Inductor-charged electric discharge machining power supply
US5399825A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23H2300/20
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric discharge machining power supply has a capacitor which is recharged using an inductor. After a spark, a transistor switch is closed, and energy from a source is stored in the inductor. The inductor charge period allows for deionization of the spark gap. After the desired amount of energy has been stored in the inductor, the transistor switch is opened, and the energy in the inductor is transferred to a capacitor. When the capacitor is charged, the gap voltage increases to its breakdown value for spark ignition. Because the energy transfer from the inductor to the capacitor is faster than the spark ignition delay, the capacitor is fully charged before the next spark occurs. After the spark ignition delay, a new spark is generated and the cycle is repeated. Other controls and elements are added. Gap voltage is sensed at a point intermediate two resistors between the source and the discharge electrode. A short across the gap is sensed. An inductor/transformer isolates the power source and spark.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.