An adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for processing of weak rigid workpieces

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of manufacturing equipment, and particularly relates to a self-adaptive auxiliary supporting system suitable for weak-rigidity workpiece machining. The self-adaptive auxiliary supporting system comprises an auxiliary supporting device, a detection device and a power supply. The auxiliary supporting device comprises a clamping body and an auxiliary supporting part one. The auxiliary supporting part one comprises a metal supporting rod, a probe and a driving system. The probe is electrically connected with the metal supporting rod. The positive and negative poles of the power supply are respectively electrically connected with the workpiece and the detection device. The detection device is electrically connected with the probe. The metal supporting rod, the probe, the power supply and the detection device form an electric circuit to form a closed circuit when the metal supporting rod is in contact with the workpiece and send an opening and closing signal by the detection device. The actual position of the clamping action point is automatically sensed to realize self-adaptive high-precision contact support of the clamping supporting point and the workpiece clamping surface. The workpiece itself is not deformed in the contact process, and high-precision, high-rigidity and stress-free support of the auxiliary supporting clamp in the current weak-rigidity workpiece machining process can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of manufacturing equipment technology, specifically relating to an adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces. Background Technology

[0002] In manufacturing industries such as aerospace, shipbuilding, and automotive, typical components are mostly thin-walled parts such as plates and frames with low rigidity. In actual production and machining, insufficient support force of the fixture system often leads to severe tool chatter, limiting cutting parameters and machining efficiency, while also causing excessive machining errors and even part scrap, resulting in serious economic losses. Especially in the aerospace field, complex thin-walled workpieces are a type of key and important component in aero-engines. How to suppress the deformation and vibration generated during the machining process due to their low rigidity, difficult material processing, and strong time-varying characteristics has become a bottleneck problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0003] To address this issue, the traditional approach, as described in the literature "Current Status and Progress of Adaptive Fixture Design for Machining Thin-Walled Parts of Aero-Engines," involves establishing a workpiece-fixture dynamic model to analyze the actual stress state of the workpiece during machining and the dynamic characteristics and alternating properties of the machining system. By optimizing the clamping force application point, magnitude, and sequence, intelligent adaptive fixtures can be designed and manufactured, solving problems such as insufficient clamping force during machining. However, the intelligent adaptive fixture analysis and design process is complex and time-consuming, requiring precision force and position sensors as feedback signals, resulting in high costs. Furthermore, the clamping measurement must be adjusted according to changes in cutting conditions, leading to inconvenience in later use and maintenance.

[0004] The document "A Method and Apparatus for Reverse Segmentation Machining of Weakly Rigid Workpieces" (CN104889706A) uses reverse segmentation to provide continuous support for the machining area, thereby improving the clamping rigidity of the workpiece cutting position and increasing machining efficiency and accuracy. However, this method does not fundamentally solve the problem of adaptive support and connection between the clamping body and the workpiece. Furthermore, the document explicitly suggests using low-melting-point alloy casting for connection, but low-melting-point alloys undergo specific volume changes during solidification, introducing additional errors. Additionally, low-melting-point alloys pose a potential contamination problem to the blades.

[0005] The document CN115647883A, titled "A Multi-Point Support Adjustable Fixture for Thin-Walled Composite Parts," uses a multi-point auxiliary support method to reduce the processing deformation and vibration of thin-walled composite parts. However, this method fails to achieve adaptive support from the multi-point auxiliary fixture. That is, the auxiliary support points move according to their theoretical positions without considering the actual shape of the workpiece. This can easily lead to two extreme situations: the auxiliary support points themselves causing the workpiece to deform under support stress, or the support points failing to contact the workpiece and thus failing to provide support.

[0006] While manual adjustment of bolts or other methods can achieve high-precision connection between the clamp and the workpiece, it is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subject to some randomness, and cannot meet the needs of future automated clamping. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] This invention addresses the above-mentioned problems by proposing an adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces. Its purpose is to solve the problem that existing auxiliary support processes for weakly rigid workpieces do not consider the actual shape of the workpiece and cannot achieve automated conformal support.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces. It includes: an auxiliary support device, a detection device, and a power supply; wherein,

[0011] The auxiliary support device includes a clamping body and an auxiliary support component 1 installed inside the clamping body. The auxiliary support component 1 includes a metal support rod, a probe, and a drive system for driving the metal support rod to rise. The probe is electrically connected to the metal support rod.

