A same direction double-station steering machine housing machining clamp and a using method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction and its usage method. It includes a base with a first machining position on the base. The first machining position has a first mounting surface (higher on the outside, lower on the inside) and a second mounting surface. The first mounting surface is located on the left side of the first machining position, and the second mounting surface is located on the right side. A left-section positioning mechanism is disposed on the first mounting surface for positioning the left half of the steering gear housing. A middle-section support and clamping mechanism is disposed on the left half of the second mounting surface for supporting, clamping, and positioning the middle section of the steering gear housing. A right-section positioning mechanism is disposed on the right half of the second mounting surface for positioning the right half of the steering gear housing. This invention effectively avoids dimensional deviation problems, improves the stability and accuracy of clamping, effectively reduces production costs, significantly reduces the probability of human error, and significantly reduces equipment modification costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machining fixture, and more particularly, to a machining fixture for a steering gear housing with two stations in the same direction. Background Technology

[0002] As a core load-bearing component of the automotive steering system, the machining accuracy of the steering gear housing directly affects the assembly accuracy and operational stability of the steering system, thus imposing stringent requirements on clamping and positioning during the machining process. In existing technologies, steering gear housing machining often employs single-station fixtures for clamping and machining. However, a single-station design can only clamp and machine one workpiece at a time, resulting in a high proportion of wasted time for tool changes and positioning adjustments, leading to a slow machining cycle and failing to meet the efficiency requirements of large-scale automotive parts production. Furthermore, traditional steering gear housing fixtures have a simplistic positioning and clamping structure, often using an integral clamping method without segmented positioning and support for the different structural features of the left, center, and right sections of the steering gear housing. This can easily lead to uneven stress on the housing during clamping, especially for thin-walled steering gear housings, which can cause workpiece deformation and result in dimensional deviations. For large-sized steering gear housings… Heavy-duty steering gear housings often suffer from insufficient support rigidity and loose clamping, leading to vibrations during machining that affect surface quality and positioning accuracy. Furthermore, traditional fixtures typically employ integrated hydraulic control, making it impossible to individually adjust the movement of each clamping cylinder. This can result in asynchronous clamping at multiple points, further exacerbating workpiece deformation or positioning deviations. Moreover, fixtures lack effective error-proofing mechanisms, failing to accurately determine if the workpiece is properly clamped. Excessive workpiece clearance can lead to machining failure and increased production costs. Additionally, traditional fixtures are difficult to clean and operate, leaving metal shavings, dust, and other debris on the positioning surfaces. Failure to clean these promptly directly impacts positioning accuracy. Some fixtures use externally inserted oil pipes, which are not only cumbersome to operate but also prone to oil leaks, increasing the probability of human error. At the same time, the existing fixtures have poor versatility. A single fixture can only be used to process a single specification of steering gear housing. When the housing model is changed, the fixture needs to be redesigned or replaced, resulting in high equipment modification costs and poor adaptability, making it difficult to meet the flexible processing needs of steering gear housings of multiple specifications. In summary, existing steering gear housing machining fixtures suffer from technical problems such as low machining efficiency, poor clamping and positioning accuracy, easy workpiece deformation, lack of error prevention detection, insufficient operational convenience, and poor versatility. They are no longer suitable for the automotive industry's demand for large-scale, high-precision, and multi-specification machining of steering gear housings. There is an urgent need to develop a machining fixture that can achieve efficient, accurate, and stable clamping.

[0003] Therefore, those skilled in the art are dedicated to providing a machining fixture and method for machining a dual-station steering gear housing in the same direction that can effectively solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction, including a base, a first machining position provided on the base, a first mounting surface with an outer higher surface and a second mounting surface with an inner lower surface provided on the first machining position, the first mounting surface being located on the left side of the first machining position, and the second mounting surface being located on the right side of the first machining position; A left-side positioning mechanism is disposed on the first mounting surface and is used to position the left half of the steering gear housing. The middle section support and clamping mechanism is located on the left half of the second mounting surface and is used to support, clamp and position the middle section of the steering gear housing. The right-side positioning mechanism is located on the right half of the second mounting surface and is used to position the right half of the steering gear housing.

[0005] Furthermore, the left segment positioning mechanism includes an auxiliary support component located in the front half of the first mounting face; An auxiliary clamping assembly is provided on the right side of the auxiliary support assembly. The auxiliary clamping assembly includes a clamping cylinder. The clamping head includes an integrally formed connecting section and a clamping section. The cross-section of the connecting section is larger than the cross-section of the clamping section. The rear half of the connecting section is hinged to the output end of the clamping cylinder. The front half of the connecting section is hinged to the front half of the clamping cylinder through a first hinge member. The clamping section is located directly above the auxiliary support assembly and is used in conjunction with the auxiliary support assembly. The rear half of the first mounting surface is provided with a first main clamping component that works in conjunction with the auxiliary support component and the clamping head.

[0006] Furthermore, the first main clamping assembly includes a first hydraulic cylinder and a first speed regulating valve; The output end of the first hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the rear half of the second pressing head. The middle section of the second pressing head is hinged to the first hydraulic cylinder through a second hinge member. The lower end of the front half of the second pressing head has a head body. Below the head body is a main positioning head that works with it. The second pressing head drives the head body to move, and works with the main positioning head to position the steering gear housing.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a left middle section support portion disposed on the first mounting surface. The left middle section support portion is disposed between the auxiliary support assembly and the first main clamping assembly. The left middle section support portion is used to support and position the steering gear housing.

