An automatic positioning and drilling device and method for metal castings

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic positioning and drilling device and method for metal castings, comprising: a frame with a worktable at its bottom and a support column extending above the worktable connected to the top of the frame; a drilling assembly mounted on the support column for drilling holes in the casting; and a linear adjustment assembly mounted on the worktable for positioning the casting. This disclosure belongs to the technical field of drilling equipment. Through its clamping assembly, this invention allows for continuous drilling operations on multiple different planes of the metal casting using pneumatic pressure after clamping it. The forward movement of the rotating component drives the adjustment shaft to rotate, thereby causing the chuck to rotate with the metal casting. This allows for continuous drilling operations on multiple different planes of the metal casting with a single clamping, significantly improving the drilling efficiency of metal castings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the technical field of hole-opening equipment, specifically relating to an automatic positioning hole-opening device and hole-opening method for metal castings. Background Technology

[0002] Metal castings refer to metal parts or blanks with predetermined shapes, dimensions, and properties obtained by pouring molten metal into a pre-made cavity (mold), cooling and solidifying, and then cleaning. Finally, after the blank is formed, it is necessary to clean the burrs on the surface of the metal casting as required, or to open holes or enlarge holes at the reserved hole positions on the surface of the metal casting.

[0003] According to Chinese Patent Publication No. CN119457182A, a precision casting machining drilling device is disclosed. This invention relates to the field of casting machining drilling technology and discloses a precision casting machining drilling device, including a fixed ring, a multi-directional positioning mechanism, a precision casting support mechanism, and a drilling mechanism. Support legs are welded and distributed near the bottom edge of the fixed ring. The multi-directional positioning mechanism includes a rotary sliding mechanism, a positioning clamping mechanism, and a drive structure. The rotary sliding mechanism is slidably connected to the upper and lower parts of the fixed ring, the positioning clamping mechanism is fixedly distributed on the inner side wall of the rotary sliding mechanism, and the drive structure is connected to the upper left end of the rotary sliding mechanism. The precision casting support mechanism is located at the bottom middle of the fixed ring, and the drilling mechanism is located above the fixed ring. This precision casting machining drilling device can achieve multi-angle positioning and clamping of precision castings through the drive structure, which facilitates automatic adjustment of support according to precision castings of different heights. It can also dynamically adjust the drilling depth at the same time, further improving the machining accuracy.

[0004] According to Chinese Patent Publication No. CN119304219A, a rotary drilling machine for metal processing and its positioning mechanism are disclosed. This invention relates to the field of rotary drilling machine technology, specifically a rotary drilling machine for metal processing and its positioning mechanism. It solves the problems of inconvenience caused by the need to change jigs of different shapes due to different workpiece shapes, and the tendency for drill bit surface to retain debris after drilling, affecting subsequent processing. The invention includes a support mechanism with a drilling mechanism on its surface, a positioning mechanism on its top surface, and an adjustment mechanism on its surface. The invention installs a limiting platform inside the track grooves on both sides, and adjusts the position of the baffle by adjusting the length of the sliding plate and the limiting platform. This allows the T-shaped slider at the bottom of the baffle to insert into one of the track grooves, thus fixing the positioning mechanism. At this time, a compression spring drives the adjusting rod to push out, and the workpiece is clamped and positioned by the clamping plate.

[0005] The aforementioned patent reveals that it improves the workpiece clamping stability by setting up a fixture, thereby increasing the workpiece drilling accuracy. However, due to the complex shape of the casting, when multiple holes need to be drilled on its surface, the casting needs to be frequently clamped to change the drilling plane, which seriously affects the drilling efficiency of the casting and thus its overall processing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic positioning and hole-opening device and hole-opening method for metal castings, which can flexibly adjust the processing plane of the metal castings after clamping them, so that the metal castings can be continuously hole-opened on different planes in one clamping, which can greatly improve the hole-opening efficiency of metal castings.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings is provided.

[0009] The automatic positioning and drilling equipment for metal castings includes:

[0010] The frame has a worktable at its bottom and a support column extending above the worktable at its top.

[0011] A drilling assembly, mounted on a support column, is used to drill holes in castings;

[0012] A linear adjustment assembly, which is set on the worktable, is used to position the casting.

