Directional indicator used in workpiece clamping process

By designing the fixture body, indicator structure, and orientation indicator of the measuring rod, the problems of large orientation errors, inconvenient operation, and high cost during workpiece clamping were solved, achieving high-precision orientation and efficient clamping of workpieces and reducing production costs.

CN224209797UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-08FENGCHENG PENGTAI HIGH PRESSURE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
FENGCHENG PENGTAI HIGH PRESSURE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing workpiece clamping methods suffer from large orientation errors, inconvenient operation, and high costs, which affect processing quality and efficiency.

Method used

An orientation indicator comprising a clamping body, an indicator structure, and a measuring rod is designed. The workpiece clamping status is detected by the rotation of the measuring rod, and accurate orientation indication is achieved by the guide and linkage parts. The structure is simple, the operation is convenient, and it is suitable for clamping various workpieces.

Benefits of technology

It reduces clamping errors, improves the machining accuracy and quality of workpieces, lowers production costs, increases production efficiency, and has strong versatility and stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a directional indicator used in a workpiece clamping process, which relates to the technical field of part processing, solves the technical problems of complicated structure, inconvenience in operation and higher cost in the existing technical scheme, and comprises a clamp body, an indicator structure and a pair of measuring rods. The indicator structure is installed on the edge of the upper wall face of the clamp body, the measuring rods are installed at the upper end of the indicator structure in a rotating mode, the measuring rods are symmetrically installed, and guide parts are arranged at the front ends of the measuring rods. Clamping errors are reduced, and the machining precision and quality of workpieces are improved; operation and adjustment are convenient and fast, an operator can be helped to complete workpiece clamping work more quickly and more accurately, and the working efficiency is improved; the whole structural design is simple, maintenance is convenient, durability is achieved, and the maintenance cost and the equipment failure rate are reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of parts processing technology, specifically to an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process. Background Technology

[0002] This utility model relates to the technical field where accurate orientation is a key factor in ensuring machining precision and quality during workpiece clamping. Many flange and sleeve parts are designed with accessory structures such as lugs, bosses, manifolds, and side flanges. These accessory structures, whether external or internal, are designed with a clear orientation during installation and use. This requires that when machining the connecting structures of the main body of the part, such as flange hole systems, the orientation of the accessory structures must meet the design requirements when these flange and sleeve parts are installed through the connecting structures. However, existing workpiece clamping methods have some problems with orientation. Traditional clamping methods may rely on the operator's experience and intuition, lacking precise indicators and measuring tools, which can easily lead to clamping errors, thus affecting the machining quality and production efficiency. Furthermore, while some existing clamping equipment has certain orientation functions, it is often complex in structure, inconvenient to operate, and costly.

[0003] This technical solution proposes an orientation indicator for workpiece clamping. Through precise indication and measurement, it can accurately determine the clamping direction of the workpiece, reduce clamping errors, and improve the machining accuracy and quality of the workpiece. The orientation indicator has a reasonable structural design and is easy to operate, helping operators to complete workpiece clamping work more quickly and accurately, thus improving production efficiency. Compared with some complex and expensive clamping equipment, the orientation indicator in this technical solution meets orientation requirements while having the advantage of lower cost, helping to reduce production costs for enterprises. This orientation indicator is applicable to the clamping process of various workpieces, has strong versatility, and can meet different production needs.

[0004] Existing technical solutions suffer from technical problems such as complex structure, inconvenient operation, and high cost. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides an orientation indicator for workpiece clamping process, which solves the technical problems of complex structure, inconvenient operation and high cost of the existing technical solution.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a directional indicator for workpiece clamping, comprising a clamping body, an indicator structure, and a pair of measuring rods. The indicator structure is mounted on the edge of the upper wall of the clamping body, and the pair of measuring rods are rotatably mounted on the upper end of the indicator structure. The pair of measuring rods are symmetrically mounted, and a guide portion is provided at the front end of each pair of measuring rods. A linkage portion is provided within the indicator structure. The overall structure of the directional indicator is based on the clamping body. The indicator structure is used to perform the indicating function. The pair of measuring rods rotate to detect the clamping status of the workpiece and to position and orient the workpiece. The guide portion is used to guide and contact the workpiece, and the linkage portion enables the pair of measuring rods to work together to achieve accurate directional indication.

[0007] Preferably, the measuring rod is an R-shaped rod, and the guide portion includes a rod end retaining spring, a roller shaft, and a guide roller. The rod end retaining spring is fixedly installed at the front end of the measuring rod, the roller shaft is rotatably installed at the front end of the rod end retaining spring, and the guide roller is installed on the roller shaft. The R-shaped rod design facilitates operation and inspection. The retaining spring in the guide portion is used to fix the roller shaft, the roller shaft allows the guide roller to rotate flexibly, and the guide roller plays a role in rolling contact and guidance during workpiece clamping, reducing friction and damage.