[0008] Furthermore, the mid-section support clamping mechanism includes a snap-fit ​​disposed on the second mounting surface. A front and rear limiting component is disposed on one side of the snap-fit. The front and rear limiting component includes two limiting seats that cooperate with each other. The upper inner side of each limiting seat is provided with a chamfer. The mid-section of the steering gear housing is snapped between each limiting seat for front and rear limiting, and at the same time cooperates with the snap-fit ​​for longitudinal limiting.

[0009] Furthermore, the right segment positioning mechanism includes a second main clamping assembly and a third main clamping assembly with the same structure as the first main clamping assembly; the second main clamping assembly and the third main clamping assembly are respectively provided with a second hydraulic cylinder, a second speed regulating valve and a third hydraulic cylinder, and a third speed regulating valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the first speed regulating valve, the second speed regulating valve, and the third speed regulating valve are respectively located at the hydraulic oil circuit branches corresponding to the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, and the third hydraulic cylinder, and are connected to the hydraulic control oil circuit. They are used to individually adjust the flow rate and velocity of each hydraulic oil, regulate the rhythm of each pressing action, and keep the main pressing action of the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, and the third hydraulic cylinder consistent. Each of the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, and the third hydraulic cylinder is provided with a chip blowing joint on one side.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a right-side middle section support located between the second hydraulic cylinder and the third hydraulic cylinder, used to support and position the steering gear housing; The outer side of the right middle section support is also provided with auxiliary support orientation and clamping components that work together to support, clamp and position the steering gear housing.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a second processing position located on the base and having the same structure as the first processing position, the second processing position being located above and behind the first processing position.

[0013] A method for using a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction includes: Confirm that the first and second machining positions on the base are undamaged and free of debris, and that all hydraulic and air circuits are properly connected. Activate each chip-blowing connector to clean the first and second mounting surfaces of the first machining position, as well as the corresponding mounting surface of the second machining position, with air blowing to remove iron filings, dust, and debris, ensuring accurate positioning and fitting. Adjust the first, second, and third speed control valves to adjust the hydraulic flow and velocity of the first, second, and third hydraulic cylinders, respectively, to ensure consistent rhythm of the three main clamping actions. Set the hydraulic pressure parameters for the main clamping, floating support, and auxiliary clamping separately, and set the delay time for the action sequence of each mechanism via solenoid valves to ensure reliable clamping and reduce part deformation. Check the air detection system to ensure that the airtightness detection function of the three air detection points is normal, enabling error-proof detection of part installation. The steering gear housing is placed on the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface of the first machining position. Longitudinal rough positioning is completed by using a snap-fit. At the same time, the two limit seats of the front and rear limit components are used to perform front and rear rough positioning of the middle section of the steering gear housing. The workpiece is pre-pressed with the clamps of the fixture to ensure the initial reliable positioning of the workpiece. The auxiliary support assembly extends to provide bottom support for the left half of the steering gear housing; the clamping cylinder actuates, driving the clamping head to move, and the clamping section of the clamping head presses down to the position of the left half of the steering gear housing directly above the auxiliary support assembly, cooperating with the auxiliary support assembly to achieve auxiliary clamping of the left half; the left middle section support extends to support and position the connection between the left and middle sections of the steering gear housing; the first hydraulic cylinder of the first main clamping assembly actuates, driving the second clamping head to rotate around the second hinge, and the head body of the front half of the second clamping head presses down, cooperating with the main positioning head below to complete the main clamping and positioning of the left half of the steering gear housing; it is confirmed that the middle section of the steering gear housing is locked between the two limit seats, tightly fitted with the workpiece, completing the longitudinal and lateral limit locking of the middle section, providing stable support and positioning for the middle section of the workpiece; The right-side middle section support extends out to support and position the connection between the middle section and the right section of the steering gear housing; the auxiliary support extends out in a direction and fits the corresponding position of the right section of the steering gear housing, avoiding the machining interference area, and provides directional support for the right section of the workpiece; the clamping component presses down, cooperating with the auxiliary support in a directional manner to achieve auxiliary clamping of the right section; the second main clamping assembly and the third main clamping assembly operate synchronously, completing the main clamping and positioning of the right section of the steering gear housing according to the preset speed adjustment parameters, and maintaining consistency with the main clamping action of the left section. Following the clamping steps of the first processing station described above, install the other steering gear housing into the corresponding mechanism of the second processing station to complete the synchronous clamping of the workpieces at both stations; start the air detection system to perform airtightness testing on the workpieces at three air detection points in both processing stations to confirm that the steering gear housing is completely in contact with each positioning head, support, and limit component; if the test is qualified: the fixture does not alarm and the process proceeds to the processing stage; if the test is unqualified: the fixture will automatically alarm, and the workpiece needs to be re-clamped and tested again until it is qualified; Confirm the machining origin of the fixture. Using the preset coordinate origin on the base as a reference, complete the machine tool programming debugging and positioning accuracy test to ensure accurate machining coordinates. Utilize the machining function of the FF5000 five-axis machine tool to simultaneously machine the two steering gear housings in the dual-station configuration. Because the fixture adopts a dual-station design in the same direction, the machine tool can process two parts simultaneously with one tool change, eliminating the need for repeated tool changes and turntable rotation, thus improving the machining cycle time. Observe the status of each clamping and supporting mechanism of the fixture in real time to ensure there is no loosening or interference, and that the hydraulic and pneumatic parameters remain stable. After machining is completed, the machine tool spindle is reset and machining stops; all auxiliary clamping components are released first, and the auxiliary support components, auxiliary support orientation, left middle section support, and right middle section support are retracted; all main clamping components are released, and the second clamping head and right section main clamping head are reset; the limit seats of the clamping and front and rear limit components are released from locking, and the caliper is released from pre-clamping; the two completed steering gear housings are manually removed to complete unloading; the chip blowing joint is restarted to clean the positioning surfaces and mechanism components of the fixture in preparation for the next clamping.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention adopts a dual-station structure design on the base with the same direction. The two processing stations have the same structure and operate synchronously. When paired with a five-axis machine tool, it can realize the synchronous processing of two workpieces in one tool change, without the need for repeated tool changes and turntable rotation. It greatly reduces the ineffective operation time of the machine tool, significantly improves the processing cycle time, and adapts to the efficiency requirements of large-scale production of automotive parts. The dual-station design makes the processing efficiency significantly improved compared to the single-station design.

