Method and device for machining a drive shaft

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for machining a drive shaft. The method includes: based on the drive shaft being mounted on a positioning assembly, driving a pushing part to move towards and abut against the drive shaft, and using the pushing part to abut the drive shaft against the positioning assembly; based on the abutment between the drive shaft and the positioning assembly, driving a limiting assembly to abut against the drive shaft, and the drive shaft entering a first state; the first state includes an angle between the central axis of the drive shaft and a set plane that is less than a first set value. This solves the problem of how to position the central axis of the drive shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining technology, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for machining a transmission shaft. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of drive shaft machining, especially before cold rolling forming processes such as gear rolling, it is usually necessary to precisely position the drive shaft to ensure that its central axis maintains the correct relative position with the machining equipment. In the existing technology, the common positioning method is to use fixed or adjustable mechanical fixtures, which clamp the fork part of the drive shaft or the drive rod at a specific position, so that it is mounted on a preset tooling.

[0003] However, the effectiveness of such methods relies on the premise that the drive shaft blank has a consistent and precise geometry. Due to the inevitable dimensional errors and localized roundness deviations, defects, or asymmetries in the outer diameter of the ear portion during forging, heat treatment, and subsequent cleaning, the accuracy of the positioning method is directly affected. This makes it difficult to accurately position the central axis of the drive shaft, leading to deviations in the relative position of the drive rod with the mold plane during subsequent gear rolling. Existing positioning methods struggle to reliably and stably adjust the drive shaft to a state where its true central axis meets the set angle requirements with the machining plane when the geometric characteristics of the drive shaft blank are inconsistent, thus limiting the stability and consistency of the gear rolling forming quality. Therefore, a technical solution for positioning the central axis of the drive shaft is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of how to locate the center axis of a drive shaft, this invention provides a drive shaft machining method and apparatus.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for machining a drive shaft, the method comprising:

[0006] Based on the drive shaft being mounted on the positioning assembly, the drive pusher moves toward the drive shaft and abuts against it, and the drive shaft is abutted against the positioning assembly based on the pusher.

[0007] Based on the contact between the drive shaft and the positioning component, the drive limiting component contacts the drive shaft, and the drive shaft enters a first state; the first state includes an angle between the central axis of the drive shaft and the set plane that is less than a first set value.

[0008] In some embodiments, moving the pusher towards the drive shaft and abutting against the drive shaft includes:

[0009] The jacking section provides the first jacking force;

[0010] Based on the first jacking force, the jacking part is driven to abut against the first preset position of the transmission shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the abutment of the drive limiting component with the drive shaft, based on the abutment between the drive shaft and the positioning component, includes:

[0012] Based on the contact between the drive shaft and the positioning assembly, the first thrust of the control jacking part is adjusted to the second thrust.

[0013] The drive limiting component moves toward the drive shaft and abuts against the second preset position of the drive shaft; wherein the first thrust is greater than the second thrust.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first state further includes:

[0015] The angle between the concentric axes of the first and second forks of the drive shaft and the set plane is less than a second set value; the angle between the central axis of the drive rod of the drive shaft and the set plane is less than a first set value; wherein, the drive shaft includes a first fork and a second fork having concentric axes and arranged opposite to each other; the drive shaft also includes a drive rod; one end of the drive rod is connected to the first fork and the second fork respectively.

[0016] In some embodiments, after the drive limiting component moves toward the drive shaft and abuts against the second preset position of the drive shaft, it further includes:

[0017] The second thrust of the control pusher is adjusted to the third thrust, and the pusher is driven to maintain contact with the first preset position of the drive shaft;

[0018] The jacking part, drive shaft, limiting assembly and positioning assembly move synchronously toward the processing assembly and enter the processing state; wherein, the processing assembly has a set plane; the third jacking force is greater than the second jacking force.

[0019] In some embodiments, entering the processing state includes:

[0020] The drive machining assembly is positioned and abuts the end of the drive shaft away from the pusher; wherein, in the machining state, the drive rod of the drive shaft extends into the machining assembly;

[0021] Based on the positioning and clamping of the processing component to the drive shaft, the driving limit component moves away from the drive shaft;

[0022] The drive shaft rotates along its axis and drives the machining assembly to process the drive rod of the drive shaft.

