Steering gear subassembly fixture

Abstract

The application relates to a steering engine disassembling clamp capable of clamping a workpiece of a steering engine, which comprises a supporting seat, a clamp mechanism and a control assembly, the clamp mechanism comprises a stand column, a top plate, a positioning assembly and a clamping assembly, the top plate is installed on the supporting seat through the stand column, the positioning assembly comprises a positioning plate arranged below the top plate and at least one set of limiting structures arranged on the top of the top plate, each set of limiting structures is provided with a distance measuring module, the distance measuring module is configured to obtain distance information of an object located on a detection path of the distance measuring module, the clamping assembly comprises a complete set of cylinder assemblies and pneumatic chucks, the cylinder assemblies are arranged on the top of the top plate, the pneumatic chucks are arranged on the bottom of the top plate, the pneumatic chucks comprise working cavities communicated with the cylinder assemblies and clamping rods movably connected with the working cavities, and the control assembly drives the cylinder assemblies to work to enable the clamping rods to clamp the workpiece to the limiting structures when the distance information is received and it is judged that the distance information is within a preset threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive manufacturing fixture technology, and in particular to a steering gear sub-assembly fixture. Background Technology

[0002] In actual use, the sub-assembly fixtures used in some existing steering gear sub-assembly equipment can fix the workpiece, but the stability after fixing is low. This can cause the workpiece to rotate or shift during processing due to instability, which leads to a decrease in the quality of the processed workpiece and reduces the efficiency of the steering gear sub-assembly fixture. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a steering gear assembly fixture that can stably and reliably clamp the steering gear workpiece to be processed.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a steering gear assembly fixture is provided. The steering gear assembly fixture includes a support base, a clamping mechanism disposed on top of the support base, and a control assembly. The clamping mechanism includes a column, a top plate, a positioning assembly, and a clamping assembly. The top plate is mounted to the support base via the column. The positioning assembly includes a positioning plate disposed below the top plate and at least one set of limiting structures disposed on top of the top plate. Each set of limiting structures is correspondingly provided with a ranging module, the ranging module being configured to acquire distance information of objects located on the detection path of the ranging module. The clamping assembly includes a set of cylinder assemblies and pneumatic chucks. The cylinder assembly is used to output working gas. A cylinder assembly is disposed at the top of the top plate, and a pneumatic chuck is disposed at the bottom of the top plate. The pneumatic chuck includes a working chamber communicating with the cylinder assembly and a clamping rod movably coupled to the working chamber. Driven by the cylinder assembly, the clamping rod can reciprocate to clamp or release the workpiece. A control assembly is disposed below the positioning plate. The control assembly is electrically connected to both the ranging module and the cylinder assembly. The control assembly is used to control the operation of the cylinder assembly. When the control assembly receives the distance information and determines that the distance information is within a preset threshold, it drives the cylinder assembly to operate so that the clamping rod clamps the workpiece to the limiting structure.

[0005] In some embodiments, the support base includes a base, a storage box disposed above the base, and the clamping mechanism is disposed on the top of the storage box.

[0006] In some embodiments, the positioning plate is rotatably mounted on the support base, and the positioning plate is a circular plate; four sets of limiting structures are provided and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the positioning plate; the clamping assembly includes two sets of cylinder assemblies and pneumatic chucks, with the two pneumatic chucks arranged back to back; the steering gear disassembly fixture also includes a motor mounted on the top of the support base, the output end of the motor being connected to the positioning plate, and the motor being electrically connected to the control assembly, wherein the motor operates under the control of the control assembly to drive the positioning plate to rotate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cylinder assembly includes an electric push rod, a cylinder block having an air chamber, a seal movably disposed within the cylinder along the axial direction of the air chamber, and an air supply pipe, wherein the electric push rod is electrically connected to and controlled by the control component, the output end of the electric push rod extends into one end of the air chamber and is connected to the seal, and the air supply pipe communicates with the other end of the air chamber and passes downward through the top plate to communicate with the working chamber of the pneumatic chuck.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pneumatic chuck includes a mounting block and a cover plate. The top of the mounting block has the working chamber, and the side wall of the working chamber has at least one through hole. Each through hole has a clamping rod inserted through it. The cover plate covers the working chamber and has a communication port that communicates with the working chamber and is connected to the air supply pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a first positioning block, a clamping bolt connected to the first positioning block and used to abut against the workpiece; the limiting structure also includes a workpiece placement hole formed in the positioning plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the positioning component further includes four second positioning blocks, which are evenly arranged along the circumference of the positioning plate and converge at one end at the center of the positioning plate. Any two adjacent second positioning blocks are paired with one first positioning block to define a limiting space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control component includes a main controller, a controller body, a wireless transmitter, and a battery. The main controller is disposed on the top of the support base, and the controller body, the wireless transmitter, and the battery are all disposed on the bottom of the positioning plate. The main controller is wirelessly connected to the controller body via the wireless transmitter. The main controller is also electrically connected to the motor, and the controller body is electrically connected to the ranging module, the electric push rod, and the battery, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ranging module includes a support tube, a locking block, a mounting base, and an infrared ranging sensor, wherein the support tube is fixed to the top of the positioning plate, the locking block is mounted on the top of the support tube, the mounting base is fixed to the locking block, and the infrared ranging sensor is disposed on the mounting base.

