Pallet fork type wedge-shaped clamping mechanism and using method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a pallet fork type wedge-shaped clamping mechanism and a using method thereof, and relates to the field of workpiece machining. The invention discloses a pallet fork type wedge-shaped clamping mechanism which comprises a base, a clamping assembly and a driving assembly. The clamping assembly comprises two first sliding seats which are movably arranged on the base, and each first sliding seat is provided with a pallet fork; the driving assembly comprises a wedge-shaped block with the two side portions in sliding connection with the two first sliding bases correspondingly, and a driving module used for driving the wedge-shaped block to slide. The sides, close to the wedge-shaped block, of the two first sliding seats are provided with first driving faces respectively, the distance between the two first driving faces is gradually increased or decreased in the direction from the base to the clamping assembly, the two sides, close to the two first sliding seats, of the wedge-shaped block are provided with second driving faces respectively, and the two second driving faces correspond to the two first driving faces one to one. And the corresponding first driving surface and second driving surface are parallel to each other. According to the pallet fork type wedge-shaped clamping mechanism, synchronous matching of the two pallet forks can be effectively achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of workpiece processing, and in particular to a fork-type wedge clamping mechanism and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] In the processing of workpieces, in order to realize multi-process processing of workpieces, it is sometimes necessary to transfer workpieces from one machine to another. In order to improve the transfer efficiency, multiple workpieces are usually placed on a pallet, and then the pallet and multiple workpieces are transferred as a whole.

[0003] Pallet transfer is typically achieved through a clamping mechanism, which consists of multiple forks. The pallet is clamped and released by the relative opening and closing of these forks. However, in existing clamping mechanisms, each fork is driven by a separate cylinder. Poor synchronization between these cylinders results in inaccurate coordination between the forks, significantly impacting the clamping mechanism's ability to hold the pallet and potentially causing it to fall during transfer. Furthermore, using multiple cylinders increases costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a fork wedge clamping mechanism.

[0005] The forklift wedge clamping mechanism provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A fork wedge clamping mechanism includes a base, at least one set of clamping components, and a drive component; The clamping assembly includes two first slides mounted on the base that are movable in a direction that moves closer or further apart from each other, and each first slide is provided with a fork. The drive assembly includes wedge blocks on both sides that are slidably connected to the two first slide blocks respectively, and a drive module for driving the wedge blocks to slide. The two first slides have a first driving surface on the side near the wedge block. The distance between the two first driving surfaces gradually increases or decreases along the direction from the base to the clamping assembly. The two sides of the wedge block near the two first slides have a second driving surface. The two second driving surfaces correspond one-to-one with the two first driving surfaces. The corresponding first driving surfaces and second driving surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, not only can the synchronous cooperation of the two forks be effectively realized, improving the clamping effect of both on the workpiece pallet, but also the use of multiple cylinders for driving can be eliminated, saving costs.

[0007] Preferably, the base has an inner cavity, and an air inlet is provided on the cavity wall of the inner cavity. The drive module includes a second slide block slidably disposed in the inner cavity along the arrangement direction of the base and the clamping assembly, and a drive rod connected to the second slide block. The drive rod extends out of the inner cavity and is connected to the wedge block.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the air inlet can input compressed air into the inner cavity to realize the movement of the second slide block, thereby enabling the sliding of the wedge block and the movement of the two first slide blocks.

[0009] Preferably, the second slide divides the inner cavity into a first chamber near the clamping assembly and a second chamber away from the clamping assembly. The air inlet includes a first air hole and a second air hole, the first air hole communicating with the first chamber and the second air hole communicating with the second chamber.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the first air hole and the second air hole can respectively introduce compressed air into the first chamber and the second chamber to realize the reciprocating motion of the second slide in the inner cavity.

[0011] Preferably, a first groove is formed between the two first slide blocks. The diameter of the first groove gradually decreases along the direction from the second chamber to the first chamber. The first groove has a first opening near the base and a second opening away from the base. When the wedge block is located at the first opening, the two first slide blocks are relatively close, and the two forks located on the two first slide blocks are clamped together. When the wedge block is located at the second opening, the two first slide blocks are relatively far apart, and the two forks located on the two first slide blocks are relatively open.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the wedge block can drive the two first slide blocks to move closer or further apart during the sliding stroke from the first slot to the second slot, thereby realizing the relative clamping or relative opening of the two forks and improving the clamping effect of the two forks on the pallet.

