A flexible clamping device and operating method for automated assembly of dental endoscopes

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of dental endoscope clamping, specifically to a flexible clamping device and operating method for automated assembly of dental endoscopes. The device includes a support platform providing the foundation for the entire device; a discharge frame fixedly mounted on the top of the support platform for storing the dental endoscope after automated assembly; a magnetic block fixedly installed inside the discharge frame; a track fixedly mounted on the support platform, with a sliding sleeve slidably fitted on the track, and a hydraulic cylinder connected to the outer side of the sliding sleeve via a rod; and a clamping mechanism for flexibly clamping the dental endoscope. This flexible clamping device and operating method for automated assembly of dental endoscopes ensures safe clamping of the dental endoscope through multiple design features. The silicone protective pad on the inner wall of the clamping claws undergoes slight deformation during clamping, preventing scratches on the endoscope handle and breakage of the lens through flexible contact, while also increasing friction to prevent the dental endoscope from falling off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dental endoscope clamping technology, specifically to a flexible clamping device and operating method for automated assembly of dental endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] As the dental medical market raises its requirements for product quality, dental endoscope production has three core demands for clamping and transport devices: First, flexible protection, which requires precise clamping force control and flexible contact design to prevent scratches on the handle and breakage of the lens, with a product qualification rate of over 99.5%; Second, multi-specification compatibility, which requires compatibility with dental endoscopes of different sizes and surface characteristics (such as coated and uncoated, adult and children's models), eliminating the need for frequent clamp changes and adapting to the needs of flexible production lines.

[0003] The gripping claws of existing clamps are mostly made of metal and lack flexible protective structures. When clamping, they come into direct contact with the surface of the dental endoscope. The anti-slip texture on the surface of the endoscope handle is easily scratched by the metal claws, and the special coating may fall off due to friction. The connection between the lens and the endoscope handle (such as the adhesive joint) is subject to concentrated force. If the clamping force is not properly controlled (such as pressure fluctuations in pneumatic clamps), the lens may easily break. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a flexible clamping device and operating method for the automated assembly of dental endoscopes to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flexible clamping device for the automated assembly of a dental endoscope, comprising a support platform, wherein the support platform provides a mounting and support foundation for the entire device;

[0006] The unloading frame is fixedly installed on the top of the support platform and is used to store the dental mirrors after automated assembly; a first magnetic block is fixedly installed inside the unloading frame;

[0007] A track is fixedly installed on the support platform, and a sliding sleeve is slidably fitted on the track. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the outside of the sliding sleeve by a rod.

[0008] A clamping mechanism is used to flexibly clamp a dental endoscope and to transport the dental endoscope by sliding a sleeve on a track. The clamping mechanism is located at the bottom of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0009] The clamping mechanism includes a frame, a cylinder is fixedly installed on one side of the frame, a first clamping unit is provided at the bottom of the cylinder, and a second clamping unit is provided at the bottom of the first clamping unit.

[0010] The second clamping unit includes a vertical plate, and a first electric push rod is fixedly installed inside the vertical plate. A clamping claw is fixedly connected to the outer side of the output end of the first electric push rod, and a protective pad is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the clamping claw.

[0011] The vertical plate is moved inward by a cylinder so that the gripper and protective pad can flexibly hold the dental endoscope.

[0012] Preferably, the support platform is provided with a material support platform, a material placement plate and a fixing block, and the material support platform and the material placement plate respectively support the head and tail of the dental endoscope.

[0013] Preferably, a docking plate is fixedly connected to the side of the frame away from the cylinder, and the bottom of the docking plate is pressed and adapted to the tail of the dental end.

[0014] The first clamping unit is symmetrically provided with control units on both sides. The control units are linked and adapted to the second clamping unit to switch the clamping mode.

[0015] Preferably, a groove is formed on the outer side of the vertical plate, a wave plate is slidably fitted inside the groove, a perforation is formed on the top of the wave plate, and a limiting rod is pressed onto the top of the wave plate.

[0016] The first limiting rod passes through the output end of the first electric push rod, the first limiting rod is inserted into the interior of the vertical plate and extends into the first groove, and the first limiting rod is slidably adapted to the first through hole.

