Multi-station ultrasonic processing equipment

Abstract

This invention is a multi-station ultrasonic machining apparatus, comprising an ultrasonic electric spindle, a tool holder connecting flange, multiple piezoelectric components, a vibration frequency blocking ring, ultrasonic conductive wires, and a control wire flange. The piezoelectric components are located at the circumferential screw holes of the flange and are connected to the ultrasonic control equipment via conductive wires. The control equipment can selectively drive single or multiple piezoelectric components to generate vibrations in different arrangements such as odd numbers, even numbers, continuous or single-point configurations, outputting axial and radial high-frequency vibrations of different directions and amplitudes. The vibration frequency blocking ring is used to limit vibration transmission back to the spindle and improve operational stability, allowing the apparatus to flexibly adjust the vibration mode according to machining requirements, thereby improving machining efficiency, quality, and tool life.

Description

Multi-station ultrasonic processing equipment Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing device, particularly a multi-station ultrasonic processing device. Prior Technology

[0002] It is known that ultrasonic machining technology typically involves mounting a single piezoelectric vibrator on the spindle or cutting tool, using a single fixed vibration mode (such as simple axial vibration) to assist in cutting, drilling, or grinding. However, in actual machining, this type of structure is limited in terms of vibration direction, amplitude, and effective area, making it difficult to meet the needs of different materials, tool shapes, and machining conditions. This results in limited improvement in machining efficiency, and tool wear remains significant.

[0003] Furthermore, traditional ultrasonic machining equipment typically uses only a single set of piezoelectric components to generate vibration signals, using a single vibration source to drive the cutting tool. The piezoelectric element is usually embedded inside the tool holder, and power is supplied through contact between the tool holder electrodes and the spindle electrodes, or through external non-contact power supply via electromagnetic induction to drive the piezoelectric element to generate high-frequency vibration. However, this type of structure can only provide vibration output in a single direction or a fixed pattern, with insufficient flexibility in adjusting the vibration mode and amplitude, resulting in limited machining adaptability and difficulty in meeting the needs of multi-station or diversified machining, thus affecting machining efficiency and quality.

[0004] The following detailed description of the features and advantages of this invention is sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this invention and implement it accordingly. Furthermore, based on the content disclosed in this specification, the scope of the patent application, and the drawings, anyone skilled in the art can easily understand the purpose and advantages of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-station ultrasonic machining device that integrates multiple piezoelectric components inside an ultrasonic electric spindle. These components are centrally located on the tool holder flange, forming a multi-point vibration source, rather than being located within the tool holder itself. This allows vibration energy to be directly transmitted to the tool holder via the tool holder flange. This not only improves vibration output efficiency and stability but also allows for control of the drive modes of different piezoelectric components to generate multi-directional or multi-frequency vibration effects. Furthermore, it avoids power supply contact issues during tool holder changes, thereby improving machining accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.

