a hollow region between the outer component and the inner component. The hollow region is configured to matingly engage a head of the plasma arc torch. The cartridge consumable can further include a washer located between the outer component and a nozzle of the inner component. The washer comprises one or more cooling channels configured to regulate a gas flow therethrough.
In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a multi-piece cartridge consumable is provided, where the cartridge consumable comprises an outer component and an inner component for installation into a plasma arc torch. The method includes disposing the inner component within a hollow body of the outer component. The method also includes axially restraining the outer component relative to a forward portion of the inner component while permitting independent rotation of the inner and outer components relative to each other. The method further includes substantially suspending and radially orienting, by the axial restraining, a rear portion of the inner component within the hollow body of the outer component.
In some embodiments, the method further includes installing the multi-piece cartridge consumable into a torch head by disposing the torch head in a hollow region between the rear portion of the inner component and the outer component. The installing can enable physical mating between a cathode of the torch head and a recess in the rear portion of the inner component. In some embodiments, the method further includes rotating the outer component independent of the inner component to secure the torch head to the multi-piece cartridge consumable.
In some embodiments, the method further includes assembling the inner component of the multi-piece cartridge, which comprises disposing an electrode inside of a hollow body of a swirl ring, retaining the electrode within the hollow body by fixedly securing a nozzle to a distal end of the swirl ring, and fixedly securing a crown to a proximal end of the swirl ring. In some embodiments, the method further includes assembling the outer component of the multi-piece cartridge, which comprises over-molding an insulative cap sleeve onto a retaining cap and fixedly connecting a shield to the cap sleeve.
In some embodiments, the method further includes radially aligning the inner component with respect to the outer component by one or more fins disposed on a surface of at least one of the inner or outer component.
In yet another aspect, a crown for a plasma arc torch is provided. The crown includes a body defining a proximal and a distal end, the body including an electrically conductive material and at least one raised feature at the proximal end of the body. The raised feature adapted to activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch. The crown can also include a biasing surface at the proximal end of the body for physically contacting a resilient element.
In some embodiments, the crown further includes a contact surface at the distal end of the body for physically contacting, during a transferred arc mode of the plasma arc torch, a corresponding surface of an electrode. The at least one raised feature is configured to activate the consumable sensor by pressing against the consumable sensor upon installation of the crown into the plasma arc torch, thereby permitting a flow of electrical current through one of (i) the biasing surface to the resilient element during a pilot arc mode of the plasma arc torch or (ii) the contact surface to the electrode during the transferred arc mode.
In some embodiments, the body of the crown is substantially hollow and is configured to retain the resilient element between the biasing surface and the electrode. The body of the crown can have a substantially uniform thickness.
In some embodiments, the body of the crown defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a cathode of the plasma arc torch. The contact surface can be located in an interior surface of the crown body defining the cavity.
In yet another aspect, an inner cartridge consumable of a multi-piece cartridge consumable for a plasma arc torch is provided. The inner cartridge consumable includes a crown including (i) a recess about a central axis shaped to receive at least a portion of a cathode of the plasma arc torch and (ii) a protrusion region surrounding the recess about the central axis shaped to house a spring component. The inner cartridge consumable also includes a swirl ring defining a distal end and a proximal end. The swirl ring is fixedly connected to the crown at the proximal end of the swirl ring. The inner cartridge consumable further includes a nozzle fixedly connected to the swirl ring at the distal end of the swirl ring and an electrode disposed in a chamber defined within the fixed connection of the crown, the swirl ring and the nozzle.
In some embodiments, the the crown physically contacts the cathode and is disposed between the cathode and the electrode. In some embodiments, the crown defines an opening to allow at least a portion of the cathode to pass therethrough to physically contact the electrode in a transferred arc mode of operating the plasma arc torch. The recess of the crown can be configured to permit the cathode to extend within the inner cartridge consumable.
In some embodiments, the protrusion region of the crown is adapted to activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch. In some embodiments, a portion of the swirl ring is adapted to extend through an opening in the crown to activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the inner cartridge consumable is substantially conductive. In some embodiments, the spring component is adapted to extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to the cathode upon installation of the multi-piece cartridge consumable in the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the inner cartridge consumable further comprises a retention feature disposed on a surface of the inner cartridge consumable for rotationally engaging and axially securing an outer cartridge consumable of the multi-piece cartridge consumable. The retention feature can be disposed on a surface of at least one of the nozzle or the swirl ring.
In yet another aspect, a method of installing a cartridge into a plasma arc torch is provided. The method includes assembling an inner component of the cartridge including disposing an electrode inside of a hollow body of a swirl ring that includes a distal end and a proximal end, capturing the electrode within the swirl ring by fixedly securing a nozzle at the distal end of the swirl ring, and fixedly securing a crown to the proximal end of the swirl ring. The method also includes securing a torch head to the cartridge that includes the inner component and an outer component, and depressing, by at least one raised feature, a consumable sensor inside of a torch head of the plasma arc torch. The method further includes establishing an electrical current flow path from a source of power through the torch head and to the cartridge based on the depressing.
In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning the crown between a cathode of the torch head and the electrode and radially and longitudinally aligning the cathode, the crown and the electrode. The method can further include enabling physical mating between the cathode and a recess of the crown. The method can further include enabling physical contact between the cathode and the electrode via an opening of the crown during a transferred mode operation of the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the method further includes physically contacting, by a biasing surface at the proximal end of the crown, a resilient element and physically contacting, by a contact surface at the distal end of the crown, a corresponding surface of the electrode during a transferred arc mode of the plasma arc torch. The method can further include permitting a flow of electrical current in the electrical current flow path through one of (i) the biasing surface to the resilient element during a pilot arc mode of the plasma arc torch or (ii) the contact surface to the electrode during the transferred arc mode.
In some embodiments, the method further includes disposing the inner component within a hollow body of the outer component and axially restraining the inner component relative to the outer component while permitting independent rotation of the inner and outer components relative to each other. The method can further include substantially suspending and radially orienting, by the axial restraining, a rear portion of the inner component within the hollow body of the outer component. The method can further include radially aligning the inner component with respect to the outer component by one or more fins disposed on a surface of at least one of the inner or outer component.
In some embodiments, the raise feature is disposed on the crown or the swirl ring.
In another aspect, the invention features a portion of a consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch. The portion includes a cap assembly including a retaining cap and a cap sleeve. The retaining cap is constructed from a conductive material and the cap sleeve is constructed from an insulator material. The cap assembly defines a proximal end and a distal end disposed along a longitudinal axis of the plasma arc torch. The portion also includes a shield comprising a body defining a substantially hollow portion. The body has a proximal end and a distal end aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the distal end comprises a shield exit orifice. The portion further includes an insulator ring constructed from an electrically insulating material. The insulator ring includes an exterior surface configured to irremovably affix to at least a portion of the proximal end of the body of the shield and an interior surface configured to irremovably affix to an exterior surface of the distal end of the cap assembly. The irremovable affixation between the insulator ring and the shield and between the cap assembly and the insulator ring irremovably secures the shield to the cap assembly of the consumable cartridge.
In some embodiments, the insulator ring maintains electrical insulation between the shield and the cap assembly. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the insulator ring is irremovably affixed to the exterior surface of the distal end of the cap assembly by at least one circumferential protrusion on the exterior surface of the cap assembly configured to hold the insulator ring in place against the cap assembly. The at least one circumferential protrusion can be produced by a staking process.
In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the insulator ring is irremovably affixed to the proximal end of the shield via crimping. The portion of the consumable cartridge can further include at least one piercing disposed on the proximal end of the body of the shield, where the at least one piercing is adapted to lock the insulator ring in place via the crimping. In some embodiments, a plurality of piercing s are formed during the crimping, where the plurality of piercings are spaced in two rows around the proximal end of the body of the shield. In some embodiments, a first row of the plurality of piercing s is located proximal to a proximal edge of the insulator ring and a second row of the plurality of piercings is located distal to a distal edge of the insulator ring. The proximal and distal edges the insulator ring are adapted to be spaced apart longitudinally along the longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, the electrically insulating material of the insulator ring is Vespel®. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating material of the insulator ring comprises a thermoplastic material that includes a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of forming at least a portion of a consumable cartridge of a plasma arc torch. The method includes providing a shield comprising a body having a substantially hollow portion, a proximal end, and a distal end comprising a shield exit orifice. The method also includes providing a cap assembly including a retaining cap and a cap sleeve over-molded onto at least a portion of the retaining cap. The retaining cap comprises an exterior mounting surface disposed at a distal end. The method further includes irremovably securing an insulator ring onto the exterior mounting surface of the cap assembly while radially aligning the insulator ring with the cap assembly, and irremovably securing the shield to an exterior surface of the insulator ring by crimping at least a portion of the proximal end of the shield body to the insulator ring, while radially aligning the shield with the insulator ring.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming the shield via stamping. In some embodiments, the method further comprises maintaining electrical insulation between the cap assembly and the shield.
