An electrode assembly, an electric pulse-based tube forming apparatus, a method, and a tube

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of electric pulse processing, and particularly relates to an electrode assembly, a pipe body forming device based on electric pulse, a method and a pipe body. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode one and an electrode two. The electrode one comprises a first electrode segment, a second electrode segment and a conductive connecting sleeve. The first electrode segment is arranged on the side surface of the electrode two, and the first electrode segment and the side surface of the electrode two are separated by an insulating structure. One end of the conductive connecting sleeve is connected with one end of the first electrode segment. The second electrode segment is arranged through the other end of the conductive connecting sleeve and is threadedly matched with the end of the conductive connecting sleeve. One end of the second electrode segment is arranged opposite to one end of the electrode two. The region between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment and the electrode two forms an electrode gap. The side surface of the conductive connecting sleeve is provided with an opening. The electrode gap is flexible and adjustable, the discharge energy and the discharge position can be more accurately controlled, the controllability of the processing and forming is improved, the processing and forming with high quality and accurate position can be realized, and the application range is wider.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical pulse processing technology, specifically relating to an electrode assembly, a tube forming device, method, and tube based on electrical pulses. Background Technology

[0002] High-voltage pulse-driven forming is a typical high-energy-rate forming technology. It eliminates the need for a punch, thus eliminating the problem of punch-die matching, simplifying the mold structure, shortening the production cycle, and reducing costs. The forming process is stable, has good repeatability, and is highly safe. It has no requirements on the conductivity of the material and can be used for stamping of high-strength and high-hardness metal materials.

[0003] High-voltage pulse-driven forming is generally classified into unipolar discharge, bipolar discharge, wire discharge, and metal powder discharge. Taking bipolar discharge and wire discharge as examples, the electrode gap is the distance between two electrodes. In this type of discharge, the size of the electrode gap affects the discharge energy and the center position of the plasma channel, thus affecting the forming quality. Currently, regardless of whether the electrodes are arranged on the same side or opposite sides, their installation positions in the forming device are fixed. In some scenarios with different parameter experiments or different processing requirements, it is necessary to adjust the electrode gap, which requires changing the fixed installation position of the electrodes. It is difficult to make flexible adjustments according to usage needs. This is especially true for electrohydraulic forming, where it is difficult to flexibly adjust the electrode gap while ensuring the sealing of the forming device. Therefore, it suffers from poor flexibility, low controllability of forming quality, and limited applicability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly with a flexible and adjustable electrode gap, which can more accurately control the discharge energy and discharge position, improve the controllability of processing and forming, facilitate the realization of high-quality and precise position processing and forming, and has a wider range of applications; an electrode assembly, a tube forming device and method based on electric pulse; and a tube obtained based on the aforementioned method.

[0005] The present invention provides an electrode assembly, including an electrode one and an electrode two. The electrode one includes a first electrode segment, a second electrode segment, and a conductive connecting sleeve. The first electrode segment is disposed on the side of the electrode two and is separated from the side of the electrode two by an insulating structure. One end of the conductive connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the first electrode segment. The second electrode segment passes through the other end of the conductive connecting sleeve and is threaded to that end of the conductive connecting sleeve. One end of the second electrode segment is disposed opposite to one end of the electrode two, and the area between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment and the electrode two forms an electrode gap. An opening is provided on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve.

[0006] Furthermore, the opening has two or more, and the two or more openings are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve.

[0007] Furthermore, the first electrode segment is hollow and has two through ends, forming a sleeve shape. The insulating structure is arranged around the two sides of the electrode, and the first electrode segment is sleeved on the outside of the insulating structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the insulating structure is sleeve-shaped and is sleeved on both sides of the electrode.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating flange and a fixing block. The fixing block has a through hole in the middle. The end of the first electrode segment away from the conductive connecting sleeve passes through the insulating flange. The end of the insulating structure away from the conductive connecting sleeve passes through the through hole. The fixing block is fixed to the insulating flange. A boss one is provided on the side of the end of the first electrode segment away from the conductive connecting sleeve. A boss two is provided in the area of ​​the insulating structure between the fixing block and the insulating flange.

[0010] Furthermore, the insulating flange facing the fixing block and / or the fixing block facing the insulating flange are provided with grooves to accommodate boss one and boss two respectively. The fixing block is also provided with wire holes for the wires connected to the first electrode segment to pass through.

