A micro-EDM electrode structure and electrode replacement method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of electrospark machining, and in particular relates to a micro-electrospark machining electrode structure and an electrode replacement method. The micro-electrospark machining electrode structure includes: a discharge electrode, a rotating disk group arranged to rotate in a vertical plane, and a clamping mechanism located below the rotating disk group, the clamping mechanism is used to clamp or release the discharge electrode; the edge of the rotating disk group is provided with a receiving groove and a trigger portion spaced apart from the receiving groove, the trigger portion is used to trigger the clamping mechanism to release the discharge electrode, and the receiving groove contains the discharge electrode; the rotating disk group rotates a predetermined angle so that the trigger portion abuts and triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently clamped discharge electrode. After the trigger portion is separated from the clamping mechanism, the receiving groove rotates to the top of the clamping mechanism, and the discharge electrode in the receiving groove falls and is clamped by the clamping mechanism. The present invention can realize the replacement of the discharge electrode through the rotation of the rotating disk group, thereby improving the convenience and replacement efficiency of the discharge electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electric spark machining, and in particular relates to a micro electric spark machining electrode structure and an electrode replacement method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, tungsten carbide and silicon carbide are well-established hard materials for hot-pressing molds. Due to their high hardness and strength, they are difficult to machine using traditional methods such as milling and cutting. Therefore, non-contact electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a cost-effective and promising pretreatment method for difficult-to-cut materials used in glass optical molds. Numerous researchers are working on developing electrodes with diverse functions and structures, such as rotating cupronickel electrodes, thin graphite electrodes, beam electrodes, long laminated electrodes, strip electrodes, and self-assembled spherical electrodes.

[0003] EDM effectively removes conductive materials regardless of composition, hardness, strength, and ductility. However, electrode wear is an inevitable issue during EDM, affecting both the workpiece's shape accuracy and machining efficiency. Consequently, multiple electrodes are often used during EDM. Once an electrode wears sufficiently, it must be replaced with a new one. Electrode replacement and wear compensation are crucial to achieving high-quality results and maintaining EDM process efficiency.

[0004] However, in the existing EDM process, electrode replacement is inefficient and inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a micro-EDM electrode structure, aiming to solve the problem of how to improve the convenience of discharge electrode replacement.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is:

[0007] In a first aspect, a micro-EDM electrode structure is provided, which includes: a discharge electrode, a rotating disk group rotatably arranged in a vertical plane, and a clamping mechanism located below the rotating disk group, wherein the clamping mechanism is used to clamp or release the discharge electrode; the edge of the rotating disk group is provided with a receiving groove and a trigger portion arranged at intervals from the receiving groove, and the discharge electrode is accommodated in the receiving groove; the rotating disk group rotates by a predetermined angle so that the trigger portion abuts and triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently clamped discharge electrode, and after the trigger portion disengages from the clamping mechanism, the receiving groove rotates to directly above the clamping mechanism, and the discharge electrode in the receiving groove falls and is clamped by the clamping mechanism.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism includes a first clamping portion that is fixedly arranged and a second clamping portion that is slidable relative to the first clamping portion; the second clamping portion slides toward the first clamping portion to jointly clamp the discharge electrode, or the triggering portion drives the second clamping portion to slide away from the first clamping portion during rotation.

[0009] In some embodiments, a first groove is formed on the first clamping portion, and a second groove is formed on the second clamping portion, and the first groove and the second groove are connected to each other to clamp the discharge electrode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism also includes an elastic member with elastic restoring force, one end of the elastic member is fixed, and the other end of the elastic member elastically presses the second clamping portion toward the first clamping portion; the triggering portion drives the second clamping portion to compress the elastic member, and after the triggering portion disengages from the second clamping portion, the elastic member drives the second clamping portion to reset.

