Abstract:
A small hole electric discharge machining equipment automatic electrode change device having an electrode docking turntable having a plurality of mounting slots located at equal intervals, each with a magnet, holding an electrode chuck. When changing a used electrode chuck on the quick-release collet is required, a first cylinder moves the electrode docking turntable forward and the mounting slot receives the used electrode chuck, which is attracted to one magnet. The quick-release collet then releases the used electrode chuck. The machining rotatory spindle automatically rises and the electrode docking turntable returns to an original position. The electrode docking turntable rotates and positions a new electrode chuck below the quick-release collet. The electrode machining rotatory spindle then lowers attaching the electrode chuck to the quick-release collet, following which the electrode docking turntable returns to the original position, removing the electrode chuck from the mounting slot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1) Field of the Invention 
   The invention herein relates to a small hole electric discharge machining equipment automatic electrode change device that does not require manual labor and automatically replaces electrodes to increase utilization efficiency. 
   2) Description of the Prior Art 
   Conventional small hole electric discharge machining equipment typically consist of an electrode chuck situated at the lower extent of a machining rotatory spindle, the said electrode chuck holds an electrode and the machining rotatory spindle enables the electrode to perform electrical discharge machining as required. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   I. Problems 
   The prior art requires manual electrode installation and removal which creates at minimum the following shortcomings: 
   1. Since the electrode chuck is positioned at the lower extent of the machining rotate spindle that cannot be taken off, the electrode can only be installed and removed by loosening or tightening the electrode chuck; as such, the very small and long electrode tube is installed on the electrode chuck that if precautions are not observed, improper installation produces a slanted disposition that affects machining. 
   2. When replacing the electrode, fully automated requirements cannot be achieved because of the manual operation involved. 
   II. Solutions 
   1. The invention herein by design features a discrete electrode chuck and machining rotatory spindle, utilizing in between them a quick-release collet that is disposed on the machining rotatory spindle, enabling the automatic tightening and release of the said electrode chuck, and wherein prior to installation, the electrode is first mounted in the electrode chuck. 
   2. The invention herein utilizes an electrode docking turntable having mounting slots and magnets that are circularly disposed at equal intervals apart, thereby providing for the support and magnetically attracted positioning of a plurality of electrode chucks, a first cylinder then revolves the electrode docking turntable forward and backward, with the quick-release collect freeing the electrode chuck before the machining rotatory spindle ascends and the quick-release collet engaging the electrode chuck after it descends, thereby providing rapid electrode change performance and eliminating possible problems attributed to manual installation. 
   3. The invention herein also has a second cylinder than impels a push rod, and the said push rod nudges a rib disposed at equal intervals apart on the said electrode docking turntable to revolve it an appropriate angle; a spring is utilized downward against a steel ball that enters one of a plurality of locating holes that are disposed at equal intervals apart on the electrode docking turntable such that for each angle of rotation, the said steel ball becomes nested into a locating hole and, at the same time, one electrode chuck is positioned in one of the plurality of mounting slots and is situated at the anterior extent of the machining rotatory spindle quick-release collet, the said electrode change operation thereby providing for multiple automatic electrode change convenience and saving electrical discharge machining time. 
   4. In the invention herein, since the electrodes are accurately pre-positioned on the electrode docking turntable and do not require corrective re-positioning following automatic electrode change, the electrical discharge machining of machining objects is accomplished with less electrical discharge machining equipment downtime and increased machining efficiency. 
   5. The invention herein takes into consideration work table interference from the said electrode docking turntable and electrodes and, therefore, disposes the electrode docking turntable on a braced frame which has a hinge on one side and Z-shaped faceted divide that is sleeve fastened, wherein moving the sleeve separates the Z-shaped facet area to provide for opening the said electrode docking turntable and the electrodes by means of the hinge, enabling the jobber to finish the machining object or other item on the machining table. 
   III. Effects of the Invention 
   1. Installation convenience, installation time savings, and increases machining efficiency. 
   2. Does not require switching off equipment and manual labor to replace electrodes, thereby raising overall machining rates. 
   3. During prolonged electrical discharge machining and electrode change that requires more electrode machining, the present invention saves manpower and reduces costs. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings of the embodiments of the small hole electric discharge machining equipment automatic electrode change device below are followed by the detailed description of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric drawing of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 2  is an orthographic drawing that illustrates the operation of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 2-A  is an orthographic drawing that illustrates the operation of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 2-B  is an orthographic drawing that illustrates the operation of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 2-C  is an orthographic drawing that illustrates the operation of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional drawing of the electrode docking turntable of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 3-A  is a cross-sectional drawing of the electrode docking turntable of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 4  is an orthographic drawing of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4-A  is an orthographic drawing of  FIG. 3-A . 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric drawing of the electrode chuck of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 6  is isometric drawing of another embodiment of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 6-A  is an isometric drawing that depicts the operation of the toggle latch of the invention herein. 