[0013] Preferably, the base has a limiting groove on the side near the first slot for blocking the wedge-shaped block.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, it is possible to effectively prevent the wedge block from detaching from the first groove.

[0015] Preferably, the first slide has a seat plate on the side away from the base, and the two seat plates have a limiting part extending toward the center of the second slot to block the wedge block at their respective ends.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, it is possible to effectively prevent the wedge block from detaching from the first groove from the second slot.

[0017] Preferably, the base is provided with at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor, at least one fork is provided with a first sensing element, and at least one fork is provided with a second sensing element. When the two forks are clamped together, the first sensing element is connected to the first sensor, and the second sensing element is misaligned with the second sensor. When the two forks are opened apart, the first sensing element is misaligned with the first sensor, and the second sensing element is connected to the second sensor.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, workers can quickly know the clamping status of the clamping components and perform subsequent operations, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the workpiece.

[0019] Preferably, the two first slide blocks are respectively provided with connecting blocks on their sides that are close to each other. The connecting blocks are provided with second sliding grooves. The length direction of the second sliding grooves is consistent with the extension direction of the first driving surface. The two sides of the wedge block are respectively provided with sliders. The two sliders correspond one-to-one with the two second sliding grooves. The corresponding sliders and the second sliding grooves are slidably connected.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding fit between the two first slide blocks and the wedge block can be effectively realized, thereby improving the sliding stability of the two first slide blocks.

[0021] Preferably, the base is further provided with at least one slide rail on one side near the clamping assembly. The at least one slide rail is located on the side of the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks and its extension direction is the same as the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks. The two forks are slidably connected to the slide rail respectively.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding stability of the two forks is effectively improved.

[0023] Another objective of this application is to provide a method of using a fork wedge clamping mechanism.

[0024] The method of using a forklift wedge clamping mechanism provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A method of using a fork wedge clamping mechanism, the method of using the fork wedge clamping mechanism described above, the method of using the fork includes a fork opening method and a fork clamping method; The fork opening method includes: introducing compressed air into the second chamber through the second air hole; the compressed air pushes the second slide to slide along the direction from the second chamber to the first chamber; the second slide drives the wedge block to slide along the direction from the first slot to the second slot; the second driving surfaces on both sides of the wedge block respectively squeeze the corresponding first driving surfaces during the sliding process; the two first slides slide in a direction away from each other under the squeezing cooperation of the first driving surfaces and the second driving surfaces, thereby driving the two forks to open relative to each other; The fork clamping method includes: introducing compressed air into the first chamber through the first air hole; the compressed air pushes the second slide to slide along the direction from the first chamber to the second chamber; the second slide drives the wedge block to slide along the direction from the second slot to the first slot; the second driving surfaces on both sides of the wedge block gradually disengage from the corresponding first driving surfaces during the sliding process; the two first slides that lose their compression slide towards each other and drive the two forks to clamp relative to each other.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, not only can the synchronous cooperation of the two forks be effectively realized, improving the clamping effect of both on the workpiece pallet, but also the use of multiple cylinders for driving can be eliminated, saving costs.

[0026] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The fork-type wedge clamping mechanism of this application can not only effectively achieve synchronous cooperation of the two forks and improve the clamping effect of both on the workpiece pallet, but also save costs by eliminating the need for multiple cylinder drives. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the fork-type wedge clamping mechanism in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the base in the embodiment of this application when the two forks are open relative to each other; Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the base in the embodiment of this application when the two forks are clamped together.