[0011] In some embodiments, an abutment portion is protruded from the second clamping portion, and the abutment portion has an abutment state in contact with the triggering portion and a disengagement state in which the abutment portion is disengaged from the triggering portion; when the abutment portion is in the abutment state, the triggering portion drives the second clamping portion to slide and compress the elastic member; when the abutment portion is in the disengagement state, the elastic member drives the second clamping portion to move toward the first clamping portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the abutting portion has an abutting surface abutting against the triggering portion, the abutting surface is a convex arc surface, and the triggering portion is ratchet-shaped and has a concave arc surface matching the abutting surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rotating disk group includes a loading disk with the receiving groove and a driving disk with the trigger part, and the driving disk and the loading disk are coaxial and rotatable; the receiving groove and the trigger part are respectively located at the edge of the loading disk and the edge of the driving disk; the receiving grooves are arranged in plurality at circumferential intervals along the loading disk, and the trigger parts are arranged in plurality at circumferential intervals along the driving disk, and each trigger part is arranged corresponding to each receiving groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, two driving discs are provided, and the loading disc is located between the two driving discs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the micro-EDM electrode structure also includes a supporting shell having a rotating cavity and arranged in a vertical direction, the rotating disk group is located in the rotating cavity, and the clamping mechanism is connected to the lower end of the supporting shell; the supporting shell is respectively provided with a feed hole and a drop hole at opposite ends in the vertical direction, and the feed hole and the drop hole are both connected to the rotating cavity, and a plurality of discharge electrodes are arranged in the feed hole, and the receiving groove receives the discharge electrode at the feed hole, and the discharge electrode is separated from the receiving groove at the drop hole and falls to the clamping mechanism.

[0016] In a second aspect, an electrode replacement method is provided, which uses the micro-EDM electrode structure, and the electrode replacement method comprises the following steps:

[0017] Cutting off the electrical connection between the micro-EDM electrode structure and the power supply;

[0018] driving the rotating disk assembly to rotate so that the triggering portion triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently worn discharge electrode;

[0019] Continue to drive the rotating disk assembly to rotate so that the receiving groove is located directly above and facing the clamping mechanism, and the unworn discharge electrode in the receiving groove is separated from the receiving groove and falls into the clamping mechanism;

[0020] The clamping mechanism re-clamps and positions the unworn discharge electrode and stops rotating the rotating disk group.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows: the embodiment of the present application provides an electric spark structure, by placing the discharge electrode in the receiving groove, when the discharge electrode does not need to be replaced, the discharge electrode clamped in the clamping mechanism can perform discharge processing on the workpiece; when the discharge electrode needs to be replaced, an external force drives the rotating disk group to rotate a certain angle, so that the trigger part first triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently worn discharge electrode, and then as the rotation continues, the discharge electrode placed in the receiving groove is located directly above the clamping mechanism, and falls to the clamping mechanism under the action of its own gravity. The clamping mechanism positions and clamps the new discharge electrode, and can continue to perform discharge processing. The discharge electrode can be replaced by only driving the rotating disk group to rotate, which improves the convenience of discharge electrode replacement and has high replacement efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or exemplary technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the micro-EDM electrode structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the micro-EDM electrode structure;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a micro-EDM electrode structure provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating disk group;

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up schematic diagram of the micro-EDM electrode structure;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the second clamping portion of the micro-EDM electrode structure;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the support shell of the micro-EDM electrode structure;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a flow chart of an electrode replacement method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Among them, the reference numerals in the figures are:

[0032] 100. Micro-EDM electrode structure; 10. Support housing; 40. Knob; 41. Positioning plate; 20. Clamping mechanism; 21. First clamping portion; 22. Second clamping portion; 23. Elastic member; 112. Feed hole; 113. Blanking hole; 24. Accommodating hole; 214. First groove; 224. Second groove; 31. Accommodating groove; 30. Rotating disk assembly; 33. Loading disk; 51. Positioning marble; 50. Discharge electrode; 32. Driving disk; 321. Triggering portion; 222. Abutment portion; 221. Abutment surface; 111. Rotating cavity; 114. Rotating axis; 223. Sliding groove; 25. Positioning pressure groove; 115. Positioning recess; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit this application.

[0034] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed on" or "disposed on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or indirectly on the other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other component. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of convenience of description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features. "Multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0035] See also Figures 1 to 3 The present invention provides a micro-EDM electrode structure 100 that can be used to perform EDM on a workpiece. The workpiece can be a hot pressing mold for hot pressing glass, and the hot pressing mold can be made of tungsten carbide or silicon carbide.

