JP2009541073A - Jet machining apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge assembly apparatus for jet machining has a cavity prefilled with an abrasive. The cartridge assembly is configured to pressure inject a machining fluid-abrasive mixture from a first end of the cartridge assembly. The first end of the cartridge assembly is further for engagement with a cartridge assembly interface of the jet processing apparatus. The cartridge assembly is also arranged to engage the press at a position spaced from the first end to engage and hold the cartridge assembly with the cartridge assembly interface. The device also extends to the cartridge assembly interface and press.
[Selection] FIG. 6A

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly apparatus for use in jet machining. The present invention also relates to an apparatus having a cartridge assembly pre-filled with abrasive material for use in jet machining.

  In many applications where precision machining is required, an abrasive fluid jet system (abrasive jet system) is used. One type of abrasive jet system uses an abrasive that is stored and discharged under pressure from a pressure vessel and mixed with a fluid carrier to form a fluid-abrasive mixture. In so doing, the mixture is typically accelerated by a nozzle to form a fluid-abrasive jet for machining, such as cutting a substrate.

  Such existing systems require mixing the fluid-abrasive mixture and delivering it to the nozzle for the mixture to be ejected. Care must be taken to ensure that the mixture is not contaminated, otherwise the nozzle and the entire system will not perform optimally. For example, the nozzle can become clogged with contaminants in the mixture.

  Standard high precision jet processing systems generally use a batch process to fill a pressure vessel with a fluid-abrasive mixture. The pressure vessel is supplied with a fluid (eg, water) and an abrasive. The fluid-abrasive mixture is then pressurized and delivered to the nozzle where it is discharged from the nozzle at high speed to achieve high precision machining. When a particular batch of fluid-abrasive mixture is used up, the machining process must be stopped and a new batch of mixture must be replenished before the process can be resumed. Generally, when a container with a capacity of about 15 liters is used with a nozzle with a diameter of about 0.25 mm, the fluid-abrasive mixture can be fed for about 30 minutes of machining. The size of the abrasive particles of the fluid-abrasive mixture is typically at most one third of the nozzle diameter, beyond which the nozzle will be easily clogged with oversized particles.

  It has also been found that the use of smaller size abrasive particles results in the use of a nozzle having a smaller nozzle diameter. Similarly, it should be understood that the size / capacity of the pressure vessel is correspondingly reduced. However, reducing the size of the pressure vessel can be a problem in filling the vessel. As containers become smaller, standard equipment for filling containers becomes relatively large and is considered unqualified for filling small containers.

  There is also a problem of sedimentation. In the operation of the machining apparatus, it is generally necessary for the abrasive particles to settle towards the interior or the bottom of the container. After a standard batch of fluid-abrasive mixture with “normally sized” particles is replenished, the abrasive particles are placed at the bottom of the container until the appropriate concentration of abrasive particles is placed towards the bottom inside the container. It only takes a few minutes to settle towards However, the smaller abrasive particles used in smaller diameter nozzles require a much longer time to settle. When the nozzle mouth size is reduced to about 50 microns (and applying the general rule of thumb that the particles should be no more than one third of the nozzle diameter), the small abrasive particles The settling time required for the liquid to settle sufficiently in the fluid-abrasive mixture can be significant. This is a highly undesirable situation. For example, it can be cost-effective to load a mixture with smaller size abrasive particles into a container and wait for hours for the abrasive particles in the mixture to settle before machining can begin. I don't think it's good.

  One system that attempts to address these issues is disclosed in WO 99/14015. A sealed cartridge containing pre-filled abrasive is loaded or connected to the microjet processing apparatus. By using a pre-filled cartridge, the mixture is allowed to settle before use by storing the cartridge. The cartridge can simply be stored, for example overnight, and then used in the machining process the next day. Furthermore, preloading of the mixture into the cartridge can be done in a clean environment, thereby reducing the possibility of contamination of the mixture with substances that can clog the nozzle 16 in WO 99/14015. For nozzle diameters less than 100 microns, the capacity of the abrasive reservoir for 1 hour machining is usually less than 1 liter. The barrel of this capacity abrasive reservoir can be easily handled by the operator, thereby changing the cartridge containing the abrasive and fluid.

