Wire EDM apparatus and method for fixing the energized body in the wire EDM apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a wire discharge machining apparatus and a method for fixing a energized body in the wire discharge machining apparatus, which can fix a energized body with a certain fixing force and allow for easy exchange or sliding of the energized body without the use of tools. According to the invention, a wire discharge machining apparatus is provided, comprising: a wire conductor for positioning and guiding a wire electrode vertically mounted relative to a horizontal line; an energized body for energizing the wire electrode; a guiding assembly for housing the wire conductor and the energized body; an extrusion member disposed in the guiding assembly and extruding the energized body toward the wire electrode; and a driving device for reciprocating the extrusion member in a horizontal uniaxial direction. The wire discharge machining apparatus further comprises: a fixing device for fixing the energized body to a predetermined position within the guiding assembly using the extrusion member; and an elastic member disposed coaxially with respect to the extrusion member, for continuously extruding the energized body toward the wire electrode in a state where the energized body can be detached from the guiding assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wire discharge machining apparatus that uses a wire electrode as a tool electrode to perform electrical discharge machining on a workpiece to a desired shape, and a method for fixing the energizing body in the wire discharge machining apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a machining method that applies voltage pulses to a predetermined machining gap formed between a wire electrode and a workpiece, causing repeated discharges while the wire electrode and workpiece move relative to each other. The discharge energy is used to shape the workpiece into the desired form. Therefore, in EDM, both the wire electrode and the workpiece need to be connected to a power supply for EDM. A typical EDM apparatus has the following structure: the workpiece is held in place with wire guides facing each other; the wire electrode is transported along a predetermined supply path (travel path) to the machining gap; and the pair of wire guides are held together with a predetermined tension. Furthermore, in this type of EDM apparatus, the pair of wire guides are each assembled into a guide assembly, and a current-carrying element is also integrally housed within the guide assembly, supplying current to the wire electrode through the current-carrying element.

[0003] The conductive body wears down due to frictional heat generated by the contact resistance between it and the moving wire electrode. If processing continues for an extended period, grooves form at the contact points between the conductive body and the wire electrode, causing a decrease in contact pressure and hindering the supply of current to the wire electrode. Therefore, to correspond to the degree of wear, the conductive body can be slid horizontally, allowing the contact points to be offset and restoring the contact state to its initial state. Alternatively, to allow the conductive body to be removed from or inserted into the guide assembly, it can be replaced with a new conductive body housed within the guide assembly. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wire guide device for a wire EDM machine, in which a plate-shaped conductive body is securely pressed and fixed in the desired position within the guide assembly using fasteners such as nuts or bolts, preventing movement during processing. Simultaneously, an actuator releases the contact between the wire electrode and the conductive body when the wire electrode is inserted.

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2521251 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] For example, consider the wire EDM apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, which uses a fixing device such as a nut or bolt to securely fix the conductor to the guide assembly. In the apparatus described above, when the contact position between the conductor and the wire electrode is offset, or when the conductor is replaced with a new one, the operator needs to use a predetermined tool to loosen the fixing device so that the securely fixed conductor can be released from the guide assembly and slide.

[0009] Around the guiding assembly are components such as the machining tank wall, machining head, and workpiece stand. These components, as described above, become obstacles to the operation of sliding the conductive body using predetermined tools and fixing fixtures, placing a significant burden on the operator. If the conductive body cannot be sufficiently tightened and fixed, it will wobble during machining, potentially causing secondary discharges between the conductive body and the conductor, raising concerns about damage to the conductive body or conductor. Conversely, if the conductive body is tightened too forcefully, there is a concern that the fixing fixture may damage the conductive body.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus that can relatively easily and stably fix a conductive body with an appropriate fixing force, even without the use of predetermined tools, and can allow worn conductive bodies to be exchanged or slid. Several advantages of the wire EDM apparatus of the present invention are described in detail in the description of embodiments for carrying out the invention.

[0011] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0012] According to the present invention, a wire electrical discharge machining apparatus is provided, comprising: a wire conductor for positioning and guiding a wire electrode vertically mounted relative to a horizontal line; a current-carrying body for energizing the wire electrode; a guiding assembly for housing the wire conductor and the current-carrying body; an extrusion member disposed in the guiding assembly and for extruding the current-carrying body toward the wire electrode; and a driving device for reciprocating the extrusion member in a horizontal uniaxial direction, and comprising: a fixing device for fixing the current-carrying body at a predetermined position within the guiding assembly using the extrusion member; and an elastic member disposed coaxially with the extrusion member of the fixing device, for continuously extruding the current-carrying body toward the wire electrode in a state where the current-carrying body can be attached to and detached from the guiding assembly.

