A machining fixture and machining method for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and provides a machining fixture and method for machining keyways inside a steering knuckle tapered hole. The method includes: positioning the steering knuckle using a positioning mechanism; wherein the steering knuckle has a tapered hole; movably connecting the positioning mechanism to a rotary table, adjusting the angle of the tapered hole of the steering knuckle using the rotary table, so that a broach can machine the keyway in a straight up-and-down motion; and fixing the broach to a machine tool spindle, so that the broach moves back and forth under the drive of the machine tool spindle, and completes the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole according to a preset program. This invention can machine keyways with different tapers and sizes in a straight up-and-down motion, can achieve bidirectional angle compensation during the machining process of the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole, allows one person to operate multiple machines, and has many advantages such as wide application range, good positioning effect, high machining accuracy, low production cost, and small footprint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a machining fixture and machining method for a keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole. Background Technology

[0002] The steering knuckle, also known as the "steering knuckle," is one of the important components of a vehicle's steering system. It enables the vehicle to drive stably and transmits the driving direction sensitively. It effectively transmits the angle value of the steering wheel rotation to the vehicle, controls the vehicle's path in a timely manner, and thus ensures the safe and accurate operation of the vehicle.

[0003] The kingpin seat of the steering knuckle has two tapered holes for mounting the steering knuckle arm. There is a keyway on the inner wall of the tapered hole that forms a certain angle with the kingpin hole. The machining accuracy of the keyway is high, and its machining accuracy directly affects the steering accuracy and safety performance of the vehicle during operation.

[0004] Because the shape and position of the keyway frequently change, adjusting the direction of the steering knuckle tapered hole is difficult, resulting in highly inconsistent keyway machining quality. The difficulty in machining keyways inside the steering knuckle tapered hole lies in the numerous angles and high precision required. Machining methods typically employ specialized broaching machines or gear shapers, and the keyway pattern is usually straight up and down, making it impossible to precisely machine angled keyways inside the tapered hole. Currently, the following drawbacks still exist in machining keyways inside tapered holes:

[0005] 1. The repeatability of the steering knuckle is poor, the precision of the machined keyway is low, and it is easy to deviate during the machining process. It is difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the angle between the keyway and the kingpin hole.

[0006] 2. When clamping the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle needs to be lifted up and the broach needs to be passed through the tapered hole. This requires multiple people to operate one machine, and the clamping process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. There is also a risk that the broach may break.

[0007] 3. Specialized broaching machines or gear shaping machines are used, which require a large area and have high production costs.

[0008] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology is an urgent problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention preferably provides a solution to the technical problem that the direction adjustment of the current steering knuckle cone hole is difficult, and that it is impossible to accurately process the keyway inside the cone hole with an angle when using a straight up and down method.

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a machining fixture for the keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole, comprising:

[0012] A positioning mechanism; the positioning mechanism is used to position the steering knuckle; wherein the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole;

[0013] A rotary worktable; the rotary worktable is movably connected to the positioning mechanism, and the rotary worktable is used to adjust the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole;

[0014] The angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted by the rotary table, so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle cone hole in a straight up-down manner.

[0015] Preferably, the positioning mechanism includes:

[0016] A plate bridge with positioning holes; a steering knuckle passes through the positioning holes;

[0017] Pressure strip; the pressure strip is disposed on the bridge plate and spans across the positioning hole;

[0018] Stop block; the stop block is disposed on the bridge plate and located on both sides of the positioning hole.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning mechanism further includes:

[0020] Washer; the washer is disposed on the bridge plate and is coaxial with the positioning hole;

[0021] A sleeve; the sleeve is disposed on the inner wall of the positioning hole and is coaxial with the positioning hole.

[0022] Preferably, the positioning mechanism further includes:

[0023] Lead screw; the lead screw is mounted on the stop block and is in contact with the steering knuckle.

[0024] Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces of the bridge plate are pre-set to form an angle.

[0025] Preferably, the included angle is °.

[0026] Preferably, the number of positioning holes is two, and the number of stops is three.