[0011] Furthermore, the second electrode segment and the second electrode each have a connection hole on their opposite ends.

[0012] The present invention also provides a tube forming device based on electrical pulses, including a mold, two pressure plates and an electrode assembly as described above. The mold is detachably fixed between the two pressure plates for accommodating the tube to be processed. The electrode assembly is disposed on one of the pressure plates, and one end of the electrode assembly with an electrode gap extends into the mold.

[0013] The present invention also provides a tube forming method based on electrical pulses, which uses the tube forming apparatus based on electrical pulses as described above, and includes the following: The medium is filled into the tube to be processed, the mold is fixed between two pressure plates, and the middle part of the electrode gap of the electrode assembly is aligned with the middle part of the required processing area of ​​the tube to be processed. Then the first electrode segment, the second electrode and the capacitor are connected to process the tube to be processed.

[0014] The present invention also provides a tube body, which is formed using the tube body forming method based on electrical pulses as described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are that the gap between the ends of electrode one and electrode two can be adjusted by rotating the second electrode segment, thereby allowing for more precise adjustment of the discharge energy. Furthermore, because the size of the electrode gap changes, the center position of the plasma channel also changes during discharge, enabling more precise adjustment of the discharge position. Since the second electrode segment and the conductive connecting sleeve are threaded together, adjustment is convenient while ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection between the second electrode segment and the conductive connecting sleeve.

[0016] When this electrode assembly is applied to electro-pulse-based forming processes, the electrode gap is flexibly adjustable without altering the overall mounting position of the assembly. This allows for more precise control of discharge energy and position, improving the controllability of the forming process and facilitating high-quality and precise positioning. Furthermore, adjusting the electrode gap does not require adjusting the mounting position or fixed state of the electrode assembly. This reduces the difficulty of installation and the complexity of the mounting structure, while also ensuring better sealing of the mounting position, enabling more reliable application in electro-hydraulic forming.

[0017] Furthermore, the electrode assembly of this invention only needs to be installed on a single pressure plate during use, unlike traditional opposing electrodes which are installed on two separate pressure plates. This simplifies installation and facilitates wiring between electrodes one and two. Since it can be installed on one side, it can be used not only for straight tubes but also for irregularly shaped tubes with bends where the electrodes can only be inserted from one end. Because the ends of electrodes one and two are coaxially aligned, compared to a dual-electrode structure installed on the same side, the electrode gap is flexibly adjustable, and the lateral space occupied by electrodes one and two is smaller. This allows for better application in the processing of small-diameter tubes and broadens the applicable processing range. Moreover, in scenarios where tubes cannot be sealed due to their shape, adjusting the electrode gap can increase the discharge energy, allowing for processing requirements to be met without the use of water or other media. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrode assembly of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode assembly of the present invention mounted on the pressure plate.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment of the tube forming device based on electric pulses of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of Embodiment 2 of the tube forming device based on electric pulse of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Electrode 1; 11. First electrode segment; 111. Boss 1; 12. Conductive connecting sleeve; 121. Opening; 13. Second electrode segment; 2. Electrode 2; 3. Insulating structure; 31. Boss 2; 4. Insulating flange; 5. Fixing block; 6. Pressure plate; 61. Sealing ring; 7. Left mold; 8. Right mold; 9. Tube body; 91. Inner tube; 92. Outer tube; 93. Required processing area; 10. Capacitor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an electrode assembly including an electrode 1 and an electrode 2. The electrode 1 includes a first electrode segment 11, a second electrode segment 13, and a conductive connecting sleeve 12. The first electrode segment 11 is disposed on the side of the electrode 2, and the first electrode segment 11 and the side of the electrode 2 are separated by an insulating structure 3. One end of the conductive connecting sleeve 12 is connected to one end of the first electrode segment 11. The second electrode segment 13 passes through the other end of the conductive connecting sleeve 12 and is threadedly engaged with that end of the conductive connecting sleeve 12. One end of the second electrode segment 13 is positioned opposite to one end of the electrode 2. The area between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment 13 and the electrode 2 forms an electrode gap. The size of the electrode gap can be adjusted by rotating the second electrode segment 13. An opening 121 is provided on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve 12. The position of the opening 121 corresponds to the area between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment 13 and the electrode 2, ensuring that the electrode gap is connected to the area outside the conductive connecting sleeve 12, so that the energy generated during discharge can be directed outward.