[0013] [The effects of the invention]

[0014] According to the wire EDM apparatus and the method for fixing the conductive body of the present invention, when fixing the conductive body, the extrusion member continuously presses the conductive body against the fixing surface of the guide assembly using a pre-set appropriate force. Therefore, the conductive body can be properly fixed within the guide assembly without relying on manual labor, and there is no concern about damaging the conductive body during fixing. During fixing, the conductive body will not vibrate or shake, but will be firmly fixed. On the other hand, when temporarily fixing the conductive body, the extrusion member does not fix the conductive body, but uses a relatively small force, sufficient for manual movement, to hold the conductive body between the elastic member and the fixing surface of the guide assembly. Therefore, the operator can slide the conductive body even when it is not moving naturally. Therefore, according to the present invention, when installing, removing, or changing the contact position of the conductive body with the wire electrode, the operator's burden is reduced, there is no concern about damaging the conductive body or the wire conductor, and the conductive body can be stably installed with an appropriate force. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view showing the fixing device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the fixing device for the combined retraction mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0019] 1: Automatic wiring device

[0020] 2: Line supply organization

[0021] 3: Line recycling mechanism

[0022] 4: Wire conductor mechanism

[0023] 4U: Upper side wire guide

[0024] 4L: Lower side wire guide

[0025] 5: Electrical conductor

[0026] 5U: Upper energized body

[0027] 5L: Lower side energized body

[0028] 6: Compressed air supply device

[0029] 7: Processing fluid supply device

[0030] 7U, 7L: Upper and lower processing fluid jet nozzles

[0031] 8: Control device

[0032] 9: Fixing device

[0033] 9A: Drive unit

[0034] 10: Tension device

[0035] 10A: Feed roller

[0036] 10B: Conveyor Motor

[0037] 10C: Tension detector

[0038] 10D: Pressure roller

[0039] 10E: Motor control unit

[0040] 11: Catheter

[0041] 21: Reel

[0042] 22: Braking device

[0043] 23: Servo pulley

[0044] 24: Wire breakage detector

[0045] 25: spool

[0046] 30: Winding device

[0047] 30A: Winding roller

[0048] 30B: Winding motor

[0049] 30C: Pressure roller

[0050] 31: Roller

[0051] 32: Transport tube

[0052] 33: Suction machine

[0053] 34: Bucket

[0054] 35: Wire EDM machine

[0055] 40: Guiding Components

[0056] 40A: Upper guide assembly

[0057] 40B: Lower guide assembly

[0058] 50: Processing power supply device

[0059] 90: Fixture Control Unit

[0060] 91: Extruded components

[0061] 92: Driver Source

[0062] 93: Elastic Components

[0063] 94: Thruster

[0064] 95: Transmission mechanism

[0065] 96: Retreat Slider

[0066] 90E: Retreat Slot

[0067] 90H: Hole

[0068] 90P: Extrusion Groove

[0069] 90S: Forward side end face

[0070] WE: Line Electrode

[0071] WP: Workpiece Detailed Implementation

[0072] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a summary of the overall structure of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the present invention. Figure 1 The diagram shows the prescribed path of the wire electrode, schematically illustrating the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus. Figure 1 In this diagram, the automatic wire threading device, wire feeding mechanism, and wire guide mechanism are shown from the front view of the machine, while the wire collecting mechanism is shown from the side view of the machine. See below for reference. Figure 1 The structure of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

[0073] Figure 1 In the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the illustrated embodiment, the wire electrode WE is erected vertically relative to the horizontal plane. To form a predetermined machining gap between the wire electrode WE and the workpiece WP, the wire electrode WE and the workpiece WP are arranged facing each other. The wire electrode WE and the workpiece WP can be moved relative to each other in any direction on the horizontal plane using a moving device (not shown). The so-called taper device that tilts the wire electrode WE relative to the workpiece WP is not shown.

[0074] The wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus comprises: an automatic wiring device 1, a wire supply mechanism 2, a wire retrieval mechanism 3, a wire conductor mechanism 4, a machining power supply device 50, a compressed air supply device 6, a machining fluid supply device 7, and a control device 8. The wire electrode WE is positioned between a pair of wire conductors 4U and 4L that hold the workpiece WP, and is carried along a predetermined path under a predetermined tension.

[0075] The automatic wiring device 1 is a component that automatically places the front end of the wire electrode WE into the lower hole and positions it between a pair of wire conductors 4U and 4L.

[0076] The guide pipe 11 is installed approximately vertically relative to the horizontal plane along the predetermined travel path of the wire electrode WE. The guide pipe 11 is a component that guides the wire electrode WE from upstream of the automatic wiring device 1 to the upper wire conductor 4U to prevent it from deviating from the predetermined travel path. The guide pipe 11 moves reciprocally in the vertical direction via a lifting device. The guide pipe 11 moves to its upper limit position when the wire electrode WE is annealed and cut. When the front end of the wire electrode WE is inserted into the lower hole, the guide pipe 11 moves to the inlet of the upper wire conductor 4U, which is its lower limit position.

[0077] A wire vibration device (not shown) is positioned directly above the inlet of conduit 11. The wire vibration device is a component that imparts minute vertical vibrations to the wire electrode WE. By switching solenoid valves, the wire vibration device alternately supplies compressed air at a predetermined pressure from the compressed air supply device 6 through a pair of inlets, applying the pressure of the compressed air directly or indirectly to the wire electrode WE along a predetermined path. As a result, the wire electrode WE moves slightly up and down, allowing it to easily pass through the lower orifice.

