A locking mechanism with good adaptability

Abstract

The application discloses a locking mechanism with good adaptability, which comprises a rack, a U-shaped elastic body and parallel elastic sheets, the U-shaped elastic body is clamped between two parallel elastic sheets, the U-shaped elastic body is attached to the parallel elastic sheets and is tightly connected, the two ends of the parallel elastic sheets are tightly connected to the rack, the two sides of the U-shaped elastic body are provided with opposite locking adjusting members, and locking members are further arranged, the locked parts are arranged inside the U-shaped elastic body, the U-shaped elastic body is closed to the inside by rotating the locking members, and the locked parts are stably clamped and locked by adjusting the distance between the locking adjusting members and the locked parts. The application can adapt to the situation that the locked parts have a certain position, or the position has a certain amount of change, or the certain movement direction of the locked parts needs to be locked to maintain a certain load, can release the interference force of the locked movement on the locked parts, thereby protecting the locked parts and accurately positioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mechanical locking mechanism for locking the position of a moving part, particularly suitable for precisely locking the position of a moving part with a definite position or a position that varies slightly. Background Technology

[0002] A locking mechanism is a device that can simultaneously center, position, and lock parts. Based on their working principle, locking mechanisms can be divided into equidistant movement locking mechanisms and elastic deformation locking mechanisms. Equidistant movement locking mechanisms distribute the locking force evenly across each locking element through their design, enabling simultaneous positioning and locking of the workpiece. Common types include helical equidistant movement locking mechanisms, cam equidistant movement locking mechanisms, offset roller equidistant movement locking mechanisms, and wedge equidistant movement locking mechanisms. Elastic deformation locking mechanisms utilize the uniform deformation of elastic elements under force to achieve workpiece positioning and locking. Generally, the elastic element is required to have good elasticity and recovery properties, as well as high manufacturing precision, to ensure accurate positioning and reliable locking.

[0003] The design requirements for locking mechanisms are to ensure that the locking force of each locking element on the parts is equal, that the spatial movement of each locking element is precise and equidistant, or that the locking movement (locking force) does not generate excessive interference force on the locked parts and does not damage their original positional accuracy.

[0004] Traditional locking technologies, as described above, are generally used to lock free components and are not suitable for locking components with fixed positions. In particular, when the position of the locked component changes slightly, it is necessary to lock it in a certain direction of movement to maintain a certain load, and the locking motion (locking force) should not generate excessive interference force on the locked component. These special requirements necessitate innovative solutions for the locking mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a locking mechanism with good adaptability, which is particularly suitable for precisely locking the position of moving parts with a definite position or a position that varies slightly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A highly adaptable locking mechanism includes a frame, a U-shaped elastomer, and parallel spring sheets. The U-shaped elastomer is sandwiched between two parallel spring sheets. The U-shaped elastomer includes two side plates and a connecting portion connecting the two side plates. The side plates of the U-shaped elastomer extend in the same direction as the parallel spring sheets and are attached to and securely connected to them. The two ends of the parallel spring sheets are fastened to the frame. Opposite locking adjustment members are provided on both sides of the U-shaped elastomer. The U-shaped elastomer also has a locking member for closing inwards. When locking a part, the part is placed between the two side plates of the U-shaped elastomer. Tightening the locking member closes the U-shaped elastomer inwards. Adjusting the distance between the locking adjustment member and the locked part adjusts the working space inside the U-shaped elastomer for the locking function, thus stably clamping and locking the part. When releasing the locked part, simply loosening the locking screw allows the U-shaped elastomer to elastically return to its original shape and separates the locking adjustment member from the locked part.

[0008] Furthermore, the two side plates of the U-shaped elastomer are fastened to the parallel spring sheet by a large pressure plate and large pressure plate screws.

[0009] Furthermore, the two ends of the parallel spring sheet are fastened to the frame by small pressure plates and small pressure plate screws.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking adjustment component includes an adjusting nut and an adjusting screw. The adjusting nut is fixed to the outside of the parallel spring sheet, and the adjusting screw is threadedly engaged with the adjusting nut and moves through the side plate of the parallel spring sheet and the U-shaped elastic body.

[0011] Furthermore, square bosses are provided on both sides of the U-shaped elastomer, and threaded holes penetrating the U-shaped elastomer are provided in the square bosses. The parallel spring sheet is provided with square through holes that match the square bosses. The parallel spring sheet is installed on the outside of the U-shaped elastomer through the cooperation of its square through holes with the square bosses of the U-shaped elastomer.

[0012] Furthermore, the locking component includes a locking screw. One side of the U-shaped elastomer is provided with a through hole, and the other side is provided with a threaded hole. The locking screw moves through the through hole, and its end engages with the threaded hole for installation. The head of the locking screw is located on the outside of the U-shaped elastomer.

[0013] Furthermore, the U-shaped elastomer is sandwiched between two parallel elastic sheets.

[0014] Furthermore, the frame includes a base and a support frame, the support frame being arranged opposite to each other, with its lower end fixed to the base and its upper end serving as a fixed foundation for other components.

