Diaphragm frame and anode plate grabbing clamp
By designing a diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture, the safety hazards and environmental pollution problems of manual operation in electrolytic manganese production were solved, achieving efficient and safe automated gripping and dumping, thus improving production efficiency and equipment lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
Smart Images

Figure CN121853095A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic manganese metal processing equipment, specifically providing a diaphragm frame and an anode plate gripping fixture. Background Technology
[0002] In the electrolytic production of manganese, the diaphragm frames and anode plates inside the electrolytic cell need to be periodically removed and replaced for cleaning and maintenance. Currently, this operation mainly relies on manual labor. Workers manually hook the diaphragm frames and anode plates using wire ropes, slings, and simple hooks, and then use overhead cranes and electric hoists to lift them out of the electrolytic cell. This method has significant drawbacks: First, manual operation above the electrolytic cell creates a harsh environment (acid mist, high temperature), involves high current operation on the cell surface, and poses serious workplace safety hazards. Second, it is extremely labor-intensive, requiring a large workforce and high labor costs. During the cleaning process, the cathode plates must be removed first, followed by the anode plates from the diaphragm frames, and finally the diaphragm frames themselves. This process relies primarily on manual labor, supplemented by overhead cranes, and requires a significant amount of manpower and physical strength to complete. Third, it impacts the workshop environment. Currently, the diaphragm frames are manually moved in and out. When the diaphragm frames are lifted out of the electrolytic cell, residual liquid carried on them and waste residue from the anode plates fall into the workshop, making collection difficult, resulting in a dirty and unsanitary environment and placing a heavy burden on the company's environmental protection efforts.
[0003] Existing specialized lifting tools or clamps are often simple in structure and single in function, mostly relying on manual mechanical locking drives. They suffer from low automation, cumbersome operation, poor adaptability (unable to simultaneously and stably grip diaphragm frames and anode plates), and a lack of precise positioning capabilities. Therefore, a specialized clamping device is needed that is highly automated, safe to operate, and precisely positioned, capable of efficiently performing the coordinated gripping, handling, and tilting of diaphragm frames and anode plates. This device, coupled with an automatic tank entry / exit device, completes the entire process of automatic cathode plate entry / exit and automatic diaphragm frame anode plate exchange and cleaning in the electrolysis workshop, providing a foundation for the industry's intelligent production upgrade and transformation. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art and provide a diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture.
[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: a diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture, comprising:
[0006] Base frame; motion mechanism, mounted on the base frame;
[0007] The clamping mechanism includes a first clamping unit and a second clamping unit arranged opposite to each other. Both the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit are connected to the motion mechanism and are driven by it to perform relative motion to achieve opening and closing.
[0008] The first clamping unit includes a first fixed clamping plate, at least one diaphragm frame hook disposed on the first fixed clamping plate, at least one anode plate hook rotatably disposed on the first fixed clamping plate, and a first driving component for driving the anode plate hook to rotate.
[0009] The second clamping unit includes a second fixed clamping plate, at least one diaphragm frame hook disposed on the second fixed clamping plate, at least one anode plate hook rotatably disposed on the second fixed clamping plate, and a second driving assembly for driving the anode plate hook to rotate;
[0010] The anode plate hook of the first clamping unit is disposed on the side of the first fixed clamping plate facing away from the second clamping unit, and the anode plate hook of the second clamping unit is disposed on the side of the second fixed clamping plate facing the first clamping unit;
[0011] The fixture also includes a tilting mechanism, which is connected to the base frame and is used to drive the base frame and its motion mechanism and fixture mechanism to rotate as a whole around a horizontal axis.
[0012] Preferably, the motion mechanism includes at least a pair of guide rods, a drive source, and gripper connecting blocks that are respectively connected to the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit. The drive source drives the gripper connecting blocks to slide along the guide rods to realize the opposite or opposite movements of the two clamping units.
[0013] Preferably, the driving source is a movable cylinder, and the piston rod of the movable cylinder is connected to the gripper connecting block through a cylinder connecting block.
[0014] Preferably, both the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly include a push-gear cylinder, which is hinged to the corresponding anode plate hook via a movable push rod to drive it to rotate around the axis.
[0015] Preferably, the tilting mechanism includes a fixed rotating shaft and at least one tilting control cylinder, the bottom frame is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft, the cylinder body of the tilting control cylinder is hinged to the frame, and its piston rod is hinged to the bottom frame.
