Excess length punching die for automobile steering yoke
The problem of removing excess length from the lugs of forged steering knuckle forks was solved by using die punching technology, achieving efficient and precise removal of excess length and waste material discharge, thus improving production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423041234.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-10
AI Technical Summary
The excess length of the U-shaped head lug of the forged steering knuckle fork is difficult to remove efficiently, and the machining positioning is difficult and inefficient, which affects production efficiency.
The process employs a die-cutting method, utilizing the cooperation of the upper and lower dies to remove the excess length of the ear in one go through the arc groove and positioning block, and to shape the end face of the ear. The waste material is discharged through the discharge channel.
It improves the production efficiency of steering knuckle forks, simplifies the processing flow, achieves efficient removal of excess length and waste material discharge, and is suitable for automated control.
Smart Images
Figure CN223506018U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of metal stamping forming process, specifically relating to a die for punching excess length of an automobile steering knuckle fork. Background Technology
[0002] The steering shaft is a core component of the automotive steering system, responsible for translating the driver's steering actions into the vehicle's actual direction of travel. The steering shaft mainly consists of the steering shaft tube, bearings, and steering knuckle fork. The steering knuckle fork, the end part of the steering shaft, connects to the rack or gear of the steering gear and is responsible for transmitting the driver's steering actions. Its structure is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.
[0003] The steering knuckle fork is formed using a forging process during manufacturing, resulting in a shape like... Figure 2 The forged blank 100 shown has a certain machining allowance on both ears 101 of the U-shaped head during the forging process. This is done to reduce forming pressure and increase die life. The end faces are flat, requiring machining to remove the excess length and shape the end faces into the desired arc. However, due to the complex shape of the blank, positioning during machining is difficult, and machining takes a long time, resulting in low efficiency and directly hindering further improvement in the production efficiency of the steering knuckle fork. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a die for punching excess length of automotive steering knuckle forks. The die is used to remove excess length from the ear portion of the U-shaped head of the forging blank, thereby improving the efficiency of excess length removal from steering knuckle forks and contributing to further improvement in the production efficiency of steering knuckle forks.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a punching die for an automotive steering knuckle fork, comprising an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly. The upper die assembly includes an upper die, an elastic element, and a pressure plate. The upper end of the upper die is fixedly connected to the upper die sleeve of the upper die assembly. The upper and lower end faces of the elastic element are respectively fixedly connected to the upper die sleeve and the pressure plate. The pressure plate is provided with a through hole for the upper die to pass through. An arc-shaped groove extending vertically is provided on the working surface of the upper die. The lower edge of the arc-shaped groove serves as a punching cutting edge. The shape of the arc-shaped groove matches the end face shape of the steering knuckle fork ear.
[0006] The lower die assembly includes a lower die sleeve, a lower die, and a bracket. The lower die is provided with a positioning block that can be inserted into the U-shaped head of the forged steering knuckle fork blank to be processed. The lower die sleeve is fixed on the lower die pad of the lower die assembly. The lower die sleeve is provided with a lower die fixing hole and an upper die through hole that are connected to the side. The lower die fixing hole is used to install the lower die, and the upper die through hole is used to allow the upper die to pass through from top to bottom during the extrusion and punching process. The lower die assembly also has a blanking channel located below the upper die through hole. The upper and lower end faces of the positioning block are respectively used to fit and contact the inner sides of the two ears on the U-shaped head, and the distance between the lower end face of the positioning block and the upper surface of the lower die pad is consistent with the thickness of the corresponding ears. The bracket is fixed on the lower die plate of the lower die assembly and is used to support the shaft of the forged blank.
[0007] Its beneficial effects are: by utilizing the cooperation of the upper and lower dies, the excess length of both ears can be removed in one go, and the arc surface of the ear end face can be formed at the same time, eliminating the need for machining the forged blank and effectively improving the production efficiency of the steering knuckle fork. The scrap material after removal can be directly discharged from the lower blanking channel, avoiding the accumulation of scrap material that may affect subsequent punching.
[0008] Furthermore, the positioning block is provided with a V-shaped positioning part, which is used to press against the inside of the U-shaped head.
[0009] Its beneficial effect is that it can be used to locate the insertion depth of the forging blank to be processed, which facilitates the accurate removal of excess length.
