Universal joint clamping device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of universal joint processing, and particularly relates to a universal joint clamping device, which comprises a positioning table, a V-shaped groove arranged on the positioning table and used for placing a universal joint fork, a limiting rod arranged on the V-shaped groove through a sliding device and used for abutting against a universal joint cross shaft, a pushing device arranged on the positioning table and used for pushing the universal joint to abut against the limiting rod, and a pressing device arranged on the positioning table and used for pressing the universal joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of universal joint processing technology, and in particular to a universal joint clamping device. Background Technology

[0002] Universal joints are key components in transmission systems. Their function is to allow angular changes between two connected shafts. During the processing, inspection, or repair of universal joints, precise positioning and clamping are required, such as during drilling or riveting.

[0003] Especially during the riveting process, the universal joint cross shaft and universal joint fork need to be precisely fixed to ensure accurate riveting point position and stable riveting quality. For this reason, most universal joints rely on manual positioning during riveting. However, this requires time to visually align and hold the joint firmly with both hands before each riveting. The average clamping time for a single workpiece is about 15-30 seconds. For mass production, the cumulative time loss is huge, and it also requires a full-time worker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a universal joint clamping device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is to provide a universal joint clamping device, comprising: a positioning platform, a V-groove provided on the positioning platform for placing the universal joint fork, a limiting rod provided on the V-groove for abutting the universal joint cross shaft by means of a sliding device, the positioning platform is also provided with a pushing device for pushing the universal joint to abut the limiting rod, and the positioning platform is also provided with a clamping device for pressing the universal joint;

[0006] The pressing device includes: two first telescopic drive members vertically arranged on both sides of the positioning platform, a pressing plate arranged on the telescopic rod of the first telescopic drive member, a groove arranged on the pressing plate, and a first rotating roller rotatably arranged in the groove, wherein the first rotating roller is provided with a flexible contact device.

[0007] The flexible contact device includes: an elastic sleeve sleeved on a first rotating roller; and several sets of springs arranged between the elastic sleeve and the first rotating roller along the axial direction of the rotating roller. The several sets of springs are unevenly distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating roller. The stiffness of the springs located in the middle of the first rotating roller is less than that of the springs located on both sides of the first rotating roller. The distribution density of the springs in the middle of the first rotating roller is less than that of the springs on both sides of the first rotating roller. The two ends of the first rotating roller are also provided with limiting blocks to prevent the elastic sleeve from moving axially.

[0008] The spring assembly includes: a plurality of springs evenly distributed between the elastic sleeve and the rotating roller along the circumferential direction of the rotating roller; the rotating roller is also provided with anti-deviation grooves corresponding to the springs; one end of the spring is connected to the elastic sleeve and the other end is inserted into the anti-deviation groove.

[0009] The surface of the elastic sleeve is also provided with several guide rings parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint, and the surface of the elastic sleeve is also provided with several deformation ring grooves parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0010] A further improvement is that the clamping plate is provided with guide posts, and the positioning platform is also provided with guide holes that match the guide posts.

[0011] A further improvement is that the sliding device includes: a support plate on the positioning platform, a positioning sleeve passing through the support plate, a first adjusting thread inside the positioning sleeve, and a second adjusting thread on the limiting rod. The end of the limiting rod that abuts against the universal joint cross shaft is also provided with a first protective sleeve.

[0012] A further improvement is that the pushing device includes: a positioning plate on the positioning platform, a second telescopic drive member on the positioning plate with the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member extending out of the positioning plate, and a pushing block on the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member, wherein the pushing block is provided with a second protective sleeve.

[0013] A further improvement is that several second rotating rollers are evenly distributed on the inner walls of both sides of the V-shaped groove, and a third protective sleeve is provided on the second rotating rollers.

[0014] A further improvement is that a sinking groove is provided at the V-shaped groove on the positioning platform, and a pneumatic clamping finger is provided in the sinking groove. Each of the two clamping fingers of the pneumatic clamping finger is provided with a clamping plate.