[0016] Preferably, there are two tilt control cylinders, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft.
[0017] Preferably, the system also includes a detection and positioning mechanism, which includes a detection cylinder and a distance sensor mounted on the end of its piston rod. The detection cylinder is fixed to the base frame and is used to drive the distance sensor to move up and down.
[0018] Preferably, the device also includes a motion assist mechanism, which includes an auxiliary guide rod arranged parallel to the guide rod of the motion mechanism, and an auxiliary movable connecting block slidably disposed on the auxiliary guide rod, the auxiliary movable connecting block being connected to the clamping mechanism.
[0019] Preferably, the anode plate hook can be adjusted to install on the inner and outer sides according to the size of the anode plate.
[0020] Preferably, the diaphragm frame hook on the fixed clamp is configured to hook and bear the weight of the diaphragm frame, and the anode plate hook is configured to hook the top edge of the anode plate in the snap-fit state and transfer the weight of the anode plate to the fixed clamp, thereby realizing the separate bearing of the weight of the diaphragm frame and the anode plate.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0022] (1) Enhanced Automation and Safety: This invention achieves fully mechanized and automated operation from precise positioning and automatic opening and closing clamping to controllable tilting through the coordinated action of the movable cylinder, push-block cylinder, tilting control cylinder, and detection cylinder. Operators do not need to be near the electrolytic cell and can remotely control the process from a safe position, completely eliminating major safety risks such as falls from heights and being struck by objects caused by manual hooking, and solving the safety production problem of high-risk positions in the metallurgical electrolysis industry.
[0023] (2) Dual-purpose machine, stable and efficient gripping: The diaphragm frame hook and the movable anode plate hook are uniquely integrated into the same clamping unit. The fixed diaphragm frame hook is used for load bearing and main suspension of the diaphragm frame, while the anode plate hook driven by an independent cylinder achieves active clamping. In particular, by setting the anode plate hooks of the first and second clamping units on the outside and inside of the fixed clamping plate respectively, it effectively adapts to the difference between the long axis and short axis of the top of the anode plate, making the gripping force uniform and effectively preventing the anode plate from slipping or swaying during hoisting. During the lifting process, the weight of the anode plate is transferred to the fixed clamping plate through the anode plate hook. The diaphragm frame hook on the fixed clamping plate bears the weight of the diaphragm frame, avoiding the problem of damage to the diaphragm frame caused by only gripping the diaphragm frame and the entire weight of the anode plate pressing on the diaphragm frame. It realizes the coordinated and one-time gripping of the diaphragm frame-anode plate assembly, and the work efficiency is multiplied.
[0024] (3) Precise positioning: The cylinder-driven lifting distance sensor can probe down and measure the distance to the top of the anode plate in real time before grabbing, and feed the signal back to the control system to guide the crane and fixture to make automatic or semi-automatic fine adjustment, making the positioning more accurate. When grabbing, the sensor can be retracted to avoid the sensor from being inserted into the electrolyte and to protect the sensor.
[0025] (4) Tilting control: The scheme adopts a symmetrical arrangement of double tilting control cylinders to drive the rotating shaft, which is simple and reliable. By controlling the extension and retraction combination of the two cylinders, the overall tilting and position holding of the fixture from 0° to the required angle can be achieved accurately and smoothly. There is no impact during the operation. In particular, the residual waste liquid in the diaphragm frame can be poured back into the electrolytic cell, avoiding the electrolyte from spilling in the workshop. The mechanism is simple and practical, and improves the production environment of the electrolysis workshop.
[0026] (5) Good structural rigidity: The motion mechanism adopts a sliding pair of guide rod and linear bearing, which ensures the linear accuracy and smoothness of the clamp's opening and closing motion. The added motion auxiliary mechanism further enhances the overall rigidity and torsional performance of the clamp in the large opening state. The multi-stage guide design ensures the operational stability and service life under long-term heavy load conditions. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tilting mechanism structure of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom frame structure of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first clamping unit structure of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second clamping unit structure of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the motion mechanism structure of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the motion assist mechanism of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the detection and positioning mechanism of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;
[0036] Figure 10 This is a motion state diagram of the present invention.
