A tool for handling sheet metal of various sizes.

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of material handling tools and discloses a material handling tool for multiple sizes of sheet metal. The tool includes a first support frame, at least two connecting rods, and at least two suction cups. The first support frame extends along a first direction. The first ends of the at least two connecting rods are adjustablely connected to the first support frame along the first direction, allowing adjustment of the distance between the connecting rods and, consequently, the distance between the suction cups connected to them. This enables the suction cups to be flexibly positioned according to workpieces of different sizes, and by changing the position of the suction cups, the support point of each suction cup can be aligned with the optimal force distribution on the workpiece, preventing deformation due to uneven force distribution. The connecting rods themselves are adjustable in length along a second direction, allowing each suction cup connected to a connecting rod to be located in a different plane. By rotating the suction cups and adjusting their angles, the suction cups can adsorb both flat and irregularly shaped workpieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of material handling equipment, and more particularly to a material handling equipment for multi-sized sheet metal. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing and assembly of products such as liquid crystal modules (LCMs), display panels, glass substrates, photovoltaic modules, and large-size touch screens, it is often necessary to move semi-finished or finished products between different workstations. Taking LCM modules as an example, their size continues to increase with the development of display technology, and products with sizes of 65 inches and above are widely mass-produced, which places higher demands on handling tools.

[0003] Currently, the industry primarily uses handheld suction cup tools for handling large workpieces. These tools consist of a stand and suction cups, which adhere to the workpiece surface and hold it in place. To improve versatility, some suction cups are adjustable in position on the stand, allowing for flexible adjustments based on workpiece size to handle workpieces of varying dimensions.

[0004] However, existing handheld suction cup tools can only handle flat workpieces. With the diversification of product forms, irregularly shaped workpieces such as curved screens, arc-shaped glass, irregularly shaped substrates with holes or chamfers, and irregularly shaped display modules are increasingly used in consumer electronics, automotive displays, and smart homes. Existing handheld suction cup tools cannot handle such irregularly shaped workpieces. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a multi-size sheet metal handling tool to solve the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-size sheet metal handling tool. This tool can handle flat and irregularly shaped workpieces of different sizes, preventing workpiece deformation. It is also simple in structure, lightweight, and easy for operators to use.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A tool for handling multi-size sheet metal is provided, comprising: A first support frame, the first support frame extending along a first direction; At least two connecting rods, the first ends of at least two of the connecting rods being adjustablely connected to the first support frame along the first direction, and the connecting rods themselves being adjustable in length along the second direction; At least two suction cups are provided, each corresponding to a connecting rod. The suction cups are rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting rod, and are used to adsorb workpieces.

[0007] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool further includes at least two first sliding members and at least two first locking members, wherein the first sliding member, the first locking member and the connecting rod are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, the connecting rod is connected to the first sliding member, the first sliding member is slidably connected to the first support frame, and the first locking member is used to fix the first sliding member to the first support frame.

[0008] Optionally, the multi-size sheet material handling tool further includes a second support frame, and at least two first support frames are provided. The at least two first support frames are arranged sequentially along a third direction, and all first support frames are connected to the second support frame. Each first support frame is connected to at least two connecting rods.

[0009] Optionally, all of the first support frames are adjustablely connected to the second support frame along the third direction.

[0010] Optionally, the second support frame is tunably connected to the first support frame along the first direction, and at least one of the connecting rods is connected to the second support frame, with the suction cup connected to the connecting rod.

[0011] Optionally, the multi-size sheet material handling tool further includes a second sliding member and a second locking member, the second support frame is connected to the second sliding member, the second sliding member is slidably connected to the first support frame, and the second locking member is used to fix the second sliding member to the first support frame.

[0012] Optionally, the first support frame includes at least two support rods, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and adjacent support rods are rotatably connected, with at least one suction cup connected to each support rod.

[0013] Optionally, the length of the support rod itself is adjustable along the first direction.

[0014] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool further includes a universal ball hinge, through which the suction cup is rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting rod.