[0015] 2. This invention addresses the three-section structure of the steering gear housing (left, middle, and right), by setting up a left-section positioning mechanism, a middle-section support and clamping mechanism, and a right-section positioning mechanism, respectively. These, along with the left and right middle-section support parts, achieve segmented support and clamping. Simultaneously, a multi-stage positioning and clamping structure is incorporated, including auxiliary support, auxiliary clamping, and main clamping, allowing for adjustments to support and clamping parameters for different housing specifications. This achieves precise positioning and stable support for different parts of the steering gear housing, ensuring uniform clamping force and preventing deformation of thin-walled housings due to improper clamping. Furthermore, it enhances the support rigidity of large-size housings, preventing loosening and vibration during processing, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface quality, and effectively avoiding dimensional deviations.

[0016] 3. This invention features a separate speed control valve at each hydraulic circuit branch corresponding to the main clamping hydraulic cylinder, allowing for individual adjustment of the hydraulic oil flow rate and velocity of each cylinder, regulating the rhythm of each clamping action, and ensuring consistency across all main clamping actions. Simultaneously, the hydraulic pressure parameters for the main clamping, floating support, and auxiliary clamping can be set individually, and the delay time for the mechanism's action sequence can be set via a solenoid valve. This achieves synchronization and controllability of the actions of each clamping mechanism, preventing imbalance of the housing force due to asynchronous clamping, further reducing workpiece clamping deformation and positioning deviation, and improving clamping stability and accuracy.

[0017] 4. This invention is equipped with an air detection system, which sets up multiple air detection points to perform airtightness testing on the workpiece. It can accurately determine the fit status between the steering gear housing and each positioning head, support part, and limit component. If the test fails, the fixture will automatically alarm and needs to be re-clamped until it passes the test. It can achieve accurate detection of the workpiece clamping position, promptly detect the problem of excessive clamping fit gap, avoid processing scrap due to improper clamping, and effectively reduce production costs.

[0018] 5. This invention features a chip-blowing connector on one side of each hydraulic cylinder, which allows for air-blowing cleaning of the mounting and positioning surfaces of each machining station, promptly removing iron filings and dust. The fixture adopts an internal pressure structure, eliminating the need for manual insertion and removal of oil pipes during use. This effectively ensures the cleanliness of the fixture's positioning surfaces, maintains positioning and fitting accuracy, and avoids machining errors caused by debris. It also eliminates the need for external insertion and removal of oil pipes, simplifying the manual operation process, preventing oil leakage problems, and significantly reducing the probability of human error.

[0019] 6. The core features of this invention—a dual-station, same-direction design, a multi-segment positioning and clamping structure, and a hydraulic-pneumatic circuit control system—allow for adjustments to structural parameters and optimization of mechanism configuration based on the model specifications, machining accuracy requirements, and machine tool compatibility needs of the steering gear housing. Simultaneously, it enables adjustments to the base material, support clamping parameters, and pneumatic pressure for different housing sizes, such as small and medium-sized ones. This allows for the adaptation and processing of steering gear housings of multiple sizes using a single fixture, improving the fixture's versatility and processing adaptability, meeting the flexible processing needs of various housing sizes, and eliminating the need to redesign or replace fixtures for different housing sizes, significantly reducing equipment modification costs. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing two steering gear housings respectively located at the first and second machining positions.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the left-side positioning mechanism in the first station of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the support and clamping mechanism in the middle section of the first workstation of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the right-side positioning mechanism in the first station of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the second processing station.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure without the steering gear housing.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the steering gear housing.