[0025] The electrode assembly provided by this invention has the following configuration: the end of the second electrode segment 13 facing the second electrode 2 is the end of the first electrode 1, and the end of the second electrode 2 facing the second electrode segment 13 is the end of the second electrode 2. Based on the structural arrangement of the first electrode 1, the ends of the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are coaxially aligned. The gap between the ends of the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 can be adjusted by rotating the second electrode segment 13, thereby allowing for more precise adjustment of the discharge energy. Furthermore, since the size of the electrode gap changes, the center position of the plasma channel also changes during discharge, allowing for more precise adjustment of the discharge position. Because the second electrode segment 13 and the conductive connecting sleeve 12 are threaded together, adjustment is facilitated while ensuring the stability and reliability of the connection between the second electrode segment 13 and the conductive connecting sleeve 12.

[0026] When this electrode assembly is applied to electro-pulse-based forming processes, the electrode gap is flexibly adjustable without changing the overall mounting position of the electrode assembly. This allows for more precise control of discharge energy and position, improving the controllability of the forming process and facilitating high-quality and precise positioning. Furthermore, adjusting the electrode gap does not require adjusting the mounting position or fixed state of the electrode assembly. This reduces the difficulty of installation and the complexity of the installation structure, while also ensuring better sealing of the mounting position, enabling more reliable application in electro-hydraulic forming. Additionally, the electrode assembly of this invention only needs to be mounted on a single pressure plate 6, unlike traditional opposing electrodes which are mounted on two separate pressure plates 6. This simplifies installation and facilitates wiring between electrode 1 and electrode 2. Moreover, because it can be installed on one side, when applied to the forming of tube bodies 9, it can be used for, for example… Figure 4 The processing and forming of the straight tube shown can also be used for, for example... Figure 5 This invention relates to the processing of a shaped tube with a bending radius, where the electrode can only be inserted from one end. Because the ends of electrode 1 and electrode 2 in the electrode assembly of this invention are coaxially aligned, compared to a dual-electrode structure mounted on the same side, the lateral space occupied by electrodes 1 and 2 is smaller, allowing for more flexible adjustment of the electrode gap. This makes it more suitable for processing small-diameter tubes 9 and broadens the applicable processing range. Furthermore, in scenarios where the tube 9 cannot be sealed due to its shape, adjusting the electrode gap can increase the discharge energy, enabling processing to meet certain requirements without the use of water or other media.

[0027] The opening 121 has two or more, and the two or more openings 121 are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve 12. The area on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve 12 located between any two openings 121 forms the part connecting the two ends of the conductive connecting sleeve 12, so as to ensure the connection strength between the first electrode segment 11 and the second electrode segment 13. In order to ensure that the conductive connecting sleeve 12 as a whole meets the conductivity requirements while having good strength and durability after a certain number of uses, the material of the conductive connecting sleeve 12 is preferably stainless steel.

[0028] The first electrode segment 11 is hollow and extends through both ends, forming a sleeve shape. The insulating structure 3 is arranged around the side of the second electrode 2, and the first electrode segment 11 is sleeved on the outside of the insulating structure 3. This arrangement helps to reduce the lateral dimensions of the electrode assembly at the positions of the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, while also facilitating the assembly between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2. More preferably, the insulating structure 3 is also sleeve-shaped, sleeved on the side of the second electrode 2.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly further includes an insulating flange 4 and a fixing block 5. The fixing block 5 has a through hole in its center. The end of the first electrode segment 11 facing away from the conductive connecting sleeve 12 passes through the insulating flange 4. The end of the insulating structure 3 facing away from the conductive connecting sleeve 12 passes through the through hole. The fixing block 5 is fixed to the insulating flange 4 by bolts. A boss 111 is provided on the side of the end of the first electrode segment 11 facing away from the conductive connecting sleeve 12. A boss 31 is provided in the area of ​​the insulating structure 3 between the fixing block 5 and the insulating flange 4. This configuration facilitates the fixing of the electrode 1 and the insulating structure 3, and also facilitates the overall installation of the electrode assembly.

[0030] The insulating flange 4 is provided with a groove on the side facing the fixing block 5 and / or the fixing block 5 is provided with a groove on the side facing the insulating flange 4 to accommodate the first boss 111 and the second boss 31. The fixing block 5 is also provided with a wire hole for the wire connected to the first electrode segment 11 to pass through, so as to facilitate the lead-out of the wire of the first electrode 1.