  The system of WO 99/14015 uses a cartridge made of a polymer material such as high density polyethylene having an external shape that matches the internal shape of the container. The container has a barrel and a base that are screwed together. The cartridge has a screw cap that includes a passage that mates with a passage in the base for connection to the conduit and delivery to the nozzle. The cartridge is configured to stand upright during use and is configured to eject a pressurized fluid-abrasive mixture from the cartridge through an opening in the bottom of the cartridge.

  There are several problems with this configuration. First, this cartridge configuration requires a complex sealing mechanism to prevent unwanted leakage. The cartridge and the lid have a seal member disposed so as to apply the internal pressure of the cartridge to the screw portion of the cartridge, and the internal pressure action causes the seal member to be deformed to fit the screw of the lid, thereby further sealing. Of course, like many seals, they tend to leak and the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the outlet opening is at the bottom of the cartridge, i.e. The fact is that any bad or worn seal will leak. Furthermore, this screw configuration is cumbersome and can be damaged by any suspended particles of the abrasive, especially if they enter the thread. In general, screw configurations do not lend themselves to an ideal type of “clean room” environment in order to avoid contamination of the mixture and nozzle clogging.

WO99 / 14015

  In essence, the disclosed configuration provides a complex solution with a large number of components that are prone to failure, which can cause damage to the device.

  In addition, device maintenance is generally a problem that poses a real cleaning problem due to thread / screw placement, and the cartridge opening is located at the bottom of the cartridge during use.

  The invention is set out in the independent claims. Some optional features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

  A cartridge assembly disposed to engage a cartridge assembly interface (which is a manifold in the device embodiment) at a first end of the cartridge assembly (the same end at which the fluid-abrasive mixture is extruded under pressure). By providing the press, the press spaced apart from the first end of the cartridge assembly to hold the cartridge in engagement with the interface can achieve the engagement of the manifold and assembly in a relatively simple manner. . This contributes to a clean environment and consequently reduces the risk of contamination and leakage. Furthermore, if there is a leak at the simple interface between the cartridge assembly and the manifold, cleaning any leaks is much easier.

  Further, by configuring the fluid-abrasive mixture to eject from the cartridge against gravity (ie, substantially upward), problems associated with poor or wear seals may be reduced. Of course, if these seal members are defective, the resulting problems are alleviated by the natural tendency of the fluid-abrasive mixture to settle towards the bottom of the cartridge assembly away from the outlet opening of the cartridge assembly under gravity. The This arrangement proves to be particularly advantageous when the opening for the injection of the mixture is arranged so that it is located on the upper surface of the cartridge assembly in use.

  The following further advantages are explained by means of an embodiment of the device. The removable cartridge can be sold as a set as a consumable item having plug-and-play functionality (functionality that can be used immediately upon connection).

  Contaminated cartridges can be easily disposed of. Contaminated conventional pressure vessels spend considerable effort in removing contaminants and are therefore very expensive to maintain.

  The cartridge can also be packaged in a clean room to ensure non-contamination. The cartridge can be pre-filled with abrasive and then fluid can be added to form a fluid-abrasive mixture. The cartridge can be provided pre-filled with a fluid-abrasive mixture. An important consideration is that the fluid-abrasive mixture settles sufficiently prior to operation of the machining apparatus in which the cartridge assembly is installed.

1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the device. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the specific example of a cartridge assembly. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the cartridge assembly interface, the cartridge assembly, and the press. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge assembly apparatus in which a cartridge assembly interface, a cartridge assembly, and a ram are assembled. It is a perspective view which shows the Example of the sealing structure of a cartridge assembly apparatus. It is a vertical front view which shows the Example of a cartridge assembly apparatus. It is a vertical side view which shows the Example of a cartridge assembly apparatus.

  The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a schematic diagram of an apparatus for jet machining incorporating a cartridge assembly apparatus. The apparatus 10 has a cartridge assembly 12 that includes a cartridge 13 having a cavity 14 pre-filled with abrasive 16 to supply a fluid-abrasive mixture for machining (as shown in FIG. 1A). Need not be completely filled, partial prefilling is sufficient). The cartridge assembly 12 also includes a pressure vessel 18 for receiving the cartridge 13 when subjected to pressurization from the pressurized fluid flowing into the cavity 14 through the one or more openings 34 and the one or more conduits 32. The cartridge is configured to pressurize a fluid-abrasive mixture from the first end 26 of the cartridge assembly 12 through the one or more openings 28 and the one or more conduits 30.

