Self-regulating abrasive particle flow clamp

Abstract

The self-adjusting abrasive particle flow clamp of the present application is suitable for processing a tee joint by using an abrasive particle flow process, and is characterized in that it comprises a base, a retaining ring, and a surrounding cylinder, a first arc-shaped elbow, a second arc-shaped elbow, and a third arc-shaped elbow which are arranged in a two-end opening structure, the retaining ring is provided with a mounting hole, the top surface of the base is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion, when the abrasive particles enter through the third arc-shaped elbow, the abrasive particles only flow out through the first arc-shaped elbow; when the abrasive particles enter through the groove, the abrasive particles only enter the tee joint through the second arc-shaped elbow and are output through the top end of the third arc-shaped elbow, thereby improving the efficiency of grinding the tee joint and reducing the time consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of T-joint machining fixtures, and particularly relates to a self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture. Background Technology

[0002] T-joints are common components in aero-engine fuel systems, and the raw materials are often 3D printed. Since the surface roughness of 3D-printed parts is typically only Ra6.3-R12.5, surface treatment processes are required to improve its roughness to meet usage requirements. Due to structural limitations, the entire internal cavity surface of tee joints cannot be treated using methods such as sandblasting or grinding; therefore, abrasive flow machining is the only option for all-position surface processing. However, the cavities of tee joints are T-shaped, which is not a straight-up-down structure suitable for abrasive flow machining. Currently, the common processing method involves blocking one cavity while machining the other two, requiring two clamping operations, resulting in low efficiency and hindering mass production.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture that automatically switches machining paths to process all internal cavity surfaces of a part in a single clamping operation, thereby improving machining efficiency, shortening machining time, and significantly increasing grinding efficiency. The technical solution of this invention offers numerous beneficial effects, as described below:

[0005] A self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture is suitable for machining tees using abrasive flow technology. It includes a base, a retaining ring, and a casing with open ends, a first arc-shaped bend, a second arc-shaped bend, and a third arc-shaped bend. The retaining ring has mounting holes, and the top surface of the base has an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0006] The base has a detachable support seat installed in the central area of ​​the top surface. The bottom surface of the base and below the support seat has a groove. The support seat has flow holes spaced apart and the flow holes are connected to the groove for conveying abrasive in abrasive flow process equipment.

[0007] Both the first and second arc-shaped bends are open at both ends. A first partition and a first stop are hinged together near the bottom opening of the first arc-shaped bend. When the first partition is horizontal, the first stop is positioned above the free end of the first partition. Similarly, a second partition and a second stop are hinged together near the bottom opening of the second arc-shaped bend. When the second partition is horizontal, the second stop is positioned below the free end of the first partition. The top ends of the first and second arc-shaped bends are used to fix the ends of the tee fittings. The bottom ends of the first and second arc-shaped bends are connected to the flow holes via flanges.

[0008] The inner ring size of the casing is adapted to the outer ring size of the arc-shaped protrusion. The bottom end of the casing is installed on the base through the arc-shaped protrusion. The top end of the casing is detachably connected to the retaining ring. The third arc-shaped bend is installed on the retaining ring through the mounting hole. One end is used for the entry of abrasive, and the other end is used for fixing the end of the tee.

[0009] When the abrasive grains enter through the third arc-shaped bend, the abrasive flows out only through the first arc-shaped bend; when the abrasive is input through the groove, it enters the tee only through the second arc-shaped bend and is output through the top of the third arc-shaped bend.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0011] The fixture is equipped with a one-way closing device within the channel to ensure that the abrasive moves along a single path within the part's internal cavity, guaranteeing uniform grinding. This allows for one-time, complete machining in a single setup, improving processing efficiency. Abrasive flow machining typically employs either unidirectional or reciprocating cyclic machining. For T-joint-type parts with three flow channels, unidirectional machining requires sealing one channel before machining the other two, followed by repositioning the seal for secondary machining – a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Reciprocating cyclic machining, on the other hand, involves the abrasive flowing in one direction and out two or two directions and out one. Due to fluid dynamics, the abrasive tends to choose the path with less resistance, resulting in uneven grinding. This invention's fixture, by incorporating a one-way closing device within two flow channels, allows the abrasive to achieve a single, unbranched path, ensuring uniform grinding of the surface to be machined. This allows for one-time, complete machining in a single setup, significantly improving processing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the grinding process from bottom to top according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the grinding process from top to bottom according to the present invention.