[0017] Preferably, the control unit includes a first sliding plate, a groove is provided on the outer side of the cylinder, and the groove is slidably adapted to the first sliding plate. A second electric push rod is fixedly installed on the top of the first sliding plate, and a fixed plate is fixedly connected to the top of the second electric push rod. The fixed plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the cylinder.

[0018] Preferably, a first spring and a second limiting rod are fixedly connected to the bottom of the first sliding plate;

[0019] A bottom curved rod is fixedly connected to the outer side of the first sliding plate, and the curved surface at the bottom of the bottom curved rod is squeezed and adapted to the wave plate.

[0020] Preferably, the first clamping unit includes a central plate, the bottom of which has a groove, and a second sliding plate is slidably adapted in the groove. The bottom of the second sliding plate is fixedly connected to the vertical plate, and a second groove is formed on the outer side of the second sliding plate.

[0021] The second sliding plate is controlled by a cylinder, and the top of the central plate has a hole that is slidably adapted to the second limiting rod.

[0022] Preferably, a mesh plate is fixedly installed inside the second groove, and a third electric push rod is fixedly installed on the outside of the central plate. A second through hole is opened at the top of the output end of the third electric push rod, and the inside of the second through hole is slidably adapted to the second limiting rod.

[0023] A sensor is fixedly installed on the outer end face of the output end of the No. 3 electric push rod, and a No. 2 spring is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixed end of the No. 3 electric push rod. The end of the No. 2 spring away from the No. 3 electric push rod is fixedly connected to the mesh plate.

[0024] Preferably, the top of the vertical plate is provided with a third groove, which extends through the interior of the vertical plate to its bottom. A rigid rod is slidably fitted inside the third groove. A second magnetic block is fixedly installed at the bottom of the rigid rod. A flexible strip is fixedly connected to the top of the rigid rod, and a sensing element is fixedly connected to the top of the flexible strip.

[0025] There is an attractive force between the second magnetic block and the first magnetic block.

[0026] A flexible clamping operation method for automated assembly of a dental endoscope includes the following steps:

[0027] Step 1: Before assembling the dental endoscope, complete the positioning and support. The material placement plate and the support platform on the support table support the head and tail of the dental endoscope respectively. The fixing block assists in limiting the position to ensure that the dental endoscope is in a stable position to be clamped, providing a precise reference for subsequent clamping actions and avoiding clamping misalignment due to dental endoscope displacement.

[0028] Step Two: During the clamping stage, the clamping mechanism achieves flexible clamping to adapt to the fragile structure of the dental endoscope. The hydraulic cylinder drives the frame to move down to the corresponding height of the dental endoscope. In the initial state, the cylinder starts to push the second slide plate and the vertical plate to move, so that the center of the clamping claws closes. The clamping force is buffered by the inner wall protective pad. If the first control mode is switched, the control unit will release the lock of the first electric push rod in conjunction, and the first electric push rod will drive the clamping claws. If the second control mode is switched, after the cylinder stops operating, the hydraulic cylinder drives the clamping device to move down. The fixed block squeezes the rigid rod to trigger the sensor. The sensor signal drives the third electric push rod to push the component to move and achieve clamping.

[0029] Step 3: After clamping is completed, the hydraulic cylinder drives the clamping mechanism to move upward, and the sliding sleeve slides along the track to transport the dental endoscope to the unloading position. The docking plate is squeezed and fitted with the tail of the dental endoscope to help maintain the stability of the dental endoscope during the transportation process and avoid the dental endoscope from loosening due to bumps.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0031] 1. Multiple design features ensure safe clamping of the dental endoscope. The silicone protective pads on the inner walls of the clamping claws deform slightly during clamping, preventing scratches on the endoscope handle and lens breakage through flexible contact, while also increasing friction to prevent the endoscope from falling off. Simultaneously, the device supports flexible switching between three clamping methods: a conventional cylinder drive meets basic clamping needs; a first-stage electric actuator drive precisely adapts to endoscope handles of different diameters, such as those for children and adults; and a third-stage electric actuator drive provides low-force clamping to protect the special coating of the endoscope. This comprehensive design adapts to diverse production scenarios, effectively improving the product qualification rate of dental endoscopes.