In some embodiments, irremovably securing the insulator ring to the exterior mounting surface of the cap assembly comprises staking the insulator ring to the cap assembly by forming at least one circumferential protrusion on the exterior mounting surface to prevent a longitudinal movement of the insulator ring. In some embodiments, irremovably securing the shield to the insulator ring comprises forming two rows of piercings during crimping around the proximal end of the shield body. A first row of the piercings are crimped inward proximal to a proximal edge of the insulator ring and a second row of the piercings are crimped inward distal to a distal edge of the insulator ring. The proximal and distal edges of the insulator ring are spaced apart longitudinally relative to each other.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of manufacturing a cap assembly for a plasma arc torch. The method includes stamping a conductive material blank to form a cylindrical body that is substantially hollow. The hollow body includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The stamping is adapted to form at least one discrete thread disposed in the hollow body and extends circumferentially around the proximal portion. The method also includes over-molding an insulator material onto an exterior surface of the conductive hollow body.
In some embodiments, the at least one discrete thread is configured to engage a complementary thread on a corresponding component of the plasma arc torch. The corresponding component can comprise a torch body. In some embodiments, the at least one discrete thread consists of three discrete threads. In some embodiments, the at least one thread forms a concave portion relative to the exterior surface of the conductive hollow body. The over-molding of the insulator material can fill in the concave portion of the at least one thread and stiffens the at least one thread.
In some embodiments, the insulator material comprises at least one of a plastic material or a thermoplastic material.
In some embodiments, the cap assembly is a part of an integrated cartridge of the plasma arc torch. The distal portion of the conductive hollow body is adapted to fixedly attach to at least one of a shield or a nozzle to form a portion of the integrated cartridge.
In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of forming at least a portion of a consumable cartridge of a plasma arc torch. The method includes providing a cap assembly including a retaining cap and a cap sleeve over-molded onto at least a portion of the retaining cap. The retaining cap comprises an exterior mounting surface disposed at a distal end. The method also includes positioning an insulator ring onto the exterior mounting surface of the cap assembly at the distal end of the cap assembly, where the insulator ring comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The method further includes sliding the insulator ring in a proximal direction along the cap assembly to abut a feature of the cap assembly that prevents further proximal motion of the insulator ring, and staking a metallic surface of the cap assembly at the distal end of the insulator ring to irremovably affix the insulator ring to the cap. In some embodiments, the abutting feature is a portion of the cap sleeve of the cap assembly.
In another aspect, the present invention features an adapter for a plasma arc torch comprising a torch body. The adapter includes a body defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and at least one protruding portion extending from the proximal end of the body. The at least one protruding portion is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the torch body to physically engage a switch inside of the cavity. The engagement of the switch adapted to indicate installation of a consumable component in the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the body of the adapter is detached from the consumable component. In some embodiments, the body of the adapter is coupled to the consumable component. In some embodiments, the body of the adapter comprises an outer portion and an inner portion retractable relative to the outer portion, where the inner portion is configured to translate longitudinally within the outer portion to physically engage the switch. In some embodiments, the body of the adapter is configured to (i) physically contact the consumable component at the distal end and (ii) physically contact the switch at the proximal end via the protruding portion.
In some embodiments, the consumable component is a swirl ring. In some embodiments, the body of the adapter is a crown attached to a proximal end of a swirl ring. The at least one protruding portion can be adapted to extend from the swirl ring, through an opening in the crown, to physically engage the switch. In some embodiments, the consumable component is a consumable cartridge. The consumable cartridge can comprise a swirl ring body, and the adapter body can be integrated with a proximal end of the swirl ring body such that the at least one protruding portion of the adapter comprises a lip portion of the swirl ring body configured to physically engage the switch.
In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion extends along the longitudinal axis to physically engage the switch. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion extends in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to physically engage the switch. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion comprises one or more fins that extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis or laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to physically engage the switch.
In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion is dimensioned to fit radially between a cathodic body and a circular wall of the cavity within the torch body, such that the at least one protruding portion is adapted to physically engage the switch disposed in the cavity upon the insertion. The body of the adapter can be translatable between the consumable component and the cathodic body up to a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, the protruding portion is configured to engage the switch by pressing against the switch upon installation of the adapter into the plasma arc torch, thereby permitting a flow of electrical current to the consumable component to enable operation of the plasma arc torch.
In some embodiments, the adapter body defines an inner portion and an outer portion. The adapter further comprises a set of torch mount threads located on the proximal end of the body configured to engage the torch body, a set of consumable mount threads located on the distal end of the body configured to engage the consumable component, and a cathodic element extending along the longitudinal axis, the cathodic element located in the inner portion of the adapter body. In some embodiments, the set of torch mount threads is disposed on an interior surface on the outer portion of the adapter body. In some embodiments, the set of consumable mount threads is disposed on an exterior surface on the outer portion of the adapter body. In some embodiments, the cathodic element is adapted to be in electric communication with a cathode of the plasma arc torch to convey an electrical current from the cathode to the consumable component. In some embodiments, the at least one protruding portion of the adapter is located in the inner portion of the adapter body radially between the cathodic element and the outer portion.
In yet another aspect, the present invention features an adapter for a plasma arc torch that includes a consumable component and a torch body. The adapter includes a body defining a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The body comprises an inner portion and an outer portion. The adapter includes a set of torch mount threads located on the proximal end of the body on an interior surface of the outer portion. The set of torch mount threads are configured to engage the torch body. The adapter also includes a set of consumable mount threads located on the distal end of the body on an exterior surface of the outer portion. The set of consumable mount threads configured to engage the consumable component. The adapter additionally includes an electrically conductive cathodic element extending along the longitudinal axis. The cathodic element is located in the inner portion of the adapter body. The adapter further includes a switch actuator located at the proximal end of the body. The switch actuator is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the torch body to indicate a presence of the consumable component within the plasma arc torch. In some embodiments, the switch actuator is positioned radially between the cathodic element and the outer portion.
In yet another aspect, the present invention features a method for detecting a presence of a consumable in a plasma arc torch that includes a torch body. The method includes providing an adapter having a body defining a proximal end and a distal end. The body has at least one protruding portion extending from the proximal end. The method also includes inserting the protruding portion of the adapter into a cavity of the torch body and physically engaging, by the protruding portion of the adapter, at least one consumable sensing pin within the cavity to indicate the presence of the consumable.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises physically contacting, by the distal end of the adapter, the consumable. In some embodiments, the method further comprises initiating an electrical current flow by a power supply of the plasma arc torch permitted by the physical engagement of the consumable sensing pin by the adapter and conducting the electrical current flow from the cathodic body to the consumable. In some embodiments, the method further comprises translating the protruding portion of the adapter to depress the consumable sensing pin.
In some embodiments, the consumable sensing pin is located radially between a cathodic body of the plasma arc torch and a circular portion of the cavity, where the cathodic body is centered within the cavity. In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a consumable cartridge that includes an electrode disposed inside of a hollow body of a swirl ring.
In some embodiments, the adapter is constructed from an electrically conductive material. In some embodiments, the adapter is detached from the consumable. In some embodiments, the adapter is integrated with the consumable.
In some embodiments, the protruding portion extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis to physically contact the consumable sensing pin. In some embodiments, the protruding portion extends in a lateral direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis to physically contact the consumable sensing pin.
In yet another aspect, the present invention features a method for detecting a presence of a consumable in a plasma arc torch that includes a torch head having (i) a cavity, (ii) a cathode disposed in the cavity, and (iii) a consumable sensing pin disposed in the cavity. The method includes providing an adapter having a body defining a proximal end and a distal end and at least one protruding portion extending from the proximal end of the body, and inserting the protruding portion of the adapter into the cavity such that the protruding portion is nested radially between the cathode and a wall of the cavity. The method also includes installing the consumable inside of the plasma arc torch and physically activating, by the protruding portion of the adapter, the consumable sensing pin in the cavity to indicate the presence of the consumable. The method further includes permitting, based on the physical activation, a flow of electrical current from the cathode to the consumable to enable operation of the plasma arc torch.
The advantages of the invention described above, together with further advantages, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
The nozzle 108 can be spaced from the distal end 125 of the electrode 104 and define, in relation to the electrode 104, a plasma chamber 140.
In some embodiments, the swirl ring 102 has a set of radially spaced gas flow openings 136 configured to impart a tangential velocity component to a gas flow for the plasma arc torch, causing the gas flow to swirl. This swirl creates a vortex that constricts the arc and stabilizes the position of the arc on the insert 142. In some embodiments, the sealing device 150, such as an o-ring, can be located on an external surface of the swirl ring 102 at its proximal end 112 to engage an internal surface of the plasma arc torch body (not shown) when the the cartridge 100 is installed into the plasma arc torch body. The sealing device 150 is configured to provide a leak-proof seal of fluids (e.g., gases) between the cartridge 100 and the plasma arc torch body at that location.
In some embodiments, the one or more gas flow openings 136 of the swirl ring 102 are disposed about the distal end 110 of its elongated body 103, such as around a circumference of its distal end 110. In some embodiments, the one or more gas flow openings 136 are molded. Each gas flow opening 136 can extend from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the elongated body 103 and is oriented to impart a swirling motion relative to the axis A to the gas (e.g., air) flowing therethrough. Each gas flow opening 136 can be circular or non-circular (e.g., rectangular, squared and/or square-cornered) in geometry. In some embodiments, the gas flow openings 136 have substantially uniform dimensions. In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, to form the interface 118 between the swirl ring 102 and the nozzle 108, the swirl ring 102 can include a nozzle retention surface 216 (e.g., interior and/or exterior surface) of the elongated body 103 for securely attaching the nozzle 108 at its distal end 110. In one example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In general, each of the retention surfaces/elements 216, 230 of
In some embodiments, the gas flow openings 136 of the swirl ring 102 are suitably shaped and dimensioned to enhance swirling of a gas flow therethrough.
