Sealing devices and wire EDM machines

Abstract

The present invention provides a sealing device (30) and a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine (10) capable of suppressing sludge accumulation. The sealing device (30) includes a sealing base (32), a sealing plate (34), a corrugated component (44), a flow path (54), and a guide rail component (48). The guide rail component (48) is open in the inward direction (DY1) so that sludge generated by the processing of the workpiece flows together with the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component (44) and the sealing plate (34) into the processing tank (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device for sealing a window formed on the sidewall of a machining tank, and a wire electrical discharge machining machine having the sealing device. Background Technology

[0002] A wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine processes a workpiece by generating a discharge between a wire electrode and the workpiece disposed inside a machining tank. The wire electrode is supported by an upper arm and a lower arm. The machining tank is movable relative to the machine base in a first direction (X-direction) and a second direction (Y-direction) intersecting the first direction. A window is formed on the side wall of the machining tank for the lower arm to pass through.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-52497 discloses a sealing device for sealing the window portion of a machining tank. In this device, a sealing base and a sealing plate are provided. The sealing base is fixed to the outer side of the machining tank. The sealing base has a through hole communicating with the window portion of the machining tank. The sealing plate blocks the through hole of the sealing base from its outer side. The sealing plate is movable relative to the sealing base. An arm that passes through the lower side of the window portion of the machining tank and the through hole of the sealing base penetrates the sealing plate. A sealing member is provided on the sealing plate to seal the gap between the lower arm (arm cover) and the sealing plate.

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-52497 describes a pre-sealing device. This pre-sealing device prevents sludge (contaminants) generated during the processing of the workpiece from adhering to sealing components. The pre-sealing device includes a corrugated component (pre-sealing corrugated cover) and a guide rail component (pre-sealing corrugated guide rail). The corrugated component is arranged to cover the window of the processing tank from the inside side. The guide rail component guides the corrugated component. A processing fluid with a pressure exceeding the pressure inside the processing tank is supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate. The processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate flows out through a small gap between the corrugated component and the guide rail component. Therefore, sludge intrusion between the corrugated component and the sealing plate can be prevented. As a result, sludge adhesion to sealing components can be prevented. Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, according to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-52497, even if sludge does not intrude between the corrugated component and the sealing plate, there is a tendency for sludge to accumulate on the guide rail component that guides the corrugated component. If sludge accumulates on the guide rail component, there is a concern that the corrugated component may have difficulty expanding and contracting properly due to the accumulated sludge.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device and a wire EDM machine that can suppress the accumulation of sludge.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a sealing device in which an arm supporting a wire electrode for processing the workpiece is inserted through a sidewall of a processing tank storing a processing fluid for immersing the workpiece, and a window formed such that the processing tank can move in an intersecting direction that intersects the extending direction of the inserted arm is sealed.

[0008] The sealing device includes:

[0009] A sealing base is fixed to the outer side of the processing groove and has a through hole communicating with the window portion;

[0010] A sealing plate, configured to block the through hole from the outer side of the sealing base, and movable relative to the sealing base;

[0011] A corrugated component configured to cover the window portion in an inward direction from the outside to the inside of the window portion along the extension direction, and to extend and retract along the intersecting direction;

[0012] A flow path for supplying the processing fluid, at a pressure exceeding that within the processing tank, between the corrugated component and the sealing plate; and

[0013] A guide rail component, disposed on the lower side of the corrugated component and extending in the intersecting direction, guides the extension and retraction of the corrugated component.

[0014] With regard to the guide rail component, the inward direction of the guide rail component is open so that the sludge generated from the processing of the workpiece flows together with the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate into the processing tank.

[0015] A second aspect of the invention provides a sealing device in which an arm supporting a wire electrode for processing the workpiece is inserted through a sidewall of a processing tank storing a processing fluid for immersing the workpiece, and a window formed such that the processing tank can move in an intersecting direction that intersects the extending direction of the inserted arm is sealed.

