A tooling for positioning automotive steering columns

Abstract

This utility model discloses a positioning fixture for an automotive steering column, including a support plate and a base plate. The base plate is installed at the bottom of the support plate. A horizontal plate is installed on one side of the support plate. An electric slide rail is installed between the back of the horizontal plate and one side of the support plate. A groove adapted to the electric slide rail is opened on the back of the horizontal plate. A dust-collecting component for vacuuming the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate. The combination of the dust-collecting component and the blowing component, as well as the collaboration of components such as the controller, vision sensor and robotic arm, improves the automation and precision of steering column cleaning, improves the problem that traditional fixed equipment is difficult to adapt to the posture of steering columns of different sizes, reduces dust residue and cleaning blind spots, and improves the stability of the cleaning process. Compared with traditional manual or independent equipment cleaning, it effectively ensures the precision assembly quality of the steering column and reduces the risk of human intervention and component damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation technology, specifically to a positioning fixture for an automotive steering column. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive manufacturing industry, the surface cleanliness of the steering column, as a core transmission component, is a key factor in ensuring assembly accuracy and long-term reliability. With the development of automated assembly technology, the demand for intelligent and flexible steering column cleaning equipment is increasing.

[0003] In the automotive manufacturing industry, the surface cleanliness of the steering column, as a key transmission component, directly affects the assembly accuracy and service life. Traditional cleaning methods rely on manual labor or fixed equipment, which have problems such as low efficiency, dust residue, and difficulty in adapting to the posture of steering columns of different sizes. Moreover, the blowing, brushing, and vacuuming processes are carried out independently with poor coordination, which can easily lead to incomplete cleaning or damage to components. Therefore, we need to propose an automotive steering column positioning fixture. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automotive steering column positioning fixture to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a car steering column positioning fixture, comprising a support plate and a base plate, wherein the base plate is installed at the bottom of the support plate, a horizontal plate is installed on one side of the support plate, an electric slide rail is installed between the back of the horizontal plate and one side of the support plate, and a groove adapted to the electric slide rail is provided on the back of the horizontal plate. A dust collection assembly for vacuuming the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate. A blower assembly for blowing air onto the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate, and one end of the blower assembly extends to one side of the support plate.

[0006] Preferably, the dust collection assembly includes a negative pressure pump and a first suction pipe. A first fixing plate is installed on one side of the base plate. The negative pressure pump is installed on one side of the base plate through the first fixing plate. One end of the first suction pipe is connected to the suction end of the negative pressure pump. The interior of the base plate is set as a hollow structure. A plurality of suction holes are opened on the surface of the base plate. The other end of the first suction pipe is connected to one end of the base plate.

[0007] Preferably, the cross plate has an elongated groove inside, an electric slide is installed inside the elongated groove, an electric telescopic rod is installed on the slider surface of the electric slide, and the movable end of the electric telescopic rod is connected to a universal joint.

[0008] Preferably, the other end of the universal joint is connected to a clamping plate, the steering column is installed inside the clamping plate, and robotic arms and mounting plates are symmetrically installed on both sides of the support plate. One end of each mounting plate is installed on one side of the support plate, and the robotic arm is installed on the side of the mounting plate away from the support plate. The gripper end of each robotic arm is equipped with a rotating antistatic brush.

[0009] Preferably, the blowing assembly includes a fan and a second air outlet pipe. A second fixing plate is installed on one side of the base plate. The fan is installed on one side of the base plate through the second fixing plate. Blowing plates are symmetrically installed on the top and bottom of the horizontal plate. The interior of the blowing plate is set as a hollow structure. A plurality of high-pressure nozzles are installed on the surface of the blowing plate. One end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet end of the fan, and the other end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to one end of the blowing plate.