[0037] In the diagram: 1. Base frame; 2. Fixture mechanism; 3. Motion mechanism; 4. Tilting mechanism; 5. Detection and positioning mechanism; 6. Motion auxiliary mechanism; 101. Guide rod mounting hole; 102. Rotary shaft mounting hole; 201. First fixture unit; 202. Top plate; 203. Fixed clamping plate; 204. Diaphragm frame hook; 205. Anode plate hook; 206. Gripper connector; 207. Push cylinder; 208. Cylinder connecting block; 209. Movable push rod; 210. Second fixture unit; 211. Rotary shaft; 212. Fitting hole; 213. Drive arm; 301. Movable cylinder; 302. Cylinder connecting block; 303. Gripper connecting block; 304. Guide rod; 401. Tilting control cylinder; 402. Rotary shaft; 501. Detection cylinder; 502. Distance sensor; 503. Detection mounting bracket; 601. Auxiliary movable connecting block. Detailed Implementation
[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0039] like Figures 1-8 The diagram shows a diaphragm frame and anode plate gripper that can be mounted on a workshop crane and moved by the crane. The base frame 1, which serves as the load-bearing base of the entire gripper, is welded from structural steel and possesses sufficient rigidity and strength. Its structure is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The tilting mechanism 4 is installed above the bottom frame 1, as... Figure 2 As shown, it mainly includes a rotating shaft 402 and two tilting control cylinders 401. The rotating shaft 402 is installed in the rotating shaft mounting hole 102 on the middle frame of the base frame 1. The two tilting control cylinders 401 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft 402. By controlling the extension and retraction of the piston rods of the two tilting control cylinders 401, the entire base frame 1 and all mechanisms below it can be driven to rotate smoothly around the axis of the rotating shaft 402, thereby realizing the switching between the horizontal and tilted states of the fixture and meeting the needs of different processes such as lifting, handling and tilting.
[0040] The motion mechanism 3 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the base frame 1, and its structure is as follows: Figure 6As shown, it includes a guide rod 304, two movable cylinders 301 serving as power sources, two cylinder connecting blocks 302 fixedly connected to the piston rod ends of the movable cylinders 301, and two symmetrically arranged gripper connecting blocks 303. The guide rod 304 of the motion mechanism 3 is installed in the guide rod mounting hole 101 of the base frame 1. The two cylinder connecting blocks 302 and the gripper connecting blocks 303 are fitted onto the guide rod 304 and can slide along the axial direction of the guide rod 304. The extension and retraction movement of the piston rod of the movable cylinder 301 directly pushes the cylinder connecting blocks 302 to move. The gripper connecting blocks 303 are located at the bottom of the cylinder connecting blocks 302 and are linked with the cylinder connecting blocks 302, so that when the movable cylinder 301 moves, the two gripper connecting blocks 303 can perform synchronous linear movements towards each other (clamping) or away from each other (opening), resulting in smooth movement and precise guidance.
[0041] The clamping mechanism 2 is suspended below the base frame 1 and is driven to open and close by the motion mechanism 3. It includes a first clamping unit 201 and a second clamping unit 210 with similar structures but arranged in a mirror-symmetric manner. The two clamping units are respectively fixedly connected to the two gripper connecting blocks 303 of the motion mechanism 3 via their top plates 202. Therefore, when the motion mechanism 3 drives the gripper connecting blocks 303 to move, it can directly drive the first clamping unit 201 and the second clamping unit 210 to open and close synchronously, so as to accommodate the width of diaphragm frames and anode plate assemblies of different specifications.
[0042] The specific structure of the first clamping unit 201 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. Its main body is a vertical fixed clamping plate 203. The upper end of the fixed clamping plate 203 is slidably engaged with the guide rod 304 of the motion mechanism 3 through the fitting hole 212 on the gripper connector 206 (this connection mainly serves as auxiliary guidance and anti-torsion, and the main load and drive are from the top plate 202). The lower end of the fixed clamping plate 203 is provided with a plurality of diaphragm frame hooks 204 arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction. These hooks are L-shaped and are used to hook the lifting lugs or reinforcing ribs on the side of the diaphragm frame when gripping. On the side wall of the fixed clamping plate 203 facing outward (i.e., away from the second clamping unit 210), a plurality of independently rotatable anode plate hooks 205 are installed through a rotating shaft 211, and the anode plate hooks 205 are driven by a drive assembly, which includes a push cylinder 207, a cylinder connecting block 208, and a movable push rod 209. The push-stop cylinder 207 is fixed to the back or side of the fixed clamping plate 203 via the cylinder connecting block 208. The end of its piston rod is hinged to one end of the movable push rod 209, which is hinged to the drive arm 213 of each anode plate hook 205. When the piston rod of the push-stop cylinder 207 extends, the movable push rod 209 pushes the anode plate hook 205 to rotate upward around its pivot 211, placing it in a "locked" state, which can hook the top edge of the anode plate. When the piston rod retracts, it pulls the anode plate hook 205 downward to rotate to an "open" state, releasing the anode plate.
