An EPS worm gear processing device

Abstract

This invention discloses an EPS worm gear processing device, including a base, a clamping assembly, and a grinding assembly. The clamping assembly employs a vertically distributed lifting first positioning seat and a rotatable second positioning seat working together to achieve automatic centering and rotational drive of the workpiece. The grinding assembly uses a translational drive mechanism to move the driven wheel forward and backward, causing the grinding strip sleeved on the drive wheel and driven wheel to contact or detach from the workpiece. The device innovatively incorporates a floating support structure composed of guide rods and springs, effectively preventing over-positioning damage, and is equipped with first and second-stage tensioning mechanisms to achieve independent and precise control of local and overall tension in the grinding area. This device integrates automatic clamping, rotation, and precise grinding, significantly improving the processing efficiency, consistency, and surface quality of EPS worm gear deburring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of worm gear processing technology, and specifically relates to an EPS worm gear processing device. Background Technology

[0002] The worm gear in an electric power steering (EPS) system is a core transmission component, and its meshing quality with the worm wheel directly affects the stability, noise, and lifespan of the steering system. EPS worm gears are typically precision-machined from high-strength alloy steel. Burrs inevitably form on the edges of their helical tooth grooves, especially after machining (such as milling and hobbing). If these burrs are not removed, they will flake off during assembly and operation, becoming a source of abrasive wear, significantly accelerating the wear of the worm wheel and other transmission components, leading to abnormal noises, jamming, and even premature system failure. Therefore, efficient and thorough deburring and polishing of the EPS worm gear is one of the key processes for ensuring the reliability of the EPS system.

[0003] Currently, the commonly used deburring method in the industry is manual grinding, where operators use files, sandpaper, or handheld pneumatic / electric grinding tools to deburr the worm gear. This method has significant drawbacks: First, the processing quality is highly dependent on the operator's skill level, resulting in poor consistency and a tendency for under-grinding or over-grinding, leading to unstable product quality. Second, it is inefficient, labor-intensive, and increases labor costs. Third, it poses safety hazards, and dust and noise pose a threat to worker health. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0005] An EPS worm gear processing device includes a base, on which a clamping assembly and a grinding assembly are disposed.

[0006] The clamping assembly includes a lifting mechanism, a first positioning seat, and a second positioning seat. The lifting mechanism is mounted on the base. The first positioning seat is mounted on the lifting mechanism via a first drive unit, which drives the first positioning seat to rotate. The first positioning seat has a first positioning groove for accommodating one end of the EPS worm gear. The second positioning seat is rotatably mounted on the base, and has a second positioning groove for accommodating the other end of the EPS worm gear. The lifting mechanism drives the first positioning seat to descend, cooperating with the second positioning seat to jointly clamp and axially position the EPS worm gear.

[0007] The grinding assembly includes a drive wheel, a second drive unit, a mounting platform, a slide, a driven wheel, and a grinding belt. The second drive unit is fixed to the base and drives the drive wheel to rotate. The mounting platform is fixed to the base. The slide is mounted on the mounting platform via a translation drive module. The driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the slide. The grinding belt is sleeved on the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The translation drive module drives the slide and the driven wheel to move closer to or away from the clamping assembly, so that the grinding belt contacts or disengages from the clamped EPS worm gear.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, a base is fixed on the base platform, a rotating seat is mounted on the base via bearings, and a second positioning seat is mounted on the rotating seat.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, the bottom of the second positioning seat is provided with several guide rods, which pass through the rotating seat and can slide axially. A spring is sleeved on the guide rod, and the two ends of the spring abut against the second positioning seat and the rotating seat respectively.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, the grinding assembly further includes a first tensioning mechanism, which includes a first proximity cylinder and a first guide wheel. The first proximity cylinder is fixed to the slide block, and the first guide wheel is rotatably connected to the output end of the first proximity cylinder and contacts the inner side of the grinding belt. The first proximity cylinder adjusts the tension of the grinding belt in the section between the first guide wheel and the drive wheel by driving the first guide wheel to move.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, the grinding assembly further includes a second tensioning mechanism, which includes a second proximity cylinder and a second guide wheel. The second proximity cylinder is fixed to the mounting platform, and the second guide wheel is rotatably connected to the output end of the second proximity cylinder and contacts the outer surface of the grinding belt. The second proximity cylinder adjusts the overall tension of the grinding belt by driving the second guide wheel to move.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, at least one of the first positioning groove and the second positioning groove is a contour groove that matches the end shape of the EPS worm gear.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of an EPS worm gear processing device, the lifting mechanism includes a mounting frame, on which a lifting cylinder is mounted, and its output rod is connected to a mounting plate. The first drive unit is mounted on the mounting plate. The two sides of the mounting plate are slidably connected to the lifting mechanism via slide rails.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0015] 1. By working together with the clamping and grinding components, the deburring of EPS worm gears is automated, which significantly improves processing efficiency and reduces labor costs and operational risks.

