A method for aligning a surface to be machined and a fixing fixture

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for aligning a surface to be machined and a fixing fixture, belonging to the field of machining technology. The alignment method involves fixing a process chuck to the workpiece and mounting the workpiece within the fixing fixture. The process chuck has three cleats, each marked with points A, B, and C. The workpiece and fixing fixture are then mounted on a six-axis attitude adjustment device. The six-axis attitude adjustment device is then transferred to the machine tool table, and a measuring device is installed on the machine tool. On the machine tool, the measuring device measures points A, B, and C obtained from the cleats by tracing the spindle, and reads the machine tool coordinates of points A, B, and C. These coordinates are then input into MATLAB. After establishing a coordinate system ABC in MATLAB, the spatial angles are calculated using spatial vectors. Planar alignment is completed using the attitude adjustment device, and finally, machining is performed. The method provided by this invention significantly improves work efficiency and reduces the cumbersome steps of existing methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and in particular to a method for aligning a surface to be machined and a fixing fixture. Background Technology

[0002] During the machining process, the workpiece's on-machine posture needs to be adjusted. The posture adjustment process requires obtaining the current workpiece posture and determining the target posture after adjustment. By calculating the angle between the coordinate axes of the current coordinate system and the target coordinate system and the offset of the origin, the results are input into the posture adjustment device to realize the posture adjustment process.

[0003] The high demand for multi-axis bottleneck equipment for complex components with irregular shapes and materials in multiple scenarios and with multiple materials, as well as the time-consuming and labor-intensive adjustment, restrict efficient processing. In particular, for inclined planes with different angles, the on-machine part posture adjustment time is longer and the accuracy is poor.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can reduce the on-machine part pose adjustment time, reduce the labor intensity of online and offline part pose adjustment processes, and provide more accurate results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide a method for aligning the surface to be processed and a fixing fixture, which can adjust the on-machine posture of the workpiece more quickly and accurately.

[0006] On the one hand, the present invention provides a method for aligning a surface to be processed, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1: Fix the process chuck to the workpiece and install the workpiece in the fixed fixture; three of the process chucks have markings A, B and C respectively.

[0008] S2: Install the workpiece and fixture onto the six-axis attitude adjustment device; then transfer the six-axis attitude adjustment device to the machine tool table and install the measuring device onto the machine tool;

[0009] S3: On the machine tool, use a measuring device to measure the three points A, B, and C obtained by marking lines on the process chuck by translating the spindle. Read the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C. Input the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C into MATLAB. After establishing a coordinate system ABC in MATLAB, calculate the spatial angle using spatial vectors.

[0010] S4: The angles required for coordinate axis transformation, i.e. Euler angles, are determined by graphical method, and the sign is determined by the right-hand screw rule; plane alignment is completed by attitude adjustment equipment, and finally, processing is carried out.

[0011] Furthermore, the workpiece is a multi-angled plane, inclined plane, or inclined hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of process chucks is at least three, and the process chucks are arranged opposite to each other.

[0013] Furthermore, the machine tool is a horizontal machining center or a vertical machining center.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixing fixture includes a base, and a first limiting block, a second limiting block, a third limiting block, and a fourth limiting block are detachably connected to the base; the first limiting block, the second limiting block, the third limiting block, and the fourth limiting block are used to fix the process chuck.

[0015] Furthermore, both the first and second limiting blocks are L-shaped, and the third and fourth limiting blocks are provided with slots.

[0016] Furthermore, the measuring device includes a clamping part, a horizontal bar connected to the clamping part, and a vertical bar connected to the horizontal bar. The clamping part is perpendicular to the horizontal bar, and the horizontal bar is perpendicular to the vertical bar. A probe is inserted into the vertical bar, and the probe is perpendicular to the vertical bar. A small dial indicator is connected to the end of the probe away from the workpiece.

