Industrial assembly line clamp locking linkage device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of industrial assembly, and discloses an industrial assembly line clamp locking linkage device which comprises a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly comprises a positioning plate and two connecting blocks, and the two connecting blocks are symmetrically arranged. The flexibility and the production efficiency of the assembly line are remarkably improved, the device adopts modular design, and preliminary positioning and butt joint are carried out through clamping grooves in the clamp pieces and protruding pieces on the connecting blocks. The core locking action is triggered by an external button in a unified mode, and the bottom moving plate and the plug connector are driven to move through an internal linkage mechanism. By means of the design, an operator does not need to use extra tools, the clamping piece can be locked or released only by pressing the button with one hand, and the replacement process is greatly simplified. The function supports rapid switching of different special clamp pieces in a non-stop or short-stop time, and the adaptive capacity of a production line to different workpieces and the overall operation rhythm are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of industrial assembly technology, and specifically relates to a clamping linkage device for industrial assembly line fixtures. Background Technology

[0002] In modern manufacturing, industrial assembly lines are a crucial link in achieving efficient and high-quality mass production. With increasingly diversified and personalized market demands and faster product updates, rigid production lines designed for single products are no longer sufficient to meet development requirements. Therefore, flexible assembly lines capable of rapidly responding to product changes and supporting mixed-flow production of multiple products have become the mainstream trend. In this model, tooling fixtures on the assembly line need to be frequently and quickly changed or adjusted to adapt to the clamping and positioning needs of workpieces of different specifications and models.

[0003] Currently, the following methods are commonly used for changing and locking fixtures on industrial assembly lines. However, these methods all have limitations in terms of efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and ease of operation. First, the traditional bolt tightening method is inefficient and severely restricts production cycle time. This is the most common and primitive method, which involves directly tightening a special fixture onto the workbench or base plate of the assembly line using multiple bolts. When changing fixtures, operators must use tools (such as wrenches and electric screwdrivers) to loosen all bolts one by one, remove the old fixture, place the new fixture, and then retighten them one by one. The entire process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the consistency of tightening torque.

[0004] Secondly, manual quick-change couplings or simple snap-fit ​​structures have stability and reliability issues. To improve changeover speed, some applications use manually operated quick-change plates, locating pins with cam handles, or simple pin-type snap-fits. While these methods are faster than bolt connections, their locking force is limited and they lack a reliable anti-loosening mechanism. Under the continuous vibration and impact loads generated during assembly operations, the connection between the fixture and the base plate is prone to fretting or gradual loosening, leading to decreased workpiece positioning accuracy and potentially causing product quality problems or even safety accidents. Furthermore, these simple structures often rely heavily on the operator's experience, making it difficult to visually determine whether the locking position is correct. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing an industrial assembly line clamp locking linkage device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device, including a fixture assembly, the fixture assembly including a positioning plate and a connecting block, the number of the connecting blocks being two and arranged symmetrically, and a fixture component being symmetrically arranged between the two connecting blocks, the fixture component including a support component integrally formed on its inner side; The connecting block has a protrusion integrally formed on the side near the clamping component, and the clamping component has a snap-fit ​​groove on the side near the connecting block, and the snap-fit ​​groove engages with the protrusion.

[0007] Preferably, a support plate is snapped onto the side of the connecting block near the clamping component, and the support plate is located on the side of the support component away from the clamping component.

[0008] Preferably, a connector is snapped onto the side of the clamp near the connecting block, the connector extends through the inside of the connecting block, and a bottom sliding plate is provided on the side of the connector near the support plate.

[0009] Preferably, the bottom moving plate is fitted with positioning blocks that penetrate to the inside of the connector at equal intervals on the side near the connector. The connector has positioning holes at equal intervals on the inner side near the bottom moving plate, and the positioning holes are used in conjunction with the positioning blocks. The bottom moving plate is fitted with a slider at the end away from the clamping member. The inner side of the connecting block has a sliding groove, and the sliding groove is used in conjunction with the slider.

[0010] Preferably, a connecting rod is snapped onto one end of the bottom moving plate away from the plug-in member, and a support member is slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod. An elastic member is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod, and the elastic member is located between the bottom moving plate and the support member. Both ends of the elastic member are snapped onto the bottom moving plate and the support member, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, a button is provided on the side of the connecting block away from the positioning plate. The button extends through the inside of the connecting block and is snapped into the connecting rod. The button is also slidably engaged with the inner wall of the connecting block.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the connector facing away from the clamp is provided with an abutment block, and the abutment block and the opposite surface of the connector form an abutment slope that fits and contacts each other.

