Planetary electrode discharge additive and subtractive manufacturing device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a device and method for discharging additive and subtractive materials by planetary electrodes, and relates to the technical field of electric spark deposition, which comprises a shell, a bottom end of a stirring head in a semispherical shape, a feeding cavity arranged in the stirring head, a feeding port arranged at a bottom of a side wall of the stirring head, a feeding pipe arranged at a top end of the stirring head, a first driving mechanism for driving the stirring head to rotate, the stirring head penetrating through a planetary carrier, a gap being arranged between the planetary carrier and the stirring head, an axis of the stirring head being parallel to or coinciding with an axis of the planetary carrier, the planetary carrier being arranged in the shell and being rotationally matched with the shell through a bearing, a gas feeding cavity being arranged in the planetary carrier, an air filling pipe being arranged at a top end of the planetary carrier, a second driving mechanism for driving the planetary carrier to rotate, a plurality of rotary motors being fixedly connected with the planetary carrier, a gas feeding channel and a gas outlet being arranged in each rotary electrode, and an electrode ring being fixedly arranged on an inner wall of the shell. The application can improve the compactness of a coating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical discharge deposition technology, and in particular to an apparatus and method for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical discharge deposition (EDD) technology is widely used for surface strengthening of components in aerospace, aviation, and shipbuilding industries due to its advantages such as low heat input, minimal impact on substrate mechanical properties, and strong coating-substrate adhesion. Compared with conventional surface treatment methods such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), conventional thermal spraying, low-pressure plasma spraying (LPPS), and high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), EDD coatings exhibit stronger adhesion to the substrate and effectively protect the workpiece in extreme environments. The principle of EDD is as follows: under inert gas protection, the substrate is connected to the cathode, and the electrode material is connected to the anode of a DC or AC power supply. Vibration induces a high-frequency, instantaneous pulse discharge between the electrode material and the substrate, generating instantaneous high temperatures that melt the electrode material and part of the substrate alloy, bringing the electrode into contact with the substrate. Rapid cooling follows, and the molten electrode material is then deposited onto the substrate surface.

[0003] ZL201711402739.5 discloses a method for using electrical discharge deposition-synchronous powder feeding in additive manufacturing and re-repair processes. The method includes mixing coating materials and gases in a gas-powder mixing chamber located in a base through a powder feeding channel and a gas feeding channel to form a gas-powder mixture. The gas-powder mixture is then introduced into the reaction area between the clustered electrode and the workpiece through the gas-powder mixing channel. The electrode material, nickel powder, and workpiece material are melted, fused, and deposited on the surface of the workpiece or the damaged area of ​​the workpiece to form a special deposition layer or deposition layer repair layer.

[0004] To achieve high-efficiency additive manufacturing, ZL201711402739.5 employs a method of fully mixing clustered electrodes with gas and coating materials to expand the discharge area and obtain a high-quality coating. However, the uniformity and density of the surface coating formed by this method need further verification, and the protective effect of the coating on parts operating under some extreme conditions is relatively limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the density of the coating deposited on the substrate, and thereby improve the corrosion resistance of the coating.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0007] This invention provides a device for adding or subtracting materials to a planetary electrode discharge, comprising:

[0008] The housing is cylindrical;

[0009] A stirring head is disposed inside the housing and is rotatably coupled to the housing via a bearing. The bottom end of the stirring head is hemispherical and extends beyond the bottom end of the housing. A feeding chamber is provided in the stirring head, a feeding port is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the stirring head, and a feeding pipe is provided at the top end of the stirring head. Both the feeding pipe and the feeding port are connected to the feeding chamber.

[0010] A first driving mechanism is used to drive the stirring head to rotate;

[0011] The planetary carrier has a stirring head passing through it, with a gap between them. The axis of the stirring head is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the planetary carrier. The planetary carrier is housed within the housing and rotates with it via bearings. An air supply chamber is provided in the planetary carrier, and an air filling pipe communicating with the air supply chamber is provided at the top of the planetary carrier.