[0012] The positive and negative terminals of the power supply are electrically connected to the workpiece to be supported and the detection device, respectively.

[0013] The detection device is electrically connected to the probe. The metal support rod, the probe, the power supply, and the detection device constitute an electrical circuit to form a closed circuit when the metal support rod contacts the workpiece to be supported, and the detection device sends a signal to stop the drive system from starting.

[0014] Furthermore, the auxiliary support component one also includes an elastic sleeve and an end cap. The elastic sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the metal support rod, and the metal support rod is slidably disposed relative to the elastic sleeve. The end cap is installed at the bottom of the clamping body. The elastic sleeve is confined within the space enclosed by the end cap and the clamping body. The outer wall of the elastic sleeve has a first groove, which forms a clamping hydraulic oil chamber with the clamping body. The end cap has a second groove, which forms a lifting hydraulic oil chamber with the metal support rod.

[0015] The drive system is a hydraulic drive system, which includes an oil circuit one, an oil circuit two, a hydraulic servo valve, and an oil supply component. The oil circuit one is connected to the clamping hydraulic oil chamber, and the oil circuit one, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a clamping control oil circuit. The oil circuit two is connected to the lifting hydraulic oil chamber, and the oil circuit two, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a lifting control oil circuit.

[0016] When hydraulic oil is introduced into the oil circuit, the hydraulic oil enters the clamping hydraulic oil chamber and generates pressure to cause the elastic sleeve to deform and clamp the metal support rod.

[0017] When hydraulic oil is introduced into the second oil circuit, the hydraulic oil enters the lifting hydraulic oil chamber and generates pressure to push the metal support rod out of the clamping body.

[0018] Furthermore, sealing rings are provided between the elastic sleeve and the clamping body, between the end cap and the clamping body, and between the end cap and the elastic sleeve.

[0019] Furthermore, the elastic sleeve is made of a conductive material, and the end of the probe extends through the end cap and is electrically connected to the elastic sleeve.

[0020] Furthermore, the clamping body is also provided with auxiliary support component two and auxiliary support component three, which have the same structure as the auxiliary support component one and are connected in the same way as the detection device and the power supply; wherein, the contact parts between the elastic sleeve and the clamping body and the contact parts between the clamping body and the end cap are insulated.

[0021] Furthermore, the end cap and the clamp body are fixedly connected by connecting bolts.

[0022] Furthermore, the probe is covered with an insulating sleeve, which is located between the probe and the end cap.

[0023] Furthermore, the drive system is an electric cylinder.

[0024] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0025] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention provides an adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces, which can effectively solve the problem of automated conformal support of auxiliary support fixtures during the machining of weakly rigid workpieces, and has the following advantages:

[0026] 1. By monitoring in real time whether the metal support rod is in contact with the workpiece to be supported through inductive signals, adaptive conformal contact between the auxiliary support point and the workpiece surface can be achieved.

[0027] 2. The support point can make contact with the weak rigid workpiece without deformation, which can realize high precision, high rigidity and stress-free support of the auxiliary support fixture during the processing.

[0028] 3. When multiple adaptive auxiliary support rods are used together, the contact signal of each auxiliary support rod can be detected individually, enabling multi-point support for weakly rigid workpieces. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an external view of the auxiliary support system of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 These are top and bottom views of the auxiliary support system of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view of AA;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a single-point support system for the auxiliary support system of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-point support system of the present invention.

[0034] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1. Metal support rod; 2. Sealing ring; 3. Clamping hydraulic oil chamber; 4. Lifting hydraulic oil chamber; 5. Oil circuit one; 6. Oil circuit two; 7. Probe; 8. Insulating sleeve; 9. End cap; 10. Connecting bolt; 11. Elastic sleeve; 12. Clamping body; 13. Detection device; 14. Power supply; 15. Auxiliary support component one; 16. Auxiliary support component two; 17. Auxiliary support component three; 18. Workpiece; 19. First clamping air / oil cylinder; 20. Second clamping air / oil cylinder; 21. Third clamping air / oil cylinder. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may have a component in between. When a component is considered "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may have a component in between. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Please see Figures 1-5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an adaptive auxiliary support system structure suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces, provided in a preferred embodiment of this application. Figures 1-5 In the embodiment shown, the system includes: an auxiliary support device, a detection device 13, and a power supply 14; wherein:

[0039] The auxiliary support device includes a clamping body 12 and an auxiliary support component 15 installed in the clamping body 12. The auxiliary support component 15 includes a metal support rod 1, a probe 7, and a drive system for driving the metal support rod 1 to rise. The probe 7 is electrically connected to the metal support rod 1.