[0036] See also Figures 2 to 4 The micro-EDM electrode structure 100 includes: a discharge electrode 50, a rotating disk assembly 30 that rotates in a vertical plane, and a clamping mechanism 20 located below the rotating disk assembly 30. The clamping mechanism 20 is used to clamp or release the discharge electrode 50. It is understandable that the discharge electrode 50, the rotating disk assembly 30, and the clamping mechanism 20 are all made of conductive materials, such as metal iron or metal copper. During the EDM process, the micro-EDM electrode structure 100 is connected to the negative pole of the power supply, and the workpiece is connected to the positive pole of the power supply. Sparks are generated between the discharge electrode 50 and the workpiece to process the workpiece. The clamping mechanism 20 can position and clamp the discharge electrode 50 that falls onto it, or release the clamped discharge electrode 50 when triggered by an external force, so that the discharge electrode 50 is separated from the clamping mechanism 20 so that the clamping mechanism 20 can re-clamp a new discharge electrode 50.

[0037] See also Figures 2 to 4The edge of the rotating disk assembly 30 is provided with a receiving groove 31 and a trigger portion 321 spaced apart from the receiving groove 31. Along the rotation path of the rotating disk assembly 30, the trigger portion 321 is located in front of the receiving groove 31. The trigger portion 321 is used to trigger the clamping mechanism 20 to release the discharge electrode 50 clamped therein. The discharge electrode 50 is accommodated in the receiving groove 31. The rotating disk assembly 30 rotates by a predetermined angle so that the trigger portion 321 abuts against and triggers the clamping mechanism 20 to release the currently clamped discharge electrode 50. As the rotating disk assembly 30 continues to rotate, after the trigger portion 321 disengages from the clamping mechanism 20, the receiving groove 31 rotates to directly above the clamping mechanism 20, and the discharge electrode 50 in the receiving groove 31 falls and is clamped by the clamping mechanism 20.

[0038] The plane defined by the rotational trajectory of the rotating disk assembly 30 is a vertical plane. During the rotation of the rotating disk assembly 30, the trigger portion 321 passes through the clamping mechanism 20 before the receiving slot 31, causing the trigger portion 321 to trigger the clamping mechanism 20 to release the currently worn discharge electrode 50, leaving the clamping mechanism 20 in an unloaded state. The discharge electrode 50, which is movably accommodated within the receiving slot 31, rotates to directly above the clamping mechanism 20, with the notch of the receiving slot 31 facing downward. Under the action of its own weight, the discharge electrode 50 can detach from the receiving slot 31 and fall into the clamping mechanism 20. The clamping mechanism 20 receives and clamps the unworn discharge electrode 50 that has fallen from the receiving slot 31, thereby enabling the replacement of the discharge electrode 50 on the clamping mechanism 20.

[0039] See also Figures 2 to 4 The embodiment of the present application provides an electric spark structure, by placing the discharge electrode 50 in the receiving groove 31, when the discharge electrode 50 does not need to be replaced, the discharge electrode 50 clamped in the clamping mechanism 20 can perform electric discharge machining on the workpiece; when the discharge electrode 50 needs to be replaced, an external force drives the rotating disk group 30 to rotate a certain angle, so that the trigger part 321 first triggers the clamping mechanism 20 to release the currently worn discharge electrode 50, and then the rotation continues. The discharge electrode 50 placed in the receiving groove 31 is located directly above the clamping mechanism and falls to the clamping mechanism 20 under the action of its own gravity. The clamping mechanism 20 positions and clamps the new discharge electrode 50 and can continue to perform electric discharge machining. The discharge electrode 50 can be replaced by only driving the rotating disk group 30 to rotate, which improves the convenience of replacing the discharge electrode 50 and has high replacement efficiency.

[0040] Optionally, when the discharge electrode is replaced once, the angle of rotation of the rotating disk assembly 30 can be 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees, which is not limited here and can be selected according to actual conditions.

[0041] Optionally, the discharge electrode 50 is spherical in shape, so that the workpiece can be subjected to electrical discharge machining through its spherical surface, and a spherical hot-pressing groove can be machined on the surface of the hot-pressing mold. In other embodiments, the discharge electrode 50 can also be cylindrical in shape, which is not limited here and can be selected according to actual circumstances.