       FIG. 6-B  is an isometric drawing that depicts the operation of the toggle latch of the invention herein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the small hole electric discharge machining equipment, a machining object A placement machining table B is situated at its anterior extent with a driven machining rotatory spindle  10  mechanism at the posterior extent of the machine platform, the said mechanism driven by a servo-motor (a conventional device not shown in the drawings); the controlled machining rotatory spindle  10  is moved upward and downward by an articulating apparatus (not within the scope of the invention herein and thus not further elaborated) that raises the machining rotatory spindle  10  to a preset highest point and lowest point during electrode change. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a quick-release collet  11  is positioned on the lower extent of the said machining rotatory spindle  10  and, furthermore, an electrode docking turntable  12  is situated at the anterior extent; referring to  FIG. 3 , the said electrode docking turntable  12  consists of a plurality of mounting slots  121  that are circularly disposed at equal intervals apart, with a magnet  122  appropriately situated at each mounting slot  121 ; additionally, referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , a disc  123  is at the center of the electrode docking turntable  12  and a plurality of locating holes  1231  are situated at equal intervals apart along the circumference of the disc  123  and, furthermore, radiating ribs  1232  are adjoined to the disc  123  outer periphery at equal intervals apart; the said electrode docking turntable  12  spin axis consists of an axle seat  3  at the upper extent and a spring  131  loading a steel ball  132  at the bottom end of the axle seat  13 , with the said steel ball  132  capable of entering a said locating hole  1231  such that as the electrode docking turntable  12  is rotated a certain angle, the said steel ball  132  becomes nested in the said locating hole  1231  and thus has simple dividing plate capability that precludes the necessity of expensive index gauges and similar equipment, thereby reducing cost. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a first slide rail  14  is vertically inserted through the axle seat  13  and, furthermore, each of the two extremities of the first slide rail  14  is fastened onto a support base  15 , the support base  15  support rod  16  is fixed to the upper extent of a braced frame  17 , and the electrode docking turntable  12  is suspended and stably positioned thereon; a first cylinder  2  is vertically fastened onto the said axle seat  13 , its push rod  21  conjoined to the support base  15  near the machining rotatory spindle  10 , enabling the first cylinder  2  to move the axle seat  13  and the electrode docking turntable  12  forward and backward on the first slide rail  14 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 3-A , and  FIG. 3-B , a second cylinder  3  is fastened to a suitable position at the upper extent of the axle seat  13 , the second cylinder  3  push rod  31  is conjoined to a connecting rod  32  and inserted through a push block  33  fixed to the lower extent of the said axle seat  13 , with a second slide rail  34  penetrating the said push block  33 , the two extremities of the second slide rail  34  fastened such that the push block  33  is controlled into left and right movement on the second slide rail  34  by the second cylinder  3  and, furthermore, a one-way, linkage-type push rod  35  is hinged to the front end of the said push block  33 , the said push rod  35  situated between the said radiating ribs  1232  and utilizes the operation of the second cylinder  3 , enabling the second cylinder  3  push rod  31  to lever the connecting rod  32  and thereby move the push block  33  towards the left, while the said push rod  35  is shoved against a said rib  1232 , causing the electrode docking turntable  12  to revolve an appropriate angle and, furthermore, as the second cylinder  3  returns to original position, the said push rod  35  of course slips pass the said rib  1232  for the next electrode change, nudging the electrode docking turntable  12  into rotation to the preparatory position. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , an electrode chuck  4  has a push-pull leakproof gasket  41  at one extremity, a retaining groove  42  formed below that provides for engaging the said quick-release collet  11 , a receiving groove  43  disposed at the lower extent of the retaining groove  42 , and electrode jaws  44  at the bottom extremity that provide for holding an electrode C; referring to  FIG. 1 , the receiving groove  43  is utilized for insertion into a said electrode docking turntable  12  mounting slot  121  and at the same time is attracted to the magnet  122  such that the electrode chuck  4  is stored firmly in position within the said mounting slot  121 , thereby providing for the automatic replacing and anchoring of the electrode chuck  4  for electrode change. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6-A , and  FIG. 6-B , at the two sides of the said braced frame  17  on which the electrode docking turntable  12  is suspended, a hinge  171  is disposed on one side and a toggle latch  172  is built into the other side; when the jobber installs a machining object or other item on the front of the machining table, the clasp head  1721  of the toggle latch  172  is released to open the braced frame  17  and electrode docking turntable  12  on the braced frame  17  via the hinge  171 , thereby providing for zero machining interference; when restoring is desired, the braced frame  17  is turned back via the hinge  171  such that a catch hook  1722  automatically pushes open the clasp head  1721  which enters the engaged position, the braced frame  17  to which it is conjoined thereby returned to provide for the automatic installation and change of electrodes. 