[0029] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Base; 2. First machining position; 2a. First mounting surface; 2b. Second mounting surface; 3. Left section positioning mechanism; 5. Steering gear housing; 6. Middle section support clamping mechanism; 7. Right section positioning mechanism; 8. Auxiliary support assembly; 9. Clamping cylinder; 10. Clamping head; 10a. Connecting section; 10b. Clamping section; 11. First hinge; 12. First main clamping assembly; 15. First hydraulic cylinder; 16. First speed control valve; 17. Second clamping head; 8. Second hinge; 19. Head body; 20. Main positioning head; 21. Left middle section support; 22. Snap-fit; 23. Chamfer; 26. Limit seat; 27. Second main clamping assembly; 28. Third main clamping assembly; 29. ​​Second hydraulic cylinder; 30. Second speed control valve; 31. Third hydraulic cylinder; 32. Third speed control valve; 33. Chip blowing connector; 35. Right middle section support; 36. Auxiliary support orientation; 37. Clamping component; 38. Second machining position. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction includes a base 1, on which a first machining position 2 is provided. The first machining position 2 is provided with a first mounting surface 2a with an outer higher surface and a second mounting surface 2b with an inner lower surface. The first mounting surface 2a is located on the left side of the first machining position 2, and the second mounting surface 2b is located on the right side of the first machining position 2. The left-side positioning mechanism 3 is disposed on the first mounting surface 2a and is used to position the left half of the steering gear housing 5. The middle section support and clamping mechanism 6 is set on the left half of the second mounting surface 2b and is used to support, clamp and position the middle section of the steering gear housing 5. The right-side positioning mechanism 7 is located on the right half of the second mounting surface 2b and is used to position the right half of the steering gear housing 5.

[0033] The left segment positioning mechanism 3 includes an auxiliary support component 8 located in the front half of the first mounting surface 2a; An auxiliary clamping assembly is provided on the right side of the auxiliary support assembly 8. The auxiliary clamping assembly includes a clamping cylinder 9 and a clamping head 10, which includes an integrally formed connecting section 10a and a clamping section 10b. The cross-section of the connecting section 10a is larger than the cross-section of the clamping section 10b. The rear half of the connecting section 10a is hinged to the output end of the clamping cylinder 9, and the front half of the connecting section 10a is hinged to the front half of the clamping cylinder 9 through a first hinge 11. The clamping section 10b is located directly above the auxiliary support assembly 8 and is used in conjunction with the auxiliary support assembly 8. The rear half of the first mounting surface 2a is provided with a first main clamping component 12, which works in conjunction with the auxiliary support component 8 and the clamping head 10.

[0034] The first main clamping assembly 12 includes a first hydraulic cylinder 15 and a first speed regulating valve 16; The output end of the first hydraulic cylinder 15 is hinged to the rear half of the second pressing head 17. The middle section of the second pressing head 17 is hinged to the first hydraulic cylinder 15 through the second hinge 18. The lower end of the front half of the second pressing head 17 has a head body 19. Below the head body 19 is a main positioning head 20 that works with it. The second pressing head 17 drives the head body 19 to move, and works with the main positioning head 20 to position the steering gear housing 5.

[0035] It also includes a left middle section support 21 disposed on the first mounting surface 2a. The left middle section support 21 is disposed between the auxiliary support assembly 8 and the first main clamping assembly 12. The left middle section support 21 is used to support and position the steering gear housing 5.

[0036] The mid-section support clamping mechanism 6 includes a snap-fit ​​22 disposed on the second mounting surface 2b. A front and rear limiting component is disposed on one side of the snap-fit ​​22. The front and rear limiting component includes two mutually cooperating limiting seats 26. A chamfer 23 is disposed on the inner side of the upper end of each limiting seat 26. The mid-section of the steering gear housing 5 is snapped between each limiting seat 26 for front and rear limiting, and at the same time cooperates with the snap-fit ​​22 for longitudinal limiting.

[0037] The right segment positioning mechanism 7 includes a second main clamping component 27 and a third main clamping component 28 with the same structure as the first main clamping component 12; the second main clamping component 27 and the third main clamping component 28 are respectively provided with a second hydraulic cylinder 29, a second speed regulating valve 30 and a third hydraulic cylinder 31, and a third speed regulating valve 32.

[0038] The first speed regulating valve 16, the second speed regulating valve 30, and the third speed regulating valve 32 are respectively located at the hydraulic oil circuit branches corresponding to the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31, and are connected to the hydraulic control oil circuit. They are used to adjust the flow rate and velocity of each hydraulic oil individually, regulate the rhythm of each pressing action, and keep the main pressing action of the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31 consistent. Each of the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31 is provided with a chip blowing joint 33 on one side.

[0039] It also includes a right-side middle section support 35 located between the second hydraulic cylinder 29 and the third hydraulic cylinder 31, for supporting and positioning the steering gear housing 5; The outer side of the right middle section support 35 is also provided with an auxiliary support orientation 36 and a clamping member 37 that work together to support, clamp and position the steering gear housing 5.

[0040] It also includes a second processing position 38 located on the base 1 and having the same structure as the first processing position 2, the second processing position 38 being located above and behind the first processing position 2.