[0032] 2. During the positioning stage, the material placement plate and the support platform can work together to stably limit the position of the dental endoscope according to its shape, avoiding subsequent clamping misalignment due to initial position deviation. During the conveying process, the sliding sleeve slides smoothly along the track, and works with the docking plate to fit the tail of the dental endoscope to balance the weight at both ends and limit axial movement. Even if there are slight bumps in the track, it can prevent the dental endoscope from loosening and falling off, greatly reducing the wear and tear of the dental endoscope during the transfer process and ensuring the continuity of the production process.

[0033] 3. The unloading process of the device combines automation and precision. Upon reaching the unloading position, the clamping mechanism automatically releases the dental endoscope according to the corresponding drive method. Simultaneously, the attraction between the magnetic block and the rigid rod magnetic block in the unloading frame triggers the unloading detection, ensuring that the dental endoscope falls smoothly into the unloading frame and providing a success signal, thus avoiding missed or incorrect unloading. The entire clamping, transfer, and unloading process requires minimal manual intervention, achieving a high degree of automation, significantly shortening the single operation time, and greatly improving the overall efficiency of the dental endoscope production line. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental mirror according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material placement plate of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the second clamping unit of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control unit of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an enlarged structural schematic diagram of the second limiting rod in the control unit of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the first clamping unit of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible strip in the first clamping unit of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the second sliding plate in the first clamping unit of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the No. 2 limiting rod of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the No. 3 electric push rod in the No. 1 clamping unit of the present invention.

[0046] In the picture:

[0047] 1. Support platform;

[0048] 2. Unloading frame;

[0049] 3. Magnetic block number one;

[0050] 4. Track;

[0051] 5. Sliding sleeve;

[0052] 6. Hydraulic cylinder;

[0053] 7. Clamping mechanism; 71. Frame; 72. Cylinder; 73. Clamping unit 1; 74. Clamping unit 2; 75. Control unit; 76. Connecting plate;

[0054] 741. Vertical plate; 742. Electric push rod No. 1; 743. Clamping claw; 744. Protective pad; 745. Channel No. 1; 746. Wave plate; 747. Perforation No. 1; 748. Limiting rod No. 1;

[0055] 751. No. 1 skateboard; 752. No. 2 electric push rod; 753. Fixed board; 754. No. 1 spring; 755. No. 2 limit rod; 756. Bottom bend rod;

[0056] 731. Center plate; 732. No. 2 sliding plate; 733. No. 2 groove; 734. Mesh plate; 735. No. 3 electric actuator; 736. No. 2 perforation; 737. Sensor; 738. No. 2 spring; 739. No. 3 groove; 730. Rigid rod; 73A. Flexible strip; 73B. Sensing element; 73C. No. 2 magnetic block;

[0057] 8. Material support platform;

[0058] 9. Material placement plate;

[0059] 10. Fixed block. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments. It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] Please see Figures 1 to 12 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0062] Example 1: Dental endoscope positioning, support, and clamping preparation stage.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the support platform 1 provides the installation foundation for the entire device. The unloading frame 2 and the track 4 are fixedly installed on its top. The unloading frame 2 has a first magnetic block 3 pasted inside, and the sliding sleeve 5 on the track 4 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 6 through a rod. The bottom of the hydraulic cylinder 6 is equipped with a clamping mechanism 7. The support platform 1 also has a material support platform 8, a material placement plate 9, and a fixing block 10 fixed on it, which correspond to the tail, head, and side limits of the dental endoscope, respectively.

[0064] After the dental endoscope completes the initial assembly of the lens and handle, the conveyor belt transports it to the designated position on the support platform 1: the placement plate 9 supports the front of the dental end, i.e., the lens mounting end, and the support platform 8 supports the rear of the dental end, i.e., the handheld end. Together, they position the dental endoscope in a stable state that fits its shape, preventing misalignment during subsequent clamping due to positional deviation. At this time, the hydraulic cylinder 6 receives a control signal and drives the clamping mechanism 7 to move vertically downwards until the second clamping unit 74 of the clamping mechanism 7 is at the same height as the dental endoscope, ready to initiate the clamping action.

