A heat pipe electrode device

Abstract

The application discloses a heat pipe electrode device, which comprises a heat pipe electrode; the heat pipe electrode is a tool electrode, and the heat pipe electrode comprises a heat pipe; and an outer surface of the heat pipe electrode serves as a working surface for machining a workpiece. The heat pipe electrode device has the advantages that heat transfer is fast, heat accumulation is prevented, heat pipe electrode device loss is reduced, the service life of the heat pipe electrode device is prolonged, the replacement frequency is reduced, the cost is reduced, and the machining quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical discharge machining technology, specifically to a heat pipe electrode device. Background Technology

[0002] Arc and electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a machining method that uses electrical discharge between a workpiece and a tool electrode to generate high temperatures that melt or vaporize and remove the material. It has advantages such as being unaffected by the hardness of the workpiece material and having low processing force, and is widely used in aerospace, weaponry, and civilian fields.

[0003] Arc and electrical discharge milling utilize simple tools to process workpieces in a manner similar to CNC milling, combining the advantages of CNC technology and electrical discharge machining. In existing technologies, for example, patent application CN106077855A discloses a rotating electrode for directional internal flushing high-speed arc discharge machining. This electrode achieves directional internal flushing through a built-in directional nozzle and a rotating wheel electrode with a liquid guide groove. The rotating wheel effectively interrupts the arc during discharge machining, ensuring the high-speed arc discharge machining process. While this rotating electrode reduces electrode wear to some extent through directional internal flushing arc discharge machining, the resulting arc or spark between the workpiece and electrode causes a temperature rise. This high temperature melts and vaporizes the workpiece's metal material, and the slow heat transfer rate of the electrode leads to heat accumulation on the electrode surface. The high temperature inevitably ablates the electrode, severely affecting machining quality and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and provide a heat pipe electrode device that has a fast heat transfer speed, prevents heat accumulation, reduces heat pipe electrode device losses, extends the service life of the heat pipe electrode device, reduces the number of replacements, lowers costs, and improves processing quality.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat pipe electrode device includes a heat pipe electrode; the heat pipe electrode is a tool electrode, the heat pipe electrode includes a heat pipe, and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode serves as a working surface for machining a workpiece.

[0007] The working principle of the above-mentioned heat pipe electrode device is as follows:

[0008] During machining, the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode directly serves as the working surface to process the workpiece, while the working fluid washes away the machining gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode. During machining, because the heat pipe electrode contains a heat pipe, the heat transfer rate of the heat pipe is much higher than that of metal materials. The heat received by the heat pipe electrode is quickly conducted to the non-processed area, which can significantly reduce thermal damage to the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode and reduce losses. When the heat pipe electrode only consists of a heat pipe, the outer surface of the heat pipe serves as the working surface to process the workpiece.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat pipe electrode device further includes a reservoir for storing working fluid, and the upper end of the heat pipe is connected to the reservoir. In the above structure, the reservoir can store working fluid. During processing, the working fluid in the reservoir can be transported to the processing gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode. Simultaneously, the heat pipe of the heat pipe electrode can contact the working fluid in the reservoir. When the heat generated during processing can be quickly transferred to the upper end of the heat pipe through the heat pipe, the working fluid can also cool the heat pipe, achieving rapid heat dissipation from the heat pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the top surface of the heat pipe is lower than the liquid level of the working fluid in the storage chamber. The heat pipe has an inlet at its upper end and an outlet at its lower end. During processing, the working fluid in the storage chamber enters the heat pipe through the inlet and then exits through the outlet. Part of the exited working fluid enters the processing gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode, moving upwards along the gap to flush it. As a discharge medium, the working fluid also plays a role in cooling and chip removal during processing. Specifically, by transporting the working fluid through the heat pipe, it first cools the heat pipe. The working fluid fills the entire heat pipe, providing sufficient cooling. The working fluid exits through the outlet and enters the processing gap, further cooling the outer surface of the heat pipe. This cooling effect, achieved through both internal and external cooling, is excellent and eliminates the need for additional spraying equipment, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the top surface of the heat pipe is flush with the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber. This is to better facilitate the drainage of the working fluid from the liquid storage chamber into the heat pipe, thereby increasing the flow rate of the working fluid within the heat pipe.

