Flow balancing device, system and method for achieving flow balancing at electrolytic machining outlets

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flow balancing device, system and method for achieving flow balancing at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining, wherein the flow balancing device includes a flow balancing module, a supporting rod and a cathode head; the flow balancing module includes a cathode body, a left cross channel, a right cross channel, a front channel and a rear channel; a cavity is provided inside the cathode body, and a cathode head liquid outlet is provided on the cathode head. The flow balancing module also includes a plurality of liquid inlets, and the plurality of liquid inlets are respectively a left liquid inlet, a right liquid inlet and at least three top liquid inlets. The flow balancing device can achieve uniform outflow of electrolyte at the cathode head liquid outlet, and when the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the uniformity of the electrolyte at the narrow and long liquid outlet can also be ensured, thereby overcoming the problem of uneven high or low regional electrolyte flow rate in the length direction; in addition, different liquid inlet methods can be selected according to the type of cathode head liquid outlet to achieve better liquid discharge effect, and the applicability is strong.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic machining, and in particular to a flow equalizing device, system and method for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining liquid outlet. Background Art

[0002] Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a specialty machining process that removes workpiece material based on the principle of electrochemical anodic dissolution. It is primarily used for the removal of difficult-to-machine materials such as high-hardness, high-strength, and high-temperature-resistant alloys. This technology features tools with zero cathode wear, no machining deformation or stress, and a removal rate that is unaffected by material hardness. During the ECM process, the accuracy and stability of the machining process are closely linked not only to the electrolyte conductivity but also to the uniformity of the electrolyte flow. During ECM, the electrolyte flow and electric field conditions are complex. If the electrolyte flow distribution is poor, with defects such as uneven flow, low flow rate, and lack of electrolyte, cathode short circuits are likely to occur, compromising machining efficiency, accuracy, and machinability. Therefore, the stability of the electrolyte flow distribution during ECM is crucial. Effectively improving flow distribution to enhance machining stability and workpiece surface quality is a growing concern.

[0003] In the prior art, the control of the uniformity of the electrolyte flow field is mainly achieved by the design of some special structures. For example, the invention patent application with the application publication number CN111687504A discloses a device and method for electrolytic processing of an anisotropic group-slit cathode arc surface outer groove. For the processing of the arc surface outer groove, a group-slit type liquid outlet structure with unequal lengths in the horizontal direction and a corresponding wedge-shaped flow stabilization groove are used to achieve the uniformity of the lateral flow field. For example, the invention patent application with the application publication number CN111805025A discloses a rod-plate combined electrolytic processing cathode system and a processing method thereof. This method adopts a rod-plate combination, and the electrolyte enters from the "L"-shaped liquid inlet, and after being stabilized by the vertical and horizontal equalizing flow blocks, it flows out from the array gaps of the array metal rods to ensure the uniformity of the cavity flow field. For example, the invention patent application with application publication number CN113210772A discloses a flow equalization device and method for the gap flow field in the micro-electrolytic machining of metal rotating bodies. The method is provided with a pressure sensor on the liquid outlet side to further regulate the movement of the piston at different positions, so that the flow field in the machining gap is uniform. The above structure and method can only make the flow field uniform to a certain extent. However, when the liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet (usually with a width of 0 to 2 mm and a length of 50 to 100 mm), the above structure cannot guarantee the uniformity of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet. There will be obvious differences in flow rates in different areas. Usually, the flow rate in the area facing the liquid inlet is higher, and it is impossible to achieve uniform outflow of electrolyte in the long direction, so the applicability is not high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide a flow balancing device for achieving flow balancing at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining. The flow balancing device can achieve uniform flow of electrolyte at the liquid outlet of the cathode head. When the liquid outlet of the cathode head is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the uniformity of the electrolyte at the narrow and long liquid outlet can also be guaranteed, thereby achieving the effect of uniform electrolyte flow in the long length direction, overcoming the problem of uneven regional electrolyte flow rate of high or low in the length direction; in addition, different liquid inlet methods can be selected according to the type of the liquid outlet of the cathode head to achieve better liquid discharge effect, and the applicability is strong, which can significantly improve the consistency of electrolytic scanning machining and electrolytic milling machining in the width direction of the machining section.

[0005] The second object of the present invention is to provide a flow balancing system for achieving flow balancing at the electrolytic machining outlet, wherein the flow balancing system can transport the electrolyte to the flow balancing device to achieve circulating transportation of the electrolyte.

[0006] The third object of the present invention is to provide a flow equalization method for achieving flow equalization at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining. This method can select different liquid inlet methods according to different cathode head structures to achieve better liquid outlet effect.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A flow balancing device for achieving flow balancing at an electrolytic machining outlet comprises a flow balancing module, a supporting rod arranged at the upper end of the flow balancing module, and a cathode head arranged at the lower end of the flow balancing module; the flow balancing module comprises a cathode body, a left cross channel located at the left end of the cathode body, a right cross channel located at the right end of the cathode body, and a front channel and a rear channel arranged between the left cross channel and the right cross channel; wherein,

[0009] A cavity is provided inside the cathode body, and a cathode head liquid outlet is provided on the cathode head, and the cathode head liquid outlet is communicated with the lower end of the cavity;

[0010] The flow balancing module further includes a plurality of liquid inlets, each of which is a left liquid inlet, a right liquid inlet, and at least three top liquid inlets; the plurality of top liquid inlets are arranged in sequence along the left-right direction on the top of the cathode body; the plurality of top liquid inlets are all connected to the mold cavity; the lower end of the supporting rod is connected to one of the top liquid inlets;

[0011] The left cross channel and the right cross channel are provided with ports in the four directions of left, right, front and back. The left liquid inlet is arranged at the left port on the left cross channel, and the right port on the left cross channel is connected to the left end of the cavity; the right liquid inlet is arranged at the right port on the right cross channel, and the left port on the right cross channel is connected to the right end of the cavity; the front port on the left cross channel is connected to the front port on the right cross channel through the front channel; the rear port on the left cross channel is connected to the rear port on the right cross channel through the rear channel.