[0010] Preferably, a controller is installed on the top of the support plate, a plate pressure sensor and a vision sensor are installed on the top of each of the blowing plates, an angle sensor is installed on the surface of the robotic arm, a pressure regulating valve is installed on the surface of the second air outlet pipe, and a vacuum sensor is installed on the surface of the first air intake pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the controller is electrically connected to a plate pressure sensor, a vision sensor, an angle sensor, a pressure regulating valve, and a vacuum sensor, respectively. The controller is also electrically connected to a robotic arm, a fan, a negative pressure pump, an electric slide rail, an electric slide table, and an electric telescopic rod, respectively.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention improves the automation and precision of steering column cleaning by combining a dust extraction component and a blower component, as well as by coordinating components such as a controller, vision sensor, and robotic arm. It addresses the problem that traditional fixed equipment is difficult to adapt to the posture of steering columns of different sizes, reduces dust residue and cleaning blind spots, and improves the stability of the cleaning process. Compared with traditional manual or independent equipment cleaning, it effectively ensures the precision assembly quality of the steering column and reduces the risk of human intervention and component damage. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the blower assembly structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electric slide table structure of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Support plate; 2. Base plate; 3. Horizontal plate; 4. Electric slide rail; 6. Negative pressure pump; 7. First suction pipe; 8. First fixing plate; 9. Suction hole; 10. Long slot; 11. Electric slide table; 12. Electric telescopic rod; 13. Universal joint; 14. Clamping plate; 15. Robotic arm; 16. Mounting plate; 17. Rotating anti-static brush; 18. Fan; 19. Second exhaust pipe; 20. Second fixing plate; 21. Blowing plate; 22. High-pressure nozzle; 23. Controller; 24. Plate pressure sensor; 25. Vision sensor; 26. Angle sensor; 27. Pressure regulating valve; 28. Vacuum sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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.

[0016] Please see Figures 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: a positioning fixture for an automotive steering column, including a support plate 1 and a base plate 2. The base plate 2 is installed at the bottom of the support plate 1. The support plate 1 serves as a support base, providing a reference for the installation and connection of various components. The base plate 2 forms a hollow structure to accommodate the air intake channel, supporting the dust collection and blowing components and connecting to the support plate 1. A horizontal plate 3 is installed laterally on one side of the support plate 1. An electric slide rail 4 is installed between the back of the horizontal plate 3 and one side of the support plate 1. The slide groove on the back of the horizontal plate 3 cooperates with the electric slide rail 4 to achieve lateral sliding. A slide groove adapted to the electric slide rail 4 is opened on the back of the horizontal plate 3. The electric slide rail 4 drives the horizontal plate 3 to move laterally along the support plate 1. The position is adjusted by the guide of the slide groove. The slide groove is adapted to the electric slide rail 4, providing guiding constraints for the sliding of the horizontal plate 3.

[0017] A dust collection assembly for vacuuming the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate 2. The dust collection assembly includes a negative pressure pump 6 and a first suction pipe 7. A first support plate 1 is installed on one side of the base plate 2, and a first fixing plate 8 provides installation support. The negative pressure pump 6 is installed on one side of the base plate 2 through the first fixing plate 8. The negative pressure pump 6 generates negative pressure suction, and the air inside the base plate 2 is drawn out through the first suction pipe 7 to achieve dust collection. One end of the first suction pipe 7 is connected to the suction end of the negative pressure pump 6. The first suction pipe 7 transmits negative pressure airflow to draw dust from the surface of the steering column. The interior of the base plate 2 is set as a hollow structure. Several suction holes 9 are opened on the surface of the base plate 2. The other end of the first suction pipe 7 is connected to one end of the base plate 2. The suction holes 9 allow dust on the surface of the steering column to enter the internal channel of the base plate 2 under negative pressure.

[0018] The interior of the horizontal plate 3 has a long groove 10, which accommodates the electric slide table 11, providing space for its installation and movement. The electric slide table 11 is installed inside the long groove 10. The electric slide table 11 drives the electric telescopic rod 12 to move along the direction of the long groove 10, adjusting the longitudinal position of the clamping plate 14. The electric telescopic rod 12 is installed on the slider surface of the electric slide table 11. The movable end of the electric telescopic rod 12 is connected to a universal joint 13. The extension and retraction of the electric telescopic rod 12 adjusts the height of the universal joint 13 and the clamping plate 14, adapting to different sizes of steering columns. The universal joint 13 connects the electric telescopic rod 12 and the clamping plate 14, allowing the clamping plate 14 to rotate flexibly within a certain angle.

[0019] The other end of the universal joint 13 is connected to a clamping plate 14. The steering column is installed inside the clamping plate 14, which clamps and fixes the steering column. The universal joint 13 adapts to the installation posture of the steering column. The mechanical arm 15 and the mounting plate 16 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the support plate 1. The mechanical arm 15 drives the rotating antistatic brush 17 to move, realizing multi-directional cleaning of the surface of the steering column. One end of the mounting plate 16 is installed on one side of the support plate 1. The mounting plate 16 provides mounting support for the mechanical arm 15. The mechanical arm 15 is installed on the side of the mounting plate 16 away from the support plate 1. The gripper end of the mechanical arm 15 is equipped with a rotating antistatic brush 17. The rotating antistatic brush 17 rotates at high speed to brush away dust from the surface of the steering column. The antistatic properties prevent dust from adhering.