[0065] Example 2: Switching between flexible clamping and clamping method for dental endoscope.

[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a cylinder 72 is fixed on one side of the frame 71 of the clamping mechanism 7, and a first clamping unit 73 and a second clamping unit 74 are arranged sequentially at the bottom; a first electric push rod 742 is fixed inside the vertical plate 741 of the second clamping unit 74, and the output end is connected to the clamping claw 743. The inner wall of the claw is attached with a protective pad 744, which is made of silicone; control units 75 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first clamping unit 73 for switching the clamping drive mode.

[0067] (1) Conventional flexible clamping

[0068] Cylinder 72 is activated first, pushing the second sliding plate 732 of the first clamping unit 73 to move horizontally towards the dental endoscope. Its bottom end is fixed to the vertical plate 741, causing the clamping claws 743 on both sides to simultaneously close towards the center. When the clamping claws 743 contact the dental endoscope handle, the protective pad 744 on the inner wall undergoes slight deformation due to compression. This increases the friction with the handle to ensure a firm grip and prevent the dental endoscope from falling off. It also buffers the clamping force through flexible contact, preventing scratches on the handle surface or breakage of the lens due to pressure.

[0069] (2) Switching to the first clamping method (cylinder-electric push rod drive)

[0070] If different diameter handles are required, such as pediatric and adult dental mirrors, the operation must be switched to drive the first electric actuator 742: the second electric actuator 752 of the control unit 75 is activated. The second electric actuator 752 is fixed on the fixed plate 753 and pushes the first slide plate 751 down along the outer groove of the cylinder 72. The bottom curved rod 756, which is fixed to the outside of the first slide plate 751, moves down simultaneously. The curved surface at the bottom of the rod presses against the wave plate 746 in the first groove 745 of the vertical plate 741, causing the wave plate 746 to slide inward. When the first perforation 747 at the top of the wave plate 746 moves directly below the first limiting rod 748, the first limiting rod 748 disengages from locking the first electric actuator 742. The first limiting rod 748 initially passes through the output end surface of the first electric actuator 742, and its bottom is pressed against the top of the wave plate 746. Additionally, the second limiting rod 755, which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the first sliding plate 751, will be inserted into the second through hole 736 of the third electric push rod 735, restricting the movement of the third electric push rod 735. At this time, the first electric push rod 742 takes over control and adjusts the opening and closing range of the clamping claw 743 through precise extension and retraction to adapt to the clamping needs of different sized dental endoscopes.

[0071] The No. 1 spring (754), which is fixedly connected to the bottom of the No. 1 skateboard (751), serves to cushion the No. 1 skateboard (751).

[0072] (3) Switching to the second clamping method (cylinder-electric push rod No. 3 drive)

[0073] If the dental endoscope surface has a special coating that requires further reduction in clamping force, it can be switched to drive the third electric push rod 735: the cylinder 72 stops operating, the first limit rod 748 relocks the first electric push rod 742; the hydraulic cylinder 6 drives the clamping mechanism 7 to move down as a whole, the fixing block 10 presses the rigid rod 730 in the third groove 739 of the vertical plate 741, wherein the rigid rod 730 slides and adapts to the third groove 739, and the third groove 739 is opened inside the vertical plate 741, pushing the rigid rod 730 to move up, and the flexible strip 73A welded to its top drives the sensor 73B into the second groove 733, wherein the second groove 733 is opened inside the second slide plate 732. The third electric push rod 735 is fixedly installed on the outside of the central plate 731. After the sensor 737 located on the outside of its output end senses the sensing element 73B, it drives the output end to extend outward and squeeze the mesh plate 734 in the second groove 733. The force is transmitted through the elastic deformation of the mesh plate 734, which drives the second slide plate 732 and the clamping claw 743 to move slowly toward the dental endoscope, achieving low-force flexible clamping and protecting the special coating from damage.

