A lock clamp for processing a fork retainer
By designing a locking fixture for the shift fork retainer ring and using centrifugal force to drive the clamping block for automatic clamping, the problems of worker fatigue and inaccurate positioning caused by rapid loading and unloading are solved, and automated clamping and stable processing are achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LAOHEKOU HENGRUN MASCH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
In the existing process of machining shift fork retainers, rapid loading and unloading leads to worker fatigue, and the fixture positioning is inaccurate, affecting the machining effect.
A locking fixture for machining shift fork retaining rings was designed. It adopts a combination of base, displacement mechanism, locking mechanism and adjusting stud, and uses centrifugal force to achieve automated clamping, ensuring radial centering and axial stability of the retaining ring.
It enables rapid loading and unloading of materials while the lathe is stopped, reduces manual operation, improves the versatility and processing stability of the fixture, and ensures the stability and safety of the retaining ring during the processing.
Smart Images

Figure CN224322743U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fixture technology, specifically to a locking fixture for machining shift fork retaining rings. Background Technology
[0002] As a key component of mechanical transmission systems, shift forks are widely used in automobile manufacturing, aerospace, industrial automation and other fields. As an important part of the shift fork assembly, the retaining ring is mainly fixed to the end of the shift fork to ensure its stability and reliability. In use, the retaining ring needs to be snapped into one end of the shift fork to form a complete shift fork. For details, please refer to the installation method of patent CN110118255A.
[0003] However, existing shift fork retainer ring machining requires chamfering. Currently, there are generally two chamfering methods: one is chamfering by stamping, and the other is chamfering by turning. During turning, the existing turning method generally involves installing a fixture on the lathe chuck. The surface of the fixture is provided with protrusions that match the internal shape of the retainer ring to position and fix the retainer ring. However, during rapid loading and unloading, a high level of attention is required to accurately install the retainer ring. Over time, this can cause worker fatigue and affect the subsequent machining results. Therefore, a new shift fork retainer ring machining locking fixture is needed to solve the shortcomings of the existing method. Utility Model Content
[0004] Technical problems to be solved
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem of worker fatigue caused by long-term rapid loading and unloading, and to provide a locking fixture for processing shift fork retaining rings.
[0006] Technical solution
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a locking fixture for processing shift fork retaining rings, comprising a base, a circular mounting groove provided inside the base, a plurality of displacement mechanisms movably connected inside the mounting groove, the displacement mechanism comprising a centrifugal body, a sliding groove provided on the centrifugal body, a locking mechanism provided inside the sliding groove, a cover plate fixedly connected to the surface of the base, a plurality of guide grooves provided on the cover plate, adjusting studs threaded around the base, and a pin fixedly connected to the bottom of the base.
[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the displacement mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a fixed column and a tension spring, the rotating shaft and the centrifugal body are rotatably connected, one end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to one side of the fixed column and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the inner side of the centrifugal body.
[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the bottom end of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove, and the bottom end of the fixing column is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove.
[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the locking mechanism includes a sliding column, a sliding plate, and a locking block, wherein the top end of the sliding column is fixedly connected to one end of the sliding plate, and the other end of the sliding plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking block.
[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the sliding column and the sliding groove are slidably connected, and the sliding plate and the guide groove are slidably connected.
[0012] The present invention is further configured such that one side of the card block is arc-shaped, and a limiting piece is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the card block.
[0013] The present invention is further configured such that the displacement mechanism is provided in three sets, and the three sets of displacement mechanisms are arranged in a ring at equal intervals.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, this locking fixture for machining shift fork retaining rings has the following advantages:
[0015] I. This utility model, by setting a base, mounting groove, displacement mechanism, sliding groove, and locking mechanism, allows the centrifugal body to return to its original position when the lathe is stopped. This causes the locking mechanism's locking blocks to retract inward, allowing the retaining ring to be placed directly on top of the locking blocks and quickly positioned by the limiting plate, greatly simplifying loading and unloading operations. After the lathe starts, the centrifugal body expands outward under centrifugal force. Through the linkage of the sliding groove and the guide groove, the three sets of locking blocks move outward synchronously, automatically completing the radial alignment and rigid locking of the retaining ring, avoiding manual alignment errors. The cooperation between the limiting plate and the cover plate effectively prevents the axial displacement of the retaining ring during processing, achieving automated clamping that is "released when the machine stops and locked when it rotates," reducing the effort required for loading.