[0027] Preferably, the rotating worktable includes:

[0028] Base;

[0029] The first and second supports are spaced apart from each other on the base; and,

[0030] The driving wheel and the driven wheel are respectively provided on the first bracket and the second bracket;

[0031] The positioning mechanism is located between the first bracket and the second bracket, and is connected to the driving wheel and the driven wheel respectively.

[0032] Preferably, it further includes: a fixing plate, which fixes the rotary worktable by hooks.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for machining a keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole, using the machining fixture for the keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole described in the first aspect, comprising:

[0034] The steering knuckle is positioned by a positioning mechanism; the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole.

[0035] The positioning mechanism is movably connected to the rotary table, and the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted by the rotary table so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle cone hole in a straight up and down manner.

[0036] The broach is fixedly connected to the machine tool spindle, so that the broach moves back and forth under the drive of the machine tool spindle and completes the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole according to the preset program.

[0037] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the beneficial effects that the present invention can achieve are as follows:

[0038] This invention, while maintaining the keyway's vertical orientation, allows for real-time adjustment of the steering knuckle cone hole angle via a rotating worktable, enabling precise machining of keyways with different tapers within the cone hole. During machining, the invention can automatically machine keyways of different sizes using a pre-set machining program, allowing one person to operate multiple machines simultaneously.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention, through the positioning holes, pressure strips, stops, washers, sleeves and lead screws provided in the positioning mechanism, enables the positioning mechanism 1 to have high reliability when positioning the steering knuckle as a whole, and further ensures the machining accuracy of the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole.

[0040] Furthermore, by setting a preset angle between the upper and lower surfaces of the bridge plate, and simultaneously adjusting the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole using a rotary table, the present invention can achieve bidirectional angle compensation during the keyway machining process in the steering knuckle cone hole. This fully meets the production and application requirements of steering knuckles with complex structures and has a wide range of applications.

[0041] The present invention can complete the keyway inside the tapered hole using general-purpose machine tools. Compared with the traditional solution that uses dedicated broaching machines or gear shaping machines, the present invention has lower overall production cost and occupies less space. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 1;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary table of the machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 1;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a machining fixture positioning mechanism for a keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 1;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a front view of a machining fixture positioning mechanism for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 1;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 Diagram of the bridge axis of the positioning mechanism;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the application process of a machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 1;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application effect of a machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Example 1;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the machining process of the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole in Embodiment 2.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts or structures, wherein:

[0052] 1-Positioning mechanism, 11-Bridge plate, 111-Positioning hole, 12-Pressure strip, 13-Stop block, 14-Washer, 15-Sleeve, 16-Screw rod; 2-Rotating worktable, 21-Base, 22-First support, 23-Second support, 24-Driving wheel, 25-Driven wheel; 3-Fixed plate; 4-Bolt knuckle; 5-Broach. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0054] In the description of this invention, the terms "inner", "outer", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and do not require that this invention must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0055] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0056] Example 1:

[0057] This embodiment 1 provides a machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a positioning mechanism 1, a rotary worktable 2, and a fixed plate 3. The rotary worktable 2 is movably connected to the positioning mechanism 1. The fixed plate 3 fixes the rotary worktable 2 with hooks to facilitate vertical machining. The positioning mechanism 1 is used to position the steering knuckle 4, wherein the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole. The rotary worktable 2 is used to adjust the angle of the steering knuckle tapered hole. The angle of the steering knuckle tapered hole is adjusted by the rotary worktable 2 until the generatrix of the inner surface of the steering knuckle tapered hole is parallel to the running direction of the broach, so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle tapered hole in a straight up and down manner.

[0058] In this embodiment, while maintaining the keyway's vertical orientation, the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted in real time by rotating the worktable, allowing for precise machining of keyways with different tapers. During application, keyways of different sizes can be automatically machined using a pre-set machining program, eliminating the need for multiple operators on a single machine and enabling one person to operate multiple machines. Compared to traditional solutions using dedicated broaching machines or gear shaping machines, this embodiment 1 provides a machining fixture for the keyway in the steering knuckle cone hole, which can be completed using general-purpose machine tools, resulting in low overall production costs and a small footprint.