As shown, the swirl ring 102 and the electrode 104 have a shared center 602. Width W represents the curved axial width of each gas flow opening 136 (only one gas flow opening is shown). Length R represents the average distance (radius) between the center of the electrode 104 and the radius of the annular space between the exterior of the electrode body and the inner wall of the swirl ring 102, as measured from the shared center 602. In some embodiments, the W/R ratio is less than about 0.5. This value allows a gas flow entering a gas flow opening 136 to impinge somewhat perpendicularly on surface of the electrode 104, increasing gas turbulence and enhancing electrode cooling. In contrast, a traditional gas flow opening design has a W/R ratio of about 1.0, which causes a gas to impinge at most tangentially relative to a surface of the electrode 104. The substantial perpendicular impingement (as opposed to the tangential impingement) generates more flow distribution, more uniform gas flow swirling, and better cooling of the electrode 104. In some embodiments, the life of the electrode 104 is extended by 25% when the W/R ratio is less than about 0.5. This design ratio is applicable to gas flow openings 136 represented by slots 202 molded at the distal end 110 of the swirl ring 102 or by enclosed holes (not shown) formed, molded, or drilled into the distal end 110.
In some embodiments, only one row of gas flow openings 136 is disposed around the distal end 110 of the swirl ring 102. For example, one row of twelve gas flow openings 136 can be disposed symmetrically about the swirl ring 102. In contrast, traditional swirl ring designs have two or more rows (layers) of gas flow openings, with some traditional swirl rings having eighteen openings per row. Due to the reduced number of gas flow openings 136 in the present design, the width W of individual gas flow openings 136 is increased to generate the same gas flow swirl force and maintain the same overall cross-sectional area of the gas flow openings 136 combined in comparison to the traditional designs. In addition, for each gas flow opening 136, the offset O between the opening 604 in the inner wall of the swirl ring 102 and the opening 606 on the outer wall of the swirl ring 102 is reduced (e.g., to about less than or equal to about 0.040 inches) whereas such an offset associated with a gas flow opening of a traditional swirl ring design is larger (e.g., about 0.12 inches) In general, reducing the number of gas flow openings 136, coupled with locating the openings 136 on a single row, simplifies manufacturing cycle time, reduces material cost, and is more compatible with an injection molding approach for manufacturing the swirl ring 102. The gas flow opening design described with respect to the swirl ring 102 can also be applied to the swirl ring 702 of
In some embodiments, the swirl ring 102 or 702 is manufactured through injection molding of one or more high-temperature thermoplastic materials comprising a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules (e.g., ether ketone based compounds), such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAKE), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherketoneetherketone-ketone (PEKEKK) and variants thereof. Exemplary thermoplastic materials also include polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, properties associated with suitable thermoplastic materials for the invention have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of greater than about 320 Fahrenheit, a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of less than about 22 micro-inch/inch-Fahrenheit below Tg, a CLTE of less than about 55 micro-inch/inch-Fahrenheit above Tg, a melting point of greater than about 720 Fahrenheit, and/or a dielectric strength of greater than about 480 kilo-volt/inch. The use of thermoplastics to manufacture swirl rings reduces cartridge cost in comparison to, for example, Vespel™, Torlon, Celazole or Phenolic compounds or other thermal-set plastics, which are materials currently used to manufacture swirl rings, but are comparatively more expensive to obtain and difficult to use. However, it is known that thermoplastics have operating temperatures that are lower than thermos-set Vespel™, which can potentially impact the integrity of swirl rings and electrode life in general. To resolve the high temperature performance issues, the swirl ring 102 or 702 can be made from thermoplastic resins having one or more fortifying additives to provide the desired thermal resistance and/or thermal conductivity, thus enabling effective use of thermoplastic material(s) in cartridges and/or swirl rings. Exemplary fortifying additives include glass fibers, minerals, boron nitride (BN), Cubic BN and/or Vespel™ particles. As an example, the material polymide/polyetheretherketone (PI/PEEK), a heat resistant material that can include about 50% recycled Vespel™ particles, can be used to manufacture the swirl ring 102 or 702. In addition, the swirl ring 102 or 702 is positioned in such a location in the cartridge 100 that it avoids exposure to the highest operating temperatures during torch operation. Thus, in practice, using a thermoplastic material to manufacture the swirl ring 102 is unlikely to affect the integrity of the swirl ring 102 or 702. Furthermore, when the electrode 104 experiences an end-of-life event, which is also the end of life of the cartridge 100, the plastic material melts, which does not affect the cutting operation during the consumable life. In contrast, known thermal-set based swirl rings, which are reused repeatedly with various sets of electrodes and nozzles, commonly have lifecycles of 20 to 30 times that of electrodes and nozzles. These lifecycles place requirements and demands on the swirl rings, which can lead to over design and also inconsistent performance as the swirl rings can thermally warp (e.g., expand and/or shrink) over their lifecycles, providing different fits, interfaces, and performance based on lifecycle position.
In some embodiments, the elongated body 103 of the swirl ring 102 is formed using an injection molding technique (e.g., thermoplastic injection molding). In some embodiments, if the gas flow openings 136 include slots 202 defined by the distal end 110 of the swirl ring 102, the slots 202 can be formed at the same time as the elongated body 103 via the same thermoplastic injection molding process. In general, the gas flow slots 202, in contrast to drilled holes in accordance with traditional designs for creating gas flow passageways, are more compatible with the injection molding technique for forming the swirl ring 102. Thus, molding the gas flow slots 202 into the swirl ring body 103 eliminates the additional step of drilling holes into the body 103. Using gas flow slots 202 instead of drilled holes in a swirl ring design also reduces material cost and the cost of long cycle time associated with drilling operations. The nozzle retention feature 216 and/or the cap retention feature 230 can also be formed at the same time as the elongated body 103 via the same thermoplastic injection molding process. Therefore, most, if not all, of the swirl ring 102 can be manufactured using a cost-effective single injection molding process. Overall, a molded thermoplastic process for forming the swirl ring 102 provides a faster and cheaper manufacturing approach in comparison to the traditional processes. Processes and materials for manufacturing the swirl ring 102 of
In some embodiments, an interior surface 308 of the circular tunnel portion 302 at the proximal end 320 defines a biasing surface for physically contacting and electrically communicating with the resilient element 122. The resilient element 122 can bias against the proximal end 124 of the electrode 104 so as to move the electrode 104 away from the end cap 106. That is, the resilient element 122 is situated between and physically contacts the biasing surface 308 of the end cap 106 and the proximal end 124 of the electrode 104 such that the resilient element 122 imparts a separation force between the electrode 104 and the biasing surface 308.
In some embodiments, an interior surface 310 of the depressed center 304 of the end cap 106 at the distal end 322 defines a contact surface that is configured for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface 128 of the electrode 104 at its proximal end 124. During the transferred arc mode, the contact surface 310 of the end cap 106 is in an abutting relationship with the corresponding contact surface 128 of the electrode 104. However, during the initiation of a pilot arc in the pilot arc mode, the contact surface 310 is in a spaced relationship with the corresponding contact surface 128 that is defined by an absence of contact between the two surfaces.
The resilient element 122 is generally maintained inside of the cartridge 100 between the end cap 106 and the electrode 104. In some embodiments, the resilient element 122 is secured to either the end cap 106 or the electrode 104. In other embodiments, the resilient element 122 is secured to both the electrode 104 and the end cap 106. For example, the resilient element 122 can be secured by welding, soldering, bonding, fastening, a diametral interference fit or another type of friction fit to the end cap 106 and/or the electrode 104. In some embodiments, the substantially hollow body 300 of the end cap 106 is configured to house the resilient element 122 between its biasing surface 308 and the proximal end 124 of the electrode 104. For example, the circular tunnel portion 302 of the end cap 106 can function as a holder of the resilient element 122. Specifically, the resilient element 122 can be held in place by the biasing surface 308, an inner interior surface 312 and an outer interior surface 314 of the tunnel portion 302, where the diameter of the inner interior surface 312 with respect to the longitudinal Axis A is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the resilient element 122, and the the diameter of the outer interior surface 314 with respect to the longitudinal Axis A is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the resilient element 122.
In some embodiments, radial movement of the resilient element 122 is further restrained by the proximal end 112 of the swirl ring 102 or 702 after the swirl ring 102 or 702 is affixed to the end cap 106. As shown in
In some embodiments, the end cap 106 is configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply (not shown) when the cartridge 100 is installed within a torch. This enables a flow of current from the power supply to the electrode 104 via the resilient element 122 and/or the contact surface 310, depending on the mode of torch operation. In some embodiments, at least one vent hole 316 (or gas exit orifice) is disposed in the end cap 106, extending from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the body 300 to cool the cartridge 100. For example, a vent hole 316 can be located on the circular portion 302. Alternatively, vent hole(s) 316 are absent from the end cap 106.
In one exemplary operation, during pilot arc initiation, the power supply provides a pilot arc current to the end cap 106 and the pilot arc current is passed to the electrode 104 through the resilient element 122 that biases the electrode 104 against nozzle 108. As the resilient element 122 urges the electrode 104 into abutting relation with the nozzle 108, there is an absence of physical contact and electrical communication between the contact surface 310 of the end cap 106 and the corresponding contact surface 128 of the electrode 104. The resilient element 122 can be configured to pass substantially all of the pilot arc current from the end cap 106 to the electrode 104.