[0015] Furthermore, the actuator is used to lock the output end of the force actuator, which includes a force actuator body and a force actuator output terminal. The frame is fixed to the force actuator body, and the force actuator output terminal is the locked part.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] This invention provides an innovative locking mechanism with good adaptability, suitable for situations where the locked component has a fixed position, its position varies to a certain extent, or it needs to be locked in a certain direction of movement to maintain a certain load. This invention also releases the interference force of the locking movement on the locked component, thereby protecting the locked component and ensuring accurate positioning. The size of the locked component can be adapted to the screw's retraction degree, and the locking force can be adjusted. This invention has the advantages of clear principle, simple structure, good implementability, and strong adaptability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 Isometric view of the working principle of the locking mechanism Figure 1

[0019] Figure 2 Isometric view of the working principle of the locking mechanism Figure 2

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view illustrating the working principle of the locking mechanism.

[0021] Figure 4 A breakdown of the working principle of the locking mechanism Figure 1

[0022] Figure 5 A breakdown of the working principle of the locking mechanism Figure 2

[0023] Figure 6 It is a U-shaped elastomer (the concentric rings indicate a threaded hole).

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a U-shaped elastomer.

[0025] Figure 8 It is one of the parallel shrapnel pieces

[0026] Figure 9 It is an isometric drawing of the locking mechanism.

[0027] Figure 10 It is an isometric drawing of a force actuator.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a system diagram showing the locking mechanism integrated into the force actuator.

[0029] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Locked part, 2. U-shaped elastomer, 3. Frame, 4. Parallel spring, 5. Small pressure plate, 6. Small pressure plate screw, 7. Locking screw, 8. Large pressure plate, 9. Adjusting screw, 10. Adjusting nut, 11. Large pressure plate screw, 12. Force actuator body, 13. Upper flange, 14. Force actuator output shaft, 15. Force sensor, 16. Force actuator output terminal, 17. Fastening screw. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be further explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention fully leverages the advantages of elastic elements and proposes an innovative locking mechanism based on a U-shaped elastomer and a parallel spring sheet structure. This mechanism can adapt to situations where the locked component has a definite position, or its position changes by a certain amount, or where it needs to be locked in a certain direction of movement to maintain a certain load. This invention can also release the interference force of the locking movement on the locked component, thereby protecting the locked component and ensuring accurate positioning.

[0032] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: See Figures 1 to 7 The two sides of the U-shaped elastic body 2 are fastened to the middle of two parallel spring sheets 4 by large pressure plates 8 and large pressure plate screws 11, while the two ends of the parallel spring sheets 4 are fastened to the frame 3 by small pressure plates 5 and small pressure plate screws 6. The locked part 1 is placed in the middle of the U-shaped elastic body 2, and adjusting screws 9 and adjusting nuts 10 are set in the threaded holes of the square bosses on both sides of the U-shaped elastic body 2 to adjust the gap between the locked part 1 and the inner side of the U-shaped elastic body 2. Finally, taking advantage of the elastic deformation characteristics of the U-shaped elastic body 2 and the parallel spring sheets 4, the U-shaped elastic body 2 is closed inward by tightening the locking screws 7, and then the locked part 1 is stably clamped and locked by adjusting screws 9. In this embodiment, square bosses with threaded holes are provided on both sides of the U-shaped elastic body, which not only position the parallel spring sheets, but also lengthen the thread length that mates with the adjusting nuts, improving the adjustment and locking performance.

[0033] For further explanation, please see [link / reference]. Figures 3 to 5 The coordinate system shown indicates that this invention allows the locked part 1 to move freely along the Z direction to a predetermined position before locking, and also allows it to move slightly along the X and Y directions to a predetermined position before locking. Specifically, the permissible movement range of the locked part 1 in the X direction is no greater than the radius of the adjusting screw 9, while the permissible movement range of the locked part 1 in the Y direction is determined by the adjustment range of the adjusting screw 9 and the size of the clearance. This range can be designed according to the motion characteristics and requirements of the locked part 1, and the size of the clearance can be adjusted by the adjusting screw 9, thereby also adjusting the magnitude of the locking force on the locked part 1.

[0034] For further explanation, please see [link / reference]. Figure 6-7 The U-shaped elastomer shown has its base edge designed to be relatively thin, allowing its two arms to exhibit opposing elastic deformation and appropriate restoring force; see [link / reference]. Figure 8 The parallel spring shown, utilizing its excellent in-plane stiffness and normal elasticity, ensures that when the locking screw 7 is tightened, the parallel spring 4 can only move towards each other in the Y direction, without displacement in the X and Z directions. This allows the two arms of the U-shaped elastic body 2 to engage with the adjusting screw 9, effectively locking the locked part 1. At this point, the locked part 1 can withstand a certain amount of force in the Z direction. Furthermore, due to the good normal elasticity of the parallel spring 4, the asymmetry in the gap between the adjusting screw 9 and the sides of the locked part 1, as well as the manufacturing asymmetry of the U-shaped elastic body 2 and the parallel spring 4, which causes interference forces on the locked part 1 in the Y direction when the locking screw 7 is tightened, can be effectively released. When it is necessary to release the locked part 1, loosening the locking screw 7 allows the U-shaped elastic body 2 and the parallel spring 4 to use their elastic restoring force to move the two arms of the U-shaped elastic body 2 and the adjusting screw 9 symmetrically away from the locked part 1 until an appropriate gap is left.