[0059] In specific implementation, such as Figures 3-5As shown, the positioning mechanism 1 includes: a plate bridge 11 with a positioning hole 111, a pressure strip 12, a stop block 13, a washer 14, a sleeve 15, and a lead screw 16; a steering knuckle passes through the positioning hole 111, which is used for the initial fixing of the steering knuckle; the pressure strip 12 is disposed on the plate bridge 11 and spans across the positioning hole 111, which is used for the secondary fixing of the steering knuckle; the stop block 13 is disposed on the plate bridge 11 and located on both sides of the positioning hole 111. The stop block 13 is used to re-fix the steering knuckle; the washer 14 is disposed on the plate bridge 11 and is coaxial with the positioning hole 111, and the washer 14 is used to re-fix the steering knuckle; the bushing 15 is disposed on the inner wall of the positioning hole 111 and is coaxial with the positioning hole 111, and the bushing 15 is used to re-fix the steering knuckle; the lead screw 16 is disposed on the stop block 13 and is in contact with the steering knuckle, and the lead screw 16 is used to re-fix the steering knuckle.

[0060] The aforementioned series of fixing methods, whether acting vertically or horizontally, ensure that the positioning mechanism 1 as a whole has high reliability in positioning the steering knuckle, further guaranteeing the machining accuracy of the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole.

[0061] Taking a certain model of steering knuckle as an example, assuming the taper of the steering knuckle's tapered bore is 1:8 and the angle between the keyway and the tapered bore is 1°, in order to compensate for this angle, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the upper and lower surfaces of the plate bridge 11 are preset with an included angle, which is consistent with the angle between the keyway and the tapered hole. The included angle is 1°. During the manufacturing process of the plate bridge 11, this angle can be preset according to the production requirements of different models of steering knuckles.

[0062] In this embodiment, by setting a preset angle between the upper and lower surfaces of the bridge plate, and simultaneously adjusting the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole using a rotary table, bidirectional angle compensation can be achieved during the keyway machining process in the steering knuckle cone hole. This fully meets the production and application requirements of steering knuckles with complex structures and has a wide range of applications.

[0063] Since a vehicle's steering knuckle is divided into a left steering knuckle and a right steering knuckle, in practical applications, to improve the consistency between the left and right steering knuckles and to increase production efficiency, such as... Figure 5 As shown, there are two positioning holes 111, corresponding to the following: Figure 4 As shown, there are three stops 13. In a specific implementation, as one of the preferred implementation methods, the middle stop 13 has a bidirectional structure, and the middle stop 13 can simultaneously position the left steering knuckle and the right steering knuckle.

[0064] like Figure 2The diagram shown is a axial view of a rotary table for machining a keyway in a steering knuckle cone hole according to Embodiment 1. The rotary table 2 includes: a base 21, a first support 22 and a second support 23 spaced apart from the base 21, and a drive wheel 24 and a driven wheel 25 respectively disposed on the first support 22 and the second support 23. The base 21 provides support for the first support 22 and the second support 23 of the base 21, and the first support 22 and the second support 23 of the base 21 provide support for the drive wheel 24 and the driven wheel 25. The positioning mechanism 1 is located between the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 23, and is connected to the driving wheel 24 and the driven wheel 25 respectively. Specifically, one end of the plate bridge 11 is connected to the driving wheel 24, and the other end of the plate bridge 11 is connected to the driven wheel 25. By adjusting the rotation angle of the driving wheel 24, the driven wheel 25 rotates by the same angle under the bridging of the plate bridge 11. Preferably, to ensure the rotation angle of the driving wheel 24, as one implementation method, the driving wheel 24 is controlled by an external high-precision device.

[0065] Example 2:

[0066] Based on the same overall technical concept as Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 provides a method for machining the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole, using the machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole described in Embodiment 1, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes:

[0067] S10, the steering knuckle is positioned by a positioning mechanism; wherein, the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole.