During pilot arc initiation, a gas is introduced into the plasma chamber 140 between the electrode 104 and the nozzle 108. Gas pressure can build within the plasma chamber 140 until the pressure is sufficient to overcome the separation force exerted by the resilient element 122. At that point, the gas pressure moves the electrode 104 toward the end cap 106 and away from the nozzle 108 along the longitudinally axis A (while compressing the resilient element 122) until the corresponding contact surface 128 of the electrode 104 comes into physical contact with the contact surface 310 of the end cap 106. As the electrode 104 is moved away from the nozzle 108 by gas pressure, an arc is generated or initiated in the plasma chamber 140 to form a plasma arc or jet that can be transferred to a workpiece (not shown).
During transferred arc mode, the corresponding contact surface 128 of the electrode 104 engages in substantially planar physical contact with the contact surface 310 of the end cap 106 to establish electrical communication (e.g., electrical current passes between the end cap 106 and the electrode 104 at the interface of the contact surface 310 and the corresponding surface 128). When the contact surface 310 of the end cap 106 abuts the corresponding surface 128 of the electrode 104, a current path is established such that at least a portion of a current passes directly between the two components. When the arc has been transferred to the workpiece, a cutting current is supplied to the torch (e.g., during transferred arc mode). The cutting current can be passed from the end cap 106 to the electrode 104 during transferred arc operation via (1) the resilient element 122 and/or (2) the interface between the contact surfaces 310, 128. In some embodiments, the current path directly between the end cap 106 and the electrode 104 has lower resistance and/or higher conductance than the current path from the end cap 106 through the resilient element 122 to the electrode 104. Hence, substantially all of the electrical current for sustaining a plasma arc (in transferred arc mode) can be passed directly between the contact surfaces 128, 310.
In some embodiments, the resilient element 122 is formed from a material that facilitates both carrying an electrical current and dissipating thermal heat associated with the current to prevent the resilient element 122 from melting. For example, the material of the resilient element 122 can be selected based on the current rating of the material. In some embodiments, the resilient element 122 comprises a helical compression spring, wire, or metal strip. For example, different types of resilient element 122 configurations are described in U.S. Ser. No. 13/344,860, assigned to Hypertherm, Inc., of Hanover, N.H., the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
In some embodiments, the end cap 106 is fabricated from an electrically conductive material, such as copper, copper alloy, brass, or other materials suitable for passing current both during pilot arc operation and transferred arc operation. The end cap 106 can be formed using a stamping approach from a material blank.
In another aspect, the cartridge 100 can additional include a shield.
In some embodiments, a method is provided to assemble the cartridge 100 of
Test results have shown that the cartridge design 100 of
The cost of the cartridge 100, which represents the combined cost of a swirl ring, electrode and nozzle (i.e., without an end cap), is lower than the total cost of the individual consumables in a PMX 105 Amp torch, which includes the cost of just a nozzle and an electrode (i.e., when a swirl ring is not even considered). In term of performance, a torch having the cartridge 100 installed therein has comparable maximum cut speed as compared to a PMX 105 Amp torch that contains individual consumable components. Performance of a torch containing the cartridge 100 is also better in terms of anode life.
In addition to the benefits described above, there are many others benefits associated with using the cartridge 100 in a plasma arc torch. First, such a design promotes ease of use through quick change capabilities, short setup time and ease of consumable selection for an end user. It also provides consistent cut performance because a suite of consumables are changed at once when the cartridge is changed, where the cartridge promotes easy component alignment, thus accuracy and repeatability of torch operation. In contrast, variation in performance is introduced when components are changed individually at different times. For example, there is more room to make an error when an operator has to align and orient individual torch components relative to each other. In another example, long term re-use of the same component (e.g., a swirl ring) can cause dimensional alteration after each blow-out, thereby altering the performance quality even if all other components are changed regularly. In addition, since the manufacturing and/or installation cost of a cartridge is lower than the combined cost of a set of consumables, there is a lower cost associated with per cartridge change than per change of a set of consumables. Furthermore, different cartridges can be designed to optimize torch operation with respect to different applications, such as marking, cutting, maintaining long life, etc.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 100 is single use, meaning that disassembly and replacement of individual components at the end of the life of the cartridge is not practical or cost effective. The entire cartridge 100 is discarded and/or disposed (e.g., recycled), without replacing individual particular parts. If the cartridge 100 is recycled, in addition to recovering the copper, a benefit of constructing the swirl ring 102 of a thermoplastic material is that the material can be reheated, reshaped, and frozen repeatedly, thus making it easily recyclable. In contrast, Vespel™ and other thermal-set materials lack these characteristics that promote recyclability.
Generally, the cartridge 1000 can include multiple consumable pieces that are assembled together as an integrated, unitary device. In some embodiments, if any one of the elements in the cartridge 1000 needs replacement, the entire cartridge 1000 is replaced. The cartridge 1000 can use a blow-back contact starting mechanism for contact starting a plasma arc torch upon assembly into the torch. For example, the electrode 1008 can be a spring-forward electrode, which means that the resilient element 1026 (e.g., a spring) can exert a separating force on the proximal end of the electrode 1008 to bias the electrode 1008 away from the crown 1006 and toward the nozzle 1010.
The outer component 1002 includes a substantially hollow body that defines a longitudinal axis A, a distal end 1017 (i.e., the end closest to a workpiece during operation of a plasm arc torch incorporating the cartridge 1000), and a proximal end 1018 (i.e., the end opposite of the distal end 1017). The inner component 1004 is adapted to be disposed substantially within the hollow body of the outer component 1002 with at least a portion of the inner component 1004 surrounded by the hollow body. The inner component 1004 can include an engagement feature disposed on an inner or outer surface to engage the outer component 1002 by longitudinally constraining (i.e., axially securing) the outer component 1002 relative to the inner component 1004 while permitting independent rotation of the components relative to each other (i.e., enabling rotatable engagement) when the cartridge 1000 is not assembled in a plasma arc torch. Such rotatable engagement and axial securement can be accomplished by one of crimping, snap fitting, frictional fitting or threading.
The inner component 1004 can include the nozzle 1010, the swirl ring 1007, the electrode 1008 and the crown 1006. In some embodiments, the rotatable engagement and axial securement between the outer and inner components occurs between the nozzle 1010 of the inner component 1004 and the retaining cap 1014 of the outer component 1002 at the interface 1020 by one of a frictional fit, crimping, snap fit or threading connection. For example, the nozzle 1010 can include an engagement feature, such as a groove, circumferentially disposed on an external surface that allows a distal tip of the retaining cap 1014 to frictionally fit into the groove. In some embodiments, the nozzle 1010 is fixedly secured to (i.e., axially and radially restrains) the retaining cap 1014 at the interface 1020. In this case, the rotatable engagement and axial securement between the outer and inner components can be indirectly accomplished by rotatable engagement and axial securement between the swirl ring 1007 and the nozzle 1010 of the inner component 1004 at the interface 1021, where the nozzle 1010 is fixedly secured to the outer component 1002. In some embodiments, the nozzle 1010 is fixedly secured to the retaining cap 1014 at the interface 1020, and the swirl ring 1007 is fixedly secured to the nozzle 1010 at the interface 1021. In this case, the rotatable engagement and axial securement between the outer and inner components can be indirectly accomplished by rotatable engagement and axial securement between the crown 1006 and the swirl ring 1007 of the inner component 1004 at the interface 1023, where the swirl ring 1007 is fixedly secured to the outer component 1002 via its connection to the nozzle 1010.
Generally, the inner component 1004 can be divided into a forward portion and a rear portion with respect to the location of the rotatable engagement and axial securement feature. For example, the forward portion includes the rotatable engagement and axial securement feature while the rear portion does not. That is, the rear portion can have no means for enabling axial securement and rotatable engagement with the outer component 1004. As an example, if the rotatable engagement and axial securement feature is disposed on the nozzle 1010, the forward portion of the inner component 1004 includes the nozzle 1010 and the rear portion includes the electrode 1008, swirl ring 1007 and/or crown 1006. As another example, if the rotatable engagement and axial securement feature is between the swirl ring 1007 and the nozzle 1010, the forward portion of the inner component 1004 includes the swirl ring 1007 and the nozzle 1010, while the rear portion includes the electrode 1008 and the crown 1006. Upon rotatable engagement and axial securement of the inner and outer components at the forward portion of the inner component 1004, the rear portion of the inner component 1004 is adapted to be substantially suspended within the hollow body of the outer component 1002. Thus, via the rotatable engagement and axial securement of the inner and outer components at the forward portion, the rear portion can have little to no direct physical contact with the inner surface of the hollow body of the outer component 1002 while remaining substantially radially centered within the hollow body of the outer component 1002.