  Also, a cartridge assembly interface 20 (in the embodiment of the apparatus, this is a manifold) for engaging the first end 26 of the cartridge assembly 12 and for delivering a fluid-abrasive mixture from the cartridge assembly for machining. ) Is also shown. Conduits 30 and 32 can be provided in at least a portion of the cartridge assembly interface 20.

  The cartridge assembly 12 and the manifold 20 are arranged to provide a smooth, uneven connection surface with substantially flat or complementary surfaces 15, 17 that engage and / or mate with each other. In the device embodiment, they are arranged to be substantially continuous surfaces (except for apertures 28, 34). In an embodiment of the apparatus, the flat surface of the cartridge assembly arranged to engage the cartridge assembly interface / manifold extends over substantially the entire surface area engaging the manifold and is therefore relatively simple. This guarantees a proper connecting surface. This configuration results in a relatively simple articulating surface that is also relatively “clean” and contributes to easy maintenance and cleaning.

  In an embodiment of the apparatus, the cartridge 13 comprises a plastic body having an outer surface that is complementary to the inner surface of the pressurized container. Thus, the cartridge fits precisely into the pressure vessel, which prevents excessive deformation of the cartridge when pressurized fluid is introduced into the cartridge.

  Also shown is a press 22 for engagement with the cartridge assembly 12 at a location 23 spaced from the first end 26 of the cartridge assembly. The position where the press 22 engages the cartridge assembly 12 is spaced from the first end 26 of the cartridge assembly 12 as indicated by reference numeral 25. (In the embodiment of the apparatus, the first end can be considered as the entire part of the cartridge assembly that engages the manifold 20, so that the position of engagement between the press 22 and the cartridge assembly 12 is the first position. As long as it is spaced from the end 26, a relatively simple connection between the cartridge assembly 12 and the manifold 20 can be achieved.) In an embodiment of the device, the position 23 is the first on the cartridge assembly 12. Disposed distally of the end 26, for example, at the end opposite the first end.

  The press applies a holding force to the cartridge assembly 12 to hold the cartridge assembly 12 with the cartridge assembly 12 engaged with the cartridge assembly interface 20. The press 22 moves in the direction 24 to engage the cartridge assembly 12 and applies the holding force to the assembly or pulls it down to allow the cartridge assembly 12 to be inserted into or retracted from the cartridge assembly interface 20. It is configured to let you. Embodiments of the device can be driven hydraulically, pneumatically, with the press being a screw configuration or any other suitable configuration.

  An alternative position of the press is indicated by reference numeral 22a, where the press at alternative position 22a engages cartridge assembly 12 at a distance 25a away from the first end of the cartridge assembly. The press at the alternative position 22a is configured to move in the direction of 24a shown in the figure to apply a holding force or retract to allow removal of the cartridge assembly. Although omitted for clarity, in an embodiment of the apparatus, the press at alternate location 22a engages a recess in the outer surface of cartridge assembly 12.

  An alternative arrangement of the device is illustrated by FIG. 1B, where like numerals indicate the same parts as shown in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the cartridge comprises a body 13b and a sealing closure means 13a for sealing the abrasive 16 and fluid-abrasive mixture to the cavity 14. The fluid-abrasive mixture exits the cartridge 13 through an opening (not shown) in the closure means 13a. In this embodiment of the apparatus, the press itself is a pressure vessel arranged to contain the cartridge and hold the cartridge 13 in engagement with the cartridge assembly interface (manifold) 20. The drive mechanism of the press 22 is actuated by any of several means shown at the positions 22a and 22b arranged to drive the press in the direction of each distance 25a and 25b. is there.

  In the apparatus embodiment, the cartridge assembly is an integral pressure unit.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the components of the cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the apparatus is shown. The cartridge assembly 12 includes a sealed cartridge 13 and a pressure vessel 18 for receiving the cartridge 13 in the opening 38. The cartridge 13 includes openings 34 and 28 at the first end 26 of the cartridge. In this embodiment of the apparatus, the pressure vessel 18 has a surface 42 for engaging a press (not shown). A key 44 provided on the outer surface of the main body of the pressure vessel 18 is adapted to engage with a key groove (not shown) provided in a press (not shown). In addition, the pressure vessel 18 is provided with handle means 40 to assist the operator in the physical operation of the pressure vessel 18 and the physical operation of the entire cartridge assembly 12.

