Bearing ring heat treatment fixture

Abstract

A bearing ring heat treatment fixture includes a base with a clamping assembly for gripping the bearing ring. The clamping assembly includes two radial clamping plates movable in opposite directions. The two radial clamping plates cooperate to limit the radial movement of the bearing ring. Each radial clamping plate has a clamping groove on its corresponding end face for inserting the bearing ring. An axial clamping plate is provided on the end face of the clamping groove facing away from the base, for abutting against the axial end face of the bearing ring. The distance between the axial clamping plate and the base is adjustable. The advantages of this invention are: by adjusting the movement of the radial clamping plates and the adjustable distance of the axial clamping plates, this design achieves dual radial and axial limiting of the bearing ring, thus adapting to bearing ring specifications with different outer diameters and thicknesses, significantly improving the versatility and flexibility of the fixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a fixture, and more particularly to a bearing ring heat treatment fixture. Background Technology

[0002] In the bearing manufacturing industry, heat treatment is a key process for improving the performance of bearing races, involving processes such as quenching and tempering to enhance the material's hardness and wear resistance. Heat treatment fixtures play a crucial role in this process, primarily used to fix the bearing races in a high-temperature furnace, preventing them from deforming or shifting due to heat, and ensuring heating uniformity and dimensional stability. In specific applications, the fixture typically consists of multiple rigid jaws, mounted on automated production lines or manual operating tables. The process involves: first, placing the bearing race in the center of the fixture; then, using a hydraulic or mechanical drive system, retracting the jaws inward, with the pre-set arc surface inside the jaws tightly fitting the outer diameter of the bearing race; subsequently, the entire assembly is fed into the heat treatment furnace for heating treatment; after completion, the fixture is removed and the jaws are released to unload the bearing race. This design is widely used in mass production, effectively reducing deformation caused by thermal stress, but it relies on precise fixture matching to maintain process stability. The entire process requires temperature control and cycle management to optimize the quality and lifespan of the bearing races.

[0003] Existing heat treatment fixtures have internally designed curved surfaces in their grippers that mate with the outer diameter of bearing rings. However, these curved surfaces are not adjustable, leading to unstable gripping. Specifically, the fixed curved surface can only accommodate bearing rings of a single size. When processing different batches or products with large dimensional tolerances, the curved surface cannot adapt, resulting in uneven clamping force distribution. This can easily cause the bearing rings to slide, wobble, or fall off at high temperatures, leading to uneven heat treatment, localized overheating deformation, or surface damage, severely impacting product yield and consistency. Furthermore, frequent fixture changes to accommodate dimensional changes increase equipment costs and downtime, reducing production efficiency. Improvements are urgently needed to enhance reliability and versatility. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a bearing ring heat treatment fixture that can adapt to more bearing ring specifications.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a bearing ring heat treatment fixture, comprising a base, wherein a clamping assembly for clamping the bearing ring is provided on the base, the clamping assembly comprising two radial clamping plates that can move in opposite directions, the two radial clamping plates cooperating to limit the radial movement of the bearing ring, and clamping grooves for inserting the bearing ring into the corresponding end faces of the two radial clamping plates, wherein an axial clamping plate is provided on the end face of the clamping groove facing away from the base for abutting against the axial end face of the bearing ring, and the distance between the axial clamping plate and the base is adjustable.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This technical solution achieves dual radial and axial limiting of the bearing ring through the adjustable movement of the radial clamping plate and the adjustable distance design of the axial clamping plate, thereby adapting to bearing ring specifications with different outer diameters and thicknesses, significantly improving the versatility and flexibility of the fixture. This avoids the need for frequent fixture changes, reduces downtime during heat treatment, and ensures that the bearing ring remains stable and fixed during heating and cooling, preventing deformation or displacement, and improving the quality and consistency of heat treatment. Specifically, the opposite or opposite movement of the radial clamping plates allows adjustment of the clamping groove width to match changes in the outer diameter of the bearing ring, while the height adjustment of the axial clamping plate adapts to the axial clamping requirements of bearing rings with different thicknesses. The combination of the two covers a wider range of bearing ring sizes. As a preferred embodiment, the movement of the radial clamping plate can be achieved through a linear slide rail system, wherein the slide rail is fixed on the base, and the bottom of the clamping plate is provided with a slider that slides and is slidably connected to the slide rail. The position of the clamping plate is controlled by an external drive mechanism (such as a manual knob or electric push rod), ensuring smooth movement and reliable locking. As a preferred method, the distance adjustment of the axial clamp can be accomplished through a rotatable lifting screw mechanism. The screw is vertically fixed on the base, and the axial clamp engages with the screw through a threaded hole. When the screw is rotated, the axial clamp moves along the screw axis, thereby precisely controlling the distance from the base. This structure is simple and easy to operate, and adjustment can be completed without additional tools.

