Electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint

Abstract

The invention discloses an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint. The electrochemical discharge machining process system comprises a main shaft frame; the electrode clamp is movably arranged on the main shaft frame; a tool electrode; the force sensor is mounted on the main shaft frame; the elastic piece is respectively connected with the force sensor and the electrode clamp; the pulley structure is arranged on the main shaft frame; the balancing weight is connected with the electrode clamp through a pulley cable; and the air injection device is provided with an air inlet, and an annular air injection opening is defined between the tool electrodes of the air injection device. According to the electrochemical discharge machining process system for flexible force feedback and airflow constraint, flexible contact between the electrode and the workpiece and feedback of contact force can be achieved, airflow constraint is conducted on electrolyte on the circumferential face of the electrode, and the electrochemical discharge machining process system has the advantages of being high in machining efficiency, good in machining quality, good in controllability, high in locality and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of electrochemical discharge machining, and in particular to an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint. Background Art

[0002] Electrochemical discharge machining is a process in which an air film is formed on the surface of the tool electrode through an electrochemical reaction. The spark discharge that penetrates the air film produces a comprehensive physical and chemical effect under high temperature and high pressure to achieve material removal. Compared with mechanical grinding, laser processing and other methods, it can perform low-damage and high-efficiency processing on hard and brittle insulating materials such as quartz.

[0003] In the electrochemical discharge machining process in the related art, since the parts of the tool electrode that directly contact the electrolyte will participate in the electrolysis and discharge process, only the discharge at the end of the tool electrode is effective for machining the workpiece to be machined, while the discharge at the side wall of the tool electrode not only causes energy waste, but also seriously affects the machining accuracy due to overcutting. In addition, when the immersion depth of the workpiece to be machined is low, although the discharge at the side wall of the tool electrode can be suppressed to a certain extent, it will make the electrolyte renewal cycle difficult and the machining product discharge unsmooth, thus affecting the machining efficiency and machining quality.

[0004] In addition, in an ideal state of electrochemical discharge machining, the tool electrode should always be in contact with the workpiece to ensure that the discharge energy is efficiently used for material removal. However, in the electrochemical discharge machining equipment in the related art, the tool electrode is connected to the machine tool, and the tool electrode feed is controlled by the machine tool. It is difficult to keep the tool electrode feed rate synchronized with the material removal rate. If the tool electrode feed rate is lower than the material removal rate, the increase in the distance between the tool electrode and the workpiece will cause the material removal efficiency to be significantly reduced or even stagnant; if the tool electrode feed rate is too fast, it is easy to generate excessive contact force, resulting in damage to the thin-walled workpiece or the narrow beam structure in the array hole processing, which seriously affects the processing yield. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint, which can realize flexible contact between the electrode and the workpiece and feedback of the contact force and perform airflow constraint on the electrolyte around the electrode, and has the advantages of high machining efficiency, good machining quality, good controllability, strong localization, etc.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint is proposed according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint comprises: a spindle frame; an electrode fixture, the electrode fixture is movably arranged on the spindle frame; a tool electrode, the tool electrode is mounted at the lower end of the electrode fixture; a force sensor, the upper end of the force sensor is mounted on the spindle frame; an elastic member, the elastic member is respectively connected to the lower end of the force sensor and the upper end of the electrode fixture; a pulley structure, the pulley structure is arranged on the spindle frame; a counterweight block, the counterweight block is connected to the upper end of the electrode fixture through a pulley cable, the pulley cable extends upward from the upper end of the electrode fixture, passes through the pulley structure, and then extends downward to be connected to the counterweight block; an air jet device, the air jet device is provided with an air inlet connected to an air source, the air jet device is sleeved outside the tool electrode and defines an annular air jet port located radially outside the tool electrode between the air jet device and the tool electrode, the annular air jet port is at the lower end of the air jet device and is connected to the air inlet.

[0007] The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize flexible contact between the electrode and the workpiece and feedback of the contact force and perform airflow constraint on the electrolyte around the electrode, and has the advantages of high machining efficiency, good machining quality, good controllability and strong localization.

