Composite clamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a composite clamp which comprises a supporting base and a clamping system. The supporting seat is provided with a first station, a second station and a third station; the clamping system comprises a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit and a third clamping unit. The first clamping unit, the second clamping unit and the third clamping unit are arranged on a first station, a second station and a third station in a one-to-one correspondence mode. When the steering knuckle is clamped to the first clamping unit, the second clamping unit or the third clamping unit, the machining equipment can machine different parts of the steering knuckle. The independent clamping units are arranged at all the stations, and different machining faces of the steering knuckle are adapted through differential design. After the steering knuckle is clamped to any station, the machining equipment can machine the specific area of the steering knuckle, and the one-clamp multi-procedure effect is achieved. Therefore, clamping times can be reduced, and repeated positioning errors are eliminated. And moreover, through station cooperation, machining of a plurality of key parts can be completed through one-time clamping, and therefore the machining efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of machining fixtures, in particular to a composite fixture. Background Art

[0002] Steering knuckles, core components of automotive steering systems, are often long-neck structures, primarily consisting of bearing mounting holes, tie rod mounting holes, and brake caliper mounting holes. These complex structures, with numerous interrelated dimensions, demand high precision. Traditional machining requires multiple clamping steps to complete different machining operations. However, these multiple clamping steps result in poor dimensional accuracy and positioning accuracy. Furthermore, single-piece machining requires frequent fixture changes, resulting in lengthy maintenance time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the above description, the present invention provides a composite fixture, which aims to solve the problem that the existing fixture station has a single function and lacks a collaborative positioning mechanism, making it difficult to achieve multi-process integrated processing.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is as follows: A composite fixture, applied to a steering knuckle, comprising: The support base is provided with a first station, a second station and a third station; The clamping system includes a first clamping unit, a second clamping unit and a third clamping unit. The first clamping unit, the second clamping unit and the third clamping unit are respectively arranged at the first workstation, the second workstation and the third workstation. When the steering knuckle is clamped to the first clamping unit, the second clamping unit or the third clamping unit, the processing equipment can process different parts of the steering knuckle.

[0005] On the basis of the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0006] Furthermore, the first clamping unit includes a first central pressing mechanism and a first positioning pressing mechanism which are spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat.

[0007] Furthermore, the first central clamping mechanism includes a first linear drive, a pull rod and a first pressure plate. The first linear drive is installed at the first workstation. One end of the pull rod is connected to the output end of the first linear drive, and the first pressure plate is detachably connected to the other end of the pull rod.

[0008] Furthermore, the first positioning and pressing mechanism includes a positioning and pressing assembly, and the positioning and pressing assembly is arranged at the first work station.

[0009] Furthermore, the first positioning and pressing mechanism includes a first supporting head, which is arranged at the first work station, and the first supporting head is arranged opposite to the pressing head of the positioning and pressing assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the second clamping unit includes a first upper arm clamping device and a plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms. A through hole is provided on the second workstation. The first upper arm clamping device and the through hole are spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat, and the plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms are arranged around the through hole.

[0011] Furthermore, the first upper arm pressing device includes a bearing seat and a second positioning and pressing mechanism, and the second positioning and pressing mechanism is arranged on the bearing seat.

[0012] Furthermore, the first upper arm clamping device includes at least one pair of support mechanisms, which are arranged on the bearing seat and located on the side of the second positioning and clamping mechanism away from the through hole, and each pair of support mechanisms are symmetrically arranged.