[0012] Preferably, the heat pipe electrode device further includes a spray pipe for spraying working fluid into the machining gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece. In the above structure, a pumping device is provided between the spray pipe and the storage chamber. The pumping device pumps the working fluid in the storage chamber to the spray pipe, and then sprays it into the machining gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece through the spray pipe. During machining, the working fluid is sprayed directly into the machining gap through the spray pipe, which is efficient. At the same time, the working fluid in the storage chamber can also be discharged from the outlet through the heat pipe. Part of the discharged working fluid will enter the machining gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode, and together with the spray pipe, flush the machining gap.

[0013] Preferably, the top surface of the heat pipe is higher than the liquid level of the working fluid in the storage chamber. In the above structure, the upper end of the heat pipe is inserted into the storage chamber from the bottom, and the top surface of the heat pipe is higher than the liquid level of the working fluid in the storage chamber. The upper end of the heat pipe can contact the working fluid, so that the heat generated during processing can be quickly transferred to the upper end of the heat pipe. The working fluid has a cooling effect on the heat pipe, achieving rapid heat dissipation.

[0014] Preferably, the heat pipe electrode further includes a thermally conductive layer disposed on the outer surface of the heat pipe. During processing, the outer surface of the thermally conductive layer serves as the working surface for processing the workpiece. The heat pipe can quickly transfer the heat from the thermally conductive layer to the non-processing area. By providing the thermally conductive layer, heat pipe electrode wear can be further reduced, and heat pipe electrode life can be further improved. When the heat pipe electrode wears out, the thermally conductive layer can be directly replaced without replacing the heat pipe, thus reducing costs.

[0015] Preferably, the shape of the heat pipe is not limited to rectangular or circular.

[0016] Preferably, the heat pipe is fixed to the thermally and electrically conductive layer by welding.

[0017] Preferably, the heat pipe is fixed to the thermally and electrically conductive layer by riveting.

[0018] Preferably, the heat pipe is fixed to the thermally and electrically conductive layer by adhesive bonding.

[0019] Preferably, the heat pipe and the thermally conductive layer are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure includes a U-shaped snap-fit ​​and a tightening screw; the heat pipe passes through the inner cavity of the U-shaped snap-fit, the opening of the U-shaped snap-fit ​​has two inwardly extending claws, the thermally conductive layer has grooves on both sides, the claws extend into the grooves, and the tightening screw tightens the thermally conductive layer to the outer surface of the heat pipe. By providing the snap-fit ​​structure, it is convenient to install or remove the heat pipe and the thermally conductive layer.

[0020] Furthermore, the tensioning screw is threadedly engaged with the U-shaped clip, and the end of the tensioning screw, after being threadedly engaged with the U-shaped clip, abuts against the side of the heat pipe. During installation, as the tensioning screw is continuously screwed into the U-shaped clip, the end of the tensioning screw abuts against the side of the heat pipe, thus tightening the U-shaped clip and thereby tightening the thermally and electrically conductive layer to the outer surface of the heat pipe.