[0012] The working principle of the above-mentioned flow equalization device for achieving equal flow at the electrolytic machining outlet is:

[0013] The flow equalizing device in the present invention introduces electrolyte into the liquid inlets such as the left liquid inlet, the right liquid inlet and the top liquid inlet. The electrolyte entering from multiple top liquid inlets directly enters the mold cavity, and the electrolyte entering from the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet passes through the left cross channel and the right cross channel respectively, and finally enters the mold cavity of the cathode body, flows out from the cathode head liquid outlet on the cathode head, and enters the electrolytic machining area; through the action of the front channel and the rear channel, the left cross channel is directly connected to the right cross channel, so that the liquid inlets of the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet form an isobaric passage. When the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the uniformity and consistency of the electrolytic machining liquid outlet of the cathode head liquid outlet are guaranteed. The multiple liquid inlets in the present invention can be selected for liquid flow according to the actual processing conditions. The electrolyte enters the cathode body through the liquid inlet and eventually gathers in the cavity of the cathode body. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity is larger than the area of the liquid outlet, which is convenient for the large-scale collection of electrolyte and avoids liquid shortage at the cathode head outlet, so as to ensure that under high pressure, the electrolyte flows out of the cathode head outlet more evenly and at a high speed and flows to the electrolytic processing area.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that when the cathode head liquid outlet is not a narrow and long liquid outlet and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet, one of the top liquid inlets is selected to introduce the electrolyte. The purpose of this is to make the electrolyte more concentrated, the pressure higher, the flow rate faster, and the energy loss smaller.

[0015] Preferably, when the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet, and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet, the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet are selected to introduce the electrolyte. The electrolyte enters the left cross channel from the left liquid inlet and enters the right cross channel from the right liquid inlet. The front channel and the rear channel are connected to form a communicating vessel principle, and the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet are connected so that the electrolyte in the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet are at equal pressure before entering the cavity; thereby, the electrolyte can enter the cavity at equal pressure, ensuring the uniformity of the flow velocity and flow rate along the length direction of the cathode head liquid outlet.

[0016] Preferably, when the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet, and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the area of a single liquid inlet, all the liquid inlets are selected to introduce electrolyte at the same time, so that sufficient electrolyte enters the mold cavity and finally flows evenly to the processing area.

[0017] Preferably, a cavity outlet is provided at the lower end of the mold cavity; the upper end of the cavity outlet is connected to the mold cavity, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the cathode head outlet; wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of the mold cavity is larger than the area of the cavity outlet, and the area of the cavity outlet is larger than the area of the cathode head outlet. The purpose is to gradually reduce the horizontal cross-sectional area of the mold cavity, the area of the cavity outlet, and the area of the cathode head outlet, so that the electrolyte is more concentrated and the flow rate is faster, which accelerates the discharge of the electrolyte from the processing area, resulting in better processing effects, higher efficiency, and more stable processing.

[0018] Preferably, the current-sharing module is a split-type current-sharing module, wherein a left cross-shaped joint is provided at the left end of the cathode body; a right cross-shaped joint is provided at the right end of the cathode body; the internal channel of the left cross-shaped joint constitutes the left cross channel; the internal channel of the right cross-shaped joint constitutes the right cross channel; a front hose and a rear hose are provided between the left and right cross-shaped joints, the channel in the front hose constitutes the front channel, and the channel in the rear hose constitutes the rear channel. The above-mentioned structure facilitates the installation of the left and right cross-shaped joints with the cathode body, the front hose, and the rear hose, and also allows the left and right cross-shaped joints to form an isobaric passage.

[0019] Preferably, the current balancing module is an integrated current balancing module; the left cross channel, the right cross channel, the front channel and the rear channel are all integrated inside the cathode body, in order to make the structure more compact.