  An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus is shown in FIG. Shown is a cartridge assembly interface (manifold) 20 for dispensing a fluid-abrasive mixture for a machining process. Also as shown, the cartridge assembly 12 has a substantially flat top surface 17 at the first end 26 of the cartridge assembly that extends essentially the entire first end 26 of the cartridge assembly 12. The substantially flat top surface 17 is for engaging and mating with a corresponding substantially flat surface of an internal opening (not shown) in the bottom surface 20a of the manifold 20. The manifold 20 has a conduit on the upper surface 52 of the manifold 20 that passes through the manifold body and protrudes at an opening 50 in the upper surface 52.

  Also shown in this embodiment is a press 22 consisting of a hydraulic ram (although the hydraulic circuit for ram operation is omitted for clarity). The ram 22 has an internal concave surface 43 for engaging the convex surface 42 of the cartridge assembly 12. The ram 22 also includes a keyway 46 in the inner lip 48 for engagement with the key 44 of the cartridge assembly 12. The key and keyway combination provides a means for securing the ram 22 to the cartridge assembly 12. In order to achieve the effect of this engagement means, the operator places the cartridge assembly 12 into the internal opening of the ram 22 and twists the cartridge assembly 12 about the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the cartridge assembly 12 in a vertical plane. Thus, the key 44 is engaged with the key groove 46. The hydraulic ram 22 is then manipulated to engage the cartridge assembly 12 with the manifold 20. Thereafter, pressurized fluid is introduced into the cavity 14 (not shown) of the cartridge assembly 12 through the opening 50 of the manifold 20 and the openings 34, 28 of the top surface 26 of the cartridge 13 of the cartridge assembly 12. The fluid-abrasive mixture is then arranged to be pressure injected from the cartridge assembly for use in machining.

  FIG. 4 shows the assembled device comprising the cartridge assembly 12, the ram 22 and the manifold 20. It goes without saying that the manifold 20 can constitute an integral part of a larger jet processing apparatus.

  FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the cartridge assembly 12 to illustrate the sealing function of the cartridge assembly. The openings 34 and 28 are provided with slots 54 into which O-rings are inserted, thereby providing a seal around the openings 34 and 28 when the cartridge assembly 12 is engaged with the manifold 20. Openings 34, 28 are disposed near the outer peripheral edge 55 of the cartridge assembly 12, thereby minimizing any deformation of the cartridge from the O-ring seal. The tolerance of the cartridge assembly is such that the O-ring can form a seal when the cartridge assembly 12 is engaged with the manifold 20 by operating the press 22. These seal portions do not need to be particularly strong because the inside of the pressure vessel is at atmospheric pressure. During use, water is poured until the pressure vessel and the entire inside of the cartridge have the same pressure with the help of loose fitting on the cartridge side in the pressure vessel, so the O-ring for sealing the pressure vessel in the slot 56 Subject to pressure differential. The seal at the top of the cartridge only seals to direct flow into the required conduit in the cartridge. As such, they are only subjected to very small pressure differences. The cartridge assembly 12 also has an O-ring slot 56 disposed around the pressure vessel 18. The advantage of this design is that all seals (around openings 34, 28 and in slot 56) are in the cartridge assembly, not in manifold 20. This configuration makes maintenance of the apparatus easier. Since the O-ring is not a long-lasting part, each new cartridge assembly 12 may have its own O-ring. The pressure vessel sealing O-ring located in the slot 56 around the pressure vessel can be very easily replaced if necessary.

  Because the hole is disposed at the top of the cartridge assembly 12, the risk of any fouling due to O-ring leakage is significantly reduced when the cartridge assembly 12 is removed from the manifold.

  6A and 6B show cross-sectional views of the conduit within the manifold 20 and cartridge assembly 12. The stirring, mixing, and supply of the fluid-abrasive mixture are as described in International Publication No. WO 02/085573 by the same applicant as that of the present application, and the disclosure is substituted by referring to that publication. As shown, the apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6B includes a cartridge assembly 12 comprising a cartridge 13 and a pressure vessel 18 with a ram 22 engaging the cartridge assembly 12 by a key 44 and a keyway 46. The interface between the cartridge assembly 12 and the manifold 20 is shown. O-ring seals in slots 54, 56 are provided to seal cartridge assembly 12 and conduits 60, 62, 64 and 66.

  Although the invention has been described by way of example only, it will be appreciated that various design changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that features presented with respect to one aspect of the invention may be applied in other aspects of the invention.