[0017] Furthermore, the workpiece is installed in a fixed fixture, and the workpiece and the fixed fixture are bonded together with an adhesive.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention provides a fixing fixture for a method of aligning a surface to be processed. The fixing fixture includes a base, which is circular, and a first limiting block, a second limiting block, a third limiting block, and a fourth limiting block are detachably connected to the base in a counterclockwise direction. The first limiting block, the second limiting block, the third limiting block, and the fourth limiting block are used to fix the process chuck.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple mounting holes are provided on the base, and the base is connected to the six-axis attitude adjustment device by bolts. The first limit block, the second limit block, the third limit block and the fourth limit block are fixed to the base by bolts.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This invention provides a method for aligning a surface to be machined. By using a process chuck, a fixed fixture, and a measuring device, the coordinates of three points on the process chuck can be accurately measured. The coordinate values ​​can be input into MATLAB to obtain the coordinate axis angles. Then, the required rotation angle can be obtained by graphical method. Finally, the alignment of the plane can be achieved by using a six-axis attitude adjustment device. The method provided by this invention greatly improves work efficiency and reduces the cumbersome steps in existing methods.

[0022] 2. The method provided by this invention can improve measurement accuracy. By placing the workpiece measurement point on one side of the machine tool, the error caused by the measuring device itself can be eliminated by translating the machine tool. Only the relative position of the workpiece needs to be considered, which reduces the error caused by operation and makes the accuracy higher.

[0023] 3. The method provided by this invention saves equipment resources. By combining the measurement method and the attitude adjustment device, more axis machining capabilities can be achieved on a three-axis machine tool. The machining of planes, inclined surfaces and inclined holes can be completed on a three-axis machine tool, which reduces the pressure on multi-axis equipment and achieves cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0024] In this invention, the above-described technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and some advantages may become apparent from the description or be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained from what is particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the workpiece to be processed according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed tooling.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed tooling.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the workpiece and the fixed fixture.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the measuring device;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the coordination between the workpiece, the fixture, and the attitude adjustment equipment;

[0032] In the diagram, 1. Workpiece; 2. First chuck; 3. Second chuck; 4. Third chuck; 5. Fourth chuck; 6. Base; 61. First limiting block; 62. Second limiting block; 63. Third limiting block; 64. Fourth limiting block; 65. Through hole; 7. Clamping part; 71. Horizontal bar; 72. Vertical bar; 73. Small dial indicator; 74. Probe. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0034] During the machining of workpiece 1, it is necessary to adjust the position of workpiece 1 on the machine tool to facilitate machining. When workpiece 1 is a single plane, it is only necessary to adjust one side of workpiece 1 to coincide with the X-axis or Y-axis of the machine tool to machine workpiece 1 and ensure its accuracy. However, when workpiece 1 contains planes, inclined planes, or curved surfaces of different angles, the existing methods cannot quickly and accurately measure and adjust the on-machine posture of workpiece 1.

[0035] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for aligning a surface to be processed, comprising the following steps:

[0036] S1: Fix the process chuck to workpiece 1 and install workpiece 1 in the fixed fixture;

[0037] S2: Install workpiece 1 and the fixture onto the six-axis attitude adjustment device; then transfer the six-axis attitude adjustment device to the machine tool table and install the measuring device onto the machine tool;

[0038] S3: On the machine tool, use a measuring device to measure the three points A, B, and C obtained by marking lines on the process chuck by translating the spindle. Read the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C. Input the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C into MATLAB. After establishing a coordinate system ABC in MATLAB, calculate the spatial angle using spatial vectors.

[0039] S5: The angles required for coordinate axis transformation, i.e. Euler angles, are determined by graphical method, and the sign is determined by the right-hand screw rule; plane alignment is completed by attitude adjustment equipment, and finally, processing is carried out.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the method provided by the present invention includes improvements in the design of workpiece 1, the fixing fixture and the measuring device. A process chuck is fixed to the workpiece 1, and the workpiece 1 is prepared with the fixing fixture. Then, the coordinates of three points are arbitrarily measured on the process chuck by the measuring device. Finally, Euler angles are obtained by conversion. This method can quickly and accurately complete plane alignment, ensuring processing efficiency, processing accuracy and quality.

[0041] Specifically, the workpiece 1 is a multi-angled plane, inclined surface, or inclined hole.

[0042] It should be noted that the method provided by the present invention can be applied to workpieces 1 with regular or irregular shapes. By using a fixed fixture and a six-axis attitude adjustment device, the workpiece 1 can be leveled. Therefore, the workpiece 1 can be a plane, a slope, or a slanted hole with multiple angles.

[0043] Specifically, the number of process chucks is at least three, and the process chucks are arranged opposite to each other.

