A warm-cold composite forging equipment for passenger car steering gear rotors

Abstract

This invention discloses a warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors, relating to the field of forging equipment technology. This application employs a combined warm and cold forging process in the forming of passenger vehicle steering gear rotors to improve forming quality. The workpiece is heated in an induction furnace and then placed in a warm forging device. Local heating of the workpiece's surface with high curvature improves local flowability, facilitating forming and increasing forming efficiency. Simultaneously, the inner hole of the workpiece is forged while the ear-shaped part is being formed. After warm forging, the workpiece is sent to an annealing furnace for spheroidizing annealing and held at that temperature. After exiting the furnace, it is sent to a cold forging press for cold extrusion to form splines. Following forming, the workpiece is quenched and rapidly cooled to obtain martensite on the surface, increasing surface hardness. Through warm forging and cold pressing, the manufacturing cycle is effectively shortened, and the density and strength of the steering gear rotor are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of forging equipment technology, specifically a warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors. Background Technology

[0002] The passenger car steering rotor is mainly used in the steering system of passenger cars. This product has a special shape, with an inner hole and a spline inside. The outer wall of the rotor is irregularly shaped and has six ears.

[0003] Currently, the production of steering gear rotors for passenger vehicles mostly employs round bar milling, with gear hobbing for the outer shape and gear shaping for the splines. This processing method significantly impacts the rotor's lifespan. However, as product quality requirements become increasingly stringent, conventional molding equipment can no longer meet the rotor molding quality demands.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the special shape of the steering gear rotor in passenger vehicles, conventional forging equipment heats the workpiece uniformly during forging, making the overall plasticity tend to be stable before forging. This cannot meet the specific shape requirements of the steering gear rotor in passenger vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors to solve the problems raised in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] Forging equipment includes an induction furnace, a warm forging device, a temperature regulating device, an annealing furnace, and a cold forging press. The induction furnace, warm forging device, annealing furnace, and cold forging press are arranged in sequence along the workpiece processing direction. The temperature regulating device is connected to the warm forging device. The warm forging device is used to forge the inner hole and outer ear of the workpiece. The cold forging press is used to forge the spline of the workpiece. The temperature regulating device is used to increase the temperature of the ear of the workpiece.

[0008] This application employs a combined warm forging and cold forging process in the forming of passenger vehicle steering gear rotors to improve forming quality. First, metal bars are cut using a circular saw and shot-blasted to remove surface oxide scale. The billet is then heated and coated with a thin graphite layer. The workpiece is heated in an induction furnace and placed in a warm forging device. Localized heating of the workpiece's externally curved surfaces improves local flowability, facilitating forming and increasing efficiency. Simultaneously, the inner hole of the workpiece is forged during the ear-shaped forming process. After warm forging, the workpiece is sent to an annealing furnace for spheroidizing annealing and held at that temperature. After exiting the furnace, it is sent to a cold forging press for cold extrusion to form splines. Following forming, the workpiece is quenched and rapidly cooled to obtain martensite on the surface, increasing surface hardness. This combination of warm forging and cold pressing effectively shortens the manufacturing cycle and improves the density and strength of the steering gear rotor.

[0009] Furthermore, the warm forging device includes a bed, a base, a die, a punch, and a pressure cylinder. The base and the bed are fastened together. The base is provided with an installation groove. The die is placed in the installation groove. The pressure cylinder is fastened together with the bed. The output end of the pressure cylinder is connected to the punch. The punch and the die are compatible.

[0010] The temperature control device includes a preheating component and a pressure application component. A temperature control cavity is provided on the base. The preheating component is placed in the temperature control cavity. The preheating component includes a resistance element and is electrically connected to a high-voltage power supply. The die includes a bottom die and an insert. The bottom die and the insert are respectively placed in the mounting groove. The bottom die is located below the insert. The insert is provided with a heat accumulation groove. The pressure application component is used to adjust the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove.

