A plasma torch extender

Abstract

This utility model discloses a plasma torch extender, including a connector, a flow booster, a nozzle cap, and a plasma nozzle. The connector is used to connect to the plasma cutting torch body and has a central electrode inside. The flow booster is disposed between the connector and the nozzle cap, and has a hollow cylindrical structure. Inside, it has multiple sets of axially arranged Tesla valve channels, each including a main channel, an offset return channel, a stabilizing rod, and a guide barrel, used to guide and agitate the ionized gas. A plasma nozzle is installed at the front end of the nozzle cap to further compress and concentrate the airflow. This structure can effectively improve the extension stability and thermal density of the plasma flame, solving the problems of short flame beams and energy diffusion in existing torches. It is suitable for welding or cutting applications in complex conditions such as deep cavities or confined spaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ion cutting equipment technology, specifically a plasma torch extender. Background Technology

[0002] A plasma torch is a high-temperature plasma stream generated based on the principle of electric arc discharge, used in industrial processing such as cutting, welding, heat treatment, and spraying. It works by exciting gas into a high-temperature ionized state under a high-voltage electric field and then ejecting it to form a concentrated hot flame column, which locally heats and processes the workpiece. Traditional plasma torches mainly consist of components such as electrodes, nozzles, gas flow channels, and insulators; their core technology lies in stabilizing the arc discharge and guiding the high-temperature flame stream.

[0003] Most existing plasma cutting torches place the nozzle at the front end of the electrode. Ionized gas forms an electric arc between the electrode and the nozzle and is then ejected at high speed through the nozzle orifice, thus forming a flame column output. However, in traditional structures, the ionized gas path is relatively short and the airflow disturbance capability is weak, resulting in limited plasma column extension capability. The flame beam is prone to divergence or instability at the exit, especially when performing deep cavity machining, cutting in confined spaces, or processing thick workpieces, often resulting in problems such as short flame column, insufficient concentration, and uneven burning at the cutting edge.

[0004] Some technical solutions attempt to add a flow guide, mixing orifice plate, or secondary nozzle structure to the front end of the torch in order to guide the gas flow direction and extend the plasma beam length. However, most of these structures rely on complex channels or additional drive devices, making assembly difficult and the overall structure bulky. Furthermore, in actual operation, they still suffer from defects such as turbulent airflow, uneven energy distribution, and poor stability, failing to fundamentally solve the problems of insufficient plasma flame extension and poor flame focusing effect.

[0005] In summary, existing plasma torch structures still have significant shortcomings in terms of gas flow stability, plasma column extension distance, and heat concentration. There is an urgent need to propose a new type of torch auxiliary structure that is simple in structure, has stable airflow, and has a significant extension effect to meet the needs of plasma operations under complex working conditions. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model aims to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies.

[0007] Therefore, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a plasma torch extender, comprising: a connector, a flow booster, a nozzle cap, and a plasma nozzle. The connector is provided with a central electrode and is used to connect to the plasma torch body. The flow booster is disposed between the connector and the nozzle cap, and has multiple sets of Tesla valve flow channels arranged axially inside, which can disturb and guide the ionized gas. After being disturbed and accelerated by the flow booster, the gas enters the nozzle, ultimately forming a concentrated, high-speed plasma flame output.

[0008] In a preferred example, the Tesla valve flow channel structure includes multiple flow guiding units. Each flow guiding unit includes a main channel and a biased return channel connected to it. The main channel extends along the airflow axis to form the main injection path. The biased return channel has a U-shaped or swirling structure and is distributed on the inner wall of the booster cavity to disrupt the airflow direction and guide secondary swirls. Specifically, the multiple sets of flow guiding units are arranged alternately along the axial direction to achieve multi-stage turbulence effects within a limited structural length, enhancing the depth of airflow disturbance and the inertial stability of the flame column.

[0009] In a preferred example, each flow guiding unit of the Tesla valve flow channel is provided with a stabilizing bar. The stabilizing bar is arranged between the main channel and the offset return channel, and plays a supporting role in the structure and airflow direction control. Specifically, the stabilizing bar is used to limit the disturbance amplitude of the swirling airflow on the main axis, ensure that the flow field maintains directional consistency, and prevent eddies or offsets from forming irregular flames.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a guide barrel structure is provided on the outer side of the offset return channel. The guide barrel is a curved groove cavity formed along the inner wall to guide the vortex path, thereby enhancing the disturbance level and airflow guidance effect. Specifically, the guide barrel can be integrally formed with the guide vane and work together with the stabilizing rod to form a "constraint-return-disturbance" flow module.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the flow booster is connected to the connector and nozzle cap by a threaded connection structure, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection interface, which enables quick assembly, disassembly and maintenance. Specifically, the threaded interface also facilitates the replacement of different models of nozzles or extension structures, thereby improving the modular compatibility of this utility model.