[0042] See also Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the micro-EDM electrode structure 100 further includes a supporting shell 10 having a rotating cavity 111 and arranged in a vertical direction, the rotating disk group 30 is rotatably disposed in the rotating cavity 111, and the clamping mechanism 20 is connected to the lower end of the supporting shell 10; the supporting shell 10 is respectively provided with a feed hole 112 and a drop hole 113 at opposite ends in the vertical direction, and the feed hole 112 and the drop hole 113 are both connected to the rotating cavity 111, and a plurality of discharge electrodes 50 are arranged in the feed hole 112, and the accommodating groove 31 receives the discharge electrode 50 at the feed hole 112, and the discharge electrode 50 is separated from the accommodating groove 31 at the drop hole 113 and falls into the clamping mechanism 20.

[0043] See also Figures 2 to 4 Optionally, during use, the support shell 10 is fixed on the machine and arranged in the vertical direction, the rotating disk group 30 rotates to connect the support shell 10 and is located in the rotating cavity 111, and the extension path of the feed hole 112 is arranged in the vertical direction. The feed hole 112 contains a plurality of discharge electrodes 50, and the discharge electrodes 50 are arranged vertically in a single row. The opening at the upper end of the feed hole 112 is used for loading, and the opening at the lower end of the feed hole 112 is used for unloading. When the accommodating groove 31 rotates to the opening at the lower end of the feed hole 112, the discharge electrode 50 at the lower end of the feed hole 112 falls into the accommodating groove 31, and the discharge electrodes 50 in the feed hole 112 are filled downward in turn. When there is no accommodating groove 31 below the feed hole 112, the discharge electrode 50 at the lower end of the feed hole 112 slides against the side surface of the rotating disk assembly 30. The capacity of the accommodating groove 31 can only accommodate one discharge electrode 50, so only one discharge electrode 50 falls into the accommodating groove 31 at a time.

[0044] When the accommodating groove 31 rotates to the drop hole 113 , the notch of the accommodating groove 31 is aligned with the hole at the upper end of the drop hole 113 , and the discharge electrode 50 falls from the accommodating groove 31 into the drop hole 113 and falls onto the clamping mechanism 20 through the drop hole 113 .

[0045] Optionally, the material of the supporting shell is also a conductive material, and the conductive material may be metal iron or metal copper.

[0046] See also Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 20 includes a fixed first clamping portion 21 and a second clamping portion 22 slidably disposed relative to the first clamping portion 21 , and the second clamping portion 22 slides toward the first clamping portion 21 to jointly clamp the discharge electrode 50 .

[0047] Optionally, the first clamping portion 21 is connected to the lower end of the supporting shell 10. When it is necessary to release the discharge electrode 50 located between the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22, the triggering portion 321 drives the second clamping portion 22 to slide away from the first clamping portion 21 during the rotation process, and the discharge electrode 50 falls under the action of its own gravity and detaches from the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22.

[0048] Optionally, the sliding direction of the second clamping part 22 is along the horizontal direction. The second clamping part 22 can slide along the horizontal direction opposite to the first clamping part 21 under the action of external force. The external force can be applied through the driver or through the rotating disk group 30. There is no restriction here and you can choose according to actual conditions.

[0049] See also Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, a first groove 214 is provided on the first clamping portion 21, and a second groove 224 is provided on the second clamping portion 22. The first groove 214 and the second groove 224 are docked to clamp the discharge electrode 50, and the discharge electrode 50 is exposed downward. The exposed portion of the discharge electrode 50 can be used to perform electrical discharge machining on the hot pressing mold.

[0050] See also Figures 2 to 3 Optionally, the inner wall of the first groove 214 and the inner wall of the second groove 224 are both concave arc surfaces, and are adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the discharge electrode 50. When the first groove 214 and the second groove 224 are connected, they jointly form the accommodating hole 24. The cross-section of the accommodating hole 24 is circular and its area gradually decreases from top to bottom. The diameter of the hole at the lower end of the accommodating hole 24 is smaller than the diameter of the discharge electrode 50, thereby preventing the discharge electrode 50 from completely falling out of the accommodating hole 24. The discharge electrode 50 is partially exposed at the hole at the lower end of the accommodating hole 24 to perform electric spark machining on the hot pressing mold; and the diameter of the hole at the upper end of the accommodating hole 24 is larger than the diameter of the discharge electrode 50, thereby facilitating the discharge electrode 50 to fall into the accommodating hole 24 from above.