[0078] The wire supply mechanism 2 is an element that continuously supplies new wire electrodes WE that are not yet to be processed to the processing gap along a predetermined travel path. The wire supply mechanism 2 includes a tension device 10. The wire supply mechanism 2 mainly includes: a reel 21, a braking device 22, a servo pulley 23, and a feed roller 10A that rotates via a delivery motor 10B. The wire supply mechanism 2 is equipped with: a disconnection detector 24, such as a limit switch, and a tension detector 10C, such as a strain gauge.

[0079] Each rotating body of the wire supply mechanism 2, including the reel 21, servo pulley 23, and feed roller 10A, is a guide for the wire electrode WE, which travels along a predetermined path. In the following description, the direction of rotation of each rotating body when conveying the wire electrode WE is defined as the forward direction, and the direction opposite to the forward direction is defined as the reverse direction.

[0080] In reel 21, the wire bobbin 25 storing the wire electrode WE is mounted in a rotatable manner. Because the wire electrode WE is stored wound on the bobbin 25, it bears winding marks. A braking device 22 applies the required torque in the reverse direction of reel 21, imparting counter-tension to the wire electrode WE. The braking device 22 prevents the bobbin 25 loaded in reel 21 from idling, thus preventing the wire electrode WE in the wire supply mechanism 2 from slackening.

[0081] Specifically, the braking device 22 is, for example, a brake motor such as a hysteresis motor, or an electromagnetic brake such as an electromagnetic clutch. When the braking device 22 is a brake motor, it can be operated synchronously with the delivery motor 10B. When the braking device 22 is an electromagnetic brake, the structure that utilizes the frictional force of the electromagnetic clutch to obtain braking force is controlled independently of the delivery motor 10B. However, because the timing and braking force of the electromagnetic brake can be controlled by the control device 8, it can operate according to the operating timing of each device in the automatic wiring device 1.

[0082] A servo pulley 23 is positioned between the reel 21 and the feed roller 10A. The servo pulley 23, by its own weight, applies a downward load to the wire electrode WE between the reel 21 and the feed roller 10A. The servo pulley 23 is designed to move freely up and down. Therefore, the servo pulley 23 moves up and down with minute changes in tension. As a result, the servo pulley 23 absorbs the minute vibrations of the wire electrode WE drawn from the reel 25, thus stabilizing the tension.

[0083] Tension device 10 is an element that applies a predetermined tension to the wire electrode WE. Tension device 10 is included in wire supply mechanism 2. Tension device 10 mainly includes: feed roller 10A, conveying motor 10B, tension detector 10C, pinch roller 10D, and motor control device 10E.

[0084] The feed roller 10A rotates via the conveyor motor 10B. The feed roller 10A obtains the driving force to move the wire electrode WE by pressing the wire electrode against the outer circumferential surface of the feed roller 10D. The feed roller 10A utilizes multiple rollers, including the pressure roller 10D, to prevent the wire electrode WE from loosening, allowing the wire electrode WE to move smoothly without breaking.

[0085] The conveyor motor 10B is a servo motor. The conveyor motor 10B is controlled by the motor control device 10E according to the command signal from the control device 8. The conveyor motor 10B operates as a servo motor based on the detection signal from the tension detector 10C, utilizing the motor control device 10E. Therefore, even when the set tension value is small, the tension of the wire electrode WE remains stable, reducing concerns about wire electrode WE becoming loose or breaking. The control device 8 can control the conveyor motor 10B based on the torque in the winding device 30 of the wire take-up mechanism 3.

[0086] When the feed roller 10A is positioned between a pair of wire conductors 4U and 4L, the wire electrode WE is substantially stopped due to the difference in rotational speed between the feed roller 10A and the winding roller 30A of the winding device 30, or the wire electrode WE is continuously fed to the processing gap at a predetermined travel speed while a predetermined tension is applied to the wire electrode WE.

[0087] When connecting the wire electrode WE, the feed roller 10A rotates at a constant speed in the forward direction using the conveyor motor 10B, inserting the front end of the wire electrode WE into the lower hole so that it passes through and is captured by the wire recovery mechanism 3. Moreover, when retrying automatic wiring, the feed roller 10A rotates at a constant speed in the reverse direction using the conveyor motor 10B, winding the wire electrode WE to a predetermined position.

[0088] The wire recovery mechanism 3 is a component that recovers the wire electrode WE consumed during processing along a predetermined travel path from the processing gap. The wire recovery mechanism 3 includes: a winding device 30, a direction-changing roller (pulley) 31, a conveying tube 32, an aspirator 33, a bucket 34, and a wire cutting device 35. The winding device 30 mainly includes: a winding roller 30A, a winding motor 30B, and a pressure roller 30C. The winding roller 30A constitutes the drive roller of the winding device 30, and the pressure roller 30B constitutes the driven roller of the winding device 30.

[0089] The wire electrode WE, which passes through the lower hole and enters the lower wire guide 4L, has its direction of travel changed to horizontal by the roller 31 and is inserted into the transport tube 32. The wire electrode WE in the transport tube 32 is propelled by suction from the suction machine 33.