[0013] Preferably, the abutment block has an installation groove at one end away from the bottom moving plate, and the installation groove and the inner wall of the connecting block are jointly engaged with an elastic element two. Both ends of the abutment block are engaged with side ears, and the inner side of the side ears is slidably connected with a guide rod. The end of the guide rod away from the bottom moving plate is engaged with the inner wall of the connecting block.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention enables rapid fixture replacement and one-button locking, significantly improving assembly line flexibility and production efficiency. The device adopts a modular design, using the snap-fit ​​grooves on the fixtures and the protrusions on the connecting blocks for initial positioning and docking. The core locking action is triggered by an external button, driving the bottom plate and connector movement through an internal linkage mechanism. This design allows operators to lock or release fixtures with a single hand press of the button, eliminating the need for additional tools and greatly simplifying the replacement process. This function supports rapid switching between different specialized fixtures during continuous or short-term line stops, significantly improving the production line's adaptability to different workpieces and overall operational rhythm. 2. This invention utilizes the principle of inclined plane force amplification and self-locking to achieve a firm lock with relatively small operating force, ensuring stable and reliable clamping. During the locking process, the insert and the abutment block cooperate through mutually fitting inclined abutment surfaces. When the bottom moving plate is driven to move horizontally, the inclined plane mechanism converts the horizontal thrust into a strong vertical pressing force, achieving a force amplification effect. After locking, the inclined plane forms a self-locking state under force, making it difficult to loosen the lock even with external vibration or impact. This mechanism allows the operator to obtain a locking force far greater than the operating force with just a light press of a button, reducing the operating intensity while ensuring the absolute stability of the clamp during operation, guaranteeing assembly accuracy and safety. 3. This invention integrates a multi-stage guiding and automatic reset system, ensuring motion accuracy and smooth operation, and extending service life. The device internally features a dual guiding structure of sliders and grooves, as well as side ears and guide rods, which guide the bottom plate and the abutment block to move smoothly along a predetermined trajectory, effectively preventing skewing, jamming, or wear. Simultaneously, through the elastic system composed of elastic element one (on the connecting rod) and elastic element two (on the abutment block), both the bottom plate and the abutment block can automatically reset to their initial positions after the button is released, preparing for the next locking operation. This design not only ensures the accuracy and repeatability of the action but also reduces operational steps, improves equipment response speed, and enhances long-term reliability. 4. This invention features a compact structure and integrated functions, achieving complex locking logic within a limited space. Maintenance is simple, and the entire linkage mechanism is highly integrated within the connecting block, with only the buttons and docking interfaces exposed externally. The structure is clean and saves installation space. The insertion and engagement of the positioning block and positioning holes ensure accurate alignment of the internal transmission components and power transmission. This integrated design achieves multiple functions such as rapid locking, labor-saving operation, self-locking stability, and automatic reset, while also making device maintenance and component replacement more convenient. It is suitable for long-term stable operation in high-speed, high-frequency industrial assembly environments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded and enlarged schematic diagram of the clamping component and connecting block of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connecting block of the present invention in conjunction with the clamping component; Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the connecting block, bottom sliding plate, and abutment block of the present invention used in conjunction. Figure 5 This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the connecting block and the abutment block of the present invention. Figure label: 1. Fixture assembly; 101. Positioning plate; 102. Connecting block; 103. Fixture component; 104. Support component; 105. Protrusion; 106. Snap-fit ​​groove; 2. Pallet; 3. Connectors; 4. Bottom moving plate; 401. Positioning block; 402. Positioning hole; 5. Slider; 501. Slide rail; 6. Connecting rod; 601. Support component; 602. Elastic component one; 603. Button; 7. Abutting block; 701. Abutting ramp; 8. Elastic component two; 801. Mounting slot; 9. Side ear; 901. Guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the technical means, creative features, achieved objectives, and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention is further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this invention and not all embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this invention.

