Passive flexible tool positioning device
By using a passive flexible tooling positioning device, a universal joint and suction cup system are used to achieve flexible angle adjustment and positioning of large parts, which solves the problems of poor angle change range and flexibility in the existing technology and improves processing accuracy and quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 晨和晨智能装备(江苏)有限责任公司
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing flexible tooling has poor angle variation range and flexibility when positioning large and complex parts, resulting in low machining accuracy, poor quality, and even damage to the parts.
A passive flexible tooling positioning device is adopted. Through the design of the universal joint and the fixed base, the universal joint can be tilted and rotated independently relative to the fixed base. Combined with the suction cup fixing system, passive angle adjustment and positioning can be achieved.
It improves the machining accuracy and quality of large parts, reduces the risk of part damage, and increases production efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN122299540A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible tooling, and in particular to a passive flexible tooling positioning device. Background Technology
[0002] In existing technologies, especially for the machining of critical parts with large dimensions and complex shapes, such as skins, panels, wind turbine fans, cabin doors, and wings, traditional machining methods are labor-intensive, have low drilling accuracy, and poor riveting quality. Flexible tooling has evolved from traditional fixed tooling to multi-purpose and flexible tooling, which are widely used in large parts. However, existing flexible tooling suffers from the following problems of poor adaptability: 1. Traditional flexible tooling has poor angle variation range and flexibility when positioning and contacting large parts. It cannot be passively adjusted and fixed according to different positions and angles of the parts, which is inconvenient for the actual processing and use of the parts, and may even cause damage to the processed parts.
[0003] Second, in the pricing process of large parts, it is necessary to design and fix multiple surfaces of the parts and multiple positioning devices. If the angle adjustment is not fixed or the force is unbalanced during the use of multiple positioning devices, it will cause damage to the processed parts or make them not meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a passive flexible tooling positioning device that solves the problem of flexible working position or angle positioning in the prior art, especially the problem of poor range and flexibility of passive angle adjustment for workpieces supported by preset fixed positions. Technical effects: It is convenient to use in the processing of large parts, has good positioning and fixing effect, and improves production efficiency and processing quality. This invention is a general-purpose device and can also be used in other fields.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A passive flexible tooling positioning device, characterized in that it includes: a fixed base, on which one or more universal disks are provided, the universal disks being independently tilted and rotated relative to the fixed base, and being passively positioned at an angle with the tooling.
[0006] As a further step, the upper part of the fixed base is provided with a bowl-shaped groove, and the bowl-shaped groove is provided with a first bowl-shaped universal joint that can rotate relative to the fixed base at an angle of tilt. The first universal joint is provided with a second bowl-shaped universal joint that can rotate relative to the first universal joint at an angle of tilt. A fixed plate is provided inside the second universal joint. The bottom of the fixed plate is an arc-shaped surface that is in contact with the inner bowl surface of the second universal joint. The center of the fixed plate is connected to one end of a fixed shaft tube. The other end of the fixed shaft tube passes through the bottom of the first universal joint, the bottom of the second universal joint, and the bottom of the bowl-shaped groove of the fixed base. A positioning device is provided on the second universal joint. The positioning device is used to contact the workpiece to be tooled and passively cooperates with the tilt angle change through the first universal joint and the second universal joint according to the position and angle change of the outer surface of the workpiece.
[0007] As a further step, the positioning device includes a suction cup base, which is connected to the upper opening of the second universal disc.
[0008] As a further step, a suction cup fixing plate is provided on the upper part of the suction cup base, and a suction cup fixing platform is provided at the center of the suction cup fixing plate, with the suction cup fixing platform protruding upward relative to the suction cup fixing plate.
[0009] Furthermore, the suction cup fixing plate and the suction cup fixing platform are either independent structures or integrally formed structures.
[0010] As a further step, a suction cup is also provided on the upper part of the suction cup fixing plate, and the center of the suction cup passes through the suction cup fixing platform.