[0010] Furthermore, an arc-shaped head is provided on the other side of the positioning block opposite to the positioning part, and the arc shape of the arc-shaped head matches the end face shape of the steering knuckle fork ear.
[0011] Its beneficial effect is that it can further ensure the shape of the ear end face after the excess length is removed.
[0012] Furthermore, a fixing block is provided on each side of the positioning block, and the fixing block and the lower mold fixing hole of the lower mold sleeve are transitionally fitted, and the upper and lower end faces of the fixing block are flush with the upper and lower end faces of the lower mold sleeve.
[0013] Its beneficial effects are: it can provide space for the two ears, and can form a clamping force of the pressure plate, positioning block and lower die pad to the U-shaped head during the punching process, ensuring the accuracy of punching.
[0014] Furthermore, the side of the lower mold sleeve is provided with a notch, the width of which is the same as the width of the ear, and the positioning part of the positioning block is located at the notch.
[0015] Its beneficial effect is that when placing the forged blank, it can ensure the accurate position of the ear and prevent the ear from being skewed.
[0016] Furthermore, the other side of the upper mold opposite to the working surface and the lower end surface of the upper mold form a stepped structure, and the stepped structure is located on both sides of the arc-shaped groove; the top of the stepped structure is away from the working surface, forming a protrusion protruding from the lower end surface, and the bottom of the stepped structure and the cutting edge are located together on the lower end surface of the upper mold.
[0017] Its beneficial effects are as follows: during the downward movement of the upper mold, the protrusion enters the upper mold through hole of the lower mold sleeve before the cutting edge, which can play a guiding role in advance and eliminate the lateral force generated by cutting. At the same time, the bottom of the stepped structure and the cutting edge are located on the lower end face of the upper mold, which can form a certain operating space, making it convenient to grind the cutting edge of the upper mold.
[0018] Furthermore, the pressure plate is connected to the upper template of the upper mold assembly via equal-height screws, and the pressure plate can slide along the equal-height screws.
[0019] Its beneficial effects are: after the elastic element is subjected to upward pressure, it can be compressed and deformed, the pressure plate moves upward relative to the upper mold, the equalizing screw can provide guidance for the movement of the pressure plate, and after the elastic element is reset, the pressure plate can accurately reach the initial position.
[0020] The upper mold and the upper mold sleeve are in a transition fit.
[0021] Its beneficial effect is that it proposes a fixed connection method.
[0022] The lower mold pad is fixed on the lower template. The lower mold pad is provided with a lower mold pad discharge hole, and the lower template is provided with a lower template discharge hole. The lower mold pad discharge hole and the lower template discharge hole are aligned vertically to form the discharge channel.
[0023] Its beneficial effect is that it proposes a composition form for the material feeding channel.
[0024] The upper mold plate of the upper mold assembly and the lower mold plate of the lower mold assembly are connected by a sliding fit of guide sleeves and guide pillars.
[0025] Its beneficial effects are: it can ensure the accurate alignment of the upper and lower die components, and ensure the smooth progress of continuous punching.
[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The mold utilizes the shearing force generated by the upper and lower molds during the downward pressing process to remove the excess length of the ear portion of the U-shaped head of the forging blank. The removed scrap falls directly from the lower discharge channel, and the forged blank after excess length removal can be directly extracted from the side, and then the next steering knuckle fork to be processed can be inserted from the side. The upper mold pressing action is repeated to complete the excess length removal. Therefore, this mold features high efficiency and high repeatability in excess length removal. Furthermore, due to its convenient operation, simple action, and ease of automation, it further improves the production efficiency of steering knuckle forks. Attached Figure Description
[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0028] Figure 1 The steering knuckle fork described in this utility model;
[0029] Figure 2 Forged blank for steering knuckle fork;
[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view of the mold of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 3 AA section view;
[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower mold described in this utility model;
[0033] Figure 6 This is a top view of the lower mold described in this utility model;
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lower mold sleeve described in this utility model;
[0035] Figure 8 This is a top view of the lower mold sleeve described in this utility model;
[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper mold described in this utility model;
[0037] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Upper mold plate, 2. Upper mold pad, 3. Upper mold sleeve, 4. Elastic element, 5. Pressure plate, 6. Bracket, 7. Lower mold pad, 8. Lower mold plate, 9. Lower mold, 10. Lower mold sleeve, 11. Upper mold, 12. Guide post, 13. Guide sleeve.