[0015] Optionally, the multi-size sheet handling tool further includes a handle connected to the first support frame.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention provides a multi-size sheet metal handling tool, comprising a first support frame, at least two connecting rods, and at least two suction cups. The first support frame extends along a first direction. The first ends of the at least two connecting rods are adjustablely connected to the first support frame along the first direction. The length of the connecting rods is adjustable along a second direction. Each suction cup is correspondingly positioned to one of the connecting rods and is rotatably connected to the second end of a connecting rod. The suction cups are used to adsorb workpieces. The adjustable position of the first ends of the at least two connecting rods along the first direction allows for adjustment of the distance between the at least two connecting rods, thereby adjusting the distance between the suction cups connected to the connecting rods. This allows the position of the suction cups to be flexibly adjusted according to workpieces of different sizes, improving the versatility of the multi-size sheet metal handling tool, reducing the modification cost of multi-size sheet metal handling tools, and by changing the position of the suction cups, ensuring that the support point of the suction cup corresponds precisely to the optimal position for workpiece stress, preventing workpiece deformation due to uneven stress. The length of the connecting rod along the second direction is adjustable, which allows each connecting rod to be connected to a suction cup in a different plane. By rotating the suction cup, the angle of the suction cup can be adjusted so that the suction cup can adsorb both flat workpieces and irregularly shaped workpieces, thereby transporting irregularly shaped workpieces. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-size sheet metal handling tool provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting rod, suction cup, first sliding member, and universal ball hinge provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In the picture: 1. First support frame; 11. Support rod; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Suction cup; 31. Interface; 4. First sliding member; 41. First through hole; 42. Second threaded hole; 5. Second support frame; 6. Second sliding member; 7. Universal ball hinge; 8. Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly 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 being 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 being 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.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-size sheet metal handling tool, which includes a first support frame 1, at least two connecting rods 2, and at least two suction cups 3. The first support frame 1 extends along a first direction, and the first ends of the at least two connecting rods 2 are adjustablely connected to the first support frame 1 along the first direction. The length of the connecting rods 2 is adjustable along a second direction. The suction cups 3 are arranged one-to-one with the connecting rods 2, and are rotatably connected to the second ends of the connecting rods 2. The suction cups 3 are used to adsorb workpieces. The first ends of the at least two connecting rods 2 are adjustablely connected to the first support frame 1 along the first direction, which allows adjustment of the distance between the at least two connecting rods 2, thereby adjusting the distance between the suction cups 3 connected to the connecting rods 2. This allows the position of the suction cups 3 to be flexibly adjusted according to workpieces of different sizes, improving the versatility of the multi-size sheet metal handling tool, reducing the modification cost of the multi-size sheet metal handling tool, and by changing the position of the suction cups 3, the support point of the suction cups 3 can be made to correspond exactly to the optimal position of the workpiece under force, avoiding deformation of the workpiece due to uneven force. The connecting rod 2 itself is adjustable in length along the second direction, allowing each suction cup 3 connected to the connecting rod 2 to be located in a different plane. By rotating the suction cup 3, the angle of the suction cup 3 can be adjusted, enabling the suction cup 3 to adsorb both flat and irregularly shaped workpieces, thereby transporting irregularly shaped workpieces. During transport, the operator holds the first support frame 1, attaches the suction cup 3 to the workpiece to be transported, and then transports the workpiece.

[0024] Specifically, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are mutually perpendicular. The connecting rod 2 is a telescopic rod. The connecting rod 2 includes a first sub-rod and a second sub-rod. The first sub-rod has an external thread, and the second sub-rod has a first threaded hole. The first sub-rod is threaded into the first threaded hole and connected to the first support frame 1. The connecting rod 2 is connected to the second sub-rod. The length of the connecting rod 2 can be adjusted by rotating either the first or second sub-rod. The adjustment method is simple and convenient, and it eliminates the need for heavy parts such as motors, reducing the overall weight of multi-sized sheet metal handling tools. In other embodiments, the first sub-rod has a sliding hole, and one end of the second sub-rod is slidably connected to the sliding hole. After the second sub-rod is moved to a suitable position, the first and second sub-rods are fixed by a pin. (See also...) Figure 3 The suction cup 3 is provided with an interface 31 for connecting a vacuum pump so that the suction cup 3 can adsorb the workpiece. The suction cup 3 is also provided with a button. Pressing the button can break the vacuum of the suction cup 3 so that the suction cup 3 can be removed from the workpiece.

[0025] Optionally, the first support frame 1 includes at least two support rods 11, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Adjacent support rods 11 are rotatably connected, and at least one suction cup 3 is connected to each support rod 11. With this arrangement, the position of the suction cup 3 can be adjusted quickly and significantly by rotating the support rods 11, improving the flexibility of the suction cup 3 position adjustment.