[0008] In addition, the electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint also includes: an upper guide plate, which is arranged on the spindle frame; a middle guide plate, which is arranged on the spindle frame, the middle guide plate is located below the upper guide plate and is spaced apart from the upper guide plate; a lower guide plate, which is arranged on the spindle frame, the lower guide plate is located below the middle guide plate and is spaced apart from the middle guide plate, each of the upper guide plate, the middle guide plate and the lower guide plate is provided with a circumferential limit hole, the electrode fixture is gap-fitted in a plurality of the circumferential limit holes, the cross-section of the electrode fixture perpendicular to the axial direction is adapted to the shape of the circumferential limit hole and limits the circumferential relative rotation of the electrode fixture and the circumferential limit hole.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper guide plate, the middle guide plate and the lower guide plate are all made of ceramic material.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spindle frame includes: a machine tool connecting plate, which is suitable for being connected to a machine tool; an upper mounting plate, which is connected to the machine tool connecting plate, the upper end of the force sensor is mounted on the lower surface of the upper mounting plate, the upper end of the electrode fixture has an upper axial limit plate, the upper end of the electrode fixture passes through the upper mounting plate and the upper mounting plate is suitable for stopping the upper axial limit plate; a middle mounting plate, which is connected to the machine tool connecting plate and is located at the upper mounting plate The lower mounting plate is connected to the machine tool connecting plate, the lower mounting plate is located below the middle mounting plate and is spaced apart from the middle mounting plate, the lower guide plate is arranged on the upper surface of the lower mounting plate, the middle guide plate is mounted on the lower mounting plate through a guide rod, the lower end of the electrode fixture has a lower axial limit plate, the lower end of the electrode fixture passes through the lower mounting plate and the lower mounting plate is suitable for stopping the lower axial limit plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint also includes a spring mounting plate, which is arranged at the lower end of the force sensor, and a plurality of upper spring grooves are arranged on the lower surface of the spring mounting plate. There are a plurality of elastic members, and the elastic members are springs. The upper ends of the plurality of elastic members are respectively detachably engaged in the plurality of upper spring grooves, and the upper end of the electrode fixture is provided with a plurality of lower spring grooves, and the lower ends of the plurality of elastic members are respectively detachably engaged in the plurality of lower spring grooves.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pulley structure includes: a first pulley, which is arranged on the main shaft frame; a second pulley, which is arranged on the main shaft frame and is spaced apart from the first pulley in the horizontal direction, and the pulley rope extends upward from the upper end of the electrode clamp, passes through the first pulley and the second pulley, and then extends downward to be connected to the counterweight block.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the counterweight block is greater than or equal to the sum of the weights of the electrode fixture, the tool electrode and the gas injection device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumferential surface of the jet device is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the tool electrode, and the jet device is threaded with a plurality of threaded adjustment parts, which abut against the tool electrode and are suitable for adjusting the coaxiality of the jet device and the tool electrode.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air inlets are multiple and are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the air injection device.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the outer diameter to the wall thickness of the tool electrode is greater than or equal to 10, and the accuracy of the force sensor is 0.001 Newton.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure numerals: Electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint 1, spindle frame 10, machine tool connecting plate 11, upper mounting plate 12, middle mounting plate 13, lower mounting plate 14, electrode fixture 20, upper axial limit plate 21, lower axial limit plate 22, tool electrode 30, force sensor 40, elastic member 50, upper spring groove 51, lower spring groove 52, pulley structure 60, pulley rope 61, first pulley 62, second pulley 63, counterweight block 70, jet device 80, air inlet 81, annular jet port 82, threaded adjustment member 83, upper guide plate 91, middle guide plate 92, lower guide plate 93, circumferential limit hole 94, guide rod 95, spring mounting plate 100, electrolyte 2, workpiece to be processed 3, power supply 4, electrolyte electrode 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] The following describes an electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a spindle frame 10, an electrode fixture 20, a tool electrode 30, a force sensor 40, an elastic member 50, a pulley structure 60, a counterweight block 70 and an air jet device 80.

[0033] The electrode holder 20 is disposed on the spindle frame 10 so as to be movable up and down (the up and down directions are indicated by arrows in the figure).

[0034] The tool electrode 30 is mounted on the lower end of the electrode holder 20 .

[0035] The upper end of the force sensor 40 is mounted on the spindle frame 10 .

[0036] The elastic member 50 is connected to the lower end of the force sensor 40 and the upper end of the electrode fixture 20 respectively.

[0037] The pulley structure 60 is disposed on the spindle frame 10 .

[0038] The counterweight block 70 is connected to the upper end of the electrode fixture 20 via a pulley cable 61 . The pulley cable 61 extends upward from the upper end of the electrode fixture 20 , passes through the pulley structure 60 , and then extends downward to be connected to the counterweight block 70 .