[0020] Preferably, two transverse channels and multiple longitudinal channels are provided inside the cathode body; the front channel and the rear channel constitute two transverse channels; the multiple longitudinal channels include a left longitudinal channel located at the leftmost side, a right longitudinal channel located at the rightmost side, and at least one intermediate longitudinal channel located between the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel; wherein, the left cross channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are mutually intersecting and connected; the right cross channel includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are mutually intersecting and connected; the first channel constitutes the left longitudinal channel, and the third channel constitutes the right longitudinal channel; the left liquid inlet is provided at the left end of the second channel, and the right end of the second channel is directly connected to the left end of the cavity; the right liquid inlet is provided at the right end of the fourth channel, and the left end of the fourth channel is directly connected to the right end of the cavity; the two ends of the front channel are respectively connected to the front ends of the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel, and the two ends of the rear channel are respectively connected to the rear ends of the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel; the front end of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the front channel, the middle of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the cavity, and the rear end of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the rear channel. In order to avoid the cathode head liquid outlet being too long and the uneven flow of the middle liquid, an intermediate longitudinal channel is set to further make the liquid outlet of the cathode head liquid outlet more uniform and avoid excessive local liquid flow rate. In the above structure, a left longitudinal channel, a middle longitudinal channel, and a right longitudinal channel can form three parallel longitudinal channels for the electrolyte to circulate longitudinally. When the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is long, two middle longitudinal channels can be set, and the number of liquid inlets on the top of the cathode body can also be set to 4 to further stabilize the uniformity and pressure stability of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet. When the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is longer according to actual conditions, more longitudinal channels can also be selected to meet processing needs. The diameter of the longitudinal channel is 2-3 times the width of the cathode head liquid outlet.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of longitudinal channels are evenly spaced in sequence along the left-right direction, in order to further improve the uniformity and pressure stability of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet.

[0022] Preferably, the number of the longitudinal channels is the same as the number of the top liquid inlets, and the position of each longitudinal channel corresponds to the position of each top liquid inlet. The purpose is to further improve the uniformity and pressure stability of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet.

[0023] A flow equalizing system for achieving equal flow at an electrolytic machining outlet, comprising an electrolyte tank for storing electrolyte, a filter for filtering the electrolyte, a one-way quantitative pump for providing power for the electrolyte, a hydraulic throttle valve for adjusting the electrolyte inlet pressure, a pressure gauge for observing and displaying the electrolyte pressure, a valve assembly for switching the electrolyte on and off, and a flow equalizing device for achieving equal flow of the electrolyte; wherein the electrolyte tank, filter, one-way quantitative pump, hydraulic throttle valve, pressure gauge, valve assembly and flow equalizing device are connected in sequence through a main pipeline to form a circulating conveying system; a plurality of branch pipelines are provided between the main pipeline exiting through the pressure gauge and the flow equalizing device, the valve assembly comprises a plurality of hydraulic stop valves, and the plurality of hydraulic stop valves are respectively arranged on the plurality of branch pipelines, one end of the plurality of branch pipelines are all connected to the main pipeline exiting through the pressure gauge, and the other end of the plurality of branch pipelines are respectively connected to a plurality of liquid inlets in a one-to-one correspondence; a top liquid inlet and a branch pipeline are connected through the supporting rod.

[0024] In the above structure, the supporting rod is detachably fixedly connected to the cathode body and can be fixed to the platform of the electrochemical machining machine. The electrolyte in the electrolyte tank is pumped by a one-way metering pump, passes through a filter, a one-way metering pump, a hydraulic throttle valve, a pressure gauge, and a valve assembly in sequence, enters the flow equalization device, and then flows out of the cathode head outlet of the cathode head for electrolytic machining, and finally flows back into the electrolyte tank, forming a cycle. The electrochemical machining equipment, consisting of a flow equalization system, a pulse power supply, and an electrochemical machining machine, realizes the equalization of electrolyte flow at narrow and long outlets for large-area mask jet scanning machining, electrochemical milling machining, etc., thereby improving machining quality and consistency.

[0025] A flow equalization method for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet comprises the following steps:

[0026] (1) Assemble the cathode head to be processed on the cathode body, fix the supporting rod to the electrolytic processing machine, and connect the main pipes and branch pipes;

[0027] (2) Select different combinations of liquid inlets and select the opening of the hydraulic shut-off valve based on the simulation results or experimental results of the electrolyte at the cathode head outlet;

[0028] (3) Connect the power supply: the cathode body is connected to the cathode of the power supply, and the workpiece is connected to the anode of the power supply;

[0029] (4) Open the selected hydraulic shut-off valve and conduct a pre-processing test on the flow-through system to observe whether there are leaks in the main and branch pipes and the effect of the liquid uniformity of the cathode head outlet;

[0030] (5) Tool setting and power circuit detection;

[0031] (6) Start the flow equalization system, and after the liquid supply stabilizes, start the power supply;

[0032] (7) Start the electrochemical machining machine tool operation program, the electrochemical machining reaction begins, the material on the workpiece is gradually electrolytically eroded, and as the machining proceeds, the area to be machined is gradually formed until the feeding is completed;

[0033] (8) After the processing is completed, turn off the power supply, turn off the current equalization system, clean the electrolytic processing machine, remove the workpiece and clean it.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] 1. The flow equalizing device in the present invention can select the liquid flow according to the actual processing conditions by setting multiple liquid inlets. The electrolyte enters the cathode body through the liquid inlet, and after being collected in the cavity of the cathode body, it will flow out evenly from the cathode head liquid outlet on the cathode head and enter the electrolytic processing area; when the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is small, the electrolyte can be directly introduced from the top liquid inlet to provide concentrated electrolyte with fast flow rate, large flow rate and low energy loss.