[0031] The second electrode segment 13 and the second electrode 2 each have a connecting hole on one end opposite to each other. The connecting hole can be used to wind metal wire to change the discharge energy and meet the corresponding processing requirements.

[0032] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the present invention also provides a tube forming device based on electric pulse, including a mold, two pressure plates 6 and an electrode assembly as described above. The mold is detachably fixed between the two pressure plates 6 for accommodating the tube 9 to be processed. The electrode assembly is disposed on one of the pressure plates 6. When the mold is fixed between the two pressure plates 6, one end of the electrode assembly with an electrode gap extends into the mold.

[0033] Because of the aforementioned electrode assembly, this tube forming device allows for flexible adjustment of the electrode gap without altering the overall installation position of the electrode assembly. This enables more precise control of discharge energy and position, improving the controllability of the forming process. It facilitates high-quality and precise positioning during forming, reduces the installation difficulty and complexity of the electrode assembly, and better ensures the sealing of the electrode assembly's installation position, allowing for more reliable application in electrohydraulic forming. It can be used not only for, for example... Figure 4 The processing and forming of the straight tube shown can also be used for, for example... Figure 5 This is applicable to the processing and forming of irregularly shaped tubes with bending radius and electrodes that can only be inserted from one end. It is also better suited for processing and forming small-diameter tubes 9, and has a wider range of applicable processing and forming capabilities.

[0034] The mold specifically includes a left mold 7 and a right mold 8. After the left mold 7 and the right mold 8 are closed, they are fixed to two pressure plates 6 by bolts. The two pressure plates 6 are equipped with sealing rings 61. The two ends of the tube 9 located in the mold abut against the sealing rings 61 on the two pressure plates 6 to ensure sealing.

[0035] The present invention also provides a tube forming method based on electric pulses, which uses the above-mentioned tube forming device based on electric pulses and includes the following: The medium is filled into the tube body 9 to be processed, the mold is fixed between the two pressure plates 6, and the middle part of the electrode gap of the electrode assembly is aligned with the middle part of the required processing area 93 of the tube body 9 to be processed. Then the first electrode segment 11, the second electrode 2 and the capacitor 10 are connected to process the tube body 9 to be processed.

[0036] The aforementioned pipe body 9 to be processed can be an independent pipe fitting that only needs to be formed, and the location where deformation needs to occur is its required processing area 93. The aforementioned pipe body 9 to be processed can also be two pipe fittings that need to be connected, for example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner tube 91 and the outer tube 92 that need to be connected, and the overlapping position where they need to be connected is the processing area 93.

[0037] Specifically, the tube body 9 to be processed is placed in the mold, and the mold is fixed on the pressure plate 6 without the electrode assembly installed. The electrode gap of the electrode assembly is adjusted so that when the other pressure plate 6 is fixed, the middle of the electrode gap of the electrode assembly can be aligned with the middle of the area 93 to be processed. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, from this perspective, the line connecting the center of the electrode gap of the electrode assembly to the center of the area 93 to be processed is horizontal, indicating alignment. A medium, such as water, is injected into the tube 9, and another pressure plate 6 is fixed, forming a... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the state shown, the first electrode segment 11 and the second electrode 2 are then connected to the capacitor 10, that is, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are connected to the capacitor 10, so that the charge in the capacitor 10 is released instantaneously to the ends of the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, and the pipe to be processed is processed accordingly.

[0038] Taking the pipe body 9 to be processed as a pair of 6063 aluminum alloy pipe fittings and 304 stainless steel pipe fittings as an example; the 304 stainless steel pipe fitting is the outer pipe 92, with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm and an outer diameter of 30 mm; the 6063 aluminum alloy pipe fitting is the inner pipe 91, with a wall thickness of 1 mm and an outer diameter of 25 mm; the total length of the connecting parts is 200 mm.

[0039] In one processing method, no metal wire is connected between the second electrode segment 13 and the second electrode 2. In this processing method, the rated voltage of the discharge equipment is 16kV, the total capacitance is 408μF, and the discharge voltage is 5kV. After the above-mentioned fixed installation is completed, the capacitor 10 is charged. After the preset voltage is reached, the charging is stopped, and the switch is closed, so that the charge in the capacitor 10 is released instantaneously to the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, and the 6063 aluminum alloy pipe and the 304 stainless steel pipe are processed and connected. After the processing is completed, the pressure plate 6 is removed, the medium is discharged, and the left mold 7 and the right mold 8 are opened to obtain the processed pipe body 9.