[0013] The clamping assembly has two parts, which are respectively connected to the top of the linear adjustment assembly on both sides for fixing the metal casting. The clamping assembly includes a connecting seat, a piston, an extension rod, an adjusting shaft, a chuck, a rotating part, and a locking unit. The connecting seat is fixedly connected to the linear adjustment assembly. A groove is opened on the side of the connecting seat near the drilling assembly, and the piston is slidably connected thereto. An extension rod is fixedly connected to the side of the piston near the drilling assembly. The extension rod extends out of the connecting seat and is rotatably connected to the chuck. A circular groove is opened on the side of the piston away from the extension rod, and the circular groove extends into the extension rod. An adjusting shaft for controlling the rotation of the chuck is rotatably connected in the circular groove. A locking unit for locking the extension rod and the connecting seat is connected to the adjusting shaft. A rotating part is connected to the adjusting shaft near the opening of the circular groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjusting shaft includes a main shaft and a secondary shaft. The main shaft is rotatably connected in the circular groove via a support plate. One end of both the main shaft and the secondary shaft protrudes to form a columnar member for transmission. The other end of the secondary shaft and the side wall of the chuck are provided with a connecting groove for inserting the columnar member.

[0015] Furthermore, the extension rod has a receiving groove at one end near the clamp, and the outer wall of the extension rod has a plurality of square grooves in a ring array that communicate with the receiving groove. A plug is slidably connected in the square groove, and the clamp has a slot for inserting the plug. An adjusting member for adjusting the plug is connected in the receiving groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the adjusting component includes a movable plate and a return spring. The movable plate is connected to the side of the receiving groove near the chuck via the return spring. A circular hole is provided in the middle of the movable plate, which is slidably connected to the secondary shaft. Multiple connecting rods are rotatably connected to the outer wall of the movable plate in a ring array. The end of the connecting rod away from the movable plate is rotatably connected to the insert block.

[0017] Furthermore, the rotating component includes a slider and a ball bearing. The slider is slidably connected to the main shaft, and a support spring is fixedly connected between the slider and the support plate. The outer wall of the slider contacts the inner wall of the circular groove. A spiral groove is formed on the surface of the main shaft, and a ball bearing that contacts the spiral groove is connected inside the slider.

[0018] Furthermore, a guide bar is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the circular groove, and a notch for accommodating the guide bar is provided on the outer wall of the slider.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking unit includes an external threaded sleeve, an adjusting block, a positive toothed plate, and a negative toothed plate. The support plate is rotatably connected to the side away from the slider with an external threaded sleeve. An adjusting block is threaded onto the external threaded sleeve. The upper and lower sides of the slide groove near the opening are provided with mounting grooves. A negative toothed plate is fixedly connected in the mounting groove. The upper and lower sides of the extension rod are provided with through grooves corresponding to the mounting grooves. A positive toothed plate that meshes with the negative toothed plate is slidably connected in the through groove. The bottom of the positive toothed plate is connected to the adjusting block through a connecting rod.

[0020] Furthermore, the surface of the secondary shaft is provided with a C-shaped track groove, one end of which extends away from the support plate to form an inclined extension section. The end of the extension section is provided with a ball groove, and the inner wall of the external threaded sleeve is provided with a spring groove. A ball bearing that contacts the ball groove is connected in the spring groove by a compression spring.

[0021] Furthermore, the side of the reverse tooth plate closest to the drilling assembly is machined with a first inclined surface, and the side of the positive tooth plate away from the drilling assembly is machined with a second inclined surface that fits with the first inclined surface.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automatic positioning and drilling method for metal castings is provided for use in the aforementioned automatic positioning and drilling equipment for metal castings.

[0023] The automatic positioning and drilling method for metal castings includes the following steps:

[0024] S101, using a robotic arm to move the casting between two clamping components;

[0025] S102, the air pump supplies air into the connecting seat to make the piston push the chuck to contact the casting;

[0026] S103, the air pump continues to inject air, activating the locking unit to lock the extension rod and the connecting seat;

[0027] S104, the linear adjustment component controls the movement of the casting to below the drilling component;

[0028] S105, the drilling assembly is moved down to open a hole on the surface of the casting;

[0029] S106, After the hole is drilled, the drilling assembly moves upward and resets;

[0030] S107, the air pump continues to inject air, and the rotating part pushes the adjusting shaft, carrying the chuck and casting;

[0031] S108, the drilling assembly is moved down to open a hole on the new surface of the casting.

[0032] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0033] 1. The automatic positioning and hole-opening equipment and method for metal castings, through the set clamping components, can use air pressure to push the rotating part forward on the adjusting shaft after clamping the metal casting. Then the forward movement of the rotating part drives the adjusting shaft to rotate, thereby causing the chuck to rotate with the metal casting. It can continuously open holes on multiple different planes of the metal casting with one clamping, which can greatly improve the hole-opening efficiency of metal castings.