[0008] Preferably, the indicator structure includes a mounting base and a base. The base is mounted on the upper wall of the clamping body. The mounting base has a mounting hole, and the base has a mounting threaded hole. The mounting base is mounted on the upper wall of the base. The mounting base and the base are threadedly connected by a base fixing screw and the mounting threaded hole. The combination of the mounting base and the base allows the indicator structure to be stably mounted on the clamping body. The cooperation of the mounting hole, the mounting threaded hole, and the base fixing screw ensures a firm connection between the mounting base and the base, providing a guarantee for the stability of the entire orientation indicator.

[0009] Preferably, a pair of bearings are installed in the mounting base, and a rotating shaft is installed in the pair of bearings. The rotating shaft has a T-shaped cross-section, and a rod groove is opened at the upper end of the rotating shaft. A grooved threaded hole is opened in the rod groove. The measuring rod is threadedly connected to the grooved threaded hole by a rod fixing screw. The bearings enable the rotating shaft to rotate smoothly, and the T-shaped cross-section of the rotating shaft increases the stability of the structure. The design of the rod groove, the grooved threaded hole, and the rod fixing screw realizes a reliable connection between the measuring rod and the rotating shaft, ensuring that the measuring rod can rotate accurately according to the clamping condition of the workpiece.

[0010] Preferably, the linkage includes a pair of gears, both of identical size, fixedly mounted on a pair of rotating shafts. A pair of nuts are mounted on the lower ends of the rotating shafts. When one measuring rod rotates, the meshing of the gears causes the other measuring rod to rotate synchronously, thus achieving accurate orientation indication. The nuts are used to limit the positions of the gears and bearings, preventing loosening during operation and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the orientation indicator. Beneficial effects

[0011] This invention provides an orientation indicator for workpiece clamping. It features a short, rigid transmission chain, accurately determining the workpiece clamping direction, reducing clamping errors, and improving workpiece machining accuracy and quality. Operation and adjustment are convenient, helping operators complete workpiece clamping work faster and more accurately, improving work efficiency. The overall structure is simple, easy to maintain, and durable, reducing maintenance costs and equipment failure rates. It is suitable for clamping various workpieces, possessing strong versatility and meeting diverse production needs. Through reasonable structural design and component coordination, the orientation indicator's stability and reliability during operation are ensured, reducing safety risks during production. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship structure of an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation preparation process of an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the workpiece orientation process structure of the orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process described in this utility model.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the workpiece orientation result structure of an orientation indicator used in the workpiece clamping process according to the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Measuring rod; 2. Guide roller; 3. Rod end retaining ring; 4. Roller shaft; 5. Rod fixing screw; 6. Rotary shaft; 7. Rubber ring; 8. Mounting base; 9. Bearing; 10. Shaft retaining ring; 11. Hole retaining ring; 12. Gear; 13. Flat key; 14. Washer; 15. Nut; 16. Seat fixing screw; 17. Base; Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by this utility model to achieve its intended purpose, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Detailed description follows.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-6 This utility model provides a technical solution: an orientation indicator for workpiece clamping, comprising a clamping body, an indicator structure, and a pair of measuring rods 1. The indicator structure is mounted on the upper wall edge of the clamping body, and the pair of measuring rods 1 are rotatably mounted on the upper end of the indicator structure. The pair of measuring rods 1 are symmetrically mounted, and a guide portion is provided at the front end of the pair of measuring rods 1. A linkage portion is provided inside the indicator structure. The overall structure of the orientation indicator is based on the clamping body. The indicator structure is used to realize the indicating function. The pair of measuring rods 1 detect the clamping status of the workpiece by rotation and position and orient the workpiece. The guide portion is used to guide and contact the workpiece, and the linkage portion enables the pair of measuring rods 1 to work together to achieve accurate orientation indication.

[0021] In this embodiment, the measuring rod 1 is further configured as an r-shaped rod body, and the guide part includes a rod end retaining spring 3, a roller shaft 4, and a guide roller 2. The rod end retaining spring 3 is fixedly installed at the front end of the measuring rod, the roller shaft 4 is rotatably installed at the front end of the rod end retaining spring 3, and the guide roller 2 is installed on the roller shaft 4. The design of the r-shaped rod body facilitates operation and inspection. The retaining spring of the guide part is used to fix the roller shaft 4, the roller shaft 4 allows the guide roller 2 to rotate flexibly, and the guide roller 2 plays a role in rolling contact and guidance during workpiece clamping, reducing friction and damage.