[0023] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0024] The drive limiting component moves in a direction close to the completed drive shaft and abuts against the second preset position of the completed drive shaft;

[0025] The drive limit assembly, the pusher, the positioning assembly, and the transmission axis that completes the machining move away from the machining assembly.

[0026] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0027] The drive clamping assembly provides a drive shaft to the positioning assembly.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a transmission shaft processing apparatus, which is applied to any of the transmission shaft processing methods in the first aspect. The transmission shaft processing apparatus includes:

[0029] The jacking assembly includes a first base and a jacking part disposed on the first base;

[0030] The limiting assembly includes a second base, a driving unit, and a limiting unit; the second base is slidably connected to a first base; the driving unit is located on the side of the second base away from the first base; and the limiting unit is located on the driving unit.

[0031] The positioning component is disposed opposite to the first base and the second base; the transmission shaft processing device includes an alignment state; in the alignment state, the transmission shaft is mounted on the positioning component, the pushing part abuts the transmission shaft against the positioning component, and the limiting component abuts against the transmission shaft, and the transmission shaft enters a first state; the first state includes an angle between the central axis of the transmission shaft and the set plane being less than a first set value.

[0032] In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a third base, a first positioning unit, two second positioning units, and two support units; the third base is disposed opposite to the first base and the second base; one end of the first positioning unit is connected to the third base; the two support units are disposed opposite to each other; both ends of the first positioning unit are respectively connected to the support units; each support unit has a second positioning unit at the end away from the first positioning unit; the two second positioning units extend towards the end away from the support units; the two second positioning units are spaced apart by a preset distance and form a placement space; in the alignment state, the drive shaft is respectively installed between the first positioning unit and the two second positioning units, one end of the drive shaft is located in the placement space, the pushing part abuts the drive shaft against the first positioning unit, the limiting component abuts against the drive shaft, and the drive shaft enters the first state.

[0033] To solve the problem of how to locate the center axis of the drive shaft, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0034] The drive shaft is mounted on the positioning assembly and then abutted against it by the pusher, achieving initial axial positioning. Subsequently, the drive limiting assembly abuts against the drive shaft, bringing it into a first state where the angle between its central axis and the set plane is constrained to less than a first set value. This process, through the coordinated action of the pusher and the limiting assembly, actively and stepwise forces the drive shaft blank, which may have dimensional errors or variations in ear size, to adjust and stabilize at a specific position. This directly ensures that the angular deviation of the drive shaft's central axis relative to the set plane is controlled within an allowable range before subsequent processing. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a transmission shaft machining method according to one embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the method in step S10;

[0037] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the method in step S20;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a drive shaft machining apparatus according to one embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the pusher assembly and the limit assembly;

[0040] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0041] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the positioning component in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the drive shaft.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] In the figure, 10 is the base assembly; 20 is the push assembly; 21 is the first base; 22 is the push part; 30 is the limiting assembly; 31 is the second base; 32 is the drive unit; 321 is the first cylinder; 322 is the second cylinder; 323 is the cylinder push rod; 33 is the limiting unit; 331 is the limiting main body; 332 is the first limiting part; 333 is the second limiting part; 334 is the through hole; 40 is the positioning assembly; 41 is the third base; 411 is the first base body; 412 is the second base body; 413 is the connecting part; 42 is the first positioning unit; 43 is the second positioning unit; 431 is the first positioning part; 432 is the second positioning part; 433 is the positioning hole; 434 is the bolt; 44 is the support unit; 45 is the third positioning unit; 50 is the drive shaft; 51 is the first fork body; 52 is the second fork body; 53 is the drive rod; 54 is the push groove; 60 is the clamping assembly; 70 is the processing assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The invention will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the invention, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the invention.