[0011] As a further step, the upper part of the suction cup is provided with a ball seat, and the bottom of the ball seat is provided with a protruding insertion shaft, which is inserted into the suction cup fixing platform.
[0012] As a further step, a protruding shaft is provided on the upper part of the ball seat, and a contact body is connected to the protruding shaft.
[0013] As a further step, the contact portion is a cylinder or a sphere.
[0014] As a further step, the bottom of the first universal wheel, the second universal wheel, and the mounting base are all provided with circular holes. The diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the mounting base is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel, and the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal wheel.
[0015] As a further step, the circular hole at the bottom of the fixing seat is for through connection with the fixing shaft tube.
[0016] As a further step, the diameter of the bottom protruding arc surface of the fixed plate is larger than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal disc.
[0017] As a further step, the bottom of the fixing base is also provided with a cylindrical hole groove, the fixing shaft tube is inserted into the cylindrical hole groove of the fixing base and connected to the provided adapter, the cylindrical hole groove wall is provided with a locking port, the locking port is provided with a locking block outside the locking port, and the locking block is connected by a clamping handle.
[0018] As a further step, an air intake valve is provided at the bottom of the fixed shaft tube.
[0019] As a further step, the fixed shaft tube and the intake connection valve are integrally formed.
[0020] Beneficial effects: The present invention differs from the prior art in that: I. The present invention sets the tooling positioning device on the upper part of the first universal wheel. Since the bottom of the first universal wheel can rotate at an angle relative to the second universal wheel, and the second universal wheel can rotate at an angle relative to the fixed seat, the effect is: it is convenient to improve the overall tooling positioning device to make large-angle tilting adjustments according to the surface and angle position of the complex workpiece being processed. When multiple devices of the present invention are used together, it is even more convenient to position and fix the workpiece.
[0021] II. This invention features circular holes at the bottom of the first universal joint, the second universal joint, and the base. The diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the base is smaller than that of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal joint, and the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal joint is smaller than that of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal joint. These holes are connected by a fixed shaft tube passing through the bottom of the first universal joint, the bottom of the second universal joint, and the bottom of the bowl-shaped groove of the base. The advantage of this design is that it facilitates the tilting and omnidirectional rotation of the first universal joint relative to the base via the fixed shaft tube. Specifically, the first universal joint's circular hole allows for omnidirectional rotation relative to the fixed shaft tube, and the second universal joint also allows for omnidirectional rotation relative to the first universal joint via the fixed shaft tube. Furthermore, the diameter of the circular hole in the second universal joint is larger than that of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal joint, resulting in a greater adjustment of the tilt angle during actual use and more flexible passive operation.
[0022] Third, the present invention has one or more universal disks on the fixed base. The universal disks are independently tilted and rotated relative to the fixed base, which facilitates the passive rotation of the present invention by fixing the position according to the actual tooling volume.