[0012] The second drive mechanism is used to drive the planet carrier to rotate;

[0013] The planetary electrode includes a plurality of rotating electrodes evenly distributed along the circumference of the planetary carrier, the rotating electrodes being rotatably connected to the planetary carrier; each of the rotating electrodes is provided with an air delivery channel communicating with the air delivery chamber and an air outlet communicating with the air delivery channel, the air outlet being located at the bottom end of the rotating electrode, and the bottom end of the rotating electrode being higher than the bottom end of the stirring head.

[0014] An electrode ring is fixed to the inner wall of the housing, and each of the rotating electrodes is provided with a brush at its top end, the brush slidingly engaging with the electrode ring.

[0015] Preferably, an annular first support member is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the shell, the outer wall of the first support member is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the shell, and the stirring head is rotatably engaged with the first support member through two bearings.

[0016] Preferably, an annular second support member is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the housing, the outer wall of the second support member is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing, and the planetary carrier is rotatably engaged with the second support member through two bearings.

[0017] Preferably, an internal gear is fixedly installed inside the housing, and each of the rotating electrodes is fixedly fitted with an electrode gear that meshes with the internal gear.

[0018] Preferably, the first drive mechanism includes a first motor fixedly connected to the housing, a first driving bevel gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor, and a first driven bevel gear meshing with the first driving bevel gear, wherein the first driven bevel gear is fixedly sleeved on the stirring head.

[0019] Preferably, the second drive mechanism includes a second motor fixedly connected to the housing, a second driving bevel gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor, and a second driven bevel gear meshing with the second driving bevel gear, wherein the second driven bevel gear is fixedly sleeved on the planetary carrier.

[0020] Preferably, there are multiple feeding ports, and all of the feeding ports are evenly distributed in two layers along the circumference of the stirring head.

[0021] The present invention also provides a method for planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing, based on the above-described planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising the following steps:

[0022] S1: The metal powder is delivered to the surrounding substrate by a high-speed rotating stirring head;

[0023] S2: When the electrode ring is energized, a short electric arc is formed between the rotating electrode and the metal powder on the substrate, and the metal powder on the substrate is melted. The melted metal powder on the substrate forms a laminated material layer on the substrate.

[0024] S3: The stirring head rotates and compacts the laminated material layer to obtain a dense additive layer.

[0025] Preferably, while performing step S2, a low-pressure protective gas is blown onto the substrate through the gas delivery chamber in the planetary carrier and the rotating electrode.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for planetary electrode discharge subtraction, based on the above-mentioned planetary electrode discharge additive and subtractive material apparatus, specifically comprising: energizing the electrode ring, forming a short electric arc between the rotating electrode and the additive layer and melting the additive layer to generate molten droplets, and simultaneously introducing a high-pressure gas medium into the rotating electrode, under the blowing of the high-pressure gas medium, the molten droplets continuously disperse to form etched material, thereby completing the subtraction process.

[0027] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0028] The apparatus and method for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives of the present invention can improve the density of the coating deposited on the substrate, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of the coating.

[0029] Furthermore, this invention feeds the coating material into the stirring head through the feeding chamber and feeding port, utilizing the high-speed rotating stirring head for feeding. Workpiece additive manufacturing is achieved through discharge via planetary electrodes distributed on the planetary carrier. The rotating and compacting action of the stirring head yields a dense surface coating, improving the workpiece's corrosion resistance. Compared to traditional surface treatments, the simultaneous discharge of multiple rotating electrodes results in higher efficiency in material addition and subtraction, and a denser surface coating structure.