[0041] A method for using a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction includes: Confirm that the first machining position 2 and the second machining position 38 on the base 1 are undamaged and free of debris, and that all hydraulic and air circuits are connected normally. Activate each chip-blowing connector 33 to clean the first mounting surface 2a and the second mounting surface 2b of the first machining position 2, as well as the corresponding mounting surface of the second machining position 38 with air blowing to remove iron filings, dust, and debris, ensuring accurate positioning and fitting. Adjust the first speed control valve 16, the second speed control valve 30, and the third speed control valve 32 to adjust the hydraulic oil flow and velocity of the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31, respectively, to ensure that the rhythm of the three main clamping actions is consistent. Set the hydraulic pressure parameters for the main clamping, floating support, and auxiliary clamping separately, and set the delay time of each mechanism's action sequence through the solenoid valve to ensure reliable clamping and reduce part deformation. Check the air detection system to ensure that the airtightness detection function of the three air detection points is normal, enabling error-proof detection of part installation. Workpiece clamping (taking the first machining station 2 as an example, the second machining station 38 has the same structure and is operated synchronously); place the steering gear housing 5 on the first mounting surface 2a and the second mounting surface 2b of the first machining station 2, use the clamp 22 to complete the longitudinal coarse positioning, and at the same time use the two limit seats 26 of the front and rear limit components to perform front and rear coarse positioning of the middle section of the steering gear housing 5 (the inner chamfer 23 on the upper end of the limit seat 26 assists in the workpiece clamping), and use the clamps on the fixture to achieve pre-clamping of the workpiece to ensure the initial reliable positioning of the workpiece; The auxiliary support assembly 8 extends to provide bottom support for the left half of the steering gear housing 5; the clamping cylinder 9 actuates, driving the clamping head 10 to move, and the clamping section 10b of the clamping head 10 presses down to the position of the left half of the steering gear housing 5 directly above the auxiliary support assembly 8, cooperating with the auxiliary support assembly 8 to achieve auxiliary clamping of the left half; the left middle section support part 21 extends to support and position the connection between the left and middle sections of the steering gear housing 5; the first hydraulic cylinder 15 of the first main clamping assembly 12 actuates, driving the second clamping head 17 to rotate around the second hinge 18, and the head body 19 of the front half of the second clamping head 17 presses down, cooperating with the lower main positioning head 20 to complete the main clamping and positioning of the left half of the steering gear housing 5; it is confirmed that the middle section of the steering gear housing 5 is locked between the two limit seats 26, and the locking 22 is tightly fitted with the workpiece, completing the longitudinal and longitudinal limit locking of the middle section, providing stable support and positioning for the middle section of the workpiece; The right-side middle section support 35 extends out to support and position the connection between the middle section and the right section of the steering gear housing 5; the auxiliary support orientation 36 extends out and fits against the corresponding position of the right section of the steering gear housing 5, avoiding the machining interference area, and provides directional support for the right section of the workpiece; the clamping part 37 presses down, cooperating with the auxiliary support orientation 36 to achieve auxiliary clamping of the right section; the second main clamping assembly 27 (second hydraulic cylinder 29, second speed regulating valve 30) and the third main clamping assembly 28 (third hydraulic cylinder 31, third speed regulating valve 32) act synchronously, completing the main clamping and positioning of the right section of the steering gear housing 5 according to the preset speed regulating parameters, and maintaining consistency with the main clamping action of the left section; Following the clamping steps of the first processing station 2 described above, install the other steering gear housing 5 into the corresponding mechanism of the second processing station 38 to complete the synchronous clamping of the workpieces at both stations; start the air detection system to perform airtightness testing at 3 air detection points on the workpieces at both processing stations to confirm that the steering gear housing 5 is completely in contact with each positioning head, support part, and limit component; if the test is qualified: the fixture does not alarm and the process enters the processing stage; if the test is unqualified: the fixture will automatically alarm, and the workpiece needs to be re-clamped and tested again until it is qualified; Confirm the origin of the fixture machining. Using the preset coordinate origin on the base 1 as the reference, complete the machine tool programming debugging and positioning accuracy test to ensure accurate machining coordinates. Utilize the machining function of the five-axis machine tool FF5000 to simultaneously machine the two steering gear housings 5 ​​in the dual-station configuration. Because the fixture adopts a dual-station design in the same direction, the machine tool can process two parts simultaneously with one tool change, eliminating the need for repeated tool changes and turntable rotation, thus improving the machining cycle time. Observe the status of each clamping and supporting mechanism of the fixture in real time to ensure there is no loosening or interference, and that the hydraulic and pneumatic parameters remain stable. After processing is completed, the machine tool spindle is reset and the processing action is stopped; each auxiliary clamping component (clamping cylinder 9, clamping part 37) is first released, and the auxiliary support component 8, auxiliary support orientation 36, left middle section support part 21, and right middle section support part 35 are retracted; each main clamping component (first hydraulic cylinder 15, second hydraulic cylinder 29, third hydraulic cylinder 31) is released, and the second clamping head 17 and the right section main clamping head are reset; the clamp 22 is released from the locking seat 26 of the front and rear limiting components, and the caliper is released from pre-clamping; the two completed steering gear housings 5 ​​are manually removed to complete the unloading; the chip blowing joint 33 is started again to clean the positioning surfaces and mechanism components of the fixture in preparation for the next clamping.

[0042] Precautions for use 1. The clamp adopts an internal pressure structure, eliminating the need for manual insertion and removal of oil pipes during use, thus avoiding oil leakage and human error. 2. The auxiliary support orientation 36 must always maintain its orientation setting, and its position must be ensured to avoid the tool machining path to prevent machining interference; 3. The positioning surface must be cleaned with the chip blower 33 before each clamping; otherwise, the positioning accuracy of the workpiece will be affected, resulting in machining errors. 4. If the gas detection system alarms, check the workpiece clamping angle and fit. Do not force the processing to start, to avoid scrapping the workpiece or damaging the fixture. 5. Regularly check the working status of each speed control valve, hydraulic cylinder, and pneumatic component, and perform timely maintenance to ensure the service life and machining accuracy of the fixture.