[0013] In some embodiments, the steering gear assembly fixture further includes a protective housing, which is detachably mounted on a top plate and has heat dissipation holes.

[0014] In the aforementioned steering gear assembly fixture, when the control component receives distance information and determines that the distance information is within a preset threshold, it drives the cylinder assembly to work so that the chuck clamps the workpiece to the limiting structure. This enables the workpiece to be clamped quickly, promptly, and firmly, ensuring the quality of subsequent processing. In addition, the cylinder assembly is located at the very top of the top plate, saving space below the top plate and facilitating the placement of positioning components and workpieces. Furthermore, the top plate is also used to place equipment for processing the workpiece. This improves the integration level of the equipment and makes processing more convenient and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steering gear assembly fixture after the protective shell is hidden, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cylinder assembly in a steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to an embodiment of this application, wherein part of the cylinder block structure is hidden to show its internal structure.

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic chuck in a steering gear assembly fixture according to an embodiment of this application, viewed from different angles.

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This application presents schematic diagrams of the positioning components in a steering gear assembly fixture according to an embodiment of the present application from different perspectives.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping block in a steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 1. Support base; 101. Base; 102. Storage box; 103. Support column; 2. Clamping mechanism; 10. Column; 20. Top plate; 30. Positioning assembly; 310. Positioning plate; 311. Positioning hole; 320. Limiting structure; 321. First positioning block; 322. Clamping bolt; 323. Workpiece placement hole; 324. Second positioning block; 330. Limiting column; 40. Clamping assembly; 410. Cylinder assembly; 411. Electric push rod; 412. Cylinder block; 4121. Air chamber; 413. Seal; 4131. Push plate; 4132. Sealing gasket; 414. Air supply pipe; 420. Air... 421. Moving chuck; 421. Working chamber; 4211. Through hole; 422. Clamping rod; 423. Mounting block; 424. Cover plate; 4241. Connecting port; 430. L-shaped connecting block; 431. Connecting hole; 50. Distance sensor; 510. Support tube; 520. Locking block; 521. Fixing rod; 522. Limiting rod; 523. Support plate; 530. Mounting base; 540. Infrared distance sensor; 3. Control components; 31. Main controller; 32. Controller body; 33. Wireless transmitter; 34. Battery; 35. Battery box; 4. Protective shell; 41. Heat dissipation hole; 5. Motor; 51. Rotating rod. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0029] This application provides a steering gear assembly fixture for clamping and fixing workpieces on an automotive steering gear for subsequent processing. The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] refer to Figures 1 to 8According to one embodiment of the present application, a steering gear sub-assembly fixture includes a support base 1 and a clamping mechanism 2 disposed on the top of the support base 1. The support base 1 is used to be placed on an installation base such as the ground, and the clamping mechanism 2 is used to clamp the workpiece to be processed.

[0031] The support base 1 includes a base 101 and a storage box 102, which has a storage function. The base 101 is used to install on the ground and may have a guide rail structure. The storage box 102 has at least one door on its side, or it may be open. In this way, various tools and workpieces can be placed inside the storage box 102, which can improve the efficiency of the steering gear sub-assembly fixture during operation or maintenance.

[0032] The clamping mechanism 2 includes a column 10, a top plate 20, a positioning component 30, a clamping component 40, and a control component 3.