[0034] 2. This automatic positioning and hole-opening device and method for metal castings, by making the adjusting shaft consist of a main shaft, a secondary shaft and a columnar component, enables the secondary shaft to slide along the axis of the main shaft within a circular groove. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the secondary shaft, the connection between the secondary shaft and the locking unit or the chuck can be controlled, achieving the effect of independently controlling the locking unit or the chuck. This avoids the chuck rotating and affecting the feeding state of the metal casting when the locking unit physically locks the extension rod to the connecting seat.

[0035] 3. This automatic positioning and drilling equipment and method for metal castings, through the setting of a locking unit, can use air as power to enable the clamping components to have high response sensitivity while also having a physical locking function, ensuring the clamping stability of metal castings and effectively improving the feeding efficiency of metal castings, thereby improving the drilling efficiency of metal castings. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the state of an automatic positioning and hole-opening equipment for metal castings after loading, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the state when adjusting the position of a metal casting automatic positioning and hole-opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the state after the casting position adjustment is completed in an automatic positioning and hole-opening device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the state of a metal casting automatic positioning and hole-opening device during horizontal positioning according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the state of an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings during drilling, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a clamping component in an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the state of the clamping component in the operation of an automatic positioning and hole-opening device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the operating state of the locking unit in an automatic positioning and hole-opening device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the adjusting shaft and the chuck when connected in an automatic positioning and hole-opening device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an extension rod in an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the external threaded sleeve and the auxiliary shaft in an automatic positioning and hole-opening device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjusting shaft in an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the secondary shaft in an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of an automatic positioning and hole-opening method for metal castings according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0053] 1. Frame; 2. Drilling assembly; 3. Linear adjustment assembly; 4. Clamping assembly; 41. Connecting seat; 42. Piston; 43. Extension rod; 44. Adjusting shaft; 441. Main spindle; 442. Sub-spindle; 443. Columnar component; 45. Chuck; 46. Rotating component; 461. Slider; 462. Ball bearing 1; 463. Support spring; 47. Locking unit; 471. External threaded sleeve; 472. Adjusting block; 473. Positive gear plate; 474. Negative gear plate; 475. Connecting rod 2; 5. Worktable; 6. Support 7. Support column; 8. Slide groove; 9. Circular groove; 10. Support plate; 11. Connecting groove; 12. Receiving groove; 13. Square groove; 14. Insert block; 15. Slot; 16. Adjusting component; 17. Movable plate; 18. Return spring; 19. Connecting rod one; 20. Spiral groove; 21. Guide bar; 22. Notch; 23. Mounting groove; 24. Through groove; 25. Track groove; 26. Extension section; 27. Ball groove; 28. Spring groove; 29. ​​Compression spring; 20. Ball bearing two; 21. Inclined surface one; 22. Inclined surface two. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0055] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0056] Example 1:

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings is provided.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 14 The present invention discloses an automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings, comprising:

[0059] The frame 1 has a worktable 5 at its bottom and a support column 6 extending above the worktable 5 connected to the top of the frame 1.

[0060] Drilling assembly 2, which is mounted on support column 6, is used to drill holes in the casting;

[0061] Linear adjustment component 3, which is set on the worktable 5, is used to position the casting.

[0062] Two clamping assemblies 4 are provided, and the two clamping assemblies 4 are respectively connected to the top two sides of the linear adjustment assembly 3 for fixing the metal casting. The clamping assembly 4 includes a connecting seat 41, a piston 42, an extension rod 43, an adjusting shaft 44, a chuck 45, a rotating part 46, and a locking unit 47. The connecting seat 41 is fixedly connected to the linear adjustment assembly 3. A groove 7 is opened on the side of the connecting seat 41 near the drilling assembly 2, and the piston 42 is slidably connected thereto. An extension rod 43 is fixedly connected on the side of the piston 42 near the drilling assembly 2. The extension rod 43 extends out of the connecting seat 41 and is rotatably connected to the chuck 45. A circular groove 8 is opened on the side of the piston 42 away from the extension rod 43. The circular groove 8 extends into the extension rod 43. An adjusting shaft 44 for controlling the rotation of the chuck 45 is rotatably connected in the circular groove 8. A locking unit 47 for locking the extension rod 43 and the connecting seat 41 is connected on the adjusting shaft 44. A rotating part 46 is connected to the adjusting shaft 44 near the opening of the circular groove 8.

