Automobile chassis steering knuckle casting forming production line and forming method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of part casting processing, and particularly relates to an automobile chassis steering knuckle casting forming production line and a forming method. The production line comprises a casting station, a shakeout station and a collecting station. The collecting station is provided with a casting collecting device. The casting collecting device comprises a collecting conveyor belt, a surplus material conveyor belt and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail through the mounting seat. The lifting mechanism comprises a lifting plate and a pushing device arranged on both sides of the lifting plate. The lifting plate is hooked to the connecting part formed by the pouring channel on the integral casting, and the casting monomer on the connecting part is broken and removed by the pushing device. The application adds the collecting station, and the lifting mechanism arranged in the collecting station replaces manual further vibration of the integral casting. The pushing device cooperates with the clamping of the lifting mechanism to replace the manual disassembly process of the integral casting, reduces the personnel participation, and helps to improve the production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of parts casting and processing technology, specifically relating to a production line and forming method for casting and forming automotive chassis steering knuckles. Background Technology

[0002] The steering knuckle, also known as the steering knuckle, is a key component in the automotive chassis system. It connects the wheels to the suspension and bears and transmits the complex loads generated during vehicle movement. Currently, steering knuckles are generally manufactured using sand casting technology, primarily by creating sand molds for individual steering knuckles. During casting, a single sand mold undergoes casting, sand removal, and cleaning to obtain a steering knuckle blank. Subsequent machining and heat treatment processes are then carried out to ultimately produce a qualified product.

[0003] This one-piece production model is inefficient, and each steering knuckle requires an independent gating riser, so the utilization rate of molten metal needs to be improved. Currently, some manufacturers have achieved a multi-piece casting process by increasing the size of the sand mold and constructing multiple casting cavities within a single sand mold and connecting them to the same riser. However, due to the complex shape of the steering knuckle, the gaps between multiple steering knuckle castings are more prone to sand trapping, resulting in incomplete sand removal. After passing through a vibrating screen, manual assistance is still required to pat or lift the castings to shake them off. Moreover, the blanks after sand removal also need to be manually broken or cut off one by one from the casting system skeleton to obtain independent steering knuckle blanks, which further restricts the improvement of production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a casting and forming production line and method for automotive chassis steering knuckles, providing supporting facilities for steering knuckle production, forming an efficient and continuous production process, and significantly improving the production efficiency and economic benefits of steering knuckles.

[0005] The specific technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] A casting production line for automotive chassis steering knuckles includes a casting station, a sand removal station, and a collection station. The sand removal station is equipped with a vibrating screen. The casting station is connected to the collection station via the vibrating screen. After molten steel is poured into the precast sand mold at the casting station, it is conveyed to the vibrating screen via a conveyor belt at the casting station. The integral casting after sand removal by the vibrating screen enters the collection station. The collection station is equipped with a casting collection device, which includes a collection conveyor belt, a waste material conveyor belt, and a lifting mechanism. The collection conveyor belt and the waste material conveyor belt are arranged in parallel. A support spans across the collection conveyor belt and the waste material conveyor belt. A sliding guide rail is provided on the support. The lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail via a mounting base. The lifting mechanism includes an L-shaped lifting plate and pushing devices on both sides of the lifting plate. The lifting plate hooks onto the connecting part formed by the casting channel on the integral casting, and the pushing devices break off and remove the individual castings from the connecting part.

[0007] A hoisting station is also provided between the casting station and the sand removal station. The hoisting station is equipped with an overhead crane, which is equipped with a lifting hook and is located above the conveyor belt of the casting station.

[0008] The vibrating screen is inclined between the collection station and the casting station, and the horizontal plane of the conveyor belt of the casting station is higher than the horizontal plane of the collection conveyor belt.

[0009] A lifting telescopic cylinder is provided between the lifting plate and the mounting base. The extension end of the lifting plate is slidably connected to the mounting base. A clamping pad is provided on the lower side of the mounting base. The lifting plate has a degree of freedom of movement relative to the clamping pad by means of the lifting telescopic cylinder.