[0035] See Figures 9 to 11 , Figure 9 The image shows the locking mechanism of this invention. Figure 10 The image shows a force actuator. Figure 11 A system diagram showing the locking mechanism integrated into a force actuator. Figure 9 In this process, the two sides of the U-shaped elastomer 2 are fastened to the middle of two parallel spring sheets 4 by large pressure plates 8 and large pressure plate screws 11, while the two ends of the parallel spring sheets 4 are fastened to the frame 3 by small pressure plates 5 and small pressure plate screws 6. Adjusting screws 9 are screwed into the threaded holes on the square bosses on both sides of the U-shaped elastomer 2, and adjusting nuts 10 are provided to adjust the working space inside the U-shaped elastomer 2 for the locking function, in which the locked parts are placed. Finally, utilizing the elastic deformation characteristics of the U-shaped elastomer 2 and the parallel spring sheets 4, the U-shaped elastomer 2 is closed inward by tightening, thereby achieving stable clamping and locking of the locked parts by adjusting screws 9. When it is necessary to release the locked parts, only the locking screws 7 need to be loosened, and the U-shaped elastomer 2 will elastically recover, thereby causing the adjusting screws 9 to separate from the locked parts. Figure 10 In this design, the actuator body 12 is externally fixed via a flange, outputs axial force via the actuator output shaft 14, and is connected to the driven target object via the actuator output terminal 16. A force sensor 15 detects the output force value. When it is necessary to maintain the output force of the actuator, the locking mechanism of this invention can be used to lock the actuator output terminal 16. Figure 11 In the middle, Figure 10 The force actuator output terminal 16 shown passes through... Figure 9 The working space between the two arms of the U-shaped elastic body 2 of the locking mechanism of the present invention is shown, and it is fastened to the upper flange 13 of the force actuator by means of the frame 3 using fastening screws 17, thus forming a system in which the locking mechanism of the present invention is integrated into the force actuator.

[0036] In summary, the present invention is particularly suitable for precisely locking the position of moving parts with a definite position or a slight change in position, and can adapt to situations where the locked part needs to withstand a certain amount of force in the Z direction in a specific direction, and can release interference forces in other directions, demonstrating good adaptability.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism with good adaptability, characterized in that, The device includes a frame, a U-shaped elastomer, and parallel spring sheets. The U-shaped elastomer is sandwiched between two parallel spring sheets. The U-shaped elastomer includes two side plates and a connecting portion connecting the side plates. The side plates of the U-shaped elastomer extend in the same direction as the parallel spring sheets and are attached to and securely connected to them. The two ends of the parallel spring sheets are fastened to the frame. Opposite locking adjustment components are provided on both sides of the U-shaped elastomer. The U-shaped elastomer also has a locking component for closing inwards. When a locked part needs to be locked, the locked part is placed between the two side plates of the U-shaped elastomer. Tightening the locking component closes the U-shaped elastomer inwards. Adjusting the distance between the locking adjustment component and the locked part adjusts the working space inside the U-shaped elastomer for the locking function, thereby stably clamping and locking the locked part. When the locked part needs to be released... When the locking screw is loosened, the U-shaped elastomer elastically returns to its original shape and causes the locking adjustment component to separate from the locked part. The locking adjustment component includes an adjusting nut and an adjusting screw. The adjusting nut is fixed to the outside of the parallel spring, and the adjusting screw is threadedly engaged with the adjusting nut and moves through the side plates of the parallel spring and the U-shaped elastomer. The U-shaped elastomer has square bosses on both sides, and each square boss has a threaded hole that penetrates the U-shaped elastomer. The parallel spring has a square through hole that matches the square boss. The parallel spring is installed on the outside of the U-shaped elastomer through its square through hole and the square boss of the U-shaped elastomer. The locking component includes a locking screw. One side of the U-shaped elastomer has a through hole, and the other side has a threaded hole. The locking screw moves through the through hole, and its end engages with the threaded hole. The head of the locking screw is located on the outside of the U-shaped elastomer.

2. The locking mechanism with good adaptability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two side plates of the U-shaped elastomer are fastened to the parallel spring sheet by a large pressure plate and large pressure plate screws.

3. A locking mechanism with good adaptability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the parallel spring sheet are fastened to the frame by small pressure plates and small pressure plate screws.

4. A locking mechanism with good adaptability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The U-shaped elastomer is sandwiched between two parallel elastic pieces.

5. A locking mechanism with good adaptability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes a base and a support frame, which are arranged opposite to each other. The lower end of the support frame is fixed to the base, and the upper end serves as the fixed foundation for other components.

6. A locking mechanism with good adaptability according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, This device is used to lock the output end of a force actuator. The force actuator includes a force actuator body and a force actuator output terminal. The frame is fixed to the force actuator body, and the force actuator output terminal is the locked part.

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