[0022] In this embodiment, the indicator structure includes a mounting base 8 and a base 17. The base 17 is mounted on the upper wall of the clamping body. The mounting base 8 has a mounting hole, and the base 17 has a mounting threaded hole. The mounting base 8 is mounted on the upper wall of the base 17, and the mounting base 8 and the base 17 are threadedly connected by a seat fixing screw 16 to the mounting threaded hole. The combination of the mounting base 8 and the base 17 allows the indicator structure to be stably mounted on the clamping body. The cooperation of the mounting hole, the mounting threaded hole, and the seat fixing screw 16 ensures a firm connection between the mounting base 8 and the base 17, providing a guarantee for the stability of the entire orientation indicator.

[0023] In this embodiment, a pair of bearings 9 are installed in the mounting base 8, and a rotary shaft 6 is installed in the pair of bearings 9. The rotary shaft 6 has a T-shaped cross-section and a rod groove is opened at the upper end of the rotary shaft 6. A grooved threaded hole is opened in the rod groove. The measuring rod 1 is threadedly connected to the grooved threaded hole by a rod fixing screw 5. The bearings 9 enable the rotary shaft 6 to rotate smoothly. The T-shaped cross-section of the rotary shaft 6 increases the stability of the structure. The design of the rod groove, the grooved threaded hole, and the rod fixing screw 5 realizes a reliable connection between the measuring rod 1 and the rotary shaft 6, ensuring that the measuring rod 1 can rotate accurately according to the clamping condition of the workpiece.

[0024] In this embodiment, the linkage includes a pair of gears 12, both of identical size. The pair of gears 12 are fixedly mounted on a pair of rotating shafts 6. A pair of nuts 15 are mounted on the lower ends of the rotating shafts 6. When one measuring rod 1 rotates, the meshing of the gears 12 causes the other measuring rod 1 to rotate synchronously, thus achieving accurate orientation indication. The nuts 15 limit the position of the gears 12 and the bearings 9, preventing loosening during operation and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the orientation indicator.

[0025] Its detailed connection methods are well-known technologies in this field; such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the orientation indicator is a tool used to assist the fixture in orienting parts with directional requirements when machining attachment structures. When most degrees of freedom of the part to be machined are reliably restricted by the fixture structure such as the main locating boss, and only the rotational degree of freedom along the normal direction of the main locating surface cannot be reliably restricted, the contact status between the two measuring rods 1 of the orientation indicator and the two sides of the attachment with directional requirements is used to determine whether the orientation meets the design requirements. When the measuring rods 1 are in contact with both sides of the attachment simultaneously, it can be determined that the orientation of the part meets the design requirements. Then, the part can be clamped and machining operations can be performed.

[0026] It should be noted that the orientation indicator is not a positioning element of the fixture. It has the function of determining the direction, but not the function of maintaining the direction. It is only applicable when the clamping force can maintain the determined direction. In other words, the force of the machining activity will not cause the part to move during machining. In practical applications, after the part is clamped, the measuring rod 1 needs to be disengaged from the part to leave a safe space for machining activities.

[0027] Figure 2 The design principle of the orientation indicator is illustrated. In the diagram, the rectangle represents an accessory structure on the part with directional requirements, t represents the width, m1 represents its center of symmetry, and MN represents the correct position of the center of symmetry of the accessory structure as required by the design. The accessory structure can rotate around the center of the part; due to the limitations of the main positioning structure of the fixture, the center of rotation of m1 is on MN.

[0028] O1 and O2 are the rotation centers of the two measuring rods 1, respectively, and MN perpendicularly bisects O1O2. The effective radii of the two measuring rods 1 are represented by O1A1 and O2A2, respectively, where O1A1 = O2A2. The rotational angular velocities of the two measuring rods 1 are represented by ω1 and ω2, respectively, where ω1 = -ω2. That is, the two measuring rods 1 are required to rotate towards or away from each other at equal angular rates, with opposite directions of rotation.

[0029] When the accessory structure is in the correct position, the two measuring rods 1 simultaneously contact its side, and the line A1A2 connecting the contact points is perpendicularly bisected by MN, as is the case when the rectangle is in the center position.

[0030] When the accessory structure is not in the correct position, only one probe 1 is in actual contact with one side of the accessory structure, while the other probe 1 is in nominal contact with the mirror image side of the accessory structure about MN. At this time, the line connecting the contact points B1B2 is perpendicularly bisected by MN, as shown by the two rectangles on the left and right in the diagram. Then, the part needs to be rotated so that the accessory structure rotates around its center towards the side of the nominal contact until both probes 1 are in actual contact with the accessory structure. At this point, the accessory structure is in the correct position required by the design, thus determining its correct orientation.