[0016] 1. Base; 2. Enclosure; 3. Retaining ring; 4. First arc-shaped bend; 5. Second arc-shaped bend; 6. Third arc-shaped bend; 7. Arc-shaped protrusion; 8. Support seat; 9. Flow hole; 10. Groove; 11. First stop block; 12. Second stop block; 13. First partition plate; 14. Second partition plate; 15. Lifting screw; 16. First connecting seat; 17. Second connecting seat; 18. First ring lug; 19. Second ring lug. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] It should be noted that various aspects of embodiments within the scope of the appended claims are described below. It will be apparent that the aspects described herein can be embodied in a wide variety of forms, and any particular structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on this invention, those skilled in the art will understand that one aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspect, and two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein can be used to implement the device and / or practice the method. Additionally, this device and / or method can be implemented using structures and / or functionalities other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

[0019] It should also be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0020] Furthermore, specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that aspects can be practiced without these specific details. To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the invention, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 3 The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture shown is suitable for machining tees using abrasive flow technology. It includes a base 1, a retaining ring 3, and a casing 2 with open ends, a first arc-shaped bend 4, a second arc-shaped bend 5, and a third arc-shaped bend 6. The retaining ring 3 has mounting holes. The top surface of the base 1 has an arc-shaped protrusion 7. The bottoms of the first and second arc-shaped bends gradually transition from vertical to an acute angle with the vertical direction. The top of the third arc-shaped bend 6 is vertical, and its bottom gradually transitions to an arc shape with an acute angle with the vertical direction. The three bends are used to fix the tee at an angle.

[0022] The support base 8 is installed in a detachable manner (screw installation) in the central area of ​​the top surface of the base 1. The bottom surface of the base 1 and below the support base 8 is provided with a groove 10 (through groove) or a hole. The support base 8 is provided with flow holes 9 at intervals. The flow holes 9 are connected to the groove 10 and are used for conveying abrasive in abrasive equipment of abrasive flow process.

[0023] Both the first arc-shaped bend 4 and the second arc-shaped bend 5 are open at both ends. A first partition 13 is hinged and a first stop 11 is provided at the bottom opening of the first arc-shaped bend 4. When the first partition 13 is horizontal, the first stop 11 is positioned above the free end of the first partition 13. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first partition 13 is adapted to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first arc-shaped bend 4. When the abrasive is conveyed through the groove 10, the first partition 13 is kept horizontal under the action of the abrasive impulse, which can close the bottom end of the first arc-shaped bend 4 and prevent the abrasive from entering. Preferably, the first partition 13 can form an acute angle with the vertical direction. However, if the abrasive particle size is large, such as greater than 80 mesh, the angle may not be formed in the vertical direction.

[0024] A second partition 14 is hinged and a second stop 12 is provided at the bottom opening of the second arc-shaped bend 5. When the second partition 14 is horizontal, the second stop 12 is positioned below the free end of the first partition 13. The top ends of the first arc-shaped bend 4 and the second arc-shaped bend 5 are respectively used to fix the ends of the tee fittings. The bottom ends of the first arc-shaped bend 4 and the second arc-shaped bend 5 are respectively connected to the flow hole 9 through flanges. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second partition 14 is adapted to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second arc-shaped bend 5. It can be a flat plate that covers at least two-thirds of the area of ​​the second arc-shaped bend 5. The first partition 13 is configured in the same way as the second partition 14.

[0025] Furthermore, the bottom ends of the first arc-shaped bend 4 and the second arc-shaped bend 5 are each integrally provided with a flange, which facilitates quick docking with the support base 8.

[0026] The inner ring size of the sleeve 2 is matched with the outer ring size of the arc protrusion 7. The bottom end of the sleeve 2 is installed on the base 1 through the arc protrusion 7. The top end of the sleeve 2 is detachably connected to the retaining ring 3. The third arc bend 6 is installed on the retaining ring 3 through the mounting hole. One end is used for the entry of abrasive, and the other end is used for fixing the end of the tee.

[0027] When the abrasive grains enter through the third arc-shaped bend 6, the abrasive flows out only through the first arc-shaped bend 4. Under the action of the second partition 14, the second arc-shaped bend 5 is closed. At this time, the flow channels 1 and 3 of the tee are continuously ground. When the abrasive is input through the groove 10 (the abrasive is transported from bottom to top), it enters the tee only through the second arc-shaped bend 5 and is output through the top of the third arc-shaped bend 6. Under the action of the first partition 13, the first arc-shaped bend 4 is closed. At this time, the flow channels 2 and 3 are continuously ground.

[0028] This structure enables the elimination of the need for repeated manual sealing of different ports of the tee. During grinding, either flow channel 1 or flow channel 2 is sealed, and without significantly reducing the abrasive charge, flow channels 2, 3, 1, and 3 are continuously ground. This avoids the problem of grinding three flow channels simultaneously in existing methods, which reduces the abrasive charge kinetic energy, resulting in longer grinding times and lower grinding efficiency.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inner ring size of the arc-shaped protrusion 7 is larger than the outer ring size of the support base 8, the outer ring size of the support base 8 is larger than the cross-sectional size of the groove 10, and the outer ring surface of the casing 2 is provided with lifting screws 15 for lifting the entire fixture.

