A multi-directional fixed electron beam melting workpiece limiting fixture and a method of using the same

Abstract

This invention discloses a multi-directional clamping fixture for electron beam melting workpieces and its usage method, comprising a base, a first pressure plate, clamping tubes, and multiple clamping modules. A first bolt is provided at the end of the clamping tube for clamping the workpiece nested within it. Each clamping module includes a fixed base, a clamping screw, a protruding damper, a spring, and an anti-retraction nut. One end of the spring abuts against the protruding damper, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the fixed base. The anti-retraction nut adjusts the extension and retraction of the clamping screw. In use, the clamping tube is selected according to the workpiece diameter, the workpiece is nested, and fixed with the first bolt. The number of clamping modules is selected according to the clamping tube diameter. Lateral clamping is achieved by compressing the spring to make the clamping screw abut against the outer wall of the clamping tube and locking the anti-retraction nut. Vertical clamping is then achieved by fastening the base to the first pressure plate with the bolt group. This invention, through the elasticity of multiple clamping modules and the locking of the anti-retraction nut, provides multi-directional fixation of the workpiece in the vertical and horizontal directions, significantly improving the limiting efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machining fixture technology, specifically a multi-directional limiting fixture for fixing electron beam melting workpieces and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Electron beam melting, as a highly efficient and reliable melting process, has been widely used in aerospace, electronic devices, high-end equipment manufacturing, and many other fields. Limiting fixtures specifically designed for electron beam melting can create stable and reliable processing conditions for the metal workpiece to be melted through multi-dimensional rigid constraints, making them an indispensable piece of equipment in electron beam melting.

[0003] Currently, the following methods are commonly used to limit the position of workpieces in electron beam melting: the fixture clamps the workpiece between an upper pressure plate and a lower pressure plate. The upper pressure plate contains parallel through holes through which the electron beam passes. When the existing fixtures only use the pressure plate to vertically press the workpiece, there is only upper and lower limit, but no left and right limit. The fixture has low limiting efficiency and the workpiece is prone to left and right deviation under the bombardment of the electron beam, which affects the melting effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the above-mentioned technologies.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-directional fixing clamp for electron beam melting workpieces and its usage method. The workpiece is clamped between multiple clamping modules by the elastic force generated by the compression spring when one end of the clamping screw abuts against the clamping tube. The other end of the clamping screw is locked by the anti-reverse nut to prevent axial movement, thereby achieving the fixing effect of the electron beam melting workpiece in the left and right directions and greatly improving the efficiency of the fixing.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention includes: A base, on which a first pressure plate is connected by a bolt group; A clamping tube is disposed between a base and a first pressure plate. The end of the clamping tube extends outside the base and is connected to a first bolt. The first bolt is used to clamp the electron beam melting workpiece nested in the clamping tube. The clamping module is provided in multiple sets. Each set of the clamping module includes a fixed seat, which is located between the base and the first pressure plate. A clamping screw is connected inside the fixed seat. A protruding damper, a spring and an anti-retraction nut are connected in sequence on the clamping screw. One end of the spring abuts against the protruding damper and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the fixed seat. The anti-retraction nut is used to adjust the extension and retraction of the clamping screw.

[0007] Furthermore, a limiting groove is formed at the bottom center of the first pressure plate. The limiting groove is U-shaped and is used to fit the outer wall of the clamping tube.

[0008] Furthermore, the first pressure plate has symmetrical first slots on both sides, and each of the four first slots is connected to a connecting plate by a second bolt. The end of each of the four connecting plates away from the first slot is connected to a fixing seat.

[0009] Furthermore, a baffle is connected to the side of the base away from the first pressure plate, the baffle is used to abut the end of the clamping tube, and a support seat is symmetrically connected to the side of the base near the baffle, and a scaffold is connected to the two support seats.

[0010] Furthermore, a second clamping plate is snapped into the bottom center of the first pressure plate, and the bottom of the second clamping plate abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the end of the clamping screw away from the anti-reverse nut has a rounded corner.