[0016] II. This utility model, by setting a corresponding number of adjusting studs, can change the depth of the studs extending into the base by turning them, thereby limiting the maximum displacement stroke of the centrifugal body under centrifugal force. When the lathe starts, the centrifugal body expands outward until it contacts the end face of the adjusting stud. By adjusting the screw insertion amount of the stud, the radial expansion range of the clamping block can be precisely controlled, thus adapting to retaining rings of different inner diameters. There is no need to change the fixture or additional positioning elements. The clamping requirements of various specifications of retaining rings can be quickly matched by simply adjusting the studs, which significantly improves the versatility of the fixture, while ensuring the stability and centering accuracy of the retaining ring clamping.
[0017] III. This utility model, by setting a locking block and a limiting plate, allows the locking block to retract to the bottom in a static state. When the retaining ring is placed, its inner wall is recessed and naturally fits the arc-shaped surface of the locking block. The limiting plate vertically abuts against the outer surface of the retaining ring, forming an axial pre-positioning to prevent the retaining ring from tilting or falling off. After the lathe is started, the centrifugal body drives the locking block to expand outward, and the limiting plate moves outward synchronously with the locking block. When the retaining ring is fully clamped, the limiting plate continuously restricts the end face of the retaining ring, while the arc-shaped surface of the locking block evenly covers the inner wall of the retaining ring, forming a combined axial and radial constraint. During startup and processing, this can prevent the retaining ring from axially moving due to centrifugal force or cutting force, and also prevent radial dislodgement, ensuring the stability and safety of the chamfering process.
[0018] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination or study, or may be taught from the practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the base of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the displacement mechanism and locking mechanism of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a half-sectional structural diagram of the base of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the displacement mechanism of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting groove of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism of this utility model.
[0026] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Mounting groove; 3. Displacement mechanism; 4. Sliding groove; 5. Locking mechanism; 6. Cover plate; 7. Guide groove; 8. Adjusting stud; 9. Insertion post; 10. Limiting plate; 301. Centrifugal body; 302. Rotating shaft; 303. Fixed post; 304. Tension spring; 501. Sliding post; 502. Sliding plate; 503. Locking block. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0028] like Figure 1-7 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a locking fixture for processing shift fork retaining rings, including a base 1. The main body of the base 1 is a cylindrical structure with a circular mounting groove 2 machined inside. The mounting groove 2 is located at the center of the base 1, and its depth matches the height of the displacement mechanism 3. The bottom of the groove is fixed to the rotating shaft 302 and the fixed column 303, supporting the displacement mechanism 3, the cover plate 6, and the adjusting stud 8. The integrated mounting groove 2 realizes a compact layout of multiple sets of displacement mechanisms 3, providing a stable base for centrifugal drive. The circular mounting groove 2 is set inside the base 1. The mounting groove 2 is a circular blind groove, located at the center of the base 1, coaxial with the cover plate 6, accommodating the displacement mechanism 3, ensuring that the centrifugal body 301 moves only within the set trajectory. The groove structure realizes the modular installation of the displacement mechanism 3, which is convenient for maintenance and replacement. Several displacement mechanisms 3 are movably connected inside the mounting groove 2.
[0029] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the displacement mechanism 3 includes a centrifugal body 301, a rotating shaft 302, a fixed column 303, and a tension spring 304 in each group. The centrifugal body 301 is hinged to the bottom of the mounting groove 2 via the rotating shaft 302. The tension spring 304 connects the centrifugal body 301 and the fixed column 303, achieving reset when stationary. The displacement mechanism 3 includes a centrifugal body 301. When the lathe rotates, the centrifugal body 301 swings outward due to centrifugal force, driving the locking mechanism 5 to expand, converting the centrifugal force into mechanical clamping force, realizing automated clamping and positioning, replacing manual operation. A sliding groove 4 is provided on the centrifugal body 301. The moving groove 4 is a straight groove on the centrifuge body 301. The locking mechanism 5 consists of a sliding column 501, a sliding plate 502, and a locking block 503. The sliding column 501 is located inside the sliding groove 4. The sliding plate 502 is movably connected to the guide groove 7 of the cover plate 6. The locking block 503 is located on the surface of the cover plate 6 and can slide on the surface. When the centrifuge body 301 moves, the sliding column 501 drives the sliding plate 502 and the locking block 503 to expand radially along the guide groove 7 along the sliding groove 4. The centrifugal motion is converted into the precise centering and clamping of the locking block 503 through mechanical linkage. The locking mechanism 5 is provided inside the sliding groove 4.