[0090] The wire electrode WE extracted from the conveying tube 32 is captured and clamped between the winding roller 30A and the pressure roller 30C of the winding device 30. The winding roller 30A rotates in the forward direction at a predetermined speed using the winding motor 30B, which is a constant-speed rotary motor, and guides the used wire electrode WE to the top of the barrel 34 while moving it at a predetermined travel speed. In the wire EDM apparatus of this embodiment, the wire electrode WE introduced onto the barrel 34 is cut into smaller pieces using the wire cutting machine 35 and stored in the barrel 34.

[0091] The wire guide mechanism 4 includes a pair of upper and lower wire guides 4U and 4L for clamping the workpiece WP. The wire guides are assembled into the guide assembly 40. The upper wire guide 4U is assembled into the upper guide assembly 40A, and the lower wire guide 4L is assembled into the lower guide assembly 40B. The pair of wire guides 4U and 4L positions the wire electrode WE on a predetermined travel path and guides the traveling wire electrode WE. Both the pair of wire guides 4U and 4L are "die guides" with a die shape. Because there is a gap of several μm between each wire guide 4U and 4L and the wire electrode WE, the front end of the wire electrode WE can be passed into the wire guides 4U and 4L during automatic wiring.

[0092] The guide assembly 40 houses a current-carrying body 5 for supplying machining current from the machining power supply device 50 to the wire electrode WE. An upper current-carrying body 5U is housed in the upper guide assembly 40A, and a lower current-carrying body 5L is housed in the lower guide assembly 40B. Furthermore, upper and lower machining fluid jet nozzles 7U and 7L are respectively assembled into the upper and lower guide assemblies 40A and 40B for jetting machining fluid at a predetermined pressure supplied from the machining fluid supply device 7 into the machining gap.

[0093] The machining power supply device 50 includes at least a DC power supply, a switching circuit, and a relay switch (not shown in the figure). In the wire discharge machining apparatus of this embodiment, the machining power supply device 50 includes a machining power supply circuit that supplies machining current to the machining gap.

[0094] The positive terminal of the DC power supply of the machining power supply device 50 is connected to the upper energizer 5U and the lower energizer 5L, which are respectively housed in the upper and lower guide assemblies 40A and 40B, and the negative terminal is connected to the workpiece WP. During machining, the machining power supply device 50 repeatedly applies voltage pulses to the machining gap through the upper and lower energizers 5U and 5L and the workpiece WP, and intermittently supplies a predetermined machining current to the machining gap.

[0095] The compressed air supply device 6 is an element that supplies compressed air for operation to the linear vibrating device of the automatic wiring device 1. The compressed air supply device 6 includes: a compressed air supply source (not shown) such as an air compressor, multiple solenoid valves, and a regulator. The compressed air supply device 6 adjusts the high-pressure compressed air from the compressed air supply source to a predetermined pressure using the regulator, and periodically switches the solenoid valves to alternately supply a predetermined pressure of compressed air to a pair of inlets of the linear vibrating device.

[0096] The machining fluid supply device 7 is a component that supplies a predetermined pressure of machining fluid jet to the machining gap. The machining fluid supply device 7 uses a jet pump (not shown) to supply clean machining fluid stored in a reservoir to the upper and lower machining fluid jet nozzles 7U and 7L, respectively installed in the upper and lower guide assemblies 40A and 40B. Thus, a predetermined pressure of machining fluid jet is coaxially injected into the machining gap from each machining fluid jet nozzle 7U and 7L relative to the axial direction of the predetermined travel path of the wire electrode WE. Figure 1 In the diagram, the path of the processing fluid from the processing fluid supply device 7 to the wire guide mechanism 4 is omitted, but the part (A) representing this path exiting the processing fluid supply device 7 is connected to the part (A) representing the path entering the wire guide mechanism 4.

[0097] The control device 8 is a component that controls the operation of the wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus. Hereinafter, the main controls of the control device 8 during operation will be described. In the EDM apparatus of this embodiment, the control device 8 controls the operation of the automatic wiring device 1. The control device 8 particularly controls the machining power supply device 50 and the tension device 10.

[0098] Typically, a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus includes a switching device for an energized body, which moves the energized body 5 forward and backward between a machining position where the wire electrode WE, positioned between a pair of wire conductors, is in contact with the energized body 5, and a retracted position where the wire electrode WE is not in contact with the energized body 5. The switching device for the energized body, not shown in the figure, is a mechanism included in the guide assembly 40. The switching device for the energized body operates a drive mechanism, including a drive source (not shown) such as a cylinder, which, together with a retainer holding the energized body 5, moves the energized body 5 back and forth a predetermined distance between a predetermined machining position and a predetermined retracted position. During automatic wiring, the drive mechanism of the retainer is operated, moving the energized body 5 to the retracted position where it is away from the wire electrode WE. After automatic wiring is completed, the drive mechanism of the retainer is operated again, moving the energized body 5 back to the machining position where the energized body 5 is in contact with the wire electrode WE on the path of the wire electrode WE. In this invention, in the switching device for the energized body, the energized body 5 is considered to be in an off state when it is in the processing position, and in an on state when it is in a retracted position. In the switching device, the movement of the energized body 5 toward the processing position is called "advancing," and the movement toward the retracted position is called "retracting." During automatic wiring, the reason why the energized body 5 retracts from the travel path of the wire electrode WE is that when the energized body 5 is positioned on the travel path of the wire electrode WE, it obstructs the insertion of the wire electrode WE.