[0006] The secondary objective of this invention is to provide a multi-station ultrasonic machining device that, through the configuration and independent control of multiple piezoelectric vibratory sub-modules, allows the machining tool to selectively obtain radial and axial high-frequency vibrations with different configurations, directions, and amplitudes to meet diverse machining needs.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to effectively limit the transmission of high-frequency vibrations toward the ultrasonic electric spindle by setting up a vibration frequency blocking ring, thereby avoiding unnecessary resonance or fatigue wear of the spindle body and improving overall machining stability and equipment lifespan.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to enable the piezoelectric vibration sub-module (e.g., eight piezoelectric components) to drive the vibration configurations of 1 to 8 individual piezoelectric components according to usage requirements (e.g., any single configuration of 1 to 8, or individual configurations of 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8, or individual configurations of 1+3+5+7, 2+4+6+8, etc., adjusting the required vibration configuration according to different processing requirements). This allows the piezoelectric vibration sub-module to be adjusted and controlled, transmitting axial and radial high-frequency vibrations of different intensities, orientations, and angles to the machining tool holder through the tool holder connecting flange.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this invention relates to a multi-station ultrasonic machining device, comprising: an ultrasonic electric spindle, which includes at least a spindle rear flange, a spindle front flange, and a spindle bearing located between the spindle rear flange and the spindle front flange, wherein one end of the spindle front flange is connected to the spindle bearing, and the other end is connected to a tool holder mounting bracket; a tool holder mounting bracket flange, which is sleeved on the outside of the tool holder mounting bracket and defines a plurality of screw holes; a plurality of piezoelectric components, which are respectively disposed at the screw hole positions; and a frequency blocking ring, which defines a plurality of rings corresponding to each of the screw holes. The piezoelectric assembly has a screw locking part, and the vibration frequency blocking ring is formed by a plurality of screw locking parts passing through each of the screw locking parts and locking the piezoelectric assembly in the screw hole; a plurality of ultrasonic conductive wires are connected to an ultrasonic control device by each of the piezoelectric assemblies; a control line flange is sleeved on the outside of the tool handle connecting flange, and the control line flange forms a through hole for each ultrasonic conductive wire to pass through, wherein the ultrasonic control device generates a control signal to control any of the piezoelectric assemblies to be energized and generate a vibration wave sufficient to vibrate the tool handle, and the vibration frequency of the vibration wave is limited towards the ultrasonic electric spindle by the vibration frequency blocking ring.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the piezoelectric component includes a plurality of piezoelectric sheets, a first conductive sheet disposed between each of the piezoelectric sheets, and two second conductive sheets disposed on each of the piezoelectric sheets and facing away from one end face of the first conductive sheet, wherein each of the second conductive sheets is interconnected as a whole.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly is provided between the tool handle connecting flange and the tool handle connecting seat.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic electric spindle further includes a spindle water jacket for accommodating the spindle rear flange, the spindle front flange and the spindle bearing, and the spindle water jacket is provided for connection to the control line flange.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the vibration frequency blocking ring, the piezoelectric component and the tool handle connecting flange are assembled, a space gap is defined between them and the front flange of the spindle shaft and the tool handle connecting clamp seat, which is sufficient to separate them without touching.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control signal includes: a first vibration signal controlling the vibration of an odd number of piezoelectric components, a second vibration signal controlling the vibration of an even number of piezoelectric components, a third vibration signal controlling the vibration of a piezoelectric component arranged in series on a single side, and a fourth vibration signal controlling the vibration of a single piezoelectric component. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0015] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the ultrasonic conductive wire connection in this invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the combination of the handle connecting flange, piezoelectric component and vibration frequency blocking ring of this invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional exploded view of the combination of the blade handle connecting flange, piezoelectric component and vibration frequency blocking ring of this invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, in which the first vibration signal is generated by the ultrasonic control device.

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, in which the second vibration signal is generated by the ultrasonic control device.

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, in which the ultrasonic control device generates a third vibration signal.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, in which the fourth vibration signal is generated by the ultrasonic control device. Implementation

[0023] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the other advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification.

[0024] The structures, proportions, and sizes illustrated in the accompanying diagrams of this manual are solely for the purpose of assisting those familiar with the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed herein. They are not intended to limit the feasibility of this creation and therefore have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size, provided they do not affect the effectiveness or purpose of this creation, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed herein. Furthermore, the terms used in this manual, such as "one," "two," and "above," are merely for clarity of description and not intended to limit the scope of this creation's feasibility. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of this creation's feasibility.

[0025] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 together. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional structural position diagram of the ultrasonic conductive wire connection. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the combination of the handle connecting flange, piezoelectric component and vibration frequency blocking ring. Figure 4 is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the multi-station ultrasonic machining device of this invention mainly includes an ultrasonic electric spindle 1. The ultrasonic electric spindle 1 includes at least a spindle rear flange 11, a spindle front flange 12, and a spindle bearing 13 disposed therebetween. One end of the spindle front flange 12 is connected to the spindle bearing 13, and the other end is connected to a tool holder connecting clamp 14 for mounting and fixing the machining tool holder T.

[0027] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a blade handle connecting flange 2 is fitted onto the outer side of the blade handle connecting clamp seat 14, and defines a plurality of screw holes 21 in its circumferential position. A plurality of piezoelectric components 3 are respectively disposed at the positions of the screw holes 21. Each piezoelectric component 3 is composed of a plurality of piezoelectric sheets 31, a first conductive sheet 32, and two second conductive sheets 33, wherein each second conductive sheet is interconnected as a whole. In a preferred embodiment, each piezoelectric component 3 includes a plurality of stacked piezoelectric sheets 31, a first conductive sheet 32 ​​disposed between adjacent piezoelectric sheets 31, and two second conductive sheets 33 respectively disposed on the outer side of each piezoelectric sheet 31 and located away from the end face of the first conductive sheet 32.