[0063] In this embodiment, observation Figure 1 It can be observed that by setting up a frame 1, a worktable 5 is set at the bottom of the frame 1, and a clamping assembly 4 is connected to the top of the worktable 5 via a linear adjustment assembly 3. A support column 6 extending above the worktable 5 is connected to the top of the frame 1, and a drilling assembly 2 is connected to the top of the support column 6, which can be used as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, a robotic arm feeds a metal casting between two clamping components 4. An air pump then supplies air to the clamping components 4, causing them to grip the metal casting. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the position of the clamping assembly 4 and the metal casting is adjusted by the linear adjustment component 3, so that the required drilling position is moved below the drilling assembly 2, and finally, as shown... Figure 6 The status shows that the drilling assembly 2 is performing hole drilling operations on the surface of the metal casting.

[0064] However, due to the complex shape of the casting, when multiple holes need to be drilled on its surface, the casting needs to be clamped frequently to change the drilling plane, which seriously affects the drilling efficiency of the casting and thus its overall processing efficiency.

[0065] Therefore, observe Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9It can be seen that the clamping assembly 4 includes a connecting seat 41, a piston 42, an extension rod 43, an adjusting shaft 44, a chuck 45, and a rotating component 46. The connecting seat 41 is fixedly connected to the linear adjusting assembly 3. A groove 7 is provided on the side of the connecting seat 41 near the drilling assembly 2, and the piston 42 is slidably connected thereto. An extension rod 43 is fixedly connected on the side of the piston 42 near the drilling assembly 2. The extension rod 43 extends out of the connecting seat 41 and is rotatably connected to the chuck 45. A circular groove 8 is provided on the side of the piston 42 away from the extension rod 43. The circular groove 8 extends into the extension rod 43. An adjusting shaft 44 for controlling the rotation of the chuck 45 is rotatably connected in the circular groove 8. The rotating component 46 is connected to the adjusting shaft 44 near the opening of the circular groove 8.

[0066] When it is necessary to clamp the metal casting, the connecting pipe outside the connecting seat 41 is connected to the air pump. Air is then injected into the slide groove 7 by the air pump, creating a high-pressure space between the air in the depth of the slide groove 7 and the piston 42. Under the action of the air pressure, the piston 42 is then pushed... Figure 8 As shown in the state, the extension rod 43 moves outward rapidly. At this time, the extension rod 43 and the piston 42 move together, which can push the chuck 45 close to and quickly contact the metal casting, shortening the clamping time of the metal casting and thus improving the fixing efficiency of the metal casting.

[0067] After the chuck 45 comes into contact with the metal casting, as air continues to be injected, the high-pressure space can no longer increase, causing the air pressure to increase rapidly. At this point, look towards... Figure 9 It can be observed that the rotating part 46 is pushed by air to move within the circular groove 8, causing the rotating part 46 to rotate along with the adjusting shaft 44, thereby controlling the rotation of the chuck 45, so that the metal casting held by the chuck 45 is as follows: Figure 3 The rotation shown in the figure allows for adjustment of the machining plane of the metal casting without disassembly, thereby improving the drilling efficiency of the metal casting.

[0068] However, due to the compressible nature of air, this causes the drilling assembly 2 to vibrate when drilling holes on the surface of the metal casting, which in turn compresses the air in the high-pressure space, affecting the clamping stability of the chuck 45 and thus affecting the drilling accuracy of the metal casting.

[0069] Therefore, observe Figure 8 It can be observed that the clamping assembly also includes a locking unit 47, which is located at the opening of the slide groove 7 and is used to lock the extension rod 43 and the connecting seat 41, and then engage. Figure 9As can be seen, the locking unit 47 includes an external threaded sleeve 471, an adjusting block 472, a positive toothed plate 473, and a negative toothed plate 474. The external threaded sleeve 471 is rotatably connected to the side of the support plate 9 away from the slider 461. The adjusting block 472 is threadedly connected to the external threaded sleeve 471. The upper and lower sides of the slide groove 7 near the opening are provided with mounting grooves 19. The negative toothed plate 474 is fixedly connected in the mounting grooves 19. The upper and lower sides of the extension rod 43 are provided with through grooves 20 corresponding to the mounting grooves 19. The positive toothed plate 473, which meshes with the negative toothed plate 474, is slidably connected in the through grooves 20. The bottom of the positive toothed plate 473 is connected to the adjusting block 472 by a connecting rod 475.

[0070] At this time, when the rotating part 46 rotates with the adjusting shaft 44 under the push of air pressure, the external threaded sleeve 471 located outside the adjusting shaft 44 will also rotate synchronously, so that the adjusting block 472 moves along the axis of the external threaded sleeve 471, thereby shortening the distance between the adjusting block 472 and the through groove 20. At this time, under the push of the connecting rod 475, the positive tooth plate 473 in the through groove 20 will approach and bite the negative tooth plate 474. At this time, the extension rod 43 will be physically locked with the connecting seat 41. Therefore, the vibration generated in the subsequent processing of the metal casting will not cause the chuck 45 to loosen. Thus, the clamping component 4, which uses air as a power source, has high response sensitivity and physical locking function, ensuring the clamping stability of the metal casting while effectively improving the feeding efficiency of the metal casting, thereby improving the opening efficiency of the metal casting.