[0051] It can also be understood that the opening at the lower end of the accommodating hole 24 is a circular opening, which can directly position the discharge electrode 50, so that after each replacement of the discharge electrode 50, there is no need to position the discharge electrode 50 again, thereby improving the efficiency of positioning the discharge electrode 50.

[0052] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 Optionally, the second clamping portion 22 is provided with a sliding groove 223 along the horizontal direction, the second groove 224 is connected to the sliding groove 223, and the second clamping portion 22 is slidably connected to the first clamping portion 21 through the sliding groove 223.

[0053] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 20 further includes an elastic member 23 having an elastic restoring force. One end of the elastic member 23 is fixedly disposed, and the other end of the elastic member 23 elastically compresses the second clamping portion 22 toward the first clamping portion 21. The triggering portion 321 drives the second clamping portion 22 to compress the elastic member 23. After the triggering portion 321 disengages from the second clamping portion 22, the elastic member 23 drives the second clamping portion 22 to return to its original position.

[0054] See also Figure 3 Alternatively, the elastic member 23 may be a tube spring. Two tube springs are spaced apart on the second clamping portion 22, with the horizontally rotating disk assembly 30 positioned between the two tube springs. This ensures that the second clamping portion 22 maintains stable sliding. Positioning holes are defined in the second clamping portion 22 at locations corresponding to the tube springs. One end of each tube spring is positioned in the positioning hole, and the other end of each tube spring is connected to the support housing 10.

[0055] See also Figures 2 to 4 During use, the tube spring is in a compressed state, so that it can continuously apply elastic pressure to the second clamping portion 22, so that the second clamping portion 22 has a tendency to move toward the first clamping portion 21, and when the second clamping portion 22 abuts against the first clamping portion 21, the first groove 214 and the second groove 224 maintain stable docking to clamp the discharge electrode 50.

[0056] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, abutment 222 is protruded from the second clamping portion 22, and the abutment 222 has an abutment state in contact with the trigger portion 321 and a disengagement state disengaged from the trigger portion 321; when the abutment 222 is in the abutment state, the trigger portion 321 drives the second clamping portion 22 to slide and compress the elastic member 23. At this time, the second clamping portion 22 moves away from the first clamping portion 21, and the discharge ball located on the clamping mechanism 20 is released; as the rotating disk group 30 continues to rotate, the trigger portion 321 and the abutment 222 disengage. When the abutment 222 is in the disengagement state, the elastic member 23 drives the second clamping portion 22 to move toward the first clamping portion 21 by the rebound force. At this time, the discharge ball falling from the upper accommodating groove 31 can be positioned and clamped between the first clamping portion 21 and the second clamping portion 22.

[0057] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the abutting portion 222 has an abutting surface 221 abutting against the triggering portion 321 , the abutting surface 221 is a convex arc surface, and the triggering portion 321 is ratchet-shaped and has a concave arc surface that cooperates with the abutting surface 221 .

[0058] Optionally, the cooperation of the convex arc surface and the concave arc surface facilitates the disengagement between the abutting surface 221 and the trigger portion 321, avoids the jamming phenomenon, and improves the convenience of the abutting portion 222 switching from the abutting state to the disengaged state.

[0059] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the rotating disk group 30 includes a loading disk 33 with a receiving groove 31 and a driving disk 32 with a trigger portion 321. The driving disk 32 and the loading disk 33 are coaxial and rotatable; the receiving groove 31 and the trigger portion 321 are respectively located at the edge of the loading disk 33 and the edge of the driving disk 32; a plurality of receiving grooves 31 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the loading disk 33, and a plurality of trigger portions 321 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the driving disk 32, and each trigger portion 321 is respectively arranged corresponding to each receiving groove 31.

[0060] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 Optionally, the drive disc 32 and the loading disc 33 are stacked and connected to the rotating shaft 114. The rotating shaft 114 can drive the drive disc 32 and the loading disc 33 to rotate synchronously, with the ends of the rotating shaft 114 respectively rotatably connected to the cavity walls on opposite sides of the rotating chamber 111. The rotation center of the loading disc 33 coincides with the rotation center of the drive disc 32. During the rotation of the loading disc 33, the drive disc 32 can synchronously drive the second clamping portion 22 to slide via the trigger portion 321, so that the discharge electrode 50 located between the first groove 214 and the second groove 224 can fall under its own weight.

