In-line coaxial fiber tool electrode, laser and electrolysis combined machining system and method

Abstract

The application discloses an embedded coaxial optical fiber tool electrode, a laser and electrolysis composite machining system and method. The tool electrode comprises a tool electrode body and a bare optical fiber, wherein the laser output end of the bare optical fiber is arranged in an electrolyte distribution chamber of the tool electrode, and an adjustable liquid outlet gap is formed between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber and a liquid outlet of the electrolyte distribution chamber, so that an electrolyte channel formed by the bare optical fiber and the electrolyte distribution chamber provides electrolyte to a machining area. The application can greatly improve the limit machining capacity of laser and electrolysis composite machining on deep small holes, deep narrow groove structures and the like.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to a tool electrode, in particular to an embedded coaxial optical fiber tool electrode, a laser and electrolytic composite machining system and method, and belongs to the technical field of laser and electrolytic composite machining. BACKGROUND

[0002] High-end modern product fields such as aerospace, energy, electronic devices and the like are increasingly developing towards light weight, high power and energy density. In order to meet the service performance, difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium alloy, high-temperature alloy and the like are usually used for preparation, and high requirements are put forward for the surface quality and integrity. Cutting machining uses the shearing force between the tool and the workpiece to be machined to remove the workpiece material, which has high machining precision, but the tool is severely worn and there are problems such as residual stress and burr which need to be further overcome. Electric spark machining and laser machining respectively use pulsed spark discharge and high-intensity laser beam heat effect to make local, instantaneous and controllable efficient removal of materials, which has high machining efficiency and wide range of machinable materials / structures, but machining defects such as recast layer and micro-cracks are easily produced in the machining process. Electrochemical machining uses the principle of electrochemical anodic dissolution to remove the workpiece material locally, which is not limited by the strength and hardness of the material, and has high surface integrity without stress and heat effect in the machining process, but the local precision machining efficiency is relatively low.

[0003] In order to solve the problem of high efficiency and high surface integrity machining of difficult-to-machine materials, the patent applicant previously proposed a laser and tube electrode electrolytic composite machining technology with publication number CN107962263A and a fiber laser and electrolytic composite machining technology with publication number CN116079165A, which combines the advantages of high machining efficiency of laser machining and high surface quality of electrolytic machining, and has successfully realized the precision and efficient composite machining of deep and small hole, deep and narrow groove structure of difficult-to-machine materials.

[0004] However, in the liquid supply mode of coaxial external liquid electrolyte, the electrolyte flow and flow rate are relatively low, which limits the limit machining capacity. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present application is to provide an embedded coaxial optical fiber tool electrode, a laser and electrolytic composite machining system and method.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the application, the technical scheme adopted by the present application comprises:

[0007] One aspect of the present application provides an in-line coaxial optical fiber tool electrode, comprising: a tool electrode body, an electrolyte distribution cavity is arranged inside the tool electrode body, the electrolyte distribution cavity is communicated with an electrolyte inlet arranged on the tool electrode body, a diameter of the electrolyte distribution cavity decreases along a direction away from a top end of the tool electrode body, and a bottom wall of the electrolyte distribution cavity is provided with an outlet, the outlet is located at a bottom end of the tool electrode body and is used at least for conveying an electrolyte jet to a to-be-processed area of a workpiece.

[0008] a bare optical fiber, a laser output end of the bare optical fiber penetrates into the tool electrode body and is coaxially arranged with the outlet, and the outlet and the laser output end are axially formed with an adjustable electrolyte outlet gap, the electrolyte outlet gap is greater than 0, and the electrolyte outlet gap is used at least for conducting laser to the to-be-processed area of the workpiece.

[0009] In an embodiment, the electrolyte distribution cavity has a first distribution chamber and a second distribution chamber arranged in sequence along a direction away from the tool electrode body, the first distribution chamber has an inverted conical structure, and the outlet is arranged at a bottom end of the second distribution chamber.

[0010] In an embodiment, the inverted conical structure has a taper of 30°-80°.