[0071] However, since both the locking unit 47 and the chuck 45 rely on the rotating component 46 to drive the adjusting shaft 44, the chuck 45 will also rotate synchronously when the locking unit 47 is running. This causes an uncontrollable change in the angle of the metal casting held between the chucks 45, which will affect the feeding and subsequent processing of the metal casting.

[0072] Therefore, observe Figure 13 It can be seen that the adjusting shaft 44 includes a main shaft 441 and a secondary shaft 442. The main shaft 441 is rotatably connected to the circular groove 8 through the support plate 9. One end of both the main shaft 441 and the secondary shaft 442 has a protruding columnar member 443 for transmission. The other end of the secondary shaft 442 and the side wall of the chuck 45 are provided with a connecting groove 10 for inserting the columnar member 443. This allows the secondary shaft 442 to slide along the axis of the main shaft 441 in the circular groove 8. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the secondary shaft 442, the connection between the secondary shaft 442 and the locking unit 47 or the chuck 45 can be controlled, achieving the effect of independently controlling the locking unit 47 or independently controlling the chuck 45. This avoids the chuck 45 from rotating and affecting the feeding state of the metal casting when the locking unit 47 physically locks the extension rod 43 to the connecting seat 41.

[0073] Looking again Figure 14It can be observed that the surface of the secondary shaft 442 has a C-shaped track groove 21. One end of the track groove 21 extends away from the support plate 9 to form an inclined extension section 22. The end of the extension section 22 has a ball groove 23. Looking further... Figure 12 It can be seen that the inner wall of the external threaded sleeve 471 has a spring groove 24, and the spring groove 24 is connected to the ball 26 which is in contact with the ball groove 23 by a compression spring 25.

[0074] At this time, when the main shaft 441 drives the secondary shaft 442 to rotate, the secondary shaft 442 rotates the ball bearings 26 through the ball groove 23, thereby causing the external threaded sleeve 471 to rotate, which is used to physically lock the connecting seat 41 and the extension rod 43 by the locking unit 47.

[0075] After the connecting seat 41 and the extension rod 43 are physically locked, as the air pump continues to deliver air, the air in the high-pressure space will continue to increase, and the air will continue to exert a thrust on the rotating part 46. At this time, since the positive tooth plate 473 has already engaged with the negative tooth plate 474, the positive tooth plate 473 cannot continue to approach the negative tooth plate 474. Therefore, under the resistance of the positive tooth plate 473, the adjusting block 472 cannot continue to advance, thereby stopping the external threaded sleeve 471 from rotating. At this time, the main shaft 441 rotates with the secondary shaft 442, which will cause the curved surface of the ball groove 23 to apply pressure towards the spring groove 24 to the second ball 26, so as to squeeze the second ball 26 out of the ball groove 23.

[0076] When the ball bearing 26 is extruded into the ball groove 23, the secondary shaft 442 will unlock from the external threaded sleeve 471. At this time, the secondary shaft 442 rotates with the main shaft 441 and uses the extension section 22 to abut against the ball bearing 26 to generate an axial torque, causing the secondary shaft 442 to slide towards the chuck 45 until the ball bearing 26 enters the track groove 21. Then, the columnar member 443 on the secondary shaft 442 is inserted into the connecting groove 10 of the chuck 45, realizing the effect of the secondary shaft 442 being unlocked from the external threaded sleeve 471 and connected to the chuck 45. After the secondary shaft 442 is connected to the chuck 45, the high-pressure air continues to push the rotating member 46 forward, which will cause the secondary shaft 442 to rotate with the chuck 45, thus achieving the effect of flexibly adjusting the machining plane of the metal casting.

[0077] Finally, after the metal casting hole-opening operation is completed, another air pump is used to extract the air from the slide 7 until a negative pressure is created inside the slide 7. At this time, the piston 42 will return to its original position. However, because the locking unit 47 locks the extension rod 43 to the connecting seat 41, the piston 42 cannot return to its original position. Therefore, the negative pressure will preferentially pull the rotating part 46 to return to its original position. At this time, the main shaft 441 reverses, causing the secondary shaft 442 to reverse synchronously. The second ball 26 will roll in the track groove 21 until it enters the extension section 22. When the long section 22 is reset, the secondary shaft 442 will also be reset synchronously. At this time, the chuck 45 is reset and separated from the secondary shaft 442. After the second ball 26 re-engages with the ball groove 23, the secondary shaft 442 continues to rotate, which will cause the external threaded sleeve 471 to reverse and push the adjusting block 472 to reset. The positive tooth plate 473 and the negative tooth plate 474 separate and unlock the connecting seat 41 and the extension rod 43. At this time, the piston 42 can be reset normally. Then, the metal casting can be easily removed by the robot to complete the hole opening operation of the metal component.