[0061] See also Figures 2 to 4 It can be understood that after the discharge electrode 50 falls, the trigger portion 321 disengages from the second clamping portion 22. At this time, the two elastic members 23 are in a compressed state. The two elastic members 23 apply a thrust to the second clamping portion 22 to reset the second clamping portion 22 and abut against the first clamping portion 21. The first groove 214 and the second groove 224 are re-connected. Then, the discharge electrode 50 in the accommodating groove 31 falls into the blanking hole 113, and falls from the blanking hole 113 into the accommodating hole 24, so as to realize the replacement of the discharge electrode 50.

[0062] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the number of the accommodating grooves 31 is six, the number of the triggering parts is also six, and when the discharge electrode 50 is replaced once, the angle of rotation of the rotating disk assembly 30 is 60 degrees.

[0063] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each trigger portion 321 is arranged at equal intervals on the edge of the driving disk 32, such as Figure 2As shown by the arrow, the driving disk 32 continues to rotate clockwise, and the nearest trigger portion 321 will contact the abutting portion 222, and drive the second clamping portion 22 to slide, so that the worn discharge electrode 50 is released. When the abutting portion 222 is in a disengaged state, the elastic member 23 drives the second clamping portion 22 to reset, and the accommodating groove 31 located at the rear is rotated to just above the accommodating hole 24, and the accommodating groove 31 is docked with the blanking hole 113, so that the discharge electrode 50 falls from the accommodating groove 31 to the blanking hole 113, and then falls from the blanking hole 113 to the accommodating hole 24.

[0064] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, two drive disks 32 are provided, and the loading disk 33 is located between the two drive disks. The two drive disks 32 can drive the second clamping portion 22 to slide stably, thereby improving the reliability of the sliding of the second clamping portion 22.

[0065] See also Figures 5 to 7 In some embodiments, a plurality of positioning recesses 115 are provided on the inner wall of the rotating cavity 111, and each positioning recess 115 is arranged around the rotation center circumference of the rotating disk group 30. A positioning marble 51 is provided on the rotating disk group 30, and the telescopic end of the positioning marble 51 is located in one of the positioning recesses 115. The rotating disk group 30 rotates a certain angle so that the telescopic end of the positioning marble 51 is stuck in another positioning recess 115.

[0066] Optionally, the positioning marble 51 and the positioning recess 115 cooperate to provide a damped rotation of the rotating disk assembly 30, thereby preventing excessive rotation. The micro-EDM electrode structure 100 further includes a knob 40, which is connected to the rotating disk assembly 30. The rotating disk assembly 30 can be manually driven to rotate by the knob 40. Of course, the rotation of the knob 40 can also be controlled by an automated control mechanism to achieve automatic replacement of the discharge electrode 50. For example, every 10 minutes, the driving knob 40 is rotated once to replace the discharge electrode 50 on the clamping mechanism 20.

[0067] See also Figures 2 to 3 The micro-EDM electrode structure 100 also includes a positioning pressure plate 41. The clamping mechanism 20 is provided with a positioning pressure groove 25. The positioning pressure groove 25 passes through the first groove 214 and the second groove 224. After the discharge electrode 50 is replaced, the positioning pressure plate 41 is inserted into the positioning pressure groove 25, and the discharge electrode 50 located in the accommodating hole 24 is located below the positioning pressure plate 41. The positioning pressure plate 41 abuts the discharge electrode 50 downward, thereby keeping the discharge electrode 50 stable during the discharge process.

[0068] When the discharge electrode 50 needs to be replaced, the positioning pressing plate 41 is first pulled out from the positioning pressing groove 25 , and then the rotary disk assembly 30 is driven to rotate.

[0069] See also Figure 8The present invention also proposes an electrode replacement method, which is implemented by the above-mentioned micro-EDM electrode structure 100. Since this electrode replacement method adopts all the technical solutions of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it also has all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be described one by one here.

[0070] See also Figure 8 , the electrode replacement method includes the following steps:

[0071] S1: Cutting off the electrical connection between the micro-EDM electrode structure 100 and the power supply;

[0072] S2: driving the rotary disk assembly 30 to rotate, so that the triggering portion 321 triggers the clamping mechanism 20 to release the currently worn discharge electrode 50;

[0073] S3: Continue driving the rotating disk assembly 30 to rotate so that the receiving groove 31 is located directly above and facing the clamping mechanism 20, and the unworn discharge electrode 50 in the receiving groove 31 is separated from the receiving groove 31 and falls into the clamping mechanism 20;

[0074] S4: The clamping mechanism 20 re-clamps and positions the unworn discharge electrode 50 and stops rotating the rotating disk assembly 30 .