[0020] A blower assembly for blowing air onto the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate 2. One end of the blower assembly extends to one side of the support plate 1. The blower assembly includes a fan 18 and a second air outlet pipe 19. A second fixing plate 20 is installed on one side of the base plate 2, providing mounting support. The fan 18 is installed on one side of the base plate 2 via the second fixing plate 20. The fan 18 generates a high-pressure airflow, which is delivered to the blower plate 21 through the second air outlet pipe 19 to achieve air blowing and cleaning. Blower plates are symmetrically installed on the top and bottom of the cross plate 3. 21. The interior of the blower plate 21 is designed as a hollow structure. The hollow interior of the blower plate 21 contains high-pressure airflow. The airflow is sprayed onto the surface of the steering column through high-pressure nozzles 22. Several high-pressure nozzles 22 are installed on the surface of the blower plate 21. The high-pressure nozzles 22 convert the high-pressure airflow inside the blower plate 21 into a high-speed jet to blow away dust. One end of the second air outlet pipe 19 is connected to the air outlet end of the fan 18, and the other end of the second air outlet pipe 19 is connected to one end of the blower plate 21. The second air outlet pipe 19 transmits high-pressure airflow to the interior of the blower plate 21.

[0021] A controller 23 is installed on the top of the support plate 1. A plate pressure sensor 24 and a vision sensor 25 are installed on the top of the blower plate 21. The plate pressure sensor 24 detects the contact pressure between the blower plate 21 and the steering column to provide feedback and adjust the blowing angle. The vision sensor 25 identifies the dust distribution on the surface of the steering column to guide the cleaning components to operate precisely. An angle sensor 26 is installed on the surface of the robotic arm 15 to detect the movement angle of the robotic arm 15 to ensure the accurate cleaning posture of the rotating antistatic brush 17. A pressure regulating valve 27 is installed on the surface of the second air outlet pipe to regulate the airflow pressure output by the fan 18 to stabilize the blowing intensity of the high-pressure nozzle 22. A vacuum sensor 28 is installed on the surface of the first suction pipe 7 to detect the suction vacuum of the negative pressure pump 6 to provide feedback and adjust the dust collection efficiency.

[0022] The controller 23 is electrically connected to the plate pressure sensor 24, vision sensor 25, angle sensor 26, pressure regulating valve 27, and vacuum sensor 28. The controller 23 is also electrically connected to the robotic arm 15, fan 18, negative pressure pump 6, electric slide rail 4, electric slide table 11, and electric telescopic rod 12. As the core of the system, the controller 23 first obtains the dust distribution information on the surface of the steering column through the vision sensor 25. Combined with real-time data such as the contact pressure between the blower plate 21 and the steering column detected by the plate pressure sensor 24, the movement angle of the robotic arm 15 fed back by the angle sensor 26, the vacuum degree of the first air intake pipe 7 monitored by the vacuum sensor 28, and the airflow pressure of the second air outlet pipe 19 transmitted by the pressure regulating valve 27, the controller comprehensively analyzes the cleaning needs and generates control commands.

[0023] Subsequently, the controller 23 drives the electric slide rail 4 to move the horizontal plate 3 laterally, while simultaneously controlling the electric slide table 11 to slide longitudinally along the long groove 10, the electric telescopic rod 12 to extend and retract, and the universal joint 13 to rotate. This allows the clamping plate 14 to precisely adjust the position, height, and posture of the steering column, providing a stable reference for the cleaning operation. Next, the controller 23 adjusts the joint angle and motion trajectory of the robotic arm 15 based on sensor data, driving the rotating antistatic brush 17 to adhere to the steering column surface with appropriate pressure and speed, rotating at high speed to brush away dust. Its antistatic properties effectively prevent secondary dust adsorption.

[0024] At the same time, the controller 23 starts the fan 18, which generates a high-pressure airflow that is delivered to the blower plate 21 through the second air outlet pipe 19. The airflow pressure is stabilized by the pressure regulating valve 27, ensuring that the high-pressure nozzle 22 blows the surface of the steering column with a uniform high-speed jet to loosen stubborn dust.