[0040] The positive and negative terminals of the power supply 14 are electrically connected to the workpiece 18 to be supported and the detection device 13, respectively;

[0041] The detection device 13 is electrically connected to the probe 7. The metal support rod 1, the probe 7, the power supply 14 and the detection device 13 form an electrical circuit so that when the metal support rod 1 contacts the workpiece 18 to be supported, a closed circuit is formed and the detection device 13 sends a signal to stop the drive system from starting.

[0042] This system can achieve adaptive auxiliary support during the processing of weakly rigid workpieces. Specifically, by monitoring the contact between the metal support rod 1 and the workpiece 18, it can achieve adaptive conformal support for the surface of the workpiece 18. It can also send a signal to stop the drive system when the metal support rod 1 comes into contact with the workpiece 18, thereby achieving automated control of the auxiliary support. Specifically, the metal support rod 1 rises slowly under the control of the drive system, and the detection device 13 monitors in real time whether the metal support rod 1 is in contact with the workpiece 18. When the contact between the metal support rod 1 and the workpiece 18 is detected, the rising action of the metal support rod 1 is stopped by the electronic control circuit, and then the position of the metal support rod 1 remains unchanged during the processing, thus achieving auxiliary support.

[0043] Preferably, the auxiliary support component 15 further includes an elastic sleeve 11 and an end cap 9. The elastic sleeve 11 is sleeved on the outside of the metal support rod 1, and the metal support rod 1 is slidably disposed relative to the elastic sleeve 11. The end cap 9 is installed at the bottom of the clamping body 12. The elastic sleeve 11 is confined within the space enclosed by the end cap 9 and the clamping body 12. The outer wall of the elastic sleeve 11 has a first groove, and the first groove and the clamping body form a clamping hydraulic oil cavity 3. The end cap 9 has a second groove, and the second groove and the metal support rod 1 form a lifting hydraulic oil cavity 4.

[0044] The drive system is a hydraulic drive system, which includes an oil circuit 5, an oil circuit 6, a hydraulic servo valve, and an oil supply component. The oil circuit 5 is connected to the clamping hydraulic oil chamber 3. The oil circuit 5, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a clamping control oil circuit. The oil circuit 6 is connected to the lifting hydraulic oil chamber 4. The oil circuit 6, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a lifting control oil circuit.

[0045] When hydraulic oil is supplied to oil circuit 5, the hydraulic oil enters the clamping hydraulic oil chamber 3 and generates pressure to cause the elastic sleeve 11 to deform and clamp the metal support rod 1.

[0046] When hydraulic oil is supplied to oil circuit 26, the hydraulic oil enters the lifting hydraulic oil chamber 4 and generates pressure. This pressure acts on the metal support rod 1, causing it to rise relative to the elastic sleeve 11, thereby pushing the metal support rod 1 out of the clamp body 12.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the raising and locking of the metal support rod 1 is mainly driven by a hydraulic drive system. The hydraulic drive system includes two key oil circuits: oil circuit one (5) and oil circuit two (6). The raising of the metal support rod 1 is achieved by supplying oil to the lifting hydraulic oil chamber 4 through oil circuit two (6). When the oil pressure increases, the metal support rod 1 is pushed upward. Once the metal support rod 1 contacts the workpiece 18, the oil supply to the oil circuit will stop through feedback from the electronic control circuit to prevent further raising.

[0048] The metal support rod 1 is locked by high-pressure oil supplied to the clamping hydraulic chamber 3 via oil circuit 5. The force generated is sufficient to deform the elastic sleeve 11, thereby locking the metal support rod 1 in the correct position. In this way, the auxiliary support system can adaptively match the shape of the workpiece 18 and maintain high-precision and stress-free support during processing.