[0099] The switching device for the energized body 5 includes at least: a retaining body (not shown) that holds the energized body 5, and a drive device that reciprocates the retaining body. The drive source for the drive device of the retaining body is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder using air or oil pressure. When a hydraulic cylinder is used as the drive source, not only can the energized body 5 be moved by directly moving the retaining body using a connecting member directly connected to the hydraulic cylinder, but it is also possible to move the energized body 5 by combining the hydraulic cylinder with a known transmission mechanism such as a linkage mechanism. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, compressed air can be supplied from the compressed air supply device 6 to operate the cylinder of the drive source.

[0100] The fixing device for the conductive element within the guide assembly will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the conductive element 5 is, for example, a metal body made of a material with high conductivity and wear resistance, such as tungsten carbide (a superhard alloy), and is formed into a flat plate shape. The conductive element 5 is inserted into the guide assembly 40 through a transverse hole that opens on the side of the guide assembly 40. Mainly using the fixing device 9, the conductive element 5 is stably fixed with a suitable fixing force that prevents vibration when subjected to external force and prevents breakage due to the extrusion force of the extrusion member 91. Using the fixing device 9, the operator no longer needs to use tools to fix the conductive element, and can more easily exchange a worn-out conductive element 5 for a new one within a shorter time. Alternatively, the operator can more easily slide the conductive element 5 to change the contact point between the conductive element 5 and the wire electrode WE.

[0101] The fixing device 9 mainly includes a drive device 9A, which comprises: a moving body (extrusion member 91) that reciprocates in a horizontal single-axis direction, a drive source 92, and a transmission mechanism 95. Hereinafter, the moving body (extrusion member 91), drive source 92, and transmission mechanism 95 will be discussed. The fixing device 9 is a mechanism that applies a certain force to the energized body 5 by running the drive device 9A, causing the moving body, i.e., the extrusion member 91, disposed within the guide assembly 40 to reciprocate, thereby pressing the energized body 5 against a fixed surface within the guide assembly 40 and fixing the energized body 5 in a fixed state. More specifically, in the fixing device 9 of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the present invention, the energized body 5 is disposed within the guide assembly 40 and fixed to a fixed surface of a holding body that holds the energized body 5, which functions as a switching device for the energized body. With the energized body 5 fixed, the extrusion member 91 extrudes the energized body 5 towards the wire electrode WE with a certain force. At this time, the extrusion force of the extrusion member 91 extruding the energized body 5 towards the wire electrode WE is greater than the holding force of the elastic member 93 that extrudes the energized body 5 and holds it between the guide components 40. The energized body 5 is fixed with a certain appropriate extrusion force by the extrusion member 91, so there is no vibration or shaking of the energized body 5 during processing.

[0102] The fixing device 9, by operating the drive source 92 and running the drive device 9A, moves the extrusion member 91 in a direction away from the wire electrode WE, thereby eliminating the extrusion force applied to the energized body 5, and placing the energized body 5 in a state where the extrusion member 91 is not fixed, i.e., a "temporarily fixed state". The fixing device 9 includes an elastic member 93, which, when the energized body 5 can be attached and detached from the guide assembly 40, continuously extrudes the energized body 5 in the direction of the wire electrode WE. The elastic member 93 extends and retracts in a direction parallel to the reciprocating direction of the extrusion member 91. The elastic member 93 is configured such that one end is fixed to the bottom of a hole 90H that passes through the extrusion member 91 along the axial direction of the extrusion member 91, and the other end is on the end face of the extrusion member 91, able to protrude from the end face of the hole 90H and continuously make direct or indirect contact with the side of the energized body 5. Especially in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the shown fixing device 9, the elastic member 93 is disposed substantially coaxially with the extrusion member 91 within the extrusion member 91. Specifically, the elastic member 93 is, for example, rubber or a compression coil spring. The elastic member 93 holds the current-carrying body 5 within the guide assembly 40 by extruding the current-carrying body 5 in a direction parallel to the reciprocating direction relative to the extrusion member 91 and pressing the current-carrying body 5 against the fixed surface within the guide assembly 40. At this time, the holding force of the elastic member 93 holding the current-carrying body 5 within the guide assembly 40 is less than the external force exerted by the operator when extruding the current-carrying body 5 in the direction of sliding. Therefore, in the fixing device of the current-carrying body of the wire EDM apparatus of the present invention, when the current-carrying body 5 is in a normally non-fixed state, the current-carrying body 5 is in a so-called "temporarily fixed state". Therefore, when the current-carrying body 5 is in a temporarily fixed state, the current-carrying body 5 is held in the guide assembly by the elastic member 93 and will not fall off or shift its position in the sliding direction. In addition, when the energized body 5 is in a temporarily fixed state, the operator can exchange the energized body 5 with a new product or slide it to change the contact position between the energized body 5 and the wire electrode WE.

