Electrochemical machining apparatus

Abstract

An electrochemical machining apparatus includes a support assembly, a machining electrode assembly, a tank configured to hold an electrolyte, a workpiece holder positioned in the tank, a movable feed assembly, and a connecting member. The machining electrode assembly includes a first machining electrode and a second machining electrode. The movable feed assembly includes a first feed subassembly and a second feed subassembly. The connecting member is connected to the first feed subassembly and the second feed subassembly. The first machining electrode is coupled with the connecting member, and the second machining electrode is coupled with the second feed subassembly. The second feed subassembly can move with, and relative to, the first feed subassembly. The second machining electrode can slide in the first machining electrode.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electrochemical machining apparatus comprising:
 a support assembly having a support plane;   a machining electrode assembly having a first machining electrode and a second machining electrode;   a tank positioned on the support plane of the support assembly;   a workpiece holder positionable within the tank; and   a movable feed assembly having a first feed subassembly and a second feed subassembly with an output shaft; and   a connecting member connecting the first feed subassembly and the second feed subassembly;   wherein, the movable feed assembly is movable in an axis substantially perpendicular to the support plane of the support assembly;   wherein, the first machining electrode is connected to the connecting member and the second machining electrode is connected to the second feed subassembly output shaft;   wherein, the second feed subassembly is movable with, and relative to, the first feed subassembly; and   wherein, the second machining electrode is slidable into the first machining electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first machining electrode defines a hollow portion, and the second machining electrode is slidable in the hollow portion. 
     
     
         3 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first machining electrode includes a first machining surface, and the second machining electrode includes a second machining surface; a shape of the second machining surface is substantially the same as the hollow portion. 
     
     
         4 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first machining surface is coplanar with the second machining surface to form a cavity machining surface. 
     
     
         5 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the second machining surface protrudes out of the first machining surface. 
     
     
         6 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the first machining electrode is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         7 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical machining apparatus further comprises an XY axis driving assembly mounted on the support assembly; the XY axis driving assembly is movable in a plane substantially parallel with the support plane, and the tank is mounted on the XY axis driving assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical machining apparatus further comprises a feed controller used to drive the first feed subassembly and the second subassembly. 
     
     
         9 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises a vertical part and a horizontal part, and the horizontal part defines a via hole. 
     
     
         10 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second feed subassembly is mounted on the horizontal part and partially passes through the via hole. 
     
     
         11 . The electrochemical machining apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support subassembly includes a bracket and a base; the bracket is substantially perpendicular to the base, and the first feed subassembly is coupled to the bracket.