[0015] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0016] 1. Simple structure and easy to use. The overall structure adopts mechanical clamping instead of manual straightening, keeping the operator's hands away from the riveting area, eliminating the risk of crushing injury, and greatly shortening the clamping auxiliary time, thus improving production efficiency.

[0017] 2. By using the automatic centering function of the V-groove, the temporary return of the pneumatic gripper, the clamping and fixing of the clamping device, and the overall pushing of the pushing device, the universal joint is accurately positioned, ensuring that the universal joint's posture remains unchanged during axial movement. This effectively solves the positioning deviation problem caused by manual straightening and improves the assembly quality. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a universal joint clamping device of the present invention placed on a riveting machine;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of a universal joint clamping device according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the flexible contact device of the universal joint clamping device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of a universal joint clamping device according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a universal joint clamping device according to the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Riveting machine; 2. Positioning table; 3. V-groove; 4. Limiting rod; 5. First telescopic drive component; 6. Pressing plate; 7. Groove; 8. First rotating roller; 9. Elastic sleeve; 10. Limiting block; 11. Spring; 12. Anti-deviation groove; 13. Guide ring; 14. Deformation ring groove; 15. Guide post; 17. Support plate; 18. Positioning sleeve; 19. First protective sleeve; 20. Positioning plate; 21. Second telescopic drive component; 22. Pushing block; 23. Second protective sleeve; 24. Second rotating roller; 25. Third protective sleeve; 26. Sinking groove; 27. Pneumatic gripper finger; 28. Clamping plate; 29. ​​Fork block; 30. Connecting seat. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a universal joint clamping device includes: a positioning platform 2, a V-groove 3 provided on the positioning platform 2 for placing the universal joint fork, and a limiting rod 4 provided on the V-groove 3 for abutting the universal joint cross shaft via a sliding device. The positioning platform 2 is also provided with a pushing device for pushing the universal joint to abut the limiting rod 4, and a clamping device for pressing the universal joint.

[0026] To construct the basic framework of the clamping device and achieve the initial positioning and clamping of the universal joint, a positioning platform 2 is set as the overall mounting base, a V-groove 3 is used to place the universal joint fork and automatically center it using its V-shaped structure, a limiting rod 4 is used to axially position the cross shaft, a pushing device is used to push the universal joint along the V-groove 3 to abut against the limiting rod 4, and a clamping device is used to clamp the universal joint vertically.

[0027] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to provide a stable and adjustable vertical clamping force while avoiding damage to the surface of the universal joint fork during the clamping process, the clamping device includes: two first telescopic drive members 5 vertically arranged on both sides of the positioning platform 2, a clamping plate 6 arranged on the telescopic rod of the first telescopic drive member 5, a groove 7 arranged on the clamping plate 6, and a first rotating roller 8 rotatably arranged in the groove 7, wherein the first rotating roller 8 is provided with a flexible contact device.

[0028] The clamping force provided by the two first telescopic drive members 5 is used to transmit pressure through the clamping plate 6. This structure design with independent clamping at both ends has the following advantages compared with the integral clamping plate 6: First, it can adapt to the dimensional tolerances that may exist at both ends of the universal joint fork, avoiding one end being clamped while the other end is suspended. Second, it can selectively clamp one end or both ends simultaneously according to the needs of the processing position. Third, the clamping force at both ends can be adjusted separately to make the force distribution more reasonable.

[0029] A rotatable roller is installed in the groove 7. When the clamping plate 6 is pressed down, the roller contacts the universal joint fork to prevent the universal joint fork from moving. The flexible contact device further buffers the clamping force and adapts to the surface shape of the universal joint fork, thus avoiding scratches.