[0011] In an embodiment, the laser output end of the bare optical fiber is arranged inside the electrolyte distribution cavity.

[0012] In an embodiment, the electrolyte distribution cavity, the outlet and the bare optical fiber are coaxially arranged.

[0013] In an embodiment, the electrolyte outlet gap is 0.5-5.0 mm.

[0014] In an embodiment, an insulating layer is arranged on an outer wall of the tool electrode body.

[0015] In an embodiment, the outlet is used for spraying an electrolyte jet to a central area of the to-be-processed area of the workpiece.

[0016] In an embodiment, the tool electrode further comprises a clamp, the clamp is connected with the tool electrode body and is used for fixing the bare optical fiber.

[0017] In an embodiment, the laser output end of the bare optical fiber is a movable end, and the movable end is movable in an axial direction of the tool electrode body and a direction intersecting with the axial direction.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application also provides a laser and electrolysis combined machining system, comprising the in-line coaxial optical fiber tool electrode.

[0019] In one embodiment, the laser-electrolysis composite processing system further includes a laser source for supplying laser light to the bare optical fiber.

[0020] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolysis composite processing system further includes an electrolyte supply device, which is connected to the electrolyte distribution chamber and is used to supply electrolyte to the electrolyte distribution chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system further includes a power supply for electrically connecting with the tool electrode, electrolyte, and workpiece to form an electrolysis working circuit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolytic composite machining system further includes a motion mechanism for driving the tool electrode and the workpiece to move relative to each other along a set trajectory.

[0023] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolytic composite processing system further includes a laser characteristic adjustment mechanism, which is disposed at the tail end of the bare optical fiber or between the tail end of the bare optical fiber and the workpiece, and is at least used to adjust the laser energy density distribution characteristics of the laser beam output from the tail end of the bare optical fiber in the processing area of ​​the workpiece.

[0024] In one embodiment, the motion mechanism includes a first precision motion device for driving the tool electrode and the workpiece to move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tool electrode, thereby adjusting the size of the machining gap formed between the areas to be machined on the tool electrode and the workpiece.

[0025] In one embodiment, the motion mechanism includes a second precision motion device for driving the tool electrode and the workpiece to move relative to each other along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tool electrode.

[0026] In one embodiment, the electrolyte supply device includes an electrolyte storage tank and a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline is used to connect the electrolyte storage tank and the electrolyte distribution chamber. The supply pipeline is equipped with any one or more of a filter, a voltage regulator, a one-way valve, a throttle valve, a pressure gauge, and a flow meter.

[0027] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolytic composite processing system further includes a receiving device for accommodating the workpiece.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention provides a laser-electrolysis composite processing method, comprising the following steps:

[0029] Provide the aforementioned laser and electrolysis composite processing system;

[0030] The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode and the workpiece are electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of the power supply, respectively. A processing gap is left between the bottom end of the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode and the area to be processed on the workpiece. At the same time, the laser is transmitted from the laser output end of the bare fiber to the area to be processed on the workpiece, and an electrolyte jet is delivered from the liquid outlet to the area to be processed on the workpiece, thereby performing laser and electrolytic composite processing on the workpiece.

[0031] In one embodiment, the laser and electrolytic composite processing method specifically includes:

[0032] Based on the processing requirements of the workpiece, the liquid outlet gap between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber and the liquid outlet is adjusted, thereby controlling the size of the liquid outlet gap within a set range.

[0033] In one embodiment, the size of the machining gap is adjusted according to the machining requirements of the workpiece.

[0034] In one embodiment, the processing gap is 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm when the laser and electrolytic composite processing begins.

[0035] In one embodiment, during the laser and electrolytic composite processing, the laser output end of the bare optical fiber is moved along a set trajectory according to the processing requirements of the workpiece.

[0036] In one embodiment, the electrolysis includes a neutral salt solution, an acidic solution, or an alkaline solution.

