Plasma arc torch, and cathode electrode for plasma arc torch.

摘要

A plasma torch comprising: a cathode (33) and an electrode (37) having connecting ends (55, 105) that are configured for a telescopic connection coaxial to each other about a central longitudinal axis (X) of the torch; and detents (43, 45) on the interchangeable cathode connecting end (33) and electrode (37); wherein at least one of the connected ends (55, 105) is designed such that the corresponding detent (43, 45) of the connecting ends (55, 105) is movable in a generally radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis center (X) of the torch between an undeflected state and a state target, said at least one detent (43) is movable resiliently from said undeflected state to said deflected state when said cathode (33) and said electrode (37) are telescopically inserted one inside the other and is movable from said deflected state back toward said undeflected state when the cathode (33) and electrode (37) are further telescoped one inserted inside the other to a point where the detents (43, 45) on the cathode (33) and electrode (37) are aligned generally axially, whereby the at least one detent (43) engageable with the other detent (45) to interconnect the cathode (33) and electr odo (37) and to inhibit axial movement of the electrode (37) outside the cathode (33).