[0033] The column 10 is fixed to the top of the support base 1 to support the top plate 20. The bottom of the column 10 is fixed to the top of the support base 1. There are four columns 10, which are respectively set at the four corners of the top of the support base 1.

[0034] The top plate 20 is mounted on the support base 1 via the columns 10. Specifically, the top plate 20 is mounted on the top of four columns 10. For example, the top plate 20 is rectangular, but it is understood that the shape is not limited to a rectangular plate.

[0035] The positioning component 30 is used to position the workpiece to be processed. The positioning component 30 includes a positioning plate 310 located below the top plate 20 and at least one set of limiting structures 320 located at the top of the top plate 20. Each set of limiting structures 320 is correspondingly equipped with a ranging module 50, which is configured to acquire distance information of objects on the detection path. The ranging principle of the ranging module 50 is not limited; for example, it can be infrared ranging, ultrasonic ranging, etc.

[0036] At least one clamping assembly 40 is provided. The clamping assembly 40 includes a cylinder assembly 410 and a pneumatic chuck 420. The cylinder assembly 410 is used to output working gas and is disposed on the top of the top plate 20. The pneumatic chuck 420 is disposed on the bottom of the top plate 20 and includes a working chamber 421 communicating with the cylinder assembly 410 and a clamping rod 422 movably coupled to the working chamber 421. Driven by the cylinder assembly 410, the clamping rod 422 can reciprocate to clamp or release the workpiece.

[0037] The control component 3 is located below the positioning plate 310. The control component 3 is electrically connected to both the ranging module 50 and the cylinder assembly 410. The control component 3 is used to control the operation of the cylinder assembly 410. The control component 3 is configured to drive the cylinder assembly 410 to operate when it receives distance information and determines that the distance information is within a preset threshold, so that the clamping rod 422 clamps the workpiece in the limiting structure 320.

[0038] When machining a steering gear workpiece, the workpiece is placed on the positioning plate 310 between the limiting structure 320 and the pneumatic chuck 420. At this time, the distance information detected by the ranging module 50 will be less than a preset threshold. The control component 3 then determines that there is a workpiece on the positioning plate 310 and drives the cylinder assembly 410 to work, allowing the clamping rod 422 of the cylinder chuck to clamp the workpiece. The cylinder assembly 410 operates to clamp the workpiece against the limiting structure 320, thus quickly, promptly, and firmly clamping the workpiece and ensuring subsequent machining quality. Furthermore, the cylinder assembly 410 is positioned at the top of the top plate, saving space below the top plate 20 and facilitating the placement of the positioning component 30 and the workpiece. Additionally, the top plate 20 is used to place the equipment for machining the workpiece. This improves the integration of the equipment and makes machining more convenient and efficient.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the steering gear assembly fixture further includes a protective housing 4, which is detachably mounted on the top plate 20. At least one side of the protective housing 4 has a heat dissipation hole 41. The heat dissipation hole 41 is, for example, rectangular, and there is at least one such hole.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 At least one limiting post 330 is provided on the top of the support base 1 around the periphery of the positioning plate 310. The positioning plate 310 is located within the area enclosed by the multiple limiting posts 330. The limiting posts 330 can be used to limit the workpiece placed on the positioning plate 310.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the positioning plate 310 is rotatably mounted on the support base 1, and the positioning plate 310 is a circular plate. Four sets of limiting structures 320 are provided and evenly distributed along the circumference of the positioning plate 310; the clamping assembly 40 includes two sets, with two pneumatic chucks 420 arranged back-to-back. The steering gear disassembly fixture also includes a motor 5 mounted on the top of the support base 1, the motor 5 connected to the positioning plate 310, and electrically connected to the control assembly 3, wherein the motor 5 operates under the control of the control assembly 3 to drive the positioning plate 310 to rotate.

[0042] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 8The motor 5 is fixed on the top of the support base 1. The output end of the motor 5 is equipped with a rotating rod 51, which is inserted into and fixed in the positioning hole 311 in the center of the positioning plate 310.