[0036] 2. The flow equalizing device in the present invention is such that the electrolyte entering from the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet passes through the left cross channel and the right cross channel respectively, and finally enters the cavity of the cathode body, flows out from the cathode head outlet on the cathode head, and enters the electrolytic processing area; through the action of the front channel and the rear channel, the left cross channel is directly connected to the right cross channel, so that the liquid inlets of the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet form an isobaric passage. Therefore, when the cathode head outlet is a narrow and long outlet, the uniformity and consistency of the electrolytic processing liquid outlet of the cathode head outlet are guaranteed, and the effect of uniform electrolyte outflow in the long length direction is achieved, overcoming the problem of high regional electrolyte flow rate in the length direction. For narrow and long outlets with smaller flow rates, the left and right liquid inlets can be opened to achieve uniform outflow of electrolyte from the narrow and long outlets; for narrow and long outlets with larger flow rates, all liquid inlets can be opened to achieve large flow of electrolyte into the cavity, avoiding liquid shortage or uneven electrolyte outflow.

[0037] 3. The current equalizing device in the present invention has a cathode head installed at the lower end of the cathode body and is provided with multiple liquid inlets. Different liquid inlet methods can be selected according to the type of the cathode head liquid outlet, and the number of liquid inlets can be opened according to actual conditions to achieve better liquid discharge effects. It has strong applicability and can significantly improve the consistency of electrolytic scanning machining and electrolytic milling machining in the width direction of the machining section.

[0038] 4. In the flow balancing system of the present invention, the electrolyte tank, filter, one-way quantitative pump, hydraulic throttle valve, pressure gauge, valve assembly and flow balancing device are connected in sequence through the main pipeline to form a circulating conveying system. The flow balancing system can convey the electrolyte to the flow balancing device, realize the circulating conveyance of the electrolyte, and improve the utilization rate of resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1-Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a first specific embodiment of a flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet in the present invention, wherein: Figure 1 For a three-dimensional image, Figure 2 is the main view.

[0040] Figure 3 It is a partial structural diagram of the current balancing device in the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0042] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the current balancing device (partial structure hidden) in the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6-Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the cathode body and the cathode head in the present invention, wherein: Figure 6 For a three-dimensional image, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the internal structure.

[0044] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of a second specific embodiment of the current balancing device in the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the current balancing device in the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the cathode body in the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cathode body in the present invention.

[0048] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the integrated current sharing module in the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the flow field function of the integrated flow balancing module in the present invention.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a flow field function diagram of another embodiment of the integrated flow balancing module in the present invention.

[0051] Figure 15Schematic diagram of the structure of the current sharing system in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments and drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0053] Example 1

[0054] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 This embodiment discloses a flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining, including a flow equalizing module, a supporting rod 1 arranged at the upper end of the flow equalizing module, and a cathode head 2 arranged at the lower end of the flow equalizing module; the flow equalizing module includes a cathode body 3, a left cross channel 4 located at the left end of the cathode body 3, a right cross channel 5 located at the right end of the cathode body 3, and a front channel 6 and a rear channel 7 arranged between the left cross channel 4 and the right cross channel 5.

[0055] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 A cavity 3-1 is provided inside the cathode body 3, and a cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 is provided on the cathode head 2. The cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 is connected to the lower end of the cavity 3-1.

[0056] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The flow equalizing module also includes multiple liquid inlets 8, which are respectively a left liquid inlet 8-1, a right liquid inlet 8-2 and at least three top liquid inlets 8-3; the multiple top liquid inlets 8-3 are arranged in sequence along the left and right directions on the top of the cathode body 3; the multiple top liquid inlets 8-3 are all connected to the cavity 3-1; the lower end of the supporting rod 1 is connected to one of the top liquid inlets 8-3.

[0057] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The left cross channel 4 and the right cross channel 5 are provided with ports in the four directions of left, right, front and back. The left liquid inlet 8-1 is arranged at the left port on the left cross channel 4, and the right port on the left cross channel 4 is connected to the left end of the cavity 3-1; the right liquid inlet 8-2 is arranged at the right port on the right cross channel 5, and the left port on the right cross channel 5 is connected to the right end of the cavity 3-1; the front port on the left cross channel 4 and the front port on the right cross channel 5 are connected through the front channel 6; the rear port on the left cross channel 4 and the rear port on the right cross channel 5 are connected through the rear channel 7.

[0058] See also Figure 1-Figure 7, when the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is not a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the area of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet 8, one of the top liquid inlets 8-3 corresponding up and down is selected to introduce the electrolyte. The purpose is that the electrolyte is more concentrated, with high pressure, fast flow rate, and small energy loss.

[0059] See Figure 1-Figure 7 , when the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the length of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet 8, and the area of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet 8, the left liquid inlet 8-1 and the right liquid inlet 8-2 are selected to introduce the electrolyte. The electrolyte enters the left cross-channel 4 from the left liquid inlet 8-1, enters the right cross-channel 5 from the right liquid inlet 8-2, and is connected by the front channel 6 and the rear channel 7, forming the principle of a communicating vessel to connect the left liquid inlet 8-1 and the right liquid inlet 8-2, so that the electrolytes at the left liquid inlet 8-1 and the right liquid inlet 8-2 are of equal pressure before entering the cavity 3-1; thus, the electrolyte can enter the cavity 3-1 at equal pressure, ensuring the uniformity of the flow rate and flow volume of the electrolyte at the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head along the length direction.

[0060] See Figure 1-Figure 7 , in this embodiment, the width b of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head satisfies: 0 < b ≤ 2 mm, and the length a of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head satisfies: 50 mm ≤ a ≤ 100 mm, then the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is a narrow and long liquid outlet, otherwise the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is not a narrow and long liquid outlet; for example, the width of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is 1 mm and the length is 60 mm, and the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is a narrow and long liquid outlet; for example, the width of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is 3 mm and the length is 40 mm, and the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is not a narrow and long liquid outlet.