[0012] A method for using a limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting workpieces includes the following steps: According to the diameter of the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed, select a clamp tube of the appropriate diameter, nest the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed in the clamp tube, and fix the electron beam melting workpiece with the first bolt. Select the number of clamping modules based on the diameter of the clamping tube; Place the clamping tube between the clamping modules at the top of the base, pass the clamping screw through the spring and compress it so that the end of the clamping screw abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube, and then use the anti-return nut to lock the threads of the clamping screw to achieve bottom lateral clamping. Vertical clamping is achieved by placing the first pressure plate on top of the clamping tube and fastening the base and the first pressure plate together with bolts. Furthermore, when the diameter of the clamping tube is greater than the height of two fixed seats, eight clamping modules are selected.

[0013] Furthermore, when the diameter of the clamping tube is greater than the height of one fixed seat but less than the height of two fixed seats, four sets of clamping modules are selected.

[0014] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are: 0. This invention provides a multi-directional fixing clamp for electron beam melting workpieces and its usage method. The electron beam melting workpiece is clamped between a base and a first pressure plate using a bolt group. The workpiece is then clamped between multiple clamping modules by the elastic force generated by the compression spring when one end of the clamping screw abuts against the clamping tube. The other end of the clamping screw is locked by an anti-reverse nut to prevent axial movement, thereby achieving the fixing effect of the electron beam melting workpiece in the vertical and horizontal directions, greatly improving the efficiency of the fixing. 0. This invention provides a multi-directional fixed workpiece limiting fixture for electron beam melting and its usage method. The workpiece can be sent into the molten pool area of ​​electron beam melting by extending the end of the clamp tube outside the base. During the electron beam melting process, neither the fixture body nor the clamp tube body is exposed to the range of electron beam current, so it does not come into direct contact with the workpiece in a high-temperature molten state. This can effectively avoid the phenomenon of the fixture body and clamp tube sticking to the workpiece due to high temperature, thereby improving the service life of the fixture and the safety of the melting operation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure near the central base.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure near the first pressure plate.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view of the clamping module.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the explosion structure.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0022] As shown in the figure: 1. Base; 2. First pressure plate; 3. Clamping tube; 4. First bolt; 5. Clamping module; 501. Fixed seat; 502. Clamping screw; 503. Protruding damping; 504. Spring; 505. Anti-reverse nut; 6. Baffle; 7. Support seat; 8. Scaffold; 9. Limiting groove; 10. Second pressure plate; 11. First slot; 12. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0024] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this embodiment proposes a limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces, comprising: Base 1, with a first pressure plate 2 connected to base 1 by a bolt group; The clamp tube 3 is located between the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2. The end of the clamp tube 3 extends to the outside of the base 1 and is connected to the first bolt 4. The first bolt 4 is used to clamp the electron beam melting workpiece nested in the clamp tube 3. It should be noted that the extension of the clamp tube 3 allows the workpiece to be fed into the molten pool area of ​​electron beam melting. During the electron beam melting process, neither the fixture body nor the clamp tube 3 body is exposed to the range of electron beam current. Therefore, the clamp tube 3 and the fixture body do not directly contact the workpiece in the high-temperature molten state, which can effectively prevent the fixture body and clamp tube 3 from sticking to the workpiece due to the high temperature, thereby improving the service life of the fixture and the safety of the melting operation.

[0026] The clamping module 5 is provided in multiple sets, which are respectively located at the four corners between the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2. Each clamping module 5 includes a fixed seat 501. The bottom of the fixed seat 501 is connected to the base 1. A clamping screw 502 is connected inside the fixed seat 501. A protruding damper 503, a spring 504 and an anti-retraction nut 505 are connected in sequence on the clamping screw 502. One end of the spring 504 abuts against the protruding damper 503 and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the fixed seat 501. The anti-retraction nut 505 is used to adjust the extension and retraction of the clamping screw 502.

[0027] It should be noted that the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2 are respectively provided with first through holes symmetrically. The bottom of the first through hole of the base 1 is provided with a hexagonal hole. The bolt group includes hexagonal bolts and nuts. The hexagonal bolts pass through the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2 from bottom to top and are threadedly connected to the nuts. The hexagonal head of the hexagonal bolt is adapted to the hexagonal hole. Four sets of clamping module 5 fixing seats 501 are respectively symmetrically fixedly connected to the top of the base 1.

[0028] The fixing seat 501 has an axially penetrating inner groove. The diameter of the groove is larger at the end near the clamping tube 3 and smaller at the end away from the clamping tube 3. The spring 504 is located inside the inner groove. One end of the spring 504 abuts against the protruding damper 503, and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the fixing seat 501.