[0031] The above explanation makes it easy to understand the correctness of the design principle of the orientation indicator, so a rigorous proof conforming to the mathematical definition will not be listed here.

[0032] It should be noted that the line connecting the rotation centers of the measuring rod 1, O1O2, is determined according to actual needs and is not limited to a specific value; O1O2 can be any desired value. Even when O1O2 = 0, an embodiment can still be made according to the above principle, and such an embodiment is naturally within the scope of protection claimed in this case.

[0033] Notches and small holes are provided at the ends of a pair of identical measuring rods 1. Rollers are inserted into the notches and secured to the measuring rods 1 using snap rings and roller shafts 4. Two measuring rods 1 with identical connecting holes and capable of rotating in any direction are fixedly connected to the rotary shaft 6 using screws. First, the rubber ring 7 is installed into the mounting base 8, then the rotary shaft 6 is installed into the mounting base 8. Two bearings 9 are installed on each rotary shaft 6, and the bearings 9 are secured to the rotary shaft 6 and the mounting base 8 respectively using shaft snap rings 10 and hole snap rings 11. At least one gear 12 with identical parameters is installed on the rotary shaft 6 to ensure that the two rotary shafts 6 rotate in opposite directions with equal angular velocities. After confirming the correct meshing gear number of the gear 12, installation is performed, and the free rotation of the gear 12 on the rotary shaft 6 is restricted using a flat key 13 to achieve synchronous rotation of the measuring rod 1 and the gear 12. Washers 14 and tightened nuts 15 are used to prevent the gear 12 from falling off the rotary shaft 6. The components formed by the above-mentioned parts are fixedly installed on the base 17 with screws. The direction indicator is connected to the fixture or machine tool through the pre-drilled mounting holes on the base 17. The base 17 and the mounting seat 8 are positioned by a stop and a boss to ensure the transmission of installation accuracy.

[0034] After aligning the reference lines of the direction indicator with the target direction reference of the fixture or machine tool, fix the direction indicator with screws; place the workpiece to be processed on the fixture body, ensuring that only the rotational degree of freedom is not restricted; move the measuring rod 1, first making the single measuring rod 1 contact the workpiece's directional accessory structure, then slowly rotate the workpiece towards the side that is not in contact with the measuring rod 1, so that the two measuring rods 1 are close together; when both measuring rods 1 are in contact with the workpiece, the orientation indication is completed, and the workpiece can be clamped at this time; after the workpiece is clamped, rotate the measuring rod 1 in the opposite direction to remove it from the workpiece to the farthest area, leaving a safe clearance space for subsequent processing.

[0035] It should be noted that in this paper, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A orientation indicator for use in workpiece clamping, comprising a clamping body, an indicator structure, and a pair of measuring rods (1), characterized in that, The indicator structure is installed on the edge of the upper wall of the clamp body, a pair of measuring rods (1) are rotatably installed on the upper end of the indicator structure, the pair of measuring rods (1) are symmetrically installed, a guide part is provided at the front end of the pair of measuring rods (1), and a linkage part is provided inside the indicator structure.

2. The orientation indicator for workpiece clamping process according to claim 1, characterized in that... The measuring rod (1) is an r-shaped rod body. The guide part includes a rod end retaining ring (3), a roller shaft (4) and a guide roller (2). The rod end retaining ring (3) is fixedly installed at the front end of the measuring rod. The roller shaft (4) is rotatably installed at the front end of the rod end retaining ring (3). The guide roller (2) is installed on the roller shaft (4).

3. The orientation indicator for workpiece clamping process according to claim 1, characterized in that... The indicator structure includes a mounting base (8) and a base (17). The base (17) is mounted on the upper wall of the clamp. The mounting base (8) has a mounting hole, and the base (17) has a mounting thread hole. The mounting base (8) is mounted on the upper wall of the base (17). The mounting base (8) and the base (17) are threadedly connected by a mounting screw (16) to the mounting thread hole.

4. A orientation indicator for workpiece clamping process according to claim 3, characterized in that... A pair of bearings (9) are installed in the mounting base (8), and a rotary shaft (6) is installed in the pair of bearings (9). The rotary shaft (6) has a T-shaped cross section. A rod groove is opened at the upper end of the rotary shaft (6), and a groove threaded hole is opened in the rod groove. The measuring rod (1) is threadedly connected to the groove threaded hole by a rod fixing screw (5).

5. A orientation indicator for workpiece clamping process according to claim 4, characterized in that... The linkage includes a pair of gears (12), the pair of gears (12) are exactly the same size, the pair of gears (12) are fixedly installed on a pair of rotating shafts (6), and a pair of nuts (15) are installed at the lower end of the pair of rotating shafts (6).