[0028] Specifically, the piezoelectric sheets 31 are sequentially stacked along the axial direction. The first conductive sheet 32 ​​is disposed between adjacent piezoelectric sheets 31. In this embodiment, the first conductive sheet 32 ​​is a copper sheet and is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the ultrasonic control device 7 to serve as the common positive conducting terminal of each piezoelectric sheet 31. Two second conductive sheets 33 are respectively disposed on the outer end faces of the uppermost and lowermost piezoelectric sheets 31, and are also formed of copper sheets. Each of the second conductive sheets 33 is electrically connected to each other as a whole and is connected to the negative terminal of the ultrasonic control device 7, so that the piezoelectric sheets 31 form a parallel configuration electrically.

[0029] With the above structural configuration, when the ultrasonic control device 7 applies an alternating voltage to the first conductive sheet 32 ​​and the second conductive sheet 33, each piezoelectric sheet 31 can synchronously expand and contract, thereby superimposing to form a stable and high-energy mechanical vibration output. Furthermore, each piezoelectric sheet 31 can be adjacent to a clamping member (not shown) on its outer side to ensure that the multilayer piezoelectric sheets 31 maintain good contact and structural stability under high-frequency vibration. Through the above parallel electrical structure and radially symmetrical arrangement, at least one set of piezoelectric components 3 can form a piezoelectric vibration sub-module, effectively improving the consistency and durability of vibration output. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric vibration sub-module may include eight sets of piezoelectric components 3, but the actual number can be adjusted according to usage requirements.

[0030] A vibration frequency blocking ring 4 is disposed on the outside of the piezoelectric components 3. The vibration frequency blocking ring 4 defines a plurality of screw locking parts 41. Each screw locking part 41 is locked into the screw hole 21 of the tool handle connecting flange 2 after the screw locking member 42 passes through the piezoelectric component 3, so that the piezoelectric component 3 is stably fixed. At the same time, by means of the material properties and structural design of the vibration frequency blocking ring 4, the transmission of high frequency vibration energy toward the ultrasonic electric spindle 1 is restricted.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, multiple ultrasonic conductive wires 5 are led out from each of the piezoelectric components 3 and connected to an ultrasonic control device 7 through the through hole 61 formed by the control line flange 6, so that each piezoelectric component 3 can be energized independently or in groups.

[0032] In this embodiment, after the vibration frequency blocking ring 4, piezoelectric component 3, and tool holder connecting flange 2 are assembled, a spatial gap G is defined between them and the spindle front flange 12 and tool holder connecting clamp 14 (as shown in Figure 1) to prevent high-frequency vibration from directly coupling to the spindle body, ensuring the spindle rotation accuracy and service life. This spatial gap G is formed along at least one of the spindle axial and radial directions. Its main purpose is to provide a non-contact mechanical isolation area so that the high-frequency vibration energy generated by the piezoelectric component 3 is effectively transmitted to the machining tool holder T only through the tool holder connecting flange 2, without being transmitted to the spindle front flange 12 or tool holder connecting clamp 14 through a physical contact path.

[0033] By setting this spatial gap G, the impact of high-frequency vibration on the spindle bearing 13 and the spindle body can be effectively reduced, avoiding adverse conditions such as resonance, amplitude amplification, or fatigue wear, thereby maintaining the dynamic stability of the spindle system under high-speed rotation. In addition, the spatial gap G can also cooperate with the aforementioned vibration frequency blocking ring 4 and bearing assembly 8 to form a multi-vibration suppression mechanism of structural isolation, material damping, and rotational isolation. This allows the multi-station ultrasonic machining device of this invention to maintain machining accuracy, equipment durability, and long-term operational reliability while simultaneously performing high-frequency ultrasonic vibration and high-speed rotational machining.