[0013] Furthermore, the second clamping unit includes a plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms, and the plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms are provided at the second workstation, and the plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms are arranged around the through hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the second upper arm pressing device includes a second upper arm pressing device and a second center pressing mechanism spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, the technical solution of this application offers the following beneficial effects: By configuring independent clamping units at each workstation, the present invention utilizes differentiated design to accommodate the different machining surfaces of the steering knuckle. Once the steering knuckle is clamped to any workstation, the processing equipment can process specific areas of the knuckle, achieving "one clamp, multiple processes." This reduces the number of clamping times and eliminates re-positioning errors. Furthermore, through coordinated workstation operation, multiple key areas can be machined in a single clamping operation, thereby improving machining efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of a composite fixture provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the first positioning and pressing mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamping unit in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5Structure schematic view of the first upper arm pressing device in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Structure schematic view of the fourth positioning and pressing mechanism in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 Structure schematic view of the fourth positioning and pressing mechanism in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 Structure schematic view of the third clamping unit in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 Structure schematic view of the knuckle provided by the composite clamp in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 10 Structure schematic view of the knuckle in the embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals: 1, upper arm; 2, bearing position mounting surface; 3, bearing mounting hole; 4, pull rod arm; 5, pull rod mounting hole; 6, ABS mounting surface; 7, brake caliper mounting hole; 10, support seat; 11, first station; 12, second station; 121, through hole; 13, third station; 20, clamping system; 21, first clamping unit; 211, first center pressing mechanism; 2111, first linear driver; 2112, pull rod; 2113, first pressing plate; 212, first positioning and pressing mechanism; 2121, positioning and pressing assembly; 2122, first support head; 22, second clamping unit; 221, first upper arm pressing device; 2211, bearing seat; 2212, second positioning and pressing mechanism; 2213, support mechanism; 22131, second linear driver; 22132, second support head; 222, third positioning and pressing mechanism; 223, fourth positioning and pressing mechanism; 2231, mounting shaft; 22311, limiting groove; 2232, connecting shaft; 2233, second pressing plate; 22331, limiting protrusion; 2234, star-shaped handle; 2235, locking nut; 2236, elastic member; 224, first coarse limiting seat; 225, second coarse limiting seat; 23, third clamping unit; 231, second upper arm pressing device; 232, second center pressing mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0020] It will be understood that spatial relational terms such as "under," "beneath," "below," "under," "above," "above," etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature shown in the figures to other elements or features. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatial relational terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the element or feature described as "under" or "beneath" or "beneath" the other elements will be oriented as "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "under" and "under" may include both upper and lower orientations. In addition, the device may also include alternative orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include", "comprising", "having", etc. specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: a composite fixture, applied to a steering knuckle, comprising a support base 10 and a clamping system 20; the support base 10 is provided with a first workstation 11, a second workstation 12 and a third workstation 13; the clamping system 20 comprises a first clamping unit 21, a second clamping unit 22 and a third clamping unit 23, and the first clamping unit 21, the second clamping unit 22 and the third clamping unit 23 are respectively provided at the first workstation 11, the second workstation 12 and the third workstation 13; when the steering knuckle is clamped to the first clamping unit 21, the second clamping unit 22 or the third clamping unit 23, the processing equipment can process different parts of the steering knuckle.

[0023] This embodiment utilizes independent clamping units at each workstation, allowing for differentiated design to accommodate the different machining surfaces of the steering knuckle. Once the knuckle is clamped to any workstation, the processing equipment can process specific areas of the knuckle, achieving "one clamp, multiple processes." This reduces clamping times and eliminates re-positioning errors. Furthermore, through coordinated workstation operation, multiple critical areas can be machined in a single clamping session, improving processing efficiency.

[0024] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first clamping unit 21 includes a first central pressing mechanism 211 and a first positioning pressing mechanism 212 that are spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat 10 .

[0025] In this embodiment, the first central clamping mechanism 211 clamps the steering knuckle's tie rod arm 4, while the first positioning clamping mechanism 212 clamps the steering knuckle's upper arm 1. The first central clamping mechanism 211 provides the primary clamping force, while the first positioning clamping mechanism 212 provides auxiliary lateral fixation. This multi-force distribution prevents deformation of the steering knuckle due to single-point force.