[0046] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientations or positional relationships; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "installed", "set", "equipped with", "connected", and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0047] In traditional drive shaft machining processes, fixed or adjustable mechanical fixtures are typically used to position the drive shaft by directly clamping the fork or drive rod. However, dimensional errors, roundness deviations, defects, or asymmetries in the outer diameter of the lugs are unavoidable during forging, heat treatment, and subsequent cleaning. These dimensional variations in the blank itself directly interfere with the positioning accuracy based on the local shape of the drive shaft, making it difficult to accurately position the actual center axis of the drive shaft. This leads to deviations in the relative position of the drive rod and the die plane during subsequent gear rolling, severely affecting the stability and consistency of the forming quality.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] This embodiment discloses a method for machining a transmission shaft, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the transmission shaft machining method includes steps S10-S20:

[0050] In step S10, based on the fact that the drive shaft 50 is mounted on the positioning assembly 40, the pusher 22 is driven to move closer to the drive shaft 50 and abut against the drive shaft 50, and the drive shaft 50 is abutted against the positioning assembly 40 based on the pusher 22; by abutting the drive shaft 50 against the positioning assembly 40 through the pusher 22, a defined axial positioning reference is provided for the drive shaft 50, so that it can achieve initial stability on the positioning assembly 40;

[0051] In step S20, based on the contact between the drive shaft 50 and the positioning component 40, the drive limiting component 30 contacts the drive shaft 50. Under the combined action of the pushing part 22 and the limiting component 30, the drive shaft 50 enters a first state. The first state includes an angle between the central axis of the drive shaft 50 and the set plane that is less than a first set value. The set plane is usually parallel to the working plane of the subsequent gear hobbing process. The first set value is an allowable angle error value preset according to the processing accuracy requirements. The first set value is preferably 0°. The specific value is subject to the actual application and is only an example in this invention.

[0052] Understandably, through the above steps, the pusher 22 is responsible for providing axial positioning and stabilizing the drive shaft 50 on the positioning assembly 40, while the limiting assembly 30 is responsible for the final constraint and fine-tuning of the drive shaft 50's posture. The coordinated operation of both actively corrects the geometrically variable drive shaft 50 blank, forcing the actual central axis of the drive shaft 50 to be nearly parallel to the set plane, and limiting its angular deviation to within the first set value range allowed by the machining process. This ensures that the spatial orientation of the drive shaft 50's central axis is precisely controlled before entering the subsequent machining station, laying a reliable positioning foundation for subsequent high-precision gear hobbing.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, step S10, driving the pusher 22 to move closer to the drive shaft 50 and abut against the drive shaft 50, includes steps S11-S12:

[0054] In step S11, the jacking section 22 provides the first jacking force;

[0055] In step S12, based on the first jacking force, the jacking part 22 is driven to abut against the first preset position of the transmission shaft 50.

[0056] Specifically, the first preset position refers to the central area of ​​the push groove 54 specially provided on the shaft of the drive shaft 50. Under the action of the first push force, the drive shaft 50 is displaced along the direction of the force applied by the push part 22 until it is stably pressed against the positioning component 40. By defining the first preset position and applying the first push force, it is ensured that the contact between the push part 22 and the drive shaft 50 is definite, repeatable, and the force transmission path is clear. This provides the necessary prerequisite for initially and reliably abutting the drive shaft 50 against the positioning component 40.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, step S20, based on the abutment between the drive shaft 50 and the positioning component 40, the drive limiting component 30 abuts against the drive shaft 50, includes steps S21-S22:

[0058] In step S21, based on the contact between the drive shaft 50 and the positioning component 40, the first pushing force of the control push part 22 is adjusted to the second pushing force; the second pushing force is usually set to zero, which means that the axial pressing force of the push part 22 on the drive shaft 50 is released, so that the drive shaft 50 obtains a certain degree of fine-tuning freedom.

[0059] In step S22, the drive limiting component 30 moves toward the drive shaft 50 and abuts against the second preset position of the drive shaft 50; wherein the first thrust is greater than the second thrust.

[0060] Specifically, the drive limiting component 30 moves towards the drive shaft 50, and eventually abuts against a predetermined second preset position on the drive shaft 50; the second preset position specifically refers to the outer circle of the ear portion on the same side of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 of the drive shaft 50. By simultaneously contacting the limiting component 30 with the outer circle of the ear portion on the same side of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52, the fork portion with misalignment or roundness deviation can be directly limited, so that the central axis of the drive shaft 50 can remain parallel to the gear rolling working surface.