[0017] Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Example: refer to Figures 1-5 An industrial assembly line clamp locking linkage device includes a clamp assembly 1. The clamp assembly 1 includes a positioning plate 101 and a connecting block 102. There are two connecting blocks 102 arranged symmetrically, and a clamping component 103 is symmetrically arranged between the two connecting blocks 102. The clamping component 103 includes a support component 104 integrally formed on its inner side. The connecting block 102 has an integrally formed protrusion 105 on the side near the clamp 103, and the clamp 103 has a snap-fit ​​groove 106 on the side near the connecting block 102, and the snap-fit ​​groove 106 and the protrusion 105 are snap-fitted together.

[0018] Specifically, this invention enables rapid replacement and one-click locking of the fixture component 103, significantly improving the flexibility and production efficiency of the assembly line. The device adopts a modular design, with initial positioning and docking achieved through the snap-fit ​​groove 106 on the fixture component 103 and the protrusion 105 on the connecting block 102. The core locking action is triggered uniformly by an external button 603, which drives the bottom moving plate 4 and the plug-in component 3 to move through an internal linkage mechanism. This design allows the operator to lock or release the fixture component 103 with just one hand by pressing the button 603 without using additional tools, greatly simplifying the replacement process. This function supports rapid switching between different dedicated fixture components 103 during continuous or short-term line stops, significantly improving the production line's adaptability to different workpieces and the overall operational rhythm.

[0019] A tray 2 is snapped onto the side of the connecting block 102 near the clamp 103, and the tray 2 is located on the side of the support 104 away from the clamp 103. A connector 3 is snapped onto the side of the clamp 103 near the connecting block 102, and the connector 3 extends through the inside of the connecting block 102. A bottom sliding plate 4 is provided on the side of the connector 3 near the tray 2.

[0020] Specifically, by snapping the tray 2 located on the outside of the support 104 onto the connecting block 102, additional auxiliary support or limiting is provided for the clamping component 103 or the workpiece, increasing the stability and adaptability of the clamping system; Furthermore, by installing the connector 3 onto the clamp 103 and extending it through the inner side of the connecting block 102, and connecting it to the bottom sliding plate 4, a linkage transmission path from external operation to the bottom actuator is constructed. The support plate 2 enhances static support, while the connector 3 and the bottom sliding plate 4 introduce possible unlocking or adjustment actions from the outside of the clamp 103 into the inside of the connecting block 102, creating conditions for the subsequent realization of a built-in, linkage locking / unlocking mechanism. This allows the device to maintain a simple external structure while enriching its internal functions.

[0021] A positioning block 401, extending through the inner side of the connector 3, is installed at equal intervals on the side of the bottom moving plate 4 near the connector 3. Positioning holes 402 are equally spaced on the inner side of the connector 3 near the bottom moving plate 4, and the positioning holes 402 are used in conjunction with the positioning blocks 401. A slider 5 is installed at the end of the bottom moving plate 4 away from the clamp 103. A sliding groove 501 is provided on the inner side of the connecting block 102, and the sliding groove 501 is used in conjunction with the slider 5. A connecting rod 6 is installed at the end of the bottom moving plate 4 away from the connector 3, and a support member 601 is slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod 6. An elastic member 602 is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod 6. The elastic member 602 is located between the bottom moving plate 4 and the support member 601, and both ends of the elastic member 602 are respectively installed in conjunction with the bottom moving plate 4 and the support member 601.

[0022] Specifically, together they constitute an internal actuator that enables precise and smooth movement of the bottom moving plate 4 and has an automatic reset function. The positioning block 401 on the bottom moving plate 4 and the positioning hole 402 on the connector 3 are connected and engaged to ensure precise alignment and reliable force transmission between the two. At the same time, the sliding engagement between the slider 5 and the sliding groove 501 in the connecting block 102 provides low-friction and high-precision guidance for the linear movement of the bottom moving plate 4. Furthermore, an elastic reset system is formed by connecting rod 6, support member 601, and elastic element 602 sleeved on connecting rod 6. The combination of positioning block 401 and slider 5 ensures the accuracy and stability of the movement trajectory of bottom plate 4; while the introduction of elastic element 602 allows bottom plate 4 to store energy after being driven and automatically reset to the initial position after the driving force is removed. This provides the core mechanical basis for realizing fast and labor-saving one-way operation (such as pressing to lock and releasing to reset), greatly improving the convenience and rhythm of operation.

[0023] A button 603 is provided on the side of the connecting block 102 away from the positioning plate 101. The button 603 extends through the inside of the connecting block 102 and is snapped into the connecting rod 6. The button 603 is also used in a sliding engagement with the inner wall of the connecting block 102.

