Support clamp for electrode holder

Abstract

The utility model provides a support fixture used for an electrode holder, the electrode holder is provided with at least one electrode chuck used for clamping an electrode, the support fixture comprises a bottom frame, a plurality of support rods and a plurality of support rods, and a horizontal mesa supported on the chassis, in which the mesa provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder and is provided with at least one through-hole to allow the electrode chuck and the clamped electrode to pass downward through the mesa via the corresponding through-hole. According to the supporting clamp, the operation of mounting and dismounting the electrode holder is easier and more convenient, a large amount of physical strength of workers does not need to be spent, the safety of the whole operation process is effectively improved, the supporting clamp can be further suitable for various electrode holders with different structures, and the practicability is high. The adaptability is high, and the application is flexible and wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrical discharge machining and relates to a support fixture, and more particularly to a support fixture that can be used to temporarily support an electrode holder. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a process that uses electrical discharges to melt a portion of a workpiece and remove the molten part from the non-molten part to create a workpiece of the desired shape. It can be used to machine conductive materials such as metals, as well as non-conductive materials such as composites and ceramics. Furthermore, EDM can create complex and intricate shapes and contours, enabling the machining of many structures that are impossible to achieve through processes such as CNC milling and turning. Taking the machining of gas turbine blades as an example, as a core component of a gas turbine, the structural design and machining quality of the blades directly affect the turbine's performance and efficiency. Therefore, certain complex and intricate structures in the blades are often machined using EDM, such as the high-precision contours of film cooling holes, blade roots, tenons, and other fine structures.

[0003] In electrical discharge machining (EDM) equipment, the structure used to process the workpiece, i.e., to produce an electro-erosion effect on the workpiece, is the electrode. The electrode is held by an electrode holder, which is then connected to the spindle of the EDM machine tool via a spindle chuck. In most current operating scenarios, when it is necessary to install or remove the electrode holder, the worker must hold the electrode holder with both hands and then engage or disengage it with the machine tool spindle. In the processing of some products, multiple electrodes may be used simultaneously, resulting in a correspondingly large size and weight of the electrode holder. Taking gas turbine blades as an example, some models of blades use electrode holders that hold two electrodes, with the electrode holder weighing over 20 kg, while other models of blades use electrode holders that hold four or more electrodes, with the electrode holder weighing over 30 kg. Therefore, some electrode holders have exceeded the national weight limit for manual handling. Furthermore, frequently and repeatedly handling such heavy workpieces not only poses a risk of personal injury but also the risk of electrodes falling off and becoming unusable.

[0004] In view of this, the applicant believes it is necessary to provide a support clamp that can be used to temporarily support an electrode holder in order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure is intended to provide a support clamp for an electrode holder that at least partially eliminates the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0006] One object of this disclosure is to provide a support clamp for an electrode holder that makes the loading and unloading of the electrode holder more convenient and labor-saving.

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide a support clamp for an electrode holder that increases the safety of loading and unloading the electrode holder.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a support clamp for an electrode holder that can be adapted to various types of electrode holders.

[0009] To achieve at least one of the above objectives, this disclosure provides a support clamp for an electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder has at least one electrode chuck for holding an electrode, and the support clamp includes: a base frame; and a horizontal platform supported on the base frame, wherein the platform provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder and is provided with at least one through hole to allow the electrode chuck and the held electrode to pass downward through the platform via the corresponding through hole.

[0010] In this disclosure, the installation and removal of electrode holders are made easier and more convenient by providing support clamps, which does not require a lot of physical labor from workers and effectively improves the safety of the entire operation process. At least one through hole on the table avoids interference or collision between the table and the electrode chuck and the electrode.

[0011] Furthermore, the base frame includes multiple legs and a frame plate fixed above the legs, wherein the center of the frame plate is hollowed out to allow electrodes extending downward from at least one through-hole in the platform to continue through the frame plate. This hollowed-out frame plate improves the stability of the base frame and prevents interference between the frame plate and the electrodes.