[0039] The jet device 80 is provided with an air inlet 81 connected to the air source. The jet device 80 is sleeved outside the tool electrode 30 and defines an annular jet port 82 located radially outside the tool electrode 30 between the jet device 80 and the tool electrode 30. The annular jet port 82 is at the lower end of the jet device 80 and is connected to the air inlet 81.

[0040] Specifically, the workpiece 3 to be processed is immersed in the electrolyte 2. The tool electrode 30 is electrically connected to the power supply 4, and the power supply 4 is also connected to the electrolyte electrode 5, and the electrolyte electrode 5 is immersed in the electrolyte 2. The power supply 4 can be a DC regulated power supply.

[0041] During machining, the power source 4 supplies power to the tool electrode 30 and the electrolyte electrode 5, so that the tool electrode 30 generates spark discharge to produce a comprehensive physical and chemical action under high temperature and high pressure to remove the material of the workpiece 3 to be machined.

[0042] The spindle frame 10 may be installed on a machine tool to achieve a feeding movement of the tool electrode 30 .

[0043] The pulley cable 61 changes its force direction after passing through the pulley structure 60 , so that the gravity of the counterweight block 70 is converted into an upward pulling force on the electrode fixture 20 , so as to balance the weight of at least a part of the electrode fixture 20 , the tool electrode 30 and the jet device 80 .

[0044] During machining, the tool electrode 30 contacts the workpiece 3 to compress the elastic member 50, and the force of the elastic member 50 is detected by the force sensor 40. The machine tool can adjust the feeding strategy of the tool electrode 30 according to the detection value of the force sensor 40.

[0045] During the machining process, gas is introduced into the gas inlet 81 through the gas source, and the gas flow is ejected downward along the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30 through the annular air jet 82 to blow away the electrolyte on the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30 .

[0046] According to the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint of the embodiment of the present invention, by setting the elastic member 50 and the force sensor 40, the elastic member 50 can buffer the contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be machined, realize the flexible connection between the tool electrode 30 and the machine tool, realize the flexible contact between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be machined, and facilitate to ensure the close contact between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be machined without excessive contact force. Compared with the method of rigid connection between the tool electrode and the machine tool spindle in the related art, it can avoid excessive or too small contact force. Under the same strain conditions, the tool electrode 30 is in contact with the surface of the workpiece 3 to be machined. The touch force can be reduced by 4-5 orders of magnitude while ensuring contact. At the same time, the force of the elastic member 50 can be detected by the force sensor 40, which is convenient for monitoring the contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be processed, so that the machine tool can adjust the feed strategy of the tool electrode 30 through the detection value of the force sensor 40, and realize the contact force feedback between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be processed. Compared with the electrochemical discharge machining equipment in the related technology, it is convenient to adjust the feed strategy of the tool electrode 30 to avoid feeding speed that is too fast or too slow, thereby ensuring machining efficiency and yield rate, and improving the controllability and adaptability of the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint.

[0047] Furthermore, by providing a counterweight block 70 and a pulley structure 60, the counterweight block 70 can be used to balance the weight of at least a portion of the electrode fixture 20, the tool electrode 30 and the jet device 80, thereby preventing the weight of the electrode fixture 20, the tool electrode 30 and the jet device 80 from acting entirely on the workpiece 3 to be processed. This not only further facilitates the control of the tool electrode 30 and avoids excessive or insufficient contact force, thereby improving the operating reliability and stability of the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint, but also allows the force sensor 40 to detect the contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be processed, thereby facilitating force feedback control of the feed strategy.

[0048] In addition, by setting up the jet device 80, the annular jet port 82 can be used to spray air downward along the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30 to blow away the electrolyte 2 on the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30, thereby realizing airflow constraint on the electrolyte 2 and reducing the discharge phenomenon on the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30. Compared with the electrochemical discharge equipment in the related art, the discharge phenomenon can be concentrated at the lower end of the tool electrode 30, reducing energy waste and overcutting, improving the controllability and localization of the discharge, thereby facilitating the improvement of the processing accuracy, and even when the immersion depth of the workpiece 3 to be processed is deeper, the airflow can be used to blow away the electrolyte 2 on the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30 to reduce the contact between the electrolyte 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30, reducing the discharge phenomenon on the outer peripheral surface of the tool electrode 30, and enabling the workpiece 3 to be processed to adopt a deeper immersion depth, so as to ensure the renewal cycle of the electrolyte 2 and the smooth discharge of the processed products, thereby improving the processing efficiency and processing quality.

[0049] Therefore, the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize flexible contact between the electrode and the workpiece and feedback of the contact force and perform airflow constraint on the electrolyte around the electrode, and has the advantages of high machining efficiency, good machining quality, good controllability and strong localization.