[0043] Using the above method, when the steering gear assembly fixture is working, two workpieces can be placed at once and clamped and fixed by two pneumatic chucks 420 respectively. When both workpieces are processed, the control component 3 controls the cylinder assembly 410 to work, so that the pneumatic chucks 420 release the workpieces. Then, the control component 3 controls the motor 5 to rotate 90 degrees and then turns off the motor 5. The operator can then remove the two processed workpieces and simultaneously place the other two workpieces to be processed into another set of limit structures 320 for synchronous operation, which saves time and improves work efficiency.

[0044] Further, refer to Figure 1 The top of the storage box 102 of the support base 1 is also provided with a support column 103. The support column 103 is supported on the bottom of the positioning plate 310, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the positioning plate 310.

[0045] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The cylinder assembly 410 includes an electric push rod 411, a cylinder block 412 with an air chamber 4121, a seal 413 movably disposed in the cylinder along the axial direction of the air chamber 4121, and an air supply pipe 414. The electric push rod 411 is electrically connected to the control assembly 3 and is controlled by the control assembly 3. The output end of the electric push rod 411 extends into one end of the air chamber 4121 and is connected to the seal 413. The air supply pipe 414 connects to the other end of the air chamber 4121 and passes downward through the top plate 20 to connect with the working chamber 421 of the pneumatic chuck 420.

[0046] In this embodiment, two cylinder assemblies 410 are symmetrically arranged on the top of the top plate 20 about the center of the top plate 20. The air supply pipes 414 of the two cylinder assemblies 410 are adjacent to each other. The air supply pipes 414 are fixedly inserted through the other end of the air chamber 4121.

[0047] The sealing element 413 includes a push plate 4131 and a sealing gasket 4132. The push plate 4131 is connected to the output end of the electric push rod 411, and the sealing gasket 4132 is connected to the push plate 4131, and the sealing gasket 4132 makes sliding sealing contact with the inner wall of the air chamber 4121. The sealing gasket 4132 is bonded to the push plate 4131. Under the action of the sealing gasket 4132, the sealing between the cylinder block 412 and the push plate 4131 can be guaranteed, that is, when the push plate 4131 moves, the gas inside the cylinder block 412 can be guided to the working chamber 421 of the pneumatic chuck 420 by the air supply pipe 414.

[0048] refer to Figures 2 to 5The pneumatic chuck 420 includes a mounting block 423 and a cover plate 424. The top of the mounting block 423 has a working chamber 421. The side wall of the working chamber 421 has at least one through hole 4211. A clamping rod 422 passes through each through hole 4211. The cover plate 424 covers the working chamber 421 and has a communication port 4241 that communicates with the working chamber 421. The communication port 4241 is connected to the air supply pipe 414.

[0049] In this application, the mounting blocks 423 of the two pneumatic chucks 420 are formed as a single piece. A rectangular groove is formed on the top of the mounting block 423, which is the working cavity 421. The working cavities 421 are also symmetrically arranged and have the same specifications, which can improve the efficiency of processing and manufacturing and reduce costs.

[0050] The inner wall of the working chamber 421 has multiple through holes 4211. These through holes 4211 are arranged in a matrix with equal spacing. Each through hole 4211 contains a clamping rod 422 with a round head. It is easy to understand that the clamping rod 422 and the inner wall of the through hole 4211 have a sliding sealing contact. When the pneumatic chuck 420 clamps the workpiece, the multiple clamping rods 422 clamp the workpiece together, ensuring reliable clamping.

[0051] When the control component 3 drives the cylinder assembly 410 to work and causes the pneumatic chuck 420 to clamp the workpiece, the output end of the electric push rod 411 drags the seal 413 toward the air chamber 4121. The gas inside the cylinder block 412 can be guided by the air supply pipe 414 to the working chamber 421 of the pneumatic chuck 420 and form working gas. The working gas pushes the clamping rod 422 toward the workpiece, so that the clamping rod 422 and the limiting structure 320 clamp the workpiece together.

[0052] The pneumatic chuck 420 is fixed to the bottom of the top plate 20. See reference [link / reference needed] for details. Figure 2 and Figure 4 Each pneumatic chuck 420 is fixed to the bottom of the top plate 20 by an L-shaped connecting block 430. One end of the L-shaped connecting block 430 is provided with a connecting hole 431 so that it can be installed to the top of the top plate 20 by fasteners.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The limiting structure 320 includes a first positioning block 321 and a clamping bolt 322 connected to the first positioning block 321 and used to abut against the workpiece; the limiting structure 320 also includes workpiece placement holes 323 formed in the positioning plate 310. The four workpiece placement holes 323 are formed in two groups, and the two workpiece placement holes 323 in each group are staggered by 180 degrees and are symmetrically arranged about the center of the positioning plate 310.