[0016] The sealing device includes:

[0017] A sealing base is fixed to the outer side of the processing groove and has a through hole communicating with the window portion;

[0018] A sealing plate, configured to block the through hole from the outer side of the sealing base, and movable relative to the sealing base;

[0019] A corrugated component configured to cover the window portion in an inward direction from the outside to the inside of the window portion along the extension direction, and to extend and retract along the intersecting direction;

[0020] A flow path for supplying a processing fluid at a pressure exceeding that within the processing tank between the corrugated component and the sealing plate; and

[0021] A support rod extends through the lower part of the corrugated component in a telescoping state and extends in the intersecting direction, supporting the corrugated component.

[0022] The third aspect of the present invention provides a wire electrical discharge machining machine, comprising:

[0023] The sealing device of the first or second scheme mentioned above;

[0024] The processing tank; and

[0025] The arm.

[0026] According to the solution of the present invention, the accumulation of sludge can be suppressed.

[0027] That is, in the first embodiment, by opening the guide rail component to the inside, the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate can flow from the open portion to the processing tank. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of sludge between the corrugated component and the sealing plate without causing sludge to stagnate on the guide rail component, thereby suppressing sludge accumulation.

[0028] On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the lower part of the corrugated component is supported by a support rod. Therefore, without the need for a guide rail, the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate can flow from below the corrugated component to the processing tank. Consequently, sludge intrusion between the corrugated component and the sealing plate can be suppressed without causing sludge buildup, thus preventing sludge accumulation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the sealing device according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view in direction III-III.

[0032] Figure 4 Therefore with Figure 3 The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device of the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 Therefore with Figure 3 The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device of Modified Example 1.

[0034] Figure 6 Therefore with Figure 3 The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device of variant example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on preferred embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine 10. The EDM machine 10 processes a workpiece by generating a discharge between a wire electrode 14 and the workpiece in a processing fluid stored in a processing tank 12. The EDM machine 10 includes a processing tank 12, a movable worktable 16, an upper arm 18, and a lower arm 20. Hereinafter, arm 18 will be referred to as upper arm 18, and arm 20 as lower arm 20.

[0037] The machining tank 12 stores the liquid (machining fluid) used when machining the workpiece. The machining tank 12 is located on the movable worktable 16.

[0038] The movable worktable 16 has a saddle 16X and a worktable 16Y. The saddle 16X moves relative to the machine base 10X of the wire EDM machine 10 in a first direction DX. The worktable 16Y moves relative to the saddle 16X in a second direction DY that intersects the first direction DX. A machining groove 12 is provided on the mounting surface of the worktable 16Y. Furthermore, the first direction DX corresponds to the X-axis of the mechanical axis defined by the wire EDM machine 10, and the second direction DY corresponds to the Y-axis of that mechanical axis.

[0039] The upper arm 18 supports the wire electrode 14 on one side and supplies the wire electrode 14 to the workpiece immersed in the processing fluid in the processing tank 12. The upper arm 18 has rollers or the like that that support the wire electrode 14 on one side and feed it out on the other.

[0040] The lower arm 20 supports the wire electrode 14 on one side and retrieves the wire electrode 14 that has passed through the workpiece. The lower arm 20 includes rollers, etc., that support the wire electrode 14 on one side and perform winding. The lower arm 20 extends along the second direction DY.

[0041] The lower arm 20 passes through a window 12W formed in the side wall 12A of the machining groove 12. The machining groove 12 is provided on a movable worktable 16 (worktable 16Y). Therefore, when the movable worktable 16 moves in at least one of the first direction DX and the second direction DY, the machining groove 12 moves together with the movable worktable 16. In order to enable the machining groove 12 to move along the first direction DX, the window 12W of the machining groove 12 extends along the first direction DX. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lower arm 20 passing through the window 12W from obstructing the movement of the machining groove 12 in the first direction DX.

[0042] Furthermore, the second direction DY is consistent with the extension direction of the lower arm 20. The first direction DX is consistent with the intersection direction of the extension direction of the lower arm 20. In the second direction DY, the direction along the second direction DY from the outside of the window portion 12W toward the inside is designated as the inner direction DY1. In addition, the direction in the second direction DY from the inside of the window portion 12W toward the outside is designated as the outer direction DY2.

[0043] Next, the sealing device 30 for the sealing window 12W will be described. The sealing device 30 seals the window 12W of the machining groove 12 while the machining groove 12 is movable. The following description is divided into the sealing device 30 of the first embodiment and the sealing device 30 of the second embodiment.

