Hot wire arc welding torch assembly

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to a hot wire arc welding torch assembly having a high dielectric resistance characteristic.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a conventional hot wire arc welding torch assembly;

#FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line II--II of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a hot wire arc welding torch assembly of the present invention; and

#In accordance with this invention, an insulating and axial positioning bushing is provided between the body of T.I.G. torch 1 and the holder 2, to thus prevent both heat induced slippage and electrical shock accidents.

#Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hot wire arc welding torch assembly of this invention is substantially similar to that of the conventional construction illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in respect of those structural components and elements identified by reference numerals 1 through 13, 15 and 16, whereby no further description thereof will be given.

#Reference numeral 14 designates an insulating sleeve or bushing which has heat-proof and high insulation resistance characteristics, and which is made from, for example, a fluoride resin. The inner configuration of the insulating bushing has the same tapered shape as the outer surface of the body of T.I.G. torch 1. A threaded portion of the collet body 15 is screwed into the inner portion of the shielding nozzle 3. The upper portion of the nozzle 3 has a step or shoulder 17 which engages an inwardly projecting flange of the insulating bushing 14. The nozzle and insulating bushing are mounted within the body of torch 1. The holder 2 is disposed around the outer, straight cylindrical portion of the insulating bushing which has an outwardly projecting upper flange 18 which seats upon and thus accurately positions the holder 2 in relation to the torch 1 and nozzle 3. As the bolt 13 is tightened the gap 16 becomes narrower and the holder 2 is thus firmly clamped onto the body of the T.I.G. torch 1 through the insulating bushing 14.