In some embodiments, the cartridge 1000 includes a hollow region 1022 between the rear portion of the inner component 1004 and the proximal end 1018 of the outer component 1004. As shown, the hollow region 1022 can include (i) a center cavity portion 1022a in the recess of the crown 1006 and (ii) a tubular portion 1022b between the outer surface of the crown 1006 and swirl ring 1007 and the inner surface of the retaining cap 1014 and cap sleeve 1016. The tubular portion 1022b can substantially surround the center cavity portion 1022a and extend further into the cartridge 1000 than the center cavity portion 1022a. The hollow region 1022 is configured to receive a torch head (not shown) to enable mating between the rear portion of the inner component 1004 (e.g., the crown 1006) and certain components of the torch head (e.g., a cathode), as described below in detail with reference to
As described above, the outer component 1002 can include at least one of the shield 1012, retaining cap 1014 or cap sleeve 1016 oriented substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, the outer component 1002 also includes an insulator component 1028. The retaining cap 1014 and/or the shield 1012 can be constructed from an electrically and/or thermally conductive material, such as copper or brass. The two components can be made of the same material or different materials (e.g., the shield 1012 can be made of copper and the retaining cap 1014 can be made of brass). The cap sleeve 1016 and/or the insulator component 1028 can be manufactured through injection molding of a plastic material (e.g., nylon resin) or a high-temperature thermoplastic material comprising a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules (e.g., ether ketone based compounds), such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In some embodiments, at least one of the cap sleeve 1016 or insulator component 1028 is manufactured from the same or similar material as the swirl ring 102 or 702. In some embodiments, the insulator component 1028 is manufactured from an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic) that can withstand a higher temperature than that of the cap sleeve 1016. Generally, each of the interfaces among various elements of the outer component 1002 can be formed by one of crimping, snap fit, frictional fit, or threading.
In some embodiments, an interior surface the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014 includes a retention feature 1102 (e.g., a protrusion, tab or flange) configured to rotatably engage and axially secure to the forward portion of the inner component 1004 (e.g. at the nozzle 1010 of the inner component 1004) via one of snap fit, frictional fit, crimping or threading, when the forward portion is disposed in the hollow body of the retaining cap 1014. As shown, the retention feature 1102 comprises a protrusion 1102a, which can be generated by bending a portion of the wall of the retaining cap 1014. The protrusion 1102a is adapted to snap fit into a groove on the nozzle 1010. In addition, the retention feature 1102 includes a bumper 1102b adjacent to the protrusion 1102a to generate friction between the retaining cap 1014 and the nozzle 1010 upon engagement via frictional fit. The protrusion 1102a and the bumper 1102b are dimensioned as such that they permit the components to independently rotate relative to each other after engagement. Alternatively, the retention feature 1102 can be suitably configured to fixedly engage (i.e., axially and radially secure) the forward portion of the inner component 1004. In some embodiments, a section of the retaining cap 1014, such as the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014, includes at least one vent hole 1112 extending from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the retaining cap 1014 to permit a flow of gas therethrough.
In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1108 of the retaining cap 1014 includes one or more threads 1104 to engage a torch head (not shown) of a plasma arc torch when the cartridge 1000 is installed into the torch. In some embodiments, two or more discrete threads 1104 (e.g., three threads) can be disposed circumferentially around an interior surface of the proximal portion 1108 of the retaining cap 1014 to engage a set complementary threads on the torch head, when at least a portion of the torch head is disposed in the hollow body of the proximal portion 1108. Locking between the torch head and the retaining cap 1014 requires rotation of one component relative to the other by a degree depending on the number of discrete threads 1104 disposed on the retaining cap 1014. For example, if there are three discrete threads 1104, a rotation of only about 120 degrees is needed to lock the components to each other. This facilitates quick installation of the cartridge 1000 onto a plasma arc torch. In general, the retaining cap 1014 has sufficient material thickness and/or strength to retain the cartridge 1000 to the torch head via the threaded engagement.
As shown in
The insulator component 1028 also includes a substantially hollow cylindrical body 1302 located at the proximal end 1303 of the insulator component 1028. The cylindrical body 1302 is disposed about the longitudinal axis A and extends along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, retention features are provided on the cylindrical body 1302 to engage the insulator component 1028 with the shield 1012 and/or the cap sleeve 1016. For example, a cap sleeve retention feature 1305 can include a slot 1306 extending from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the cylindrical body 1302. The slots 1306 are defined by a plurality of extensions 1308 disposed about the cylindrical body 1302, where each slot 1306 is situated between a pair of the extensions 1308. The cap sleeve retention feature 1305 can also include at least one groove 1310 on an internal surface of the cylindrical body 1302 centered around a corresponding slot 1306 and on the extensions 1308. The grooves 1310 and the slots 1306, which made up the cap sleeve retention features 1305, are configured to cooperatively engage the cap sleeve 1016 by one of frictional fit, snap fit, threading or crimping. A shield retention feature 1311 can include at least one groove disposed on an external surface of the cylindrical body 1302, such as adjacent to a slot 1306. The grooves 1311 are configured to engage the shield 1012 via crimping, for example.
In other embodiments, the shield 1012 can be substantially the same as the shield 800 described above with respect to
As described above with reference to
The nozzle 1010 can be a part of the inner component 1004 of the cartridge 1000 in
The nozzle 1010 can also include a retention feature in the middle portion 1705, such as one or more grooves 1708 circumferentially disposed on an outer surface of the nozzle 1010, to rotatably engage and axially secure the retention feature 1102 of the retaining cap 1014 to form the interface 1020 (as shown in
As described above, the swirl ring 1007 can be a part of the inner component 1004 of the cartridge 1000 in
The interface 1021 can be formed between the distal end 1910 of the swirl ring 1007 and the nozzle 1008 to join the two consumable components together. The joining can fixedly secure (i.e., axially and radially secure) the swirl ring 1007 to the nozzle 1008 via one of snap fit, crimping, frictional fitting or threading. Alternatively, the joining can rotatably engage and axially secure the swirl ring 1007 to the nozzle 1008 (e.g., via one of snap fit, crimping, or frictional fitting) that permits the components to independently rotate relative to each other after engagement. For example, the swirl ring 1007 can include a nozzle retention surface 1930 (e.g., interior and/or exterior surface) of the swirl ring 1007 for fixedly securing or rotatably engaging and axially securing the nozzle 1010 at its distal end 1910. The nozzle retention surface 1930 can be a feature (e.g., one or more grooves) located on the external surface of the swirl ring 1007 (e.g., on the extensions 1904) to capture the nozzle 1010 through crimping. Alternatively, a similar retention surface can be disposed on the nozzle 1010 to retain the swirl ring 1007 thereto.
Another interface 1023 can be formed between the proximal end 1912 of the swirl ring 1007 and the crown 1006 to join the two consumable components together. The joining can fixedly secure the crown 1006 and the the swirl ring 1007 via one of snap fit, crimping, frictional fitting or threading. Alternatively, the joining can rotatably engage and axially secure the swirl ring 1007 to the crown 1006 (e.g., via one of snap fit, crimping, or frictional fitting) that permits the components to independently rotate relative to each other after engagement. For example, the swirl ring 1007 can include a retention feature 1932 located on a surface (e.g., interior and/or exterior surface) of the swirl ring 1007 for fixedly securing or rotatably engage and axially securing the crown 1006 at its proximal end 1912. The retention feature 1932 can be one or more grooves located around an external surface of the swirl ring 1007 to capture the crown 1006 through crimping, for example, to form the interface 1023. Alternatively, a similar retention feature can be disposed about crown 1006 to join the swirl ring 1007 thereto. In general, the interface 1021 and/or the interface 1023 form a chamber in which the electrode 1008 is disposed and aligned (longitudinally and radially) relative to the nozzle 1010 and the crown 1006.
In some embodiments, the swirl ring 1007 has a set of radially spaced gas flow openings 1902 configured to impart a tangential velocity component to a gas flow for the plasma arc torch, causing the gas flow to swirl. This swirl creates a vortex that constricts the arc and stabilizes the position of the arc on the insert 1042. The one or more gas flow openings 1902 are disposed about the distal end 1910 of its elongated body, such as around a circumference of its distal end 1910. In some embodiments, the one or more gas flow openings 1902 are molded. Each gas flow opening 1902 can extend from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the elongated body and is oriented to impart a swirling motion relative to the axis A to the gas (e.g., air) flowing therethrough. Each gas flow opening 1902 can be circular or non-circular (e.g., rectangular, squared and/or square-cornered) in geometry. In some embodiments, the gas flow openings 1902 have substantially uniform dimensions. In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the swirl ring 1007 has a set of fins 1914 radially spaced around an external surface between the distal end 1910 and proximal end 1912. As illustrated in
As described above, the crown 1006 can be a part of the inner component 1004 of the cartridge 1000 in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, similar to the crown 106, an interior surface 2008 of the raised portion 2002 at the proximal end 2020 defines a biasing surface for physically contacting and electrically communicating with the resilient element 1026. The resilient element 1026 can bias against the proximal end of the electrode 1008 so as to move the electrode 1008 away from the crown 1006. That is, the resilient element 1026 is situated between and physically contacts the biasing surface 2008 of the crown 1006 and the proximal end of the electrode 1008 such that the resilient element 1026 imparts a separation force between the electrode 1008 and the biasing surface 2008.
In some embodiments, similar to the crown 106, an interior surface of the depressed center 2004 of the crown 1006 at the distal end 2022 defines a contact surface 2010 that is configured for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface 1044 of the electrode 1008 at its proximal end. During the transferred arc mode, the contact surface 2010 of the crown 1006 is in an abutting relationship with the corresponding contact surface 1044 of the electrode 1008. However, during the initiation of a pilot arc in the pilot arc mode, the contact surface 2010 is in a spaced relationship with the corresponding contact surface 1044 that is defined by an absence of contact between the two surfaces.