[0012] Preferably, a buffer assembly is provided between the tabletop and the frame to allow the tabletop to move vertically relative to the frame in response to the pressure it bears. This buffer assembly greatly reduces the impact force generated between the electrode holder and the tabletop when they come into contact, providing a good cushioning effect and preventing potential collision damage when the electrode holder contacts the tabletop.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one through-hole is arranged to be applicable to electrode holders with different configurations, and the size of each through-hole is set to provide redundant movement space for the electrode holder and electrode when receiving them. This improves the adaptability and utilization of the support fixture, and on the other hand, it not only reduces the precision requirements of the operator when placing the electrode holder, but also reduces the risk of collision between the electrode holder and electrode and the table surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the support clamp includes a suspension element configured such that the support clamp can be moved by the cantilever crane via engagement of the suspension element with the cantilever crane, thereby saving manpower and handling time.

[0015] Furthermore, the support fixture has reinforcing elements, including: corner stiffeners disposed between the frame plate and the multiple legs; and / or surface stiffeners disposed at the bottom of the tabletop. The corner stiffeners advantageously enhance the stability of the base, while the surface stiffeners effectively improve the rigidity and strength of the tabletop, thereby preventing deformation of the tabletop.

[0016] Preferably, the support fixture further includes an optional auxiliary support configured to be mounted at an appropriate position on the table to provide auxiliary support to the portion of the electrode holder that cannot be directly supported by the table due to the center of gravity being off-center from the support surface of the table.

[0017] Furthermore, the auxiliary support is installed on the other side of the electrode holder's center of gravity relative to the table, thereby working together with the table to keep the electrode holder in a stable and balanced state.

[0018] Furthermore, the size and installation position of the auxiliary support are set according to the center of gravity position and shape of the electrode holder to ensure that the electrode holder is supported in a balanced state, thereby further improving the stability of the support.

[0019] Preferably, the center of gravity of the electrode holder is calculated and determined by simulation software to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

[0020] Preferably, anti-wear pads are installed on the support surfaces of the table and auxiliary support to prevent wear from occurring between the table and auxiliary support and the electrode holder due to direct contact.

[0021] By providing the support clamp as described in this disclosure, the installation and removal of electrode holders becomes easier and more convenient, requiring less physical effort from workers and effectively improving the safety of the entire operation. Moreover, the support clamp is applicable to a variety of electrode holders with different structures, making it highly adaptable, flexible, and widely applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The drawings are not drawn to scale and some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main components of the support clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front sectional view of part A;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of a support clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, excluding the auxiliary support;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the bottom structure of the support clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the support fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the first electrode holder;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the support fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the second electrode holder; and

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the support fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the third electrode holder.

[0030] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0031] 10. Support clamp; 101. Suspension element; 11. Outrigger.

[0032] 12. Countertop; 121. Anti-wear pads; 13. Frame panels

[0033] 141-142, Through holes 151-154, Through hole 16, Buffer assembly

[0034] 161. Column; 162. Spring; 163. Stopper.

[0035] 17. Auxiliary support 171. Anti-wear pad

[0036] 191. Angle reinforcement 192. Face reinforcement

[0037] 20. First electrode holder; 22. First body; 24. Spindle connector

[0038] 30. Second electrode holder; 32. Second body; 34. Spindle connector

[0039] 40. Third electrode holder; 42. Third body; 44. Spindle connector Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0041] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main components of a mobile, load-bearing assembly line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, this disclosure provides a support clamp 10 for an electrode holder, the support clamp 10 including: a base frame; and a horizontal platform 12 supported on the base frame, wherein the platform 12 provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder, and is provided with at least one through hole 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 154 allowing at least one electrode chuck on the electrode holder and the clamped electrode to pass through.

[0043] With the aid of the support fixture 10, when it is necessary to replace the electrode holder, the EDM machine tool can be operated to lower the electrode holder until it contacts the support surface of the table 12 of the support fixture 10, thereby disconnecting the electrode holder from the machine tool spindle. The electrode holder is then removed and supported on the table 12 of the support fixture 10. If necessary, a cantilever crane can be used to remove the electrode holder from the support fixture 10. Similarly, when it is necessary to install the electrode holder, a cantilever crane can be used to place the electrode holder on the table 12 of the support fixture 10. With the electrode holder supported by the table 12, the machine tool can be operated to engage the machine tool spindle with the spindle chuck of the electrode holder, thereby installing the electrode holder on the machine tool.