[0034] Furthermore, a bearing assembly 8 is further provided between the tool handle connecting flange 2 and the tool handle connecting seat 14. The bearing assembly 8 is sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the tool handle connecting seat 14 and located inside the tool handle connecting flange 2, so that the tool handle connecting flange 2 can rotate stably relative to the tool handle connecting seat 14.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing assembly 8 can be a ball bearing, an angular contact bearing, or a combination thereof. Its main function is to bear the radial load and part of the axial load generated by the machining tool holder T, while isolating the direct impact of the high-frequency vibration generated by the piezoelectric component 3 on the spindle rotation system. By setting up the bearing assembly 8, the tool holder connecting flange 2 can maintain good concentricity and rotational balance while bearing high-frequency ultrasonic vibration, preventing vibration energy from being directly transmitted to the spindle shaft front flange 12 and the spindle bearing 13, thereby reducing wear and heat accumulation in the spindle system and improving overall machining stability and accuracy. Furthermore, the bearing assembly 8 can also work in conjunction with the aforementioned spatial clearance G and vibration frequency blocking ring 4 to form a multi-layered vibration isolation structure, enabling the multi-station ultrasonic machining device of this invention to operate stably for extended periods under machining conditions where high-speed rotation and high-frequency vibration coexist.

[0036] The following, in conjunction with Figures 5 to 8, details the various vibration actuation methods of this invention. This ultrasonic control device can output multiple control signals to selectively drive piezoelectric components of different arrangements or numbers, including but not limited to: (1) a first vibration signal controlling the vibration of an odd number of piezoelectric components; (2) a second vibration signal controlling the vibration of an even number of piezoelectric components; (3) a third vibration signal controlling the vibration of piezoelectric components arranged in series on a single side; and (4) a fourth vibration signal controlling the vibration of a single piezoelectric component. For example, any group of vibrators (any group from 1 to 8) can be driven individually, or driven in pairs (such as 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8), or driven symmetrically and alternately (such as 1+3+5+7 or 2+4+6+8) to generate radial and axial high-frequency vibrations of different directions, angles, and amplitude intensities.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, where the ultrasonic control device generates the first vibration signal. In this operating mode, the ultrasonic control device 7 outputs the first vibration signal to control the piezoelectric components 3 (e.g., groups 1, 3, 5, and 7) arranged in an odd number to vibrate synchronously. Through this staggered start-up method, the tool holder connecting flange 2 generates a synthetic vibration in a specific direction, mainly forming a radial high-frequency vibration biased to one side, which is suitable for side cutting or milling operations with asymmetrical forces.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, where the ultrasonic control device generates a second vibration signal. In this operating mode, the ultrasonic control device 7 outputs a second vibration signal to control the synchronous vibration of the piezoelectric components 3 arranged in pairs (e.g., groups 2, 4, 6, and 8), so that the vibration distribution corresponds to the pattern in Figure 5. This configuration allows the tool to obtain radial high-frequency vibration in another direction, or can be used alternately with the pattern in Figure 5 to improve the consistency of the machined surface.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the usage state of this invention, where the ultrasonic control device generates a third vibration signal. In this operating mode, the ultrasonic control device 7 controls the piezoelectric components 3 located on the same side and arranged in series to vibrate synchronously, such as groups 1, 2, and 3 or groups 5, 6, and 7, causing the tool holder connecting flange 2 to generate a directional eccentric vibration trajectory. This vibration method is particularly suitable for grinding or drilling processes to improve chip removal efficiency and reduce machining resistance.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the operation of this invention using a fourth vibration signal generated by an ultrasonic control device. In this operating mode, only a single piezoelectric component 3 is controlled to vibrate, causing the tool to generate localized and directional micro-amplitude high-frequency vibration. This single-point vibration mode can be used for high-precision micro-machining or local finishing processes to avoid interference with surrounding machining areas.

[0041] In summary, this invention utilizes the ultrasonic control device 7 to flexibly control multiple piezoelectric vibration sub-modules. Different vibration configurations can be selected according to actual machining needs, thereby transmitting axial and radial high-frequency vibrations of varying intensities, directions, and angles to the machining tool holder. This significantly improves machining efficiency, machining quality, and extends tool life. Furthermore, by housing multiple piezoelectric components 3 inside the ultrasonic electric spindle 1, and centrally configuring these components on the tool holder connecting flange to form a multi-point vibration source, rather than placing them within the tool holder, the vibration energy is directly transmitted from the tool holder connecting flange to the machining tool holder. This not only improves vibration output efficiency and stability but also allows for control of different piezoelectric component drive modes to generate multi-directional or multi-frequency vibration effects. Simultaneously, it avoids power supply contact problems during tool holder replacement, thereby improving machining accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.