[0030] Furthermore, this invention allows for the control of additive or subtractive material production of the rotating electrode by adjusting the pressure of the gas flowing out of the outlet of the rotating electrode, making it convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material device of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the device for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the device for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing method of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planetary electrode discharge subtraction method of the present invention;

[0037] The components are as follows: 1. Metal powder; 2. Substrate; 3. Stirring head; 301. Feed port; 4. Rotating electrode; 401. Vent hole; 5. Laminated material layer; 6. Additive layer; 7. Shell; 8. Internal gear; 9. Electrode gear; 10. Planetary carrier; 1001. Air supply chamber; 1002. Air filling pipe; 11. Second support member; 12. Second motor; 13. First support member; 1301. Bearing; 14. First driven bevel gear; 1401. First driving bevel gear; 1402. First motor; 15. Sealed bearing; 16. Feed pipe; 17. Brush; 18. Electrode ring; 19. Etching material; 20. Second driving bevel gear; 21. Second driven bevel gear. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus and method for planetary electrode discharge additives and subtractives to solve the problems existing in the prior art, improve the density of the coating deposited on the substrate, and thereby improve the corrosion resistance of the coating.

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a device for planetary electrode discharge additive and subtractive material, including a housing 7, a stirring head 3, a first driving mechanism, a planetary carrier 10, a second driving mechanism, planetary electrodes, and an electrode ring 18.

[0043] The shell 7 is cylindrical, vertically arranged, with a closed top and an open top.

[0044] The stirring head 3 is disposed inside the housing 7 and is rotatably engaged with the housing 7 via a bearing 1301. The bottom end of the stirring head 3 is hemispherical and extends out of the bottom end of the housing 7. A feeding chamber is provided in the stirring head 3, and a feeding port 301 is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the stirring head 3. A feeding pipe 16 is provided at the top end of the stirring head 3, and both the feeding pipe 16 and the feeding port 301 are connected to the feeding chamber. A sealing bearing 15 is provided at the top end of the stirring head 3, and the feeding pipe 16 passes through the sealing bearing 15.

[0045] In this embodiment, an annular first support member 13 is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the shell 7. The outer wall of the first support member 13 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the shell 7. The stirring head 3 is rotatably engaged with the first support member 13 through two bearings 1301.

[0046] In this embodiment, a first limiting ring is also fixed on the outer wall of the stirring head 3. The first limiting ring is located between two bearings 1301 between the stirring head 3 and the first support member 13. Through the limiting effect of the two bearings 1301 and the first limiting ring, the stirring head 3 is prevented from moving axially.

[0047] The first driving mechanism is used to drive the stirring head 3 to rotate. The first driving mechanism includes a first motor 1402 fixedly connected to the housing 7, a first driving bevel gear 1401 fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor 1402, and a first driven bevel gear 14 meshing with the first driving bevel gear 1401. The first driven bevel gear 14 is fixedly sleeved on the stirring head 3.

[0048] The planetary carrier 10 has a stirring head 3 passing through it, with a gap between them. The axis of the stirring head 3 is coaxial with that of the planetary carrier 10. The planetary carrier 10 is housed within the housing 7 and is rotatably connected to the housing 7 via a bearing 1301. The planetary carrier 10 has an air supply chamber 1001, and an inflation pipe 1002 communicating with the air supply chamber 1001 is located at the top of the planetary carrier 10. It should be noted that the inflation pipe 1002 is an annular pipe, meaning that the inner and outer tubes of the inflation pipe 1002 are rotatably connected to the planetary carrier 10 via a sealed bearing 15.

[0049] In this embodiment, an annular second support member 11 is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the housing 7. The outer wall of the second support member 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 7. The planetary carrier 10 is rotatably engaged with the second support member 11 through two bearings 1301.

[0050] In this embodiment, a second limiting ring is also fixed on the outer wall of the planet carrier 10. The second limiting ring is located between two bearings 1301 between the planet carrier 10 and the second support member 11. Through the limiting effect of the two bearings 1301 and the second limiting ring, the planet carrier 10 is prevented from moving axially.

[0051] The second drive mechanism is used to drive the planetary carrier 10 to rotate. The second drive mechanism includes a second motor 12 fixedly connected to the housing 7, a second driving bevel gear 20 fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor 12, and a second driven bevel gear 21 meshing with the second driving bevel gear 20. The second driven bevel gear 21 is fixedly sleeved on the planetary carrier 10.