[0044] Furthermore, in most electrode holders, the electrode chucks and electrodes typically extend downward beyond the main body of the electrode holder. By providing at least one through hole 141, 142, 151, 152, 153, 154 on the platform 12, the electrode chucks and electrodes of the electrode holder can be allowed to extend downward through the platform 12 through the corresponding through hole, thus avoiding interference or collision with the platform 12.

[0045] By providing the support clamp 10 as described in this disclosure, the installation and removal of the electrode holder becomes easier and more convenient, without requiring a lot of physical labor from workers, and effectively improves the safety of the entire operation process.

[0046] Specifically, see Figure 1 The base includes multiple legs 11 and a frame plate 13 fixed above these legs 11. The center of the frame plate 13 is hollowed out to allow the electrodes to continue to extend through the frame plate 13 after passing through the through hole of the platform 12. This achieves both the stability provided by the frame plate 13 and avoids interference of the frame plate 13 with the electrodes.

[0047] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 Preferably, a buffer assembly 16 is provided between the tabletop 12 and the frame plate 13 to allow the tabletop 12 to move vertically relative to the frame plate 13 in response to applied pressure, thereby reducing the impact force when in contact with the electrode holder. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, the buffer assembly 16 includes a column 161 fixedly connected to the frame plate 13 and a spring 162 sleeved on the column 161. The upper end of the column 161 passes through a mounting hole in the tabletop 12, and the spring 162 is located between the tabletop 12 and the frame plate 13 to apply an upward biasing force to the tabletop 12. The buffer assembly 16 further includes a stop 163 mounted on the upper end of the column 161, which holds the tabletop 12 on the column 161 to prevent the tabletop 12 from disengaging from the column 161 under the biasing action of the spring 162.

[0048] The buffer assembly 16 enables an elastic connection between the tabletop 12 and the base frame, which greatly reduces the impact force generated between the electrode holder and the tabletop 12 when they come into contact, providing a good buffering effect and avoiding possible collision damage.

[0049] In addition, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 A wear-resistant pad 121 can be installed on the support surface of the table 12 for direct contact with the electrode holder to prevent wear between the support clamp 10 and the electrode holder due to direct contact. Exemplarily, the wear-resistant pad 121 is made of wear-resistant materials such as nylon or rubber. The wear-resistant pad 121 can be fixed to the support surface with screws for easy replacement.

[0050] Further, see Figure 3The location and number of through holes should be determined based on the location and number of electrode chucks and electrodes on the electrode holder. To reduce the precision required of workers when placing the electrode holder and to reduce the risk of collisions between the electrode chucks and electrodes and the table surface, the size of the through holes can be designed to be large enough to provide redundant movement space for the electrode chucks and electrodes, and their shape does not need to be absolutely regular.

[0051] The maximum load capacity of the support clamp 10 can be selectively set according to the weight of the electrode holder it supports. The support clamp 10 requires no manual handling, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the support clamp 10 includes suspension elements 101 that can engage with a cantilever crane. Specifically, the suspension elements 101 are lifting rings located on opposite sides of the platform 12. Thus, the support clamp 10 can be moved by the cantilever crane through the engagement of the suspension elements 101 with the cantilever crane, saving manpower and time.

[0052] Furthermore, reinforcing elements can be added to the support clamp 10 according to load-bearing requirements. For example, see... Figure 4 In the support clamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reinforcing element includes corner reinforcing ribs 191 disposed between the frame plate 13 and a plurality of support legs 11, and a plurality of intersecting surface reinforcing ribs 192 disposed at the bottom of the tabletop 12. The corner reinforcing ribs 191 can enhance the stability of the base, while the surface reinforcing ribs 192 effectively improve the rigidity and strength of the tabletop 12, thereby preventing deformation of the tabletop 12.

[0053] Next, we will combine Figures 5 to 7 This invention describes the application of the support clamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when carrying different types of electrode holders.