[0078] Among them, the drilling assembly 2 mentioned above is a structural component that uses a motor to drive a lead screw to move the slide up and down, thereby moving the spindle drill bit up and down, or uses a hydraulic system such as a hydraulic cylinder to drive the spindle drill bit up and down; the linear adjustment assembly 3 mentioned above is a structural component that can use a motor to drive a screw to move the slide horizontally or a hydraulic rod to push the slide to move linearly. These are all existing and relatively mature technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0079] Finally, in order to ensure the operation of the automatic positioning drilling equipment, a control system is also required to receive external commands and sensor signals and coordinate the sequential actions of the drilling assembly 2, the linear adjustment assembly 3 and the clamping assembly 4. The control system includes a programmable logic controller, a pneumatic control unit and a servo drive unit, which are existing and relatively mature CNC operation methods, so they will not be described in detail.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the chuck 45 can rotate to adjust the machining surface of the metal casting, but the chuck 45 needs to be connected to the counterspindle 442 before it can rotate actively, this will cause the chuck 45 to lose its limit and rotate automatically when the counterspindle 442 is separated from the chuck 45, which will affect the clamping stability of the metal casting. Therefore, observation Figure 10 It can be seen that the extension rod 43 has a receiving groove 11 at one end near the clamp 45, and the outer wall of the extension rod 43 has a plurality of square grooves 12 in a ring array that communicate with the receiving groove 11. A plug 13 is slidably connected in the square groove 12, and a slot 14 for inserting the plug 13 is provided in the clamp 45. An adjusting member 15 for adjusting the plug 13 is connected in the receiving groove 11.

[0081] The adjusting component 15 includes a movable plate 151 and a return spring 152. The movable plate 151 is connected to the side of the receiving groove 11 near the chuck 45 via the return spring 152. A circular hole is provided in the middle of the movable plate 151 to slide with the secondary shaft 442. Multiple connecting rods 153 are rotatably connected to the outer wall of the movable plate 151 in an annular array. The end of the connecting rod 153 away from the movable plate 151 is rotatably connected to the insert block 13.

[0082] In the initial state, the secondary shaft 442 and the chuck 45 are separated. The movable plate 151, pushed by the return spring 152, abuts against the side of the receiving groove 11 away from the chuck 45. At this time, the distance between the movable plate 151 and the square groove 12 is the smallest. Therefore, the connecting rod 153 will push the insert block 13 to move up and insert it into the slot 14 of the chuck 45. At this time, the chuck 45 and the extension rod 43 are locked, which can effectively ensure that the metal casting will not rotate automatically and improve the clamping stability of the metal casting.

[0083] When the secondary shaft 442 moves and inserts into the chuck 45, the end of the secondary shaft 442 will abut against the movable plate 151, thereby moving the movable plate 151. At this time, the distance between the movable plate 151 and the square slot 12 increases. Then, the connecting rod 153 pulls the insert block 13 to separate from the slot 14, thereby unlocking the chuck 45 from the extension rod 43, ensuring that the chuck 45 can rotate with the secondary shaft 442 when the secondary shaft 442 rotates, thereby ensuring the stability of the metal casting adjustment machining surface.

[0084] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the rotating member 46 moves linearly when it advances within the circular groove 8, while the adjusting shaft 44 rotates in a circular motion, in order to ensure that the rotating member 46 stably rotates along with the adjusting shaft 44 when it moves within the circular groove 8, observation is required. Figure 11 It can be seen that the rotating component 46 includes a slider 461 and a ball bearing 462. The slider 461 is slidably connected to the main shaft 441. The outer wall of the slider 461 is in contact with the inner wall of the circular groove 8. A spiral groove 16 is provided on the surface of the main shaft 441. The ball bearing 462 is connected inside the slider 461 and is in contact with the spiral groove 16. When the slider 461 moves forward, the ball bearing 462 will roll in the spiral groove 16, thereby achieving the effect of stably driving the adjustment shaft 44 to rotate.