[0011] The machine bed serves as the main support foundation for mounting other components. A base is fixed to the bed surface and has mounting slots for installing the die. A pressure cylinder is mounted on the bed, with its output end connected to the punch. The pressure cylinder provides linear displacement, driving the punch to move vertically. The punch and die cooperate to forge the inner hole and ears of the workpiece. During initial machining, the die is preheated by a preheating assembly. High-voltage power supplies energize the resistance element, which generates heat and contacts the insert. The insert contacts the bottom die, and heat transfer through contact increases the die's own temperature, preventing temperature drop when the workpiece is placed into the die, which could lead to localized temperature decreases and affect local forging performance. The die uses a combination design of the bottom die and several inserts, effectively improving overall strength and hardness, ensuring product yield, and extending the overall die's service life. The combined design also facilitates easier replacement of worn parts. The formed steering gear rotor has a splined inner cavity and an irregularly shaped outer wall with six ears. By setting up a pressure-applying component, the resistance element is deformed. After deformation, the curvature of the conductor surface changes, and an electric field concentration occurs in areas with greater curvature, thereby increasing the local current density. The increased current density leads to increased local temperature rise, thus adjusting the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove. Simultaneously, during the warm forging of steering gear rotors of different specifications, the different curvatures of the lugs allow for adjustment of the deformation rate of the resistance element through the pressure-applying component, thereby changing the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove and adjusting the heat transfer efficiency. The greater the lug curvature, the greater the degree of resistance element deformation, the larger the contact area with the heat accumulation groove, and the higher the heat transfer efficiency. This results in a higher heating temperature of the workpiece through the insert, increased plasticity in areas with greater curvature, and improved warm forging efficiency and quality.

[0012] Furthermore, the preheating component also includes a fixing ring, several resistance sheets are provided, and a bracket extends outward from the resistance sheets. The pressure application component includes a pressure application motor and a pressing block. The pressure application motor and the fixing ring are fastened together. The output end of the pressure application motor is fastened together with the pressing block. The pressing block is arc-shaped, and the curvature of the outer ring of the pressing block is gradually changed. A transmission groove is provided on the pressing block, and the end of the bracket away from the resistance sheet is inserted into the transmission groove.

[0013] The pressure motor is installed by setting a fixing ring. The output end of the pressure motor is connected to the pressing block to drive the pressing block to rotate. The pressing block has a gradually changing arc shape. During rotation, the bracket is inserted into the transmission groove, and the resistance sheet is driven to deform into the heat accumulation groove through transmission, thereby increasing the local contact area. When rotating in reverse, the resistance sheet is driven to deform outward, which can reduce the contact area with the heat accumulation groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the end of the bracket that inserts into the transmission groove has a spherical surface. By setting the spherical surface, the end of the bracket slides more smoothly in the transmission groove, improving the smoothness of transmission.

[0015] Furthermore, the preheating component also includes a lifting cylinder, which is placed inside the temperature regulating chamber. The output end of the lifting cylinder is fastened to a fixed ring, and the fixed ring is slidably connected to the temperature regulating chamber.

[0016] By using the lifting cylinder, the bottom of the insert can be heated during the initial temperature adjustment, improving the efficiency of warm forging the lower part of the workpiece, which is beneficial for filling the die and improving the forming quality. As the bottom gradually takes shape, the lifting cylinder outputs vertical displacement, driving the fixed ring to move upward, thereby performing gradual warm forging and avoiding hollow areas at the bottom that would affect the forming quality.

[0017] Furthermore, the heat accumulation groove has a fan-shaped cross-section. By setting the cross-section in a fan shape, the cross-section becomes smaller closer to the axis, which facilitates the adjustment of the insertion depth when the pressing block rotates, thereby adjusting the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove, and thus adjusting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0018] Furthermore, pressure motors are installed on both sides of the fixing ring. By installing pressure motors on both sides, the pressing blocks are driven, that is, the two pressing blocks drive the deformation of the same resistive element, and the transmission efficiency is improved through double-end transmission.