[0010] The mounting base is slidably engaged with the sliding guide rail via a sliding seat, and two sets of mounting bases are provided on the sliding seat.

[0011] The pushing device includes a pushing plate and a pushing telescopic cylinder. The pushing plate is hinged to the mounting base. A pushing pad is provided on the pushing plate. The pushing plate has the freedom to swing relative to the mounting base by means of the pushing telescopic cylinder.

[0012] The push-telescopic cylinder and the mounting base are hinged together by the cylinder body hinge shaft. The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder is also connected to a first push rod and a second push rod. The first push rod, the second push rod, the push plate and the mounting base are hinged together in a quadrilateral mechanism. The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder and the hinge point of the first push rod and the second push rod form a hinged fit.

[0013] A method for casting a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis includes the following steps:

[0014] S1. Arrange the precast sand molds onto the conveyor belt of the casting station and complete the casting in sequence;

[0015] S2. The sand mold after casting is conveyed to a vibrating screen, and the precast sand mold is crushed and screened to separate the integral casting with connecting parts;

[0016] S3. As the integral casting moves forward with the collecting conveyor belt, the connecting part of the integral casting is inserted into the L-shaped lifting plate;

[0017] S4. Then the lifting plate is raised and lowered, causing the entire casting to be repeatedly slammed on the collection conveyor belt, breaking up the remaining precast sand mold and causing it to fall through the gaps in the collection conveyor belt.

[0018] S5. The lifting plate is raised and clamped to the connecting part of the integral casting with the mounting seat. Then the pushing device swings to break the individual casting of the steering knuckle off the integral casting. The individual casting falls onto the collection conveyor belt and is sent to the subsequent machining process.

[0019] S6. The lifting plate and mounting base clamp the remaining riser and connecting parts and place them on the waste material conveyor belt, which then sends them to the recycling process.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] This invention adds a collection station and uses a lifting mechanism set at the collection station to replace manual labor for further vibration of the whole casting, which facilitates the further breakage and falling of residual precast sand mold fragments. At the same time, the pushing device, in conjunction with the clamping of the lifting mechanism, replaces the manual disassembly of the whole casting, reduces the degree of human involvement, and helps to improve production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the production line of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the collection station along the conveying direction of the overall casting;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the pushing device when it is in operation.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the entire casting viewed from above.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pushing device;

[0028] In the attached diagram, 1 is the casting station, 2 is the sand removal station, 201 is the vibrating screen, 3 is the collection station, 301 is the collection conveyor belt, 302 is the waste material conveyor belt, 303 is the support, 304 is the sliding guide rail, 305 is the mounting base, 306 is the lifting plate, 307 is the lifting telescopic cylinder, 308 is the clamping pad, 309 is the sliding seat, 310 is the push plate, 311 is the push telescopic cylinder, 312 is the push pad, 313 is the first push rod, 314 is the second push rod, 315 is the cylinder hinge shaft, and 4 is the overhead crane. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0030] Specific implementation examples Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this invention is a casting production line for automotive chassis steering knuckles, including a casting station 1, a sand removal station 2, and a collection station 3. The sand removal station 2 is equipped with a vibrating screen 201. The casting station 1 is connected to the collection station 3 via the vibrating screen 201. After molten steel is poured into the precast sand mold at the casting station 1, it is conveyed to the vibrating screen 201 via a conveyor belt. The integral casting after sand removal by the vibrating screen 201 enters the collection station 3. The collection station 3 is equipped with a casting collection device, which includes a collection conveyor belt 301, a waste material conveyor belt 302, and a lifting mechanism. The mechanism includes a collection conveyor belt 301 and a waste material conveyor belt 302 arranged in parallel. A support 303 spans the collection conveyor belt 301 and the waste material conveyor belt 302. A sliding guide rail 304 is provided on the support 303. The lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail 304 via a mounting base 305. The lifting mechanism includes an L-shaped lifting plate 306 and pushing devices on both sides of the lifting plate 306. The lifting plate 306 hooks onto the connecting part formed by the casting channel on the integral casting, and the pushing devices break off and remove the individual casting parts on the connecting part.

