GB1012420A - Machine for the electro-erosion of metals - Google Patents

Abstract

1,012,420. Electro-erosion. EASCO PRODUCTS Inc. Jan. 2, 1964 [Jan. 9, 1963], No. 265/64. Heading B3V. An electro-erosion machine has a head 16, Fig. 1, adapted to receive interchangeable electrode tools and means 60, 74, Fig. 6, are provided for locating the tools in a predetermined position. The head 16 is slidable in guides 30 by a rack-and-pinion mechanism operated by a handle 32, or alternatively by an hydraulic cylinder controlled by an electronic servomechanism. The workpiece is supported in a reservoir 20 on a bed 18 mounted for movement in perpendicular directions 22, 26 by handles 24, 28. Dielectric fluid is circulated through the reservoir by pipes 36, 38. Between the head 16 and guides 30 are provided ball bearings 96, Fig. 6, located by plates 94 and running against angularly adjustable rods 90, Fig. 4 (not shown). Rack-and-pinion mechanism 88, 98, 92 is provided on both sides of the head to prevent slip. An attachment structure 54 at the base of the head comprises a dovetail slot 72 with a movable side piece 70 actuated by a handle 68 and screw 66 for clamping an electrode tool in the slot. Endwise location is provided by a depending pin 74. Electrode tools.-One tool 40, Fig. 8, has a wire electrode 120 drawn from reel 118 over straightening rollers 122 and guide rollers 124, 126 by a motor 130 and rewound on reel 134 driven by motor 132. The wire provides a straight portion 128 for eroding a precision slot in a workpiece. The tool has a dovetail portion 102 for engagement in the slot 72. In another tool 42, Fig. 9, the electrode 142 is rotatable about its own axis and also has an adjustable planetary motion. The electrode is rotatable in bearings 164 of a block 168 adjustable transversely by a screw 182 in a rotatable cage 152 having internal teeth 158 meshing with a pinion 150 on the shaft of motor 146. Electrode shaft 162 carries a pinion 170 coupled to pinion 150 by an idler gear 172 on a spring-loaded arm 174. A further tool, Fig. 12, comprises a disc 190 carrying a plurality of radial electrodes 182, 184. The disc can be indexed and locked in a selected position by a pin 198. Another tool 46, Fig. 14, for forming an arcuate passage 220 in a workpiece 218 comprises an electrode 214 mounted on a lever 212 actuated by a servomotor 210. Another tool, Fig. 15 (not shown), for forming internal slots in a tubular workpiece, has its electrode reciprocated transversely of the head 16, Fig. 1. A further tool 50, Fig. 16, comprises a disc electrode 250 used for sharpening a tool 274 mounted on a bracket 276 on a slide 266 which can be moved transversely by a screw 270 to bring a dressing tool 278 into engagement with the electrode. Another tool, Fig. 17 (not shown), for boring long holes in a workpiece has a hollow electrode movable axially in an outer sleeve. A further tool, Fig. 18 (not shown), is used for forming helical grooves in a hollow workpiece. U.S.A. Specification 2,375,052 is referred to.