[0016] 2. By setting the bearing and rotating seat, the second positioning seat and the EPS worm gear it holds can rotate freely. With the rotation drive of the first positioning seat, the workpiece itself is rotated, which allows the grinding belt to perform comprehensive and uniform grinding on its outer edge without dead angles.

[0017] 3. The floating support structure composed of the guide rod and spring provides the second positioning seat with a certain axial buffer stroke, preventing excessive clamping force caused by over-positioning and effectively protecting the worm end from damage. Furthermore, this design allows the EPS worm to move axially, enabling thorough grinding of the worm's working section.

[0018] 4. By directly controlling the tension of the inner side of the grinding zone through the first proximity cylinder, the tension of the area in contact with the workpiece can be adjusted individually without affecting the overall tension of the grinding belt. This ensures that the grinding belt maintains optimal rigidity in the working section with the greatest stress, thereby achieving a stable and efficient grinding effect and avoiding grinding weakness or vibration caused by belt slack.

[0019] 5. By using the second proximity cylinder to tension the entire grinding belt from the outside, it is possible to easily compensate for tensile deformation caused by long-term use, or adjust the initial tension according to different specifications of grinding belts. This mechanism, together with the local tensioning mechanism of claim 4, constitutes a graded and adjustable tensioning system, improving the stability and adaptability of the grinding process.

[0020] 6. The contour groove can effectively restrict the workpiece's degrees of freedom, preventing it from fretting or rotating during processing, thereby significantly improving positioning accuracy and processing stability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the EPS worm gear processing device.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the EPS worm gear processing device.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the clamping component.

[0024] Figure 4 A 3D view of the polished components.

[0025] The following is an explanation of the reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 100. Abutment;

[0027] 200 Clamping assembly; 210 Mounting bracket; 211 Lifting cylinder; 220 First positioning seat; 230 First drive unit; 240 Second positioning seat; 241 Second positioning groove; 242 Guide rod; 243 Spring; 250 Base; 260 Rotating seat;

[0028] 300. Grinding assembly; 310. Drive wheel; 311. Second drive unit; 320. Mounting platform; 321. Translation drive module; 322. Slide; 330. Driven wheel; 340. Grinding belt; 350. First proximity cylinder; 351. First guide wheel; 360. Second proximity cylinder; 361. Second guide wheel;

[0029] 400, EPS worm gear. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] In the following embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that terms such as center, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, thickness, upper, lower, front, rear, left, right, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, inner, outer, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing and simplifying the description of this invention; therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention. Furthermore, terms such as first, second, etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features shown. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, terms such as installation, connection, linking, etc., should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] This invention provides an EPS worm gear processing device, reference Figures 1 to 4 The device includes a base 100, which serves as the basic support structure for the entire device and is typically made of a rigid metal material, such as cast iron or steel. A clamping assembly 200 and a grinding assembly 300 are mounted on the base 100.

[0034] The clamping assembly 200 is used to position, clamp, and drive the EPS worm gear 400 to rotate. The clamping assembly 200 mainly includes a lifting mechanism, a first positioning seat 220, and a second positioning seat 240. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism specifically includes a mounting frame 210 fixed to the base 100, on which a lifting cylinder 211 is mounted, and its output rod is connected to a mounting plate. When the lifting cylinder 211 is activated, it can drive the mounting plate to rise or fall.

[0035] The first positioning seat 220 is mounted on the mounting plate via the first drive unit 230. The first drive unit 230 is preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor, which is fixedly mounted on the mounting plate via a motor mount. The output shaft of the first drive unit 230 is connected to the first positioning seat 220 and is used to drive the first positioning seat 220 to rotate around its axis. The end face of the first positioning seat 220 is provided with a first positioning groove for accommodating one end of the EPS worm gear 400. Preferably, this first positioning groove is a contour groove that matches the shape of the end of the EPS worm gear 400 to provide stable positioning.