[0061] See Figure 1-Figure 7 , when the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the length of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet 8, and the area of the liquid outlet 2-1 of the cathode head is greater than the area of a single liquid inlet 8, all the liquid inlets 8 are selected to introduce the electrolyte simultaneously, so that sufficient electrolyte enters the cavity 3-1 and finally evenly flows to the processing area.

[0062] See Figure 1-Figure 7The lower end of the mold cavity 3-1 is provided with a mold cavity outlet 3-11; the upper end of the mold cavity outlet 3-11 is connected to the mold cavity 3-1, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the cathode head outlet 2-1; wherein, the area of the horizontal cross-section of the mold cavity 3-1 is larger than the area of the mold cavity outlet 3-11, and the area of the mold cavity outlet 3-11 is larger than the area of the cathode head outlet 2-1. The purpose is to gradually reduce the area of the horizontal cross-section of the mold cavity 3-1, the area of the mold cavity outlet 3-11, and the area of the cathode head outlet 2-1, so that the electrolyte is more concentrated and the flow rate is faster, which accelerates the discharge of the electrolyte from the processing area, resulting in better processing effect, higher efficiency, and more stable processing.

[0063] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The current balancing module is a split-type current balancing module. The left end of the cathode body 3 is provided with a left cross-shaped joint 9; the right end of the cathode body 3 is provided with a right cross-shaped joint 10. The internal channel of the left cross-shaped joint 9 constitutes the left cross channel 4; the internal channel of the right cross-shaped joint 10 constitutes the right cross channel 5. A front hose 11 and a rear hose 12 are provided between the left cross-shaped joint 9 and the right cross-shaped joint 10. The channel in the front hose 11 constitutes the front channel 6, and the channel in the rear hose 12 constitutes the rear channel 7. The above structure facilitates the installation of the left cross-shaped joint 9, the right cross-shaped joint 10, the cathode body 3, the front hose 11, and the rear hose 12, and also allows the left cross-shaped joint 9 and the right cross-shaped joint 10 to form an isobaric passage.

[0064] See also Figure 1-Figure 2 and Figure 15 The upper end of the supporting rod 1 is provided with an external threaded joint 13. By providing the external threaded joint 13, it is convenient to connect the supporting rod 1 with the branch pipe 24. The supporting rod 1 is a hollow insulating supporting rod.

[0065] See also Figure 1-Figure 5 The left end, front end, and rear end of the left cross four-way joint 9 and the right end, front end, and rear end of the right cross four-way joint 10 are all provided with internal threaded joints 14. By providing the internal threaded joints 14, the left cross four-way joint 9 and the right cross four-way joint 10 are conveniently connected to the front hose 11, the rear hose 12, and the branch pipe 24.

[0066] See also Figure 1-Figure 5 In this embodiment, the number of liquid inlets 8 is 5, among which the number of top liquid inlets 8-3 is 3, wherein the supporting rod 1 is installed on the top liquid inlet 8-3 located in the middle, with the purpose of making the structure more compact.

[0067] See also Figure 5-Figure 6 The lower end of the cathode body 3 is provided with a mounting groove, and the cathode head 2 is mounted on the mounting groove.

[0068] The current balancing device in this embodiment utilizes a simple cavity 3-1 structural design and utilizes the principle of communicating vessels for component assembly. Different combinations of liquid inlets 8 can be selected based on different cathode head liquid outlets 2-1. Furthermore, the problem of uneven electrolyte flow from narrow and long outlets is fundamentally resolved. The hollow insulating support rod on the cathode body 3 facilitates connection to a machine tool or other mechanism. The current balancing device in this embodiment is a simple and easy-to-use processing device and method that can be quickly connected to a machine tool for electrolytic processing such as wide-width electrolytic scanning processing or electrolytic milling processing.

[0069] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The working principle of the above-mentioned flow equalization device for achieving equal flow at the electrolytic machining outlet is:

[0070] The flow equalizing device in the present invention introduces electrolyte into the liquid inlets 8, such as the left liquid inlet 8-1, the right liquid inlet 8-2 and the top liquid inlet 8-3. The electrolyte entering from the multiple top liquid inlets 8-3 directly enters the mold cavity 3-1, and the electrolyte entering from the left liquid inlet 8-1 and the right liquid inlet 8-2 passes through the left cross channel 4 and the right cross channel 5 respectively, and finally enters the mold cavity 3-1 of the cathode body 3, flows out from the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 on the cathode head 2, and enters the electrolytic processing area; through the action of the front channel 6 and the rear channel 7, the left cross channel 4 is directly connected to the right cross channel 5, so that the liquid inlets of the left liquid inlet 8-1 and the right liquid inlet 8-2 form an isobaric passage. When the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 is a narrow and long liquid outlet, the uniformity and consistency of the electrolytic processing liquid output from the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 are guaranteed. The multiple liquid inlets 8 in the present invention can be selected for liquid flow according to the actual processing conditions. The electrolyte enters the cathode body 3 through the liquid inlet 8 and eventually gathers in the cavity 3-1 of the cathode body 3. The horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity 3-1 is larger than the area of the liquid outlet, which is convenient for the large-scale collection of electrolyte and avoids the lack of liquid at the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1, so as to ensure that under high pressure, the electrolyte flows out of the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 more evenly and at a high speed and flows to the electrolytic processing area.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] See also Figures 8-11 The other structures of this embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1, except that the current equalizing module is an integrated current equalizing module; the left cross channel 4, the right cross channel 5, the front channel 6, and the rear channel 7 are all integrated into the cathode body 3. This is to make the structure more compact.