[0049] Preferably, sealing rings 2 are provided between the elastic sleeve 11 and the clamping body 12, between the end cap 9 and the clamping body 12, and between the end cap 9 and the elastic sleeve 11. The sealing rings 2 are provided to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic system and prevent hydraulic oil leakage. These sealing rings 2 effectively prevent hydraulic oil inside the hydraulic system from leaking into the external environment, and also prevent external impurities from entering the hydraulic system, ensuring the sealing performance and operational stability of the hydraulic system. By providing sealing rings 2 at various key connection points, it can be ensured that the hydraulic system maintains a good sealing state during operation, thereby guaranteeing the reliability and long-term stability of the auxiliary support system.

[0050] Preferably, the elastic sleeve 11 is made of a conductive material, and the end of the probe 7 extends through the end cap 9 and is electrically connected to the elastic sleeve 11; thereby enabling monitoring of the contact state of the metal support rod 1. When the metal support rod 1 contacts the workpiece 18, due to the conductive properties of the elastic sleeve 11, this change in contact state is transmitted to the probe 7, thereby triggering the system's feedback control to stop the upward movement of the hydraulic drive system, thus achieving adaptive auxiliary support.

[0051] Preferably, inside the clamping body 12, in addition to the first auxiliary support component 15 already described, there are auxiliary support components 2 16, 3 17, and more with similar structures. They are connected in the same way as the detection device 13 and the power supply 14, and are used to provide multiple supports or backup supports for the workpiece 18. Furthermore, the contact points between the elastic sleeve 11 and the clamping body 12, and between the clamping body 12 and the end cap 9, are insulated to prevent current from flowing through these contact points, avoiding electrical connections between the independently controlled auxiliary support components 15, 2 16, and 3 17, ensuring system safety and reducing interference with measurement results.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown. During multi-point support clamping, the hydraulic cylinder extension and retraction control circuits share a common servo valve control, while the hydraulic clamping circuits of each auxiliary support are controlled independently. During the auxiliary support clamping process, each auxiliary support is initially in a retracted state.

[0053] At this point, according to the process analysis, auxiliary support component 15 will act first, then auxiliary support component 15 and auxiliary support component 3 17 will hydraulically clamp, auxiliary support component 2 16 will hydraulically loosen, the auxiliary support telescopic servo valve will supply oil, and auxiliary support component 2 16 will slowly rise until it contacts the workpiece, and then auxiliary support component 2 16 will hydraulically clamp; at this point, it is possible to check whether the second clamping air / oil cylinder 20 is clamped according to the process requirements.

[0054] Then, according to the process requirements, such as the action of auxiliary support component 317, the hydraulic clamping of auxiliary support component 317 is released, the auxiliary support telescopic servo valve supplies oil, and controls the auxiliary support component 317 to slowly rise until it contacts the workpiece, and then the auxiliary support component 317 is hydraulically clamped; at this time, it can be checked whether the third clamping air / oil cylinder 21 is clamped according to the process requirements.

[0055] Finally, when the auxiliary support component 15 is activated, the hydraulic clamping of the auxiliary support component 15 is released, and the auxiliary support telescopic servo valve supplies oil to control the auxiliary support component 15 to slowly rise until it contacts the workpiece. Then, the auxiliary support component 15 hydraulically clamps. At this time, it can be checked whether the first clamping air / oil cylinder 19 is clamped according to the process requirements.

[0056] Preferably, the end cap 9 and the clamping body 12 are fixedly connected by connecting bolts 10. This connection method means that the end cap 9 and the clamping body 12 are connected to each other by means of bolt overlap or through holes, so as to ensure that they maintain a stable relative position during operation and can withstand the required force and pressure without loosening. The connecting bolts 10 are usually a detachable connection method, so it is convenient to maintain the system and replace parts.

[0057] Preferably, the probe 7 is covered with an insulating sleeve 8, which is located between the probe 7 and the end cap 9. This insulating sleeve serves to prevent electrical contact between the probe 7 and the end cap 9 during the detection process, and also to avoid affecting the auxiliary support components. Therefore, the insulating sleeve 8 protects the probe 7 from external environmental interference while also helping to ensure the accuracy and stability of the detection system.

