Abrasive grain flow processing machine tool abrasive cylinder cooling device
By installing a cooling water tank and temperature control device on the abrasive flow machining tool, the problem of abrasive overheating was solved, the abrasive temperature was effectively controlled, and the machining effect was improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING UNIV OF AERONAUTICS & ASTRONAUTICS
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing abrasive flow machining tools suffer from abrasive overheating during processing, resulting in unsatisfactory processing results.
A cooling device for the abrasive cylinder of an abrasive flow machining tool was designed, including a heat dissipation tank and a temperature control device. By installing a heat dissipation tank and cooling pipes on the outside of the abrasive cylinder, and using coolant circulation and temperature sensors to control the start and stop of the cooler, the abrasive temperature can be effectively controlled.
It effectively reduces the temperature inside the abrasive cylinder, ensuring the processing performance of the abrasive and improving the machining effect of the machine tool.
Smart Images

Figure CN116652801B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to abrasive flow machining technology, and more particularly to an abrasive flow machining machine tool, specifically a cooling device for the abrasive cylinder of an abrasive flow machining machine tool. Background Technology
[0002] In industrial production and daily life, the cooling system is an important component of the entire electromechanical system. The performance of the cooling system directly affects the performance and service life of the electromechanical system.
[0003] However, currently used abrasive flow machining tools often suffer from overheating due to insufficient heat dissipation. Since abrasive properties are affected by temperature, overheating degrades these properties, leading to unsatisfactory machining results. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can effectively cool the abrasive to mitigate overheating. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem of abrasive heat generation affecting machining performance in existing abrasive flow machining (AFM) machines by providing a cooling device for the abrasive cylinder. This device includes a cooling water tank and a temperature control system. During machine operation, not only does the water tank exchange heat with the abrasive cylinder, but the abrasive also comes into direct contact with the cooling pipes, further enhancing heat exchange and achieving the goal of controlling the abrasive temperature. This invention effectively reduces the temperature inside the cylinder, ensuring the machining performance of the abrasive and significantly impacting the machining effect.
[0005] The technical solution of this invention is:
[0006] A cooling device for the abrasive cylinder of an abrasive flow machining machine tool includes a machining table 3. A fixture 18 is placed on the machining table 3 and installed between an upper abrasive cylinder 9 and a lower abrasive cylinder 24 to enable communication and separation between the upper and lower abrasive cylinders 9 and 24. Pistons are installed in both the upper and lower abrasive cylinders 9 and 24, and each piston is connected to a corresponding hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to a driving hydraulic pump 2 via oil circuits, which pushes the pistons to reciprocate. A clamping hydraulic pump 1 acts on a clamping cylinder via an oil circuit. The clamping cylinder pushes a retainer 10, the upper abrasive cylinder 9, and the upper hydraulic cylinder 8 to achieve mold opening and closing during machining. Electromagnetic directional valves are installed on each oil circuit. By controlling the direction of the electromagnetic directional valves, the pistons cooperate to achieve the purpose of reciprocating abrasive motion for machining the workpiece. The device is characterized in that a cooling water tank is installed on both the upper and lower abrasive cylinders 9 and 24. The inlet of the radiator is connected to the outlet of the cooler via a liquid cooling pipe, and the outlet of the radiator is connected to the inlet of the cooler via a return pipe. A support component with water channels is installed on the upper part of the lower abrasive cylinder 24. The coolant flowing out of the cooler first flows into the inlet on the support component to cool the support component before entering the corresponding cooling channel of the radiator. Finally, it returns to the cooler from the outlet connected to the cooling channel of the radiator. A temperature sensor is installed on the coolant return pipe. When the temperature of the sensor is higher than the set value of 45°C, the cooler operates, and the cooled coolant circulates into the radiator to form a cooling cycle. At the same time, corresponding temperature sensors are installed on the upper abrasive cylinder 9 and the lower abrasive cylinder 24. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the upper abrasive cylinder 9 and the lower abrasive cylinder 24 drops to 25°C, the cooler 17 stops working.
[0007] The cooling water tank is fitted around the upper abrasive cylinder 9 and the lower abrasive cylinder 24. The gap between the cooling water tank and the corresponding abrasive cylinder is filled with thermally conductive adhesive. The upper part of the lower abrasive cylinder has a groove, in which a cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support that communicates with the cooling flow channel of the cooling water tank is embedded. The external height of the cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support is the same as the edge of the corresponding abrasive cylinder, and the width of the cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support is equal to the width of the groove.