10 Equipment
12 Cartridge assembly
13 cartridge
14 cavity
15 surface
16 Abrasive
17 Top view
18 Pressure vessel
20 Manifold
20a bottom
22 Lamb
22a Alternate position
22b position
23 position
24 directions
24a direction
25 distance
25a distance
25b distance
26 First end
28, 34 opening
30, 32 conduit
44 key
46 Keyway
48 Inner lip
50 openings
52 Top view
54 Opening O-ring slot
55 outer periphery
56 Slot for pressure vessel O-ring
60, 62, 64, 66 conduit

Claims (21)

A cartridge assembly apparatus for jet machining, wherein the cartridge assembly is
A cavity pre-filled with abrasive material, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to pressure inject a machining fluid-abrasive mixture from a first end of the cartridge assembly;
The first end is further disposed to engage the cartridge assembly interface;
The cartridge assembly is further configured to engage a press at a location spaced from the first end for engaging and holding the cartridge assembly with the cartridge assembly interface. A cartridge assembly device for jet machining. An apparatus for jet machining,
A cartridge assembly having a cavity pre-filled with abrasive material, the cartridge assembly configured to pressurize a fluid-abrasive mixture for machining from a first end of the cartridge assembly;
A cartridge assembly interface for engaging the first end of the cartridge assembly to deliver a fluid-abrasive mixture from the cartridge assembly for machining;
A press for engaging the cartridge assembly at a position spaced from the first end, applying a retention force to the cartridge assembly, and holding the cartridge assembly in engagement with the cartridge assembly interface. An apparatus for jet machining, characterized in that   The cartridge assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to engage the press at a position at an end of the cartridge assembly spaced from the first end. apparatus.   4. A cartridge assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge assembly has a surface at the first end disposed to engage a complementary surface of the cartridge assembly interface. apparatus.   The cartridge assembly has a substantially flat surface at the first end disposed to engage a substantially flat surface of the cartridge assembly interface, whereby the cartridge assembly and the cartridge assembly 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that an uninterrupted connecting surface is provided between the cartridge assembly interface.   The flat surface of the cartridge assembly disposed to engage the cartridge assembly interface extends substantially over the entire surface area to engage the cartridge assembly interface. Item 6. The device according to Item 4 or 5.   7. The cartridge assembly interface of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly interface is arranged to communicate with the cartridge assembly for pressure injection of a fluid-abrasive mixture against gravity. The device described. An apparatus for jet machining,
A cartridge assembly having a cavity pre-filled with abrasive material, the cartridge assembly being arranged for pressure injection of a machining fluid-abrasive mixture from a first end of said cartridge assembly;
A cartridge assembly interface for engaging the first end of the cartridge assembly and delivering a fluid-abrasive mixture from the cartridge assembly for machining;
A holding device for engaging and holding the cartridge assembly with the cartridge assembly interface;
The apparatus for jet machining, wherein the cartridge assembly is arranged to pressurize and inject a fluid-abrasive mixture against gravity.   9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cartridge assembly is arranged to pressurize a fluid-abrasive mixture from the top end of the cartridge assembly.   One of the cartridge assembly and the press or holding device has a concave surface, and the other of the cartridge assembly and the press or holding device has a convex surface for engaging the concave surface. The device according to claim 1.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cartridge assembly includes the cartridge and a pressure vessel, the cartridge being arranged to be directly placed in the pressure vessel.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cartridge comprises a body of plastic material having an outer surface complementary to the inner surface of the pressurized container.   13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge assembly has a key on the outer surface of the cartridge assembly for engaging a keyway of the press or holding device.   14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a cavity pre-filled with a fluid-abrasive mixture.   The cartridge assembly includes first and second conduits disposed within a cavity for entry of pressurized fluid and injection of a fluid-abrasive mixture, the first and second conduits being the cartridge assembly. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged to mate with a corresponding conduit of the interface.   The cartridge assembly comprises an opening at the first end of the cartridge assembly and a seal for sealing the opening when the cartridge assembly is engaged with the cartridge assembly interface. Item 16. The apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 15.   The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the opening is disposed at a first end of the cartridge and the seal includes a first seal disposed about the opening.   18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge assembly includes a seal for sealing the cartridge assembly when engaged with the cartridge assembly interface.   Claim 18 when dependent on any of claims 11-17, characterized in that a seal for sealing the cartridge assembly when engaged with the cartridge assembly interface is disposed on the pressure vessel. The device described.   The device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the opening is arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the surface of the first end portion.   A method of achieving jet machining using the apparatus of any of claims 1-20.

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