[0061] Understandably, adjusting the first thrust to the second thrust creates conditions for the contact and fine-tuning action of the limiting component 30, preventing excessive clamping force of the pushing part 22 from hindering the fine-tuning of the transmission shaft 50 by the limiting component 30. The simultaneous contact of the limiting component 30 with the outer circles of the two ears on the same side can overcome the problem of misalignment of the positioning reference caused by incomplete or missing material on the outer circles of the ears, so that the central axis of the transmission shaft 50 can be effectively adjusted by the limiting component 30 to a state that is almost parallel to the set plane, that is, the included angle is corrected to a range less than the first set value.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first state further includes:

[0063] The angle between the concentric axis of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 of the drive shaft 50 and the set plane is less than a second set value; the angle between the central axis of the drive rod 53 of the drive shaft 50 and the set plane is less than a first set value; wherein, the drive shaft 50 includes a first fork portion 51 and a second fork portion 52 having a concentric axis and being arranged opposite to each other, the concentric axis being the center line connecting the corresponding ear holes on the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52; the drive shaft 50 also includes a drive rod 53; one end of the drive rod 53 is respectively connected to the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52.

[0064] Specifically, ideally, the concentric shaft should be perpendicular to the set plane, forming a 90-degree angle. The second set value is an allowable angular error preset according to the machining process requirements. When the angle between the concentric shaft and the set plane is controlled to be less than the second set value, it indicates that the common direction of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 in space is limited to the allowable deviation range relative to the machining reference plane.

[0065] Understandably, the first state requires that the angle between the central axis of the transmission rod 53 of the transmission shaft 50 and the set plane be less than a first set value. The positioning of the central axis of the transmission rod 53 and the correction of the concentric axis direction of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 are achieved together through the coordinated operation of the pusher 22 and the limiting assembly 30. The limiting assembly 30 abuts against the outer circle of the ear portion on the same side of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52. This action is used to correct the direction of the central axis of the transmission rod 53. By simultaneously applying contact limiting to the outer circle of the ear portion, the common concentric axis of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52, which may have been offset due to mold misalignment, can be forced to be adjusted to a state close to perpendicular to the set plane, and the angle error is controlled within the second set value. This ensures that the transmission shaft 50 also meets the positioning accuracy requirements for subsequent processing in the fork portion direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, after the drive limiting assembly 30 moves toward the drive shaft 50 and abuts against the second preset position of the drive shaft 50, it further includes:

[0067] The second thrust of the control pusher 22 is adjusted to the third thrust, and the pusher 22 is driven to maintain contact with the first preset position of the transmission shaft 50.

[0068] The jacking part 22, the drive shaft 50, the limiting component 30 and the positioning component 40 move synchronously toward the processing component 70 and enter the processing state; wherein, the processing component 70 has a set plane; the third jacking force is greater than the second jacking force.

[0069] Specifically, both the push assembly 20 and the positioning assembly 40 are mounted on the base assembly 10. A slide rail is provided at the bottom of the base assembly 10, which feeds the drive shaft 50 into the processing assembly 70. The first drive unit is connected to the base assembly 10, driving the base assembly 10 to slide on the slide rail. The push force is adjusted from a normally zero second push force to a third push force, solving the power problem when the workpiece needs to be moved after fine-tuning. The third push force ensures that the push unit 22 can push the entire positioning assembly 40 and drive shaft 50 to move as a whole, and also maintains the axial position of the drive shaft 50 on the positioning assembly 40 through continuous contact, preventing accidental axial movement during the movement. The synchronous movement of the pusher 22, drive shaft 50, limiting component 30, and positioning component 40 on the slide rail ensures that during the transfer from the positioning station to the machining station, the constraint of the limiting component 30 on the drive shaft 50, the axial pressing of the pusher 22 on the drive shaft 50, and the relative positional relationship between the drive shaft 50 and the positioning component 40 remain unchanged. This allows the first state achieved by the coordinated adjustment of the pusher 22 and the limiting component 30 at the positioning station—that is, the angle between the central axis of the drive shaft 50 and the set plane is less than a first set value, and the angle between the concentric axes of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 and the set plane is less than a second set value—to be completely maintained during the transfer process until the drive shaft 50 is accurately delivered to the machining component 70 and enters the machining state. This process achieves a lossless transfer of the precise positioning state from the positioning station to the machining station.