[0036] The second positioning seat 240 is rotatably mounted on the base 100 via a rotating seat 260. Specifically, a base 250 is fixed on the base 100, and the rotating seat 260 is mounted on the base 250 via bearings, allowing the rotating seat 260 to rotate freely relative to the base 250. The second positioning seat 240 is mounted on the rotating seat 260. The second positioning seat 240 is provided with a second positioning groove 241 for accommodating the other end of the EPS worm gear 400. Preferably, this second positioning groove 241 is also a contour groove.

[0037] During operation, the two ends of the EPS worm gear 400 are placed into the second positioning groove 241 and the first positioning groove, respectively. Subsequently, the lifting cylinder 211 drives the mounting plate to descend until the first positioning seat 220 contacts the upper end of the EPS worm gear 400 and applies a certain clamping force, thereby cooperating with the second positioning seat 240 below to jointly complete the axial positioning and clamping of the EPS worm gear 400.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the second positioning seat 240 is provided with at least two guide rods 242. The guide rods 242 pass through corresponding guide holes on the rotating seat 260 and can slide axially. Each guide rod 242 is fitted with a spring 243, the two ends of which abut against the second positioning seat 240 and the rotating seat 260, respectively. This floating support structure has two important functions: firstly, the springs 243 provide cushioning, preventing over-positioning and damage to the workpiece when the first positioning seat 220 is pressed down; secondly, it allows the EPS worm gear 400 to move axially during grinding, facilitating thorough grinding of the worm gear's helical working section.

[0039] The grinding assembly 300 is used to grind and deburr the EPS worm gear 400 in the clamped state. The grinding assembly 300 mainly includes a drive wheel 310, a second drive unit 311, a mounting platform 320, a slide 322, a driven wheel 330, and a grinding belt 340.

[0040] The second drive unit 311 is fixed on the base 100, and its output shaft is connected to the drive wheel 310 to drive the drive wheel 310 to rotate. The mounting platform 320 is fixed on the base 100 and located on one side of the clamping assembly 200. The slide 322 is mounted on the mounting platform 320 via a translation drive module 321. The translation drive module 321 can be a conventional linear drive module such as a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, or electric screw module, used to drive the slide 322 to move towards or away from the clamping assembly 200. The driven wheel 330 is rotatably mounted on the slide 322 via bearings. The grinding belt 340 is sleeved on the drive wheel 310 and the driven wheel 330. When grinding is required, the translation drive module 321 pushes the slide 322 and the driven wheel 330 forward toward the clamping assembly 200, causing the outer working surface of the grinding belt 340 to press against the part of the EPS worm gear 400 to be ground. At the same time, the second drive unit 311 drives the drive wheel 310 to rotate, thereby driving the grinding belt 340 to rotate; the first drive unit 230 simultaneously drives the EPS worm gear 400 to rotate. By combining the grinding of the grinding belt 340 with the rotational motion of the workpiece itself, the surface of the EPS worm gear 400 is ground.

[0041] To achieve better polishing results, the present invention also includes a two-stage tensioning mechanism, comprising a first tensioning mechanism and a second tensioning mechanism.

[0042] The first tensioning mechanism is a partial tensioning mechanism, including a first proximity cylinder 350 and a first guide roller 351. The first proximity cylinder 350 is fixed to the slide block 322. The first guide roller 351 is rotatably connected to the output end of the first proximity cylinder 350 via a bearing. The first proximity cylinder 350 can drive the first guide roller 351 to move, causing its outer circumferential surface to press against the inner side of the grinding belt 340. The portion of the grinding belt 340 located between the first guide roller 351 and the drive wheel 310 constitutes the main grinding area. By adjusting the first proximity cylinder 350, the tension of the grinding belt 340 in this grinding area can be independently controlled, ensuring that it remains taut under working force, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of grinding.

[0043] The second tensioning mechanism is an integral tensioning mechanism, including a second proximity cylinder 360 and a second guide roller 361. The second proximity cylinder 360 is fixed on the mounting platform 320. The second guide roller 361 is rotatably connected to the output end of the second proximity cylinder 360 via bearings. The second proximity cylinder 360 can drive the second guide roller 361 to move, causing it to press against the polishing belt 340 from the outside. This mechanism is mainly used to adjust the initial tension of the polishing belt 340 as a whole to compensate for its elongation after long-term use, or to adapt to different models of polishing belts 340.