[0054] The first positioning block 321 is, for example, arc-shaped, used to position the workpiece from one side. The workpiece placement hole 323 is located on one side of the first positioning block 321. The workpiece placement hole 323 extends axially through the positioning plate 310.

[0055] After the workpiece is placed, the workpiece placement hole 323 provides coarse positioning for the workpiece, while the first positioning block 321 limits its movement on one side of the workpiece. The clamping bolt 322 is operably threadedly connected to the first positioning block 321, allowing it to move relative to the first positioning block 321 to abut against the workpiece. It should be understood that the operating end of the clamping bolt 322 is located on the outside of the first positioning block 321, while the abutting end is located on the inside of the first positioning block 321.

[0056] The positioning component 30 also includes four second positioning blocks 324. The four second positioning blocks 324 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the positioning plate 310 and one end is gathered at the center of the positioning plate 310. Any two adjacent second positioning blocks 324 are paired with a first positioning block 321 to define a limiting space.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the cross-section of each second positioning block 324 is specifically L-shaped. Four second positioning blocks 324 are arranged circumferentially along the positioning plate 310, forming an X-structure. Any two adjacent second positioning blocks 324 are paired with one first positioning block 321 to define a limiting space, thereby defining four limiting spaces circumferentially along the positioning plate 310. Each limiting space is provided with a workpiece placement hole 323.

[0058] There are four ranging modules 50, each located within a limiting space. Around the circumference of the positioning plate 310, the ranging module 50 is located on one side of the first positioning block 321.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 The ranging module 50 of the steering gear sub-assembly fixture includes a support tube 510, a clamping block 520, a mounting base 530, and an infrared ranging sensor 540. The support tube 510 is fixed to the top of the positioning plate 310, the clamping block 520 is mounted on the top of the support tube 510, the mounting base 530 is fixed to the clamping block 520, and the infrared ranging sensor 540 is disposed on the mounting base 530. The mounting base 530 may be detachably disposed on the clamping block 520, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0060] The locking block 520 includes a support plate 523, a fixing rod 521, and a limiting rod 522. A mounting base 530 is disposed on the support plate 523. The support plate 523 provides a large mounting base, facilitating the installation of the mounting base 530. The fixing rod 521 is connected to the bottom of the support plate 523. The limiting rod 522 and the fixing rod 521 are used to insert into the support tube 510. The limiting rod 522 is located on one side of the top of the fixing rod 521. After both the limiting rod 522 and the fixing rod 521 are inserted into the support tube 510, they are interference-fitted with the support tube, thereby fixing the locking block 520 to the support tube 510. When installing the locking block 520, the limiting rod 522 can be used first to mate the locking block 520 with the support tube 510, and then the limiting rod 522 can be used to fix the locking block 520 to the support tube 510.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , 8 The control component 3 includes a main controller 31, a controller body 32, a wireless transmitter 33, and a battery 34. The main controller 31 is located on the top of the support base 1. The controller body 32, the wireless transmitter 33, and the battery 34 are all located on the bottom of the positioning plate 310. The main controller 31 is wirelessly connected to the controller body 32 through the wireless transmitter 33. The main controller 31 is also electrically connected to the motor 5. The controller body 32 is electrically connected to the ranging module 50, the electric push rod 411, and the battery 34, respectively.

[0062] The controller body 32 is mounted on the positioning plate 310 and is wirelessly connected to the main controller 31. Communication between the main controller 31 and the controller body 32 is unaffected by the rotation of the positioning plate 310. A battery box 35 is also provided at the bottom of the positioning plate 310. The battery 34 is placed in the battery box 35.

[0063] The working principle of the steering gear sub-assembly fixture of this application will be further described in detail below.

[0064] When it is necessary to clamp and fix the workpiece, directly connect the main controller 31 to the external power supply, then open the protective shell 4, install the workpiece processing equipment on top of the top plate 20, then put the protective shell 4 back into its initial position, open the controller body 32, and set the distance threshold (i.e., the distance between the surface of the workpiece being processed and the infrared ranging sensor 540). Of course, the distance threshold can be pre-set and does not need to be set temporarily each time processing is performed.