[0070] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, entering the processing state includes:

[0071] The drive processing assembly 70 is positioned and abuts the end of the drive shaft 50 away from the pusher 22; wherein, in the processing state, the drive rod 53 of the drive shaft 50 extends into the processing assembly 70;

[0072] Based on the positioning and clamping of the processing component 70 against the drive shaft 50, the driving limit component 30 moves away from the drive shaft 50.

[0073] The drive shaft 50 is rotated along the axis and the machining assembly 70 is driven to machine the drive rod 53 of the drive shaft 50.

[0074] Understandably, the machining assembly 70 is first positioned and clamped against the end of the drive shaft 50 away from the pusher 22. At this point, in the machining state, one end of the drive shaft 50 is fixed by the contact between the pusher 22 and the first preset position, while the other end is fixed by the positioning and clamping of the machining assembly 70. The drive shaft 50 is in a stable clamped state with both ends constrained. Simultaneously, the drive rod 53 portion of the drive shaft 50 extends into the internal space of the machining assembly 70, preparing for direct machining.

[0075] Specifically, since the processing component 70 has completed the positioning and clamping of one end of the drive shaft 50, the processing component 70 and the pushing part 22 jointly undertake the axial fixing and support of the drive shaft 50. At this time, the drive limiting component 30 moves away from the drive shaft 50, causing the limiting component 30 to disengage from the second preset position of the drive shaft 50. The removal of the limiting component 30 releases the constraint on the drive shaft 50, making room for the drive shaft 50 to rotate freely around its own axis.

[0076] Specifically, the drive shaft 50 is then driven to rotate around its central axis. Simultaneously, the drive machining assembly 70 is activated to perform gear rolling on the drive rod 53 of the rotating drive shaft 50.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, it also includes:

[0078] The drive limit assembly 30 moves in a direction close to the completed transmission shaft 50 and abuts against the second preset position of the completed transmission shaft 50;

[0079] The drive limit assembly 30, the push part 22, the positioning assembly 40, and the completed transmission shaft 50 move away from the processing assembly 70.

[0080] Understandably, after the machining component 70 completes the machining of the transmission rod 53 of the transmission shaft 50, it is necessary to remove the machined transmission shaft 50 and prepare for replacement. First, the drive limiting component 30 moves towards the machined transmission shaft 50, causing the limiting component 30 to re-engage with the second preset position of the machined transmission shaft 50. This re-engagement of the limiting component 30 re-constrains the posture of the transmission shaft 50. Subsequently, the drive limiting component 30, the pusher 22, the positioning component 40, and the machined transmission shaft 50 move synchronously away from the machining component 70 as a whole. During the movement, the pusher 22 continues to engage with the first preset position of the transmission shaft 50, the positioning component 40 continues to support the transmission shaft 50, and the limiting component 30 continues to engage with the second preset position of the transmission shaft 50.

[0081] Specifically, the drive limiting component 30 re-engages with the completed drive shaft 50, ensuring that the radial orientation of the drive shaft 50 is immediately constrained by the limiting component 30 after the processing component 70 releases its clamping force at one end. This prevents the drive shaft 50 from tilting or deflecting due to the loss of fixation at one end, maintaining the predetermined direction of its central axis. The subsequent synchronous movement ensures that the angle between the central axis of the completed drive shaft 50 and the set plane is always controlled to be less than a first set value throughout the entire transfer path from the processing station back to the part-changing station. This prevents the completed drive shaft 50 from tilting when returned to its initial position, preparing it for the subsequent accurate and smooth gripping and removal of the workpiece by the clamping component 60, and for the installation of a new drive shaft 50 to be processed.

[0082] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a step for automatic workpiece replacement:

[0083] The drive clamping assembly 60 provides a drive shaft 50 to the positioning assembly 40.

[0084] Specifically, after the processed drive shaft 50 is removed and ready, the clamping assembly 60 is driven to perform an action, which grips and provides a new drive shaft 50 to be processed, and transports and installs it onto the positioning assembly 40. This achieves the connection between the two stages of removing the processed drive shaft 50 from the workstation and installing the drive shaft 50 to be processed. By automatically performing the feeding action through the clamping assembly 60, the processing method of the drive shaft 50 can run continuously in a cyclic manner without manual intervention in loading and unloading. This solves the problem of blank positioning while improving the automation level of the processing process and the overall work efficiency.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] This embodiment discloses a drive shaft machining apparatus, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive shaft machining device includes:

[0087] The push assembly 20 includes a first base 21 and a push part 22 disposed on the first base 21; the push part 22 is configured to move in a direction close to or away from the drive shaft 50 to perform abutment and push actions.