[0040] In another processing method, a metal wire is connected between the second electrode segment 13 and the second electrode 2 to change the discharge energy. In this processing method, the rated voltage of the charging and discharging equipment is 16kV, the total capacitance is 408μF, and the discharge voltage is 3kV. After the above-mentioned fixed installation is completed, the capacitor 10 is charged. After the charging reaches the preset voltage, the charging is stopped, and the switch is closed, so that the charge in the capacitor 10 is released instantaneously to the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, and the 6063 aluminum alloy pipe and the 304 stainless steel pipe are processed and connected. After the processing is completed, the pressure plate 6 is removed, the medium is discharged, and the left mold 7 and the right mold 8 are opened to obtain the processed pipe body 9.

[0041] The present invention also provides a tube body, which is formed using the tube body forming method based on electrical pulses as described above.

[0042] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of protection of this application is limited to these examples; within the framework of this application, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of one or more embodiments of this application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0043] One or more embodiments in this application are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of this application. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly, characterized in that, The device includes an electrode 1 (1), an electrode 2 (2), an insulating flange (4), and a fixing block (5). The electrode 1 (1) includes a first electrode segment (11), a second electrode segment (13), and a conductive connecting sleeve (12). The first electrode segment (11) is disposed on the side of the electrode 2 (2), and the first electrode segment (11) is separated from the side of the electrode 2 (2) by an insulating structure (3). One end of the conductive connecting sleeve (12) is connected to one end of the first electrode segment (11), and the second electrode segment (13) passes through the other end of the conductive connecting sleeve (12). The end of the conductive connecting sleeve (12) is threaded together with the end of the conductive connecting sleeve (12). One end of the second electrode segment (13) is opposite to one end of the second electrode (2), and the area between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment (13) and the second electrode (2) forms an electrode gap. The conductive connecting sleeve (12) has an opening (121) on its side. The position of the opening (121) corresponds to the area between the opposite ends of the second electrode segment (13) and the second electrode (2), so that the electrode gap is connected to the area outside the conductive connecting sleeve (12) so that the energy generated during discharge can act outward. The opening (121) has two or more, and the two or more openings (121) are circumferentially equidistantly arranged on the side of the conductive connecting sleeve (12); The fixed pressure block (5) has a through hole in the middle. The end of the first electrode segment (11) away from the conductive connecting sleeve (12) is inserted into the insulating flange (4). The end of the insulating structure (3) away from the conductive connecting sleeve (12) is inserted into the through hole. The fixed pressure block (5) is fixed to the insulating flange (4). The side of the end of the first electrode segment (11) away from the conductive connecting sleeve (12) is provided with a boss one (111). The area of ​​the insulating structure (3) between the fixed pressure block (5) and the insulating flange (4) is provided with a boss two (31).

2. The electrode assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode segment (11) is hollow and has two through ends, forming a sleeve. The insulating structure (3) is arranged around the side of the second electrode (2), and the first electrode segment (11) is sleeved on the outside of the insulating structure (3).

3. The electrode assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating structure (3) is sleeve-shaped and is sleeved on the side of electrode two (2).

4. The electrode assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating flange (4) has a groove on the side facing the fixing block (5) and / or the fixing block (5) has a groove on the side facing the insulating flange (4) to accommodate the first boss (111) and the second boss (31). The fixing block (5) also has a wire hole for the wire connected to the first electrode segment (11) to pass through.

5. The electrode assembly as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second electrode segment (13) and the second electrode (2) are respectively provided with connection holes on one end.

6. A tube forming device based on electrical pulses, characterized in that, The device includes a mold, two pressure plates (6) and an electrode assembly as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the mold is detachably fixed between the two pressure plates (6) for accommodating a tube (9) to be processed, and the electrode assembly is disposed on one of the pressure plates (6), with one end of the electrode assembly having an electrode gap extending into the mold.

7. A tube forming method based on electrical pulses, characterized in that, This method uses the tube forming apparatus based on electrical pulses as described in claim 6, and includes the following: The medium is filled into the tube (9) to be processed, the mold is fixed between the two pressure plates (6), and the middle part of the electrode gap of the electrode assembly is aligned with the middle part of the required processing area (93) of the tube (9) to be processed. Then the first electrode segment (11), the second electrode (2) and the capacitor (10) are connected to process the tube (9) to be processed.

8. A tube body, characterized in that, The tube is formed using the tube forming method based on electric pulses as described in claim 7.

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