Vertical machining tool for marine engine connecting rod
By using gas control components and pressure-down components in the vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods, the shape of the connecting rod can be dynamically adapted and the uniformity of clamping force can be ensured. This solves the problems of poor specialization and complex operation of existing fixtures, and improves machining efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511406661.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing vertical machining fixtures for marine engine connecting rods suffer from problems such as high specialization, poor versatility, complex operation, high labor intensity, and machining errors caused by uneven clamping force.
A vertical machining fixture with mounting slots and air passages on the base is adopted. The contact column and connecting rod are controlled by the air control component to dynamically adapt to the shape of the connecting rod. The clamping force is ensured by the pressing component and the inclined chip discharge slot design is combined to improve the machining efficiency.
It achieves stable positioning and uniform clamping of the connecting rod, reduces elastic deformation, improves processing efficiency and accuracy, and simplifies the operation process.
Smart Images

Figure CN121552128A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engine connecting rod machining technology, specifically a vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods. Background Technology
[0002] In the machining of marine engine connecting rods, tooling fixtures are fundamental to ensuring machining accuracy. Currently, for vertical machining of marine engine connecting rods (such as end faces and hole systems), dedicated vertical machining centers equipped with specialized tooling are commonly used. Firstly, this tooling is highly specialized and lacks versatility. Because there are many models of marine engines, connecting rods of different models vary significantly in structural dimensions, hole spacing, and contour shape, exhibiting marked geometric irregularities. Existing tooling is mostly custom-designed "one-to-one" for a specific connecting rod model; almost every type of connecting rod requires a dedicated tooling, resulting in high management and storage costs for the tooling. Firstly, production line switching efficiency is low. Secondly, existing tooling generally uses multiple independent mechanical clamping mechanisms (such as spiral clamps or bolts). During clamping and unloading, operators must manually tighten each clamping part in turn to complete the loosening or clamping action. This is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in long auxiliary time and severely restricting the improvement of processing efficiency, but more importantly, due to the reliance on the individual experience and strength of the operators, it is easy for the clamping force of each clamping point to vary greatly. This uneven clamping force can easily cause elastic deformation of the connecting rod, which in turn introduces processing errors due to stress rebound after processing, directly affecting the final processing accuracy of the connecting rod.
[0003] Therefore, this invention proposes a vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods to solve the above-mentioned problems.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods includes a base with mounting grooves arranged on it. An abutment post for abutting against the side of the connecting rod is fitted into each mounting groove. An air passage is provided at one end of each mounting groove, and a first sealing piston is provided within the air passage. A push-pull rod is provided between the first sealing piston and the abutment post. The vertical machining fixture further includes: A pressing assembly used to press down on both ends of the connecting rod; The air control assembly is used to inject / extract air into the air passage to achieve the action of clamping / releasing the contact column against the connecting rod, and to simultaneously drive the pressing assembly to perform the action of pressing / releasing.
[0006] In one alternative: the base is provided with a reference boss for abutting against one end of the connecting rod, and the pressing assembly includes a plurality of first pressing members disposed near the reference boss and a plurality of second pressing members disposed away from the reference boss, wherein the second pressing members can move away from / near the first pressing members to adapt to the length of the connecting rod.
[0007] In one alternative embodiment: the pressing assembly further includes a distance adjustment component that is applied one-to-one with the second pressing component, for driving the corresponding second pressing component to move away from / close to the first pressing component. The distance adjustment component includes a slide groove, a slider slidably engaged in the slide groove, and a first threaded rod rotatably disposed therein. The first threaded rod passes through the slider in a threaded engagement manner, and one end of the first threaded rod is provided with a first handwheel. The second pressing component is disposed on the corresponding slider.
[0008] In one alternative embodiment: the first pressing component includes a cylinder, a slide rod, a second sealing piston disposed in the cylinder, and a pressing member disposed at the upper end of the slide rod. The slide rod is sealed through the upper end of the cylinder, and the lower end of the slide rod is connected to the second sealing piston. The pressing member is provided with an adjustment groove, and the upper end of the slide rod is provided with a threaded post that is engaged in the adjustment groove. The threaded post is fitted with a fastener in the form of a threaded engagement. The second pressing component has the same structure as the first pressing component.
[0009] In one alternative embodiment: the gas control assembly includes a gas control chamber disposed in the base and a third sealing piston disposed in the gas control chamber. The gas control chamber is connected to all air passages and the cylinder. The gas control chamber is also provided with a mounting block. The mounting block is provided with several air vents and a second threaded rod is threaded through it. One end of the second threaded rod located in the gas control chamber is rotatably connected to the third sealing piston, and the other end located outside the gas control chamber is provided with a second handwheel.