[0019] Furthermore, the warm forging device also includes an ejector cylinder. An ejector groove is provided on the base, and the ejector cylinder is placed in the ejector groove, with a through hole in the center of the bottom die. By setting an ejector cylinder and placing it in the ejector groove, after the workpiece is warm forged, the output end of the ejector cylinder passes through the through hole in the center of the bottom die and ejects the formed workpiece, which facilitates continuous forging.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The die adopts a combined design of a bottom die and several inserts, which can effectively improve the overall strength and hardness, ensure the product yield, and extend the service life of the entire die. Simultaneously, the combined design makes replacement of worn parts more convenient. By setting up a pressure-applying component, the resistance element is deformed. After deformation, the curvature of the conductor surface changes, and an electric field concentration occurs in areas with greater curvature, thereby increasing the local current density. Increased current density leads to increased local temperature rise, thus adjusting the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove. Furthermore, during warm forging of steering gear rotors of different specifications, due to the different curvatures of the lugs, the deformation rate of the resistance element is adjusted by the pressure-applying component, thereby changing the contact area between the resistance element and the heat accumulation groove, and adjusting the heat exchange efficiency. The greater the lug curvature, the greater the degree of resistance element deformation, the larger the contact area with the heat accumulation groove, and the higher the heat exchange efficiency. This results in a higher heating temperature of the workpiece through the inserts, increased plasticity in areas with greater curvature, and improved warm forging efficiency and quality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the warm forging device of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a half-sectional view of the base of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control device of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the insert structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotor structure of the passenger vehicle steering system of the present invention.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Induction furnace; 2. Warm forging device; 21. Bed; 22. Base; 221. Mounting slot; 222. Temperature regulating chamber; 223. Ejection slot; 23. Die; 231. Bottom die; 232. Insert; 2321. Heat accumulation groove; 24. Punch; 25. Pressure cylinder; 26. Ejection cylinder; 3. Temperature regulating device; 31. Preheating assembly; 311. Resistance element; 312. Fixing ring; 313. Lifting cylinder; 314. Support; 32. Pressing assembly; 321. Pressing motor; 322. Pressing block; 3221. Transmission groove; 4. Annealing furnace; 5. Cold forging press. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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.

[0030] Example: Figures 1-7 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution for a hot-cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors.

[0031] The forging equipment includes an induction furnace 1, a warm forging device 2, a temperature regulating device 3, an annealing furnace 4, and a cold forging press 5. The induction furnace 1, the warm forging device 2, the annealing furnace 4, and the cold forging press 5 are arranged sequentially along the workpiece processing direction. The temperature regulating device 3 is connected to the warm forging device 2. The warm forging device 2 is used to forge the inner hole and the outer ear of the workpiece. The cold forging press 5 is used to forge the spline of the workpiece. The temperature regulating device 3 is used to increase the temperature of the ear of the workpiece.

[0032] This application employs a combined warm forging and cold forging process in the forming of passenger vehicle steering gear rotors to improve forming quality. First, metal bars are cut using a circular saw and shot-blasted to remove surface oxide scale. The billet is then heated and coated with a thin graphite layer. The workpiece is heated in an induction furnace 1 and placed in a warm forging device 2. Local heating of the workpiece's externally curved surfaces improves local flowability, facilitating forming and increasing efficiency. Simultaneously, the inner hole of the workpiece is forged while the ear is being formed. After warm forging, the workpiece is sent to an annealing furnace 4 for spheroidizing annealing and held at that temperature. After exiting the furnace, it is sent to a cold forging press 5 for cold extrusion to form splines. Following forming, the workpiece is quenched and rapidly cooled to obtain martensite on the surface, increasing surface hardness. This combination of warm forging and cold pressing effectively shortens the manufacturing cycle and improves the density and strength of the steering gear rotor.

[0033] Furthermore, the warm forging device 2 includes a bed 21, a base 22, a die 23, a punch 24, and a pressure cylinder 25. The base 22 and the bed 21 are fastened together. The base 22 is provided with a mounting groove 221. The die 23 is placed in the mounting groove 221. The pressure cylinder 25 is fastened together with the bed 21. The output end of the pressure cylinder 25 is connected to the punch 24. The punch 24 and the die 23 are adapted to each other.

[0034] The temperature control device 3 includes a preheating component 31 and a pressure application component 32. A temperature control cavity 222 is provided on the base 22. The preheating component 31 is placed in the temperature control cavity 222. The preheating component 31 includes a resistance element 311 and is electrically connected to a high-voltage power supply. The die 23 includes a bottom die 231 and an insert 232. The bottom die 231 and the insert 232 are respectively placed in the mounting groove 221. The bottom die 231 is located below the insert 232. The insert 232 is provided with a heat accumulation groove 2321. The pressure application component 32 is used to adjust the contact area between the resistance element 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321.