[0044] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The EPS worm gear 400 is placed on the second positioning seat 240. The lifting cylinder 211 drives the first positioning seat 220 to descend, working in conjunction with the second positioning seat 240 to clamp the workpiece. The translation drive module 321 pushes the grinding belt 340 forward, bringing it into contact with the workpiece. Subsequently, the second drive unit 311 and the first drive unit 230 are activated simultaneously, driving the grinding belt 340 and the workpiece to rotate in opposite directions for grinding. After grinding is completed, the translation drive module 321 drives the grinding belt 340 to retract, and the lifting cylinder 211 drives the first positioning seat 220 to rise, allowing the finished workpiece to be removed.

[0045] The scope of protection of this invention includes, but is not limited to, the above embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the claims. Any substitutions, modifications, or improvements to this technology that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An EPS worm gear processing device, comprising a base (100), characterized in that, The base (100) is provided with a clamping assembly (200) and a polishing assembly (300). The clamping assembly (200) includes: A lifting mechanism is installed on the base (100); The first positioning seat (220) is mounted on the lifting mechanism via the first driving unit (230). The first driving unit (230) is used to drive the first positioning seat (220) to rotate. The first positioning seat (220) is provided with a first positioning groove for accommodating one end of the EPS worm gear (400). The second positioning seat (240) is rotatably mounted on the base (100), and the second positioning seat (240) is provided with a second positioning groove (241) for accommodating the other end of the EPS worm (400). The lifting mechanism drives the first positioning seat (220) to descend, and cooperates with the second positioning seat (240) to jointly clamp and axially position the EPS worm gear (400). The polishing assembly (300) includes: A drive wheel (310) and a second drive unit (311), the second drive unit (311) being fixed on the base (100) and used to drive the drive wheel (310) to rotate; Mounting platform (320) is fixed on the base (100); The slide (322) is mounted on the mounting platform (320) via a translation drive module (321); The passive wheel (330) is rotatably mounted on the slide (322); A grinding belt (340) is fitted onto the drive wheel (310) and the driven wheel (330); The translation drive module (321) is used to drive the slide (322) and the passive wheel (330) to approach or move away from the clamping assembly (200) so that the grinding belt (340) contacts or disengages from the clamped EPS worm (400). A base (250) is fixed on the base (100), and a rotating seat (260) is mounted on the base (250) via bearings. The second positioning seat (240) is mounted on the rotating seat (260). The bottom of the second positioning seat (240) is provided with a plurality of guide rods (242). The guide rods (242) pass through the rotating seat (260) and can slide along the axial direction. A spring (243) is sleeved on the guide rod (242). The two ends of the spring (243) abut against the second positioning seat (240) and the rotating seat (260) respectively. The polishing assembly (300) further includes a first tensioning mechanism, which includes a first proximity cylinder (350) and a first guide wheel (351). The first proximity cylinder (350) is fixed on the slide (322), and the first guide wheel (351) is rotatably connected to the output end of the first proximity cylinder (350) and contacts the inner side of the polishing belt (340). The first proximity cylinder (350) adjusts the tension of the section of the polishing belt (340) between the first guide wheel (351) and the drive wheel (310) by driving the first guide wheel (351) to move. The polishing assembly (300) further includes a second tensioning mechanism, which includes a second proximity cylinder (360) and a second guide roller (361). The second proximity cylinder (360) is fixed on the mounting platform (320), and the second guide roller (361) is rotatably connected to the output end of the second proximity cylinder (360) and contacts the outer surface of the polishing belt (340). The second proximity cylinder (360) adjusts the overall tension of the polishing belt (340) by driving the second guide roller (361) to move.

2. The EPS worm gear processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first positioning groove and the second positioning groove (241) is a contour groove that matches the end shape of the EPS worm (400).

3. The EPS worm gear processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a mounting frame (210), on which a lifting cylinder (211) is mounted. Its output rod is connected to a mounting plate, and the first drive unit (230) is mounted on the mounting plate. The two sides of the mounting plate are slidably connected to the lifting mechanism via slide rails.

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