   The electrode installation procedure of the invention herein is as follows: 
   1. In  FIG. 2 , an electrode C (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) is first fitted into each of the electrode jaws  44  of the said plurality of electrode chucks  4  and, furthermore, the said receiving grooves  43  are utilized for insertion into a said electrode docking turntable  12  mounting slots  121 , enabling the placement of the electrode chucks  4  at equal intervals apart along the circular periphery of the electrode docking turntable  12  which are the same time attracted to the magnets  122 , enabling firm positioning and, furthermore, remain removable. 
   2. Continuing the said procedure, the controlled machining rotatory spindle  10  is raised to an appropriate height. 
   3.  FIG. 2-A  is the operation of the first cylinder  2 , wherein the axle seat  13  and the electrode docking turntable  12  are moved forward to a fixed point, the electrode chuck  4  on the said electrode docking turntable  12  is then positioned on the quick-release collet  11  at the lower extent of the said machining rotatory spindle  10 . 
   4.  FIG. 2-B  is the downward movement of the controlled machining rotatory spindle  10 , enabling the quick-release collet  11  to ensleeve the leakproof gasket  41  at the upper extremity of the electrode chuck  4  and cover the retaining groove  42  position, the quick-release collet  11  thereby becoming engaged and secured by means of the retaining groove  42 . 
   5.  FIG. 2-C  is the first cylinder  2  moving the axle seat  13  and the electrode docking turntable  12  back to their original position while the said electrode chuck  4  is separated from the electrode docking turntable  12  mounting slot  121  as well as the attraction of the magnet  122 , thereby completing the automatic installation of the electrodes. 
   The electrode change procedure of the invention herein is as follows: 
   1. Referring to  FIG. 2-C , when an electrode C is electrically discharged during utilization, since the electrode C is eventually worn down to an electrode change length, the machining rotatory spindle  10  is controlled to rise to an appropriate position to accept the electrode chuck  4 . 
   2. Continuing the said procedure, the first cylinder  2  moves the electrode docking turntable  12  forward, such that after the said installation, the mounting slots  121  are already controlled (as shown in  FIG. 2-C ) and thus capable of accepting the said electrode chuck  4  to be replaced, enabling the said mounting slots  121  to accommodate the insertion of the said electrode chuck  4  receiving grooves  43  which are at the same time also positioned by the attraction of the magnets  122  (as shown in  FIG. 2-B ). 
   3. The quick-release collet  11  is then controlled to free the electrode chuck  4 . 
   4. The machining rotatory spindle  10  is subjected to servo-motor control and is raised to a suitable height, causing electrode jaw  44  separation in the said electrode chuck  4  (as shown in  FIG. 2-A ). 
   5. Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the operation of the second cylinder  3  follows, wherein the push rod  31  levers the connecting rod  32  and thereby moves the push block  33  on the second slide rail  34  towards the left and the said push rod  35  at the front end of the push block  33  is simultaneously shoved against a said rib  1232  on the electrode docking turntable  12 , causing it to revolve an appropriate angle; at the same time, the said steel ball  132  is displaced from the original locating hole  1231  due to the rotation of the electrode docking turntable  12  and is then subsequently nested in another locating hole  1231 ′ such that the electrode docking turntable  12  stops after rotating the required angle; at the same time, alter the said electrode docking turntable  12  has rotated an appropriate angle, the electrode chuck  4  departs from the position at the lower extent of the quick-release collet  11  and the electrode chuck  4  already replaced is substituted by a new electrode chuck  4  that is positioned immediately below the said quick-release collet  11  (as shown in  FIG. 2-C  and  FIG. 2-A ). 
   6. In  FIG. 2-B , the controlled machining rotatory spindle  10  moves downward such that the quick-release collet  11  ensleeves a new electrode chuck  4 ′ and, furthermore, controls the tightness of the quick-release collet  11  on the electrode chuck  4 ′. 
   7. In  FIG. 2-C , the operation of the first cylinder  2  returns the axle seat  13  and the electrode docking turntable  12  back to their original position such that the said electrode chuck  4 ′ is separated from the  12  mounting slot  121  as well as the attraction of the magnet  122 , thereby restoring the state shown in  FIG. 2-C  and completing the electrode change task. 
   8. The said electrode change actions can by the same procedures replace other electrode chucks  4  until the machining of the machining object is finished.