[0038] 701, lower mold pad blanking hole; 801, lower mold plate blanking hole;
[0039] 901. Fixing block; 902. Positioning block; 903. Positioning head; 904. Arc-shaped head;
[0040] 1001, Lower mold fixing hole; 1002, Upper mold through hole;
[0041] 1101. Arc-shaped groove; 1102. Knife edge; 1103. Protrusion; 1104. Stepped structure;
[0042] 100. Forged blank; 101. Ear. Detailed Implementation
[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way.
[0044] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, a punching die for an automotive steering knuckle fork includes an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly. The upper die assembly and the lower die assembly are aligned by the cooperation of guide pillars 12 and guide sleeves 13 to ensure their positioning. The upper die assembly is fixed to the slide of the punch press by bolts and a pressure plate, and the lower die assembly is fixed to the lower die platform of the punch press by bolts and a pressure plate.
[0045] The upper mold assembly includes an upper mold plate 1, an upper mold pad 2, an upper mold sleeve 3, an elastic element 4, a pressure plate 5, and an upper mold 11. The upper end of the upper mold 11 is inserted into the upper mold sleeve 3 and transitionally fitted with it. The lower end of the upper mold 11 is clearance-fitted with a through hole on the pressure plate 5. The upper mold sleeve 3, the upper mold pad 2, and the upper mold plate 1 are fixedly connected using bolts. The upper and lower end faces of the elastic element 4 are connected to the upper mold sleeve 3 and the pressure plate 5, respectively. The pressure plate 5 is connected to the upper mold plate 1 by equal-height screws. During the mold closing and extrusion process, the pressure plate 5 can slide upward along the equal-height screws, allowing the upper mold 11 to pass downward through the through hole in the pressure plate 5 and enter the lower mold assembly.
[0046] The lower die assembly includes a bracket 6, a lower die pad 7, a lower template 8, a lower die 9, and a lower die sleeve 10. The bracket 6 is fixed to the lower template 8 with screws and supports the axial portion of the forging blank 100. Therefore, the bracket 6 has an arc-shaped support surface that fits snugly against the cylindrical surface of the axial portion of the forging blank 100, ensuring effective support. The lower die 9 is installed in the lower die sleeve 10 with a transition fit. The lower die 9, lower die sleeve 10, and lower die pad 7 are fixed to the lower template 8 with screws.
[0047] like Figure 5 , 6As shown, the lower mold 9 includes a fixing block 901 and a positioning block 902. Two fixing blocks 901 are provided, located on the left and right sides of the positioning block 902 and fixedly connected to it. One end of the positioning block 902 is configured as a V-shaped head, serving as a positioning head 903, used to press against the middle of the U-shaped head of the steering knuckle fork, limiting the cut-off length. The opposite end is configured as an arc-shaped head 904 with an arc surface, the arc surface of which matches the end face shape of the two ears of the steering knuckle fork. A certain distance is left between the upper and lower end faces of the positioning block 902 and the upper and lower end faces of the fixing block 901 in the vertical direction, and this distance is consistent with the thickness of the two ears of the steering knuckle fork. The upper and lower end faces of the positioning block 902 can fit in close contact with the inner surface of the ear 101 of the U-shaped head. The fixing block 901 is provided with fixing holes penetrating its upper and lower end faces for screw installation.
[0048] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the lower die sleeve 10 has two through holes in its middle, namely a lower die fixing hole 1001 and an upper die through hole 1002. The lower die 9 is fixed in the lower die fixing hole 1001 with a transition fit, and the upper and lower end faces of the fixing block 901 of the lower die 9 are flush with the upper and lower end faces of the lower die sleeve 10. The upper die through hole 1002 is provided on one side of the lower die fixing hole 1001, and is used by the upper die 11 to pass through the lower die sleeve 10 through the upper die through hole 1002 during the die-fitting and extrusion process of the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly. The lower die fixing hole 1001 has a channel on the other side opposite to the upper die through hole 1002. This channel is formed by a notch on the side of the lower die sleeve 10, and is used for the insertion of the U-shaped head of the forging blank 100 to be processed. The width of the notch is the same as the width of the ear 101 of the U-shaped head to avoid the ear 101 from being misaligned when the U-shaped head is inserted. The lower die sleeve 10 is also provided with multiple through holes for screws to pass through and fix it together with the lower die pad 7 to the lower die plate 8. After the lower die sleeve 10 is fixed, a certain gap is formed between the lower end face of the positioning block 902 of the lower die 9 installed in the lower die sleeve 10 and the upper surface of the lower die pad 7. This gap is consistent with the thickness of the ear 101 of the forging blank 100 to be processed, so that after the forging blank 100 to be processed is installed from the side of the lower die assembly with the ears 101 one above the other, the lower ear 101 can be inserted between the positioning block 902 and the lower die pad 7 and is clamped and positioned by the positioning block 902 and the lower die pad 7, and the upper surface of the upper ear 101 is flush with the upper surface of the lower die sleeve 10. The upper and lower end faces of the positioning block 902 are close to the inner surfaces of the two ears 101.