[0031] The production line of this invention is used for casting automotive chassis steering knuckles. It forms an integral casting by pouring molten steel from a ladle into a precast sand mold at casting station 1. This is because the precast sand mold contains features such as... Figure 5 The four sets of steering knuckle castings shown have residual connecting parts formed by the casting channels in the overall casting. This invention uses a lifting plate 306 of the lifting mechanism, with the assistance of personnel, to align the overall casting after passing through the vibrating screen 201, so that the connecting parts are hooked onto the lifting plate 306. The lifting plate 306 has the freedom of movement to oscillate up and down relative to the collecting conveyor belt 301, so that the overall casting is shaken and vibrated on the collecting conveyor belt 301, causing the remaining precast sand mold fragments to fall off.

[0032] To facilitate the disassembly of the integral casting, a necking section is set on the casting channel, so that the connecting part narrows near the individual casting part to form a neck that is easy to break. When force is applied to the individual casting part, the connecting part is guided to break at the necking position, thereby working with the set pushing device to break the individual casting part off from the integral casting.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a hoisting station is also provided between the casting station 1 and the sand removal station 2. The hoisting station is equipped with a crane 4, which is equipped with a lifting hook and is located above the conveyor belt of the casting station 1.

[0034] After the precast sand mold of the present invention is placed on the conveyor belt of the casting station 1, a funnel shell in the shape of a cap is placed over the precast sand mold. A funnel-shaped pouring cup is provided on the funnel shell, so that when the ladle is poured, the molten steel can be accurately guided to the riser reserved in the precast sand mold. At the same time, the funnel shell restrains the precast sand mold, preventing the precast sand mold from cracking due to heat after the molten steel is poured in, thus preventing splashing fragments and protecting the safety of the site.

[0035] The present invention uses a crane 4 to lift the funnel shell away, which facilitates the subsequent sand removal operation of the precast sand mold.

[0036] Furthermore, the vibrating screen 201 is inclinedly arranged between the collection station 3 and the casting station 1, and the horizontal plane of the conveyor belt of the casting station 1 is higher than the horizontal plane of the collection conveyor belt 301.

[0037] The vibrating screen 201 is inclined so that after the funnel shell is removed, the precast sand mold enters the vibrating screen 201 as a whole. The inclined setting of the vibrating screen 201 causes the precast sand mold to move towards the collection conveyor belt 301 at the lower end of the vibrating screen 201 while breaking. After most of the sand mold fragments are shaken off, the whole casting enters the collection conveyor belt 301. Depending on the actual situation, the whole casting can be straightened with the help of personnel to facilitate subsequent hooking by the lifting plate 306.

[0038] The vibrating screen 201 is equipped with a return conveyor belt on its lower side for recycling broken molding sand.

[0039] Furthermore, a lifting telescopic cylinder 307 is provided between the lifting plate 306 and the mounting base 305. The extended end of the lifting plate 306 is slidably connected to the mounting base 305. A clamping pad 308 is provided on the lower side of the mounting base 305. The lifting plate 306 has a degree of freedom of movement relative to the clamping pad 308 by means of the lifting telescopic cylinder 307.

[0040] The lifting plate 306 forms a clamp-like structure with the lifting telescopic cylinder 307 and the clamping pad 308. In the initial state, the lifting plate 306 is lowered above the collecting conveyor belt 301. When the connecting part of the whole casting moves above the lifting plate 306 with the conveyor belt, the lifting plate 306 is retracted. If vibration is required, the lifting telescopic cylinder 307 is repeatedly extended and retracted to beat the whole casting on the collecting conveyor belt 301. With the limitation of the vertical part of the lifting plate 306, the whole casting is prevented from detaching under the drive of the collecting conveyor belt 301. When it is necessary to break the casting, the lifting plate 306 is raised and the clamping pad 308 clamps and fixes the connecting part of the whole casting.