[0008] The temperature control device collects the temperature above the corresponding abrasive cylinder, below the abrasive cylinder, and at the water outlet through temperature sensors, thereby controlling the start and stop of the cooler; the coolant flows into the cooling pipe through the water outlet, is cooled by the cooler, and then flows into the heat dissipation tank through the water inlet.
[0009] The heat dissipation tank is made of one of the following high thermal conductivity materials: copper, aluminum nitride, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.
[0010] The cooling channel has a top view shape of cross, Y, or straight, with the Y-shaped channel supporting the left and right branches at an angle of 80° or 120°.
[0011] The cooling medium in the flow channel is water, oil, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol coolant.
[0012] The external surface of the heat dissipation tank has a heat dissipation fin structure, and the width and spacing of the fins are both 20mm.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are:
[0014] This invention features a cooling water tank and a temperature control device. The cooling water tank has a structure similar to a hollow sleeve, which is tightly fitted to the outer wall of the lower abrasive cylinder. Coolant flows through the tank's channels, continuously circulating during abrasive cylinder operation. Temperature sensors are installed on the cylinder wall and return pipes. When the temperature becomes too high, the cooling system activates, using a rotating cooling fan and circulating coolant to remove heat, thus controlling the temperature of the abrasive within the cylinder. This addresses the problem of traditional abrasive flow machining tools failing to effectively reduce abrasive temperature. Furthermore, a cooling pipe is installed above the lower abrasive cylinder, integrated with the cooling water tank. This cooling pipe can be cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight-lined), with grooves inside and coolant flowing through it. During machine tool operation, the abrasive comes into direct contact with the cooling pipe, further enhancing heat exchange and achieving the goal of controlling abrasive temperature. This invention effectively reduces the temperature inside the cylinder, ensuring the abrasive's processing performance and significantly impacting the machining results. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the abrasive flow machine tool of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional drawing of the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight-line) heat dissipation water tank of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat dissipation tank of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 4 This is a two-dimensional diagram of the heat dissipation tank and temperature control device of the present invention.
[0019] In the picture:
[0020] 1 and 2 are hydraulic pumps; 3 is a machining table; 4 is a control panel; 5, 6, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are hydraulic pipelines; 7, 26, 29, and 31 are solenoid directional valves; 8 and 28 are upper and lower hydraulic cylinders; 9 is an upper abrasive cylinder; 24 is a lower abrasive cylinder; 10 is a machine tool support frame; 11 and 23 are cooling water tanks; 12, 13, 16, 22, 25, and 20 are temperature sensors; 14 and 17 are coolers; 15 and 19 are cooling pipelines; 18 is a tooling fixture; 21 and 30 are clamping cylinders; 36 and 38 are water inlets; 41 is a water tank recess; 44 is a water outlet; and 46 is a connection port. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0022] In this invention, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
[0023] In this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0024] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.
[0025] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown.
[0026] A cooling device for the abrasive cylinder of an abrasive flow machining machine includes a heat sink and a temperature control device. A fixture 18 (which can be implemented using a conventional design) is placed on the machining table 3, positioned directly above the lower abrasive cylinder 24. This fixture connects the upper and lower abrasive cylinders 9 and 24 to allow abrasive flow between them. Each cylinder contains a piston, driven by upper and lower hydraulic cylinders 8 and 28, with the pistons moving in the same direction. An abrasive-driven hydraulic pump 2 connects to the corresponding hydraulic cylinders via oil lines 5, 6, 32, 33 and corresponding directional valves 7, 26, 29, 31, driving the pistons in reciprocating motion. A clamping hydraulic pump 1 acts on clamping cylinders 21 and 30 via corresponding oil lines 34 and 35, thereby clamping or releasing the retainer 10, the upper abrasive cylinder 9, and the upper hydraulic cylinder 8, thus enabling mold opening and closing during machine tool processing. By adjusting electromagnetic reversing valves 7, 26, 29, and 31, the pistons cooperate to achieve the purpose of abrasive reciprocating motion for machining the workpiece. Coolant enters from inlets 38 and 36 (e.g., Figure 4 The cross-shaped support structure (other support structures have only one inlet) enters the cooling channel of the water tank. After passing through the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight) support, the coolant flows into the lower water tank groove 41 through the other end connection port 46, and flows out of the heat dissipation water tank through the outlet 44, entering the cooling pipe 19 of the temperature control device. Under the monitoring of the temperature sensor 20, when the coolant temperature reaches 45°C, the cooler 17 starts to dissipate heat. When the temperature sensors 22 and 25 detect that the temperature of the material cylinder drops to 25°C (room temperature), the cooler 17 stops working. After being cooled by the cooler 17, the coolant returns to the inlets 36 and 38, forming a cooling cycle.