[0088] The limiting component 30 includes a second base 31, a drive unit 32, and a limiting unit 33. The second base 31 is slidably connected to the first base 21, so that the limiting component 30 can move as a whole relative to the pushing component 20. The drive unit 32 is located on the side of the second base 31 away from the first base 21. The limiting unit 33 is located on the drive unit 32 and is driven by the drive unit 32 to perform movement toward or away from the drive shaft 50.

[0089] The positioning component 40 is used to support and initially position the drive shaft 50, and is disposed opposite to the first base 21 and the second base 31. The drive shaft 50 processing device includes an alignment state. In the alignment state, the drive shaft 50 is mounted on the positioning component 40, the pushing part 22 abuts the drive shaft 50 against the positioning component 40, and the limiting component 30 abuts against the drive shaft 50, and the drive shaft 50 enters a first state. The first state includes an angle between the central axis of the drive shaft 50 and the set plane that is less than a first set value.

[0090] Specifically, the drive unit 32 includes a first cylinder 321, a second cylinder 322, and a cylinder push rod 323. The first cylinder 321 is disposed on top of the second cylinder 322 and slidably connected to it. One end of the cylinder push rod 323 is connected to the first cylinder 321, and the other end is connected to the second cylinder 322. The first cylinder 321 is connected to the limiting unit 33. Figure 6 As shown, the limiting unit 33 includes a limiting main body 331, a first limiting part 332, a second limiting part 333, and a through hole 334. The first limiting part 332 and the second limiting part 333 are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the limiting main body 331, forming a receiving space for the first fork part 51 and the second fork part 52 of the drive shaft 50. The limiting main body 331 is connected to the first cylinder 321. The limiting main body 331 is provided with a through hole 334. The through hole 334 does not interfere with the first limiting part 332 and the second limiting part 333. The through hole 334 facilitates the pusher 22 to pass through it and abut against the drive shaft 50.

[0091] Understandably, in the alignment state, the drive shaft 50 to be processed is first installed on the positioning assembly 40. Subsequently, the pusher 22 in the drive pusher assembly 20 moves towards the drive shaft 50 until the pusher 22 abuts against the drive shaft 50, and based on this abutting force, the drive shaft 50 is stably abutted against the positioning assembly 40, completing the initial axial fixation. Immediately afterwards, the limiting unit 33 in the drive limiting assembly 30 moves towards the drive shaft 50, so that the limiting unit 33 abuts against a specific position on the outer surface of the drive shaft 50. Through the combined constraint of the axial abutment of the pusher 22 and the abutment of the limiting unit 33, the drive shaft 50 is adjusted and stabilized in a predetermined spatial posture, that is, enters the first state. In the first state, the angle between the central axis of the drive shaft 50 and a preset setting plane is limited to a range less than a first setting value, which represents the angular error limit allowed by the processing technology; wherein, the setting plane is usually parallel to the subsequent gear hobbing processing working surface.

[0092] Specifically, the sliding connection between the first base 21 and the second base 31 allows the pushing assembly 20 and the limiting assembly 30 to move independently or synchronously, fulfilling different functional requirements during the positioning and transfer stages. The pushing part 22 is responsible for providing and adjusting the axial pushing force, serving as the actuator for axial positioning and transfer of the drive shaft 50. The independent drive design of the limiting unit 33 allows it to contact the drive shaft 50 to apply constraint during the alignment adjustment stage and to withdraw during the machining rotation stage to avoid interference. The relative spatial positions of the positioning assembly 40, the pushing part 22, and the limiting unit 33 constitute a physical framework capable of accommodating and actively correcting the drive shaft 50. Ultimately, through the sequential action and synergistic effect of the pushing part 22 and the limiting unit 33, the device can automatically and forcibly correct the drive shaft 50 blank, which has geometric defects such as misalignment, out-of-round ears, or missing material, to a precise state where its true central axis is nearly parallel to the machining reference surface, providing a fundamental guarantee for subsequent high-quality gear rolling.