[0050] The following describes an electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to a specific embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-7 As shown, the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a spindle frame 10, an electrode fixture 20, a tool electrode 30, a force sensor 40, an elastic member 50, a pulley structure 60, a counterweight block 70 and an air jet device 80.

[0052] Advantageously, if Figures 1-3As shown, the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint further includes an upper guide plate 91, a middle guide plate 92, and a lower guide plate 93. The upper guide plate 91 is provided on the spindle frame 10. The middle guide plate 92 is provided on the spindle frame 10. The middle guide plate 92 is located below the upper guide plate 91 and is spaced from the upper guide plate 91. The lower guide plate 93 is provided on the spindle frame 10. The lower guide plate 93 is located below the middle guide plate 92 and is spaced from the middle guide plate 92. Each of the upper guide plate 91, the middle guide plate 92, and the lower guide plate 93 is provided with a circumferential limit hole 94. The electrode fixture 20 is in clearance fit in a plurality of circumferential limit holes 94. The cross-section of the electrode fixture 20 perpendicular to the axial direction is adapted to the shape of the circumferential limit hole 94 and restricts the circumferential relative rotation between the electrode fixture 20 and the circumferential limit hole 94. In this way, the axial movement of the electrode fixture 20 can be guided by the upper guide plate 91, the middle guide plate 92, and the lower guide plate 93, and the circumferential rotation of the electrode fixture 20 can be restricted to ensure the controllability of the movement of the tool electrode 30.

[0053] More preferably, the upper guide plate 91, the middle guide plate 92, and the lower guide plate 93 are all ceramic material parts. In this way, the guide plates can have a low friction coefficient, high hardness, and high thermal stability, reduce the frictional resistance, and improve the wear resistance, heat resistance, and reliability.

[0054] Specifically, the circumferential limit hole 94 and the end face of the corresponding guide plate are chamfered to facilitate the installation of the electrode fixture 20 and prevent damage to the electrode fixture 20 and the guide plate.

[0055] Specifically, as Figures 1-3 shown, the spindle frame 10 includes a machine tool connection plate 11, an upper mounting plate 12, a middle mounting plate 13, and a lower mounting plate 14. The machine tool connection plate 11 is adapted to be connected to the machine tool. The upper mounting plate 12 is connected to the machine tool connection plate 11. The upper end of the force sensor 40 is mounted on the lower surface of the upper mounting plate 12. The upper end of the electrode fixture 20 has an upper axial limit plate 21. The upper end of the electrode fixture 20 passes through the upper mounting plate 12 and the upper mounting plate 12 is adapted to stop the upper axial limit plate 21. The middle mounting plate 13 is connected to the machine tool connection plate 11. The middle mounting plate 13 is located below the upper mounting plate 12 and is spaced from the upper mounting plate 12. The upper guide plate 91 is provided on the lower surface of the middle mounting plate 13. The lower mounting plate 14 is connected to the machine tool connection plate 11. The lower mounting plate 14 is located below the middle mounting plate 13 and is spaced from the middle mounting plate 13. The lower guide plate 93 is provided on the upper surface of the lower mounting plate 14. The middle guide plate 92 is mounted on the lower mounting plate 14 through a guide rod 95. The lower end of the electrode fixture 20 has a lower axial limit plate 22. The lower end of the electrode fixture 20 passes through the lower mounting plate 14 and the lower mounting plate 14 is adapted to stop the lower axial limit plate 22. In this way, the installation of the guide plates can be facilitated, and the upper axial limit plate 21 and the lower axial limit plate 22 can limit the extreme movement positions of the electrode fixture 20 in the axial direction.

[0056] More specifically, as Figure 4 shown, the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint further includes a spring mounting plate 100. The spring mounting plate 100 is provided at the lower end of the force sensor 40. A plurality of upper spring grooves 51 are provided on the lower surface of the spring mounting plate 100. There are a plurality of elastic members 50, and the elastic members 50 are springs. The upper ends of the plurality of elastic members 50 are respectively detachably fitted in the plurality of upper spring grooves 51. A plurality of lower spring grooves 52 are provided at the upper end of the electrode fixture 20. The lower ends of the plurality of elastic members 50 are respectively detachably fitted in the plurality of lower spring grooves 52. This can facilitate the installation and positioning of the elastic members 50, avoid spring displacement, and moreover, the overall stiffness of the spring group can be changed by replacing the elastic members 50 and adjusting the wire diameter and quantity of the elastic members 50 to meet the requirements of different processing scenarios.