[0030] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to make the clamping force more reasonably distributed along the width direction of the universal joint fork and adapt to the force characteristics of the universal joint fork in the V-groove 3, the flexible contact device includes: an elastic sleeve 9 sleeved on the first rotating roller 8, and several sets of springs arranged between the elastic sleeve 9 and the first rotating roller 8 along the axial direction of the rotating roller. The several sets of springs are unevenly distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating roller 8. The stiffness of the spring set located in the middle of the first rotating roller 8 is less than that of the spring sets located on both sides of the first rotating roller 8. The distribution density of the spring set in the middle of the first rotating roller 8 is less than that of the spring sets on both sides of the first rotating roller 8. The two ends of the first rotating roller 8 are also provided with limiting blocks 10 to prevent the elastic sleeve 9 from moving axially.

[0031] The elastic sleeve 9 is made of polyurethane.

[0032] Users can change the spring distribution density and spring stiffness by adjusting the number of springs in each spring group, the spring stiffness, and the spacing between each spring group.

[0033] Since the rotating roller and the universal joint are arranged in a cross shape in the projection direction, that is, the axis of the rotating roller is perpendicular to the axis of the universal joint fork, the spring groups distributed along the axial direction of the rotating roller, that is, the length direction of the rotating roller, actually correspond to the width direction of the universal joint fork. By setting several sets of spring groups and distributing them unevenly along the axial direction of the rotating roller, with the middle spring group having low stiffness and low density, and the side spring groups having high stiffness and high density, a greater clamping force is applied to the two sides of the universal joint fork, corresponding to the two sides of the rotating roller, to enhance the frictional force to resist rotation. A smaller clamping force is applied to the middle of the universal joint fork, corresponding to the middle position of the rotating roller, to avoid local overpressure caused by superposition with the support force of the V-groove 3. The limit block 10 is used to prevent the elastic sleeve 9 from axially moving during operation. This cross-shaped layout, combined with the uneven distribution of the axial springs 11, achieves a precise match between the clamping force and the lateral force requirements of the universal joint fork.

[0034] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to ensure that the springs 11 in each spring group are subjected to uniform force and to prevent the springs 11 from bending or deviating during compression, the spring group includes: a plurality of springs 11 evenly distributed between the elastic sleeve 9 and the rotating roller along the circumferential direction of the rotating roller, and the rotating roller is also provided with anti-deviation grooves 12 corresponding to the springs 11, with one end of the spring 11 connected to the elastic sleeve 9 and the other end inserted into the anti-deviation groove 12;

[0035] By evenly distributing the springs 11 along the circumference of the rotating roller, the force on each point of the elastic sleeve 9 is uniform. The anti-deviation groove 12 ensures that the springs 11 maintain axial linear motion during compression, preventing the springs 11 from bending and causing uneven force on the elastic sleeve 9 or fatigue damage to the springs 11, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the device.

[0036] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to generate deformation during compression to increase the contact area and friction, the surface of the elastic sleeve 9 is also provided with several guide rings 13 parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint, and the surface of the elastic sleeve 9 is also provided with several deformation ring grooves 14 parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint.

[0037] The guide ring 13 is made of polyurethane.

[0038] The deformation ring groove 14 provides deformation space. When the clamping device presses down, the elastic sleeve 9 is compressed and the guide ring 13 is flattened. The inner wall of the elastic sleeve 9 forms a surface contact with the universal joint fork, thereby holding the universal joint fork and achieving a reliable anti-rotation effect.

[0039] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to ensure that the pressing plate 6 maintains a precise vertical movement trajectory during the pressing process and to prevent the pressing plate 6 from tilting or shaking, the pressing plate 6 is provided with a guide post 15, and the positioning platform 2 is also provided with a guide hole that matches the guide post 15.

[0040] The movement of the pressure plate 6 is guided by the cooperation of the guide post 15 and the guide hole, ensuring that the pressure plate 6 always moves smoothly in the vertical direction, thereby ensuring that the contact position between the rotating roller and the universal joint fork is accurate and the clamping force is uniform.

[0041] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to achieve precise adjustment of the position of the limiting rod 4 to adapt to the axial dimension differences of universal joints of different specifications, the sliding device includes: a support plate 17 provided on the positioning platform 2, a positioning sleeve 18 passing through the support plate 17, a first adjusting thread (not shown in the figure) provided in the positioning sleeve 18, and a second adjusting thread (not shown in the figure) provided on the limiting rod 4. The end of the limiting rod 4 that abuts against the universal joint cross shaft is also provided with a first protective sleeve 19, which is a rubber sleeve.