In some embodiments, similar to the crown 106, the resilient element 1026 is generally maintained between the crown 1006 and the electrode 1008. The resilient element 1026 can be a part of the inner component 1004 and can be secured to either the crown 1006 or the electrode 1008. In other embodiments, the resilient element 1026 is secured to both the electrode 1008 and the crown 1006. For example, the resilient element 1026 can be secured by welding, soldering, bonding, fastening, a diametral interference fit or another type of friction fit to the crown 1006 and/or the electrode 1008. In some embodiments, the substantially hollow body 2000 of the crown 1006 is configured to house the resilient element 1026 between its biasing surface 2008 and the proximal end of the electrode 1008. For example, the raised portion 2002 of the crown 1006 can function as a holder of the resilient element 1026. Specifically, the resilient element 1026 can be held in place by the biasing surface 2008, an inner interior surface 2012, and an outer interior surface 2014 of the raised portion 2002, where the diameter of the inner interior surface 2012 with respect to the longitudinal Axis A is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the resilient element 1026, and the diameter of the outer interior surface 2014 with respect to the longitudinal Axis A is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the resilient element 1026.
In some embodiments, radial movement of the resilient element 1026 is further restrained by the proximal end 1912 of the swirl ring 1007 after the swirl ring 1007 is affixed to the crown 1006. As shown in
In some embodiments, the depressed center 2004 of the crown 1006 is configured to substantially surround and house a cathode (not shown) of a torch head (not shown) when the cartridge 1000 is coupled to the torch head. The cathode can physically mate with at least one of the side wall 2004a or bottom wall 2004b of the cavity defined by the depressed center 2004. Upon mating with the cathode, the crown 1006 is adapted to pass an electrical current from the cathode to the electrode 1008 in a pilot mode or transferred arc mode of operation. For example, in a pilot mode of operation, an electrical current can be passed from the cathode, substantially through the side wall 2004a of the crown 1006, to the resilient element 1026 and to the electrode 1008. In a transferred arc mode of operation, an electrical current can be passed from the cathode, substantially through the bottom wall 2004b of the crown 1006, and directly to the electrode 1008 via the contact surfaces 2010, 1044.
In some embodiments, the raised portion 2002 is configured to contact and activate a consumable sensor inside of the plasma arc torch upon installation of the cartridge 1000 onto a torch head. This function of the raised portion 2002 will be described in detail below with reference to
In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in
In another aspect, a component can be inserted between the nozzle 1010 and the outer component 1002 to control gas flow therebetween.
Referring to
In some embodiments, mating between the cathode 2210 and the center cavity portion 1022a of the hollow body 1022 prevents the inner component 1004 (or at least the crown 1006 of the inner component 1004) from rotating in the radial plane, thereby radially locking the crown 1006 into position. Such mating also allows the raised portion 2002 of the crown 1006 to press against the consumable sensor 2104 (e.g., to push the plunger into a retracted position), thereby activating the sensor 2104 and permitting the torch to operate. In alternative embodiments, one or more raised features (not shown) in other elements of the cartridge 1000 (e.g., on the swirl ring 1007) can extend proximally pass the crown 1006 to press against the consumable sensor 2104 and activate the sensor 2014. For example, the lip portion 1934 of the swirl ring 1007 can extend pass the vent hole 2016 or another hole (not shown) of the crown 1006 to contact and activate the consumable sensor 2104.
Because the inner component 1004 and the outer component 1002 of the cartridge 1000 are independently rotatable in the axial plane, radial locking of the inner component 1004 still permits the outer component 1002 to rotate axially. Hence, upon fixed engagement between the cathode 2210 and the inner component 1004, an operator can rotate the outer component 1002 axially such that the threads 1104 disposed on an inner surface of the retaining cap 1014 fixedly engage the complementary threads 2212 on the outer surface of the torch head 2102 to further secure the torch head 2102 to the cartridge 1000. Alternatively, threads can be disposed on the inner component 1004, such as on an outer surface of the swirl ring 1007 to engage the torch head 2102.
In some embodiments, the sealing device 1030, such as an o-ring, is coupled to an external surface of the swirl ring 1007 near its proximal end 1912 to engage an internal surface of the torch head 2102 when the cartridge 1000 is coupled to the torch head 2102. The sealing device 1030 is configured to provide a leak-proof seal of fluids (e.g., gases) between the cartridge 1000 and the torch head 2102 at that location.
In some embodiments, the signal device 2106, such an electrically writable and/or readable device, is attached to the swirl ring 1007 of the cartridge 1000 to transmit information about the swirl ring 1007 and/or other cartridge components in the form of one or more signals. Exemplary information encoded on the signal device 2106 can include generic or fixed information, such as a consumable's name, trademark, manufacturer, serial number, and/or type. In some embodiments, the encoded information is unique to the consumable, such as metal composition of the consumable, weight of the consumable, date, time and/or location of when the consumable was manufactured, etc. Information encoded to the signal device 2106 can also specify operating parameters and/or data about the consumable that is independent of a detectable physical characteristic of the consumable. The signal device 2106 can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or card, bar code label or tag, integrated circuit (IC) plate, or the like. In some embodiments, the signal device 2106 is a circular RFID tag coupled around an external surface of the swirl ring 1007 (e.g., via snap fit) near its proximal end 1912. Generally, the signal device 2106 can be a part of the cartridge 1000 and positioned at a location in the cartridge 1000 away from metallic components that can interfere with signal transmission and reception. In some embodiments, a receiver 2107 can be disposed in the torch head 2102 or the cartridge 1000 to receive information wirelessly transmitted by the signal device 2106. The receiver 2107 is adapted to process these signals to extract the pertinent data and forward the data to a processor (not shown) for analysis.
After pilot arc initiation, a gas is introduced into the plasma chamber 1040 between the electrode 1008 and the nozzle 1010. Gas pressure can build within the plasma chamber 1040 until the pressure is sufficient to overcome the separation force exerted by the resilient element 1026. At that point, the gas pressure moves the electrode 1008 toward the crown 1006 and away from the nozzle 1010 along the longitudinally axis A (while compressing the resilient element 1026) until the corresponding contact surface 1044 of the electrode 1008 comes into physical contact with the contact surface 2010 of the crown 1006. As the electrode 1008 is moved away from the nozzle 1010 by gas pressure, an arc is generated or initiated in the plasma chamber 1040 to form a plasma arc or jet that can be transferred to a workpiece (not shown).
Generally, the inner component 1002 is substantially conductive to support both the pilot arc mode and the transferred arc mode of operations. In addition, the crown 1006 can maintain direct physical and electrical contact with the cathode 2210 in both the pilot arc mode and transferred arc mode. The crown 1006 can also maintain direct physical and electrical contact with the electrode 1008 in the transferred arc mode. In some embodiments, there is an opening in the bottom wall 2004b of the depressed center 2004 of the crown 2006 that allows the cathode 2210 to physically contact and electrically communicate with the electrode 1008 in the transferred arc mode. In the pilot arc mode, the cathode 2210 may be physically separated from the electrode 1008 due to the separation force applied by the resilient element 1026 on the electrode 1008.
The retaining cap flow 2608 is adapted to travel in a channel between an internal surface of the retaining cap 1014 and an external surface of the nozzle 1010. In some embodiments, the retaining cap flow 2608 can travel through one or more gas passageways 2154 on the spacer component 2150 located between the middle portion 1107 of the retaining cap 1014 and the middle portion 1705 of the nozzle 1010. These gas passageways 2154 can be sized and dimensioned to regulate the gas flows therethrough. The retaining cap flow 2608 can continue to the section of the channel between the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014 and the middle portion 1705 of the nozzle 1010. In some embodiments, the flat elements 1710a on the external surface of the nozzle 1010 provide spacing between the nozzle 1010 and the retaining cap 1014 to permit gas flow therethrough. At the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014, one or more vent holes 1102 disposed on the retaining cap 1014 allows the retaining cap flow 2608 to flow out of the channel between the retaining cap 1014 and the nozzle 1010 and bifurcate into two portions—a distal shield flow 2610 and a proximal shield flow 2612. The distal shield flow 2610 can travel toward the distal end 1017 of the outer component 1002 between the nozzle 1010 and the shield 1012 and exit the cartridge 1000 through either the shield exit orifice 1506 of the shield 1012 or the one or more vent holes 1504 on the shield 1012. The distal shield flow 2610 can cool the nozzle 1010 and the shield 1012. The proximal shield flow 2612 can flow proximally to pass through the slots 1306 and the gas channels 1318 of the insulator component 1028 disposed between the shield 1012 and the retaining cap 1014/cap sleeve 1016 assembly. The proximal shield flow 2612 can exit the cartridge 1000 via at least one vent hole 2620 located between the cap sleeve 1016 and the shield 1012. The proximal shield flow 2612 is adapted to cool the insulator component 1028 and the shield 1012.
In some embodiments, swirling and/or mixing of the gas flows (i.e., characterized by the presence of axial, radial, and circumferential components in the gas flows) can occurs at several locations throughout the cartridge 1000, such as at locations where the flow channels are relatively straight. For example, swirling and/or mixing of the vent flow 2607 can occur as it travels through the crown 1006. As another example, swirling and/or mixing of the retaining cap flow 2608 can occur as it travels in the channel between the interior surface of the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014 and the exterior surface of the middle portion 1705 of the nozzle 1010. As yet another example, swirling and/or mixing of the proximal shield flow 2612 can occur as it flows proximally through the insulator component 1028.