[0010] In one alternative: the second threaded rod is provided with a plug-in hole at one end outside the air control chamber, and the air control assembly also includes an operating rod adapted to the plug-in hole. The second threaded rod is turned by inserting one end of the operating rod into the plug-in hole using the lever principle.
[0011] In one alternative: the side of the reference boss that abuts against the connecting rod, the lower side of the pressing member, and the side of the abutting post are all covered with protective pads.
[0012] In one alternative: the mounting groove extends through the base, and the upper side of the base is symmetrically inclined, and the bottom of the sliding groove is also provided with an inclined chip discharge opening.
[0013] In one alternative: the base is provided with bearing plates arranged at equal height to support the connecting rod.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: 1. First, place the connecting rod to be processed upright on the base. Then, inject air into the air passage through the air control assembly to push the first sealing piston closer to the connecting rod. This causes the abutment pins to move accordingly and contact the connecting rod. Before a clamping force is formed during the initial contact between the abutment pins and the connecting rod, the abutment pins in contact with the connecting rod stop moving due to the resistance of the connecting rod, while the abutment pins not in contact with the connecting rod continue to move until they contact the connecting rod. This dynamically adapts to the shape contour of the connecting rod. As the air control assembly continues to inject air, all abutment pins contact the connecting rod. The contact element generates an effective clamping force, while the pressing component applies pressure to both ends of the connecting rod, thus achieving stable positioning of the connecting rod. The contact columns and the pressing component share the same air pressure conditions, ensuring consistent pressure at each contact point between the contact column and the connecting rod, as well as consistent pressure at each pressing point of the pressing component. This guarantees uniform clamping force and downward pressure, preventing elastic deformation of the connecting rod. By controlling the air control component, the pressing, clamping / releasing actions of the pressing component and all contact columns can be achieved. The operation is simple and convenient, effectively improving the processing efficiency of the connecting rod. 2. By installing a slot through the base, symmetrically inclined upper side of the base, and chip removal groove, the cuttings generated during machining can be promptly and efficiently removed from the machining area, avoiding the accumulation of cuttings that affect machining. After use, the tooling can be easily cleaned as needed, making it very convenient and time-saving.
[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Furthermore, these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.
[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first pressing component in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure reference numerals: 1-Marine engine connecting rod, 2-Base, 3-Mounting groove, 4-Abutting post, 5-Push-pull rod, 6-Reference boss, 7-Pressing assembly, 701-First pressing component, 7011-Cylinder, 7012-Slide rod, 7013-Pressing part, 7014-Adjusting groove, 7015-Fastener, 7016-Threaded post, 7017-Second sealing piston, 7018-Ventilation hole, 702-Second pressing... Components, 703-slide groove, 704-slider, 705-first threaded rod, 706-first handwheel, 707-chip removal channel, 8-air control assembly, 801-air control chamber, 802-third sealing piston, 803-second threaded rod, 804-insertion hole, 805-second handwheel, 806-operating lever, 807-mounting block, 808-venting slot, 9-air passage, 10-first sealing piston, 11-bearing plate. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following specific embodiments are only used to further illustrate the present application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make some non-essential improvements and adjustments to the present application based on the above application content.
[0025] Please see Figures 1-3 A vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods includes a base 2, on which mounting grooves 3 are arranged. An abutment post 4 for abutting against the side of the connecting rod is fitted into the mounting grooves 3. An air passage 9 is provided at one end of the mounting grooves 3, and a first sealing piston 10 is provided in the air passage 9. A push-pull rod 5 is provided between the first sealing piston 10 and the abutment post 4. The vertical machining fixture further includes: Pressing assembly 7 is used to press down on both ends of the connecting rod; The air control assembly 8 is used to inject air into the air passage 9 / extract air from the air passage 9 to achieve the action of clamping / releasing the contact column 4 against the connecting rod, and to simultaneously drive the pressing assembly 7 to perform the action of pressing / releasing.
[0026] First, the connecting rod to be processed is placed upright on the base 2 (i.e., surrounded by the abutment posts 4). Then, air is injected into the air passage 9 through the air control assembly 8 to push the first sealing piston 10 closer to the connecting rod, thereby causing the abutment posts 4 to move accordingly and come into contact with the connecting rod. Before the abutment posts 4 initially contact the connecting rod and form a clamping force, the abutment posts 4 in contact with the connecting rod stop moving due to the resistance of the connecting rod (it should be noted that marine engine connecting rods are usually quite heavy, and the force generated before the abutment posts 4 contact them and form an effective clamping force will not cause the connecting rod to move). The abutment posts 4 that are not in contact with the connecting rod continue to move until they come into contact with the connecting rod, thus dynamically adapting to the shape contour of the connecting rod. As the air control assembly 8 continues to inject air, all the abutment posts 4 come into contact with the connecting rod and generate a clamping force. The effective clamping force, combined with the downward pressing component 7, applies pressure to both ends of the connecting rod, thereby achieving stable positioning of the connecting rod. Furthermore, the contact posts 4 and the downward pressing component 7 share the same air pressure conditions, ensuring consistent pressure at each contact point between the contact posts 4 and the connecting rod, as well as consistent pressing force at each pressing point of the downward pressing component 7 on the connecting rod. (It should be noted that due to potential differences in the contact area and normal angle of the contact surfaces between the contact posts 4, the downward pressing component 7, and the connecting rod, there may be slight deviations in the actual contact force applied to the connecting rod; however, the pressure and pressing force remain consistent.) This ensures uniform clamping force and downward pressure, preventing elastic deformation of the connecting rod. The pressing, clamping, and releasing actions of the downward pressing component 7 and all contact posts 4 are achieved by manipulating the air control component 8, making operation simple and convenient, and effectively improving the processing efficiency of the connecting rod.