[0074] The conventional flexible clamping is the last driving method. That is, when the No. 1 electric push rod 742 and the No. 3 electric push rod 735 fail, the cylinder 72 is used to drive the clamping.

[0075] The two ends of the second spring 738 are connected to the fixed ends of the mesh plate 734 and the third electric push rod 735, respectively, and it plays a role in resetting the second slide plate 732 and the vertical plate 741.

[0076] The flexible design of the 744 protective pad effectively avoids damage to the dental endoscope and improves the product qualification rate; the three clamping methods can be flexibly switched according to the size and surface characteristics of the dental endoscope to adapt to diverse production needs; the precise adjustment driven by the electric push rod is more suitable for the fine clamping of small-sized dental endoscopes compared with the cylinder 72 drive.

[0077] Example 3: Dental endoscope delivery and precise unloading stage.

[0078] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, after the dental endoscope is stabilized, the sliding sleeve 5 slides onto the track 4, causing the sliding sleeve 5 to slide along the track 4, driving the hydraulic cylinder 6 and the clamping mechanism 7 to move as a whole. The sliding sleeve 5 and the hydraulic cylinder 6 are connected by rods, transporting the dental endoscope from the assembly station to above the unloading frame 2. During the transport process, the docking plate 76 of the clamping mechanism 7 fits against the tail of the dental endoscope, helping to limit the axial movement of the dental endoscope and preventing the dental endoscope from loosening due to the bumps of the track 4. The docking plate 76 is fixed to the outside of the frame 71.

[0079] The weight of the end of the dental mirror with the mirror surface is greater than that of the end. Therefore, the docking plate 76 is used to balance the weight of the two ends of the dental mirror and prevent the dental mirror from slipping or falling off.

[0080] Upon reaching the unloading position, the clamping mechanism 7 releases the dental endoscope according to a preset program: if driven by the first electric push rod 742, its output end retracts, causing the clamping claw 743 to open; if driven by the cylinder 72 or the third electric push rod 735, the corresponding component resets, causing the clamping claw 743 to disengage from the dental endoscope. Simultaneously, the first magnetic block 3 in the unloading frame 2 attracts the second magnetic block 73C at the bottom of the rigid rod 730, pulling the rigid rod 730 down along the third groove 739. The flexible strip 73A drives the sensor 73B to move synchronously. The reset of the sensor 73B and its separation from the sensor 737 detect and judge the opening of the clamping claw 743, sending a "successful unloading" signal back to the control system. The dental endoscope falls smoothly into the unloading frame 2 under gravity, completing one clamping and transfer process.

[0081] The cooperation between the sliding sleeve 5 and the track 4 ensures the smooth transport of the dental endoscope, preventing it from falling off due to transport bumps; the magnetic block attraction-assisted unloading detection design ensures successful unloading and reduces the problem of missed or incorrect unloading; the entire transport and unloading process is automated, greatly improving the efficiency of the production line.

[0082] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Before assembling the dental endoscope, positioning and support are completed. The material placement plate 9 and the support platform 8 on the support platform 1 support the head and tail of the dental endoscope respectively. The fixing block 10 assists in limiting the position, ensuring that the dental endoscope is in a stable position to be clamped, providing a precise reference for subsequent clamping actions, and avoiding clamping misalignment due to dental endoscope displacement.

[0083] During the clamping phase, the clamping mechanism 7 provides flexible clamping, adapting to the fragile structure of the dental endoscope. The hydraulic cylinder 6 drives the frame 71 to move down to the corresponding height of the dental endoscope. The cylinder 72 is activated first, pushing the second sliding plate 732 and the vertical plate 741 towards the dental endoscope, bringing the second clamping unit 74 closer to the dental endoscope. Subsequently, the clamping claws 743 close in the center under the movement of the vertical plate 741. The protective pads 744 on the inner wall of the clamping claws 743 directly contact the surface of the dental endoscope. The flexible material of the protective pads 744 buffers the clamping force, preventing damage to the dental endoscope due to rigid compression, while ensuring the clamping firmness.