[0044] (First Implementation)

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the sealing device 30 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view in direction III-III. The sealing device 30 has a sealing base 32 and a sealing plate 34.

[0046] The sealing base 32 is fixed to the outer side of the sidewall 12A in which the window portion 12W is formed in the machining groove 12. To allow the machining groove 12 to move along the first direction DX, the sealing base 32 has a through hole 32H communicating with the window portion 12W of the machining groove 12. Figure 3 The through-hole 32H is configured to overlap with the window portion 12W. The through-hole 32H is formed to have the same shape and size as the window portion 12W. Alternatively, the through-hole 32H may be formed to a size larger than the window portion 12W. Furthermore, the through-hole 32H may also have a different shape than the window portion 12W.

[0047] A groove 32G is formed on the sealing base 32 on the surface opposite to the surface facing the machining groove 12. The groove 32G is formed to surround the entire circumference of the through hole 32H. A sliding portion 36 is fitted into the groove 32G. The sliding portion 36 abuts against the sealing plate 34. The sliding portion 36 is fitted into the groove 32G in a manner that allows it to slide on the sealing plate 34. That is, the sliding portion 36 is configured to be able to slide relative to the sealing plate 34 while sealing the gap between the sealing base 32 and the sealing plate 34. The sliding portion 36 is elastic. For example, an elastomer such as rubber can be used as the sliding portion 36.

[0048] The sealing plate 34 blocks the through hole 32H of the sealing base 32 from its outer side. The sealing plate 34 is supported on the support portion 40 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the sealing base 32 via the sliding portion 36. The support portion 40 has an upper sealing base 40A. Figure 3 ), lower sealing base 40B ( Figure 3 ), upper side roller 40C ( Figure 3 ) and lower side roller 40D ( Figure 3 ).

[0049] The upper sealing base 40A is fixed to the sealing base 32, which is located above the through hole 32H. The upper sealing base 40A extends outward in the direction DY2. The lower sealing base 40B is fixed to the sealing base 32, which is located below the through hole 32H. The lower sealing base 40B extends outward in the direction DY2.

[0050] The upper roller 40C is mounted on the upper sealing base 40A. The lower roller 40D is mounted on the lower sealing base 40B. The upper roller 40C and the lower roller 40D are mounted on the sealing base 32 while the sealing plate 34 is pressed down by the sliding part 36. Therefore, the upper roller 40C and the lower roller 40D restrict the movement of the sealing plate 34 along the second direction DY, and allow the sealing plate 34 to move relative to the sealing base 32 in the first direction DX. In addition, multiple upper rollers 40C and lower rollers 40D may be arranged at intervals in the first direction DX.

[0051] A sealing component 42 is provided on the sealing plate 34. Figure 2 The sealing member 42 seals the sealing plate 34 between itself and the lower arm 20 through a through hole formed in the sealing plate 34. The sealing member 42 may also use oil to seal the sealing plate 34 between itself and the lower arm 20.

[0052] A corrugated member 44 is disposed in a region DY1 inwardly relative to the sealing plate 34. The corrugated member 44 extends and retracts along the first direction DX. The corrugated member 44 is disposed such that it covers the window portion 12W of the machining groove 12. In this embodiment, the corrugated member 44 is located inside the through hole 32H of the sealing base 32. In this embodiment, the corrugated member 44 is disposed along the first direction DX on the sealing member 42 ( Figure 2 One side and the other side. Sealing component 42 ( Figure 2 It is sandwiched between two corrugated components 44. Additionally, in Figure 2 Only the configuration in sealing component 42 is shown in the diagram. Figure 2 A corrugated component 44 is located on one side of the sealing component 42. One end of the corrugated component 44 in the first direction DX is fixed to the sealing component 42. The other end of the corrugated component 44 in the first direction DX is fixed to the sealing base 32. The upper part of the corrugated component 44 is supported by the guide rail component 46. The lower part of the corrugated component 44 is supported by the guide rail component 48. Hereinafter, the guide rail component 46 will be referred to as the upper guide rail component 46, and the guide rail component 48 will be referred to as the lower guide rail component 48.