[0007] Furthermore, the clamping assembly also includes an adjusting bolt rotatably mounted on a base, the base having an adjusting groove for placing the adjusting bolt, and a gap being formed between the top end of the adjusting bolt and the end face of the base used to place the bearing ring; two radial clamping plates respectively engage with the adjusting bolt in opposite directions.

[0008] This technical solution effectively achieves synchronous movement of the radial clamps by introducing adjusting bolts and adjusting grooves, while avoiding interference between the bolts and the bearing rings, thus improving the reliability and safety of the fixture. The rotating setting of the adjusting bolts allows users to easily adjust the positions of the two radial clamps. The opposite meshing direction design ensures that the clamps remain synchronized when moving towards or away from each other, improving clamping accuracy and efficiency. The depth setting of the adjusting grooves ensures that the top of the bolt is below the end face of the base, preventing damage to the bearing rings or affecting the heat treatment effect during clamping. This helps to shorten adjustment time, reduce operational errors, and ensure stable fixation of the bearing rings in high-temperature environments. As a preferred method, the adjusting bolts can adopt a double-thread structure, where the left-hand thread meshes with one radial clamp and the right-hand thread meshes with the other radial clamp. When the bolt is rotated, the clamps automatically move in opposite directions, achieving symmetrical adjustment. This structure transmits torque through thread meshing, and users only need to rotate the bolt handle to complete the adjustment without disassembling the parts. As a preferred method, the adjustment groove can be designed as a U-shaped groove, and the adjustment bolt is fixed in the groove by the bearing seat. The top of the bolt and the end face of the base maintain a preset gap. This gap is controlled by the groove depth to ensure that the bolt does not protrude from the base surface when the bearing ring is placed, thus avoiding interference problems caused by thermal expansion.

[0009] Furthermore, the radial clamping plate is provided with an adjusting rod, one end of which is fixed to the axial clamping plate and adjusts the distance between the axial clamping plate and the base when rotated.

[0010] This technical solution achieves convenient adjustment of the axial clamp height through the setting of the adjusting rod, enhancing the adaptability of the fixture to bearing rings of different thicknesses and simplifying the operation process. The adjusting rod is fixed to the axial clamp plate, and its rotation causes the axial clamp plate to move up and down, precisely controlling its distance from the base. This ensures that the axial end face of the bearing ring is reliably abutted, preventing axial displacement or vibration during heat treatment and improving processing stability and consistency. This reduces the complexity of manual adjustment and avoids the risk of bearing ring deformation due to insecure clamping. As a preferred method, the adjusting rod can adopt a screw structure, with a threaded through hole on the radial clamp plate. The screw passes through this hole and is fixedly connected to the axial clamp plate. When the screw is rotated, the axial clamp plate moves along the screw axis. This structure utilizes the thread engagement principle to achieve fine adjustment by rotating the screw, allowing users to easily control the clamping force. As another preferred method, a handwheel or knob can be set at the end of the adjusting rod for quick adjustment by operators outside the heat treatment equipment. At the same time, the rod body is supported on the radial clamp plate by bearings, reducing friction loss and ensuring smooth adjustment. This design achieves its function through mechanical transmission, requiring no electric assistance, and is suitable for high-temperature environments.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring is provided on the axial clamp, and the torque exerted by the spring on the axial clamp causes the axial clamp to tend to move towards the base.