[0057] Specifically, the edges of the upper spring grooves 51 and the lower spring grooves 52 can be chamfered to facilitate the installation of the elastic members 50.

[0058] Figures 1-7 shows the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to some examples of the present invention. As Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the pulley structure 60 includes a first pulley 62 and a second pulley 63. The first pulley 62 is provided on the main shaft frame 10. The second pulley 63 is provided on the main shaft frame 10 and is spaced from the first pulley 62 in the horizontal direction. The pulley cable 61 extends upward from the upper end of the electrode fixture 20, passes through the first pulley 62 and the second pulley 63, and then extends downward to be connected to the counterweight 70. This can facilitate the adjustment of the position of the counterweight 70 and avoid the counterweight 70 interfering with the movement of the tool electrode 30.

[0059] Optionally, the weight of the counterweight 70 is greater than or equal to the sum of the weights of the electrode fixture 20, the tool electrode 30, and the air jet device 80. This can use the counterweight 70 to balance the total weight of the electrode fixture 20, the tool electrode 30, and the air jet device 80, further facilitate the control of the tool electrode 30, avoid excessive or too small contact force, improve the operation reliability and stability of the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint, and moreover, can further facilitate the force sensor 40 to detect the contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be machined, and further facilitate the force feedback control of the feed strategy.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the weight of the counterweight 70 is equal to the sum of the weights of the electrode fixture 20, the tool electrode 30, and the air jet device 80, force balance is achieved, and the force on the elastic member 50 is equal to the detected value of the force sensor 40 and equal to the actual contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the workpiece 3 to be machined.

[0061] Advantageously, as Figure 7 shown, the inner circumferential surface of the jet device 80 is spaced from the outer circumferential surface of the tool electrode 30. A plurality of threaded adjusting members 83 are threadedly engaged with the jet device 80. The plurality of threaded adjusting members 83 abut against the tool electrode 30 and are adapted to adjust the coaxiality of the jet device 80 and the tool electrode 30. Specifically, there may be four threaded adjusting members 83 and they are equally spaced along the circumferential direction of the jet device 80. This can facilitate the adjustment of the relative position between the jet device 80 and the tool electrode 30, facilitate ensuring that the airflow ejected from the annular jet orifice 82 is uniform, and avoid the problem that the local airflow is too small to cause insufficient constraint on the electrolyte 2.

[0062] More advantageously, as Figure 7 shown, there are a plurality of air inlets 81 and they are equally spaced along the axial direction of the jet device 80. Specifically, there are four air inlets 81. This can improve the uniformity of air intake, and thus further improve the uniformity of air jet from the annular jet orifice 82.

[0063] Optionally, the ratio of the outer diameter to the wall thickness of the tool electrode 30 is greater than or equal to 10. This can facilitate the realization of small-area perforation discharge machining and the completion of large-area material removal.

[0064] Furthermore, the accuracy of the force sensor 40 is 0.001 N. Specifically, the force sensor 40 may be a strain type force sensor and its measurement range is 0 - 10 N. This can ensure the sensitivity of the force sensor 40, facilitate the real-time monitoring of the contact force between the tool electrode 30 and the surface of the workpiece 3 to be machined, and realize the precise control of machining.

[0065] Specifically, the surfaces of the various components of the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint can be sandblasted to prevent electrolyte corrosion and extend the service life.

[0066] The tool electrode 30 may be a copper material part, such as brass or red copper, to improve the electrical conductivity.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of the tool electrode 30 is 5 mm and the wall thickness is 0.25 mm. The clearance between the electrode fixture 20 and the circumferential limiting hole 94 is 6 - 19 microns. The diameters of the upper spring groove 51 and the lower spring groove 52 are 5 mm. The outer diameter of the elastic member 50 is 4 mm, the wire diameter is 0.2 mm, and the length is 15 mm.

[0068] The voltage adjustment range of the power supply 4 is 20 - 150 V, the rated current is 20 A. The electrolyte 2 uses a sodium hydroxide solution with a mass fraction of 10%. The workpiece 3 to be machined is a quartz glass workpiece and the immersion depth is 8 mm.

[0069] The maximum outer diameter of the flattened cylinder of the electrode fixture 20 is 20 mm, and the maximum inner hole dimension of the upper mounting plate 12 and the lower mounting plate 14 is 25 mm.