[0027] Please see Figures 1-5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the base 2 is provided with a reference boss 6 for abutting against one end of the connecting rod, and the pressing assembly 7 includes a plurality of first pressing members 701 disposed near the reference boss 6 and a plurality of second pressing members 702 disposed away from the reference boss 6, wherein the second pressing members 702 can move away from / near the first pressing members 701 to adapt to the length of the connecting rod. The pressing component 7 also includes a distance adjustment component that is applied one-to-one with the second pressing component 702, for driving the corresponding second pressing component 702 to move away from / close to the first pressing component 701. The distance adjustment component includes a slide groove 703, a slider 704 slidably engaged in the slide groove 703, and a first threaded rod 705 rotatably disposed therein. The first threaded rod 705 passes through the slider 704 in the form of a threaded engagement, and a first handwheel 706 is provided at one end of the first threaded rod 705. The second pressing component 702 is disposed on the corresponding slider 704. The first pressing component 701 includes a cylinder 7011, a slide rod 7012, a second sealing piston 7017 disposed in the cylinder 7011, and a pressing member 7013 disposed at the upper end of the slide rod 7012. The slide rod 7012 passes through the upper end of the cylinder 7011 in a sealed manner, and the lower end of the slide rod 7012 is connected to the second sealing piston 7017. The pressing member 7013 is provided with an adjustment groove 7014. The upper end of the slide rod 7012 is provided with a threaded post 7016 that is engaged in the adjustment groove 7014. The threaded post 7016 is fitted with a fastener 7105 in a threaded manner. The lower end of the cylinder 7011 is also provided with a plurality of vent holes 7018. The second pressing component 702 has the same structure as the first pressing component 701. The gas control assembly 8 includes a gas control chamber 801 located in the base 2 and a third sealing piston 802 located in the gas control chamber 801. The gas control chamber 801 is connected to all air passages 9 and cylinder 7011 (through the provision of pipes, and the pipe connected to the cylinder 7011 in the second pressing component 702 is a flexible hose to accommodate the movement requirements of the second pressing component 702). The gas control chamber 801 is also provided with a mounting block 807. The mounting block 807 is provided with several ventilation slots 808 and a second threaded rod 803 is threaded through it. One end of the second threaded rod 803 located in the gas control chamber 801 is rotatably connected to the third sealing piston 802, and the other end located outside the gas control chamber 801 is provided with a second handwheel 805.
[0028] In this embodiment, the distance between the second pressing component 702 and the first threaded rod 705 is adjusted by rotating the first handwheel 706 according to the length of the connecting rod to be processed, so as to adapt to the length of the connecting rod. The deflection angle of the pressing component 7013 and the distance between its end and the connecting rod are adjusted by loosening the fastener 7105, so as to adapt to different specifications of connecting rods and meet the needs of adjusting the pressing point. After adjustment, the connecting rod is placed upright on the base 2 and one end (large end or small end) abuts against the reference boss 6. Then, the second threaded rod 803 is rotated by the second handwheel 805 to move it towards the bottom of the air control chamber 801, that is, air is injected into all air passages 9 and cylinder 7011 to drive the contact column 4 and the pressing component 7013 to perform pressing and clamping actions simultaneously, thereby realizing the positioning of the connecting rod.
[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second threaded rod 803 is provided with a insertion hole 804 at one end outside the air control chamber 801. The air control assembly 8 also includes an operating rod 806 adapted to the insertion hole 804. By inserting one end of the operating rod 806 into the insertion hole 804, the second threaded rod 803 is turned using the lever principle. After the second threaded rod 803 is initially tightened by the second handwheel 805, one end of the operating rod 806 is inserted into the insertion hole 804, and the second threaded rod 803 is further turned using the lever principle to form an effective clamping / pressing force.
[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side of the reference boss 6 that abuts against the connecting rod, the lower side of the pressing member 7013, and the side of the abutting post 4 are all covered with protective pads.