[0041] Furthermore, the mounting base 305 is slidably engaged with the sliding guide rail 304 via the sliding base 309, and the mounting base 305 has two sets of sliding bases 309.

[0042] Mounting base 305 is mounted on sliding base 309 and has sliding freedom to move and switch between collecting conveyor belt 301 and scrap conveyor belt 302 by means of sliding guide rail 304. When the casting unit is broken, mounting base 305 is provided in two sets, and the two sets clamp the connecting parts on both sides of the riser respectively, which facilitates the formation of a stable clamping fit.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the pushing device includes a pushing plate 310 and a pushing telescopic cylinder 311. The pushing plate 310 is hinged to the mounting base 305. A pushing pad 312 is provided on the pushing plate 310. The pushing plate 310 has the freedom to swing relative to the mounting base 305 by means of the pushing telescopic cylinder 311.

[0044] The push-telescopic cylinder 311 and the mounting base 305 are hinged together by the cylinder body hinge shaft 315. The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder 311 is also connected to a first push rod 313 and a second push rod 314. The first push rod 313, the second push rod 314, the push plate 310 and the mounting base 305 are hinged together in a quadrilateral mechanism. The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder 311 and the hinge point of the first push rod 313 and the second push rod 314 form a hinged engagement.

[0045] The aforementioned push-and-retract cylinder 311 applies force via a quadrilateral mechanism formed by the first push rod 313, the second push rod 314, the push plate 310, and the mounting base 305, such as... Figure 4As shown, the push plate 310 swings under the drive of the push telescopic cylinder 311. At this time, the lifting plate 306 clamps the integral casting connection part. The casting unit of the steering knuckle is suspended and located below the lifting plate 306. The push plate 310 squeezes the casting unit itself or the connection part below the necking section on the casting channel, thereby breaking off the casting unit. Since the steering knuckle itself is a component that bears complex loads in the vehicle, if it is damaged during the breaking process, it will be directly scrapped, and the cost of machining is saved.

[0046] A method for casting a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis includes the following steps:

[0047] S1. Arrange the precast sand molds onto the conveyor belt of casting station 1, and complete the casting in sequence;

[0048] S2. The sand mold after casting is conveyed to the vibrating screen 201, and the precast sand mold is crushed and screened to separate the integral casting with connecting parts;

[0049] S3. As the integral casting moves forward with the collecting conveyor belt 301, the connecting part of the integral casting is inserted into the L-shaped lifting plate 306;

[0050] S4. Then the lifting plate 306 is raised and lowered, causing the entire casting to be repeatedly slammed on the collecting conveyor belt 301, breaking up the remaining precast sand mold and causing it to fall through the gaps in the collecting conveyor belt 301.

[0051] S5. The lifting plate 306 is lifted and clamps the connecting part of the integral casting with the mounting base 305. Then the pushing device swings to break the individual casting of the steering knuckle off the integral casting. The individual casting falls onto the collection conveyor belt 301 and is sent to the subsequent machining process.

[0052] S6. The lifting plate 306 and the mounting base 305 clamp the remaining riser and connecting part and place them on the waste material conveyor belt 302, and send them to the recycling process by means of the waste material conveyor belt 302.

[0053] The conveying direction of the scrap conveyor belt 302 is opposite to that of the collection conveyor belt 301. After the integral casting is broken off, the remaining riser and connecting part are moved above the scrap conveyor belt 302 by the clamping of the lifting plate 306. Then the lifting plate 306 is lowered, and the connecting part is separated from the lifting plate 306 after contacting the scrap conveyor belt 302. Then the lifting plate 306 is reset to process the next integral casting.