[0065] When everything is ready, each infrared ranging sensor 540 will monitor the distance information of objects in its detection path in real time after the controller body 32 is turned on. It monitors the distance between objects reflected back by the light and transmits the monitored data to the controller body 32 in the form of an electrical signal. At this time, the controller body 32 will also compare the received distance data with the distance threshold preset by the controller body 32. When the distance data received by the controller body 32 is greater than the distance threshold preset by the controller body 32, the controller body will not simultaneously start the two electric push rods 411. When the worker places a workpiece in one of the two symmetrical workpiece placement holes 323 with his hand, and the hand is between the workpiece and the infrared ranging sensor 540 and has not yet been removed from the workpiece, the corresponding infrared ranging sensor 540 will also transmit the distance data between the hand and the infrared ranging sensor 540 to the controller body 32 in the form of an electrical signal. At this time, the distance data received by the controller body 32 will be less than the distance threshold preset by the controller body 32, and then the controller body 32 will directly and simultaneously start the two electric push rods 411.

[0066] When the two electric push rods 411 are started synchronously, each electric push rod 411 will drive the push plate 4131 connected to it to move inside the corresponding cylinder block 412. The moving push plate 4131 will also drive the sealing gasket 4132 connected to it to move. When the sealing gasket 4132 moves, the moving sealing gasket 4132 will squeeze the air inside the corresponding cylinder block 412 and deliver it to the air supply pipe 414. Then, the air entering the air supply pipe 414 will directly enter the corresponding working chamber 421 with the cooperation of the corresponding cover plate 424.

[0067] When the air inside the two cylinder blocks 412 is delivered to the two working chambers 421, the clamping rods 422 inside each through hole 4211 are slowly pushed out. At this time, with the cooperation of the clamping rods 422, the corresponding first positioning block 321, and the clamping bolts 322, the workpiece is directly clamped and fixed. When both workpieces are fixed, the processing equipment mounted on the top plate 20 can perform processing operations on the fixed workpieces.

[0068] When both workpieces are processed, the controller body 32 can drive the two sealing gaskets 4132 to reset and move through the cooperation of the two electric push rods 411 and the two push plates 4131. When the two sealing gaskets 4132 start to reset and move, each sealing gasket 4132 will cause the corresponding clamping rod 422 to reset and move back into the corresponding through hole 4211. When the sealing gasket 4132 completes its reset, each clamping rod 422 also completes its reset movement. At this time, the main controller 31 will directly control the controller body 32 to stop sending commands to the electric push rod 411 and directly start the motor 5. The started motor 5 will drive the positioning plate 310 to rotate 90 degrees with the cooperation of the rotating rod 51. When the positioning plate 310 completes its rotation, the main controller 31 will directly shut off the motor 5. At this time, two workers can remove the workpieces to be processed from one set of symmetrical workpiece placement holes 323 respectively, and at the same time put the two workpieces to be processed into the other set of workpiece placement holes 323 for synchronous operation, which can save time and improve work efficiency. When the workpiece is placed into the corresponding workpiece placement hole 323 by hand and has not yet been removed from the workpiece, the steering gear sub-assembly fixture will repeat the above operation steps to clamp and fix the workpiece to be processed before processing. This process is repeated to improve the efficiency of workpiece processing, that is, to improve the utilization efficiency of the steering gear sub-assembly fixture.

[0069] This application, by setting up a clamping mechanism 2, can quickly and stably fix and clamp the workpiece to be processed on the steering gear sub-assembly equipment, thus ensuring that the workpiece does not rotate or shift during subsequent processing, effectively improving the quality of the processed workpiece. Under the action of the sealing gasket 4132, the sealing between the cylinder block 412 and the push plate 4131 can be guaranteed, that is, when the push plate 4131 moves, the gas inside the cylinder block can be guided into the working chamber 421, and then the clamping rod 422 inside each through hole 4211 connected to the working chamber 421 is pushed out. Subsequently, through the cooperation of the corresponding first positioning block 321 and clamping bolt 322, the workpiece placed inside the workpiece placement hole 323 can be fixed, thus ensuring that the quality of the processed workpiece is qualified.