[0021] Preferably, the thermally conductive layer is a thermally conductive tube, which is hollow inside, with one end open and the other end closed. The heat pipe is inserted into the thermally conductive tube, and the inner wall of the thermally conductive tube is in close contact with the outer surface of the heat pipe. With this structure, the thermally conductive tube can fully enclose the heat pipe, facilitating both disassembly and installation, and providing all-around protection. The closed end of the thermally conductive tube seals the outlet of the heat pipe. The top surface of the heat pipe is either higher or lower than the level of the working fluid in the storage chamber. When the top surface of the heat pipe is lower than the level of the working fluid in the storage chamber, the heat pipe can be filled with working fluid, which provides a cooling effect.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] In this invention, the heat pipe electrode device uses the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode directly as the working surface to process the workpiece, while the working fluid washes away the processing gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode. During processing, because the heat pipe electrode contains a heat pipe, the heat transfer rate of the heat pipe is much higher than that of metal materials. The heat received by the heat pipe electrode is quickly conducted to the non-processing area, preventing heat accumulation. This significantly reduces thermal damage to the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode, reduces losses, extends the service life of the heat pipe electrode device, reduces replacement frequency, lowers costs, and improves processing quality. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure in a fourth specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an internal schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure in a fourth specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth specific embodiment of a heat pipe electrode device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] See Figure 1 This embodiment discloses a heat pipe electrode device, including a heat pipe electrode; the heat pipe electrode is a tool electrode, and the heat pipe electrode includes a heat pipe 4. The outer surface of the heat pipe electrode serves as the working surface to process the workpiece 3. When the heat pipe electrode only includes the heat pipe 4, the outer surface of the heat pipe 4 serves as the working surface to process the workpiece 3. The working fluid 1 enters the processing gap between the outer surface of the heat pipe 4 and the workpiece 3. By using the heat pipe 4 as the tool electrode, the heat in the processing area can be quickly conducted to the far end, achieving rapid heat dissipation and reducing tool electrode wear.

[0033] See Figure 1 The heat pipe 4 can be a superconducting heat pipe. The transmission speed of a superconducting heat pipe is tens of thousands of times that of copper, which can significantly reduce thermal damage to the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode and reduce losses.

[0034] See Figure 1 The shape of the heat pipe 4 is not limited to rectangular or circular. Specifically, the heat pipe 4 can be a circular heat pipe, a rectangular heat pipe, or other irregularly shaped heat pipe 4.

[0035] See Figure 1 The heat pipe electrode device further includes a reservoir 5 for storing the working fluid 1, and the upper end of the heat pipe 4 is connected to the reservoir 5. In the above structure, the reservoir 5 can store the working fluid 1. During processing, the working fluid 1 in the reservoir 5 can be transported to the processing gap between the workpiece 3 and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode. At the same time, the heat pipe 4 of the heat pipe electrode can come into contact with the working fluid 1 in the reservoir 5. When the heat generated during processing can be quickly transferred to the upper end of the heat pipe 4 through the heat pipe 4, the working fluid 1 can also cool the heat pipe 4, realizing rapid heat dissipation of the heat pipe 4.

[0036] See Figure 1 The bottom of the liquid storage chamber 5 is provided with an installation through hole, and the upper end of the heat pipe 4 is installed on the installation through hole.

[0037] See Figure 1The top surface of the heat pipe 4 is lower than the liquid level of the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5. The heat pipe 4 has an inlet at its upper end and an outlet at its lower end. During processing, the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5 enters the heat pipe 4 through the inlet and then exits through the outlet. A portion of the exited working fluid 1 enters the processing gap between the workpiece 3 and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode, moving upwards along the gap to flush it. The working fluid 1, as a discharge medium, also plays a role in cooling and chip removal during processing. Specifically, the working fluid 1 is transported through the heat pipe 4, which first cools the heat pipe 4. The working fluid 1 fills the entire heat pipe 4, providing sufficient cooling. The working fluid 1 exits through the outlet and enters the processing gap, further cooling the outer surface of the heat pipe 4. This internal and external cooling of the heat pipe 4 results in a good cooling effect and eliminates the need for additional spraying equipment, leading to a simpler and more compact structure.

[0038] See Figure 1 The top surface of the heat pipe 4 is flush with the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 5. This is to better drain the working fluid 1 in the liquid storage chamber 5 into the heat pipe 4 and increase the flow rate of the working fluid 1 in the heat pipe 4.

[0039] See Figure 1 The heat pipe electrode device also includes a liquid storage tank, the internal space of which forms a liquid storage cavity 5.