[0075] The above are merely optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A micro-EDM electrode structure, characterized in that: include: A discharge electrode, a rotating disk group rotatably arranged in a vertical plane, and a clamping mechanism located below the rotating disk group, the clamping mechanism is used to clamp or release the discharge electrode; the edge of the rotating disk group is provided with a receiving groove and a trigger portion arranged at an interval from the receiving groove, the discharge electrode is accommodated in the receiving groove; the rotating disk group rotates at a predetermined angle so that the trigger portion abuts and triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently clamped discharge electrode, and after the trigger portion disengages from the clamping mechanism, the receiving groove rotates to just above the clamping mechanism, and the discharge electrode in the receiving groove falls and is clamped by the clamping mechanism.

2. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping portion that is fixed and a second clamping portion that is slidable relative to the first clamping portion; the second clamping portion slides toward the first clamping portion to jointly clamp the discharge electrode, or the triggering portion drives the second clamping portion to slide away from the first clamping portion during rotation.

3. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 2, wherein: The first clamping portion is provided with a first groove, the second clamping portion is provided with a second groove, and the first groove is connected to the second groove to clamp the discharge electrode.

4. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 2, wherein: The clamping mechanism also includes an elastic member with elastic restoring force, one end of the elastic member is fixedly arranged, and the other end of the elastic member elastically presses the second clamping part toward the first clamping part; the triggering part drives the second clamping part to compress the elastic member, and after the triggering part disengages from the second clamping part, the elastic member drives the second clamping part to reset.

5. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 4, wherein: An abutment portion is protruded from the second clamping portion, and the abutment portion has an abutment state in contact with the triggering portion and a disengagement state disengaged from the triggering portion; when the abutment portion is in the abutment state, the triggering portion drives the second clamping portion to slide and compress the elastic member; when the abutment portion is in the disengagement state, the elastic member drives the second clamping portion to move toward the first clamping portion.

6. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 5, wherein: The abutting portion has an abutting surface abutting against the triggering portion, the abutting surface is a convex arc surface, and the triggering portion is ratchet-shaped and has a concave arc surface matched with the abutting surface.

7. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The rotating disk group includes a loading disk with the receiving groove and a driving disk with the trigger part, and the driving disk and the loading disk are coaxial and rotatable; the receiving groove and the trigger part are respectively located at the edge of the loading disk and the edge of the driving disk; the receiving grooves are arranged in plurality along the circumference of the loading disk, and the trigger parts are arranged in plurality along the circumference of the driving disk, and each trigger part is respectively arranged corresponding to each receiving groove.

8. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to claim 7, wherein: Two driving discs are provided, and the loading disc is located between the two driving discs.

9. The micro-EDM electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The micro-EDM electrode structure also includes a supporting shell having a rotating cavity and arranged in a vertical direction, the rotating disk group is located in the rotating cavity, and the clamping mechanism is connected to the lower end of the supporting shell; the supporting shell is respectively provided with a feed hole and a drop hole at opposite ends in the vertical direction, the feed hole and the drop hole are both connected to the rotating cavity, a plurality of discharge electrodes are arranged in the feed hole, the accommodating groove receives the discharge electrode at the feed hole, and the discharge electrode is separated from the accommodating groove at the drop hole and falls to the clamping mechanism.

10. A method for replacing an electrode, characterized in that: Using the micro-EDM electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the electrode replacement method comprises the following steps: Cutting off the electrical connection between the micro-EDM electrode structure and the power supply; driving the rotating disk assembly to rotate so that the triggering portion triggers the clamping mechanism to release the currently worn discharge electrode; Continue to drive the rotating disk assembly to rotate so that the receiving groove is located directly above and facing the clamping mechanism, and the unworn discharge electrode in the receiving groove is separated from the receiving groove and falls into the clamping mechanism; The clamping mechanism re-clamps and positions the unworn discharge electrode and stops rotating the rotating disk group.

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