[0037] In one embodiment, the initial temperature of the electrolyte is room temperature.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention include:

[0039] 1) In the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode provided by the present invention, an adjustable liquid outlet gap is formed between the laser output end of the bare fiber and the liquid outlet of the electrolyte distribution chamber. The electrolyte can flow at high speed to the processing area through the liquid outlet gap, so that the electrolyte and the laser act on the processing area simultaneously, thereby realizing the synchronous coupling of the fiber laser in the processing area.

[0040] 2) In the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode provided by the present invention, a bare optical fiber is coaxially embedded inside a metal tool electrode. Electrolyte is ejected at high speed from the liquid outlet gap of the tool electrode. The electrolyte jet and the laser act simultaneously on the processing area, realizing synchronous coupling of fiber laser in the processing area. Furthermore, the ejected electrolyte can promptly flush the processing area, promptly removing electrolytic processing products, heat, microbubbles, and plasma from the processing area, keeping the electrolyte clean in the processing gap at the end face of the tool electrode, and rapidly renewing the electrolyte, so that the material in the processing gap can be efficiently removed under the combined action of laser and electrolytic processing.

[0041] 3) The laser and electrolytic composite machining system provided by the present invention enables flexible movement of the tool electrode and the receiving device by setting a first precision motion device and a second precision motion device. The tool electrode and the workpiece can be fed relative to each other, and the system can continuously achieve efficient and precise composite machining of deep small holes and deep narrow groove structures with high depth-to-diameter ratio / depth-to-width ratio. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode provided by the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a laser and electrolysis composite processing system provided by the present invention;

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 2. Laser source; 3. Bare optical fiber; 4. Fixture; 5. Tool electrode body; 6. Electrolyte inlet; 7. Power supply; 8. Insulating layer; 9. First distribution chamber; 10. Outlet; 11. Workpiece; 12. One-way valve; 13. Voltage regulator; 14. Filter; 15. Pressure pump; 16. Safety valve; 17. Electrolyte storage tank; 18. Throttling valve; 19. Waste liquid collection device; 20. First precision motion device; 21. Containing device; 22. Second precision motion device; 23. Flow meter; 24. Pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the inventors of this invention, through long-term research and extensive practice, have proposed the technical solution of this invention. The following will further explain and illustrate this technical solution, its implementation process, and its principles.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] Please see Figure 1 The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode provided in this embodiment includes a tool electrode body 5, which has an electrolyte distribution cavity inside. The electrolyte distribution cavity is connected to an electrolyte inlet 6 provided on the tool electrode body 5. The diameter of the electrolyte distribution cavity decreases in the direction away from the top of the tool electrode body 5, and an outlet 10 is opened on the bottom wall of the electrolyte distribution cavity. The outlet 10 is located at the bottom end of the tool electrode body 5 and is used at least to deliver an electrolyte jet to the workpiece's processing area. A bare optical fiber 3 has its laser output end inserted into the tool electrode body 5 and is coaxially arranged with the outlet 10. An adjustable liquid outlet gap is formed between the fiber and the outlet 10 in the axial direction. The liquid outlet gap is greater than 0 and is used at least to conduct the laser to the workpiece's processing area.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of this application, an embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode further includes a clamp 4, within which the bare optical fiber 3 is disposed for synchronously transmitting light to a processing area in space. The tool electrode body 5 has an electrolyte distribution chamber and an outlet 10 communicating with the electrolyte distribution chamber. The electrolyte distribution chamber is used to provide electrolyte to the processing area. The laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 is disposed in the electrolyte distribution chamber, and an adjustable outlet gap is formed between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the outlet 10 of the electrolyte distribution chamber, so that the electrolyte channel formed by the clamping of the bare optical fiber 3 and the electrolyte distribution chamber provides electrolyte to the processing area.