[0026] Specifically, the support rod 11 is an aluminum profile support rod. The aluminum profile support rod has a certain structural strength while being lightweight, making it easy for workers to handle, and aluminum profiles are easy to process and manufacture. Three support rods 11 are provided, arranged sequentially along the first direction, with adjacent support rods 11 rotatably connected end-to-end and rotating about the third direction as the center of rotation. Adjacent support rods 11 can be rotatably connected via a pivot or hinge; this embodiment does not limit this. Each support rod 11 is connected to a suction cup 3 via a connecting rod 2.

[0027] Furthermore, the length of the support rod 11 along the first direction is adjustable. By adjusting the length of the support rod 11 along the first direction, the adjustment range of the suction cup 3 along the first direction can be increased, allowing the multi-size sheet metal handling tool to be suitable for workpieces of more sizes. Specifically, the support rod 11 includes a first aluminum profile and a second aluminum profile. The first aluminum profile is provided with a first groove extending along the first direction, and the second aluminum profile is slidably connected to the first groove and fixed by screws or pins. The suction cups 3 are all connected to the first aluminum profile via connecting rods 2, or the suction cups 3 are all connected to the second aluminum profile via connecting rods 2.

[0028] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool further includes a first sliding member 4 and a first locking member. The first sliding member 4, the first locking member, and the connecting rod 2 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The connecting rod 2 is connected to the first sliding member 4, and the first sliding member 4 is slidably connected to the first support frame 1. The first locking member is used to fix the first sliding member 4 to the first support frame 1. The position of the connecting rod 2 can be easily adjusted through the first sliding member 4 and the first locking member.

[0029] Specifically, the first sliding member 4 is provided with a first through hole 41 extending along a first direction, and the support rod 11 is slidably connected within the first through hole 41. The support rod 11 is a square rod, and the cross-section of the first through hole 41 matches the cross-section of the support rod 11. This arrangement improves the stability of the first sliding member 4 during sliding and prevents rotation. The first locking member is a bolt, and the first sliding member 4 is provided with a second threaded hole 42 communicating with the first through hole 41. The first locking member is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole 42 and abuts against the support rod 11. In other embodiments, the first locking member can also be a pin or screw. In other embodiments, the support rod 11 is provided with a second sliding groove, and the first sliding member 4 is slidably connected within the second sliding groove and fixed by the first locking member. The second sliding groove can be a T-groove or a dovetail groove to prevent the first sliding member 4 from falling out of the second sliding groove.

[0030] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool further includes a second support frame 5. At least two first support frames 1 are provided, arranged sequentially along a third direction. All first support frames 1 are connected to the second support frame 5, and each first support frame 1 is connected to at least two connecting rods 2. By providing at least two first support frames 1, the adsorption area of ​​the multi-size sheet metal handling tool on the workpiece can be increased, improving the fixing strength of the tool on the workpiece and preventing the workpiece from falling off during handling and causing damage. The second support frame 5 can connect and fix the at least two first support frames 1.

[0031] Specifically, the second support frame 5 is an aluminum profile support rod. The aluminum profile support rod possesses a certain structural strength while being lightweight, facilitating handling by workers, and aluminum profiles are easy to manufacture. There are two first support frames 1 and three second support frames 5. All three second support frames 5 extend along a third direction and are spaced apart sequentially along the first direction. Each of the three second support frames 5 is connected to one of the two first support frames 1, and each of the three second support frames 5 corresponds one-to-one with the three support rods 11 of the first support frame 1. This arrangement provides high structural strength for the multi-size sheet metal handling tool.

[0032] Optionally, all the first support frames 1 are adjustablely connected to the second support frame 5 along the third direction. By adjusting the position of the first support frames 1 along the third direction, the spacing between the first support frames 1 can be adjusted, so that the position of the suction cup 3 along the third direction can be adjusted, making the multi-size sheet metal handling tool suitable for workpieces of more sizes.

[0033] Specifically, the second support frame 5 has multiple positioning holes spaced apart along a third direction, and the support rod 11 has a third threaded hole. By passing a screw through one of the positioning holes and threading it into the third threaded hole, the support rod 11 is fixed to the second support frame 5. By passing the screw through different positioning holes, the position of the second support frame 5 along a third direction can be adjusted.

[0034] Optionally, the second support frame 5 is adjustablely connected to the first support frame 1 along the first direction. At least one connecting rod 2 is connected to the second support frame 5, and a suction cup 3 is connected to the connecting rod 2. By connecting the suction cup 3 to the second support frame 5, the number of suction cups 3 can be increased, further improving the fixing strength of the workpiece for multi-size sheet metal handling tools. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the second support frame 5 along the first direction, the position of the suction cup 3 connected to the second support frame 5 can be adjusted, making the position adjustment of the suction cup 3 more flexible.