[0023] Fourth, when using this invention, the centers of the fixed shaft tube, fixed plate, suction cup base, suction cup fixing plate, and suction cup are on the same axis, which facilitates passive universal angle positioning and fixing of tooling objects, and further facilitates stable use. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 : This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2: Structural state diagram used in this invention; Figure 3 : This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the present invention in use. Figure 5 : This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention; Figure 6 : This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fixing base of the present invention; Figure 7 : This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the fixing base of the present invention; Reference numerals: 1. Sphere; 2. Ball seat; 3. Suction cup; 4. Suction cup fixing platform; 5. Suction cup fixing plate; 8. Suction cup base; 9. Suction cup base gasket; 10. Fixing plate; 11. Second universal joint; 14. First universal joint; 17. Fixing shaft tube; 18. Fixing seat; 19. Adapter; 20. Clamping handle; 21. Suction connection valve; 22. Locking port; 23. Locking block. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in the specification of the present invention means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when we say an element is “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein can include wireless connections or couplings. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the prior art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless defined as herein. Example
[0026] A passive flexible tooling positioning device includes: a fixed base, on which one or more universal joints are provided. The universal joints can rotate independently relative to the fixed base at an angle, and are passively positioned with respect to the tooling. A preferred embodiment is as follows: like Figure 1-7 As shown, a passive flexible tooling positioning device includes: a fixed base 18, which is made of metal and designed in a cylindrical shape. The fixed base 18 has a bowl-shaped groove on its upper part, and is an integrally formed structure. The bowl-shaped groove facilitates the actual contact of the curved surfaces. A first bowl-shaped universal joint 14, which can rotate at an angle relative to the fixed base 18, is provided on the bowl-shaped groove. This facilitates the contact of the curved surface at the bottom of the first universal joint 14 with the inner curved surface of the fixed base 18, enabling stable universal rotation. A second bowl-shaped universal joint 11, which can rotate at an angle relative to the first universal joint 14, is provided on the first universal joint 14. This facilitates the contact of the curved surface at the bottom of the second universal joint 11 with the inner curved surface of the first universal joint 14, enabling universal rotation. A fixed plate 10 is provided inside the second universal joint 11. The bottom of the fixed plate 10 is a curved surface that contacts the inner bowl surface of the second universal joint 11, facilitating the movement of the first universal joint 14 and the second universal joint 11 during rotation. The fixed plate 10 facilitates normal use, especially since the bottom arc-shaped surface of the fixed plate 10 and the inner arc-shaped surface of the second universal joint 11 act as a limit during use. The center of the fixed plate 10 is connected to one end of the fixed shaft tube 17 by means of threads or nuts. The other end of the fixed shaft tube 17 passes through the bottom of the first universal joint 14, the bottom of the second universal joint 11, and the bottom of the bowl-shaped groove of the fixed seat 18, and is connected by means of threads or nuts. The bottom of the first universal joint 14 and the bottom of the second universal joint 11 are limited by the fixed shaft tube 17 during universal rotation. The second universal joint 11 is provided with a positioning device, preferably by means of threaded connection. The positioning device is used to contact the tooling object, further facilitating the support or fixation of the contact position. According to the position and angle changes of the outer surface of the tooling object, the first universal joint 14 and the second universal joint 11 passively cooperate to change the tilt angle, further making the fixed position stable and effective.
[0027] like Figure 3-5As shown, the positioning device includes: a suction cup base 8, which is connected to the upper opening of the second universal disk 11. The suction cup base 8 is circular in shape and is fixed at its circular edge by screws that are evenly connected to the inner side of the upper opening of the second universal disk 11. The function of the disk base 8 is to facilitate the installation of the positioning device. A suction cup base pad 9 is also provided between the disk base 8 and the second universal disk 11. The suction cup base pad 9 is annular in shape and is used to provide a recoil force and solve the friction problem between components.
[0028] like Figure 3-5 As shown, a suction cup fixing plate 5 is provided on the upper part of the suction cup base 8, which is connected by screws. The suction cup fixing plate 5 is circular and its diameter is smaller than that of the suction cup base 8. Its function is to facilitate the connection of the positioning device. A suction cup base gasket 6 and a filter cotton 7 are also provided between the suction cup base 8 and the suction cup fixing plate 5. The suction cup base gasket 6 is annular and its diameter is smaller than that of the suction cup fixing plate 5. Its function is to facilitate use. The filter cotton 7 is circular and its function is to provide back pressure and reduce the friction force between the suction cup base 8 and the suction cup fixing plate 5, so as to facilitate stable and long-term use. A suction cup fixing platform 4 is provided at the center of the suction cup fixing plate 5. It is connected by a thread or an interlocking structure. Its function is to facilitate the fixing of the center of the suction cup fixing plate 5 to the suction cup fixing platform 4. The suction cup fixing platform 4 protrudes upward relative to the suction cup fixing plate 5. Its function is to facilitate the further connection of the positioning device.