[0053] The upper guide rail component 46 is fixed to the sealing base 32. The upper guide rail component 46 guides the telescopic corrugated component 44. The upper guide rail component 46 has a top 46A, a side 46B, and a side 46C. The top 46A is positioned above the upper part of the corrugated component 44 and extends along a first direction DX. The side 46B is connected to the end of the top 46A in the inward direction DY1. The side 46C is connected to the end of the top 46A in the outward direction DY2. The upper part of the corrugated component 44 is sandwiched between the side 46B and the side 46C.

[0054] Furthermore, the top 46A may or may not abut against the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base 32. In this embodiment, the top 46A abuts against the upper sheet member 50. The upper sheet member 50 covers a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base 32 and the outer surface of the sealing base 32 facing DY2. The upper sheet member 50 is disposed on the sealing base 32.

[0055] The lower guide rail component 48 is fixed to the sealing base 32. The lower guide rail component 48 guides the telescopic corrugated component 44. The lower guide rail component 48 has a bottom 48A, a side 48B, and a side 48C. The bottom 48A is disposed below the lower part of the corrugated component 44 and extends along a first direction DX. The side 48B is connected to the end of the bottom 48A in the inward direction DY1. The side 48C is connected to the end of the bottom 48A in the outward direction DY2. The lower part of the corrugated component 44 is sandwiched between the side 48B and the side 48C.

[0056] Alternatively, the bottom 48A may or may not abut against the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base 32. In this embodiment, the bottom 48A abuts against the lower sheet member 52. The lower sheet member 52 covers a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base 32 and the outer surface of the sealing base 32 facing DY2. The lower sheet member 52 is provided on the sealing base 32. Alternatively, the lower sheet member 52 may not be provided.

[0057] An opening 48O is formed on the side portion 48B. There may be one or more openings 48O. When there are multiple openings 48O, they are formed at intervals along the first direction DX. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The diagram shows a case where there are multiple openings 48O.

[0058] In the sealing device 30, a quasi-closed space SP is formed between the sealing plate 34 and the corrugated component 44. Figure 3 Quasi-closed space SP( Figure 3 The sealing device 30 is surrounded by a sealing base 32, a sealing plate 34, and a corrugated component 44. A flow path 54 is provided in the sealing device 30 for supplying processing fluid to the enclosed space SP. Figure 3 A flow path 54 is formed on the sealing base 32 above the through hole 32H. The flow path 54 has an outlet on the outer surface of the sealing base 32 facing DY2. A processing fluid supply source is connected to the inlet of the flow path 54. During processing of the workpiece, the processing fluid supply source continuously supplies processing fluid to the semi-closed space SP via the flow path 54. Furthermore, the processing fluid supplied to the semi-closed space SP is a clean liquid free of sludge.

[0059] The pressure of the processing fluid supplied to the semi-closed space SP exceeds the pressure of the processing fluid present in the processing tank 12. Therefore, when the semi-closed space SP is filled with processing fluid, the processing fluid in the semi-closed space SP flows out into the processing tank 12 through the gaps between the corrugated member 44 and the upper guide rail member 46, and between the corrugated member 44 and the lower guide rail member 48. This prevents the processing fluid in the processing tank 12 from flowing back into the semi-closed space SP, which is filled with clean processing fluid. As a result, it prevents sludge from entering the semi-closed space SP.

[0060] Furthermore, in the sealing device 30 of this embodiment, an opening 48O is formed on the side 48B of the lower guide rail member 48. Therefore, sludge will not stagnate on the lower guide rail member 48, and the sludge can flow out into the processing tank 12.