[0043] The specific structure of the second clamping unit 210 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. Its basic composition is the same as the first clamping unit 201, including a fixed clamping plate 203, a diaphragm frame hook 204, an anode plate hook 205, and its driving components (push-stop cylinder 207, cylinder connecting block 208, and movable push rod 209). The key difference is that the anode plate hook 205 of the second clamping unit 210 is installed on the side wall of the fixed clamping plate 203 facing inward (i.e., the side facing the first clamping unit 201). This symmetrical arrangement of the inner and outer sides allows the anode plate hook 205 on the outer side of the first clamping unit 201 and the anode plate hook 205 on the inner side of the second clamping unit 210 to jointly hook and clamp the long axis side and short axis side of the top of the anode plate from both sides when the first clamping unit 201 and the second clamping unit 210 move towards each other under the drive of the motion mechanism 3, forming a stable and reliable bidirectional clamping, effectively preventing the anode plate from slipping or shaking during hoisting.
[0044] The diaphragm frame hook 204 on the fixed clamp 203 is configured to hook and bear the weight of the diaphragm frame, and the anode plate hook 205 is configured to hook the top edge of the anode plate in the snap-fit state and transfer the weight of the anode plate to the fixed clamp 203, thereby realizing the separate bearing of the weight of the diaphragm frame and the anode plate.
[0045] To further improve the stability and rigidity of the clamping mechanism 2 during large-angle movements, a motion auxiliary mechanism 6 is also provided on the base frame 1, such as... Figure 7 As shown. This mechanism typically includes two auxiliary guide rods 304 and an auxiliary movable connecting block 601 slidably mounted on them. The auxiliary guide rods 304 are installed parallel to the guide rods 304 of the motion mechanism 3. A gripper connecting block 303 is also provided below the auxiliary movable connecting block 601, which is connected to the top plate 202 of the first clamping unit 201 and / or the second clamping unit 210 via a connector. When the clamps open and close, the auxiliary movable connecting block 601 slides along the auxiliary guide rods, providing additional support and guidance for the clamping mechanism, ensuring its movement trajectory is straight, and enhancing the torsional resistance of the overall structure.
[0046] The detection and positioning mechanism 5 is installed on the side of the bottom frame 1, and its structure is as follows: Figure 8As shown, it includes an L-shaped detection mounting bracket 503, which is securely welded or bolted to the side beam of the base frame 1. A detection cylinder 501 is vertically mounted on the horizontal portion of the bracket 503. A distance sensor 502 (e.g., a laser distance sensor or an ultrasonic sensor) is mounted at the end of the piston rod of the detection cylinder 501. Before the gripping operation, after the gantry crane moves the clamp to a position approximately above the electrolytic cell, the detection cylinder 501 actuates, lowering the distance sensor 502 to a position below all hooks. The sensor detects its distance from the top of the anode plate below and feeds back the real-time data to the control system of the gantry crane or clamp. Based on this data, the control system automatically or prompts the operator to fine-tune the position of the gantry crane and clamp until the diaphragm frame hook 204 and the anode plate hook 205 are precisely aligned with the target lifting point, greatly improving the success rate and efficiency of the gripping. During the grasping operation, the detection cylinder 501 is activated to retract the distance sensor 502, preventing the distance sensor 502 from extending into the electrolyte and effectively protecting the sensor.