[0012] In a preferred example, the plasma nozzle employs a tapered, tapered structure located at the inner end of the nozzle cap. Its outlet diameter is smaller than the inlet diameter, used to further compress the airflow and focus energy. Specifically, this nozzle, in conjunction with the aforementioned perturbation channel, can achieve final energy output focusing after the plasma airflow is amplified by perturbation, thereby obtaining a high-density, highly directional flame column.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the booster body is integrally formed from metal or ceramic material, with a high-temperature resistant and impact-resistant outer shell, and an inner cavity that can be coated with an insulating layer to enhance electrical insulation performance. Specifically, this material matching ensures thermal stability during the flame output process, prevents the risk of arc breakdown, and extends service life.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the central electrode penetrates the interior of the connector and is coaxially arranged with the axis of the booster cavity, and is connected to the main power supply of the plasma cutter to form an arc discharge path. Specifically, the electrode tip extends to the front of the Tesla turbulence region, allowing the plasma to enter the turbulence section immediately after initial ionization, forming an integrated "arc-turbulence-convergence" control path, further improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0015] Specifically, through the above-mentioned structural combination, this utility model enables the plasma flame column to have a longer extension distance, stronger heat energy focusing ability and higher flame beam stability, making it particularly suitable for high-requirement working conditions such as deep hole processing, complex curved surface heat treatment, and precision cutting. It has broad industrial adaptability and significant technical promotion value.

[0016] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: 1. In this utility model, by adding a flow booster with a Tesla valve flow channel structure to the front end of the plasma torch, the disturbance and acceleration effect of the gas flow is effectively enhanced, so that the ionized gas forms a high-speed directional swirling flow before entering the nozzle, which significantly improves the extension distance and output stability of the plasma flame column, and solves the problem of easy diffusion and instability of the flame beam in the existing torch during deep cavity cutting or narrow space processing.

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the multi-stage Tesla flow channel structure inside the flow booster has the characteristic of achieving unidirectional acceleration of airflow without additional power. It is further supplemented by a stabilizing rod and a flow guide structure to suppress turbulence formation, improve the continuity of the flow field and the plasma concentration. It has the advantages of compact structure, simple assembly and strong adaptability, and is suitable for modification of standard torch structures. It has good prospects for promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional perspective structure of a flow booster according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a flow booster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure label: 100. Connector; 110. Central electrode; 200. Flow booster; 210. Tesla valve flow channel; 211. Stabilizer bar; 212. Flow guide barrel; 300, Nozzle cap; 310, Plasma nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features of the present utility model can be combined with each other.

[0021] It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this invention.

[0022] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of a plasma torch extender provided by this utility model.

[0023] Combination Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a plasma torch extender, comprising: a connector 100, a flow booster 200, a nozzle cap 300, and a plasma nozzle 310. The connector 100 is disposed at the rear end of the present invention and is used to connect with the plasma cutting torch body. A central electrode 110 is coaxially disposed inside the connector 100 for guiding current and forming an arc channel.

[0024] The booster 200 is threadedly connected to the front end of the connector 100 and has a hollow cylindrical structure. Inside, there are Tesla valve channels 210 arranged continuously along the axial direction. Each Tesla valve channel 210 consists of multiple flow guiding units, each including a main channel, an offset return channel, a stabilizing rod 211, and a flow guide barrel 212. The main channel is arranged linearly along the gas flow direction. The offset return channels branch from the main channel and are distributed on the inner wall of the booster 200 in a U-shaped folding structure. Multiple offset return channels are arranged in a staggered manner along the axial direction, forming a multi-stage turbulence structure. The stabilizing rod 211 is located at the center of each flow guiding unit, between the main channel and the return channel, and is used to support the guide vanes and stabilize the internal flow field. The flow guide barrel 212 is located outside the return channel and has an annular curved cavity structure, used to enhance the guidance of swirling airflow and the flow disturbance effect.

[0025] In this structure, when ionized gas enters the booster 200 from the connector 100, it propels along the main channel. Simultaneously, some gas is guided into the bias return channel, where it is swirled and disturbed by the guide tube 212 before converging into the main channel, thus forming a multi-stage swirling structure. This airflow disturbance process occurs sequentially in each guide unit, effectively enhancing gas velocity and guiding stability, and increasing the extension length and heat beam density of the plasma flame column.

[0026] The nozzle cap 300 is installed at the front end of the booster 200 and fixed by a threaded connection. A plasma nozzle 310 is installed inside the nozzle. The plasma nozzle 310 has a tapered, tapered structure, with an inner diameter smaller than the outlet diameter of the booster 200's end channel. This design increases the energy density of the flame column outlet, further compresses the ionized gas, and improves the velocity and concentration of the ejected gas flow, ensuring a stable high-energy plasma beam forms at the end of the flame column.