[0073] See also Figures 8-13, the cathode body 3 is provided with two transverse channels 15 and a plurality of longitudinal channels 16 inside; the front channel 6 and the rear channel 7 constitute the two transverse channels 15; the plurality of longitudinal channels 16 include a left longitudinal channel 16-1 located on the leftmost side, a right longitudinal channel 16-2 located on the rightmost side, and at least one intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3 located between the left longitudinal channel 16-1 and the right longitudinal channel 16-2; wherein, the left cross channel 4 includes a first channel 4-1 and a second channel 4-2 that are mutually intersecting and connected; the right cross channel 5 includes a third channel 5-1 and a fourth channel 5-2 that are mutually intersecting and connected; the first channel 4-1 constitutes the left longitudinal channel 16-1, and the third channel 5-1 constitutes the right longitudinal channel 16-2; the left liquid inlet 8 -1 is arranged at the left end of the second channel 4-2, and the right end of the second channel 4-2 is directly connected to the left end of the cavity 3-1; the right liquid inlet 8-2 is arranged at the right end of the fourth channel 5-2, and the left end of the fourth channel 5-2 is directly connected to the right end of the cavity 3-1; the two ends of the front channel 6 (that is, the transverse channel 15 located at the front end) are respectively connected to the front ends of the left longitudinal channel 16-1 and the right longitudinal channel 16-2, and the two ends of the rear channel 7 (that is, the transverse channel 15 located at the rear end) are respectively connected to the rear ends of the left longitudinal channel 16-1 and the right longitudinal channel 16-2; the front end of the intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3 is connected to the front channel 6, the middle part of the intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3 is connected to the cavity 3-1, and the rear end of the intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3 is connected to the rear channel 7. To prevent the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 from being too long and unevenly flowing liquid in the middle, an intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3 is provided to further make the liquid outflow from the cathode head 2 more uniform and prevent local excessive liquid flow. In this embodiment, there is one intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3, a left longitudinal channel 16-1, an intermediate longitudinal channel 16-3, and a right longitudinal channel 16-2, forming three parallel longitudinal channels 16 for longitudinal circulation of the electrolyte.

[0074] In this embodiment, two transverse channels 15 are provided, similar to the outer tubes of a communicating vessel. Furthermore, depending on the actual length of the narrow and long liquid outlet, multiple parallel longitudinal channels 16 can be provided to further stabilize pressure and flow. The circular cross-sectional diameter of the longitudinal channels 16 is 2 to 3 times the width of the narrow and long liquid outlet. The channel cross-sectional shape is not limited to circular and can also be other shapes, such as rectangular or elliptical.

[0075] See also Figures 9-13 The plurality of longitudinal channels 16 are evenly spaced in sequence along the left-right direction, thereby further improving the uniformity and pressure stability of the electrolyte in the narrow and long outlet.

[0076] See also Figure 13The number of the longitudinal channels 16 is the same as the number of the top liquid inlets 8-3, and the position of each longitudinal channel 16 corresponds to the position of each top liquid inlet 8-3. This is to further improve the uniformity and pressure stability of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet.

[0077] See also Figures 8-10 Plugs 17 are provided at the ends of the longitudinal channels 16 and transverse channels 15. Plugs 17 are used to seal the liquid. Alternatively, plugs 17 can be removed and other hoses can be arranged to connect the longitudinal channels 16 and transverse channels 15. Plugs 17 can be provided at both ends of the longitudinal channels 16 or at one end.

[0078] See also Figures 8-10 The left end of the second channel 4 - 2 is provided with an internal threaded joint 14 , and the right end of the fourth channel 5 - 2 is provided with an internal threaded joint 14 , and the internal threaded joint 14 is directly mounted on the cathode body 3 .

[0079] Example 3

[0080] See also Figure 14 , the other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in Example 2, except that, when the length of the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 is longer, two intermediate longitudinal channels 16-3 can be set, that is, the number of longitudinal channels 16 is 4, and the number of liquid inlets 8 on the top of the cathode body 3 can also be set to 4, further stabilizing the uniformity of the electrolyte in the narrow and long liquid outlet and the stability of the pressure. When the length of the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1 is longer according to actual conditions, more longitudinal channels 16 can also be selected to meet processing requirements. The diameter of the longitudinal channel 16 is 2-3 times the width of the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1.