[0028] Marked in the attached diagram: 1. Base; 11. Inner cavity; 111. First chamber; 112. Second chamber; 12. Air inlet; 121. First air vent; 122. Second air vent; 13. Limiting groove; 2. Clamping assembly; 21. First slide; 211. First drive surface; 212. Connecting block; 213. Second slide groove; 22. Fork; 23. First slide groove; 231. First slot; 232. Second slot; 24. Seat plate; 241. Limiting part; 3. Drive assembly; 31. Wedge block; 311. Second drive surface; 32. Drive module; 321. Second slide; 322. Drive rod; 4. First sensor; 5. Second sensor; 6. First sensing element; 7. Second sensing element; 8. Slide rail; 9. Air source connector. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0031] See Figure 1-3 As shown, a fork-type wedge clamping mechanism is illustrated, including a base 1, a clamping assembly 2, and a drive assembly 3; The clamping assembly 2 includes two first slides 21 that are movable on the base 1 along directions that are close to or far from each other, and each first slide 21 is provided with a fork 22; The drive assembly 3 includes wedge blocks 31 on both sides that are slidably connected to two first slide blocks 21, and a drive module 32 for driving the wedge blocks 31 to slide. The two first slide blocks 21 have a first driving surface 211 on one side near the wedge block 31. The distance between the two first driving surfaces 211 gradually decreases along the direction from the base 1 to the clamping assembly 2. The two sides of the wedge block 31 near the two first slide blocks 21 have a second driving surface 311. The two second driving surfaces 311 correspond one-to-one with the two first driving surfaces 211. The corresponding first driving surfaces 211 and second driving surfaces 311 are parallel to each other.

[0032] With the above settings, not only can the synchronous cooperation of the two forks 22 be effectively achieved, improving their clamping effect on the workpiece pallet, but also multiple cylinders can be eliminated, saving costs.

[0033] Specifically, the wedge block 31 is driven to slide by the drive module 32. When the wedge block 31 slides along the direction from the base 1 to the clamping assembly 2, the two first slide blocks 21 move away from each other and the forks 22 on the two first slide blocks 21 open relative to each other. When the wedge block 31 slides along the direction from the clamping assembly 2 to the base 1, the two first slide blocks 21 move closer to each other and the forks 22 on the two first slide blocks 21 clamp relative to each other.

[0034] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2-3 As shown, the base 1 has an inner cavity 11, and an air inlet 12 is provided on the cavity wall of the inner cavity 11. The drive module 32 includes a second slide 321 that is slidably disposed in the inner cavity 11 along the arrangement direction of the base 1 and the clamping assembly 2, and a drive rod 322 connected to the second slide 321. The drive rod 322 extends out of the inner cavity 11 and is connected to the wedge block 31.

[0035] The second slide block 321 divides the inner cavity 11 into a first chamber 111 near the clamping assembly 2 and a second chamber 112 away from the clamping assembly 2. The air inlet 12 includes a first air hole 121 and a second air hole 122, with the first air hole 121 communicating with the first chamber 111 and the second air hole 122 communicating with the second chamber 112. The base 1 also has air source connectors 9 on its side for supplying air to the first air hole 121 and the second air hole 122.

[0036] Compressed air is introduced into the first chamber 111 through the first air hole 121. The compressed air can push the second slide 321 to move along the direction from the first chamber 111 to the second chamber 112, and drive the wedge block 31 to move along the direction from the clamping assembly 2 to the base 1. Compressed air is introduced into the second chamber 112 through the second air hole 122. The compressed air can push the second slide 321 to move along the direction from the second chamber 112 to the first chamber 111, and drive the wedge block 31 to move along the direction from the base 1 to the clamping assembly 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, a first groove 23 is formed between the two first slide blocks 21. The groove diameter of the first groove 23 gradually decreases along the direction from the second chamber 112 to the first chamber 111. The first groove 23 has a first groove opening 231 close to the base 1 and a second groove opening 232 away from the base 1. When the wedge block 31 is located at the first groove opening 231, the two first slide blocks 21 are relatively close, and the two forks 22 located on the two first slide blocks 21 are relatively clamped. When the wedge block 31 is located at the second groove opening 232, the two first slide blocks 21 are relatively far apart, and the two forks 22 located on the two first slide blocks 21 are relatively open.

[0038] A limiting groove 13 for blocking the wedge block 31 is provided on the side of the base 1 near the first slot 231. A seat plate 24 is provided on the side of the first slide block 21 away from the base 1. The ends of the two seat plates 24 that are close to each other have limiting portions 241 extending toward the center of the second slot 232 for blocking the wedge block 31. The limiting groove 13 and the limiting portion 241 can be used to prevent the wedge block 31 from disengaging from the first slide block 23 through the first slot 231 and the second slot 232.