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the assembly state of the support clamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the first electrode holder 20 is illustrated. Figure 5 As shown, the first electrode holder 20 includes a first body 22, with a spindle connector 24 for engaging with a machine tool spindle at approximately the center of the upper surface of the first body 22. An electrode chuck is mounted at each end of the lower surface of the first body 22 for clamping corresponding electrodes. When the first electrode holder 20 is placed on the support fixture 10, the first body 22 is supported by the table 12, and the electrode chucks at both ends correspond to through holes 141 and 142, respectively.

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the assembly state of the support clamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the second electrode holder 30 is illustrated. Figure 6As shown, the second electrode holder 30 includes a second body 32, with a spindle connector 34 for engaging with a machine tool spindle at approximately the center of the upper surface of the second body 32. An electrode chuck is mounted at each end of the lower surface of the second body 32 for clamping a corresponding electrode. When the second electrode holder 30 is placed on the support fixture 10, the electrode chucks at both ends correspond to through holes 141 and 142, respectively.

[0056] Unlike the first electrode holder 20, the second electrode holder 30 has a cantilevered portion in its second body 32. This cantilevered portion occupies a significant portion of the weight and volume of the second body 32, causing the support surface provided by the platform 12 to be located outside the center of gravity of the second body 32, i.e., deviating from the center of gravity position. For this type of second electrode holder 30 with its support position deviating from the center of gravity, because the portion of its second body 32 in contact with the platform 12 is small, it may not be able to maintain a balanced and stable position on the platform 12 without auxiliary support.

[0057] The support fixture 10 according to this disclosure may further include an auxiliary support 17. For electrode holders like the second electrode holder 30, whose center of gravity is offset from the support position on the table, thus preventing stable support on the table, the auxiliary support 17 can be selectively installed at an appropriate position on the table 12 according to the center of gravity position and shape of the electrode holder 30 to be supported. Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary support 17 is installed below the overhang of the second body 32 to provide additional auxiliary support for the overhang of the second electrode holder 30, thereby ensuring the stability of the second electrode holder 30 when it is placed on the table 12.

[0058] Specifically, the size and installation position of the auxiliary support 17 are determined based on the center of gravity position and shape of the second electrode holder 30. The center of gravity position of the second electrode holder 30 can be calculated and determined using simulation software (such as Siemens NX).

[0059] Similarly, wear-resistant pads 171 for contacting the overhanging portion of the second electrode holder 30 can also be installed on the upper support surface of the auxiliary support 17 to prevent wear of the auxiliary support 17 and the overhanging portion of the second electrode holder 30 due to direct contact.

[0060] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the assembly state of the support clamp 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when supporting the third electrode holder 40 is illustrated. Figure 7As shown, the third electrode holder 40 includes a generally rectangular third body 42, with a spindle connector 44 for engaging with a machine tool spindle at approximately the center of the upper surface of the third body 42. Unlike the first body 22 of the first electrode holder 20, an electrode chuck is mounted at each of the four corners of the lower surface of the third body 42 for clamping a corresponding electrode. When the third electrode holder 40 is placed on the support fixture 10, the third body 42 is supported by the table 12, and the electrode chucks at the four corners correspond to through holes 151, 152, 153, and 154, respectively.

[0061] pass Figures 5 to 7 As can be seen from the examples, the support clamp 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of electrode holders with different structures, and has the advantages of strong adaptability, flexible application and wide range.

[0062] Based on the foregoing description of the support fixture according to the embodiments of this disclosure, it can be seen that the support fixture of this disclosure mainly includes a base frame and a horizontal platform supported on the base frame. The platform provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder and is provided with at least one through hole that allows the electrode chuck on the electrode holder and the clamped electrode to pass through. By providing the support fixture as described in this disclosure, the operation of installing and removing the electrode holder is easier and more convenient, without requiring a lot of physical labor from workers, and effectively improving the safety of the entire operation process. Moreover, the support fixture can be applied to various electrode holders with different structures, and has strong adaptability, flexible application and wide range.

[0063] The main features and advantages of the support fixture disclosed herein are as follows:

[0064] ① The table provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder and is provided with at least one through hole that allows the electrode chuck on the electrode holder and the clamped electrode to pass through, thereby providing stable support for the electrode holder and avoiding interference or collision with the electrode chuck and the electrode.