[0052] The planetary electrode includes multiple rotating electrodes 4 evenly distributed along the circumference of the planetary carrier 10. The rotating electrodes 4 are rotatably connected to the planetary carrier 10. Each rotating electrode 4 is provided with an air delivery channel communicating with the air delivery chamber 1001 and an air outlet communicating with the air delivery channel. The air outlet is located at the bottom end of the rotating electrode 4, and the bottom end of the rotating electrode 4 is higher than the bottom end of the stirring head 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, a number of ventilation holes 401 are uniformly arranged on the top of the rotating electrode 4 along the circumference. When the rotating electrode 4 rotates, all the ventilation holes 401 also rotate continuously, but some of the ventilation holes 401 can always communicate with the air supply chamber in the planetary carrier 10, thereby ensuring that the air supply channel in the rotating electrode 4 is always in communication with the air supply chamber in the planetary carrier 10.

[0054] The electrode ring 18 is fixed on the inner wall of the housing 7, and each rotating electrode 4 has a brush 17 at its top end, which slides in conjunction with the electrode ring 18.

[0055] An internal gear 8 is fixedly installed inside the housing 7, and an electrode gear 9 that meshes with the internal gear 8 is fixedly fitted on each rotating electrode 4. When the second motor 12 is working, it drives the planetary carrier 10 to rotate through the second driving bevel gear 20 and the second driven bevel gear. The planetary carrier 10 drives all the rotating electrodes 4 to revolve around the axis of the planetary carrier 10. Since the internal gear 8 is fixedly fitted on the rotating electrode 4 and meshes with the electrode gear 9, the rotating electrode 4 will also rotate on its own axis while revolving around the axis of the planetary carrier 10.

[0056] In this embodiment, there are multiple feeding ports 301 at the bottom of the stirring head 3, and all feeding ports 301 are evenly distributed in two layers along the circumference of the stirring head 3.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing, based on the planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing apparatus of Embodiment 1, including the following steps:

[0059] S1: Turn on the first motor 1402 and the second motor 12, thereby driving the stirring head 3 and the planetary carrier 10 to rotate; and move the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material device according to the set trajectory. The movement of the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material device is achieved by other clamping devices (such as industrial robots); as for the movement trajectory, it is planned in advance by technicians and compiled into the industrial robot.

[0060] Metal powder 1 is delivered to the surrounding substrate 2 by a high-speed rotating stirring head 3. Specifically, metal powder 1 is fed into the feeding chamber of the stirring head 3 through the feeding pipe 16. The metal powder 1 that enters the feeding chamber is thrown out through the feeding port 301 at the bottom of the stirring head 3 and falls onto the substrate 2.

[0061] S2: The electrode ring 18 is energized, thereby energizing the rotating electrode 4; a short electric arc is formed between the rotating electrode 4 and the metal powder 1 on the substrate 2 and melts the metal powder 1 on the substrate 2, and the melted metal powder 1 on the substrate 2 forms a laminated material layer 5 on the substrate 2.

[0062] S3: As the planetary electrode discharge additive and subtractive material device moves, the stirring head 3 rotates and crushes the laminated material layer 5 formed in step S2 to obtain a dense additive layer 6.

[0063] While performing step S2, low-pressure protective gas is blown onto the substrate 2 through the gas delivery chamber 1001 in the planetary carrier 10 and the rotating electrode 4.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for planetary electrode discharge subtraction, based on the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material apparatus of Embodiment 1. Specifically, a gap is formed between the stirring head 3 and the additive layer 6; the second motor 12 is turned on to drive the planetary carrier 10 to rotate at high speed; and the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material apparatus is moved according to a set trajectory. The movement of the planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material apparatus is achieved through other clamping devices (such as industrial robots); the movement trajectory is planned in advance by technicians and compiled into the industrial robot. The electrode ring 18 is energized, so that the rotating electrode 4 is energized; a short electric arc is formed between the rotating electrode 4 and the additive layer 6, melting the additive layer 6 to produce molten droplets. At the same time, a high-pressure gas medium is introduced into the rotating electrode 4. Under the blowing of the high-pressure gas medium, the molten droplets continuously disperse to form the etched material 19, thereby completing the subtraction process.