[0029] like Figure 3-5 As shown, a suction cup 3 is also provided on the upper part of the suction cup fixing plate 5. The connection method is screw connection. The center of the suction cup 3 passes through the suction cup fixing platform 4. Its function is to facilitate the suction cup 3 to protect and shield the face of the suction cup fixing plate 5, and further facilitate stable use.
[0030] like Figure 3-5 As shown, a ball seat 2 is provided on the upper part of the suction cup 3. The bottom of the ball seat 2 is in the shape of a disc to protect the surface of the suction cup 3 during use. The bottom of the ball seat 2 is provided with a protruding insertion shaft. The insertion shaft is a one-piece molded structure. The insertion shaft is inserted into the suction cup fixing platform 4. Its function is to provide a movable connection and facilitate quick machine replacement.
[0031] like Figure 3-5 As shown, the ball seat 2 has a protruding shaft on its upper part, which is a one-piece molded structure. The protruding shaft is cylindrical and is connected to a contact body. The contact body is a cylinder or a ball 1. The ball 1 is used for positioning the tooling object. The connection method is plug-in or threaded connection.
[0032] like Figure 4-5As shown, the bottom of the first universal wheel 14, the second universal wheel 11, and the fixed base 18 are all provided with circular holes, and the arrangement is an integral molding structure. The diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the fixed base 18 is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel 14, and the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel 14 is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal wheel 11. This facilitates the first universal wheel 14 to tilt and rotate relative to the fixed base through the fixed shaft tube. In particular, the circular hole of the first universal wheel 14 rotates relative to the fixed shaft tube, and the second universal wheel 11 rotates relative to the first universal wheel 14 through the fixed shaft tube. In particular, the circular hole of the second universal wheel 11 rotates relative to the fixed shaft tube. Since the diameter of the circular hole 12 of the second universal wheel is larger than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel 14, the tilt angle adjustment of the device is greater in actual use, and the passive use is more flexible.
[0033] A circular sealing ring is provided in the upper groove of the fixed seat 18, a circular sealing ring is provided outside the bottom circular hole of the first universal wheel 14, a circular sealing ring is provided inside the upper cup of the first universal wheel 14, and a circular sealing ring is provided outside the bottom circular hole of the second universal wheel 11. The purpose is to facilitate sealing and reduce friction for stable use.
[0034] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the circular hole at the bottom of the fixing base 18 is used for connection with the fixing shaft tube 17, which facilitates stable connection and use of the whole.
[0035] like Figure 4-5 As shown, the diameter of the arc-shaped opening of the fixed plate 10 is larger than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal plate 11. Its function is to facilitate the limiting of the tilting and universal rotation of the second universal plate 11 and to prevent it from disengaging during use.
[0036] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the bottom of the fixed base 18 is also provided with a cylindrical hole groove, which is set in an integrated structure. The fixed shaft tube 17 passes through the cylindrical hole groove of the fixed base 18 and is connected to the provided adapter 19. The cylindrical hole groove wall is provided with a locking port 22, which is a gap space. A locking block 23 is provided outside the locking port 22. The locking block 23 is used to tighten the locking port 22. The locking block 23 is connected through a clamping handle 20. The connection method is a threaded connection, which facilitates tightening and connection with external components.
[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the fixed shaft tube 17 is connected to an air intake valve 21, which facilitates connection with external components during use.
[0038] Specific usage methods This invention involves external contact and positioning of large, complex parts requiring processing. It utilizes two types of devices, in multiple units, used in conjunction: one with a ball seat 2 and a ball 1, and the other with only a suction cup 3 but without the ball seat 2 and ball 1. During use, due to variations in the external position and curvature angle of the large parts, the devices need to passively adjust their tilt. Specifically, the ball 1 is first passively rotated at an angle to allow the first universal joint 14 and the second universal joint 11 to be passively adjusted relative to the fixed base 18, further adjusting the tilt angle. For complex parts, another type of device of the present invention, each equipped with a suction cup, is placed near the tooling object. The suction connection valve 21 is connected to an external suction machine. After the air inside the suction cup 3 is sucked out through the hollow fixed shaft tube, each device of the present invention with a suction cup 3 generates an adsorption force to fix the tooling object. During the fixing process, the adjustment angle of each device of the present invention is passively and flexibly adjusted according to the specific position and curved surface. The tilt angle of the first universal joint 14 and the second universal joint 11 is adjusted so that the large parts being processed are completely fixed, which further facilitates the processing after fixing and improves the processing quality of the parts and their compliance with the usage requirements.