[0043] The dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture of the present invention features a core dual-station unidirectional design, a multi-segment positioning and clamping structure, and a hydraulic and pneumatic circuit control system. Its structural parameters and mechanism configuration can be adjusted and optimized to adapt to different steering gear housing models, specifications, machining accuracy requirements, and machine tool compatibility needs, thereby improving the fixture's versatility and machining adaptability. Two specific embodiments are provided below, tailored to specific housing machining requirements, to further illustrate the technical solution of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1: A dual-station machining fixture for small steering gear housings in the same direction. The machining fixture of this embodiment is suitable for machining steering gear housings for small cars. These housings are small in overall size and thin in wall thickness, requiring high control of clamping force to prevent deformation. The specific structure and usage adaptation are as follows: 1. Basic structural configuration: The base 1 is made of lightweight aluminum alloy to reduce the load on the five-axis machine tool FF5000. The distance between the first machining position 2 and the second machining position 38 is set to 300mm to accommodate the dual-station synchronous machining of the small housing. The outer height and inner slope of the first mounting surface 2a and the second mounting surface 2b are 5° to fit the overall curvature of the small steering gear housing.

[0045] 2. Positioning and clamping mechanism parameters: The auxiliary support component 8 of the left positioning mechanism 3 adopts an elastic floating support head, and the contact end of the support head is a soft rubber pad to avoid scratching the thin-walled surface of the small shell; the clamping cylinder 9 is a small mini cylinder with an output pressure of 0.3MPa; the clamping section 10b of the clamping head 10 is rounded and chamfered, and the contact area with the left section of the shell is controlled within 20cm².

[0046] 3. Hydraulic and pneumatic circuit control: The flow rates of the first speed regulating valve 16, the second speed regulating valve 30, and the third speed regulating valve 32 are adjusted to 0.5L / min, so that the clamping action of the three main hydraulic cylinders is slow and stable. The output pressure of the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31 are all set to 0.4MPa. The oil pressure parameters of the main clamping, floating support, and auxiliary clamping are adjusted separately. The auxiliary clamping oil pressure is 0.1MPa lower than the main clamping oil pressure. The action delay time of each mechanism is set to 0.5s through the solenoid valve to avoid deformation of the housing caused by rapid clamping.

[0047] 4. Adaptability Design: Both the right-side mid-section support 35 and the auxiliary support orientation 36 adopt a miniaturized design, with the support contact point being an 8mm diameter ball pin, achieving automatic centering and positioning of the housing; the detection air pressure of the three air detection points is adjusted to 0.2MPa, accurately detecting the fit between the small housing and the positioning components, preventing false alarms caused by insufficient fit gaps. 5. Usage Adaptability: During clamping, the small jaws of the clamping 22 are used to complete longitudinal coarse positioning, and the chamfer angle 23 of the limit seat 26 is increased to 45°, facilitating quick insertion of the small housing; during processing, the blowing air pressure of the chip blowing joint 33 is adjusted to 0.3MPa, cleaning the chips while avoiding blowing over the small housing; one tool change can simultaneously complete the full feature processing of two small steering gear housings, increasing the processing cycle by 80% compared to a single station.

[0048] Example 2: A dual-station machining fixture for the same direction adapted to the steering gear housing of a mid-size SUV The machining fixture in this embodiment is suitable for machining steering gear housings for mid-sized SUVs. These housings are large in overall size and weight, requiring high levels of support rigidity, clamping force, and positioning stability from the fixture. The specific structure and usage adaptation are as follows: 1. Basic structural configuration: The base 1 is made of cast iron to improve the overall rigidity. The distance between the first machining position 2 and the second machining position 38 is set to 500mm to accommodate the placement and processing of medium-sized housings. The outer slope of the first mounting surface 2a and the inner slope of the second mounting surface 2b is 3° to fit the large arc structure of the medium-sized steering gear housing. The mounting surfaces are also thickened to 20mm to prevent the base from deforming during processing.

[0049] 2. Positioning and clamping mechanism parameters: The auxiliary support component 8 of the left positioning mechanism 3 adopts a rigid metal support head with internal reinforcing ribs to improve the support bearing capacity and can withstand the weight of a medium-sized shell; the clamping cylinder 9 is a high-thrust standard cylinder with an output pressure of 0.8MPa; the clamping section 10b of the clamping head 10 is thickened, and the contact area with the left section of the shell is controlled within 50cm² to ensure firm clamping.

[0050] 3. Hydraulic and pneumatic circuit control: The flow rates of the first speed regulating valve 16, the second speed regulating valve 30, and the third speed regulating valve 32 are adjusted to 1.5L / min to improve the clamping efficiency of the main hydraulic cylinder. The output pressures of the first hydraulic cylinder 15, the second hydraulic cylinder 29, and the third hydraulic cylinder 31 are all set to 1.0MPa to meet the clamping requirements of the medium-sized shell. The action delay time of each mechanism is set to 1s through the solenoid valve to ensure that each support and clamping mechanism operates sequentially and to guarantee positioning accuracy. The clamping oil circuit adopts a high-flow pipeline configuration with 3 inlets and 2 outlets, and the pipe diameter is increased by 2mm compared to Example 1 to improve the hydraulic oil delivery efficiency.