[0085] Subsequently Figure 11 It can also be seen that a support spring 463 is fixedly connected between the slider 461 and the support plate 9. The addition of the support spring 463 can synchronously rebound and reset when the air pressure in the slide groove 7 decreases, so that the slider 461 can start to reset when the pressure is reduced, which can improve the reset efficiency of the clamping assembly 4 and reduce the cost of subsequent negative pressure extraction.

[0086] Finally, looking at Figure 11It can be seen that the inner wall of the circular groove 8 is fixedly connected with a guide bar 17, and the outer wall of the slider 461 is provided with a notch 18 for accommodating the guide bar 17, which can be used to restrict the rotation of the slider 461. At this time, the slider 461 can only move along the axis of the adjusting shaft 44 in the circular groove 8, which can effectively ensure the running stability of the rotating part 46.

[0087] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the metal castings have different shapes and sizes, the extension rod 43 extends to different lengths. Therefore, in order to ensure that the extension rod 43 can be stably locked with the connecting seat 41 regardless of its extension length, and to provide a stronger clamping force to the metal castings, observation is required. Figure 9 and Figure 11 It can be seen that the side of the reverse tooth plate 474 closest to the drilling assembly 2 is machined with a bevel 27, and the side of the positive tooth plate 473 away from the drilling assembly 2 is machined with a bevel 28 that fits with the bevel 27. When the positive tooth plate 473 and the reverse tooth plate 474 are perfectly engaged, a better locking effect can be achieved. However, when the positive tooth plate 473 and the reverse tooth plate 474 cannot be perfectly engaged, the force generated by the mutual squeezing of the bevel 27 and the bevel 28 can be used to move the extension rod 43 forward, thereby ensuring that the extension rod 43 is locked to the connecting seat 41 while further improving the stability of the chuck 45 in holding the metal casting.

[0088] Example 2:

[0089] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automatic positioning and drilling method for metal castings is provided for use in the aforementioned automatic positioning and drilling equipment for metal castings.

[0090] The automatic positioning and drilling method for metal castings includes the following steps:

[0091] S101, using a robotic arm to move the casting between two clamping components 4;

[0092] S102, the air pump supplies air into the connecting seat 41 to make the piston 42 push the chuck 45 to abut the casting;

[0093] S103, the air pump continues to inject air, activating the locking unit 47 to lock the extension rod 43 and the connecting seat 41;

[0094] S104, Linear adjustment component 3 controls the casting to move below drilling component 2;

[0095] S105, Drilling assembly 2 is moved down to open a hole on the surface of the casting;

[0096] S106, After the hole is drilled, the drilling assembly 2 moves upward and resets;

[0097] S107, the air pump continues to inject air, and the rotating part 46 pushes the adjusting shaft 44, which carries the chuck 45 and the casting;

[0098] S108, Drilling assembly 2 moves down to open a hole on the new surface of the casting.

[0099] The above-described solution of the present invention can effectively improve the feeding efficiency of metal castings. Subsequently, the surface to be processed of the metal castings can be flexibly adjusted when drilling holes, enabling continuous drilling operations of the metal castings in a single clamping, thus greatly improving the drilling efficiency of the metal castings.

[0100] The implementation principle of the above embodiment is as follows: the metal casting is moved between the two clamping components 4 by the robot arm, then the air pump is used to supply air to make the clamping components 4 clamp the metal casting, and then the position of the metal casting is adjusted by the linear adjustment component 3 to locate the opening point. Finally, the drilling component 2 can be used to perform the drilling operation.