[0042] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this invention and are not intended to limit this invention. Any person skilled in the art may modify the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention should be as set forth in the following patent application claims.

[0043] 1: Ultrasonic electric spindle

[0044] 11: Rear flange of the main spindle shaft

[0045] 12: Front flange of the main spindle

[0046] 13: Spindle bearing

[0047] 14: Knife handle connecting bracket

[0048] 2: Tool handle connecting flange

[0049] 21: Screw hole

[0050] 3: Piezoelectric components

[0051] 31: Piezoelectric element

[0052] 32: First conductive sheet

[0053] 33: Second conductive sheet

[0054] 4: Vibration frequency blocking ring

[0055] 41: Screw locking part

[0056] 42: Screw locking parts

[0057] 5: Ultrasonic conductive wire

[0058] 6: Control line flange

[0059] 61: Perforation

[0060] 7: Ultrasonic control equipment

[0061] 8: Peilin Group

[0062] G: Spatial clearance

[0063] T: Machining tool holder

Claims

1. A multi-station ultrasonic processing device, comprising: An ultrasonic electric spindle includes at least a rear spindle flange, a front spindle flange, and a spindle bearing located between the rear and front spindle flanges. One end of the front spindle flange is connected to the spindle bearing, and the other end is connected to a tool holder mounting bracket. A tool holder mounting bracket flange is fitted onto the outside of the tool holder mounting bracket and defines a plurality of threaded holes. A plurality of piezoelectric components are respectively disposed at the threaded hole positions. A frequency blocking ring defines a plurality of locking portions corresponding to each of the piezoelectric components. A ring is formed by a plurality of screws passing through each screw portion and locking the piezoelectric component into the screw hole; a plurality of ultrasonic conductive wires are connected to an ultrasonic control device by each piezoelectric component; a control line flange is sleeved on the outside of the tool handle connecting flange, the control line flange forming a through hole for each ultrasonic conductive wire to pass through, wherein the ultrasonic control device generates a control signal to control any piezoelectric component to be energized and generate a vibration wave sufficient to vibrate the tool handle, and the vibration frequency of the vibration wave toward the ultrasonic electric spindle is limited by the vibration frequency blocking ring.

2. The multi-station ultrasonic processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric component includes a plurality of piezoelectric sheets, a first conductive sheet disposed between each of the piezoelectric sheets, and two second conductive sheets disposed on each of the piezoelectric sheets and facing away from one end face of the first conductive sheet, wherein each of the second conductive sheets is interconnected as a whole.

3. The multi-station ultrasonic processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein the first conductive sheet and each of the second conductive sheets are copper sheets.

4. The multi-station ultrasonic processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein the piezoelectric component is sequentially stacked along the axial direction as the second conductive sheet, the piezoelectric sheet, the first conductive sheet, the piezoelectric sheet and the second conductive sheet.

5. The multi-station ultrasonic machining apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein a bearing assembly is provided between the tool holder connecting flange and the tool holder connecting seat.

6. The multi-station ultrasonic machining apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic electric spindle further includes a spindle water jacket for accommodating the spindle rear flange, the spindle front flange and the spindle bearing, the spindle water jacket being connected to the control line flange.

7. The multi-station ultrasonic machining apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the frequency blocking ring, the piezoelectric component and the tool holder connecting flange, after being assembled, define a spatial gap between themselves and the front flange of the spindle shaft and the tool holder connecting clamp seat, sufficient to separate them from each other without contact.

8. The multi-station ultrasonic processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein the control signal includes: a first vibration signal controlling the vibration of an odd number of piezoelectric components, a second vibration signal controlling the vibration of an even number of piezoelectric components, a third vibration signal controlling the vibration of a piezoelectric component continuously connected in series on a single side, and a fourth vibration signal controlling the vibration of a single piezoelectric component.

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