[0024] Specifically, the human-machine interface of the elastic reset system is further disclosed. By setting a button 603 that is snapped into the connecting rod 6 and slidingly engaging with the inner wall of the connecting block 102, an intuitive and easy-to-apply external operating point is provided for the operator. The movement of the internal bottom sliding plate 4 and the connecting rod 6 is converted into a simple external pressing action, so that the locking state switching of the clamp 103 and the connecting block 102 can be easily completed by pressing the button 603 with one hand. This significantly reduces the complexity of operation and physical exertion, conforms to ergonomic design, and is suitable for use on fast-paced assembly lines.

[0025] The connector 3 has an abutment block 7 at one end away from the clamp 103, and the abutment block 7 and the opposite surface of the connector 3 form an abutment slope 701 that fits into each other. The abutment block 7 has an installation groove 801 at one end away from the bottom moving plate 4, and the installation groove 801 and the inner wall of the connecting block 102 are engaged with an elastic element 8. Both ends of the abutment block 7 are engaged with side ears 9, and the inner side of the side ears 9 is slidably connected with a guide rod 901. The end of the guide rod 901 away from the bottom moving plate 4 is engaged with the inner wall of the connecting block 102.

[0026] Specifically, a set of inclined plane force amplification and self-locking mechanisms was jointly constructed to efficiently convert the linear motion of the bottom moving plate 4 into a locking action on the clamping component 103, and it is equipped with independent buffers and guides; by setting an abutment block 7 that engages with the end of the plug-in component 3 through the abutment inclined plane 701, using the inclined plane principle, when the bottom moving plate 4 drives the plug-in component 3 to move, the horizontal driving force can be converted into a vertical pressing force on the abutment block 7 through the inclined plane contact, thereby realizing the amplification and direction conversion of the force, and obtaining a large locking force with a small operating force; The inclined plane mechanism achieves labor-saving and self-locking, making the clamp 103 very securely locked; the elastic element 8 absorbs vibration or impact, ensuring the stability of the locked state; the guide rod 901 ensures that the abutment block 7 moves smoothly in the predetermined direction, avoiding jamming or wear caused by uneven force. This mechanism works together to make the entire locking process labor-saving, efficient, stable, and reliable, fully meeting the high requirements for repeatable locking accuracy and reliability of the clamp 103 in industrial assembly; simultaneously, when the bottom moving plate 4 and the clamp 103 lose contact and lock, the abutment assists the insertion part 3 to move outwards towards the connecting block 102, facilitating the operator's replacement of the clamp 103.

[0027] Working principle of the invention: Through a built-in, one-button linkage locking mechanism, the fixture 103 itself and the main connecting block 102 can be quickly and reliably connected and separated, thereby supporting the rapid replacement of special fixtures 103 for different workpieces on the assembly line and improving production flexibility.

[0028] The operator picks up the special fixture 103 suitable for the new workpiece, with its inner support 104 facing the workpiece placement direction. The operator aligns the side of the fixture 103 closest to the connecting block 102 with the space between the two symmetrically arranged connecting blocks 102. Simultaneously, the operator roughly aligns the snap-fit ​​groove 106 on the side of the fixture 103 with the integrally formed protrusion 105 on the connecting block 102. The operator inserts the connector 3 at the tail of the fixture 103 into the connecting block 102, thus initially completing the physical positioning of the fixture 103.

[0029] After confirming that the clamp 103 is in place, the operator presses the button 603 on the outside of the connecting block 102 with one hand. The button 603 moves inward into the moving block, pushing the connecting rod 6, which is engaged with it, to slide inward inside the connecting block 102. The connecting rod 6 drives the bottom moving plate 4, and the bottom moving plate 4 moves smoothly inward along the slide groove 501 on the inner side of the connecting block 102 via the slider 5 on it.

[0030] When the bottom plate 4 moves inward, it will cause the positioning block 401 to shift. At this time, the connector 3 is placed in the appropriate position in the connecting block 102 and the abutment block 7 is squeezed. Then, the force applied to the button 603 is released. Under the action of the elastic element 602, when the bottom plate 4 returns to the initial position, the positioning block 401 on it is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 402 on the inner side of the connector 3, thereby forming a relative stability between the bottom plate 4 and the connector 3.