[0070] The other components and operations of the electrochemical discharge machining process system 1 with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to the embodiments of the present invention are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0071] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint, characterized in that: include: Spindle frame; An electrode fixture, the electrode fixture is movably arranged on the spindle frame; A tool electrode, the tool electrode being mounted at the lower end of the electrode fixture; A force sensor, the upper end of which is mounted on the spindle frame; An elastic member, wherein the elastic member is respectively connected to the lower end of the force sensor and the upper end of the electrode fixture; A pulley structure, wherein the pulley structure is arranged on the spindle frame; A counterweight block, wherein the counterweight block is connected to the upper end of the electrode fixture via a pulley cable, wherein the pulley cable extends upward from the upper end of the electrode fixture, passes through the pulley structure, and then extends downward to be connected to the counterweight block; An air jet device is provided with an air inlet connected to an air source, the air jet device is sleeved outside the tool electrode and defines an annular air jet port located radially outside the tool electrode between the air jet device and the tool electrode, the annular air jet port is located at the lower end of the air jet device and is connected to the air inlet.

2. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1 is characterized in that: Also includes: An upper guide plate, the upper guide plate being arranged on the spindle frame; A middle guide plate, the middle guide plate being arranged on the spindle frame, the middle guide plate being located below the upper guide plate and spaced apart from the upper guide plate; A lower guide plate, wherein the lower guide plate is arranged on the spindle frame, the lower guide plate is located below the middle guide plate and is spaced apart from the middle guide plate, each of the upper guide plate, the middle guide plate and the lower guide plate is provided with a circumferential limit hole, the electrode fixture is gap-fitted in a plurality of the circumferential limit holes, the cross-section of the electrode fixture perpendicular to the axial direction is adapted to the shape of the circumferential limit hole and limits the circumferential relative rotation of the electrode fixture and the circumferential limit hole.

3. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The upper guide plate, the middle guide plate and the lower guide plate are all made of ceramic materials.

4. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main shaft frame comprises: A machine tool connecting plate, wherein the machine tool connecting plate is suitable for connecting to a machine tool; An upper mounting plate, the upper mounting plate is connected to the machine tool connecting plate, the upper end of the force sensor is mounted on the lower surface of the upper mounting plate, the upper end of the electrode fixture has an upper axial limit plate, the upper end of the electrode fixture passes through the upper mounting plate and the upper mounting plate is suitable for stopping the upper axial limit plate; A middle mounting plate, the middle mounting plate is connected to the machine tool connecting plate, the middle mounting plate is located below the upper mounting plate and is spaced apart from the upper mounting plate, and the upper guide plate is arranged on the lower surface of the middle mounting plate; A lower mounting plate, wherein the lower mounting plate is connected to the machine tool connecting plate, the lower mounting plate is located below the middle mounting plate and is spaced apart from the middle mounting plate, the lower guide plate is arranged on the upper surface of the lower mounting plate, the middle guide plate is mounted on the lower mounting plate through a guide rod, the lower end of the electrode fixture has a lower axial limit plate, the lower end of the electrode fixture passes through the lower mounting plate and the lower mounting plate is suitable for stopping the lower axial limit plate.

5. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a spring mounting plate, which is arranged at the lower end of the force sensor, and a plurality of upper spring grooves are arranged on the lower surface of the spring mounting plate. There are a plurality of elastic members, and the elastic members are springs. The upper ends of the plurality of elastic members are respectively detachably fitted in the plurality of upper spring grooves. The upper end of the electrode fixture is provided with a plurality of lower spring grooves, and the lower ends of the plurality of elastic members are respectively detachably fitted in the plurality of lower spring grooves.

6. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulley structure comprises: a first pulley, the first pulley being arranged on the spindle frame; The second pulley is arranged on the spindle frame and is spaced apart from the first pulley in the horizontal direction. The pulley rope extends upward from the upper end of the electrode fixture, passes through the first pulley and the second pulley, and then extends downward to be connected with the counterweight block.

7. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weight of the counterweight block is greater than or equal to the sum of the weights of the electrode fixture, the tool electrode and the jet device.

8. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner circumference of the jet device is spaced apart from the outer circumference of the tool electrode. The jet device is threaded with a plurality of threaded adjustment members, which abut against the tool electrode and are suitable for adjusting the coaxiality of the jet device and the tool electrode.

9. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlets are multiple and are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the air injection device.

10. The electrochemical discharge machining process system with flexible force feedback and airflow constraint according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio of the outer diameter to the wall thickness of the tool electrode is greater than or equal to 10, and the accuracy of the force sensor is 0.001 Newton.

Images