[0081] Example 4

[0082] See also Figure 15, this embodiment discloses a flow balancing system for achieving flow balancing at the outlet of electrolytic machining, comprising an electrolyte tank 18 for storing electrolyte, a filter 19 for filtering the electrolyte, a one-way quantitative pump 20 for providing power to the electrolyte, a hydraulic throttle valve 21 for adjusting the electrolyte inlet pressure, a pressure gauge 22 for observing and displaying the electrolyte pressure, a valve assembly for switching the electrolyte on and off, and a flow balancing device for achieving flow balancing of the electrolyte as described in any one of embodiments 1-3; wherein, the electrolyte tank 18, the filter 19, the one-way quantitative pump 20, the hydraulic throttle valve 21, the pressure gauge 22. The valve assembly and the flow balancing device are connected in sequence through the main pipe 23 to form a circulating conveying system; a plurality of branch pipes 24 are provided between the main pipe 23 coming out of the pressure gauge 22 and the flow balancing device, and the valve assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic stop valves 25, and the plurality of hydraulic stop valves 25 are respectively arranged on the plurality of branch pipes 24, and one end of the plurality of branch pipes 24 is connected to the main pipe 23 coming out of the pressure gauge 22, and the other end of the plurality of branch pipes 24 is respectively connected to the plurality of liquid inlets 8; one of the top liquid inlet 8-3 is connected to a branch pipe 24 through the supporting rod 1.

[0083] The number of the branch pipes 24 is the same as the number of the liquid inlets 8 .

[0084] See also Figure 15 In the above structure, the supporting rod 1 is detachably fixedly connected to the cathode body 3. The supporting rod 1 can be fixed to the platform of the electrolytic machining machine. The electrolyte in the electrolyte tank 18 is pumped by the one-way metering pump 20, passes through the filter 19, the one-way metering pump 20, the hydraulic throttle valve 21, the pressure gauge 22, and the valve assembly in sequence, enters the flow equalization device, and then flows out of the cathode head outlet 2-1 of the cathode head 2 for electrolytic machining, and finally flows back to the electrolyte tank 18, forming a cycle. The electrolytic machining equipment composed of the flow equalization system, the pulse power supply, and the electrolytic machining machine realizes the equalization of the electrolyte at the narrow and long outlet for large-area mask jet scanning machining, electrolytic milling machining, etc., thereby improving the machining quality and consistency.

[0085] Example 5

[0086] See also Figure 15 This embodiment discloses a flow equalization method for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet. The flow equalization method is applied to the flow equalization system in Example 4 and includes the following steps:

[0087] (1) Assemble the cathode head 2 to be processed on the cathode body 3, fix the supporting rod 1 to the electrolytic processing machine, and connect the main pipes 23 and branch pipes 24;

[0088] (2) Select different combinations of liquid inlets 8 and select the opening of the hydraulic shut-off valve 25 based on the simulation results or experimental results of the electrolyte at the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1;

[0089] (3) Connecting the power supply: the cathode body 3 is connected to the cathode of the power supply, and the workpiece is connected to the anode of the power supply;

[0090] (4) Open the selected hydraulic shut-off valve 25 and conduct a pre-processing fluid flow test on the flow balancing system to observe whether there are leaks in each main pipeline 23 and branch pipeline 24 and the effect of the liquid uniformity of the cathode head liquid outlet 2-1;

[0091] (5) Tool setting and power circuit detection;

[0092] (6) Start the flow equalization system, and after the liquid supply stabilizes, start the power supply;

[0093] (7) Start the electrochemical machining machine tool operation program, the electrochemical machining reaction begins, the material on the workpiece is gradually electrolytically eroded, and as the machining proceeds, the area to be machined is gradually formed until the feeding is completed;

[0094] (8) After the processing is completed, turn off the power supply, turn off the current equalization system, clean the electrolytic processing machine, remove the workpiece and clean it.

[0095] The flow equalization method in the embodiment is not only suitable for electrolytic mask jet scanning processing of large-width workpieces, but also realizes electrolytic milling processing of large-width workpiece cross-sections, and can achieve uniformity of electrolyte outflow in the length direction of the narrow and long liquid outlet of the cathode head, so that the processing quality is better and the consistency is higher.

[0096] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above content. Any other changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, and simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention should be considered as equivalent replacement methods and are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet, characterized in that: It includes a current balancing module, a supporting rod arranged at the upper end of the current balancing module, and a cathode head arranged at the lower end of the current balancing module; the current balancing module includes a cathode body, a left cross channel located at the left end of the cathode body, a right cross channel located at the right end of the cathode body, and a front channel and a rear channel arranged between the left cross channel and the right cross channel; wherein, A cavity is provided inside the cathode body, and a cathode head liquid outlet is provided on the cathode head, and the cathode head liquid outlet is communicated with the lower end of the cavity; The flow balancing module further includes a plurality of liquid inlets, each of which is a left liquid inlet, a right liquid inlet, and at least three top liquid inlets; the plurality of top liquid inlets are arranged in sequence along the left-right direction on the top of the cathode body; the plurality of top liquid inlets are all connected to the mold cavity; the lower end of the supporting rod is connected to one of the top liquid inlets; The left cross channel and the right cross channel are provided with ports in the four directions of left, right, front and back. The left liquid inlet is arranged at the left port on the left cross channel, and the right port on the left cross channel is connected to the left end of the cavity; the right liquid inlet is arranged at the right port on the right cross channel, and the left port on the right cross channel is connected to the right end of the cavity; the front port on the left cross channel is connected to the front port on the right cross channel through the front channel; the rear port on the left cross channel is connected to the rear port on the right cross channel through the rear channel.