[0084] When switching to the first control mode, the control of cylinder 72 and clamping unit 73 is transferred to electric push rod 742. At this time, the synchronous linkage of control unit 75 is required: electric push rod 752 pushes slide plate 751 down, bottom curved rod 756 presses wave plate 746 down, and wave plate 746 slides inward along groove 745. The perforation 747 at the top of wave plate 746 moves to the top of limit rod 748, so that limit rod 748 disengages from electric push rod 742, thereby releasing the lock on electric push rod 742 and allowing electric push rod 742 to drive clamping claw 743, so that the driving force changes from cylinder 72 to electric push rod 742. At the same time, limit rod 755 is inserted into perforation 736 and limits electric push rod 735.

[0085] When switching to the second control mode, cylinder 72 stops operating, and electric push rod 742 is locked by limit rod 748. Then, hydraulic cylinder 6 drives the entire clamping device to move downward. At this time, the fixed block 10 will press against the bottom of rigid rod 730, causing rigid rod 730 to move upward and push flexible strip 73A. When sensor 73B moves into the second groove 733, clamping claw 743 also moves to the same height as the part of the dental endoscope that needs to be clamped. At this time, sensor 737 will sense sensor 73B. Then, sensor 737 will transmit the received signal to the control terminal inside electric push rod 735. Then, the control terminal drives electric push rod 735 to extend outward and press against mesh plate 734. Finally, the second slide plate 732 and vertical plate 741 move towards the dental endoscope, realizing the clamping claw 743 clamping the dental endoscope.

[0086] After clamping, the dental endoscope is transported. Hydraulic cylinder 6 drives clamping mechanism 7 to move upward, and sliding sleeve 5 slides along track 4 to transport the clamped dental endoscope to the unloading position. The docking plate 76 is squeezed and fitted with the tail of the dental endoscope to help maintain the stability of the dental endoscope during the transport process and prevent the dental endoscope from loosening due to bumps. When the dental endoscope is transported above the unloading frame 2, clamping mechanism 7 releases the dental endoscope: First, electric push rod 742 drives clamping claw 743 to open; second, cylinder 72 drives vertical plate 741 and clamping claw 743 to reset; third, magnetic block 73C and magnetic block 3 generate an attraction force, causing sensor 73B to reset and intersect with sensor 737, finally causing clamping claw 743 to reset, and the dental endoscope falls into unloading frame 2 under the action of gravity. At this time, the second magnetic block 73C at the bottom of the rigid rod 730 in the vertical plate 741 attracts the first magnetic block 3 in the unloading frame 2, pulling the rigid rod 730 down along the third groove 739. The flexible strip 73A drives the sensor 73B to move synchronously. The sensor 73B detects whether the dental endoscope has been successfully unloaded, ensuring that the unloading process is accurate and controllable, and completing one flexible clamping and transfer process of the dental endoscope.

[0087] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above concepts without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental endoscope, characterized in that, include: The support platform provides a foundation for the installation and support of the entire device. The unloading frame is fixedly installed on the top of the support platform and is used to store the dental mirrors after automated assembly; a first magnetic block is fixedly installed inside the unloading frame; A track is fixedly installed on the support platform, and a sliding sleeve is slidably fitted on the track. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the outside of the sliding sleeve by a rod. A clamping mechanism is used to flexibly clamp a dental endoscope and to transport the dental endoscope by sliding a sleeve on a track. The clamping mechanism is located at the bottom of a hydraulic cylinder. The clamping mechanism includes a frame, a cylinder is fixedly installed on one side of the frame, a first clamping unit is provided at the bottom of the cylinder, and a second clamping unit is provided at the bottom of the first clamping unit. The second clamping unit includes a vertical plate, and a first electric push rod is fixedly installed inside the vertical plate. A clamping claw is fixedly connected to the outer side of the output end of the first electric push rod, and a protective pad is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the clamping claw. The vertical plate is moved inward by a cylinder so that the clamping claws and protective pads can flexibly clamp the dental endoscope. The support platform is respectively provided with a material support platform, a material placement plate and a fixing block, and the material support platform and the material placement plate support the head and tail of the dental endoscope respectively; A docking plate is fixedly connected to the side of the frame away from the cylinder, and the bottom of the docking plate is squeezed and adapted to the tail of the dental end. The first clamping unit is symmetrically provided with adjustment units on both sides. The adjustment units are linked and adapted to the second clamping unit to switch the clamping mode. A groove is formed on the outer side of the vertical plate, and a wave plate is slidably fitted inside the groove. A perforation is formed on the top of the wave plate, and a limiting rod is pressed onto the top of the wave plate. The first limiting rod passes through the output end of the first electric push rod, the first limiting rod is inserted into the interior of the vertical plate and extends into the first groove, and the first limiting rod is slidably adapted to the first through hole; The control unit includes a first sliding plate. A groove is provided on the outer side of the cylinder, and the groove is slidably adapted to the first sliding plate. A second electric push rod is fixedly installed on the top of the first sliding plate. A fixed plate is fixedly connected to the top of the second electric push rod, and the fixed plate is fixedly connected to the outer side of the cylinder.