[0029] Specifically, the electron beam melting workpiece is clamped between the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2 using a bolt group. Then, the workpiece is clamped between them by the elastic force generated by the spring 504 when one end of the clamping screw 502 in the multiple clamping modules 5 presses against the clamping tube 3. The other end of the clamping screw 502 is locked by the anti-reverse nut 505 to prevent it from moving axially. This achieves the effect of fixing the electron beam melting workpiece in the up and down and left and right directions, which greatly improves the efficiency of the limit.

[0030] To clearly illustrate the previous embodiment, in one embodiment of the present invention, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, a baffle 6 is connected to the side of the base 1 away from the first pressure plate 2. The baffle 6 is used to hold the end of the clamping tube 3. Support seats 7 are symmetrically connected to the side of the base 1 near the baffle 6. Scaffolding 8 is connected to the two support seats 7.

[0031] Furthermore, a limiting groove 9 is provided at the bottom center of the first pressure plate 2. The limiting groove 9 is U-shaped and is used to fit the outer wall of the clamping tube 3.

[0032] It should be noted that the curvature of the limiting groove 9 is the curvature of the cross section of the clamping tube 3 with the maximum diameter. The limiting groove 9 is used to eliminate mechanical wear when the first pressure plate 2 presses down on clamping tubes 3 of different sizes.

[0033] Furthermore, a second clamping plate is snapped into the bottom center of the first pressure plate 2, and the bottom of the second clamping plate abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube 3.

[0034] It should be noted that the bottom of the first pressure plate 2 is provided with a second slot, and the second clamping plate is engaged in the second slot. The second clamping plate is used to vertically press the smaller clamping tube 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the first pressure plate 2 has symmetrical first slots 11 on both sides, and each of the four first slots 11 is connected to a connecting plate 12 by a second bolt. The ends of the four connecting plates 12 away from the first slots 11 are respectively connected to the fixing base 501.

[0036] It should be noted that a first threaded hole is provided at the top of the first slot 11, and a second threaded hole is provided inside the connecting plate 12 at the corresponding position of the first threaded hole. The second bolt is adapted to and connected to the first threaded hole and the second threaded hole respectively.

[0037] Specifically, the first pressure plate 2 is connected to the fixed seat 501 of the clamping module 5 through the connecting plate 12, which can realize the quick disassembly and connection of the first pressure plate 2 and the clamping module 5. When the electron beam melting workpiece is small in size or few in number, the effect of lateral stable clamping can be achieved by the action of only four sets of clamping modules 5. When the workpiece size is large or the number is large when electron beam melting is used, it is obviously difficult to achieve a stable clamping effect by relying solely on the four sets of clamping modules 5. However, after the first pressure plate 2 connects the four sets of clamping modules 5 through the connecting plate 12, the upper and lower parts of the clamping tube 3 will be subjected to two pairs of lateral pressures, which achieves a stable limiting effect on the clamping tube 3. This improves the applicability and effectiveness of the present invention.

[0038] Furthermore, the end of the clamping screw 502 away from the anti-reverse nut 505 is provided with a rounded corner.

[0039] A method for using a limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting workpieces includes the following steps: According to the diameter of the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed, select a clamp tube 3 of the corresponding diameter, nest the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed in the clamp tube 3, and fix the electron beam melting workpiece with the first bolt 4. Select the number of clamping modules 5 according to the diameter of clamping tube 3; Place the clamping tube 3 between the clamping modules 5 at the top of the base 1, pass the clamping screw 502 through the spring 504 and compress it so that the end of the clamping screw 502 abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube 3, and then use the anti-return nut 505 to lock the threads of the clamping screw 502 to achieve bottom lateral clamping. Vertical clamping is achieved by placing the first pressure plate 2 on top of the clamping tube 3 and fastening the base 1 and the first pressure plate 2 together with bolts.

[0040] Furthermore, when the diameter of the clamping tube 3 is greater than the height of one fixed seat 501 but less than the height of two fixed seats 501, four sets of clamping modules 5 are selected.

[0041] Furthermore, when the diameter of the clamping tube 3 is greater than the height of the two fixed seats 501, eight sets of clamping modules 5 are selected.