[0061] (Second Implementation)

[0062] Figure 4 Therefore with Figure 3The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device 30 of the second embodiment. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the second embodiment, structures identical to those described in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0063] In this embodiment, the lower guide rail component 48 is omitted, and a new support rod 56 is provided. The support rod 56 supports the lower part of the corrugated component 44. The support rod 56 extends along the first direction DX. The support rod 56 passes through the lower part of the corrugated component 44 in a telescoping state. Both ends of the support rod 56 are fixed to the inner circumferential side of the sealing base 32. Therefore, even without the lower guide rail component 48, movement of the corrugated component 44 in the second direction DY can be restricted. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the support rod 56 is not particularly limited. Figure 4 In the design, the cross-sectional shape of the support rod 56 is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the support rod 56 can also be rectangular or triangular, etc.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the quasi-enclosed space SP is filled with processing fluid, the processing fluid in the quasi-enclosed space SP flows out to the processing tank 12 through the gap between the corrugated member 44 and the upper guide rail member 46, and the gap between the corrugated member 44 and the lower sheet member 52. Therefore, even if the lower guide rail member 48 is omitted, sludge will not stagnate on the lower side of the corrugated member 44, and sludge intrusion into the quasi-enclosed space SP can be suppressed.

[0065] (Variation)

[0066] The first embodiment and at least one of the second embodiment may also be modified as follows.

[0067] (Variation Example 1)

[0068] Figure 5 Therefore with Figure 3 The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device 30 of Modified Example 1. Additionally, in Figure 5 In this variation, structures identical to those described in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in this variation, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0069] In this variation, the lower guide rail component 48 has a side portion 48D instead of the side portion 48B of the first embodiment. Figure 3 The side portion 48D of this variant is different from the side portion 48B of the first embodiment. Figure 3 Similarly, it extends along the first direction DX. On the other hand, the side portion 48D of this modified example and the side portion 48B of the first embodiment ( Figure 3Unlike the bottom 48A, the side portion 48D is configured separately. Both ends of the side portion 48D are fixed to the inner circumferential side of the sealing base 32. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the side portion 48D in this modification is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the side portion 48D in this modification is... Figure 5 The middle part is circular in shape. The cross-sectional shape of the side part 48D in this modified example can also be rectangular or triangular, etc.

[0070] In this modified example, the side portion 48D is disposed separately from the bottom portion 48A. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment where an opening 48O is formed in the side portion 48B connected to the bottom portion 48A, the openness of the lower guide rail member 48 in the inward direction DY1 can be increased. Thus, the accumulation of sludge on the lower guide rail member 48 can be further suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, in this modified example, the bottom 48A of the lower guide rail component 48 is inclined such that the further inward it moves towards the lower end of the corrugated component 44, the further away it is from the lower end. Compared to the case where the bottom 48A is not inclined, by inclining the bottom 48A, it is possible to further suppress the sludge from accumulating on the lower guide rail component 48.

[0072] Furthermore, as in this modified example, the bottom 48A of the first embodiment can also be inclined such that the further inward the direction DY1, the further away from the lower end of the corrugated member 44. Additionally, the lower sides of the inner peripheral surfaces of the lower sheet member 52 and the sealing base 32 of the second embodiment can also be inclined such that the further inward the direction DY1, the further away from the lower end of the corrugated member 44. Furthermore, in the case where the lower sheet member 52 of the second embodiment is omitted, only the lower side of the inner peripheral surface of the sealing base 32 is inclined such that the further inward the direction DY1, the further away from the lower end of the corrugated member 44.

[0073] (Variation Example 2)

[0074] Figure 6 Therefore with Figure 3 The same viewpoint is shown in the diagram of the sealing device 30 in Modified Example 2. Additionally, in Figure 6 In this variation, structures identical to those described in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in this variation, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0075] In this modification, the corrugated member 44 is positioned in the region DY1 further inward than the through hole 32H of the sealing base 32. Furthermore, in this modification, the upper sheet member 50 and the lower sheet member 52 are omitted. Also, in this modification, a new support base member 58 is provided.

[0076] The support base component 58 supports the upper part of the corrugated component 44. The support base component 58 is positioned above the through hole 32H between the side wall 12A of the machining groove 12 and the sealing base 32. The support base component 58 extends along a first direction DX. The inner direction DY1 side of the support base component 58 is fixed to the machining groove 12. The outer direction DY2 side of the support base component 58 is fixed to the sealing base 32.