2. The flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the No. 1 slide is fixedly connected to a No. 1 spring and a No. 2 limiting rod; A bottom curved rod is fixedly connected to the outer side of the first sliding plate, and the curved surface at the bottom of the bottom curved rod is squeezed and adapted to the wave plate.

3. The flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first clamping unit includes a central plate, the bottom of which has a groove, and a second sliding plate is slidably fitted in the groove. The bottom of the second sliding plate is fixedly connected to the vertical plate, and a second groove is formed on the outer side of the second sliding plate. The second sliding plate is controlled by a cylinder, and the top of the central plate has a hole that is slidably adapted to the second limiting rod.

4. The flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: A mesh plate is fixedly installed inside the second groove, and a third electric push rod is fixedly installed on the outside of the central plate. A second through hole is opened at the top of the output end of the third electric push rod, and the inside of the second through hole is slidably adapted to the second limiting rod. A sensor is fixedly installed on the outer end face of the output end of the No. 3 electric push rod, and a No. 2 spring is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fixed end of the No. 3 electric push rod. The end of the No. 2 spring away from the No. 3 electric push rod is fixedly connected to the mesh plate.

5. The flexible clamping device for automated assembly of a dental endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the vertical plate has a No. 3 groove, which extends through the interior of the vertical plate to its bottom. A rigid rod is slidably fitted inside the No. 3 groove. A No. 2 magnetic block is fixedly installed at the bottom of the rigid rod. A flexible strip is fixedly connected to the top of the rigid rod, and a sensing element is fixedly connected to the top of the flexible strip. There is an attractive force between the second magnetic block and the first magnetic block.

6. A flexible clamping operation method for automated assembly of a dental endoscope, used in the flexible clamping device for automated assembly of the dental endoscope as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Before assembling the dental endoscope, complete the positioning and support. The material placement plate and the support platform on the support table support the head and tail of the dental endoscope respectively. The fixing block assists in limiting the position to ensure that the dental endoscope is in a stable position to be clamped, providing a precise reference for subsequent clamping actions and avoiding clamping misalignment due to dental endoscope displacement. Step Two: During the clamping stage, the clamping mechanism achieves flexible clamping to adapt to the fragile structure of the dental endoscope. The hydraulic cylinder drives the frame to move down to the corresponding height of the dental endoscope. In the initial state, the cylinder starts to push the second slide plate and the vertical plate to move, so that the center of the clamping claws closes. The clamping force is buffered by the inner wall protective pad. If the first control mode is switched, the control unit will release the lock of the first electric push rod in conjunction, and the first electric push rod will drive the clamping claws. If the second control mode is switched, after the cylinder stops operating, the hydraulic cylinder drives the clamping device to move down. The fixed block squeezes the rigid rod to trigger the sensor. The sensor signal drives the third electric push rod to push the component to move and achieve clamping. Step 3: After clamping is completed, the hydraulic cylinder drives the clamping mechanism to move upward, and the sliding sleeve slides along the track to transport the dental endoscope to the unloading position. The docking plate is squeezed and fitted with the tail of the dental endoscope to help maintain the stability of the dental endoscope during the transportation process and avoid the dental endoscope from loosening due to bumps.

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