[0027] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the cooling water tanks 11 and 23 of the present invention are respectively fitted on the outside of the upper and lower abrasive cylinders 9 and 24. The gap between the water tank and the lower abrasive cylinder is filled with thermally conductive adhesive. The upper part of the lower abrasive cylinder or the lower part of the upper abrasive cylinder is slotted, and the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support connected to the outlet of the cooling water tank is embedded in the groove of the corresponding abrasive cylinder. The external height of the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support is the same as the upper edge of the lower abrasive cylinder, and the width of the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support is equal to the width of the groove.
[0028] The temperature control device of the present invention collects the temperatures above the abrasive cylinder, below the abrasive cylinder, and at the water outlet via temperature sensors 20, 22, 25, 12, 13, and 16, thereby controlling the coolers 14 and 17. The coolant flows into the cooling pipe 19 through the water outlet 44, and after being cooled by the cooler, flows into the heat dissipation tank through the water inlets 36 and 38.
[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the top view shape of the cooling channel of the present invention can be cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight), wherein the angle between the left and right branches of the Y-shaped support is 80° or 120°.
[0030] Details are as follows:
[0031] The abrasive cylinder cooling device for abrasive flow machining center of the present invention is used to reduce the abrasive temperature and indirectly ensure machining efficiency. The cylinder cooling device includes:
[0032] A cooling water tank consists of an inlet, a cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight) support, a tank recess, cooling fins, and an outlet. Figure 3 , 4 The cooling water tank is fitted outside the lower abrasive cylinder. The gap between the water tank and the lower abrasive cylinder is filled with thermally conductive adhesive. The lower abrasive cylinder is slotted, and the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support on the cooling water tank is embedded in the groove of the lower abrasive cylinder. The external height of the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support is the same as the upper edge of the lower abrasive cylinder, and the width of the cross-shaped (Y-shaped, I-shaped) support is equal to the width of the groove.
[0033] The temperature control device consists of cooling pipes, a cooling unit, and temperature sensors. The temperature control device collects the temperature at various points using the temperature sensors, and then controls the cooling unit. Coolant flows into the cooling pipes through the outlet, is cooled by the cooling unit, and then flows into the radiator tank through the inlet.
[0034] Specifically, the coolant enters the cooling channel of the water tank from the inlet, passes through a cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight-line) support, and flows into the lower water tank groove through the other end connection. It then flows out of the cooling water tank through the outlet and into the liquid cooling pipe of the temperature control device. Under the monitoring of the temperature sensor, when the coolant temperature reaches 45°C, the cooler starts to dissipate heat. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the feed cylinder has dropped to 25°C, the cooler stops working. The coolant returns to the inlet after being cooled by the cooler, forming a cooling cycle.
[0035] In addition to cooling through the cooling water tank outside the abrasive cylinder, the abrasive of this invention also innovatively achieves cooling for the first time by directly contacting the cross-shaped, straight, and Y-shaped supports installed on the end channel of the abrasive cylinder, which greatly improves the cooling effect and speed.
[0036] Specifically, the heat dissipation water tank in the abrasive cylinder liquid cooling device is made of a high thermal conductivity material (such as copper, aluminum, aluminum nitride, aluminum alloy, etc.).
[0037] Specifically, the top view shape of the cooling channel in the abrasive cylinder liquid cooling device can be cross-shaped (Y-shaped, straight-line shape), wherein the angle between the left and right branches of the Y-shaped support is 80° or 120°.
