Electro-Hydraulic Joint Supply Structure for Automated Tool Changing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro machining equipment faces challenges in integrating efficient electro-hydraulic functions, particularly in electric arc machining, due to the need for central flushing and additional power supply structures, which complicates the spindle structure and reduces automation during tool changing processes.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic combined device that integrates an electrical insulator, electro-hydraulic joint supply base, and pipes to provide a compact structure for simultaneous fluid and electrical connections, eliminating the need for central flushing and additional power supply structures, allowing for automated tool changing and improved machining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode shank for electro machining is provided with central flushing function and power supply through the spindle, then the electro machining function is improved, but the spindle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: the electro-hydraulic joint supply base provides fluid supply, the binding post provides power supply, and the electrode shank provides electrode holding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring the spindle to have integrated central flushing and power supply capabilities, thereby reducing spindle structure complexity while maintaining electro machining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-hydraulic joint supply base integrates both fluid supply (hydraulic) and electrical connection (joint supply) functions in a single base structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide both flushing fluid and power supply through a unified interface, reducing the need for separate complex structures in the spindle while maintaining all necessary electro machining functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power supply is manually mounted or removed during tool changing process, then the electrode shank can be replaced, but the automation degree of equipment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding post is designed to be integrally connected to the electrode shank, merging the power supply function with the tool holder. This integration ensures that when the tool is automatically changed, the power supply connection is automatically transferred along with the tool, eliminating the need for separate manual power supply connections and removals, thereby increasing the automation degree of the equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional insulation structure is added to the spindle for power supply, then the electro machining function is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is extracted from the spindle and relocated to the binding post on the electro-hydraulic joint supply base. This extraction eliminates the need for additional insulation structures within the spindle, as the power supply is now provided through a separate, dedicated component that does not require integration with the spindle's mechanical structure, thereby reducing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the usability and automation of electro machining by integrating fluid and electrical connections, improving machining accuracy and reducing tool changing time, while maintaining a compact structure that does not interfere with existing machine tool functions.
Implementation Method 1
When the terminal connection port is snap-engaged with a top end of the terminal of the electro-hydraulic joint supply pipes
Implementation Method 2
the electrode shank for electro machining and the spindle are insulated from each other
Implementation Method 3
the binding post, the electro-hydraulic joint supply base, the terminal, the electro-hydraulic joint supply pipes, and the electrode shank for electro machining are conductive and electrically conducted
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic combined device is provided. The electrical insulator is fixedly connected with a spindle shell; a top end of the electro-hydraulic joint supply base is fixedly connected with the electrical insulator; a connection port of the working fluid pipe and a binding post are arranged on the electro-hydraulic joint supply base; a bottom end of the electro-hydraulic joint supply base is provided with a terminal connection port; the connection port of the working fluid supplying pipe and the terminal connection port communicate with a fluid channel in the electro-hydraulic joint supply base; when the terminal connection port is snap-engaged with a top end of the terminal of electro-hydraulic joint supply pipes, the fluid channel in the electro-hydraulic joint supply base is communicated with a fluid channel in the terminal; the fluid channel in the terminal is further communicated with a flushing fluid container on an electrode shank for electro machining.