[0058] Preferably, the drive system is an electric cylinder, which is used to assist the metal support rod 1, and the rising speed of the metal support rod 1 is precisely controlled by servo drive technology.

[0059] Preferably, to achieve high-precision detection of the contact position, the rising speed of the metal support rod 1 is adjustable in multiple levels. When the auxiliary clamping time requirement is short and the position requirement of the metal support rod 1 is high, the metal support rod 1 first rises at a faster speed. After contacting the workpiece 18, the metal support rod 1 stops rising and moves in the opposite direction to separate the metal support rod 1 from the workpiece 18. Then, the rising speed is reduced, and the contact position is repositioned. The above process is repeated according to the process requirements to achieve higher positioning accuracy.

[0060] Preferably, during the auxiliary clamping process, the metal support rod 1 on one side of the workpiece 18 provides "zero deformation" support, and the other side can be clamped by a pneumatic or hydraulic device (i.e., the first clamping air / oil cylinder 19, the second clamping air / oil cylinder 20, the third clamping air / oil cylinder 21, etc.). To avoid deformation during the clamping process, the contact normal of the auxiliary support point should pass through the point of application of the corresponding clamping force.

[0061] Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other units or steps, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Multiple units or devices recited in the apparatus claims may also be implemented by the same unit or device in software or hardware. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate names and do not indicate any particular order.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. An adaptive auxiliary support system suitable for machining weakly rigid workpieces, characterized in that, include: Auxiliary support device, detection device, and power supply; among which, The auxiliary support device includes a clamping body and an auxiliary support component 1 installed inside the clamping body. The auxiliary support component 1 includes a metal support rod, a probe, and a drive system for driving the metal support rod to rise. The probe is electrically connected to the metal support rod. The positive and negative terminals of the power supply are electrically connected to the workpiece to be supported and the detection device, respectively. The detection device is electrically connected to the probe. The metal support rod, the probe, the power supply, and the detection device constitute an electrical circuit, so that when the metal support rod contacts the workpiece to be supported, a closed circuit is formed and the detection device sends a signal to stop the drive system from starting. The auxiliary support component one further includes an elastic sleeve and an end cap. The elastic sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the metal support rod, and the metal support rod is slidably disposed relative to the elastic sleeve. The end cap is installed at the bottom of the clamping body. The elastic sleeve is confined within the space enclosed by the end cap and the clamping body. The outer wall of the elastic sleeve has a first groove, which forms a clamping hydraulic oil chamber with the clamping body. The end cap has a second groove, which forms a lifting hydraulic oil chamber with the metal support rod. The drive system is a hydraulic drive system, which includes an oil circuit one, an oil circuit two, a hydraulic servo valve, and an oil supply component. The oil circuit one is connected to the clamping hydraulic oil chamber, and the oil circuit one, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a clamping control oil circuit. The oil circuit two is connected to the lifting hydraulic oil chamber, and the oil circuit two, the hydraulic servo valve, and the oil supply component are connected by pipelines to form a lifting control oil circuit. When hydraulic oil is introduced into the oil circuit, the hydraulic oil enters the clamping hydraulic oil chamber and generates pressure to cause the elastic sleeve to deform and clamp the metal support rod. When hydraulic oil is introduced into the second oil circuit, the hydraulic oil enters the lifting hydraulic oil chamber and generates pressure to push the metal support rod out of the clamping body. The elastic sleeve is made of conductive material, and the end of the probe passes through the end cap and is electrically connected to the elastic sleeve; the clamp body is also provided with auxiliary support component two and auxiliary support component three, which have the same structure as the auxiliary support component one and the same connection method as the detection device and the power supply; wherein, the contact parts between the elastic sleeve and the clamp body and the contact parts between the clamp body and the end cap are insulated.

2. The adaptive auxiliary support system for machining weakly rigid workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sealing rings are provided between the elastic sleeve and the clamping body, between the end cap and the clamping body, and between the end cap and the elastic sleeve.

3. The adaptive auxiliary support system for machining weakly rigid workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap and the clamp body are fixedly connected by connecting bolts.

4. The adaptive auxiliary support system for machining weakly rigid workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe is covered with an insulating sleeve, which is located between the probe and the end cap.

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