[0049] The bare optical fiber 3 includes a core and a cladding structure to ensure total internal reflection of the laser. The bare optical fiber 3 can be coaxially mounted inside the tool electrode body 5 via the clamp 4. The tool electrode body 5 is a metal tool electrode body 5. The laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 is retracted, forming an outlet gap between it and the outlet 10 of the electrolyte distribution chamber. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The liquid outlet gap δ is 0.5mm to 5.0mm. The liquid outlet gap can be understood as the distance between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the liquid outlet 10, and this distance is formed along the axial direction of the tool electrode body 5. The liquid outlet gap ensures a certain distance between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the workpiece 11, preventing the plasma generated during laser processing from ablating and damaging the laser output end. Preferably, the liquid outlet gap δ is 0.5mm.

[0050] The hollow metal tool electrode with internal liquid spraying enables coaxial electrolyte supply, high depth reach, and sufficient quantity supply, allowing for synchronous and stable electrolyte supply to the deep composite machining zone. The high-speed flowing electrolyte exits from the tool electrode's outlet, rapidly removing laser and electrolytic machining products generated in the machining zone, such as plasma, microbubbles, and dissolved metal ions, thus maintaining the processing efficiency and composite machining effect of both processes.

[0051] Furthermore, the laser optical path transmission is achieved by using bare optical fibers embedded in the hollow tool electrode. The laser optical path transmission is convenient, fast, and highly flexible, which can avoid the influence of the processing system's precision on the laser and electrolytic coupling precision and stability. Since the laser transmission path in the electrolyte is relatively short, high power density lasers can be used for synchronous composite processing, further improving the ultimate processing efficiency of composite processing.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the electrolyte distribution chamber includes a first distribution chamber 9, which is connected to the outlet 10. The size of the first distribution chamber 9 gradually decreases along a second direction in a first direction. The first direction is the radial dimension of the first distribution chamber 9, and the second direction is a direction parallel to the axial direction of the electrolyte channel and gradually closer to the outlet 10.

[0053] As is easily understood, the first distribution chamber 9 is formed by a plane and / or an arc-shaped surface. The size of the first distribution chamber 9 in the first direction gradually decreases along the second direction. The tool electrode body 5 can be in a regular column shape, so that the end of the tool electrode near the workpiece 11 has a larger area. The electrolyte channel is arranged around the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3, so that the electrolyte sprayed from the electrolyte channel is sprayed at an angle to the center area of ​​the processing area. The electrolyte in the first distribution chamber 9 can rush towards the center of the processing area of ​​the workpiece 11 at high velocity along the inverted conical slope. The first distribution chamber 9 is used to spray the electrolyte to the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 to flush away at least part of the laser processing and / or electrolytic processing products of the laser output end. The laser emitted from the bare optical fiber 3 discharges the plasma, slag, microbubbles and other products generated during the laser processing from the processing area. This arrangement can enhance the flushing effect of the electrolyte on the processing area.

[0054] As is easily understood, the electrolyte can be sprayed into the processing gap through the outlet 10, which is coaxially arranged with the bare optical fiber 3, to achieve a sufficient supply of electrolyte to the deep processing area, and the laser can be transmitted to the surface of the processing area of ​​the workpiece 11 through the bare optical fiber 3. Preferably, the tool electrode body, the electrolyte distribution cavity, the outlet 10, and the bare optical fiber can all be coaxially arranged.

[0055] The bare optical fiber is embedded inside the metal tool electrode, and the electrolyte is ejected at high speed from the liquid outlet gap of the tool electrode. The electrolyte jet and the laser act simultaneously on the processing area, realizing synchronous coupling of fiber laser in the processing area. Moreover, the ejected electrolyte can promptly flush the processing area, and promptly remove electrolytic processing products, heat, microbubbles and plasma, etc., keeping the electrolyte in the processing gap of the tool electrode end face clean and quickly renewing the electrolyte, so that the material in the processing gap can be efficiently removed under the action of laser and electrolytic composite processing.

[0056] Material located away from the center of the machining area can be driven by electrolytic machining to ensure the integrity of the workpiece's machining area surface.