[0101] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0102] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for automatically positioning a hole in a metal casting, characterized by, include: The frame (1) has a workbench (5) at its bottom and a support column (6) extending above the workbench (5) at the top of the frame (1). A drilling assembly (2), which is mounted on a support column (6), is used to drill holes in the casting; Linear adjustment component (3), which is set on the worktable (5), is used to position the casting; The clamping assembly (4) has two parts, which are respectively connected to the top sides of the linear adjustment assembly (3) for fixing the metal casting. The clamping assembly (4) includes a connecting seat (41), a piston (42), an extension rod (43), an adjustment shaft (44), a chuck (45), a rotating part (46), and a locking unit (47). The connecting seat (41) is fixedly connected to the linear adjustment assembly (3). The connecting seat (41) has a groove (7) on the side near the drilling assembly (2) and the piston (42) is slidably connected thereto. The piston (42) is close to the drilling assembly (3). 2) One side is fixedly connected to an extension rod (43), the extension rod (43) extends out of the connecting seat (41) and is rotatably connected to a chuck (45), the piston (42) has a circular groove (8) on the side away from the extension rod (43), the circular groove (8) extends into the extension rod (43), the circular groove (8) is rotatably connected to an adjusting shaft (44) for controlling the rotation of the chuck (45), the adjusting shaft (44) is connected to a locking unit (47) for locking the extension rod (43) and the connecting seat (41), and a rotating part (46) is connected to the adjusting shaft (44) near the opening of the circular groove (8); The adjusting shaft (44) includes a main shaft (441) and a secondary shaft (442). The main shaft (441) is rotatably connected to the circular groove (8) via a support plate (9). The rotating component (46) includes a slider (461) and a ball bearing (462). The slider (461) is slidably connected to the main shaft (441). A support spring (463) is fixedly connected between the slider (461) and the support plate (9). The outer wall of the slider (461) is in contact with the inner wall of the circular groove (8). A spiral groove (16) is opened on the surface of the main shaft (441). A ball bearing (462) in contact with the spiral groove (16) is connected inside the slider (461). The locking unit (47) includes an external threaded sleeve (471), an adjusting block (472), a positive tooth plate (473), and a negative tooth plate (474). The support plate (9) is rotatably connected to the side away from the slider (461) with the external threaded sleeve (471). The adjusting block (472) is threadedly connected to the external threaded sleeve (471). The slide groove (7) has mounting grooves (19) on both the upper and lower sides near the opening. The negative tooth plate (474) is fixedly connected in the mounting groove (19). The extension rod (43) has through grooves (20) on both the upper and lower sides corresponding to the mounting grooves (19). The positive tooth plate (473) that meshes with the negative tooth plate (474) is slidably connected in the through groove (20). The bottom of the positive tooth plate (473) is connected to the adjusting block (472) through a connecting rod (475). The surface of the secondary shaft (442) is provided with a C-shaped track groove (21). One end of the track groove (21) extends away from the support plate (9) to form an inclined extension section (22). The end of the extension section (22) is provided with a ball groove (23). The inner wall of the external threaded sleeve (471) is provided with a spring groove (24). A ball bearing (26) that contacts the ball groove (23) is connected in the spring groove (24) by a compression spring (25). The reverse tooth plate (474) has a bevel surface one (27) on the side close to the drilling assembly (2), and the positive tooth plate (473) has a bevel surface two (28) that fits with the bevel surface one (27) on the side away from the drilling assembly (2).

2. An apparatus for automatically positioning a hole in a metal casting according to claim 1, wherein One end of the main shaft (441) and the secondary shaft (442) is raised to form a columnar member (443) for transmission. The other end of the secondary shaft (442) and the side wall of the chuck (45) are provided with a connecting groove (10) for inserting the columnar member (443).

3. An apparatus for automatically positioning a hole in a metal casting according to claim 2, wherein The extension rod (43) has a receiving groove (11) at one end near the clamp (45). The outer wall of the extension rod (43) has a ring array of square grooves (12) that communicate with the receiving groove (11). A plug (13) is slidably connected in the square groove (12). A slot (14) for inserting the plug (13) is opened in the clamp (45). An adjusting member (15) for adjusting the plug (13) is connected in the receiving groove (11).

4. An apparatus for automatically positioning a hole in a metal casting according to claim 3, wherein The adjusting component (15) includes a movable plate (151) and a return spring (152). The movable plate (151) is connected to the side of the receiving groove (11) near the chuck (45) via the return spring (152). A circular hole is provided in the middle of the movable plate (151) and is slidably connected to the sub-shaft (442). Multiple connecting rods (153) are rotatably connected to the outer wall of the movable plate (151) in an annular array. The end of the connecting rod (153) away from the movable plate (151) is rotatably connected to the insert block (13).

5. An apparatus for automatically positioning a hole in a metal casting according to claim 4, wherein The inner wall of the circular groove (8) is fixedly connected to a guide bar (17), and the outer wall of the slider (461) is provided with a notch (18) for accommodating the guide bar (17).

6. A method of automatically positioning a bore in a metal casting, characterized by, The automatic positioning and drilling device for metal castings as described in claim 5 includes the following steps: S101, the casting is moved between two clamping components (4) using a robotic arm; S102, by supplying air to the connecting seat (41) through the air pump, the piston (42) pushes the chuck (45) to contact the casting; S103, the air pump continues to inject air, activating the locking unit (47) to lock the extension rod (43) and the connecting seat (41). S104, the linear adjustment component (3) controls the casting to move below the drilling component (2); S105, the drilling assembly (2) moves down to open a hole on the surface of the casting; S106, After the hole is opened, the drilling assembly (2) moves up and resets; S107, the air pump continues to inject air, and the rotating part (46) pushes the adjusting shaft (44) with the chuck (45) and the casting; S108, the drilling assembly (2) moves down to open a hole on the new surface of the casting.

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