[0042] The extension length of the limit rod 4 can be precisely adjusted by the cooperation of the first adjusting thread and the second adjusting thread. The first protective sleeve 19 is used to buffer the contact impact between the limit rod 4 and the cross shaft to avoid damage to the surface of the cross shaft.

[0043] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to realize the universal joint being pushed axially along the V-groove 3 so that the cross shaft accurately abuts against the limiting rod 4, the pushing device includes: a positioning plate 20 provided on the positioning platform 2, a second telescopic drive member 21 provided on the positioning plate 20 with the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member 21 extending out of the positioning plate 20, and a pushing block 22 provided on the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member 21. The pushing block 22 is provided with a second protective sleeve 23, which is a rubber sleeve.

[0044] The second telescopic drive 21 provides the pushing power, the push block 22 contacts the universal joint and transmits the thrust, and the second protective sleeve 23 is used to buffer the contact impact between the push block 22 and the universal joint to avoid indentation or damage to the surface of the universal joint during the pushing process.

[0045] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to reduce the frictional resistance when the universal joint fork slides in the V-groove 3 and enable the pushing device to smoothly push the universal joint to the predetermined position, several second rotating rollers 24 are evenly distributed on the inner walls of both sides of the V-groove, and a third protective sleeve 25 is provided on the second rotating rollers 24. The third protective sleeve 25 is a polyoxymethylene sleeve.

[0046] By setting the second rotating roller 24, the sliding friction between the universal joint fork and the V-groove 3 is converted into rolling friction, which greatly reduces the frictional resistance. The third protective sleeve 25 is used to buffer the contact between the universal joint fork and the second rotating roller 24 and protect the surface of the universal joint fork from being scratched.

[0047] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to perform coarse positioning and angle correction of the universal joint fork before the clamping device is activated, and to ensure that the universal joint fork is in the correct circumferential angle position, a recessed groove 26 is also provided on the positioning platform 2 at the V-groove 3. A pneumatic clamping finger 27 is provided in the recessed groove 26, and a clamping plate 28 is provided on each of the two clamping fingers of the pneumatic clamping finger 27.

[0048] The pneumatic gripper 27 drives the clamping plate 28 to clamp the fork blocks 29 on the universal joint fork from both sides, straightening them to a preset angle. Then, the pneumatic gripper 27 resets and releases, making room for the subsequent clamping device. This structure is only used for temporary straightening and does not interfere with the processing.

[0049] Furthermore, as an optional implementation, in order to enhance the placement stability of the positioning platform 2, the positioning platform 2 is provided with a plurality of connecting seats 30, and the connecting seats 30 are provided with connecting holes (not shown in the figure).

[0050] Working principle: During riveting operations, the positioning table 2 is placed on the riveting machine 1, and the position of the positioning table 2 and the position of the limit rod 4 are adjusted so that the riveting point after the universal joint is positioned can be directly facing the head of the riveting machine. Similarly, during drilling operations, it is placed on the drilling machine.

[0051] When the universal joint clamping device is working, the universal joint fork is first placed in the V-groove 3 on the positioning platform 2. The V-groove 3 uses its V-shaped structure to automatically center and position the universal joint fork. Then, the pneumatic clamping finger 27 is activated, and the clamping plates 28 on its two clamping fingers clamp the protruding part of the universal joint fork, namely the fork block 29, from both sides and straighten it to the preset circumferential angle position. Then the pneumatic clamping finger 27 is reset and released, completing the initial straightening.

[0052] Next, the clamping device is activated, and the two first telescopic drive members 5 on both sides of the positioning table 2 drive their respective clamping plates 6 to move downward. The guide post 15 on the clamping plate 6 cooperates with the guide hole on the positioning table 2 to ensure that the clamping plate 6 moves vertically and smoothly.