[0044] It should be noted that in this invention, process chucks are directly machined during the processing of workpiece 1, and the number of process chucks is at least three. One or two process chucks are fixed to one side of workpiece 1, and two or one process chuck are fixed to the opposite side of workpiece 1. The function of the process chucks in this invention is twofold: firstly, to serve as a process reference, facilitating subsequent coordinate measurement; and secondly, to serve as a positioning and fixing reference, facilitating the accurate fixing of workpiece 1 onto the fixture, and subsequently moving workpiece 1 together with the fixture for leveling, alignment, and processing.

[0045] In one embodiment, the number of process chucks is four, with two fixed to one side of workpiece 1 and two fixed to the opposite side of workpiece 1.

[0046] In one embodiment, the size of the process chuck is different.

[0047] In one embodiment, the process chucks are all the same size.

[0048] Specifically, the machine tool is a horizontal machining center or a vertical machining center.

[0049] It should be noted that the method provided by this invention has wide applicability and can be applied to various machine tools, such as horizontal or vertical machining centers, to perform machining of planes, inclined surfaces, and inclined holes. Combining the measurement method with the attitude adjustment device enables three-axis machine tools to have more axis machining capabilities, allowing for the machining of planes, inclined surfaces, and inclined holes on a three-axis machine tool, reducing the burden on multi-axis equipment and achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0050] Specifically, the fixing fixture includes a base 6, and a first limiting block 61, a second limiting block 62, a third limiting block 63 and a fourth limiting block 64 are detachably connected to the base 6; the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63 and the fourth limiting block 64 are used to fix the process chuck.

[0051] It should be noted that the fixing fixture of the present invention includes a base 6, which is bolted to a six-axis attitude adjustment device. A first limiting block 61, a second limiting block 62, a third limiting block 63, and a fourth limiting block 64 are detachably connected to the base 6 on the side away from the six-axis attitude adjustment device. The first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 are used to fix the process chuck, and the number of limiting blocks can be adjusted according to the number of process chucks.

[0052] In this invention, the functions of the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 are: on the one hand, to fix the workpiece 1 by limiting the process chuck, ensuring that the workpiece 1 does not move during the posture adjustment process; on the other hand, the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 are located between the workpiece 1 and the base 6, and are used to adjust the state of the workpiece 1, which can be adjusted according to the shape of the workpiece 1.

[0053] In this invention, the function of the fixing fixture is to connect and fix the workpiece 1 to the six-axis attitude adjustment device, and to prevent the workpiece 1 from shifting during the attitude adjustment and measurement process, thereby ensuring the accuracy or precision of the measurement coordinates.

[0054] Specifically, the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62 are both L-shaped, and the third limiting block 63 and the fourth limiting block 64 are provided with slots.

[0055] It should be noted that in this invention, both the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62 are L-shaped, and the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62 are symmetrically arranged. The process chuck on one side of the workpiece 1 is placed within the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62, which can restrict the movement of the workpiece 1 in the left-right direction. Slots are provided on the third limiting block 63 and the fourth limiting block 64 for fixing the process chuck on the other side of the workpiece 1. With the cooperation of the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62, the movement of the workpiece 1 in the front-back direction can be restricted.

[0056] Specifically, the workpiece 1 is installed in the fixed fixture, and the workpiece 1 and the fixed fixture are bonded together with an adhesive.

[0057] It should be noted that the process chuck on workpiece 1 is engaged within the fixed fixture, restricting the rotation and movement of workpiece 1. Then, an adhesive is used to bond workpiece 1 to the fixed fixture, making workpiece 1 more stable. The adhesive used in this invention is AB glue.

[0058] In one embodiment, a through hole 65 is provided at the center of the base 6.

[0059] It should be noted that the diameter of the through hole 65 can be adjusted. Opening the through hole 65 on the base 6 can reduce the overall weight of the fixture and reduce labor intensity.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first limiting block 61 and the fourth limiting block 64 can be integrally formed.

[0061] Specifically, the measuring device includes a clamping part 7, a horizontal bar 71 connected to the clamping part 7, and a vertical bar 72 connected to the horizontal bar 71. The clamping part 7 is perpendicular to the horizontal bar 71, and the horizontal bar 71 is perpendicular to the vertical bar 72. A probe 74 is inserted into the vertical bar 72, and the probe 74 is perpendicular to the vertical bar 72. A small dial indicator 73 is connected to the end of the probe 74 away from the contact with the workpiece 1.