[0039] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 1 As shown, a first sensor 4 and a second sensor 5 are installed on the base 1. One fork 22 is equipped with a first sensing element 6, and the other fork 22 is equipped with a second sensing element 7. When the two forks 22 are clamped together, the first sensing element 6 is in contact with the first sensor 4, and the first sensor 4 detects the first sensing element 6 and sends a clamping signal. At this time, the second sensing element 7 is misaligned with the second sensor 5. When the two forks 22 are opened relative to each other, the first sensing element 6 is misaligned with the first sensor 4, and the second sensing element 7 is in contact with the second sensor 5. The second sensor 5 detects the second sensing element 7 and sends an opening signal. In this way, the worker can quickly know the clamping status of the clamping assembly 2 and perform subsequent operations, improving the processing efficiency of the workpiece. The first sensing element 6 and the second sensing element 7 are both sheet metal parts, and the first sensor 4 and the second sensor 5 are proximity sensors.

[0040] In this embodiment, combined again Figure 2-3 As shown, the two first slide blocks 21 are respectively provided with connecting blocks 212 on the side of their close proximity. The connecting blocks 212 are provided with second slide grooves 213. The length direction of the second slide grooves 213 is consistent with the extension direction of the first driving surface 211. The two sides of the wedge block 31 are respectively provided with sliders (not shown in the figure). The two sliders correspond one-to-one with the two second slide grooves 213. The corresponding sliders and second slide grooves 213 are slidably connected.

[0041] With the above settings, the sliding engagement between the two first slide blocks 21 and the wedge block 31 can be effectively achieved, so that the two first slide blocks 21 can move relatively closer and further away during the sliding process of the wedge block 31, thereby improving the sliding stability of the two first slide blocks 21.

[0042] Two slide rails 8 are also provided on the side of the base 1 near the clamping assembly 2. The two slide rails 8 are located on both sides of the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks 21 and their extension direction is the same as the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks 21. Each slide rail 8 is slidably connected to the two forks 22. This can effectively improve the sliding stability of the two forks 22.

[0043] The above-mentioned fork wedge clamping mechanism has the following usage methods: fork opening method and fork clamping method; like Figure 2 As shown, the fork opening method includes: compressed air is introduced into the second chamber 112 through the second air hole 122, the compressed air pushes the second slide 321 to slide along the direction from the second chamber 112 to the first chamber 111, the second slide 321 drives the wedge block 31 to slide along the direction from the first slot 231 to the second slot 232, the second driving surfaces 311 on both sides of the wedge block 31 respectively squeeze the corresponding first driving surfaces 211 during the sliding process, the two first slides 21 slide in a direction away from each other under the squeezing cooperation of the first driving surfaces 211 and the second driving surfaces 311 and drive the two forks 22 to open relative to each other; The fork clamping method includes: introducing compressed air into the first chamber 111 through the first air hole 121; the compressed air pushes the second slide block 321 to slide along the direction from the first chamber 111 to the second chamber 112; the second slide block 321 drives the wedge block 31 to slide along the direction from the second slot 232 to the first slot 231; the second driving surfaces 311 on both sides of the wedge block 31 gradually disengage from the corresponding first driving surfaces 211 during the sliding process; the two first slide blocks 21 that are no longer squeezed slide towards each other and drive the two forks 22 to clamp relative to each other.

[0044] The embodiments described herein are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A forklift wedge clamping mechanism, characterized in that: Includes a base (1), at least one set of clamping components (2), and a drive component (3); The clamping assembly (2) includes two first slides (21) that are movable on the base (1) in a direction that moves closer or further away from each other, and each first slide (21) is provided with a fork (22); The drive assembly (3) includes wedge blocks (31) with their two sides slidably connected to the two first slide blocks (21) respectively, and a drive module (32) for driving the wedge blocks (31) to slide. The two first slides (21) have a first driving surface (211) on the side near the wedge block (31). The distance between the two first driving surfaces (211) gradually increases or decreases along the direction from the base (1) to the clamping assembly (2). The two sides of the wedge block (31) near the two first slides (21) have a second driving surface (311). The two second driving surfaces (311) correspond one-to-one with the two first driving surfaces (211). The corresponding first driving surfaces (211) and second driving surfaces (311) are parallel to each other.