[0035] The bed 21 serves as the main support base for mounting other components. The base 22 is fixed to the surface of the bed 21 and has a mounting groove 221 for mounting the die 23. A pressure cylinder 25 is mounted on the bed 21, with its output end connected to the punch 24. The pressure cylinder 25 provides linear displacement, driving the punch 24 to move vertically. The punch 24 and die 23 cooperate to forge the inner hole and ear of the workpiece. During initial machining, the die 23 is preheated by the preheating assembly 31. A high-voltage power supply energizes the resistance element 311, generating heat and contacting the insert 232. The insert 232 then contacts the bottom die 231. Through contact heat transfer, the temperature of the die 23 itself is increased, preventing a temperature drop when the workpiece is placed into the die 23, which could lead to localized temperature decreases and affect localized forging performance. The die 23 adopts a combined design of a bottom die 231 and several inserts 232, which can effectively improve the overall strength and hardness, ensure the product yield, and extend the service life of the entire die. At the same time, the combined design makes replacement of worn parts easier. The molded steering rotor has a splined inner cavity and an irregularly shaped outer wall with six lugs. By setting the pressure application component 32, the resistance element 311 is deformed. After the resistance element 311 is deformed, the curvature of the conductor surface changes. The electric field is concentrated in the area with greater curvature, thereby increasing the local current density. The increase in current density leads to an increase in local temperature rise, thereby adjusting the contact area between the resistance element 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321. At the same time, when performing warm forging of steering gear rotors of different specifications, due to the different curvature of the lugs, the deformation rate of the resistance element 311 is adjusted by the pressure application component 32, thereby changing the contact area between the resistance element 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321 and adjusting the heat exchange efficiency. The greater the curvature of the lugs, the greater the degree of deformation of the resistance element 311, the larger the contact area between it and the heat accumulation groove 2321, and the higher the heat exchange efficiency. This results in a higher heating temperature of the workpiece through the insert 232, and increased plasticity in the area with greater curvature, thereby improving the warm forging efficiency and quality.

[0036] Furthermore, the preheating component 31 also includes a fixing ring 312, several resistance sheets 311 are provided, and a bracket 314 extends outward from the resistance sheets 311. The pressure application component 32 includes a pressure application motor 321 and a pressing block 322. The pressure application motor 321 and the fixing ring 312 are fastened together. The output end of the pressure application motor 321 is fastened together with the pressing block 322. The pressing block 322 is arc-shaped, and the outer ring of the pressing block 322 has a gradually changing curvature. The pressing block 322 is provided with a transmission groove 3221. The end of the bracket 314 away from the resistance sheet 311 is inserted into the transmission groove 3221.

[0037] The pressure motor 321 is installed by setting a fixing ring 312. The output end of the pressure motor 321 is connected to the pressing block 322 to drive the pressing block 322 to rotate. The pressing block 322 has a gradually changing arc shape. During rotation, the bracket 314 is inserted into the transmission groove 3221, and the resistance sheet 311 is driven to deform into the heat accumulation groove 2321 through transmission, thereby increasing the local contact area. When reversing, the resistance sheet 311 is driven to deform outward, which can reduce the contact area with the heat accumulation groove 2321.

[0038] Furthermore, one end of the bracket 314 that inserts into the transmission groove 3221 has a spherical surface. By setting the spherical surface, the end of the bracket 314 slides more smoothly in the transmission groove 3221, improving the smoothness of transmission.

[0039] Furthermore, the preheating component 31 also includes a lifting cylinder 313, which is placed inside the temperature regulating chamber 222. The output end of the lifting cylinder 313 is fastened to the fixing ring 312, and the fixing ring 312 is slidably connected to the temperature regulating chamber 222.

[0040] During the initial temperature adjustment, the bottom of the insert 232 can be heated by the lifting cylinder 313, which improves the efficiency of warm forging of the lower part of the workpiece, facilitates filling the die cavity, and improves the forming quality. As the bottom gradually takes shape, the lifting cylinder 313 outputs vertical displacement, driving the fixing ring 312 to move upward, thereby performing gradual warm forging and avoiding hollow areas at the bottom that would affect the forming quality.

[0041] Furthermore, the heat accumulation groove 2321 has a fan-shaped cross-section. By setting the cross-section in a fan shape, the cross-section becomes smaller closer to the axis, which facilitates the adjustment of the insertion depth when the pressing block 322 rotates, thereby adjusting the contact area between the resistor 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321 and adjusting the heat exchange efficiency.

[0042] Furthermore, pressure motors 321 are respectively provided on both sides of the fixing ring 312. By providing pressure motors 321 on both sides, the pressing blocks 322 are driven, that is, the two pressing blocks 322 drive the deformation of the same resistive sheet 311, thereby improving the transmission efficiency through double-end transmission.

[0043] Furthermore, the warm forging device 2 also includes an ejector cylinder 26. An ejector groove 223 is provided on the base 22, and the ejector cylinder 26 is placed within the ejector groove 223. The bottom mold 231 is perforated through the groove. By setting the ejector cylinder 26 and placing it within the ejector groove 223, after the workpiece is warm forged, the output end of the ejector cylinder 26 passes through the through hole in the middle of the bottom mold 231, ejecting the formed workpiece, facilitating continuous forging.