[0038] Specifically, the cooling medium in the flow channel of the abrasive cylinder liquid cooling device can be water, oil, ethylene glycol-type, propylene glycol-type coolant, etc.
[0039] Specifically, the heat dissipation tank has a heat dissipation fin structure on the outside, and the width and spacing of the fins are both 20mm.
[0040] In practical use, after the machine tool is started, the temperature control system can monitor the coolant temperature change in real time. The temperature of the feed cylinder can be observed on the control panel, and the overheat limit can be set. When the feed cylinder temperature reaches 45℃, the cooling machine starts, and the coolant circulates between the temperature control system and the heat dissipation tank. The coolant used can be water, oil, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol, with ethylene glycol and glycerol being the most widely used. The choice depends on the heat dissipation requirements during processing. The heat dissipation tank is made of a high thermal conductivity material, selected based on structural strength, thermal conductivity requirements, and other factors. The shape of the cooling channel is not limited to these three shapes and can be designed and manufactured according to actual requirements.
[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
[0042] The parts not covered in this invention are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies.
Claims
1. A cooling device for the abrasive cylinder of an abrasive flow machining machine tool, comprising a machining table (3), on which a tooling fixture (18) is placed, the tooling fixture (18) being installed between an upper abrasive cylinder (9) and a lower abrasive cylinder (24) to achieve the connection and separation of the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24); both the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24) are equipped with pistons, which are connected to corresponding hydraulic cylinders, and the hydraulic cylinders are connected to a driving hydraulic pump (2) through an oil circuit to drive the pistons to reciprocate; the clamping hydraulic pump (1) acts on the clamping cylinder through an oil circuit, and the clamping cylinder drives the retainer (10), the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the upper hydraulic cylinder (8) to move to achieve the opening and closing of the mold during machine tool processing; electromagnetic directional valves are installed on each oil circuit, and the pistons are mutually coordinated by controlling the direction of the electromagnetic directional valves to achieve the purpose of abrasive reciprocating motion processing of the workpiece; its characteristics are: Both the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24) are equipped with a cooling water tank. The inlet of the cooling water tank is connected to the outlet of the cooler through a liquid cooling pipe, and the outlet of the cooling water tank is connected to the inlet of the cooler through a return pipe. A support component with a water channel is installed on the upper part of the lower abrasive cylinder (24). The coolant flowing out of the cooler first flows into the inlet on the support component to cool the support component before entering the cooling channel of the corresponding cooling water tank. Finally, it returns to the cooler from the outlet connected to the cooling channel of the cooling water tank. A temperature sensor is installed on the coolant return pipe. When the temperature of the temperature sensor is higher than the set value of 45°C, the cooler works, and the cooled coolant circulates into the cooling water tank to form a cooling cycle. At the same time, corresponding cooling water tanks are installed on both the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24). The temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24) drops to 25°C, and the cooler (17) stops working. The heat dissipation tank is fitted on the outside of the upper abrasive cylinder (9) and the lower abrasive cylinder (24). The gap between the heat dissipation tank and the corresponding abrasive cylinder is filled with thermally conductive adhesive. The upper part of the lower abrasive cylinder is slotted, and a cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support that communicates with the cooling flow channel of the heat dissipation tank is embedded in the slot. The external height of the cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support is the same as the edge of the corresponding abrasive cylinder, and the width of the cross-shaped, Y-shaped or straight support is the same as the width of the groove. The temperature control device collects the temperature above the corresponding abrasive cylinder, below the abrasive cylinder and the outlet through the temperature sensor, and then controls the start and stop of the cooler. The coolant flows into the cooling pipe through the outlet, and after being cooled by the cooler, it flows into the heat dissipation tank through the inlet.
2. The abrasive cylinder cooling device for abrasive flow machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation tank is made of one of the following high thermal conductivity materials: copper, aluminum nitride, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.
3. The abrasive cylinder cooling device for abrasive flow machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling channel has a top view shape of cross, Y, or straight, with the Y-shaped channel supporting the left and right branches at an angle of 80° or 120°.
4. The abrasive cylinder cooling device for abrasive flow machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling medium in the flow channel is water, oil, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol coolant.
5. The abrasive cylinder cooling device for abrasive flow machining center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external surface of the heat dissipation tank has a heat dissipation fin structure, and the width and spacing of the fins are both 20mm.