2. The fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (1) has an inner cavity (11), and an air inlet (12) is provided on the cavity wall of the inner cavity (11). The drive module (32) includes a second slide (321) slidably disposed in the inner cavity (11) along the arrangement direction of the base (1) and the clamping assembly (2), and a drive rod (322) connected to the second slide (321). The drive rod (322) extends out of the inner cavity (11) and is connected to the wedge block (31).

3. The fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second slide (321) divides the inner cavity (11) into a first chamber (111) near the clamping assembly (2) and a second chamber (112) away from the clamping assembly (2). The air inlet (12) includes a first air hole (121) and a second air hole (122). The first air hole (121) communicates with the first chamber (111), and the second air hole (122) communicates with the second chamber (112).

4. The fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first groove (23) is formed between the two first slide blocks (21). The groove diameter of the first groove (23) gradually decreases along the direction from the second chamber (112) to the first chamber (111). The first groove (23) has a first opening (231) close to the base (1) and a second opening (232) away from the base (1). When the wedge block (31) is located in the first opening (231), the two first slide blocks (21) are relatively close, and the two forks (22) located on the two first slide blocks (21) are relatively clamped. When the wedge block (31) is located in the second opening (232), the two first slide blocks (21) are relatively far apart, and the two forks (22) located on the two first slide blocks (21) are relatively open.

5. A fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The base (1) has a limiting groove (13) on the side near the first slot (231) for blocking the wedge block (31).

6. A fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first slide (21) has a seat plate (24) on the side away from the base (1). The two seat plates (24) have a limiting part (241) extending toward the center of the second slot (232) to block the wedge block (31).

7. A fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with at least one first sensor (4) and at least one second sensor (5). At least one fork (22) is provided with a first sensing element (6) and at least one fork (22) is provided with a second sensing element (7). When the two forks (22) are clamped together, the first sensing element (6) is connected to the first sensor (4) and the second sensing element (7) is misaligned with the second sensor (5). When the two forks (22) are opened together, the first sensing element (6) is misaligned with the first sensor (4) and the second sensing element (7) is connected to the second sensor (5).

8. A forklift wedge clamping mechanism according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that: The two first slide blocks (21) are respectively provided with connecting blocks (212) on their sides that are close to each other. The connecting blocks (212) are provided with second slide grooves (213). The length direction of the second slide grooves (213) is consistent with the extension direction of the first driving surface (211). The two sides of the wedge block (31) are respectively provided with sliders. The two sliders correspond one-to-one with the two second slide grooves (213). The corresponding sliders and the second slide grooves (213) are slidably connected.

9. A forklift wedge clamping mechanism according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with at least one slide rail (8) on one side near the clamping assembly (2). The at least one slide rail (8) is located on the side of the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks (21) and its extension direction is the same as the sliding direction of the two first slide blocks (21). The two forks (22) are slidably connected to the slide rail (8) respectively.

10. A method of using a fork-type wedge clamping mechanism, characterized in that: The method of use is based on the fork-type wedge clamping mechanism according to any one of claims 4-9, and the method of use includes a fork opening method and a fork clamping method; The fork opening method includes: introducing compressed air into the second chamber (112) through the second air hole (122), the compressed air pushing the second slide (321) to slide along the direction from the second chamber (112) to the first chamber (111), the second slide (321) driving the wedge block (31) to slide along the direction from the first slot (231) to the second slot (232), the second driving surfaces (311) on both sides of the wedge block (31) respectively squeeze the corresponding first driving surfaces (211) during the sliding process, the two first slides (21) slide in a direction away from each other under the squeezing cooperation of the first driving surfaces (211) and the second driving surfaces (311) and drive the two forks (22) to open relative to each other; The fork clamping method includes: introducing compressed air into the first chamber (111) through the first air hole (121), the compressed air pushing the second slide (321) to slide along the direction from the first chamber (111) to the second chamber (112), the second slide (321) driving the wedge block (31) to slide along the direction from the second slot (232) to the first slot (231), the second driving surface (311) on both sides of the wedge block (31) gradually disengages from the corresponding first driving surface (211) during the sliding process, the two first slides (21) that lose compression slide towards each other and drive the two forks (22) to clamp relative to each other.

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