[0065] ② The base frame has a centrally hollowed-out frame plate, which not only provides the stability of the frame plate but also avoids interference between the frame plate and the electrodes.

[0066] ③ A buffer assembly is installed between the table and the frame, which greatly reduces the impact force generated between the two when the electrode holder comes into contact with the table, thus playing a good buffering role and avoiding possible collision damage.

[0067] ④ The through holes are arranged to be applicable to electrode holders with different configurations, thereby improving the adaptability and utilization of the support fixture.

[0068] ⑤ The size of the through hole can be designed to be large enough to provide redundant movement space for the electrode chuck and electrode, and the shape does not have to be absolutely regular. This not only reduces the precision requirements of the operator when placing the electrode holder, but also reduces the risk of the electrode chuck and electrode colliding with the table.

[0069] ⑥ The support clamp includes a suspension element that can engage with a cantilever crane, enabling the support clamp to be moved by the cantilever crane, saving manpower and time.

[0070] ⑦ The support fixture has reinforcing elements, wherein corner reinforcing ribs are set between the frame plate and multiple legs to enhance the stability of the base, and surface reinforcing ribs are set at the bottom of the tabletop, effectively improving the rigidity and strength of the tabletop, thereby preventing the tabletop from deforming.

[0071] ⑧ The support fixture may also include an auxiliary support so that the electrode holder with a smaller bottom surface can be supported in a balanced and stable manner on the table.

[0072] ⑨ The support surfaces of the tabletop and auxiliary supports are equipped with removable anti-wear pads to prevent wear on the support clamps and electrode holders due to direct contact.

[0073] The various embodiments and variations of this utility model have been described in detail above. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments and variations described above, but may include various other possible combinations and arrangements. Other variations and modifications can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. All these variations and modifications fall within the scope of this utility model. Moreover, all components described herein can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. A support clamp (10) for an electrode holder, wherein, The electrode holder has at least one electrode chuck for holding the electrode, and the support clamp (10) includes: Base frame; and A horizontal platform (12) supported on the base frame, Its features are: The platform (12) provides a support surface for supporting the electrode holder and is provided with at least one through hole to allow the electrode chuck and the clamped electrode to pass downward through the platform (12) via the at least one through hole.

2. The support clamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base frame includes multiple legs (11) and a frame plate (13) fixed above the multiple legs (11), wherein the center of the frame plate (13) is hollowed out to allow electrodes passing downward through the table (12) to continue extending through the frame plate (13).

3. The support clamp (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A buffer assembly (16) is provided between the tabletop (12) and the frame plate (13) to allow the tabletop (12) to move vertically relative to the frame plate (13) in response to the pressure it bears.

4. The support clamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position, size, and / or number of the at least one through hole are configured such that the at least one through hole can be adapted to electrode holders with different configurations, and the size of each through hole is set to provide redundant movement space for the electrode holder and the electrode when receiving the electrode chuck and the electrode.

5. The support clamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support clamp (10) includes a suspension element (101) configured such that the support clamp (10) can be moved by the cantilever crane through engagement of the suspension element (101) with the cantilever crane.

6. The support clamp (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support clamp (10) has a reinforcing element, the reinforcing element comprising: Angle reinforcing ribs (191) are provided between the frame plate (13) and the plurality of legs (11); and / or surface reinforcing ribs (192) are provided at the bottom of the tabletop (12).

7. The support clamp (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The support fixture (10) also includes an optional auxiliary support (17) configured to be installed at an appropriate position on the table (12) to provide auxiliary support for the portion of the electrode holder that cannot be directly supported by the table (12) when the electrode holder to be supported cannot be stably supported by the table (12) due to the center of gravity being off from the support position of the table (12).

8. The support clamp (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The auxiliary support (17) is installed on the other side of the center of gravity of the electrode holder relative to the support position of the platform (12), so that together with the platform (12), the electrode holder is kept in a stable and balanced state.

9. The support clamp (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Anti-wear pads (121; 171) are installed on the support surfaces of the table (12) and the auxiliary support (17), and the electrode holder is supported by the anti-wear pads.

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