[0077] A protrusion 58P is provided on the support base component 58. The protrusion 58P protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support base component 58. The upper part of the corrugated component 44 is sandwiched between the protrusion 58P and the side wall 12A of the machining groove 12. In this modified example, the upper guide rail component 46 is omitted. Figure 3 In this modified example, the support base member 58 corresponds to the top 46A of the upper guide rail member 46 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the side wall 12A of this modified example corresponds to the side portion 46B of the upper guide rail member 46 in the first embodiment. Moreover, the protrusion 58P of this modified example corresponds to the side portion 46C of the upper guide rail member 46.

[0078] A flow path 54 is formed in the support base member 58. Additionally, an opening 58O is formed on the outer side (DY2) of the support base member 58. There may be one or more openings 58O. When there are multiple openings 58O, they are spaced apart in the first direction (DX). The openings 58O communicate with the quasi-closed space SP through a connecting portion 32C formed in the sealing base 32. That is, in this modified example, the opening 58O formed in the support base member 58 and the connecting portion 32C formed in the sealing base 32 are part of the flow path 54.

[0079] Thus, even if the corrugated member 44 is disposed in a region DY1 inward from the through hole 32H of the sealing base 32, it can, in the same manner as the first embodiment, prevent sludge from accumulating on the lower guide rail member 48 and allow the sludge to flow out to the processing tank 12. Furthermore, as in this modified example, the corrugated member 44 of the second embodiment can also be disposed in a region DY1 inward from the through hole 32H of the sealing base 32.

[0080] (Variation Example 3)

[0081] The opening 48O may replace the side 48B of the lower guide rail member 48, or it may be provided at the bottom 48A in addition to the side 48B of the lower guide rail member 48. Furthermore, when the opening 48O is provided at the bottom 48A, a flow path is formed in the sealing base 32 to connect the opening 48O of the bottom 48A with the processing groove 12.

[0082] (Variation 4)

[0083] Alternatively, a groove 32G can be formed in the sealing plate 34 instead of the sealing base 32. When the sealing plate 34 has a groove 32G, the sliding part 36 is configured to slide relative to the sealing base 32 while sealing the sealing base 32 and the sealing plate 34. That is, the sliding part 36 can be any component that can slide relative to the sealing base 32 or the sealing plate 34 while sealing the sealing base 32 and the sealing plate 34.

[0084] (Variation Example 5)

[0085] In this embodiment, there are two bellows members 44, but there can also be one. When there is only one bellows member 44, for example, it is positioned in a region further inward (DY1) than the sealing member 42. Alternatively, the bellows member 44 can be supported by the sealing member 42 or a support member mounted on the sealing member 42.

[0086] (Variation Example 6)

[0087] The upper guide rail component 46 can also be omitted. In the case of omitting the upper guide rail component 46, for example, a guide groove extending in the first direction DX is formed on the inner circumferential upper surface of the upper sheet component 50 and the sealing base 32. The upper part of the corrugated component 44 is fitted into the guide groove in a telescoping state.

[0088] (Variation Example 7)

[0089] The above-described implementation methods and variations can be combined arbitrarily without causing contradictions.

[0090] [invention]

[0091] Hereinafter, the first invention, the second invention, and the third invention will be described as inventions that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and variations.

[0092] (First Invention)

[0093] The first invention is a sealing device 30 that, relative to the sidewall 12A of a processing tank 12 for storing processing fluid for immersing a workpiece, inserts an arm 20 on the lower side that supports a wire electrode 14 for processing the workpiece, and seals a window 12W formed in a cross direction DX that is able to move in a direction that intersects the extension direction DY of the inserted arm 20. The sealing device 30 includes: a sealing base 32 fixed to the outer side of the machining groove 12 and having a through hole 32H communicating with the window portion 12W; a sealing plate 34 configured to block the through hole 32H from the outer side of the sealing base 32 and movable relative to the sealing base 32; a corrugated member 44 configured to cover the window portion 12W in an inward direction DY1 along the extension direction DY from the outer side of the window portion 12W to the inner side, and to extend and retract along the cross direction DX; a flow path 54 for supplying machining fluid with a pressure exceeding the pressure inside the machining groove 12 between the corrugated member 44 and the sealing plate 34; and a guide rail member 48 disposed on the lower side of the corrugated member 44 and extending in the cross direction DX, and guiding the extension and retraction of the corrugated member 44. The guide rail component 48 is opened to the DY1 side in such a way that the sludge generated by the processing of the workpiece flows together with the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component 44 and the sealing plate 34 into the processing tank 12.