[0057] like Figure 1As shown, the first distribution chamber 9 is configured in an inverted conical shape. Due to its taper, the electrolyte can more concentratedly flush the center of the processing area. Specifically, the taper of the inverted conical first distribution chamber 9 is 30° to 80°. More specifically, the inverted conical structure can enhance the jet pressure and achieve a better flushing effect, while also reducing or eliminating the risk of waste residue carried by the backflow from the processing area entering the tool electrode. Preferably, the port of the inverted conical structure is the liquid outlet 10, and the radial dimension of the liquid outlet is 0.2 mm to 2 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, since a liquid outlet gap is provided between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the liquid outlet 10 of the tool electrode body 5, it can ensure that the electrolyte can be directly flushed at the center of the processing area and prevent the laser plasma from directly acting on the laser output end, thus protecting the bare optical fiber 3. During the ejection process, the electrolyte can also flush, clean, and cool the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 from its side.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the electrolyte distribution chamber further includes a second distribution chamber, which communicates with the first distribution chamber 9. The first distribution chamber 9 and the second distribution chamber are arranged sequentially along a direction away from the tool electrode body 5. The first distribution chamber 9 has an inverted conical structure. The outlet 10 is opened at the bottom of the second distribution chamber. The second distribution chamber has a uniform inner diameter along a second direction. The electrolyte inlet 6 is disposed in the second distribution chamber. The electrolyte enters the first distribution chamber 9 through the second distribution chamber to ensure that the electrolyte ejected from the outlet 10 is more uniform and sufficient.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the clamp 4, the electrolyte channel, and the bare optical fiber 3 are coaxially arranged. The clamp 4 holds the bare optical fiber 3 and places it in the electrolyte distribution chamber. The laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 is located on the axis of the electrolyte channel. The electrolyte can be uniformly sprayed around the bare optical fiber 3 through the electrolyte channel.

[0061] Furthermore, an insulating layer 8 can be coated on the outer wall of the fixture 4 using electrostatic spraying or chemical vapor deposition technology to ensure the accuracy of electrolytic machining and reduce the impact of side stray current corrosion on machining accuracy. The bare optical fiber 3 can move synchronously with the fixture 4.

[0062] More specifically, the bottom end of the tool electrode is positioned opposite to the area to be processed, and an adjustable processing gap Δ is formed between the bottom end of the tool electrode and the area to be processed, with the processing gap Δ ranging from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. This processing gap can be understood as the tool electrode being placed at a certain distance from the area to be processed before processing. Maintaining a certain processing gap between them prevents short circuits during processing. Simultaneously, the electrolyte can flow out from the processing gap during processing, ensuring the normal operation of electrolytic processing. Maintaining a certain processing gap between the laser output end and the area to be processed on the workpiece 11 allows the electrolyte to carry away processing products, microbubbles, etc., promptly when flowing through the processing gap, ensuring efficient laser transmission to the area to be processed.

[0063] The electrolyte in this application can be any one of a neutral salt solution, an acidic solution, or an alkaline solution, or it can be a mixed solution. When using the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode provided in this application, the initial temperature of the electrolyte introduced is room temperature, i.e., 18℃~25℃.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] Please see Figure 2 This embodiment provides a laser and electrolysis composite processing system, including the tool electrode as described in Embodiment 1, and also including a laser source 2, an electrolyte storage tank 17, and a supply pipeline. The laser source 2 is used to provide the laser required for processing to the tool electrode. The supply pipeline is connected to the electrolyte storage tank 17 and the tool electrode body 5, and is used to allow the electrolyte storage tank 17 to supply electrolyte to the tool electrode body 5 through the supply pipeline.

[0066] When using the laser and electrolytic composite machining system provided in this application, the tool electrode and workpiece 11 are electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of the power supply 7, respectively. The tool electrode is connected to a first precision motion device 20, which drives the tool electrode to move along a set trajectory. Specifically, it drives the tool electrode and workpiece to move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tool electrode, thereby adjusting the size of the machining gap formed between the areas to be machined on the tool electrode and the workpiece 11. The first precision motion device holds the tool electrode and workpiece for relative feeding, continuously achieving efficient and precise composite machining of deep small holes and deep narrow groove structures with high aspect ratios.