[0053] The rotating roller in the groove 7 of the clamping plate 6 contacts the universal joint fork, and the flexible contact device on the rotating roller starts to work. The surface of the elastic sleeve 9 is provided with guide ring 13 and deformation ring groove 14. There are several sets of springs unevenly distributed along the axial direction between the elastic sleeve 9 and the rotating roller. When the clamping plate 6 is pressed down, the elastic sleeve 9 is compressed and deformed, the guide ring 13 is flattened, and the inner wall of the elastic sleeve 9 forms a surface contact with the universal joint fork, holding the universal joint fork and fixing the universal joint fork in the V-groove 3.

[0054] After the universal joint fork is clamped and fixed, the pushing device is activated, and the second telescopic drive 21 drives the pushing block 22 to move forward. The second protective sleeve 23 on the pushing block 22 contacts the universal joint. Since the universal joint fork has been fixed by the clamping device, the pushing block 22 pushes the entire universal joint to move axially along the V-groove 3 until the universal joint cross shaft abuts against the first protective sleeve 19 on the limit rod 4, completing the axial precise positioning. At this point, the universal joint is completely positioned and clamped, and the riveting machine can perform the riveting operation.

[0055] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0056] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal joint clamping device, characterized in that: include: The positioning platform includes a V-groove for placing the universal joint fork, a limiting rod that can be slidably disposed on the V-groove to abut against the universal joint cross shaft via a sliding device, a pushing device for pushing the universal joint to abut against the limiting rod, and a clamping device for pressing the universal joint. The pressing device includes: two first telescopic drive members vertically arranged on both sides of the positioning platform, a pressing plate arranged on the telescopic rod of the first telescopic drive member, a groove arranged on the pressing plate, and a first rotating roller rotatably arranged in the groove, wherein the first rotating roller is provided with a flexible contact device. The flexible contact device includes: an elastic sleeve sleeved on a first rotating roller; and several sets of springs arranged between the elastic sleeve and the first rotating roller along the axial direction of the rotating roller. The several sets of springs are unevenly distributed along the axial direction of the first rotating roller. The stiffness of the springs located in the middle of the first rotating roller is less than that of the springs located on both sides of the first rotating roller. The distribution density of the springs in the middle of the first rotating roller is less than that of the springs on both sides of the first rotating roller. The two ends of the first rotating roller are also provided with limiting blocks to prevent the elastic sleeve from moving axially. The spring assembly includes: a plurality of springs evenly distributed between the elastic sleeve and the rotating roller along the circumferential direction of the rotating roller; the rotating roller is also provided with anti-deviation grooves corresponding to the springs; one end of the spring is connected to the elastic sleeve and the other end is inserted into the anti-deviation groove. The surface of the elastic sleeve is also provided with several guide rings parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint, and the surface of the elastic sleeve is also provided with several deformation ring grooves parallel to the axial direction of the universal joint.

2. The universal joint clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping plate is provided with guide posts, and the positioning platform is also provided with guide holes that match the guide posts.

3. The universal joint clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding device includes: a support plate on the positioning platform, a positioning sleeve through the support plate, a first adjusting thread inside the positioning sleeve, and a second adjusting thread on the limiting rod. The end of the limiting rod that abuts against the universal joint cross shaft is also provided with a first protective sleeve.

4. The universal joint clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pushing device includes: a positioning plate on the positioning platform, a second telescopic drive member on the positioning plate with the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member extending out of the positioning plate, and a pushing block on the telescopic rod of the second telescopic drive member, wherein the pushing block is provided with a second protective sleeve.

5. A universal joint clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several second rotating rollers are evenly distributed on the inner walls of both sides of the V-shaped groove, and a third protective sleeve is provided on the second rotating rollers.

6. A universal joint clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning platform is also provided with a sinking groove at the V-shaped groove, and a pneumatic clamping finger is provided in the sinking groove. Each of the two clamping fingers of the pneumatic clamping finger is provided with a clamping plate.

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