[0094] This allows the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component 44 and the sealing plate 34 to flow from the open portion to the processing tank 12. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of sludge between the corrugated component 44 and the sealing plate 34 without causing sludge to stagnate on the guide rail component 48, thus suppressing sludge accumulation.

[0095] The guide rail component 48 may also have: a bottom portion 48A, which is disposed below the lower portion of the corrugated component 44 and extends in the intersecting direction DX; and a side portion 48B, which is disposed on the inner side in the inward direction DY1 of the lower portion of the corrugated component 44, extends in the intersecting direction DX, and is connected to the bottom portion 48A. An opening 48O for allowing sludge to flow may also be formed in at least one of the side portion 48B and the bottom portion 48A. This prevents sludge from flowing out of the opening 48O and accumulating in the guide rail component 48.

[0096] Multiple openings 48O can also be formed at intervals in the intersecting direction DX. Therefore, compared to the case where there is only one opening 48O, both the strength of the guide rail component 48 can be ensured, and the openness of the guide rail component 48 in the inward direction DY1 can be increased. Thus, the accumulation of sludge on the guide rail component 48 can be further suppressed.

[0097] The guide rail component 48 may also have: a bottom portion 48A, which is disposed below the lower part of the corrugated component 44 and extends in the intersecting direction DX; and a side portion 48D, which extends in the intersecting direction DX and is disposed separately from the bottom portion 48A on the inward direction DY1 side of the lower part of the corrugated component 44 to facilitate sludge flow. Therefore, compared to the case where an opening 48O is provided in the side portion 48B connected to the bottom portion 48A, the openness of the guide rail component 48 on the inward direction DY1 side can be increased. Thus, sludge accumulation on the guide rail component 48 can be further suppressed.

[0098] Alternatively, the bottom 48A can be tilted such that the further inward it moves towards the lower end of the corrugated component 44, the further away it is from the lower end. This further reduces the accumulation of sludge on the guide rail component 48 compared to a case where the bottom 48A is not tilted.

[0099] (Second Invention)

[0100] The second invention is a sealing device 30 that, relative to the side wall 12A of the processing tank 12 for storing processing fluid for immersing the workpiece, inserts an arm 20 on the lower side that supports the wire electrode 14 of the workpiece, and seals a window 12W formed in a cross direction DX that is able to move in a direction that intersects the extension direction DY of the inserted arm 20. The sealing device 30 includes: a sealing base 32 fixed to the outer side of the machining groove 12 and having a through hole 32H communicating with the window portion 12W; a sealing plate 34 configured to block the through hole 32H from the outer side of the sealing base 32 and movable relative to the sealing base 32; a corrugated member 44 configured to cover the window portion 12W in an inward direction DY1 along the extension direction DY from the outside to the inside of the window portion 12W, and extend and retract along the cross direction DX; a flow path 54 for supplying machining fluid with a pressure exceeding the pressure inside the machining groove 12 between the corrugated member 44 and the sealing plate 34; and a support rod 56 extending through the lower part of the corrugated member 44 in a retractable state, extending in the cross direction DX, and supporting the corrugated member 44.

[0101] Therefore, without the need for a guide rail component 48, the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component 44 and the sealing plate 34 can flow from below the corrugated component 44 to the processing tank 12. Thus, sludge intrusion between the corrugated component 44 and the sealing plate 34 can be suppressed without causing sludge to stagnate, thereby inhibiting sludge accumulation.

[0102] (Third Invention)

[0103] The third invention is a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine 10. The EDM machine 10 includes the aforementioned sealing device 30, processing tank 12, and arm 20. By including the aforementioned sealing device 30, the accumulation of sludge can be suppressed.