[0030] In one embodiment, the top end of the first arc-shaped bend 4 is provided with a first ring lug 18, which is connected to the large end of the first connecting seat 16 of the T-shaped structure by a screw. A through hole is opened in the central area of ​​the first connecting seat 16, and the small end of the first connecting seat 16 is used to fix the end of the tee. The top end of the second arc-shaped bend 5 is provided with a second ring lug 19, which is connected to the large end of the second connecting seat 17 of the T-shaped structure by a screw. A through hole is opened in the central area of ​​the second connecting seat 17, and the small end of the second connecting seat 17 is used to fix the end of the tee. Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the first ring lug 18 and the large end of the first connecting seat 16, and a sealing ring is provided between the second ring lug 19 and the large end of the second connecting seat 17 to prevent abrasive leakage.

[0031] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is provided on the top surface of the retaining ring 3. The sealing ring is used for sealing the hydraulic equipment, which is used to supply hydraulic pressure to the abrasive equipment.

[0032] A one-way closing device is installed within the fixture channel to ensure that the abrasive moves along a single path within the part's internal cavity, guaranteeing uniform grinding. This allows for one-time, complete machining in a single clamping setup, improving processing efficiency. Abrasive flow machining typically employs either unidirectional or reciprocating cyclic machining modes. For T-joint-type parts with three flow channels, a unidirectional machining mode requires sealing one channel before machining the other two, followed by repositioning the seal for secondary machining, which is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. In reciprocating cyclic machining, the abrasive often moves in a one-in-two-out or two-in-one-out pattern. Due to fluid dynamics, the abrasive tends to choose the channel with less resistance, resulting in uneven grinding. This invention's fixture, by incorporating a one-way closing device within two flow channels, allows the abrasive to achieve single-path machining without branching, ensuring uniform grinding of the surface to be machined. This allows for one-time, complete machining in a single clamping setup, significantly improving processing efficiency.

[0033] The product provided by this invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the invention without departing from the principles of the invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the invention claims.

Claims

1. A self-adjusting abrasive particle flow fixture suitable for processing a tee fitting using an abrasive particle flow process, characterized in that, The system includes a base, a retaining ring, a surrounding cylinder with openings at both ends, a first arc-shaped bend, a second arc-shaped bend, and a third arc-shaped bend. The retaining ring has mounting holes, and the top surface of the base has an arc-shaped protrusion. The base has a detachable support seat installed in the central area of ​​the top surface. The bottom surface of the base and below the support seat has a groove. The support seat has flow holes spaced apart and the flow holes are connected to the groove for conveying abrasive in abrasive flow process equipment. Both the first and second arc-shaped bends are open at both ends. A first partition and a first stop are hinged together near the bottom opening of the first arc-shaped bend. When the first partition is horizontal, the first stop is positioned above the free end of the first partition. Similarly, a second partition and a second stop are hinged together near the bottom opening of the second arc-shaped bend. When the second partition is horizontal, the second stop is positioned below the free end of the first partition. The top ends of the first and second arc-shaped bends are used to fix the ends of the tee fittings. The bottom ends of the first and second arc-shaped bends are connected to the flow holes via flanges. The inner ring size of the casing is adapted to the outer ring size of the arc-shaped protrusion. The bottom end of the casing is installed on the base through the arc-shaped protrusion. The top end of the casing is detachably connected to the retaining ring. The third arc-shaped bend is installed on the retaining ring through the mounting hole. One end is used for the entry of abrasive, and the other end is used for fixing the end of the tee. When the abrasive grains enter through the third arc-shaped bend, the abrasive flows out only through the first arc-shaped bend; when the abrasive is input through the groove, it enters the tee only through the second arc-shaped bend and is output through the top of the third arc-shaped bend.

2. The self-adjusting abrasive particle flow clamp of claim 1, wherein, The inner ring of the arc-shaped protrusion is larger than the outer ring of the support base, and the outer ring of the support base is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the groove.

3. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring surface of the casing is provided with lifting screws for lifting the entire clamp.

4. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first arc-shaped bend has a first ring lug at its top end. The first ring lug is connected to the large end of the first connecting seat of the T-shaped structure by a screw. A through hole is opened in the central area of ​​the first connecting seat. The small end of the first connecting seat is used to fix the end of the tee.

5. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second arc-shaped bend has a second ring lug at its top end. The second ring lug is connected to the large end of the second connecting seat of the T-shaped structure by a screw. A through hole is opened in the central area of ​​the second connecting seat. The small end of the second connecting seat is used to fix the end of the tee.

6. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the first ring lug and the large end of the first connecting seat.

7. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided between the second ring lug and the large end of the second connecting seat.

8. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the retaining ring is provided with a sealing ring, which is used for sealing the hydraulic equipment, and the hydraulic equipment is used to supply hydraulic pressure to the abrasive equipment.

9. The self-adjusting abrasive flow fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the first partition is adapted to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first arc-shaped bend, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second partition is adapted to the cross-sectional area of ​​the second arc-shaped bend.

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