[0044] The working principle of this invention: The concave mold 23 adopts a combination design of bottom mold 231 and several inserts 232, which can effectively improve the overall strength and hardness, ensure the product yield, and extend the service life of the whole mold. Meanwhile, the modular design makes replacement of worn parts easier. By setting up the pressure application component 32, the resistance element 311 is deformed. After the resistance element 311 is deformed, the curvature of the conductor surface changes. The electric field is concentrated in areas with greater curvature, thereby increasing the local current density. The increased current density leads to increased local temperature rise, thus adjusting the contact area between the resistance element 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321. At the same time, when performing warm forging of steering gear rotors of different specifications, due to the different curvature of the lugs, the deformation rate of the resistance element 311 is adjusted by the pressure application component 32, thereby changing the contact area between the resistance element 311 and the heat accumulation groove 2321 and adjusting the heat exchange efficiency. The greater the curvature of the lugs, the greater the degree of deformation of the resistance element 311, the larger the contact area between it and the heat accumulation groove 2321, and the higher the heat exchange efficiency. This results in a higher heating temperature of the workpiece through the insert 232, and increased plasticity in areas with greater curvature, improving the warm forging efficiency and quality.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A warm-cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors, characterized in that: The forging equipment includes an induction furnace (1), a warm forging device (2), a temperature regulating device (3), an annealing furnace (4), and a cold forging press (5). The induction furnace (1), the warm forging device (2), the annealing furnace (4), and the cold forging press (5) are arranged sequentially along the workpiece processing direction. The temperature regulating device (3) is connected to the warm forging device (2). The warm forging device (2) is used to forge the inner hole and the outer ear of the workpiece. The cold forging press (5) is used to forge the spline of the workpiece. The temperature regulating device (3) is used to increase the temperature of the ear of the workpiece. The warm forging device (2) includes a bed (21), a base (22), a die (23), a punch (24), and a pressure cylinder (25). The base (22) and the bed (21) are fastened together. The base (22) is provided with a mounting groove (221). The die (23) is placed in the mounting groove (221). The pressure cylinder (25) and the bed (21) are fastened together. The output end of the pressure cylinder (25) is connected to the punch (24) in a transmission connection. The punch (24) and the die (23) are adapted to each other. The temperature control device (3) includes a preheating component (31) and a pressure application component (32). The base (22) is provided with a temperature control cavity (222). The preheating component (31) is placed in the temperature control cavity (222). The preheating component (31) includes a resistance element (311). The resistance element (311) is electrically connected to a high-voltage power supply. The concave mold (23) includes a bottom mold (231) and an insert (232). The bottom mold (231) and the insert (232) are respectively placed in the mounting groove (221). The bottom mold (231) is located below the insert (232). The insert (232) is provided with a heat accumulation groove (2321). The pressure application component (32) is used to adjust the contact area between the resistance element (311) and the heat accumulation groove (2321). The preheating component (31) also includes a fixing ring (312). There are several resistors (311). The resistors (311) extend outward and are provided with a bracket (314). The pressure application component (32) includes a pressure application motor (321) and a pressing block (322). The pressure application motor (321) and the fixing ring (312) are fastened together. The output end of the pressure application motor (321) is fastened together with the pressing block (322). The pressing block (322) is arc-shaped. The outer ring of the pressing block (322) has a gradually changing curvature. The pressing block (322) is provided with a transmission groove (3221). The end of the bracket (314) away from the resistor (311) is inserted into the transmission groove (3221).

2. The warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (314) is inserted into the transmission groove (3221) at one end, which has a spherical surface.

3. The warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preheating component (31) also includes a lifting cylinder (313), which is placed in the temperature regulating chamber (222). The output end of the lifting cylinder (313) is fastened to the fixing ring (312), and the fixing ring (312) is slidably connected to the temperature regulating chamber (222).

4. The warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat accumulation groove (2321) has a fan-shaped cross-section.

5. The warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors according to claim 4, characterized in that: Pressure motors (321) are respectively provided on both sides of the fixed ring (312).

6. The warm and cold composite forging equipment for passenger vehicle steering gear rotors according to claim 5, characterized in that: The warm forging device (2) also includes an ejector cylinder (26), and an ejector groove (223) is provided on the base (22). The ejector cylinder (26) is placed in the ejector groove (223), and the bottom mold (231) is provided through the middle.

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