[0039] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. The above descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A passive flexible tool positioning device, characterized by: include: A fixed base (18) is provided with one or more universal wheels. The universal wheels rotate independently relative to the fixed base (18) and are passively positioned at an angle with the tooling.
2. A passive flexible tool positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A passive flexible tooling positioning device is characterized in that: a bowl-shaped groove is provided on the upper part of the fixed seat (18), a bowl-shaped first universal joint (14) that can rotate at an inclined angle relative to the fixed seat (18) is provided on the bowl-shaped groove, a bowl-shaped second universal joint (11) that can rotate at an inclined angle relative to the first universal joint (14) is provided on the first universal joint (14), a fixed plate (10) is provided inside the second universal joint (11), and the bottom of the fixed plate (10) is an arc-shaped surface that meets the inner bowl surface of the second universal joint (11). The center of the fixed plate (10) is connected to one end of the fixed shaft tube (17), and the other end of the fixed shaft tube (17) passes through the bottom of the first universal plate (14), the bottom of the second universal plate (11), and the bottom of the bowl-shaped groove of the fixed seat (18). The second universal plate (11) is provided with a positioning device, which is used to contact the tooling object and passively cooperate with the first universal plate (14) and the second universal plate (11) to change the tilt angle according to the position and angle change of the outer surface of the tooling object.
3. A passive flexible tool positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning device includes a suction cup base (8), which is connected to the upper opening of the second universal wheel (11).
4. A passive flexible tool positioning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The suction cup base (8) is provided with a suction cup fixing plate (5) on the upper part, and a suction cup fixing platform (4) is provided on the center of the suction cup fixing plate (5). The suction cup fixing platform (4) protrudes upward relative to the suction cup fixing plate (5).
5. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The suction cup fixing plate (5) and the suction cup fixing platform (4) are either independent structures or integrally formed structures.
6. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The suction cup fixing plate (5) is also provided with a suction cup (3) on the upper part, and the center of the suction cup (3) passes through the suction cup fixing platform (4).
7. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The suction cup (3) is provided with a ball seat (2) on the upper part, and a protruding insertion shaft is provided at the bottom of the ball seat (2), which is inserted into the suction cup fixing platform (4).
8. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The ball seat (2) is provided with a protruding shaft on its upper part, and the protruding shaft is connected to a contact body.
9. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The contact part is a cylinder or a sphere (1).
10. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the first universal wheel (14), the second universal wheel (11), and the mounting base (18) are all provided with circular holes. The diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the mounting base (18) is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel (14), and the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the first universal wheel (14) is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole at the bottom of the second universal wheel (11).
11. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The circular hole at the bottom of the fixed base (18) is for passing through and connecting with the fixed shaft tube (17).
12. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The fixed plate (10) has a bottom protruding arc surface with a diameter larger than the bottom circular hole diameter of the second universal plate (11).
13. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the fixed seat (18) is also provided with a cylindrical hole groove. The fixed shaft tube (17) passes through the cylindrical hole groove of the fixed seat (18) and is connected to the provided adapter (19). The cylindrical hole groove wall is provided with a locking port (22). A locking block (23) is provided outside the locking port (22). The locking block (23) is connected through a clamping handle (20).
14. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom of the fixed shaft tube (17) is connected to an air intake valve (21).
15. A passive flexible tooling positioning device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The fixed shaft tube (17) and the adapter (19) are integrally formed.