[0026] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first central clamping mechanism 211 includes a first linear drive 2111, a pull rod 2112 and a first pressure plate 2113. The first linear drive 2111 is installed at the first workstation 11, one end of the pull rod 2112 is connected to the output end of the first linear drive 2111, and the first pressure plate 2113 is detachably connected to the other end of the pull rod 2112.

[0027] For example, the first linear actuator 2111 may be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric push rod, etc. The first pressing plate 2113 may be annular or C-shaped, etc.

[0028] According to this embodiment, when clamping the steering knuckle, the steering knuckle bearing mounting hole 3 is aligned with the tie rod 2112. The steering knuckle is then moved toward the support base 10, and the tie rod 2112 is passed through the bearing mounting hole 3. Next, a first pressure plate 2113 is attached to the tie rod 2112. The first linear actuator 2111 pulls the first pressure plate 2113 toward the steering knuckle via the tie rod 2112, causing the first pressure plate 2113 to apply pressure to the steering knuckle, thereby providing a clamping force. This increases the contact surface of the first pressure plate 2113, reducing local stress and deformation.

[0029] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first central clamping mechanism 211 includes a disc, which is arranged at the first workstation 11, and the disc corresponds one-to-one to the first linear driver 2111. One end of the pull rod 2112 passes through the center hole of the disc and is connected to the output end of the first linear driver 2111.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the circular disc can not only provide a supporting force to the steering knuckle, but also cooperate with the first pressure plate 2113 to provide a clamping force to the steering knuckle.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first positioning and pressing mechanism 212 includes a positioning and pressing assembly 2121 , and the positioning and pressing assembly 2121 is disposed at the first workstation 11 .

[0032] Exemplarily, the positioning and clamping assembly 2121 may be a pneumatic toggle clamp or a hydraulic toggle clamp, etc.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the positioning and pressing assembly 2121 provides a pressing force on the upper arm 1 of the steering knuckle to prevent the steering knuckle from lateral deviation.

[0034] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first positioning and pressing mechanism 212 includes a first supporting head 2122 , which is disposed at the first workstation 11 , and is disposed opposite to the pressing head of the positioning and pressing assembly 2121 .

[0035] According to this embodiment, the first support head 2122 cooperates with the pressure head of the positioning and pressing assembly 2121 to provide a strong clamping force to the steering knuckle, thereby reducing the possibility of lateral deflection of the steering knuckle.

[0036] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the second clamping unit 22 includes a first upper arm clamping device 221 and a plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms 222. A through hole 121 is provided on the second workstation 12. The first upper arm clamping device 221 and the through hole 121 are spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat 10, and a plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms 222 are arranged around the through hole 121.

[0037] Illustratively, the structure of the third positioning and pressing mechanism 222 may be the same as that of the first positioning and pressing mechanism 212 .

[0038] In this embodiment, the first upper arm clamping device 221 clamps the steering knuckle's upper arm 1, while all third positioning and clamping mechanisms 222 clamp the steering knuckle's tie rod arm 4. This allows the machining equipment to process the steering knuckle's tie rod arm 4's flat surface and tie rod mounting hole 5. During machining, the through-hole 121 avoids the machining area, enabling the tie rod mounting hole 5 to be machined in one go. The multiple third positioning and clamping mechanisms 222 evenly distribute cutting forces, preventing vibration in thin-walled structures.

[0039] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first upper arm pressing device 221 includes a bearing seat 2211 and a second positioning and pressing mechanism 2212 , and the second positioning and pressing mechanism 2212 is provided on the bearing seat 2211 .

[0040] Exemplarily, the structure of the second positioning and pressing mechanism 2212 may be the same as that of the first positioning and pressing mechanism 212 .

[0041] According to this embodiment, the second positioning and clamping mechanism 2212 can achieve rapid clamping of the upper arm 1, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1-2 As shown in some embodiments, the first upper arm pressing device 221 comprises at least one pair of supporting mechanisms 2213, which are arranged on the bearing seat 2211 and located on the side of the second positioning pressing mechanism 2212 away from the through hole 121, and each pair of supporting mechanisms 2213 are symmetrically arranged.