During assembly of the inner component 1002, the electrode 1008 is housed in the chamber formed by the coupling of the nozzle 1010 to the distal end 1910 of the swirl ring 1007. The nozzle 1010 can be securely affixed to the swirl ring 1007 (e.g., via crimping). This interconnection secures the electrode 1008 within the inner component 1002 while the inner wall of the swirl ring axially aligns the electrode 1008 about the longitudinal axis A with respect to the nozzle 1010 such that the electrode 1008 is limited in its axial motion. The resilient element 1026 is inserted into the swirl ring 1007 from its proximal end 1912 until it contacts the relatively flat proximal end of the electrode 1008 within the swirl ring 1007. The crown 1006 is then securely affixed to the proximal end 1912 of the swirl ring 1007 while substantially confining the resilient element 1026 in the raised portion 2002 of the crown 1006 and axially aligning the resilient element 1026 relative to the crown 1006. The crown 1006 can be connected to the swirl ring 1007 through crimping, for example. This interconnection enables the biasing surface 2008 of the crown 1006 to bias the resilient element 1026 against the proximal end of the electrode 1008, thereby urging it into an abutting position with the nozzle 1010. This interconnection also longitudinally aligns the electrode 1008 with respect to the crown 1006 such that during the transferred arc mode, the electrode 1008 is only able to retract from the nozzle 1010 far enough until it abuts the contact surface 2010 of the depressed center 2004 of the crown 1006.
In some embodiments, the sealing device 1030 is disposed around an exterior surface of the swirl ring 1007 either before or after the crown 1006 is affixed to the swirl ring 1007. In some embodiments, the signal device 2106 is disposed around an exterior surface of the swirl ring 1007 to store and transmit information about one or more components of the cartridge 1000.
To assemble the cartridge 1000, the optional spacer 2150 can be first disposed into the substantially hollow body of the outer component 1002 from the proximal end 1206 of the cap sleeve 1016. The spacer 2150 can distally advance within the hollow body of the outer component 1002 until it reaches the distal end of the middle portion 1107 of the retaining cap 1014 and cannot advance further to move into the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014. At this point, the spacer 2150 is adapted to fit around and radially align with an interior circumference of the middle portion 1107 of the retaining cap 1014. The inner component 1004 can also be disposed into the hollow body of the outer component 1002 from the proximal end 1206 of the cap sleeve 1016. The distal end 1704 of the nozzle 1010 is adapted to move through the opening 2152 of the spacer 2150 and the opening in the distal portion 1106 of the retaining cap 1014. Such distal advancement of the inner component 1004 stops when the proximal portion 1706 of the nozzle 1010 contacts the spacer 2150 and the nozzle 1010 can no longer move through the opening 2152 of the spacer 2150. At this point, an operator can couple the outer component 1002 to the inner component 1004 to form the interface 1020 by rotatably engaging and axially securing the retention feature 1102 of the retaining cap 1014 with the retention feature 1708 on the nozzle 1010 (e.g., via snap fit) such that the two components are permitted to rotate independently relative to each other upon engagement.
In some embodiments, the engagement between nozzle 1010 and the retaining cap 1014 at the interface 1020 is fixed both axially and radially. Instead, rotational engagement and axial securement can occur at one of the interfaces 1021 or 1023. For example, the nozzle 1010 can be fixedly secured to the retaining cap 1014 at the interface 1020. Rotational engagement and axial securing between the inner and outer components occurs instead at the interface 1021 between the swirl ring 1007 and the nozzle 1010. As another example, the nozzle 1010 and the swirl ring 1007 can both be fixedly secured at the interfaces 1020 and 1021. Rotational engagement and axial securement between the inner and outer components occurs instead at the interface 1023 between the crown 1006 and the swirl ring 1007.
In some embodiments, a method is provided to assemble the cartridge 1000 of
The inner component 1004 can be assembled by disposing the electrode 1008 inside of a hollow body of the swirl ring 1007, retaining the electrode 1008 within the hollow body by fixedly securing the nozzle 1010 to the distal end 1910 of the swirl ring 1007, and fixedly securing the crown 1006 to the proximal end 1912 of the swirl ring 1007. The outer component 1002 can be assembled by over-molding the cap sleeve 1016 onto the retaining cap 1014. In some embodiments, the outer component 1002 can further include the insulator component 1028 and/or the shield 1012 fixedly connected to the cap sleeve 1016 and/or the insulator component 1028.
The cartridge 1000 can be coupled to the torch head 2102 of the plasma arc torch 2100 to enable torch operations. During assembly, the torch head 2102 can be inserted into the hollow body 1022 of the cartridge 1000 such that (i) the cathode 2210 of the torch head 2102 physically mates with the center cavity portion 1022a of the hollow body 1022 that is defined by the recess of the crown 1066, and/or (ii) the extended outer circular portion 2206 of the torch head 2102 physically mates with the tubular portion 1022b of the hollow body 1022. In this configuration, the crown 1006 is positioned between the cathode 2210 and the electrode 1008 and the three components are radially and longitudinally aligned. The crown 1006 is adapted to be aligned with the consumable sensor 2104, at which position the inner component 1004 is radially fixed while the outer component 1002 of the cartridge 1000 is still independently rotatable. Thus, an operator can rotate the outer component 1002 to engage the threads 1104 on internal surface of the retaining cap 1014 of the cartridge 1000 with the complementary threads 2212 on the external surface of the outer circular portion 2206 of the torch head 2102, thereby securing the torch head 2102 to the cartridge 1000. Specifically, as the threads 1104 of the retaining cap 1014 are being rotated relative to the complementary threads 2212 of the torch head 2102, the outer component 1002 moves both radially (rotation with the threads 1104) and axially (advancement toward the torch head 2102), and the inner component 1004 can move axially advancing toward the torch head 2102, but not radially. When the threads 1104, 2212 are engaged, the torch head 2102 is fully seated.
In some embodiments, after the engagement of the torch head 2102 and the cartridge 1000, the raised portion 2002 of the crown 1006 or the extended lip 1934 of the swirl ring 1007 presses against the consumable sensor 2104 located in the interior of the torch head 2102 to activate a flow of electrical current from the cathode 2210 of the torch head 2102 to the cartridge 1000. The flow of electrical current enables one of a pilot arc mode or a transferred arc mode of torch operation. In the pilot arc mode of operation, the electrical current flows from the cathode 2210 to the biasing surface 2008 at the proximal end 2020 of the crown 1006, to the resilient element 1026 and to the electrode 1008 as a part of the current path. In the transferred arc mode of operation, the electrical current flows from the cathode 2210 to the contact surface 2010 at the distal end 2022 of the crown 1006, and to the corresponding contact surface 1044 of the electrode 1008 as a part of the current path. Alternatively, in the transferred arc mode, the electrical current can flow directly from the cathode 2210 to the electrode 1008 as the two components physically contact each other.
Generally, additional embodiments and modifications of the various consumable components for forming a cartridge of the present invention, including additional manufacturing techniques for these consumable components, are possible. In some embodiments, a shield of the cartridge of the present invention can be made from a stamping technique, such as the shield 600 of
Each of the retaining cap 2810 and/or the shield 2802 can be constructed from an electrically and/or thermally conductive material, such as copper or brass. By using an electrically conductive material in the retaining cap 2810, a pilot current can be conducted from the nozzle to the torch (and on to the power supply) through the electrically conductive portion of the retaining cap 2810. Each of the cap sleeve 2808 and the insulator ring 2804 can be manufactured from an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material (e.g., nylon resin), a thermal-set plastic material, or a high-temperature thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material comprises a polymer formed of ether and ketone molecules (e.g., ether ketone based compounds), such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In some embodiments, the insulating material comprises Vespel® manufactured by Dupont™, Torlon, Celazole or Phenolic compounds. For example, the insulator ring 2804 can be constructed from Vespel® (manufactured by DuPont™) using an injection molding technique, a stamping technique, or a more traditional machining technique.
As shown, the cap sleeve 2808 is over-molded onto the external surfaces of the middle and proximal portions of the retaining cap 2810 to form the cap assembly 2806. Only the distal portion 2812 of the retaining cap 2810 is fully exposed in the cap assembly 2806. This over-molding provides electrical insulation from the pilot current running through the metal portion of the retaining cap 2810. In general, the cap assembly 2806 defines a proximal end 2814 and a distal end 2816 extending along a longitudinal axis A of the plasma arc torch. The proximal end 2814 of the cap assembly 2806 can substantially comprise the proximal portion of the cap sleeve 2908, and the distal end 2816 of the cap assembly 2806 can substantially comprise the distal portion 2812 of the retaining cap 2810. As shown in
In some embodiments, the distal end 2816 of the cap assembly 2806 is irremovably affixed to the insulator ring 2804. Specifically, the interior surface 2818 of the insulator ring 2804 is configured to substantially surround the exterior surface of the distal end 2816 of the cap assembly 2806 and permanently engage with the exterior surface of the distal end 2816, such that the two components are radially and longitudinally aligned relative to each other to form a part of a consumable cartridge. This permanent engagement can be achieved using a staking process.