[0068] Among them, such as Figures 3-5 As shown, the positioning mechanism includes: a plate bridge 11 with a positioning hole 111, a pressure strip 12, a stop block 13, a washer 14, a sleeve 15, and a lead screw 16. The positioning hole 111, pressure strip 12, stop block 13, washer 14, sleeve 15, and lead screw 16 are used to fix the steering knuckle.

[0069] S20, the positioning mechanism is movably connected to the rotary table, and the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted by the rotary table so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle cone hole in a straight up and down manner.

[0070] Among them, such as Figure 2As shown, the rotating worktable includes: a base 21, a first support 22 and a second support 23 spaced apart from the base 21, and a driving wheel 24 and a driven wheel 25 respectively disposed on the first support 22 and the second support 23. The base 21 provides support for the first support 22 and the second support 23, and the first support 22 and the second support 23 provide support for the driving wheel 24 and the driven wheel 25.

[0071] S20, the broach is fixedly connected to the machine tool spindle, so that the broach moves back and forth under the drive of the machine tool spindle and completes the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole according to the preset program.

[0072] Among them, such as Figures 6-7 As shown, the broach 5 is fixedly connected to the machine tool spindle beforehand. The machine tool spindle drives the broach 5 to move straight up and down, ultimately realizing the keyway in the tapered hole of the steering knuckle 4.

[0073] In summary, this invention provides a machining fixture and method for machining keyways inside the cone hole of a steering knuckle. It can machine keyways with different tapers and sizes in a straight up-down manner, achieve bidirectional angle compensation during the machining process of the keyway inside the cone hole of the steering knuckle, enable one person to operate multiple machines, and has many advantages such as wide application range, good positioning effect, high machining accuracy, low production cost, and small footprint.

[0074] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not only applicable to keyways within the cone bore of steering knuckles, but also to other products with cone bores requiring keyways within them. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A machining fixture for the keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole, characterized in that, include: Positioning mechanism; The positioning mechanism is used to position the steering knuckle; wherein the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole; The positioning mechanism includes: a plate bridge with positioning holes; and a steering knuckle passing through the positioning holes; Pressure strip; the pressure strip is disposed on the bridge plate and spans across the positioning hole; A stop block; the stop block is disposed on the bridge plate and located on both sides of the positioning hole; The upper and lower surfaces of the bridge are pre-set to form an angle; A rotary worktable; the rotary worktable is movably connected to the positioning mechanism, and the rotary worktable is used to adjust the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole; The angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted by the rotary table, so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle cone hole in a straight up-down manner.

2. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism further includes: a washer; the washer is disposed on the plate bridge and is coaxial with the positioning hole; A sleeve; the sleeve is disposed on the inner wall of the positioning hole and is coaxial with the positioning hole.

3. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning mechanism further includes a lead screw; the lead screw is disposed on the stop block and is in contact with the steering knuckle.

4. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle is 1°.

5. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of positioning holes is two, and the number of stops is three.

6. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating worktable includes: a base; A first bracket and a second bracket are spaced apart on the base; and a driving wheel and a driven wheel are respectively provided on the first bracket and the second bracket; The positioning mechanism is located between the first bracket and the second bracket, and is connected to the driving wheel and the driven wheel respectively.

7. The machining fixture for the keyway inside the steering knuckle cone hole according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixing plate is used to fix the rotary table in place by hooks.

8. A method for machining a keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole, using the machining fixture for the keyway inside a steering knuckle cone hole as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: The steering knuckle is positioned by a positioning mechanism; the steering knuckle is provided with a tapered hole. The positioning mechanism is movably connected to the rotary table, and the angle of the steering knuckle cone hole is adjusted by the rotary table so that the broach can keyway the steering knuckle cone hole in a straight up and down manner. The broach is fixedly connected to the machine tool spindle, so that the broach moves back and forth under the drive of the machine tool spindle and completes the keyway in the steering knuckle tapered hole according to the preset program.

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