[0093] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the positioning component 40 includes a third base 41, a first positioning unit 42, two second positioning units 43, and two support units 44. The third base 41 is disposed opposite to the first base 21 and the second base 31. One end of the first positioning unit 42 is connected to the third base 41. The two support units 44 are disposed opposite to each other. The two ends of the first positioning unit 42 are respectively connected to the support units 44. Each support unit 44 is provided with a second positioning unit 43 at the end away from the first positioning unit 42. The two second positioning units 43 extend towards the end away from the support unit 44. The two second positioning units 43 are spaced apart by a preset distance and form a placement space. In the alignment state, the drive shaft 50 is respectively installed between the first positioning unit 42 and the two second positioning units 43. One end of the drive shaft 50 is located in the placement space. The pushing part 22 abuts the drive shaft 50 against the first positioning unit 42. The limiting component 30 abuts against the drive shaft 50, and the drive shaft 50 enters the first state.

[0094] Specifically, the third base 41 includes a first base portion 411, a second base portion 412, and a connecting portion 413; the first base portion 411 is connected to the second base portion 412, and the connecting portion 413 is used to connect the second base portion 412 to the support unit 44. The second positioning unit 43 includes a first positioning portion 431, a second positioning portion 432, a positioning hole 433, and a bolt 434. The two first positioning portions 431 are respectively connected to the two support units 44. The positioning hole 433 is provided on the first positioning portion 431, and the bolt 434 passes through the positioning hole 433 and connects to the second positioning portion 432. The positioning hole 433 is used to adjust the distance between the end of the second positioning portion 432 and the drive shaft 50. The first positioning portion 431 is usually made of metal to ensure the stability of the limit, and the second positioning portion 432 is usually made of nylon to prevent damage to the drive shaft 50 workpiece when the drive rod 53 of the drive shaft 50 contacts the second positioning portion 432 during gear hobbing. The positioning component 40 also includes a third positioning unit 45. The two third positioning units 45 are respectively connected to the outside of the two support units 44. The third positioning unit 45 is L-shaped. When the positioning component 40 transports the drive shaft 50 to the processing component 70, the third positioning unit 45 abuts against the processing component 70. When the third positioning unit 45 abuts against the processing component 70, it means that the drive shaft 50 has reached the processing position.

[0095] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 of the drive shaft 50 are mounted on the first positioning unit 42, while the drive rod portion 53 of the drive shaft 50 is accommodated in a placement space formed by two second positioning units 43 spaced apart. The pushing part 22 moves toward the drive shaft 50 and abuts against the center of the pushing groove 54 of the drive shaft 50, pressing the drive shaft 50 against the first positioning unit 42. At the same time, the limiting component 30 moves toward the drive shaft 50, so that its limiting unit 33 abuts against the outer circle of the ear portion on the same side of the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 of the drive shaft 50, together bringing the drive shaft 50 into a first state where the angle between the central axis and the set plane is less than a first set value.