[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the lower mold pad 7 is provided with a lower mold pad discharge hole 701, and the lower mold plate 8 is provided with a lower mold plate discharge hole 801. The lower mold pad discharge hole 701 and the lower mold plate discharge hole 801 are aligned and connected vertically to form a discharge channel, and are aligned and connected with the upper mold through hole 1002 of the upper lower mold sleeve 10. The excess material cut off by the upper mold 11 falls from the bottom of the lower mold plate 8 through the discharge channel.
[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper mold 11 is generally rectangular in shape, and its length direction is vertical after installation. One side of the upper mold 11 is a working surface, and an arc-shaped groove 1101 is provided along the length direction at the middle of the working surface. The two ends of the arc-shaped groove 1101 penetrate through the upper and lower end faces of the upper mold 11, and the arc shape of the arc-shaped groove 1101 matches the arc surface shape of the end of the lug 101 of the steering knuckle fork. The edge of the end of the arc-shaped groove 1101 away from the upper mold sleeve 3 serves as a cutting edge 1102 for cutting off the excess length of the forging blank. Therefore, the shape of the cutting edge 1102 is also an arc shape that matches the shape of the end face of the lug 101. During the mold closing process of the upper mold assembly, the upper mold 11 moves downward and passes through the through hole of the pressure plate 5. The cutting edge 1102 first contacts the ear 101 above the forging blank 100. As the upper mold assembly is pressed down further, the cutting edge 1102 of the upper mold 11 and the arc head 904 on the positioning block 902 form a shearing action on the upper ear 101, cutting off the excess part on the ear 101. During this process, the lower end of the upper mold 11 enters the upper mold through hole 1002 of the lower mold sleeve 10. The upper mold 11 continues to move downward and cuts off the excess part on the lower ear 101 in the same way. The cut-off waste falls into the lower mold pad blanking hole 701 and is discharged from the lower mold blanking hole 801.
[0051] Furthermore, a stepped structure 1104 is formed on the other side of the upper mold 11 opposite to the working surface and on the lower end surface of the upper mold 11. The stepped structure 1104 is located on both sides of the arc-shaped groove 1101, and the top of the stepped structure 1104 is lower than the bottom of the stepped structure 1104. The top of the stepped structure 1104 is far from the working surface, forming a protrusion 1103 protruding from the lower end surface of the upper mold 11. During the downward movement of the upper mold 11, this protrusion 1103 enters the upper mold through hole 1002 of the lower mold sleeve 10 before the cutting edge 1102, which can play a guiding role and eliminate the lateral force generated by cutting. At the same time, the bottom of the stepped structure 1104 and the cutting edge 1102 are located on the lower end surface of the upper mold 11, thus forming a certain operating space, which facilitates the grinding of the cutting edge 1102 of the upper mold 11.
[0052] The working process of the mold described in this utility model will be explained below.
[0053] First, align the upper die assembly and the lower die assembly using guide pillars 12 and guide sleeves 13. The upper die assembly is then fixed to the slide of the punch press with bolts and pressure plates, and the lower die assembly is fixed to the lower die platform of the punch press with bolts and pressure plates.
[0054] Then, the U-shaped head of the forging blank 100 to be processed is horizontally inserted into the lower die assembly with the two ears one above the other. The positioning block 902 is located between the two ears 101. When the positioning head 903 on the positioning block 902 presses against the U-shaped head, it ensures that the shaft of the forging blank 100 is supported at the top of the bracket 6.