[0066] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for adding or subtracting materials to a planetary electrode discharge, characterized in that, include: The housing is cylindrical; A stirring head is disposed inside the housing and is rotatably coupled to the housing via a bearing. The bottom end of the stirring head is hemispherical and extends beyond the bottom end of the housing. A feeding chamber is provided in the stirring head, a feeding port is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the stirring head, and a feeding pipe is provided at the top end of the stirring head. Both the feeding pipe and the feeding port are connected to the feeding chamber. A first driving mechanism is used to drive the stirring head to rotate; The planetary carrier has a stirring head passing through it, with a gap between them. The axis of the stirring head is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the planetary carrier. The planetary carrier is housed within the housing and rotates with it via bearings. An air supply chamber is provided in the planetary carrier, and an air filling pipe communicating with the air supply chamber is provided at the top of the planetary carrier. The second drive mechanism is used to drive the planet carrier to rotate; The planetary electrode includes a plurality of rotating electrodes evenly distributed along the circumference of the planetary carrier, the rotating electrodes being rotatably connected to the planetary carrier; each of the rotating electrodes is provided with an air delivery channel communicating with the air delivery chamber and an air outlet communicating with the air delivery channel, the air outlet being located at the bottom end of the rotating electrode, and the bottom end of the rotating electrode being higher than the bottom end of the stirring head. An electrode ring is fixed to the inner wall of the housing, and each of the rotating electrodes is provided with a brush at its top end, the brush slidingly engaging with the electrode ring.

2. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular first support member is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the shell, and the outer wall of the first support member is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the shell. The stirring head is rotatably engaged with the first support member through two bearings.

3. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular second support member is fixedly provided on the inner wall of the housing. The outer wall of the second support member is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing. The planetary carrier is rotatably engaged with the second support member through two bearings.

4. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: An internal gear is fixed inside the housing, and each of the rotating electrodes is fixedly fitted with an electrode gear that meshes with the internal gear.

5. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drive mechanism includes a first motor fixedly connected to the housing, a first driving bevel gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the first motor, and a first driven bevel gear meshing with the first driving bevel gear. The first driven bevel gear is fixedly sleeved on the stirring head.

6. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second drive mechanism includes a second motor fixedly connected to the housing, a second driving bevel gear fixedly connected to the output shaft of the second motor, and a second driven bevel gear meshing with the second driving bevel gear. The second driven bevel gear is fixedly sleeved on the planetary carrier.

7. The apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive material according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple feeding ports, and all of the feeding ports are evenly distributed in two layers along the circumference of the stirring head.

8. A method for planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing, based on the apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The metal powder is delivered to the surrounding substrate by a high-speed rotating stirring head; S2: When the electrode ring is energized, a short electric arc is formed between the rotating electrode and the metal powder on the substrate, and the metal powder on the substrate is melted. The melted metal powder on the substrate forms a laminated material layer on the substrate. S3: The stirring head rotates and compacts the laminated material layer to obtain a dense additive layer.

9. The method for planetary electrode discharge additive manufacturing according to claim 8, characterized in that: While performing step S2, low-pressure protective gas is blown onto the substrate through the gas delivery chamber in the planetary carrier and the rotating electrode.

10. A method for planetary electrode discharge subtraction, based on the apparatus for planetary electrode discharge additive / subtractive manufacturing according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: When an electrode ring is energized, a short electric arc is formed between the rotating electrode and the additive layer, melting the additive layer to produce droplets. At the same time, a high-pressure gas medium is introduced into the rotating electrode. Under the blowing of the high-pressure gas medium, the droplets continuously disperse to form etched material, thereby completing the subtractive process.

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