[0027] In this invention, the flow booster 200 adopts an integral molding structure, preferably made of high-temperature resistant metal or ceramic material. Its inner cavity surface can be coated with an insulating protective coating to prevent arc breakdown and improve structural lifespan. The connector 100, flow booster 200, and nozzle cap 300 are all connected by threads, and sealing rings are provided at the interfaces, facilitating easy installation and enabling quick disassembly and replacement. The central electrode 110 penetrates the connector 100 and extends into the flow booster 200, allowing connection to the plasma cutting torch main electrode to ensure a continuous and stable arc formation path.

[0028] This embodiment covers the complete structure of the connector 100, center electrode 110, flow booster 200, Tesla valve flow channel 210, stabilizer 211, flow guide 212, nozzle cap 300, plasma nozzle 310, etc., and clearly describes the connection relationship, working principle and synergistic effect between the structures. It has good feasibility and industrial applicability.

[0029] Working principle and usage process of this utility model: This invention achieves enhanced plasma flow disturbance, increased velocity, and stable flame column extension by adding a structurally optimized flow booster 200 to the front end of the plasma torch. Its working principle is as follows: When high-pressure ionized gas (such as argon, nitrogen, or compressed air) is introduced from the rear end of the connector 100, the gas first forms a high-temperature arc with the main power supply of the plasma cutting torch via the central electrode 110 inside the connector 100. Driven by the airflow, the ionized gas enters the booster 200 axially. The booster 200 is provided with multiple Tesla valve channels 210 arranged continuously along the axial direction. Each channel is composed of a main channel, an offset return channel, a stabilizing rod 211, and a guide barrel 212.

[0030] As the gas passes through the structure, part of the airflow travels straight along the main channel, while the other part enters the offset return channel, forming a local disturbance vortex in the guide tube 212 to enhance the disturbance and airflow guidance effect. The turbulent diffusion is then limited by the stabilizing rod 211, and the gas eventually merges into the main airflow path. The series arrangement of the multi-stage Tesla flow channels ensures that the overall gas continuously receives disturbance energy and directional guidance during its forward movement, forming a highly stable, high-velocity swirling flow field, thereby effectively improving the extension length and output stability of the plasma flame column.

[0031] After being directed out by the booster 200, the airflow enters the front nozzle cap 300 and is ejected through the plasma nozzle 310, forming a concentrated plasma flame with high energy density, which can be used for deep hole cutting, welding, cladding and other operations on materials such as metals and ceramics.

[0032] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A plasma torch extender, characterized in that, include: Connector (100), flow booster (200), nozzle cap (300), and plasma nozzle (310); The connector (100) is used to connect to the plasma cutting torch body, and a central electrode (110) is provided inside it to guide current and form an arc channel; The booster (200) is connected to the connector (100). It is a hollow cylindrical component with multiple Tesla valve channels (210) arranged axially inside, which are used to unidirectionally disturb and increase the velocity of the ionized gas passing through, thereby enhancing the stability of the flame column extension. The nozzle cap (300) is connected to the front end of the flow booster (200), and a plasma nozzle (310) is installed inside the nozzle cap (300) for compressing and exporting the plasma flame column.

2. The plasma torch extender according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Tesla valve flow channel (210) includes multiple flow guiding units. Each flow guiding unit includes a main channel and a biased return channel connected thereto. The main channel extends along the main airflow axis. The biased return channel is arranged in a folded structure on the inner wall of the booster (200) and is staggered with adjacent flow guiding units.

3. The plasma torch extender according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each flow guiding unit in the Tesla valve flow channel (210) is provided with a stabilizing rod (211). The stabilizing rod (211) is located between the main channel and the offset return channel to support the structure and limit airflow turbulence, thereby improving the stability of the flow field.

4. The plasma torch extender according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the offset return channel is provided with a flow guide barrel (212), which has an arc-shaped groove structure to form a closed vortex path to enhance the degree of disturbance and the airflow guidance effect.

5. The plasma torch extender according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow booster (200) is connected to the connector (100) and the nozzle cap (300) by threads, and a sealing ring is provided at the interface to achieve assembly sealing and detachable assembly.

6. The plasma torch extender according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plasma nozzle (310) has a tapered and tapered structure, and its inner diameter is smaller than the outlet diameter of the end channel of the booster (200), which is used to improve the energy density of the flame column outlet.

7. The plasma torch extender according to claim 1, characterized in that, The booster (200) is an integrally formed structure of metal or ceramic material, with the outer shell made of high-temperature and high-strength material and the inner cavity coated with an insulating layer to prevent arc breakdown.

8. The plasma torch extender according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central electrode (110) passes through the connector (100) and the inside of the current booster (200), and is connected to the main power supply of the plasma cutting torch.

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