[0070] This application can control the positioning plate 310 to perform accurate 90-degree rotation, which ensures that the processed workpiece and the workpiece to be processed are simultaneously removed and placed by two workers, saving time and improving the processing efficiency of the workpiece, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the steering gear assembly fixture. With the cooperation of the protective shell 4 and the heat dissipation hole 41, the heat generated by the two electric push rods 411 during operation can be dissipated, and the electric push rods 411 inside the protective shell 4 can be protected, thus improving the service life of the electric push rods 411.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments have been described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0072] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steering gear sub-assembly fixture, characterized in that, The steering gear assembly fixture includes a support base, a clamping mechanism and a control assembly disposed on the top of the support base, and the clamping mechanism includes a column, a top plate, a positioning assembly and a clamping assembly. The top plate is mounted on the support base via columns; The positioning component includes a positioning plate located below the top plate and at least one set of limiting structures located at the top of the top plate. Each set of limiting structures is correspondingly provided with a ranging module, and the ranging module is configured to acquire distance information of objects located on the detection path of the ranging module. The clamping assembly includes a set of cylinder assemblies and pneumatic chucks. The cylinder assembly is used to output working gas. The cylinder assembly is located at the top of the top plate, and the pneumatic chucks are located at the bottom of the top plate. The pneumatic chucks include a working chamber communicating with the cylinder assembly and a clamping rod movably connected to the working chamber. Under the drive of the cylinder assembly, the clamping rod can reciprocate to clamp or release the workpiece. The control component is located below the positioning plate. The control component is electrically connected to the ranging module and the cylinder assembly. The control component is used to control the operation of the cylinder assembly. When the control component receives the distance information and determines that the distance information is within a preset threshold, it drives the cylinder assembly to work so that the clamping rod clamps the workpiece to the limiting structure. The positioning plate is rotatably mounted on the support base, and the positioning plate is a circular plate; The limiting structure is provided in four sets and is evenly distributed along the circumference of the positioning plate; the clamping assembly includes two sets of cylinder assemblies and pneumatic chucks, with the two pneumatic chucks arranged back to back. The steering gear assembly fixture also includes a motor disposed on the top of the support base. The output end of the motor is connected to the positioning plate, and the motor is electrically connected to the control component. The motor operates under the control of the control component to drive the positioning plate to rotate. The cylinder assembly includes an electric push rod, a cylinder block with an air chamber, a seal that is axially movably disposed within the cylinder along the air chamber, and an air supply pipe. The electric push rod is electrically connected to the control component and is controlled by the control component. The output end of the electric push rod extends into one end of the air chamber and is connected to the seal. The air supply pipe connects to the other end of the air chamber and passes downward through the top plate to connect with the working chamber of the pneumatic chuck. The pneumatic chuck includes a mounting block and a cover plate. The top of the mounting block has the working chamber, and the side wall of the working chamber has at least one through hole. Each through hole has a clamping rod inserted through it. The cover plate covers the working chamber and has a communication port that communicates with the working chamber. The communication port is connected to the air supply pipe. The limiting structure includes a first positioning block, a clamping bolt connected to the first positioning block and used to abut against the workpiece; the limiting structure also includes a workpiece placement hole opened in the positioning plate.

2. The steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support base includes a base and a storage box disposed on the base, and the clamping mechanism is disposed on the top of the storage box.

3. The steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component further includes four second positioning blocks. The four second positioning blocks are evenly arranged along the circumference of the positioning plate and one end of them converges at the center of the positioning plate. Any two adjacent second positioning blocks are paired with one first positioning block to define a limiting space.

4. The steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control components include a main controller, a controller body, a wireless transmitter, and a battery. The main controller is located on the top of the support base, and the controller body, the wireless transmitter, and the battery are all located on the bottom of the positioning plate. The main controller is wirelessly connected to the controller body via the wireless transmitter. The main controller is also electrically connected to the motor. The controller body is electrically connected to the ranging module, the electric push rod, and the battery, respectively.

5. The steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ranging module includes a support tube, a locking block, a mounting base, and an infrared ranging sensor. The support tube is fixed to the top of the positioning plate, the locking block is installed on the top of the support tube, the mounting base is fixed to the locking block, and the infrared ranging sensor is disposed on the mounting base.

6. The steering gear sub-assembly fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering gear assembly fixture also includes a protective shell, which is detachably mounted on the top plate and has heat dissipation holes.

Images