2. A flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the cathode head liquid outlet is not a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet, one of the top liquid inlets is selected to introduce the electrolyte; When the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet, and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is smaller than the area of a single liquid inlet, the left liquid inlet and the right liquid inlet are selected to introduce the electrolyte; When the cathode head liquid outlet is a narrow and long liquid outlet, and the length of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the diameter of a single liquid inlet, and the area of the cathode head liquid outlet is greater than the area of a single liquid inlet, all the liquid inlets are selected to simultaneously introduce the electrolyte.

3. The flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cavity liquid outlet is provided at the lower end of the cavity; the upper end of the cavity liquid outlet is connected to the cavity, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the cathode head liquid outlet; wherein, the area of the horizontal cross-section of the cavity is larger than the area of the cavity liquid outlet, and the area of the cavity liquid outlet is larger than the area of the cathode head liquid outlet.

4. The flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The current balancing module is a split current balancing module, wherein a left cross four-way joint is provided at the left end of the cathode body; a right cross four-way joint is provided at the right end of the cathode body; the internal channel of the left cross four-way joint constitutes the left cross channel; the internal channel of the right cross four-way joint constitutes the right cross channel; a front hose and a rear hose are provided between the left cross four-way joint and the right cross four-way joint, the channel in the front hose constitutes the front channel, and the channel in the rear hose constitutes the rear channel.

5. The flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet according to claim 1, characterized in that: The current balancing module is an integrated current balancing module; the left cross channel, the right cross channel, the front channel and the rear channel are all integrated inside the cathode body.

6. A flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet according to claim 5, characterized in that: Two transverse channels and multiple longitudinal channels are provided inside the cathode body; the front channel and the rear channel constitute two transverse channels; the multiple longitudinal channels include a left longitudinal channel located on the leftmost side, a right longitudinal channel located on the rightmost side, and at least one intermediate longitudinal channel located between the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel; wherein, the left cross channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are mutually intersecting and connected; the right cross channel includes a third channel and a fourth channel that are mutually intersecting and connected; the first channel constitutes the left longitudinal channel, and the third channel constitutes the right longitudinal channel; the left liquid inlet is provided at the left end of the second channel, and the right end of the second channel is directly connected to the left end of the mold cavity; the right liquid inlet is provided at the right end of the fourth channel, and the left end of the fourth channel is directly connected to the right end of the mold cavity; the two ends of the front channel are respectively connected to the front ends of the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel, and the two ends of the rear channel are respectively connected to the rear ends of the left longitudinal channel and the right longitudinal channel; the front end of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the front channel, the middle of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the mold cavity, and the rear end of the intermediate longitudinal channel is connected to the rear channel.

7. A flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of longitudinal channels are evenly spaced in sequence along the left-right direction.

8. The flow equalizing device for achieving flow equalization at the liquid outlet of electrolytic machining according to claim 7, characterized in that: The number of the longitudinal channels is the same as the number of the top liquid inlets, and the position of each longitudinal channel corresponds to the position of each top liquid inlet in a one-to-one manner.

9. A flow equalization system for achieving flow equalization at an electrolytic machining outlet, characterized in that: It includes an electrolyte tank for storing electrolyte, a filter for filtering the electrolyte, a one-way quantitative pump for providing power for the electrolyte, a hydraulic throttle valve for adjusting the electrolyte inlet pressure, a pressure gauge for observing and displaying the electrolyte pressure, a valve assembly for switching the electrolyte on and off, and a flow equalizing device for achieving electrolyte flow equalization as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; wherein the electrolyte tank, filter, one-way quantitative pump, hydraulic throttle valve, pressure gauge, valve assembly and flow equalizing device are connected in sequence through a main pipeline to form a circulating conveying system; a plurality of branch pipelines are provided between the main pipeline coming out of the pressure gauge and the flow equalizing device, and the valve assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic stop valves, and the plurality of hydraulic stop valves are respectively arranged on the plurality of branch pipelines, one end of the plurality of branch pipelines are connected to the main pipeline coming out of the pressure gauge, and the other end of the plurality of branch pipelines are respectively connected to a plurality of liquid inlets; one of its top liquid inlets and a branch pipeline are connected through the supporting rod.

10. A flow balancing method for achieving flow balancing at an electrochemical machining outlet, the flow balancing method being applied to the flow balancing system according to claim 9, the flow balancing method comprising the following steps: (1) Assemble the cathode head to be processed on the cathode body, fix the supporting rod to the electrolytic processing machine, and connect the main pipes and branch pipes; (2) Select different combinations of liquid inlets and select the opening of the hydraulic shut-off valve based on the simulation results or experimental results of the electrolyte at the cathode head outlet; (3) Connect the power supply: the cathode body is connected to the cathode of the power supply, and the workpiece is connected to the anode of the power supply; (4) Open the selected hydraulic shut-off valve and conduct a pre-processing test on the flow-through system to observe whether there are leaks in the main and branch pipes and the effect of the liquid uniformity of the cathode head outlet; (5) Tool setting and power circuit detection; (6) Start the flow equalization system, and after the liquid supply stabilizes, start the power supply; (7) Start the electrochemical machining machine tool operation program, the electrochemical machining reaction begins, the material on the workpiece is gradually electrolytically eroded, and as the machining proceeds, the area to be machined is gradually formed until the feeding is completed; (8) After the processing is completed, turn off the power supply, turn off the current equalization system, clean the electrolytic processing machine, remove the workpiece and clean it.

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