[0012] This technical solution enhances the clamping effect of the axial clamping plate by incorporating a spring, ensuring that the bearing ring remains stably axially fixed during heat treatment and preventing loosening caused by thermal expansion or vibration. The torque applied by the spring continuously presses the axial clamping plate towards the base, compensating for gaps caused by changes in bearing ring thickness or thermal deformation, thus improving clamping reliability and safety. This reduces the need for manual intervention and improves the stability of heat treatment quality, avoiding defective products due to clamping failure. As a preferred method, the spring can be a compression spring, installed between the axial clamping plate and a fixed bracket, which is fixed to the base or radial clamping plate. The spring generates a downward elastic force in a pre-compressed state, pushing the axial clamping plate to press against the end face of the bearing ring. This structure achieves automatic compensation through the elastic deformation of the spring, automatically adjusting the compression amount when the bearing ring thickness changes. As a preferred approach, the spring can be designed as a helical spring, with one end fixed to the axial clamping plate by a buckle or screw, and the other end connected to the adjustment mechanism. The direction of the spring's torque is coordinated with the adjustment direction of the adjustment rod to ensure a uniform distribution of clamping force. This solution utilizes the restoring force principle of the spring to maintain stable performance under high-temperature heat treatment conditions without the need for additional energy input.

[0013] Furthermore, the adjusting rod is connected to the center of the axial clamp, and there are two springs, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the adjusting rod, with the distance between the two springs and the adjusting rod being approximately equal.

[0014] This technical solution achieves stable force application at three points through the central connection of the adjusting rod and the symmetrical arrangement of the springs. This ensures a uniform distribution of clamping force applied by the axial clamping plate, preventing the bearing ring from tilting or deflecting during heat treatment, and improving fixing accuracy and machining quality. The adjusting rod, located at the center, serves as the main support point, while two springs on either side provide auxiliary pressure, forming a stable triangular force system. This enhances the balance and reliability of the clamping system, reducing the risk of bearing ring deformation caused by localized stress concentration and adapting to the clamping requirements of bearing rings of different sizes, thus improving the versatility of the fixture. As a preferred method, the springs can be symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the axial clamping plate. Each spring is connected to the clamping plate via a fixed seat, and the distance between the spring and the adjusting rod is equal to ensure torque balance. This structure, through geometrical symmetry design, generates a uniform torque when the springs are compressed, avoiding single-point overload. As a preferred approach, the coordinated operation of the spring and the adjusting rod can be achieved through a linkage frame that integrates the adjusting rod and the spring seat. When the adjusting rod is rotated, the axial clamping plate moves, and the spring automatically adjusts the preload to maintain constant clamping. This solution utilizes the principle of mechanical balance, simplifies operation, and improves response speed, making it suitable for quick changeover scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a side view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the axial clamping plate in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This utility model embodiment provides a bearing ring heat treatment fixture, such as... Figure 1-3 As shown: A base 1, serving as the basic support structure, is typically made of metal to withstand the high temperatures during heat treatment. A clamping assembly 2 is fixedly or detachably mounted on the base 1. The clamping assembly 2 is used to clamp the bearing ring and includes two radial clamping plates 31. The radial clamping plates 31 can move horizontally in opposite directions to achieve radial limiting of the outer diameter of the bearing ring. Clamping grooves 311, U-shaped grooves, are machined on the end faces of the radial clamping plates 31 to accommodate the side portions of the bearing ring. An axial clamping plate 312 is fixedly mounted on the end face of the clamping groove 311 facing away from the base 1. The axial clamping plate 312 abuts against the axial end face of the bearing ring. The distance between the axial clamping plate 312 and the base 1 is adjustable to accommodate bearing rings of different thicknesses.