In some embodiments, the insulator ring 2804 is irremovably affixed to the shield 2802. Specifically, the interior surface at the proximal end of the hollow body of the shield 2802 is configured to substantially surround the exterior surface 2820 of the insulator ring 2804 and permanently engage with the exterior surface 2820 of the insulator ring 2804, such that the two components are radially and longitudinally aligned relative to each other to form a part of a consumable cartridge. This permanent engagement can be achieved using a crimping process. By permanently affixing the shield 2802 to the retaining cap 2806, both components may be disposed of as a single unit.
As described above with respect to
In some embodiments, the retaining cap 1104 and/or the retaining cap 2810 are formed via a stamping process, For example, the retaining cap of the present invention can be formed by stamping of a piece of metallic blank, such as a piece of brass or copper, with no additional machining required. In some embodiments, various features of the retaining cap, including the hollow body, the retention feature for engaging a nozzle (e.g., retention feature 1102), and the one or more discrete threads (e.g., thread 1104), are generated at about the same time via the same stamping process. In some embodiments, one or more flow passages (e.g., vent holes 1112) are formed in the distal portion of the retaining cap via the same stamping process.
In general, the cap assembly of the present invention is an integral part of the cartridge 1000, which means that the cap assembly is not individually disposable or serviceable and needs to be disposed with the cartridge as a single unit. To form the cartridge 1000 using the cap assembly 2806 of
To assemble the cartridge 1000 from the inner and outer components 1002, 1004, the inner component 1004 can be disposed into the hollow body of the outer component 1002 from the proximal end 2814 of the cap assembly 2806. Specifically, the distal end 1704 of the nozzle 1010 is adapted to move through the opening in the distal portion 2812 of the retaining cap 2810 of the cap assembly 2806. An operator can then couple the outer component 1002 to the inner component 1004 to form the interface 1020 by rotatably engaging and axially securing the retaining cap 2810 with the nozzle 1010 (e.g., via snap fit) such that the two components are permitted to rotate independently relative to each other upon engagement. The assembly of the cartridge 1000 from the inner component and the outer component (which comprises the assembly of the cap assembly 2806, the insulator ring 2804 and the shield 2802 described above with respect to
In another aspect, the present invention features an adapter for a plasma arc torch that is configured to indicate to the torch the presence of a consumable component within the torch. For example, the adapter can be compatible with and configured for installation inside of the torch 100 of
The adapter 3300 is configured to be inserted inside of a plasma arc torch between (i) a consumable component located relative to the distal end 3306 of the adapter body 3302 and (ii) a torch body/head of the plasma arc torch located relative to the proximal end 3304 of the adapter body 3302. For example, the adapter 3300 can be sandwiched between the consumable component and the torch body inside of the plasma arc torch, such that the distal end 3306 of the adapter 3300 physically contacts the consumable component and the proximal end 3304 of the adapter 3300 physically contacts a portion of the torch body. In some embodiments, upon installation of the adapter 3300 in a plasma arc torch, the protruding portion(s) 3308 are positioned inside of a cavity of the torch body to physically engage a switch in the cavity. For example, at least one of the protruding portion(s) 3308 can engage the switch by pressing against the switch upon installation of the adapter 3300 into the plasma arc torch. The engagement of the switch can indicate to the torch system the presence of the consumable component (which is at the distal end 3306 of the adapter body 3302) in the plasma arc torch, thereby permitting a flow of electrical current to the consumable component to enable operation of the plasma arc torch.
As shown in the torch 3500 of
As shown, the switch 3516 is generally located within an inner cavity 3518 at the distal end of the torch body 3506. Specifically, the cathode 3514 can be disposed centrally within the cavity 3518, and the switch 3516 can be located radially between the central cathode 3514 and the wall defining the cavity 3518. The switch 3516 can be a sensor in the form of a plunger, such that when it is not activated, the plunger is in an extended positon.
In alternative embodiments, an adapter of the present invention comprises the crown 1006 described above with reference to
In some embodiments, the adapter of the present invention is a stand-alone component that is detached from the consumable component of which the adapter is used to indicate the presence to the torch, such that the consumable component and the adapter are installed individually into the torch. In some embodiments, the adapter is coupled to (e.g., integrated with) the consumable component prior to installation into the torch, such that the adapter and the consumable component are inserted inside of the torch as one piece. For example, if the consumable component is the cartridge 1000 of
In other embodiments of an adapter of the present invention (not shown), the adapter can have a similar configuration as the adapter 3300 or the adapter 3400, except for the configuration of the protruding portion(s) that extend from the proximal end of the adapter body. For example, the protruding portion(s) can be a set of one or more fins, each extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis or laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to physically engage the switch in the torch body. In yet other embodiments (not shown), at least a portion of the adapter is translatable between the consumable component and the switch in the torch body up to a predetermined distance to engage the switch in the torch body. As an example, the adapter can comprise an inner portion and an outer portion, where the inner portion is retractable relative to the outer portion. When the adapter is installed inside of a plasma arc torch, the inner portion can translate longitudinally within the outer portion to physically engage the switch in the torch body. Translation of the inner portion of the adapter can be caused by, for example, physical contact between the adapter and a consumable component of the torch that pushes the inner portion in a proximal direction. As another example, the entire body of the adapter can be translated proximally toward the torch body. This translation can be caused by, for example, a resilient element (e.g., a spring) attached to the distal end of adapter body, where the resilient element is compressed by a consumable component when the adapter is inserted inside of a plasma arc torch. In general, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, an adapter of the present invention can have any reasonable configuration that facilitates (i) insertion of the adapter between a consumable component and a torch body inside of a plasma arc torch and (ii) engagement of the adapter with a switch at the distal end of the torch body to permit an electrical current flow from the torch body to the consumable component via the adapter.
In some embodiments, the proximal end 3706 of the adapter 3700 is configured to physically engage the torch body, while the distal end 3708 of the adapter is configured to physically engage one or more consumable components. For example, a set of one or more torch mount threads 3714 can be located on the proximal end 3706 to engage the torch body. As shown, the set of torch mount threads 3714 is located on an interior surface of the outer portion 3704 at the proximal end 3706 to engage a portion of the torch body having a set of complementary threads (not shown). The resulting engagement creates a cavity (not shown, but similar to the cavity 3518 of
In some embodiments, a set of one or more consumable mount threads 3716 is located on the distal end 3708 of the adapter 3700 to engage a consumable component, such as a swirl ring, an electrode and/or a consumable cartridge as explained above with reference to
After the installation of the adapter and the consumable component inside of the torch, the at least one protruding portion at the proximal end of the adapter physically engages the consumable sensing pin within the cavity of the torch body to signal the presence of the consumable component inside of the torch (step 3808). The at least one protruding portion of the adapter can have any configuration, orientation or number that are reasonable for engagement with the consumable sensing pin of the torch body. For example, the at least one protruding portion can comprise two protruding sections 3308 as shown in
Following the physical engagement with (e.g., depression of) the consumable sensing pin by the adapter, a power supply of the plasma arc torch is adapted to initiate an electrical current flow conveyed from the cathode of the torch body to the consumable component via the adapter. Thus, at least a portion of the adapter can be constructed from an electrically conductive material. For example, in the adapter 3700 of
It should be understood that various aspects and embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways. Based on the teachings of this specification, a person of ordinary skill in the art can readily determine how to combine these various embodiments. Modifications may also occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification.
This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 17/036,921, filed Sep. 29, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 16/677,175, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,432,393 on Aug. 30, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 16/413,071, filed May 15, 2019, which is a divisional application of Ser. No. 15/043,028, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,551 on Jun. 11, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/824,946, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,582,605 on Mar. 3, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/036,393, filed Aug. 12, 2014. Application Ser. No. 16/677,175 also claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/756,996, filed Nov. 7, 2018. Application Ser. No. 16/677,175 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 15/971,703, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,960,485 on Mar. 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/708,957, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,981,335 on May 29, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/079,163, filed Nov. 13, 2013. Application Ser. No. 14/708,957 claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/991,114, filed May 9, 2014 and U.S. Ser. No. 62/036,393, filed Aug. 12, 2014. Application Ser. No. 14/708,957 is also a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/US14/56546, filed Sep. 19, 2014. Application Ser. No. 15/971,703 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/708,972, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,456,855 on Oct. 29, 2019 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 14/824,946, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,582,605 on Mar. 3, 2020. The entire contents of these applications are owned by the assignee of the instant application and incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62036393 | Aug 2014 | US | |
| 62756996 | Nov 2018 | US | |
| 61991114 | May 2014 | US | |
| 62036393 | Aug 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17036921 | Sep 2020 | US |
| Child | 18195648 | US | |
| Parent | 15043028 | Feb 2016 | US |
| Child | 16413071 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14708957 | May 2015 | US |
| Child | 15971703 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16677175 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Child | 17036921 | US | |
| Parent | 16413071 | May 2019 | US |
| Child | 16677175 | US | |
| Parent | 14824946 | Aug 2015 | US |
| Child | 15043028 | US | |
| Parent | 15971703 | May 2018 | US |
| Child | 14824946 | US | |
| Parent | 14079163 | Nov 2013 | US |
| Child | 14708957 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/US14/56546 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Child | 14079163 | US | |
| Parent | 14708972 | May 2015 | US |
| Child | 15971703 | US | |
| Parent | 14824946 | Aug 2015 | US |
| Child | 14708972 | US |