Claims

1. A method for casting a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis, comprising a casting production line, including a casting station (1), a sand removal station (2), and a collection station (3), wherein the sand removal station (2) is equipped with a vibrating screen (201), the casting station (1) is connected to the collection station (3) via the vibrating screen (201), the precast sand mold is conveyed to the vibrating screen (201) via a conveyor belt after being cast with molten steel at the casting station (1), and the integral casting after being shaken off by the vibrating screen (201) enters the collection station (3), characterized in that: The collection station (3) is equipped with a casting collection device, which includes a collection conveyor belt (301), a waste material conveyor belt (302) and a lifting mechanism. The collection conveyor belt (301) and the waste material conveyor belt (302) are arranged in parallel. A bracket (303) spans the collection conveyor belt (301) and the waste material conveyor belt (302). A sliding guide rail (304) is provided on the bracket (303). The lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the sliding guide rail (304) by means of a mounting base (305). The lifting mechanism includes an L-shaped lifting plate (306) and a pushing device on both sides of the lifting plate (306). The lifting plate (306) hooks onto the connecting part formed by the casting channel on the whole casting and uses the pushing device to break off and remove the individual castings on the connecting part. The integral casting has four sets of steering knuckle casting units connected to the casting channel, so the integral casting has residual connecting parts formed by the casting channel; The lifting plate (306) clamps the integral casting connection part, and the casting unit of the steering knuckle is suspended below the lifting plate (306). The pressing plate (310) squeezes the casting unit itself or the connection part below the necking section on the casting channel to break off the casting unit. The pushing device includes a pushing plate (310) and a pushing telescopic cylinder (311). The pushing plate (310) is hinged to the mounting base (305). A pushing pad (312) is provided on the pushing plate (310). The pushing plate (310) has a degree of freedom to swing relative to the mounting base (305) by means of the pushing telescopic cylinder (311). The push-telescopic cylinder (311) and the mounting base (305) are hinged by the cylinder body hinge shaft (315). The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder (311) is also connected to the first push rod (313) and the second push rod (314). The first push rod (313), the second push rod (314), the push plate (310) and the mounting base (305) are hinged to form a quadrilateral mechanism. The telescopic end of the push-telescopic cylinder (311) and the hinge point of the first push rod (313) and the second push rod (314) form a hinged fit. The method for casting and forming the steering knuckle of the automobile chassis includes the following steps: S1. Arrange the precast sand molds on the conveyor belt of the casting station (1) and complete the casting in sequence; S2. The sand mold after casting is conveyed to the vibrating screen (201) to crush the precast sand mold and screen out the integral casting with connecting parts; S3. As the integral casting moves forward with the collecting conveyor belt (301), the connecting part of the integral casting is inserted into the L-shaped lifting plate (306); S4. Then the lifting plate (306) is raised and lowered, causing the entire casting to be repeatedly slammed on the collection conveyor belt (301), breaking up the remaining precast sand mold and falling through the gaps in the collection conveyor belt (301). S5. The lifting plate (306) is lifted and clamped with the mounting base (305) to the connecting part of the integral casting. Then the pushing device swings to break the individual casting of the steering knuckle off the integral casting. The individual casting falls onto the collection conveyor belt (301) and is sent to the subsequent machining process. S6. The lifting plate (306) and the mounting base (305) clamp the remaining riser and connecting part and place them on the waste material conveyor belt (302), and send them to the recycling process by means of the waste material conveyor belt (302).

2. The method for casting and forming a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hoisting station is also provided between the casting station (1) and the sand removal station (2). The hoisting station is equipped with a crane (4), which is equipped with a lifting hook and is located above the conveyor belt of the casting station (1).

3. The method for casting and forming a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vibrating screen (201) is inclined between the collection station (3) and the casting station (1), and the horizontal plane of the conveyor belt of the casting station (1) is higher than the horizontal plane of the collection conveyor belt (301).

4. The method for casting and forming a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A lifting telescopic cylinder (307) is provided between the lifting plate (306) and the mounting base (305). The extended end of the lifting plate (306) is slidably connected to the mounting base (305). A clamping pad (308) is provided on the lower side of the mounting base (305). The lifting plate (306) has a degree of freedom of movement relative to the clamping pad (308) by means of the lifting telescopic cylinder (307).

5. The method for casting and forming a steering knuckle for an automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting base (305) forms a sliding fit with the sliding guide rail (304) through the sliding seat (309), and the mounting base (305) is provided with two sets on the sliding seat (309).

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