[0067] Of course, the system may also include a receiving device 21, which is used to receive the workpiece 11 and the electrolyte that overflows from the workpiece 11 during laser and electrolytic composite processing. The receiving device 21 may be connected to a second precision motion device 22, which is used to drive the tool electrode and the workpiece 11 to move relative to each other along a plane, the plane being perpendicular to the axis of the tool electrode.

[0068] The laser and electrolytic composite processing system provided in this application enables flexible movement of the tool electrode and the housing device 21 by setting a first precision motion device 20 and a second precision motion device 22.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the first precision motion device 20 can be connected to the tool electrode. In some relatively simple laser and electrolytic composite machining processes, the first precision motion device can hold the tool electrode and move it along the Z-axis, such as... Figure 1 The Z-axis direction shown refers to the vertical direction. The first precision motion device 20 can hold the tool electrode to perform feeding operations. The second precision motion device 22 can be assembled with the receiving device 21. The second precision motion device 22 can drive the receiving device 21 to move along the Y-axis and X-axis directions. The X-axis and Y-axis refer to two mutually perpendicular directions on the horizontal plane. The second precision motion device 22 can realize the movement of the receiving device 21 on the horizontal plane. Of course, the second precision motion device 22 can also hold the tool electrode and realize the movement of the tool electrode along the Y-axis and X-axis directions.

[0070] In conjunction with the first precision motion device 20, the area to be processed on the workpiece 11 can be processed step by step in laser and electrolytic composite machining. Of course, in this embodiment, the first precision motion device 20 and the second precision motion device 22 respectively hold the tool electrode and the receiving device 21 and move them along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions. When processing other workpieces 11, other directions of movement can also be achieved by the first precision motion device 20 and the second precision motion device 22.

[0071] More specifically, in another preferred embodiment, a pressure pump 15, a filter 14, a voltage regulator 13, a one-way valve 12, and a throttle valve 18 are sequentially connected along the supply direction, i.e., the direction from the electrolyte storage tank 17 to the tool electrode. The pressure pump 15 is used to drive the electrolyte in the electrolyte storage tank 17 to flow to the tool electrode. The filter 14 can screen the flowing electrolyte to remove impurities. The voltage regulator 13 is used to stabilize the supply pressure of the electrolyte in the supply pipeline. Under the action of the one-way valve 12, the electrolyte in the supply pipeline can only be supplied in a unidirectional, specified supply direction. The flow rate of the electrolyte in the supply pipeline can be limited or adjusted by adjusting the throttle valve 18.

[0072] To facilitate operation and adjustment, a pressure gauge 24 and a flow meter 23 can be installed on the electrolyte supply line to monitor and display the electrolyte supply pressure and flow rate in the electrolyte supply line.

[0073] It should be noted that the settings of the pressure pump 15, filter 14, pressure regulator 13, check valve 12, throttle valve 18, pressure gauge 24 and flow meter 23 are all optional. They are set to achieve better control or facilitate detection. In some systems, they can be set selectively or not.

[0074] More specifically, to allow for system adjustments in emergency situations, the system also includes a protection branch connected to the liquid supply line. A safety valve 16 is installed on the protection branch to prevent excessive pressure in the liquid supply line from damaging the system. When the pressure in the line exceeds the set pressure threshold of the safety valve 16, the safety valve 16 will open, releasing pressure through the protection branch.

[0075] During the laser and electrolytic composite processing, the container 21 needs to constantly hold the workpiece 11 and the electrolyte generated during processing. As the amount of electrolyte generated during processing increases, it needs to be discharged in a timely manner. Therefore, the system in this application also includes a waste liquid collection device 19, which is connected to the container 21 and is used to collect the waste liquid in the container 21. Specifically, the waste liquid collection device 19 is connected to the container 21 through a waste liquid collection pipe. The waste liquid collection pipe is connected to the container 21 near the bottom so that the generated waste liquid can quickly leave the container 21. The container 21 and the waste liquid collection device 19 can also be arranged sequentially along the direction of gravity. In this way, under the action of gravity, the waste liquid can quickly enter the waste liquid collection device 19 from the container 21 without relying on a water pump or other driving mechanism.