[0062] It should be noted that in this invention, the small dial indicator 73 is responsible for flattening the plane and flipping the reference surface, while the probe 74 at the contact point with the workpiece 1 is a round head, which can be applied to various scenarios to measure flatness, circular runout and flattening.

[0063] Secondly, the present invention provides a fixing fixture for realizing a method for aligning a surface to be processed. The fixing fixture includes a base 6, which is circular, and a first limiting block 61, a second limiting block 62, a third limiting block 63, and a fourth limiting block 64 are detachably connected to the base 6 in a counterclockwise direction; the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 are used to fix the process chuck.

[0064] It should be noted that the function of the fixing fixture provided by the present invention is to connect and fix the workpiece 1 to the six-axis attitude adjustment device, and to prevent the workpiece 1 from shifting or rotating during the attitude adjustment and measurement process, thereby ensuring the accuracy or precision of the measurement coordinates.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62 are both L-shaped, and the third limiting block 63 and the fourth limiting block are provided with slots.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first limiting block 61 and the fourth limiting block 64 can be integrally formed.

[0067] In one embodiment, a through hole 65 is provided at the center of the base 6.

[0068] Specifically, multiple mounting holes are provided on the base 6, and the base 6 is connected to the six-axis attitude adjustment device by bolts. The first limit block 61, the second limit block 62, the third limit block 63 and the fourth limit block 64 are fixed to the base 6 by bolts.

[0069] It should be noted that in this invention, the base 6 is connected to the six-axis attitude adjustment device by bolts for easy disassembly. The first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 are fixed to the base 6 by bolts. The shapes of the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64 can be designed according to the shape of the workpiece 1, and the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, or the fourth limiting block 64 can be flexibly replaced.

[0070] To more clearly describe the present invention, the following examples and comparative examples are provided, with Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 analyzed using rudder surfaces.

[0071] Example 1

[0072] This embodiment provides a method for aligning the surface to be processed, including the following steps: (refer to...) Figure 1-6 )

[0073] S1: Fix the process chuck to workpiece 1 and install workpiece 1 in the fixed fixture;

[0074] The rudder surface is obtained through 3D printing. During the manufacturing process, a first chuck 2 and a second chuck 3 are fixed to the front face, located on the left and right sides of the front face. A third chuck 4 and a fourth chuck 5 are fixed to the rear face, with the third chuck 4 located in the middle of the rear face and the fourth chuck 5 located on the left or right side of the rear face. During the printing process, horizontal and vertical grid lines are generated. The fitter draws the circumferential chord plane lines, horizontal and vertical reference lines, and intersection points A, B, and C are formed on the right side of the first chuck 2, the second chuck 3, and the third chuck 4.

[0075] The fixed fixture includes a circular base 6, with a through hole 65 at the center of the base 6, and a first limiting block 61, a second limiting block 62, a third limiting block 63 and a fourth limiting block 64 connected by bolts. The first limiting block 61 and the second limiting block 62 are both L-shaped, and the third limiting block 63 and the fourth limiting block are provided with U-shaped slots.

[0076] Apply AB glue evenly to the area where workpiece 1 contacts the fixed fixture, install workpiece 1 in the fixed fixture, and then sequentially engage the first clamp 2, the second clamp 3, the third clamp 4, and the fourth clamp 5 in the first limiting block 61, the second limiting block 62, the third limiting block 63, and the fourth limiting block 64.

[0077] S2: Install workpiece 1 and the fixed fixture onto the six-axis attitude adjustment device using bolts; then transfer the six-axis attitude adjustment device to the worktable of the vertical machining center, determine the side where the lower platform display of the six-axis attitude adjustment device is located as the X-axis, move the six-axis attitude adjustment device until the X-axis is parallel to the X-axis of the machine tool, fix the six-axis attitude adjustment device onto the worktable of the machine tool after determining the position, and install the measuring device onto the machine tool; wherein the measuring device includes a clamping part 7, a horizontal bar 71 connected to the clamping part 7, and a vertical bar 72 connected to the horizontal bar 71. The clamping part 7 is perpendicular to the horizontal bar 71, and the horizontal bar 71 is perpendicular to the vertical bar 72; a probe 74 is inserted into the vertical bar 72, the probe 74 is perpendicular to the vertical bar 72, and a small dial indicator 73 is connected to the end of the probe 74 away from the contact with workpiece 1. The small dial indicator 73 is responsible for flattening the plane and centering the reference surface.