[0040] See Figure 1 The working principle of the above-mentioned heat pipe electrode device is as follows:

[0041] During processing, the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode is used directly as the working surface to process the workpiece 3, and the working fluid 1 washes away the processing gap between the workpiece 3 and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode. During processing, since the heat pipe electrode contains a heat pipe 4, the heat transfer rate of the heat pipe 4 is much higher than that of metal materials. The heat received by the heat pipe electrode is quickly conducted to the non-processing area, which can significantly reduce thermal damage to the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode and reduce losses.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] See Figure 2In this embodiment, the other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1, except that the heat pipe electrode device further includes a spray pipe 6 for spraying working fluid 1 into the processing gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece; the top surface of the heat pipe 4 is higher than the liquid level of the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5. In the above structure, a pumping device is provided between the spray pipe 6 and the storage chamber 5. The pumping device pumps the working fluid 1 from the storage chamber 5 to the spray pipe 6, and then sprays it into the processing gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece 3 through the spray pipe 6. During processing, the working fluid 1 is sprayed directly into the processing gap through the spray pipe 6, which is efficient. The upper end of the heat pipe 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 5 from the bottom of the storage chamber 5. The top surface of the heat pipe 4 is higher than the liquid level of the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5. The upper end of the heat pipe can contact the working fluid 1. When the heat generated during processing can be quickly transferred to the upper end of the heat pipe 4 through the heat pipe 4, the working fluid 1 has a cooling effect on the heat pipe 4, realizing rapid heat dissipation of the heat pipe 4.

[0044] Due to the ultra-high heat transfer efficiency of heat pipe 4, the heat it carries is instantly conducted to the distant non-processing area, and then rapidly cooled by liquid cooling or air cooling, thereby avoiding or reducing the wear of the tool electrode by high temperature, maintaining the continuity of processing, reducing costs, and improving efficiency and quality.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] join Figure 3 In this embodiment, the other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, except that the heat pipe electrode further includes a thermally conductive layer 8 disposed on the outer surface of the heat pipe 4. The thermally conductive layer 8 is attached to the outer surface of the heat pipe 4 and is made of a conductive and thermally conductive material. During processing, the outer surface of the thermally conductive layer 8 serves as the working surface for processing the workpiece 3. The heat pipe 4 can quickly transfer the heat from the thermally conductive layer 8 to the non-processing area. By setting the thermally conductive layer 8, the wear of the heat pipe electrode can be further reduced, and the lifespan of the heat pipe electrode can be further improved. When the heat pipe electrode wears out, the thermally conductive layer 8 can be directly replaced without replacing the heat pipe 4, thus reducing costs.

[0047] join Figure 3 The heat pipe 4 is fixed to the thermally and electrically conductive layer 8 by welding.

[0048] join Figure 3 The heat pipe 4 and the thermally and electrically conductive layer 8 can also be fixed by riveting.

[0049] join Figure 3 The heat pipe 4 and the thermally conductive layer 8 can also be fixed together by adhesive bonding. Specifically, the outer surface of the heat pipe 4 and the thermally conductive layer 8 are fixed together by conductive adhesive.

[0050] join Figure 3In this embodiment, a composite electrode is used, that is, a thermally conductive layer 8 is attached to the outer surface of the heat pipe 4 by bonding, welding or riveting, which further reduces the wear of the tool electrode. The conductive and thermally conductive material can be metal or graphite. When the tool electrode is worn to a certain extent, the thermally conductive layer 8 is replaced to avoid direct wear of the heat pipe 4.

[0051] Example 4

[0052] See Figures 4-5 In this embodiment, the other structures are the same as in embodiment 3, except that the heat pipe 4 and the thermally conductive layer 8 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure. The snap-fit ​​structure includes a U-shaped snap-fit ​​10 and a tightening screw 11. The heat pipe 4 passes through the inner cavity of the U-shaped snap-fit ​​10, and the opening of the U-shaped snap-fit ​​10 has two inwardly extending curved claws. The thermally conductive layer 8 has symmetrical grooves on both sides, and the curved claws extend into the grooves. The tightening screw 11 tightens the thermally conductive layer 8 onto the outer surface of the heat pipe 4. This snap-fit ​​structure facilitates the installation and removal of the heat pipe 4 and the thermally conductive layer 8.