[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a cover plate 6 is fixedly connected to the surface of the base 1. The cover plate 6 is a circular plate-shaped cover. The guide groove 7 is a radial straight groove, and its number is the same as the number of displacement mechanism 3 groups. The cover plate 6 is fixed to the top of the base 1. Several guide grooves 7 are opened on the cover plate 6. The guide grooves 7 correspond to the position of the sliding plate 502 and guide the sliding plate 502 to move along the set path to ensure that the clamping block 503 expands synchronously. The guide grooves 7 force the synchronous movement trajectory of the three groups of clamping blocks 503 to eliminate clamping eccentricity. Adjusting studs 8 are threaded around the base 1. The adjusting studs 8 are threaded to the outer circumference of the base 1. The insert 9 is located at the bottom center of the base 1. The adjusting studs 8 limit the maximum displacement of the centrifugal body 301, thereby adapting to different size retaining rings. The insert 9 is fixedly connected to the lathe three-jaw chuck to achieve quick installation. The adjusting studs 8 provide adaptability. The insert 9 improves the clamping efficiency of the fixture. The bottom of the base 1 is fixedly connected to the insert 9.
[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the displacement mechanism 3 also includes a rotating shaft 302, a fixed column 303, and a tension spring 304. The rotating shaft 302 is a short cylindrical pin with a polished surface. Its bottom end is vertically fixed to the bottom of the mounting groove 2 and hinged to the centrifugal body 301, providing a fulcrum for the centrifugal body 301 to ensure that it only swings around the rotating shaft 302. The low friction of the rotating shaft 302 reduces the motion resistance of the centrifugal body 301 and improves the response speed. The rotating shaft 302 and the centrifugal body 301 are rotatably connected. The fixed column 303 is a cylindrical column, the same height as the rotating shaft 302, fixed to the bottom of the mounting groove 2, located inside the centrifugal body 301, and connected to the tension spring 304, serving as the tension spring 304. The fixed end ensures reliable operation of the spring. One end of the tension spring 304 is fixedly connected to one side of the fixed column 303. The tension spring 304 is a helical tension spring, and the spring stiffness is selected according to the mass and speed of the centrifuge body 301. One end is connected to the fixed column 303, and the other end is connected to the inside of the centrifuge body 301. When stationary, the spring tension causes the centrifuge body 301 to retract, and the locking block 503 is in the minimum clamping position. When rotating, the centrifugal force overcomes the spring tension, and the centrifuge body 301 expands outward. The spring parameters are matched with the speed to ensure a fast response speed, thereby improving reliability. The other end of the tension spring 304 is fixedly connected to the inside of the centrifuge body 301.
[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, the bottom end of the rotating shaft 302 is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove 2, and the bottom end of the fixing column 303 is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove 2. The rotating shaft 302 and the fixing column 303 are fixed to the bottom of the mounting groove 2 by welding. The two are distributed inside the centrifugal body 301. The rotating shaft 302 provides the swing freedom, and the fixing column 303 provides the spring reaction fulcrum. The rigid fixing method avoids the components from loosening during the movement and ensures long-term stability.
[0033] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the locking mechanism 5 includes a sliding post 501, a sliding plate 502, and a locking block 503. The top end of the sliding post 501 is fixedly connected to one end of the sliding plate 502. The sliding post 501 is a cylindrical guide rod with a chrome-plated surface to reduce the coefficient of friction. It is embedded in the sliding groove 4 of the centrifugal body 301. The top end is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 502 by bolts, converting the oscillation of the centrifugal body 301 into the linear motion of the sliding plate 502. The clearance fit between the sliding post 501 and the sliding groove 4 ensures smooth movement. The other end of the sliding plate 502 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking block 503. One side of the locking block 503 is an arc surface that matches the inner wall of the retaining ring. A limiting piece 10 is welded to the top. The locking block 503 itself is individually machined according to the inner wall configuration of the retaining ring that needs to be cut, so that it can be adapted to the inner wall configuration of the retaining ring. Different retaining rings are used, and after processing, they are fixedly connected to the sliding plate 502. The sliding column 501 and the sliding groove 4 are slidably connected, and the sliding plate 502 and the guide groove 7 are slidably connected. One side of the clamping block 503 is arc-shaped, and a limiting piece 10 is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the clamping block 503. The limiting piece 10 is a thin piece that extends vertically upward. It can be enlarged according to the size of the processed retaining ring to improve the limiting ability and prevent it from falling out. The clamping block 503 is located on the surface of the cover plate 6, and the limiting piece 10 is close to the end face of the retaining ring. The arc surface of the clamping block 503 achieves uniform contact with the inner wall of the retaining ring to avoid stress concentration. The limiting piece 10 restricts the axial displacement of the retaining ring to ensure that it fits with the cover plate 6. The combination of the arc-shaped clamping block 503 and the limiting piece 10 solves the problems of clamping and preventing falling out and axial positioning at the same time.