[0078] S3: On the machine tool, use a measuring device to measure the three points A, B, and C obtained by marking lines on the process chuck by translating the spindle. Read the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C. Input the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C into MATLAB. After establishing a coordinate system ABC in MATLAB, calculate the spatial angle using spatial vectors.

[0079] The third measured point is defined as coordinate C(0, 0, 0). Then, coordinates A and B are measured, resulting in A(50.13, -230, 1.2) and B(525.747, -230.6, 0.1) respectively. MATLAB calculations yield the axis angles XX' = 0.150913, YY' = 0.335703, and ZZ' = 0.353748.

[0080] S4: The angles required for coordinate axis transformation, i.e. Euler angles, are determined by graphical method, namely RX = 0.328, RY = 0.1329, and RZ = 0.0715. The sign is determined by the right-hand screw rule. The position and attitude of the rudder surface are adjusted by the attitude adjustment device to complete the plane alignment, and finally the machining is carried out.

[0081] Comparative Example 1

[0082] Currently, the existing methods are used to adjust the attitude of the control surface. During the adjustment process, the thickness of the pad under the control surface needs to be adjusted multiple times, and multiple measurements need to be taken.

[0083] Efficiency comparison:

[0084] The measurement method provided in Example 1 reduces the time spent on the machine tool workbench and the calculation process, enabling faster and more accurate measurement and orientation adjustment. After multiple uses, the entire process can be completed on the machine tool in less than half an hour, greatly improving orientation adjustment efficiency. In contrast, the method in Comparative Example 1 requires multiple measurements and calibrations, which must be performed on the machine tool. This not only consumes the machine tool's processing time but also takes more than one hour (based on past work experience), resulting in lower overall efficiency.

[0085] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for aligning a surface to be processed, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Fix four process chucks to the workpiece, which are arranged opposite to each other; and install the workpiece in the fixed fixture; three of the process chucks are marked with points A, B and C respectively. The fixed fixture includes a base, which is circular, and a first limiting block, a second limiting block, a third limiting block and a fourth limiting block are detachably connected to the base in a counterclockwise direction. The first limiting block and the second limiting block are both L-shaped, and the third limiting block and the fourth limiting block are provided with slots. S2: Install the workpiece and fixture onto the six-axis attitude adjustment device; then transfer the six-axis attitude adjustment device to the machine tool table and install the measuring device onto the machine tool; S3: On the machine tool, use a measuring device to measure the three points A, B, and C obtained by marking lines on the process chuck by translating the spindle. Read the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C. Input the machine tool coordinates of the three points A, B, and C into MATLAB. After establishing a coordinate system ABC in MATLAB, calculate the spatial angle using spatial vectors. S4: The angles required for coordinate axis transformation, i.e. Euler angles, are determined by graphical method, and the sign is determined by the right-hand screw rule; plane alignment is completed by attitude adjustment equipment, and finally, processing is carried out.

2. The method for aligning the surface to be processed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workpiece is a multi-angled plane, inclined plane, or inclined hole.

3. The method for aligning the surface to be processed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine tool is either a horizontal or vertical machining center.

4. The method for aligning the surface to be processed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring device includes a clamping part, a horizontal bar connected to the clamping part, and a vertical bar connected to the horizontal bar. The clamping part is perpendicular to the horizontal bar, and the horizontal bar is perpendicular to the vertical bar. A probe is inserted into the vertical bar, and the probe is perpendicular to the vertical bar. A small dial indicator is connected to the end of the probe away from the workpiece.

5. The method for aligning the surface to be processed according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workpiece is installed in a fixed fixture, and the workpiece and the fixed fixture are bonded together with an adhesive.

6. A fixing fixture for the method of aligning the surface to be machined according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The fixed fixture includes a base, which is circular, and a first limiting block, a second limiting block, a third limiting block, and a fourth limiting block are detachably connected to the base in a counterclockwise direction; the first limiting block, the second limiting block, the third limiting block, and the fourth limiting block are used to fix the process chuck.

7. The fixing fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple mounting holes are provided on the base. The base is connected to the six-axis attitude adjustment device by bolts. The first limit block, the second limit block, the third limit block and the fourth limit block are fixed to the base by bolts.

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