[0076] In addition, the system also includes a laser characteristic adjustment mechanism, which can be disposed at the laser input end and / or laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3, or corresponding to the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3, and is at least used to adjust the laser energy density distribution characteristics of the laser beam output from the bare optical fiber 3 in the processing area of ​​the workpiece. In some cases, the laser characteristic adjustment mechanism can be an optical lens, which can adjust the laser output end of the bare optical fiber to face the processing area, thereby improving the laser energy density distribution characteristics. In some cases, the geometry of the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 can also be adjusted to form the laser characteristic adjustment mechanism.

[0077] The laser-electrolytic hybrid machining system of this embodiment can greatly improve the extreme machining capability of laser-electrolytic hybrid machining of deep small holes and deep narrow groove structures.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] This embodiment provides a laser and electrolysis hybrid processing method, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0080] Provide the system described in this application;

[0081] The tool electrode and workpiece 11 are electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of the power supply 7, respectively. The laser is transmitted through the bare optical fiber 3 of the tool electrode to the area to be processed on the workpiece 11, and the electrolyte is transmitted through the electrolyte channel to the area to be processed, thereby realizing laser and electrolytic composite processing of the area to be processed.

[0082] More specifically, the distance between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the outlet 10 of the electrolyte distribution chamber can be adjusted according to the processing requirements of the area to be processed, thereby controlling the size of the outlet gap within a set range. Simultaneously, the distance between the tail end of the tool electrode and the area to be processed can also be adjusted to control the size of the processing gap within a set range.

[0083] In use, the bare optical fiber 3 is fixed in the fixture 4, and the laser source 2 is connected to the bare optical fiber 3. The fixture 4 is positioned in the tool electrode. The electrolyte inlet 6 of the tool electrode is connected to the electrolyte storage tank 17 through a supply pipe, and the tool electrode is connected to the first precision motion device 20. The receiving device 21 for holding the workpiece 11 is connected to the second precision motion device 22. The workpiece 11 is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply 7, and the tool electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 7. The distance between the workpiece 11 to be processed and the tool electrode is adjusted by the first precision motion device 20 to form a processing gap between them.

[0084] The laser is transmitted to the processing area of ​​the workpiece 11 through the bare optical fiber 3, while the electrolyte is sprayed onto the processing area at a set flow rate, achieving electrolytic removal of the metal workpiece 11 material. Due to the good flexibility of the bare optical fiber 3, its end can be fixed by the clamp 4. Combined with the first precision motion device 20, the relative movement between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber 3 and the workpiece 11 can be precisely controlled, enabling laser and electrolytic composite processing of a predetermined contour structure. A certain processing gap is maintained between the laser output end and the processing area of ​​the workpiece 11. When the electrolyte flows through the processing gap, it can promptly carry away processing products, microbubbles, etc., ensuring efficient transmission of the laser to the processing area. The electrolyte and laser can work synchronously with the feed of the tool electrode in the deep processing area, ensuring sufficient electrolyte supply and achieving stable and efficient processing of deep small holes or deep narrow groove structures.

[0085] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tool electrode with embedded coaxial fiber optic cable, characterized in that, include: The tool electrode body (5) has an electrolyte distribution cavity inside, which is connected to the electrolyte inlet (6) provided on the tool electrode body (5). The diameter of the electrolyte distribution cavity decreases in the direction away from the top of the tool electrode body (5), and the bottom wall of the electrolyte distribution cavity is provided with an outlet (10). The outlet (10) is located at the bottom end of the tool electrode body (5) and is used at least to deliver an electrolyte jet to the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11). The bare optical fiber (3) has its laser output end inserted into the tool electrode body (5) and is coaxially arranged with the liquid outlet (10). It forms an adjustable liquid outlet gap with the liquid outlet (10) in the axial direction. The liquid outlet gap is greater than 0 and is used at least to transmit the laser to the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11).

2. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte distribution chamber has a first distribution chamber (9) and a second distribution chamber arranged sequentially in a direction away from the tool electrode body (5). The first distribution chamber (9) has an inverted conical structure, and the liquid outlet (10) is opened at the bottom end of the second distribution chamber.

3. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 2, characterized in that: The taper of the inverted conical structure is 30° to 80°.

4. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser output end of the bare optical fiber (3) is located inside the electrolyte distribution cavity.

5. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte distribution chamber, the outlet (10), and the bare optical fiber (3) are all coaxially arranged.

6. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid outlet gap is 0.5~5.0mm.

7. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating layer (8) is provided on the outer wall of the tool electrode body (5).

8. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet (10) is used to spray an electrolyte jet into the central area of ​​the workpiece (11) to be processed.

9. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tool electrode also includes a clamp (4), which is connected to the tool electrode body (5) and is used to fix the bare optical fiber (3).

10. The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser output end of the bare optical fiber (3) is a movable end, which can move along the axis of the tool electrode body (5) and in the direction intersecting the axis.

11. A laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system, characterized in that: Includes the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. The laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A laser source (2) is used to provide laser light to the bare optical fiber (3); And / or, an electrolyte supply device, which is in communication with the electrolyte distribution chamber and is used to supply electrolyte to the electrolyte distribution chamber; The power supply (7) is used to electrically connect with the tool electrode, electrolyte and workpiece (11) to form an electrolytic working circuit.

13. The laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A motion mechanism is used to drive the tool electrode and the workpiece (11) to move relative to each other along a set trajectory; And / or, a laser characteristic adjustment mechanism is provided at the tail end of the bare optical fiber (3) or between the tail end of the bare optical fiber (3) and the workpiece (11), at least for adjusting the laser energy density distribution characteristics of the laser beam output from the tail end of the bare optical fiber (3) in the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11).

14. The laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The motion mechanism includes: A first precision motion device (20) is used to drive the tool electrode and the workpiece (11) to move relative to each other along the axial direction of the tool electrode, thereby adjusting the size of the machining gap formed between the workpiece and the area to be machined. And / or, a second precision motion device (22) for driving the tool electrode and the workpiece (11) to move relative to each other along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tool electrode.

15. The laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The electrolyte supply device includes an electrolyte storage tank (17) and a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline is used to connect the electrolyte storage tank (17) with the electrolyte distribution chamber. The supply pipeline is equipped with one or more of the following: a filter (14), a voltage regulator (13), a check valve (12), a throttle valve (18), a pressure gauge (24), and a flow meter (23). And / or, the laser and electrolytic composite processing system further includes a receiving device (21) for accommodating the workpiece (11).

16. A laser and electrolytic composite processing method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Provides a laser and electrolysis hybrid processing system as described in any one of claims 11-15; The embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode and the workpiece (11) are electrically connected to the negative and positive terminals of the power supply (7), respectively. A processing gap is left between the bottom end of the embedded coaxial fiber tool electrode and the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11). At the same time, the laser is transmitted from the laser output end of the bare fiber (3) to the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11), and an electrolyte jet is delivered from the liquid outlet (10) to the processing area of ​​the workpiece (11), thereby performing laser and electrolytic composite processing on the workpiece (11).

17. The laser and electrolytic composite processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Specifically, it includes: Based on the processing requirements of the workpiece (11), the liquid outlet gap between the laser output end of the bare optical fiber (3) and the liquid outlet (10) is adjusted so that the size of the liquid outlet gap is controlled within the set range.

18. The laser and electrolytic composite processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The size of the processing gap is adjusted according to the processing requirements of the workpiece (11); And / or, when the laser and electrolytic composite processing is started, the processing gap is 0.2mm to 1.0mm.

19. The laser and electrolytic composite processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that: During the laser and electrolytic composite processing, the laser output end of the bare optical fiber (3) is moved along a set trajectory according to the processing requirements of the workpiece (11).

20. The laser and electrolytic composite processing method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The electrolyte includes a neutral salt solution, an acidic solution, or an alkaline solution; And / or, the initial temperature of the electrolyte is room temperature.

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