[0103] The drive unit 9A of the fixing device 9 moves the extrusion member 91 toward the wire electrode WE, thereby applying a certain extrusion force to the energized body 5. The drive unit 9A directly transmits the power from the drive source 92 to the extrusion member 91, causing the extrusion member 91 to move, or, for example, by having a transmission mechanism 95, such as a linkage mechanism, intervening, causing the extrusion member 91 to move. Specifically, the drive source 92 of the drive unit 9A is, for example, a hydraulic cylinder utilizing compressed air. In this embodiment, it is possible to move the extrusion member 91 from a source of compressed air, without having to add a new source of compressed air, such as an air compressor. Figure 1 The compressed air supply device 6 shown supplies compressed air.

[0104] In the embodiment, the drive source 92 of the drive device 9A is combined with the transmission mechanism 95 of the drive device 9A. Therefore, in the drive device 9A of the embodiment, the drive source 92 and the extrusion member 91 are connected in series in the direction of reciprocating movement without the need for the transmission mechanism 95, which is advantageous in that they can be configured in a relatively free position. Moreover, it is also advantageous in that sufficient extrusion force can be obtained by utilizing the lever effect of the transmission mechanism 95 and using a small cylinder with less power. Therefore, the drive device 9A of the embodiment can make the fixing device 9 compact as a whole. Furthermore, for example, in the upper guide assembly 40A, by providing the drive source 92 of the drive device 9A on the upper guide assembly 40A, the drive source 92 does not need to be immersed in the EDM fluid supplied to the processing tank.

[0105] The elastic member 93 of the fixing device 9 can be made of a stretchable material such as a compression spring (compression coil spring), a tension spring (tension coil spring), natural rubber, or silicone rubber.

[0106] Because the elastic member 93 holds the conductor 5 to the guide assembly 40 side with a small holding force, it prevents the conductor 5 from falling out of the transverse hole of the guide assembly 40 or shifting its position in the sliding direction. For example, if the conductor 5 is slid to change the contact point with the wire electrode WE, it will shift when the conductor 5 is fixed, thus eliminating the possibility that the worn part of the conductor 5 will accidentally come into contact with the wire electrode WE again.

[0107] Furthermore, by changing the material or shape of the elastic member 93, the force holding the energized body 5 in the guide assembly 40 can be easily changed. Therefore, regardless of the size of the energized body 5, the structure of the guide assembly 40 can be configured such that the energized body 5 can be attached and detached in a temporarily fixed state. At the same time, the energized body 5 will not fall off or shift its position, and when an external force is applied to the energized body 5, it can be easily held in a sliding manner along the axial direction of the energized body.

[0108] [First Implementation Method]

[0109] Figure 2 The fixing device 9 represents the first embodiment of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 2(a) schematically illustrates the temporarily fixed state of the energized body 5. In the first embodiment, the extrusion member 91 is specifically a compression cylinder, and the drive source 92 of the drive device 9A is a cylinder. The operation of the drive source 92 causes the extrusion member 91 to move in the release direction (to the right of the figure) via the transmission mechanism 95. If the extrusion member 91 moves in the release direction, the forward end face 90S of the extrusion member 91 moves away from the pusher 94, and the pusher 94 holds the energized body 5 by the elastic force of the elastic member 93. At this time, the energized body 5 is released by the compression of the extrusion member 91, and the energized body 5 becomes temporarily fixed. In the temporarily fixed state of the energized body 5, when an external force is applied to the energized body 5, the energized body 5 can slide in the axial direction (depth direction of the figure), and the elastic member 93 holds the energized body 5.

[0111] Figure 2 (b) schematically illustrates the fixed state of the energized body 5. The operation of the drive source 92 causes the extrusion member 91 to move in the extrusion direction (to the left of the figure) via the transmission mechanism 95. If the extrusion member 91 moves in the extrusion direction, the elastic member 93 is elastically deformed by the force of the extrusion member 91, and the forward end face 90S of the extrusion member 91 abuts against the pusher 94, directly squeezing the pusher 94. At this time, the energized body 5 is squeezed and fixed by the pusher 94, which is directly squeezed by the extrusion member 91, and the energized body 5 becomes fixed.

[0112] The fixing device control unit 90 controls the fixing device 9. The fixing device control unit 90 outputs command signals to the drive device 9A of the fixing device 9, causing the drive device 9A to perform a predetermined operation, thereby switching the setting state of the energized body 5 in the guide assembly 40 between a fixed state and a temporarily fixed state. Figure 2 This does not indicate the actual location of the fixing device control unit 90; the fixing device control unit 90 is actually located away from the guide assembly 40. In the wire EDM of the present invention, the fixing device 9 can be controlled by the fixing device control unit 90 using the control device 8, which includes a numerical control device. Alternatively, the fixing device 9 can be directly controlled by the control device 8, as the control device 8 includes the fixing device control unit 90.

[0113] In the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the first embodiment, the drive device 9A of the fixing device 9 for the energized body can be used as the drive device for the switching device of the energized body (not shown). When the switching device shares the drive device 9A of the fixing device 9, when the drive device 9A of the fixing device 9 operates to release the pressure on the energized body 5, temporarily fixing the energized body 5, the drive device 9A simultaneously drives the switching device to retract the energized body 5 from the travel path of the wire electrode WE to a predetermined retraction position. On the other hand, when the drive device 9A of the fixing device 9 operates to press the energized body 5, fixing the energized body 5, the drive device 9A simultaneously drives the switching device to move the energized body 5 to a machining position on the travel path of the wire electrode WE.