[0034] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the displacement mechanism 3 is provided in three sets, which are arranged in a ring at equal intervals. The three sets of displacement mechanisms 3 are evenly distributed in the mounting groove 2 at 120° intervals. The centrifugal bodies 301 of each set of displacement mechanisms 3 are symmetrically distributed. After the expansion of the clamping block 503, a three-point clamping is formed. The three sets of clamping blocks 503 expand synchronously, applying a uniform radial force to the retaining ring to achieve automatic centering. The three-point clamping layout eliminates the risk of eccentricity of single-point clamping and improves processing stability.
[0035] Working principle: First, insert the insert 9 into the three-jaw chuck of the lathe, tighten the three-jaw chuck to fix it, rotate the adjusting screw 8 to limit the movement distance of the centrifugal body 301, and thus limit the movement distance of the locking block 503. When stationary, due to the tension of the tension spring 304, the centrifugal body 301 is retracted, and the locking mechanism 5 is retracted through the sliding groove 4, so that the recess inside the retaining ring is aligned with the locking block 503, and the retaining ring is pressed against the inner wall of the cover plate 6. Then it is inserted and placed on the locking block 503. At this time, the retaining ring is limited by the limiting piece 10 to ensure that the retaining ring is vertically close to the cover plate 6. Since there is a gap between them, it can be limited without precise alignment.
[0036] Start the lathe. At this time, due to the centrifugal force, the centrifugal body 301 overcomes the tension of the tension spring 304 and moves outward, thereby driving the sliding column 501 to move. At this time, through the limit of the guide groove 7, the guide sliding plate 502 slides along the guide groove 7, thereby driving the locking block 503 to move outward. Since the three locking blocks 503 move outward at the same time, the retaining ring can be automatically limited and centered. When one end of the centrifugal body 301 hits the adjusting stud 8, the movement stops. At this time, the limiting plate 10 and the locking block 503 completely lock the retaining ring. Then, use the lathe tool to quickly cut the chamfer to complete the chamfering operation.
[0037] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "center," "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 solely for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 this utility model. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "fixed," "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "installed" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "connected" can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; "linked" can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0038] Although embodiments of the present 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 present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A locking fixture for machining a shift fork retaining ring, characterized in that: The device includes a base with a circular mounting groove inside. Several displacement mechanisms are movably connected inside the mounting groove. Each displacement mechanism includes a centrifugal body with a sliding groove. A locking mechanism is provided inside the sliding groove. A cover plate is fixedly connected to the surface of the base with several guide grooves. Adjusting studs are threaded around the base. A pin is fixedly connected to the bottom of the base.
2. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement mechanism further includes a rotating shaft, a fixed column, and a tension spring. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the centrifugal body, one end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to one side of the fixed column, and the other end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to the inner side of the centrifugal body.
3. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom end of the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove, and the bottom end of the fixing column is fixedly connected to the surface of the mounting groove.
4. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a sliding column, a sliding plate, and a locking block. The top end of the sliding column is fixedly connected to one end of the sliding plate, and the other end of the sliding plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the locking block.
5. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding column and the sliding groove are slidably connected, and the sliding plate and the guide groove are slidably connected.
6. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 4, characterized in that: One side of the card block is arc-shaped, and a limiting piece is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the card block.
7. The locking fixture for machining the shift fork retaining ring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement mechanism is provided in three sets, and the three sets of displacement mechanisms are arranged in a ring at equal intervals.