[0096] Specifically, the preset distance of the placement space is equal to the maximum diameter of the transmission rod 53 of the drive shaft 50 after the gear-rolling process. The interval between the two second positioning units 43 is set to the maximum diameter of the transmission rod 53 after gear-rolling, ensuring that the width of the placement space precisely matches the dimensions of the processed transmission rod 53. This design allows the transmission rod 53, with its increased diameter after gear-rolling, to pass through the placement space again without interference when returning from the processing station. The support unit 44 connects and fixes the first positioning unit 42 and the second positioning unit 43, ensuring the rigidity of the entire positioning assembly 40 structure. The first positioning unit 42 provides a support surface for the first fork portion 51 and the second fork portion 52 of the drive shaft 50, while the two second positioning units 43 provide non-clamping limiting of the transmission rod 53 from both sides, preventing excessive displacement of the transmission rod 53 during initial placement. The entire positioning assembly 40 is fixed by the third base 41 and works in conjunction with the pushing assembly 20 and the limiting assembly 30 to form a basic platform capable of stably supporting the drive shaft 50 and allowing it to be precisely adjusted and smoothly moved.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of processing a propeller shaft, characterized in that, include: Based on the drive shaft being mounted on the positioning assembly, the driving push part moves towards the drive shaft and abuts against the drive shaft, and the drive shaft is abutted against the positioning assembly based on the push part; wherein, the driving push part moving towards the drive shaft and abutting against the drive shaft includes: The jacking section provides a first jacking force; Based on the first pushing force, the pushing part is driven to abut against the first preset position of the transmission shaft; the step of driving the limiting component to abut against the transmission shaft based on the abutment of the transmission shaft and the positioning component includes: Based on the contact between the drive shaft and the positioning component, the first pushing force of the pushing part is adjusted to the second pushing force. The limiting component is driven to move closer to the drive shaft and abut against the second preset position of the drive shaft; wherein the first thrust is greater than the second thrust. After the step of driving the limiting component to move closer to the drive shaft and abutting against the second preset position of the drive shaft, it further includes: The second pushing force of the pusher is adjusted to the third pushing force, and the pusher is driven to maintain contact with the first preset position of the transmission shaft; The pushing part, the drive shaft, the limiting component, and the positioning component move synchronously toward the processing component and enter the processing state; wherein, the processing component has a set plane; the third pushing force is greater than the second pushing force; Based on the contact between the drive shaft and the positioning component, the drive limiting component contacts the drive shaft, and the drive shaft enters a first state; the first state includes an angle between the central axis of the drive shaft and the set plane that is less than a first set value.

2. A method of manufacturing a propeller shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first state also includes: The angle between the concentric axes of the first and second fork portions of the drive shaft and the set plane is less than a second set value; the angle between the central axis of the drive rod of the drive shaft and the set plane is less than the first set value; wherein, the drive shaft includes a first fork portion and a second fork portion having concentric axes and arranged opposite to each other; the drive shaft also includes the drive rod; one end of the drive rod is respectively connected to the first fork portion and the second fork portion.

3. A method of manufacturing a propeller shaft according to claim 2, wherein The entry into the processing state includes: The machining assembly is driven to position and press against one end of the drive shaft away from the pusher; wherein, in the machining state, the drive rod of the drive shaft extends into the machining assembly; Based on the positioning and pressing of the processing component against the drive shaft, the limiting component is driven to move away from the drive shaft; The drive shaft is driven to rotate along its axis and the machining assembly is driven to machine the drive rod of the drive shaft.

4. The method for machining a transmission shaft according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The limiting component is driven to move in a direction close to the completed transmission shaft and abut against the second preset position of the completed transmission shaft; The limiting component, the pushing part, the positioning component, and the transmission axis that has completed processing are moved away from the processing component.

5. A method of manufacturing a propeller shaft according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: The drive clamping assembly provides one of the drive shafts to the positioning assembly.

6. A drive shaft machining apparatus characterized by comprising: The drive shaft machining apparatus is applied to the drive shaft machining method according to any one of claims 1-5, and the drive shaft machining apparatus comprises: The jacking assembly includes a first base and a jacking part disposed on the first base; A limiting assembly includes a second base, a driving unit, and a limiting unit; the second base is slidably connected to a first base; the driving unit is located on the side of the second base away from the first base; the limiting unit is located on the driving unit. A positioning component is disposed opposite to the first base and the second base; the transmission shaft processing device includes an alignment state; in the alignment state, the transmission shaft is mounted on the positioning component, the pushing part abuts the transmission shaft against the positioning component, and the limiting component abuts against the transmission shaft, and the transmission shaft enters a first state; the first state includes an angle between the central axis of the transmission shaft and a set plane that is less than a first set value.

7. A drive shaft machining apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The positioning assembly includes a third base, a first positioning unit, two second positioning units, and two support units. The third base is disposed opposite to the first base and the second base. One end of the first positioning unit is connected to the third base. The two support units are disposed opposite to each other. Both ends of the first positioning unit are connected to the support units. Each support unit has a second positioning unit at its end away from the first positioning unit. The two second positioning units extend away from the support units. The two second positioning units are spaced apart by a preset distance and form a placement space. In the alignment state, the drive shaft is installed between the first positioning unit and the two second positioning units, with one end of the drive shaft located in the placement space. The pushing part abuts the drive shaft against the first positioning unit, and the limiting component abuts against the drive shaft, causing the drive shaft to enter the first state.

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