[0055] Next, the press slide moves the upper die assembly downwards. When the pressure plate 5 presses on the forging blank 100, the two ears 101 of the forging blank are held by the pressure plate 5, the positioning block 902, and the lower die pad 7. The upper die assembly continues to move downwards, and the elastic element 4 is compressed. The lower end of the upper die 11 extends downwards from the through hole of the pressure plate 5 and enters the lower die sleeve 10, acting on the ears 101 above the forging blank 100 to cut off the excess part and form the arc-shaped surface of the ear end face. As the upper die 11 continues to press down, the excess part of the lower ear 101 is cut off. The scrap after punching falls into the lower die pad's discharge hole 701 as the punching action is completed, and is discharged from the lower die plate's discharge hole 801.
[0056] Finally, the slider drives the upper die assembly to return, removing the cut-off forged blank 100 from the lower die assembly.
[0057] During the punching process, the pressure plate 5 presses on the forging blank 100, and the elastic element 4 can ensure that during the punching process of the upper die 11, the forging blank 100 does not separate from or slide with the lower die 9 under the action of the punching force.
[0058] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the specific implementation of this utility model with reference to the above embodiments. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this utility model are within the protection scope of the pending claims.
Claims
1. A die for punching excess length in an automotive steering knuckle fork, comprising an upper die assembly and a lower die assembly, characterized in that: The upper die assembly includes an upper die, an elastic element, and a pressure plate. The upper end of the upper die is fixedly connected to the upper die sleeve of the upper die assembly. The upper and lower end faces of the elastic element are respectively fixedly connected to the upper die sleeve and the pressure plate. The pressure plate is provided with a through hole for the upper die to pass through. The working surface of the upper die is provided with an arc-shaped groove extending in the vertical direction. The lower edge of the arc-shaped groove serves as a cutting edge for punching. The shape of the arc-shaped groove matches the end face shape of the steering knuckle fork lug. The lower die assembly includes a lower die sleeve, a lower die, and a bracket. The lower die is provided with a positioning block that can be inserted into the U-shaped head of the forged steering knuckle fork blank to be processed. The lower die sleeve is fixed on the lower die pad of the lower die assembly. The lower die sleeve is provided with a lower die fixing hole and an upper die through hole that are connected to the side. The lower die fixing hole is used to install the lower die, and the upper die through hole is used to allow the upper die to pass through from top to bottom during the extrusion and punching process. The lower die assembly also has a blanking channel located below the upper die through hole. The upper and lower end faces of the positioning block are respectively used to fit and contact the inner sides of the two ears on the U-shaped head, and the distance between the lower end face of the positioning block and the upper surface of the lower die pad is consistent with the thickness of the corresponding ears. The bracket is fixed on the lower die plate of the lower die assembly and is used to support the shaft of the forged blank.
2. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning block is provided with a V-shaped positioning part, which is used to press against the inside of the U-shaped head.
3. The die for punching excess length according to claim 2, characterized in that: An arc-shaped head is provided on the other side of the positioning block opposite to the positioning part, and the arc shape of the arc-shaped head matches the end face shape of the steering knuckle fork ear.
4. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each side of the positioning block is provided with a fixing block, the fixing block and the lower mold fixing hole of the lower mold sleeve are transitionally fitted, and the upper and lower end faces of the fixing block are flush with the upper and lower end faces of the lower mold sleeve.
5. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the lower mold sleeve is also provided with a notch, the width of which is the same as the width of the ear, and the positioning part of the positioning block is located at the notch.
6. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper mold has a stepped structure on the opposite side of the working surface and the lower end surface of the upper mold, and the stepped structure is located on both sides of the arc groove; the top of the stepped structure is away from the working surface and forms a protrusion protruding from the lower end surface, and the bottom of the stepped structure and the cutting edge are located on the lower end surface of the upper mold.
7. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure plate is connected to the upper template of the upper mold assembly via equal-height screws, and the pressure plate can slide along the equal-height screws.
8. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper mold and the upper mold sleeve are in a transition fit.
9. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower mold pad is fixed on the lower template. The lower mold pad is provided with a lower mold pad discharge hole, and the lower template is provided with a lower template discharge hole. The lower mold pad discharge hole and the lower template discharge hole are aligned vertically to form the discharge channel.
10. The die for punching excess length according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper mold plate of the upper mold assembly and the lower mold plate of the lower mold assembly are connected by a sliding fit of guide sleeves and guide pillars.