[0025] While blowing and brushing dust, the controller 23 simultaneously starts the negative pressure pump 6, which forms a stable negative pressure inside the base plate 2 through the first suction pipe 7. This causes the dust blown off and brushed off the surface of the steering column to be sucked into the hollow structure of the base plate 2 through the suction hole 9. The vacuum sensor 28 monitors and provides feedback on the vacuum level in real time to ensure dust collection efficiency.

[0026] Throughout the process, the controller 23 continuously receives data from various sensors, dynamically fine-tunes the motion parameters of the electric slide rail 4, electric slide table 11, and electric telescopic rod 12, as well as the cleaning trajectory of the robotic arm 15, the air volume of the fan 18, and the suction of the negative pressure pump 6, to achieve coordinated operation of blowing, brushing, and vacuuming, and finally completes the automated and precise cleaning of the steering column surface.

[0027] 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 positioning fixture for an automotive steering column, comprising a support plate (1) and a base plate (2), characterized in that: The base plate (2) is installed at the bottom of the support plate (1). A horizontal plate (3) is installed on one side of the support plate (1). An electric slide rail (4) is installed between the back of the horizontal plate (3) and one side of the support plate (1). A groove adapted to the electric slide rail (4) is opened on the back of the horizontal plate (3). A dust collection assembly for vacuuming the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate (2); A blower assembly for blowing air onto the surface of the steering column is installed on one side of the base plate (2), and one end of the blower assembly extends to one side of the support plate (1).

2. The steering column positioning tool of claim 1, wherein: The dust collection assembly includes a negative pressure pump (6) and a first suction pipe (7). A first fixing plate (8) is installed on one side of the base plate (2). The negative pressure pump (6) is installed on one side of the base plate (2) through the first fixing plate (8). One end of the first suction pipe (7) is connected to the suction end of the negative pressure pump (6). The interior of the base plate (2) is set as a hollow structure. Several suction holes (9) are opened on the surface of the base plate (2). The other end of the first suction pipe (7) is connected to one end of the base plate (2).

3. The steering column positioning tool of claim 2, wherein: The horizontal plate (3) has an open groove (10) inside, and an electric slide (11) is installed inside the groove (10). An electric telescopic rod (12) is installed on the surface of the slider of the electric slide (11), and a universal joint (13) is connected to the movable end of the electric telescopic rod (12).

4. The steering column positioning tool of claim 3, wherein: The other end of the universal joint (13) is connected to a clamping plate (14). The steering column is installed inside the clamping plate (14). The mechanical arm (15) and the mounting plate (16) are symmetrically installed on both sides of the support plate (1). One end of the mounting plate (16) is installed on one side of the support plate (1). The mechanical arm (15) is installed on the side of the mounting plate (16) away from the support plate (1). The gripper end of the mechanical arm (15) is equipped with a rotating antistatic brush (17).

5. The steering column positioning tool of claim 4, wherein: The blowing assembly includes a fan (18) and a second air outlet pipe (19). A second fixing plate (20) is installed on one side of the base plate (2). The fan (18) is installed on one side of the base plate (2) through the second fixing plate (20). Blowing plates (21) are symmetrically installed on the top and bottom of the horizontal plate (3). The inside of the blowing plate (21) is set as a hollow structure. Several high-pressure nozzles (22) are installed on the surface of the blowing plate (21). One end of the second air outlet pipe (19) is connected to the air outlet end of the fan (18), and the other end of the second air outlet pipe (19) is connected to one end of the blowing plate (21).

6. The steering column positioning tool of claim 5, wherein: A controller (23) is installed on the top of the support plate (1), a plate pressure sensor (24) and a vision sensor (25) are installed on the top of the blowing plate (21), an angle sensor (26) is installed on the surface of the robotic arm (15), a pressure regulating valve (27) is installed on the surface of the second air outlet pipe (19), and a vacuum sensor (28) is installed on the surface of the first air intake pipe (7).

7. The steering column positioning tool of claim 6, wherein: The controller (23) is electrically connected to the plate pressure sensor (24), vision sensor (25), angle sensor (26), pressure regulating valve (27) and vacuum sensor (28), respectively. The controller (23) is also electrically connected to the robotic arm (15), fan (18), negative pressure pump (6), electric slide rail (4), electric slide table (11) and electric telescopic rod (12), respectively.

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