[0042] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 6As shown, according to the diameter of the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed, a clamping tube 3 of the corresponding diameter is selected. The electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed is nested in the clamping tube 3, and the electron beam melting workpiece is fixed with the first bolt 4. When the diameter of the clamping tube 3 is greater than the height of the two fixing seats 501, eight sets of clamping modules 5 are selected. The top four sets of clamping modules 5 are connected to the first pressure plate 2 by inserting the connecting plate 12 into the first slot 11 and fixing it with the second bolt. The clamping tube 3 is placed between the clamping modules 5 on the top of the base 1. The first pressure plate 2 is placed on the top of the clamping tube 3, and the first pressure plate 2 is connected to the base 1 by the bolt group, thereby realizing vertical clamping. Then, the eight sets of clamping modules 5 are assembled in sequence according to the following steps: the clamping screw 502 is passed through the spring 504 and compressed, so that the end of the clamping screw 502 abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube 3. Then, the anti-return nut 505 is used to lock the threads of the clamping screw 502 to realize bottom lateral clamping.

[0043] Example 2 like Figure 7 As shown, according to the diameter of the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed, a clamping tube 3 of the corresponding diameter is selected. The electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed is nested in the clamping tube 3, and the electron beam melting workpiece is fixed with the first bolt 4. When the diameter of the clamping tube 3 is greater than the height of one fixing seat 501 but less than the height of two fixing seats 501, four sets of clamping modules 5 are selected. The second pressure plate 10 is clamped to the bottom of the first pressure plate 2. The clamping tube 3 is placed between the clamping modules 5 on the top of the base 1. The first pressure plate 2 is placed on the top of the clamping tube 3. The first pressure plate 2 is connected to the base 1 by the bolt group to achieve vertical clamping. Then, the four sets of clamping modules 5 are assembled in sequence according to the following steps: the clamping screw 502 is passed through the spring 504 and compressed so that the end of the clamping screw 502 abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube 3. Then, the anti-return nut 505 is used to lock the threads of the clamping screw 502 to achieve bottom lateral clamping.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0046] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces, characterized in that, include: A base, on which a first pressure plate is connected by a bolt group; A clamping tube is disposed between a base and a first pressure plate. The end of the clamping tube extends outside the base and is connected to a first bolt. The first bolt is used to clamp the electron beam melting workpiece nested in the clamping tube. The clamping module is provided in multiple sets. Each set of the clamping module includes a fixed seat, which is located between the base and the first pressure plate. A clamping screw is connected inside the fixed seat. A protruding damper, a spring and an anti-retraction nut are connected sequentially along the axial direction on the clamping screw. One end of the spring abuts against the protruding damper and the other end abuts against the inner wall of the fixed seat. The anti-retraction nut is used to adjust the extension and retraction of the clamping screw.

2. The limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle is connected to the side of the base away from the first pressure plate. The baffle is used to abut the end of the clamping tube. Support seats are symmetrically connected to the side of the base near the baffle. A scaffold is connected to the two support seats.

3. The limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: A limiting groove is formed at the bottom center of the first pressure plate. The limiting groove is U-shaped and is used to fit the outer wall of the clamping tube.

4. The limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second clamping plate is snapped into the bottom center of the first pressure plate, and the bottom of the second clamping plate abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube.

5. A limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure plate has symmetrical first slots on both sides, and each of the four first slots is connected to a connecting plate by a second bolt. The end of each of the four connecting plates away from the first slot is connected to a fixing seat.

6. The limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the clamping screw away from the anti-reverse nut has a rounded corner.

7. A method of using the limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: According to the diameter of the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed, select a clamp tube of the appropriate diameter, nest the electron beam melting workpiece to be fixed in the clamp tube, and fix the electron beam melting workpiece with the first bolt. Select the number of clamping modules based on the diameter of the clamping tube; Place the clamping tube between the clamping modules at the top of the base, pass the clamping screw through the spring and compress it so that the end of the clamping screw abuts against the outer wall of the clamping tube, and then use the anti-return nut to lock the threads of the clamping screw to achieve bottom lateral clamping. Vertical clamping is achieved by placing the first pressure plate on top of the clamping tube and fastening the base and the first pressure plate together with a bolt group.

8. The method of using a limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the diameter of the clamping tube is greater than the height of one fixed seat but less than the height of two fixed seats, select four sets of clamping modules.

9. The method of using a limiting fixture for multi-directional fixed electron beam melting of workpieces according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the diameter of the clamp tube is greater than the height of two fixed seats, select eight clamping modules.

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