[0114] In the case where the switching device is a drive unit 9A that shares the fixing device 9, by using a single actuator to fix and switch the energized body 5, the guide assembly 40 can be made smaller compared to a structure where the drive unit 9A of the fixing device 9 and the drive unit of the switching device are set separately, making it easier to install the fixing device 9. Furthermore, since some components of the fixing device 9 and some components of the switching device can be shared, there is an advantage in simplifying the installation of the fixing device 9 by reducing the number of parts required for its installation.

[0115] [Second Implementation]

[0116] Figure 3 The fixing device 9 represents the second embodiment of the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the present invention. It is labeled with... Figure 2 Components or parts with the same symbol Figure 2 The components or parts shown are essentially the same, and sometimes detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 3 In the second embodiment shown, the fixing device 9 for the energized body includes a drive device 9A, which comprises a fixing part control device 90, an extrusion member 91, a drive source 92, and a transmission mechanism 95. The switching device for the energized body shares the drive device 9A, which includes the extrusion member 91, the drive source 92, and the transmission mechanism 95, with the fixing device 9, and includes a retraction slider 96 as a retainer for holding the energized body 5.

[0117] Figure 3(a) schematically represents the state where the energized body 5 is in a temporarily fixed state while moving to a predetermined retraction position. In the second embodiment, the extrusion member 91 is specifically a compression cylinder, and the drive source 92 of the drive device 9A is specifically a cylinder. The operation of the drive source 92 of the fixing device 9 causes the extrusion member 91 to move in the release direction (to the right of the figure) along the compression groove 90P formed on the inner surface of the retraction slider 96 of the switching device of the energized body via the transmission mechanism 95. If the extrusion member 91 moves in the release direction, the forward end face 90S of the extrusion member 91 moves away from the pusher 94, which uses the elastic force of the elastic member 93 to hold the energized body 5. If the extrusion member 91 continues to move, the flange of the extrusion member 91 abuts against the retraction end face of the compression groove 90P, and the extrusion member 91 stops. Furthermore, with the continuous operation of the drive source 92, the retraction slider 96 moves along the retraction groove 90E formed in the guide assembly 40 in the same retraction direction (right direction in the figure) as the release direction of the energized body 5. Moreover, when the flange of the retraction slider 96 abuts against the rearward end of the retraction groove 90E, the retraction slider 96 stops at a predetermined retraction position of the energized body 5. In the switching device of the energized body, when the energized body 5 is retracted from the processing position on the travel path of the wire electrode WE to the retraction position, in the fixing device 9, the energized body 5 is released from the state squeezed by the drive device 9A, and the energized body 5 becomes temporarily fixed.

[0118] Figure 3 (b) schematically illustrates the state where the energized body 5 is in a fixed state while simultaneously moving to the processing position. The operation of the drive source 92 of the fixing device 9, via the transmission mechanism 95, causes the extrusion member 91 to move along the extrusion groove 90P in the fixed direction (left direction in the figure) that fixes the energized body. When the extrusion member 91 advances to a position where it can no longer move in the fixed direction, the elastic member 93 is elastically deformed by the force of the extrusion member 91, and the advancing end face 90S of the extrusion member 91 abuts against the pusher 94, directly squeezing the pusher 94. Furthermore, with the continuous operation of the drive source 92, the retraction slider 96 moves along the retraction groove 90E in the direction (left direction in the figure) towards the processing position on the travel path of the energized body 5 and the wire electrode WE, which is parallel to the fixed direction. If the flange of the retraction slider 96 abuts against the advancing end of the retraction groove 90E, the retraction slider 96 stops at the predetermined processing position of the energized body 5. In the switching device, when the energized body 5 is moved from a predetermined retraction position to a processing position on the travel path of the wire electrode WE, in the fixing device 9, the energized body 5 is separated from the pusher 94 by the extrusion member 91, and is pressed and fixed on the inner surface of the advancing side in the hollow of the retraction slider 96 to become a fixed state.

[0119] When the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the embodiment described in detail is given a machining start command in the control device 8, information regarding the fixed state of the energized body 5 can be obtained, for example, from the fixing device control unit 90 or from a position detector (not shown) that detects the position of the extrusion member 91. Furthermore, if it is determined that the energized body 5 is not fixed by the fixing device 9, the control device 8 or the fixing device control unit 90 can be configured to issue an alarm, report the abnormality to the operator, and stop machining. With this structure, malfunctions such as forgetting to fix the energized body 5 during machining can be prevented.

[0120] The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the embodiment can be configured such that, when a machining start command is given in the control device 8, if it is determined that the energized body 5 is not in a fixed state via the fixing device 9, the fixing device 9 is activated by the control device 8 or the fixing device control unit 90, and the energized body 5 is automatically fixed. According to this structure, by starting machining after switching the energized body 5 to a fixed state, the malfunction of machining due to forgetting to fix the energized body 5 can be prevented.