[0051] 4. Adaptability Design: Both the right-side mid-section support 35 and the auxiliary support orientation 36 adopt a double support point design. The support contact point is a ball pin with a diameter of 10mm, and the distance between the two ball pins is 80mm, which improves the support stability of the medium-sized shell. The detection air pressure of the three air detection points is adjusted to 0.4MPa, which can detect the larger fitting gap between the shell and the positioning component, and avoid the slight deformation caused by the weight of the shell from affecting the detection results. The main positioning head 20 is heightened and thickened, and cooperates with the head body 19 of the second pressing head 17 to form a strong pressing and positioning of the shell.

[0052] 5. Adaptation: During clamping, the clamping device 22 uses a large-stroke jaw to adapt to the longitudinal positioning requirements of medium-sized housings. The overall size of the limit seat 26 is increased, and the chamfer angle 23 is 30° to ensure that the front and rear limits of the middle section of the housing are firmly fixed. During the machining process, the air pressure of the chip blowing joint 33 is adjusted to 0.6MPa, which can quickly remove a large amount of iron chips generated during the machining of large housings. The machining origin of the fixture is calibrated with high precision, and the positioning accuracy error is controlled within 0.01mm, which meets the high-precision machining requirements of medium-sized SUV steering gear housings. Two medium-sized housings are machined simultaneously in one tool change, and the machining cycle time is increased by 70% compared with single station, and there is no loosening or interference during the machining process.

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A machining fixture for a steering gear housing with two stations in the same direction, characterized in that: Includes a base (1), on which a first processing position (2) is provided, and on which a first mounting surface (2a) with an outer height and an inner height and a second mounting surface (2b) are provided, the first mounting surface (2a) being located to the left of the first processing position (2) and the second mounting surface (2b) being located to the right of the first processing position (2); The left section positioning mechanism (3) is set on the first mounting surface (2a) and is used to position the left half of the steering gear housing (5); The middle section support clamping mechanism (6) is set on the left half of the second mounting surface (2b) and is used to support and clamp the middle section of the steering gear housing (5). The right-side positioning mechanism (7) is located on the right half of the second mounting surface (2b) and is used to position the right half of the steering gear housing (5).

2. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The left segment positioning mechanism (3) includes an auxiliary support component (8) located in the front half of the first mounting surface (2a); An auxiliary clamping assembly is provided on the right side of the auxiliary support assembly (8). The auxiliary clamping assembly includes a clamping cylinder (9). The clamping head (10) includes an integrally formed connecting section (10a) and a clamping section (10b). The cross-section of the connecting section (10a) is larger than the cross-section of the clamping section (10b). The rear half of the connecting section (10a) is hinged to the output end of the clamping cylinder (9). The front half of the connecting section (10a) is hinged to the front half of the clamping cylinder (9) through a first hinge (11). The clamping section (10b) is located directly above the auxiliary support assembly (8) and works in conjunction with the auxiliary support assembly (8). The rear half of the first mounting surface (2a) is provided with a first main clamping assembly (12) that works in conjunction with the auxiliary support assembly (8) and the clamping head (10).

3. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first main clamping assembly (12) includes a first hydraulic cylinder (15) and a first speed regulating valve (16); The output end of the first hydraulic cylinder (15) is hinged to the rear half of the second pressing head (17). The middle section of the second pressing head (17) is hinged to the first hydraulic cylinder (15) through the second hinge (18). The lower end of the front half of the second pressing head (17) has a head body (19). Below the head body (19) is a main positioning head (20) that works with it. The head body (19) is driven to move by the second pressing head (17) and works with the main positioning head (20) to position the steering gear housing (5).

4. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a left middle section support (21) disposed on the first mounting surface (2a), the left middle section support (21) being disposed between the auxiliary support assembly (8) and the first main clamping assembly (12), the left middle section support (21) being used to support and position the steering gear housing (5).

5. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The mid-section support clamping mechanism (6) includes a snap-fit ​​(22) disposed on the second mounting surface (2b). A front and rear limiting component is provided on one side of the snap-fit ​​(22). The front and rear limiting component includes two limiting seats (26) that cooperate with each other. A chamfer (23) is provided on the inner side of the upper end of each limiting seat (26). The mid-section of the steering gear housing (5) is snapped between each limiting seat (26) for front and rear limiting, and at the same time cooperates with the snap-fit ​​(22) for longitudinal limiting.

6. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The right segment positioning mechanism (7) includes a second main clamping assembly (27) and a third main clamping assembly (28) with the same structure as the first main clamping assembly (12); the second main clamping assembly (27) and the third main clamping assembly (28) are respectively provided with a second hydraulic cylinder (29), a second speed regulating valve (30) and a third hydraulic cylinder (31) and a third speed regulating valve (32).

7. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first speed regulating valve (16), the second speed regulating valve (30) and the third speed regulating valve (32) are respectively set at the hydraulic oil circuit branches corresponding to the first hydraulic cylinder (15), the second hydraulic cylinder (29) and the third hydraulic cylinder (31), and connected to the hydraulic control oil circuit. They are used to adjust the flow rate and velocity of each hydraulic oil individually, regulate the rhythm of each pressing action, and keep the main pressing action of the first hydraulic cylinder (15), the second hydraulic cylinder (29) and the third hydraulic cylinder (31) consistent. A chip blowing joint (33) is provided on one side of the first hydraulic cylinder (15), the second hydraulic cylinder (29) and the third hydraulic cylinder (31).

8. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a right-side middle section support (35) located between the second hydraulic cylinder (29) and the third hydraulic cylinder (31), for supporting and positioning the steering gear housing (5); The outer side of the right middle section support (35) is also provided with an auxiliary support orientation (36) and a clamping member (37) that work together to support, clamp and position the steering gear housing (5).

9. The same-direction dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: It also includes a second processing position (38) located on the base (1) and having the same structure as the first processing position (2), the second processing position (38) being located above and behind the first processing position (2).

10. A method of using a dual-station steering gear housing machining fixture in the same direction, characterized in that it includes: Confirm that the first machining position (2) and the second machining position (38) on the base (1) are undamaged and free of debris, and that the hydraulic oil circuits and air circuits are connected normally; Start each chip blowing joint (33) to clean the first mounting surface (2a), the second mounting surface (2b) of the first processing position (2) and the corresponding mounting surface of the second processing position (38) with air blowing, remove iron filings, dust and debris, and ensure positioning and fitting accuracy; adjust the first speed regulating valve (16), the second speed regulating valve (30) and the third speed regulating valve (32) to correspond to the hydraulic oil flow and velocity of the first hydraulic cylinder (15), the second hydraulic cylinder (29) and the third hydraulic cylinder (31) respectively, to ensure that the rhythm of the three main clamping actions is consistent; set the oil pressure parameters of the main clamping, floating support and auxiliary clamping separately, and set the delay time of the action sequence of each mechanism through the solenoid valve to ensure reliable clamping and reduce part deformation; check the air detection system to ensure that the air tightness detection function of the three air detection points is normal, and can realize the error prevention detection of the parts in place; The steering gear housing (5) is placed on the first mounting surface (2a) and the second mounting surface (2b) of the first processing position (2). The longitudinal coarse positioning is completed by using the clamp (22). At the same time, the middle section of the steering gear housing (5) is coarsely positioned in the front and rear by the two limit seats (26) of the front and rear limit components. The workpiece is pre-pressed with the clamp with the fixture to ensure the initial reliable positioning of the workpiece. The auxiliary support assembly (8) extends to provide bottom support for the left half of the steering gear housing (5); the clamping cylinder (9) actuates, driving the clamping head (10) to move, and the clamping section (10b) of the clamping head (10) presses down to the left section of the steering gear housing (5) directly above the auxiliary support assembly (8), cooperating with the auxiliary support assembly (8) to achieve auxiliary clamping of the left section; the left middle section support part (21) extends to provide support and positioning for the connection between the left and middle sections of the steering gear housing (5); the first main clamping assembly ( 12) The first hydraulic cylinder (15) moves, driving the second pressing head (17) to rotate around the second hinge (18). The head body (19) of the first half of the second pressing head (17) presses down and cooperates with the main positioning head (20) below to complete the main pressing positioning of the left section of the steering gear housing (5). It is confirmed that the middle section of the steering gear housing (5) is locked between the two limit seats (26), and the locking (22) is tightly fitted with the workpiece, completing the longitudinal and front-back limit locking of the middle section, providing stable support positioning for the middle section of the workpiece. The right middle section support (35) is pushed out to support and position the connection between the middle section and the right section of the steering gear housing (5); the auxiliary support orientation (36) is pushed out and fits the corresponding position of the right section of the steering gear housing (5) to avoid the machining interference area and provide directional support for the right section of the workpiece; the clamping part (37) is pressed down to cooperate with the auxiliary support orientation (36) to achieve auxiliary clamping of the right section; the second main clamping assembly (27) and the third main clamping assembly (28) move synchronously to complete the main clamping and positioning of the right section of the steering gear housing (5) according to the preset speed adjustment parameters, which is consistent with the main clamping action of the left section; Following the clamping steps of the first processing station (2) above, install another steering gear housing (5) into the corresponding mechanism of the second processing station (38) to complete the synchronous clamping of the workpieces at both stations; start the air detection system to perform air tightness testing on the workpieces at the two processing stations at three air detection points to confirm that the steering gear housing (5) is completely in contact with each positioning head, support part, and limit component; if the test is qualified: the fixture does not alarm and enters the processing stage; if the test is unqualified: the fixture will automatically alarm and the workpiece needs to be re-clamped and tested again until it is qualified; Confirm the origin of the fixture, and use the preset coordinate origin on the base (1) as the reference to complete the machine tool programming debugging and positioning accuracy test to ensure the accuracy of the machining coordinates; use the machining function of the five-axis machine tool FF5000 to process the two steering gear housings (5) of the double station at the same time; because the fixture adopts the same direction double station design, the machine tool can process 2 pieces at the same time in one tool change, without repeated tool changes and turntable rotation, thus improving the machining cycle; observe the status of each clamping and supporting mechanism of the fixture in real time to ensure that there is no loosening or interference, and that the hydraulic and air circuit parameters remain stable; After processing is completed, the machine tool spindle is reset and the processing action is stopped; each auxiliary clamping component is loosened first, and the auxiliary support component (8), auxiliary support orientation (36), left middle section support (21), and right middle section support (35) are retracted; each main clamping component is loosened, and the second clamping head (17) and right section main clamping head are reset; the clamp (22) and the limit seat (26) of the front and rear limit components are released from locking, and the caliper is released from pre-clamping; the two completed steering gear housings (5) are manually removed to complete the unloading; the chip blowing joint (33) is started again to clean the positioning surfaces and mechanism components of the fixture in preparation for the next clamping.

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