[0043] For example, the structure of the supporting mechanism 2213 can be the same as that of the first positioning pressing mechanism 212. Alternatively, the supporting mechanism 2213 can comprise a second linear actuator 22131 and a second supporting head 22132 arranged at the output end of the second supporting actuator; wherein the structure of the second linear actuator 22131 can be the same as that of the first linear actuator 2111. In the embodiments of the present application, one of each pair of supporting mechanisms 2213 has the same structure as the first positioning pressing mechanism 212, and the other of each pair of supporting mechanisms 2213 can comprise a second linear actuator 22131 and a second supporting head 22132.

[0044] According to this embodiment, each pair of supporting mechanisms 2213 automatically aligns the upper arm 1 of the steering knuckle, and cooperates with the second positioning pressing mechanism 2212 to achieve rapid positioning, so as to improve the positioning accuracy.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1-2 As shown in some embodiments, the second clamping unit 22 comprises a plurality of fourth positioning pressing mechanisms 223 arranged on the second station 12 and surrounding the through hole 121.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the fourth positioning pressing mechanism 223 cooperates with the third positioning pressing mechanism 222 to cover the circumference of the pull rod arm 4 of the steering knuckle, so as to provide a strong clamping force to the steering knuckle.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1-2 As shown in some embodiments, the fourth positioning pressing mechanism 223 comprises a mounting shaft 2231, a connecting shaft 2232, a second pressing plate 2233, a star-shaped handle 2234 and a locking nut 2235, the connecting shaft 2232 is arranged in the mounting shaft 2231, the second pressing plate 2233 is arranged at the end of the mounting shaft 2231 away from the second station 12, the second pressing plate 2233 is provided with a through hole corresponding to the connecting shaft 2232, the bolt of the star-shaped handle 2234 passes through the through hole and is threadedly connected with the connecting shaft 2232, and the locking nut 2235 is arranged on the side of the second pressing plate 2233 away from the mounting shaft 2231 and is threadedly connected with the bolt of the star-shaped handle 2234.

[0048] According to the embodiment, the second pressing plate 2233 is in abutment with the knuckle, and the locking bolt is tightened to enable the second pressing plate 2233 to apply a pressing force to the knuckle.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the fourth positioning and pressing mechanism 223 includes an elastic member 2236, which is sleeved on the connecting shaft 2232, one end of the elastic member 2236 is in abutment with the flange of the connecting shaft 2232, and the other end of the elastic member 2236 is in abutment with the second pressing plate 2233.

[0050] For example, the elastic member 2236 can be a spring or an elastic rubber ring.

[0051] According to the embodiment, when the locking nut 2235 is loosened, the elastic member 2236 can quickly move the second pressing plate 2233 away from the knuckle, thereby improving the dismounting efficiency of the second pressing plate 2233.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the fourth positioning and pressing mechanism 223 includes a first coarse limiting seat 224, which is arranged on the second work station 12 and located on the side of the bearing seat 2211 opposite to the third positioning and pressing mechanism 222.

[0053] According to the embodiment, when the knuckle is clamped, the first coarse limiting seat 224 assists in positioning the knuckle, thereby ensuring the position accuracy of the knuckle.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the fourth positioning and pressing mechanism 223 includes a plurality of second coarse limiting seats 225, which are arranged around the through hole 121.

[0055] According to the embodiment, when the knuckle is clamped, the second coarse limiting seat 225 assists in positioning the knuckle, thereby ensuring the position accuracy of the knuckle.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1-2 In some embodiments, the second upper arm pressing device 231 includes a second central pressing mechanism 232 and a plurality of second upper arm pressing devices 231 arranged at intervals along the length direction of the support seat 10.

[0057] For example, the structure of the second upper arm pressing device 231 can be the same as that of the first upper arm pressing device 221; in the embodiments of the present application, the two support mechanisms 2213 of the second upper arm pressing device 231 can each include a second linear actuator 22131 and a second support head 22132. The structure of the second central pressing mechanism 232 can be the same as that of the first central pressing mechanism 211.