[0053] See Figures 4-5 The tensioning screw 11 is threadedly connected to the U-shaped clip 10. After the end of the tensioning screw 11 is threadedly connected to the U-shaped clip 10, it abuts against the side of the heat pipe 4. During installation, as the tensioning screw 11 is continuously screwed into the U-shaped clip 10, the end of the tensioning screw 11 abuts against the side of the heat pipe 4, which tightens the U-shaped clip 10, thereby tightening the thermally conductive and electrically conductive layer 8 to the outer surface of the heat pipe 4.

[0054] See Figures 3-4 The number of tensioning screws 11 is multiple, and the groove is a V-shaped groove. In this embodiment, the heat pipe 4 is rectangular in shape, which facilitates the tensioning of the thermally conductive layer 8 to the outer surface of the heat pipe 4.

[0055] Example 5

[0056] See Figure 6 In this embodiment, the other structures are the same as in embodiment 3, except that the thermally conductive layer 8 is a thermally conductive tube 9. The interior of the thermally conductive tube 9 is hollow, with one end open and the other end closed. The heat pipe 4 is inserted into the interior of the thermally conductive tube 9, and the inner wall of the thermally conductive tube 9 is in contact with the outer surface of the heat pipe 4. With the above structure, the thermally conductive tube 9 can fully enclose the heat pipe 4, which not only facilitates disassembly and installation but also provides all-around protection for the heat pipe 4.

[0057] The closed end of the heat-conducting and conductive tube 9 seals the outlet of the heat pipe 4. The height of the top surface of the heat pipe 4 is higher or lower than the liquid level of the working liquid 1 in the liquid storage chamber 5. When the height of the top surface of the heat pipe 4 is lower than the liquid level of the working liquid 1 in the liquid storage chamber 5, the heat pipe 4 can be filled with the working liquid 5, which can have a cooling effect on the heat pipe 4.

[0058] Example 6

[0059] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1, except that the heat pipe electrode device further includes a spray pipe 6 for spraying the working fluid 1 into the machining gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece. In the above structure, a pumping device is provided between the spray pipe 6 and the storage chamber 5. The pumping device pumps the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5 to the spray pipe 6, and then sprays it into the machining gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece 3 through the spray pipe 6. During machining, the working fluid 1 is sprayed directly into the machining gap through the spray pipe 6, which is efficient. At the same time, the working fluid 1 in the storage chamber 5 can also be discharged from the outlet through the heat pipe 4. Part of the discharged working fluid will enter the machining gap between the workpiece and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode, and together with the spray pipe 6, flush the machining gap.

[0060] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above content. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat pipe electrode device, characterized in that, It includes a heat pipe electrode; the heat pipe electrode is a tool electrode, the heat pipe electrode includes a heat pipe, and the outer surface of the heat pipe electrode serves as a working surface for machining the workpiece; the upper end of the heat pipe is provided with a liquid inlet, and the lower end of the heat pipe is provided with a liquid outlet. The heat pipe electrode device further includes a reservoir for storing working fluid, and the upper end of the heat pipe is connected to the reservoir. The top surface of the heat pipe is lower than the liquid level of the working fluid in the storage chamber; The heat pipe electrode device also includes a spray pipe for spraying working fluid into the processing gap between the heat pipe electrode and the workpiece; a pumping device is provided between the spray pipe and the storage chamber, and the working fluid in the storage chamber is pumped to the spray pipe by the pumping device. The heat pipe electrode also includes a thermally and electrically conductive layer disposed on the outer surface of the heat pipe; The thermally conductive and conductive layer is a thermally conductive and conductive tube. The interior of the thermally conductive and conductive tube is hollow. One end of the thermally conductive and conductive tube is an open end, and the other end is a closed end. The heat pipe is inserted into the interior of the heat-conducting and conductive tube, and the inner wall of the heat-conducting and conductive tube is in contact with the outer surface of the heat pipe.

2. The heat pipe electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pipe is fixed to the thermally and electrically conductive layer by welding, riveting, or adhesive.

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