Claims

1. A sealing device (30) that, relative to the sidewall (12A) of a processing tank (12) storing a processing fluid for immersing a workpiece, inserts an arm (20) on the lower side supporting a wire electrode (14) for processing the workpiece, and seals a window (12W) formed such that the processing tank can move in a cross direction (DX) intersecting the extension direction (DY) of the inserted arm. The sealing device is characterized by having: A sealing base (32) is fixed to the outer side of the processing groove and has a through hole (32H) communicating with the window portion; A sealing plate (34) is configured to block the through hole from the outer side of the sealing base and is movable relative to the sealing base; A corrugated component (44) is configured to cover the window portion in an inward direction (DY1) along the extension direction from the outside of the window portion to the inside of the window portion, and to extend and retract along the cross direction; Flow path (54) for supplying the processing fluid at a pressure exceeding that within the processing tank between the corrugated component and the sealing plate; and A guide rail component (48) is disposed on the lower side of the corrugated component and extends in the intersecting direction, guiding the extension and retraction of the corrugated component. Regarding the guide rail component, its inward side is open in the inward or downward direction, so that sludge generated from the processing of the workpiece flows together with the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate into the processing tank. The guide rail component has: The bottom (48A) is positioned below the lower portion of the corrugated member and extends in the intersecting direction; and A side portion (48B) is disposed on the inner side of the lower portion of the corrugated member, extends in the intersecting direction, and connects to the bottom. An opening (48O) for allowing the sludge to flow is formed in at least one of the side portion and the bottom portion. The lower, upward-facing portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base supports the bottom. The lower portion is located above the bottom surface of the processing groove.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of openings are formed at intervals in the intersecting directions.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom slopes in such a way that the further inward it is from the lower end of the corrugated component.

4. A sealing device (30) that, relative to the sidewall (12A) of a processing tank (12) storing a processing fluid for immersing a workpiece, inserts an arm (20) on the lower side supporting a wire electrode (14) for processing the workpiece, and seals a window (12W) formed such that the processing tank can move in a cross direction (DX) intersecting the extension direction (DY) of the inserted arm. The sealing device is characterized by having: A sealing base (32) is fixed to the outer side of the processing groove and has a through hole (32H) communicating with the window portion; A sealing plate (34) is configured to block the through hole from the outer side of the sealing base and is movable relative to the sealing base; A corrugated component (44) is configured to cover the window portion in an inward direction (DY1) along the extension direction from the outside of the window portion to the inside of the window portion, and to extend and retract along the cross direction; Flow path (54) for supplying the processing fluid at a pressure exceeding that within the processing tank between the corrugated component and the sealing plate; and A guide rail component (48) is disposed on the lower side of the corrugated component and extends in the intersecting direction, guiding the extension and retraction of the corrugated component. Regarding the guide rail component, its inward side is open in the inward or downward direction, so that sludge generated from the processing of the workpiece flows together with the processing fluid supplied between the corrugated component and the sealing plate into the processing tank. The guide rail component has: The bottom (48A) is positioned below the lower portion of the corrugated member and extends in the intersecting direction; and A side portion (48D), extending in the intersecting direction, and disposed separately from the bottom on the inner side of the lower portion of the corrugated member for the purpose of allowing the sludge to flow. The lower, upward-facing portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base supports the bottom. The lower portion is located above the bottom surface of the processing groove.

5. The sealing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom slopes in such a way that the further inward it is from the lower end of the corrugated component.

6. A sealing device, wherein an arm supporting a wire electrode for processing the workpiece is inserted through a sidewall of a processing tank storing a processing fluid for immersing the workpiece, and a window formed such that the processing tank is movable in an intersecting direction that intersects the extending direction of the inserted arm is sealed. The sealing device is characterized by having: A sealing base is fixed to the outer side of the processing groove and has a through hole communicating with the window portion; A sealing plate, configured to block the through hole from the outer side of the sealing base, and movable relative to the sealing base; A corrugated component configured to cover the window portion in an inward direction from the outside to the inside of the window portion along the extension direction, and to extend and retract along the intersecting direction; A flow path for supplying a processing fluid at a pressure exceeding that inside the processing tank between the corrugated component and the sealing plate; as well as A support rod (56) extends through the lower part of the corrugated member in a telescoping state and supports the corrugated member in the intersecting direction. A gap for the flow of processing fluid is formed between the lower, upward-facing portion of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing base and the corrugated component. The lower portion is located above the bottom surface of the processing groove.

7. A wire electrical discharge machining (10), characterized in that, have: The sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The processing tank; and The arm.

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