[0047] The working principle is as follows:
[0048] During operation, the overhead crane lifts the invention above the target electrolytic cell. First, the detection and positioning mechanism 5 operates to guide the clamps to precise positioning. Next, the motion mechanism 3 drives the first and second clamp units 201 and 210 to open to an appropriate width. The overhead crane descends, causing the diaphragm frame hooks 204 at the lower ends of the two clamp units to insert and hook onto the lifting lugs on both sides of the diaphragm frame. Then, the push-stop cylinders 207 on the two clamp units actuate, driving their respective anode plate hooks 205 to rotate and engage the top edge of the anode plate. The diaphragm frame and the anode plate are subjected to force separately; the weight of the diaphragm frame rests on the diaphragm frame hooks 204, and the force on the anode plate rests on the anode plate hooks 205. This avoids the problem of damaging the diaphragm frame if only the diaphragm frame is gripped, causing the entire weight of the anode plate to press on the diaphragm frame. After secure gripping, the overhead crane lifts the device. If it is necessary to tilt the suspended object (such as to drain electrolyte), the tilting mechanism 4 operates, controlling the two tilting control cylinders 401 to tilt the base frame 1 and the entire clamping mechanism 2 to one side. After the tilting action is completed, the object is returned to horizontal and transported to the designated location. Throughout the process, the operator can remotely control the operation from a safe position.
[0049] Although embodiments of the 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 invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture, characterized in that, include: Bottom frame (1); The motion mechanism (3) is mounted on the bottom frame (1); The clamping mechanism (2) includes a first clamping unit (201) and a second clamping unit (210) arranged opposite to each other. The first clamping unit (201) and the second clamping unit (210) are both connected to the motion mechanism (3) and driven by it to perform relative motion to achieve opening and closing. The first clamping unit (201) includes a first fixed clamping plate (203), at least one diaphragm frame hook (204) disposed on the first fixed clamping plate (203), at least one anode plate hook (205) rotatably disposed on the first fixed clamping plate (203), and a first driving assembly for driving the anode plate hook (205) to rotate. The second clamping unit (210) includes a second fixed clamping plate (203), at least one diaphragm frame hook (204) disposed on the second fixed clamping plate (203), at least one anode plate hook (205) rotatably disposed on the second fixed clamping plate (203), and a second drive assembly for driving the anode plate hook (205) to rotate; The anode plate hook (205) of the first clamping unit (201) is disposed on the side of the first fixed clamping plate (203) facing away from the second clamping unit (210), and the anode plate hook (205) of the second clamping unit (210) is disposed on the side of the second fixed clamping plate (203) facing the first clamping unit (201); The clamp also includes a tilting mechanism (4), which is connected to the bottom frame (1) and is used to drive the bottom frame (1) and its motion mechanism (3) and clamping mechanism (2) to rotate as a whole around a horizontal axis (402).
2. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motion mechanism (3) includes at least one pair of guide rods (304), a drive source, and a gripper connecting block (303) connected to the first clamping unit (201) and the second clamping unit (210) respectively. The drive source drives the gripper connecting block (303) to slide along the guide rods (304) to realize the opposite or opposite movement of the two clamping units.
3. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving source is a movable cylinder (301), and the piston rod of the movable cylinder (301) is connected to the gripper connecting block (303) through a cylinder connecting block (302).
4. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly include a push-gear cylinder (207), which is hinged to the corresponding anode plate hook (205) via a movable push rod (209) to drive it to rotate around the rotating shaft (211).
5. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilting mechanism (4) includes a fixed rotating shaft (402) and at least one tilting control cylinder (401). The bottom frame (1) is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft (402). The cylinder body of the tilting control cylinder (401) is hinged to the frame, and its piston rod is hinged to the bottom frame (1).
6. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of tilt control cylinders (401) is two, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft (402).
7. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a detection and positioning mechanism (5), which includes a detection cylinder (501) and a distance sensor (502) installed at the end of its piston rod. The detection cylinder (501) is fixed on the bottom frame (1) and is used to drive the distance sensor (502) to rise and fall.
8. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, It also includes a motion assist mechanism (6), which includes an auxiliary guide rod arranged parallel to the guide rod (304) of the motion mechanism (3) and an auxiliary movable connecting block (601) slidably arranged on the auxiliary guide rod. The auxiliary movable connecting block (601) is connected to the clamping mechanism (2).
9. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode plate hook (205) can be adjusted to install on the inner and outer sides according to the size of the anode plate.
10. The diaphragm frame and anode plate gripping fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm frame hook (204) on the fixed clamp (203) is configured to hook and bear the weight of the diaphragm frame, and the anode plate hook (205) is configured to hook the top edge of the anode plate in the snap-fit state and transfer the weight of the anode plate to the fixed clamp (203), thereby realizing the separate bearing of the weight of the diaphragm frame and the anode plate.