[0031] Simultaneously, utilizing the principle of inclined planes, the horizontal inward movement of the connector 3 is converted into the vertical upward movement of the abutment block 7. The abutment block 7 is guided by the guide rod 901 to press down smoothly, compressing the elastic element 8 at its top. The force generated by the downward pressure of the abutment block 7 ultimately acts as a powerful vertical locking force, applied to the mating area between the clamping member 103 and the connecting block 102.

[0032] Under this locking force, the snap-fit ​​groove 106 on the clamp 103 and the protrusion 105 on the connecting block 102 are forcefully pressed together, forming an interference fit or a tight mechanical interlock. Simultaneously, the inclined surface fit generates a self-locking effect after being subjected to force, ensuring a stable locking state. Thus, the clamp 103 is firmly and precisely locked onto the connecting block 102 and can be used to clamp workpieces. During the pressing process, the bottom sliding plate 4 also compresses the elastic element 602, storing energy for unlocking.

[0033] After the fixture 103 is installed and locked, the fixture 103 (which may include its own grippers, V-blocks, etc.) can clamp and release the target workpiece in a conventional manner (possibly manually, pneumatically, or through other mechanisms) to complete the assembly operation. The function of this locking linkage device is to ensure that the fixture 103 itself will not detach from the connecting block 102 during operation.

[0034] When it is necessary to change to another fixture 103 to process different workpieces, the operator can press the same button 603 again to reverse the operation.

[0035] The moving bottom plate 4 will move away from the plug-in block, causing the positioning block 401 to move out of the positioning post. At this time, under the action of the elastic element 8, the plug-in 3 will be pushed to the outside of the connecting block 102 by the abutment inclined surface 701. The operator can then easily pull the old clamp 103 directly out horizontally between the two connecting blocks 102 to complete the disassembly. Then, the first step can be repeated to install the new clamp 103.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device, comprising a fixture assembly (1), wherein the fixture assembly (1) includes a positioning plate (101) and a connecting block (102), characterized in that: The number of the connecting blocks (102) is two and they are arranged symmetrically. A clamp (103) is symmetrically arranged between the two connecting blocks (102). The clamp (103) includes a support (104) integrally formed on its inner side. The connecting block (102) has a protrusion (105) integrally formed on the side near the clamp (103), and the clamp (103) has a snap-fit ​​groove (106) on the side near the connecting block (102), and the snap-fit ​​groove (106) and the protrusion (105) are snap-fitted together.

2. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting block (102) is fitted with a tray (2) on the side near the clamp (103), and the tray (2) is located on the side of the support (104) away from the clamp (103).

3. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamp (103) is fitted with a connector (3) on the side near the connecting block (102). The connector (3) extends through the inside of the connecting block (102), and a bottom sliding plate (4) is provided on the side of the connector (3) near the tray (2).

4. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom moving plate (4) is fitted with positioning blocks (401) that penetrate into the inside of the connector (3) at equal intervals on one side near the connector (3). The connector (3) has positioning holes (402) at equal intervals on the inner side near the bottom moving plate (4), and the positioning holes (402) are used in conjunction with the positioning blocks (401). The bottom moving plate (4) is fitted with a slider (5) at one end away from the clamp (103). The inner side of the connecting block (102) has a sliding groove (501), and the sliding groove (501) is used in conjunction with the slider (5).

5. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom moving plate (4) is attached to a connecting rod (6) at one end away from the plug-in (3), and a support member (601) is slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod (6). An elastic member (602) is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting rod (6). The elastic member (602) is located between the bottom moving plate (4) and the support member (601), and both ends of the elastic member (602) are respectively attached to the bottom moving plate (4) and the support member (601).

6. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A button (603) is provided on the side of the connecting block (102) away from the positioning plate (101). The button (603) extends through the inner side of the connecting block (102) and is snapped into the connecting rod (6). The button (603) slides and cooperates with the inner wall of the connecting block (102).

7. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connector (3) is provided with an abutment block (7) at one end away from the clamp (103), and the abutment block (7) and the opposite surface of the connector (3) form an abutment slope (701) that fits and contacts each other.

8. The industrial assembly line fixture locking linkage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The abutment block (7) has an installation groove (801) at one end away from the bottom moving plate (4), and the installation groove (801) and the inner wall of the connecting block (102) are jointly fitted with an elastic element (8). Both ends of the abutment block (7) are fitted with side ears (9), and the inner side of the side ears (9) is slidably connected with a guide rod (901). The end of the guide rod (901) away from the bottom moving plate (4) is fitted with the inner wall of the connecting block (102).

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