[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a shut-off valve is also provided on the pipe connecting the several air passages 9 located away from the reference boss 6 and the air control chamber 801. The shut-off valve corresponding to the contact post 4 that will not come into contact with the connecting rod is closed according to the actual length of the connecting rod, and no corresponding clamping / resetting action is performed.
[0032] Please see Figure 6 In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting groove 3 penetrates the base 2, and the upper side of the base 2 is symmetrically inclined, and the bottom of the sliding groove 703 is also provided with a chip discharge slot 707 at an incline. The base 2 is provided with bearing plates 11 arranged at the same height to support the connecting rod. The bearing plates 11 provide horizontal support for the connecting rod and prevent the connecting rod from tilting.
[0033] In this embodiment, the installation groove 3 passes through the base 2, the upper side of the base 2 is symmetrically inclined, and the chip removal groove 707 is set so that the cuttings generated during processing can be discharged from the processing area in a timely and efficient manner, avoiding the accumulation of cuttings that affect the processing. After the tooling is used, it can be simply cleaned as needed (there may be some sporadic cuttings attached), which is very convenient and time-saving.
[0034] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods, comprising a base (2), characterized in that, The base (2) is provided with mounting grooves (3), and abutment posts (4) for abutting against the side of the connecting rod are installed in the mounting grooves (3). An air passage (9) is provided at one end of the mounting grooves (3), and a first sealing piston (10) is provided in the air passage (9). A push-pull rod (5) is provided between the first sealing piston (10) and the abutment post (4). The vertical machining fixture also includes: A pressing assembly (7) used to press down on both ends of the connecting rod. The air control assembly (8) is used to inject air into the air passage (9) / extract air from the air passage (9) to achieve the action of the contact column (4) to clamp / release the connecting rod and to simultaneously drive the pressing assembly (7) to perform the action of pressing / releasing.
2. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (2) is provided with a reference boss (6) for abutting against one end of the connecting rod. The pressing assembly (7) includes a plurality of first pressing members (701) arranged near the reference boss (6) and a plurality of second pressing members (702) arranged away from the reference boss (6). The second pressing members (702) can move away from / near the first pressing members (701) to adapt to the length of the connecting rod.
3. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressing assembly (7) also includes a distance adjustment component that is applied one-to-one with the second pressing component (702) to drive the corresponding second pressing component (702) to move away from / close to the first pressing component (701). The distance adjustment component includes a slide groove (703), a slider (704) slidably engaged in the slide groove (703), and a first threaded rod (705) rotatably disposed thereon. The first threaded rod (705) passes through the slider (704) in the form of a threaded engagement, and a first handwheel (706) is provided at one end of the first threaded rod (705). The second pressing component (702) is disposed on the corresponding slider (704).
4. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pressing component (701) includes a cylinder (7011), a slide rod (7012), a second sealing piston (7017) disposed in the cylinder (7011), and a pressing member (7013) disposed at the upper end of the slide rod (7012). The slide rod (7012) passes through the upper end of the cylinder (7011) in a sealed manner, and the lower end of the slide rod (7012) is connected to the second sealing piston (7017). The pressing member (7013) is provided with an adjustment groove (7014). The upper end of the slide rod (7012) is provided with a threaded post (7016) that is engaged in the adjustment groove (7014). The threaded post (7016) is fitted with a fastener (7105) in the form of a threaded engagement. The second pressing component (702) has the same structure as the first pressing component (701).
5. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas control assembly (8) includes a gas control chamber (801) in the base (2) and a third sealing piston (802) in the gas control chamber (801). The gas control chamber (801) is connected to all air passages (9) and the cylinder (7011). The gas control chamber (801) is also provided with a mounting block (807). The mounting block (807) is provided with a plurality of ventilation slots (808) and a second threaded rod (803) is threaded through it. One end of the second threaded rod (803) located in the gas control chamber (801) is rotatably connected to the third sealing piston (802), and the other end located outside the gas control chamber (801) is provided with a second handwheel (805).
6. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second threaded rod (803) is provided with a plug hole (804) at one end outside the air control chamber (801). The air control assembly (8) also includes an operating rod (806) adapted to the plug hole (804). The second threaded rod (803) is turned by inserting one end of the operating rod (806) into the plug hole (804) using the lever principle.
7. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side of the reference boss (6) that abuts against the connecting rod, the lower side of the pressing part (7013), and the side of the abutting post (4) are all covered with protective pads.
8. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting groove (3) passes through the base (2), and the upper side of the base (2) is symmetrically inclined. The bottom of the sliding groove (703) is also inclinedly provided with a chip discharge slot (707).
9. The vertical machining fixture for marine engine connecting rods according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base (2) is provided with bearing plates (11) arranged at the same height to support the connecting rod.