[0019] The clamping assembly 2 also includes an adjusting bolt 32, which is threadedly mounted on the base 1. The base 1 has an adjusting groove 33, which is an elongated oval slot used to accommodate and position the adjusting bolt 32. A gap is reserved between the top of the adjusting bolt 32 and the bearing end face of the base 1 used to place the bearing ring, to prevent the bolt head from interfering with the placement of the bearing ring. The bottom of each radial clamping plate 31 is machined with an internally threaded hole. One of the radial clamping plates 31 engages with the adjusting bolt 32 in the forward direction, while the other engages with it in the reverse direction. This ensures that rotating the adjusting bolt 32 causes the two radial clamping plates 31 to move synchronously towards or away from each other. An adjusting rod 34 is vertically mounted on each radial clamping plate 31, and is threadedly fixed to the radial clamping plate 31. One end of the adjusting rod is fixed to the center of the axial clamping plate 312. Rotating the adjusting rod 34 causes the axial clamping plate 312 to move up and down to adjust the distance from the base 1. A spring 35 is installed on the axial clamping plate 312. The spring 35 is a compression spring, with its lower end fixed to the axial clamping plate 312 and its upper end abutting against a radial clamping plate 31. The torque generated by the spring 35 causes the axial clamping plate 312 to tend to move towards the base 1. The adjusting rod 34 is located at the center of the axial clamping plate 312. There are two springs 35, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the adjusting rod 34. The axial distance between the two springs 35 and the adjusting rod 34 is equal, forming a three-point stable support.

[0020] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: In use, the bearing ring is first placed on the bearing end face of the base 1. Rotating the adjusting bolt 32 causes the radial clamping plate 31 and the adjusting bolt 32 to engage with each other via opposite threads, moving them towards each other. This allows the clamping groove 311 to clamp the outer diameter of the bearing ring, achieving radial fixation. Then, according to the thickness of the bearing ring, the adjusting rod 34 is rotated to adjust the height of the axial clamping plate 312, causing it to press against the axial end face of the bearing ring. The spring 35 provides continuous downward pressure, enhancing the clamping effect and compensating for thermal expansion. The spring 35 and the adjusting rod 34 form a three-point arrangement, ensuring uniform distribution of clamping force. During heat treatment, the radial and axial adjustability allows the fixture to adapt to various bearing ring specifications, improving versatility and stability.

[0021] The above embodiments are merely one preferred embodiment of the present utility model. Ordinary changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model's technical solution are all included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A bearing ring heat treatment fixture, comprising a base, wherein a clamping assembly for clamping the bearing ring is disposed on the base, characterized in that: The clamping assembly includes two radial clamping plates that can move in opposite directions. The two radial clamping plates cooperate to limit the radial movement of the bearing ring. Each of the two radial clamping plates has a clamping groove on its corresponding end face to allow the bearing ring to extend into it. An axial clamping plate is provided on the end face of the clamping groove facing away from the base to abut against the axial end face of the bearing ring. The distance between the axial clamping plate and the base is adjustable.

2. The bearing ring heat treatment fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping assembly also includes an adjusting bolt rotatably mounted on a base, the base having an adjusting groove for placing the adjusting bolt, and a gap between the top of the adjusting bolt and the end face of the base for placing the bearing ring; two radial clamping plates respectively engage with the adjusting bolt in opposite directions.

3. The bearing ring heat treatment fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial clamping plate is provided with an adjusting rod, one end of which is fixed to the axial clamping plate and adjusts the distance between the axial clamping plate and the base when rotating.

4. The bearing ring heat treatment fixture according to claim 3, characterized in that: A spring is provided on the axial clamp, and the torque exerted by the spring on the axial clamp causes the axial clamp to tend to move toward the base.

5. The bearing ring heat treatment fixture according to claim 4, characterized in that: The adjusting rod is connected to the center of the axial clamping plate, and there are two springs, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the adjusting rod, with the two springs being approximately equidistant from the adjusting rod.

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