[0058] According to the embodiment, the upper arm 1 of the knuckle is clamped by the second upper arm clamping device 231, and the drag link arm 4 of the steering arm is clamped by the second center clamping mechanism 232, so that the machining equipment can machine the ABS mounting surface 6 and the brake caliper mounting hole 7 of the knuckle.

[0059] Next, the positions machined by the machining equipment when each clamping unit clamps the knuckle are explained.

[0060] When the first clamping unit 21 clamps the knuckle, the machining equipment can machine the upper arm 1, the bearing position mounting surface 2, and the bearing mounting hole 3.

[0061] When the second clamping unit 22 clamps the knuckle, the machining equipment can machine the plane of the drag link arm 4 and the drag link mounting hole 5.

[0062] When the third clamping unit 23 clamps the knuckle, the machining equipment can machine the ABS mounting surface 6 and the brake caliper mounting hole 7.

[0063] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A composite fixture, characterized in that: Applied to steering knuckles, including: A support base (10) is provided with a first station (11), a second station (12) and a third station (13); The clamping system (20) comprises a first clamping unit (21), a second clamping unit (22) and a third clamping unit (23), wherein the first clamping unit (21), the second clamping unit (22) and the third clamping unit (23) are arranged at the first workstation (11), the second workstation (12) and the third workstation (13) in a one-to-one correspondence; when the steering knuckle is clamped to the first clamping unit (21), the second clamping unit (22) or the third clamping unit (23), the processing equipment can process different parts of the steering knuckle.

2. The composite fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that The first clamping unit (21) comprises a first central pressing mechanism (211) and a first positioning pressing mechanism (212) which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the support seat (10).

3. The composite fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that The first central clamping mechanism (211) includes a first linear drive (2111), a pull rod (2112) and a first pressure plate (2113), wherein the first linear drive (2111) is installed at the first work station (11), one end of the pull rod (2112) is connected to the output end of the first linear drive (2111), and the first pressure plate (2113) is detachably connected to the other end of the pull rod (2112).

4. The composite fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that The first positioning and pressing mechanism (212) comprises a positioning and pressing component (2121), and the positioning and pressing component (2121) is provided at the first workstation (11).

5. The composite fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that The first positioning and pressing mechanism (212) comprises a first support head (2122), the first support head (2122) being arranged at the first work station (11), and the first support head (2122) being arranged opposite to the pressure head of the positioning and pressing assembly (2121).

6. The composite fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that The second clamping unit (22) includes a first upper arm clamping device (221) and a plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms (222); a through hole (121) is provided on the second work station (12); the first upper arm clamping device (221) and the through hole (121) are spaced apart along the length direction of the support seat (10); and the plurality of third positioning and clamping mechanisms (222) are arranged around the through hole (121).

7. The composite fixture according to claim 6, characterized in that The first upper arm pressing device (221) comprises a bearing seat (2211) and a second positioning and pressing mechanism (2212), wherein the second positioning and pressing mechanism (2212) is provided on the bearing seat (2211).

8. The composite fixture according to claim 7, characterized in that The first upper arm pressing device (221) comprises at least one pair of support mechanisms (2213), the at least one pair of support mechanisms (2213) being arranged on the bearing seat (2211), the at least one pair of support mechanisms (2213) being located on a side of the second positioning and pressing mechanism (2212) away from the through hole (121), and each pair of support mechanisms (2213) being symmetrically arranged.

9. The composite fixture according to claim 8, characterized in that The second clamping unit (22) comprises a plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms (223), the plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms (223) being arranged at the second workstation (12), and the plurality of fourth positioning and pressing mechanisms (223) being arranged around the through hole (121).

10. The composite fixture according to claim 9, characterized in that The second upper arm pressing device (231) comprises a second upper arm pressing device (231) and a second central pressing mechanism (232) which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the support seat (10).

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