[0121] The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the embodiment can be implemented by combining the energized body 5 with a sliding device of the energized body, the sliding device causing the energized body 5 to slide a predetermined amount in a horizontal single-axis direction orthogonal to the wire electrode WE erected in the vertical direction.

[0122] The sliding device includes a drive mechanism capable of moving the energized body 5 a predetermined amount in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the wire electrode WE. For example, a detector is provided to electrically measure the contact pressure between the energized body 5 and the wire electrode WE. In the control device 8, when it is determined that the contact pressure detected by the detector is lower than a predetermined reference pressure, the control device 8 operates the fixing device 9 of the energized body and the switching device of the energized body (not shown). The energized body 5 is positioned at a predetermined position within the guide assembly 40, not fixed by the fixing device 9, and is pushed towards the wire electrode WE by the elastic member 93, allowing it to be mounted and dismounted from the guide assembly 40. Furthermore, the sliding device can be operated to automatically change the contact position of the energized body 5 relative to the wire electrode WE by sliding a predetermined amount. As described above, by combining the sliding device of the energized body with the fixing device of the energized body in the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus of the embodiment, unmanned operation is possible even during long-term machining processes where the contact position of the energized body 5 needs to be updated during machining.

[0123] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, as with the several modifications shown, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the drive source of the drive device in the fixing device of the energized body in the embodiments is not limited to the cylinder specifically shown; for example, a linear motor, a rotary motor, or an electromagnetic motor can be used as the drive source.

Claims

1. A wire electrical discharge machining apparatus, characterized in that, include: The wire conductor positions and guides the wire electrode, which is erected vertically relative to the horizontal line. A current-carrying body, with current flowing through the line electrode; The guiding assembly houses the wire conductor and the energized body; An extrusion member is disposed on the guide assembly and extrudes the energized body toward the wire electrode; as well as The driving device causes the extrusion member to reciprocate in a horizontal uniaxial direction. Furthermore, the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus also includes: A fixing device, utilizing the extrusion member, fixes the energized body to a predetermined position within the guiding assembly; and An elastic member is coaxially disposed relative to the extrusion member, and the energizer is extruded continuously toward the wire electrode in a state where it can be attached to and detached from the guide assembly. Specifically, when the elastic member continuously extrudes the energizer toward the wire electrode, and the energizer can be attached to or detached from the guide assembly, the energizer can be attached to or detached in the axial direction of the energizer.

2. The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire discharge machining apparatus, in the guiding assembly, includes: A switching device that allows the energized body to move forward or backward between a machining position where it contacts the wire electrode and a retracted position where it does not contact the energized body. The drive device that drives the retraction slider that moves the energized body forward and backward shares the drive device in the fixing device. When the energized body is in the processing position, the extrusion member is used to fix the energized body in the predetermined position within the guide assembly; When the energized body is in the retracted position, it is continuously extruded towards the wire electrode by the elastic member when the energized body is not fixed in the predetermined position by the extrusion member.

3. The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the energized body is not fixed in the predetermined position by the fixing device at the start of processing, the wire discharge machining device will issue an alarm and stop processing.

4. The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the energized body is not fixed in the predetermined position by the fixing device at the start of processing, the wire EDM device operates the fixing device and automatically switches to the state of fixing the energized body in the predetermined position to start processing.

5. The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device is a hydraulic cylinder.

6. The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire electrical discharge machining apparatus includes a sliding device in the guiding assembly, the sliding device causing the conductive body to slide a predetermined amount in a horizontal single-axis direction orthogonal to the wire electrode erected in the vertical direction; and This includes control devices that are controlled in the following ways: In the state where the fixing device is not used to fix the energized body in the predetermined position within the guiding assembly. The energizer is extruded toward the wire electrode using the elastic member. The sliding device is operated while the energizer can be mounted and dismounted from the guide assembly, causing the energizer to slide by a predetermined amount, thereby automatically changing the contact position of the energizer with the wire electrode.

7. A method for fixing a conductive body in a wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) apparatus, the EDM apparatus comprising: Guiding components, housing wire conductors and power-conducting elements; An extrusion member is disposed on the guide assembly and extrudes the energized body toward a wire electrode that is erected vertically relative to a horizontal line; The driving device causes the extrusion member to reciprocate in a horizontal uniaxial direction; as well as An elastic member, coaxially arranged relative to the extrusion member, allows the energizer to be detached from the guide assembly, and the energizer is continuously extruded toward the wire electrode. The method for fixing the energized body in the wire electrical discharge machining apparatus is characterized by the following: When the energized body is fixed at a predetermined position within the guiding assembly... The drive device is operated by using the elastic member to expel the current-carrying body towards the wire electrode with a force exceeding that required to squeeze it out, and by using a force to fix the current-carrying body in place so that it does not vibrate under external force and is not damaged by the squeezing force of the extrusion member; and When the energized body is not fixed within the guiding assembly The drive device is operated in such a way that the energized body is released from a fixed state while the elastic member prevents the energized body from shifting its position within the guide assembly. This allows the energized body to slide a predetermined amount in a horizontal single-axis direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the wire electrode, thereby changing the position of the energized body in contact with the wire electrode on the contact surface, or loading and unloading the energized body from the guide assembly.

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