[0035] Specifically, each of the second support frames 5 is connected to a suction cup 3 at both ends along a third direction via a connecting rod 2. In this embodiment, each support rod 11 is connected to a suction cup 3, and each second support frame 5 is connected to two suction cups 3. The multi-size sheet metal handling tool has a total of 12 suction cups 3, and the position of each suction cup 3 can be adjusted individually. Even if some suction cups 3 experience vacuum leakage, the remaining suction cups 3 can still maintain sufficient suction force to prevent the workpiece from falling, greatly improving safety.

[0036] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool further includes a second sliding member 6 and a second locking member. The second support frame 5 is connected to the second sliding member 6, and the second sliding member 6 is slidably connected to the first support frame 1. The second locking member is used to fix the second sliding member 6 to the first support frame 1. The second sliding member 6 and the second locking member can fix the second support frame 5 to the first support frame 1 and facilitate the adjustment of the position of the second support frame 5.

[0037] Specifically, the second sliding member 6 is a cuboid block structure. The second sliding member 6 has a second through hole and a third through hole, the second through hole extending along a first direction and the third through hole extending along a third direction. A support rod 11 passes through the second through hole, and a second support frame 5 passes through the third through hole. Both the support rod 11 and the second support frame 5 are fixed to the second sliding member 6 by screws or bolts. In other embodiments, the second support frame 5 has a third sliding groove extending along a third direction, and the second sliding member 6 is slidably connected within the third sliding groove.

[0038] Optionally, the multi-size sheet metal handling tool also includes a universal ball hinge 7, through which the suction cup 3 is rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting rod 2. Connecting the suction cup 3 to the second end of the connecting rod 2 via the universal ball hinge 7 allows for more flexible angle adjustment of the suction cup 3, facilitating the adsorption of irregularly shaped workpieces. The universal ball hinge 7 is a universal ball damping hinge, a mature technology in this field, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0039] Optionally, the tool for handling multi-sized sheet metal also includes handles 8, which are connected to the first support frame 1. By providing handles 8, workers can hold them during handling, facilitating operation. Specifically, four handles 8 are provided. One handle 8 is installed at each end of each first support frame 1, allowing workers to grip any handle 8 for convenient operation.

[0040] The multi-size sheet metal handling tool of this embodiment forms a stable support frame through the first support frame 1 and the second support frame 5. This effectively counteracts the shaking and uneven force caused by the suction cup 3 gripping and handling the product, ensuring that the workpiece remains stable during handling and will not shake, tilt, or fall off. Furthermore, no additional support structure is required, reducing the overall weight of the multi-size sheet metal handling tool.

[0041] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A board handling tool for multiple sizes, characterized in that, include: A first support frame (1) extends along a first direction; At least two connecting rods (2), the first ends of at least two of the connecting rods (2) are adjustablely connected to the first support frame (1) along the first direction, and the length of the connecting rods (2) themselves is adjustable along the second direction; At least two suction cups (3) are provided, and the suction cups (3) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the connecting rods (2). The suction cups (3) are rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting rods (2). The suction cups (3) are used to adsorb workpieces.

2. The sheet material handling tool for multiple sizes of claim 1, wherein, The multi-size sheet material handling tool further includes at least two first sliding parts (4) and at least two first locking parts. The first sliding parts (4), the first locking parts and the connecting rod (2) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The connecting rod (2) is connected to the first sliding parts (4). The first sliding parts (4) are slidably connected to the first support frame (1). The first locking parts are used to fix the first sliding parts (4) to the first support frame (1).

3. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes according to claim 1, wherein, The multi-size sheet material handling tool also includes a second support frame (5), at least two first support frames (1) are provided, at least two first support frames (1) are arranged sequentially along a third direction, all first support frames (1) are connected to the second support frame (5), and at least two connecting rods (2) are connected to each first support frame (1).

4. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes according to claim 3, wherein, All of the first support frames (1) are adjustablely connected to the second support frame (5) along the third direction.

5. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes according to claim 3, wherein, The second support frame (5) is tunably connected to the first support frame (1) along the first direction. At least one of the connecting rods (2) is connected to the second support frame (5), and the suction cup (3) is connected to the connecting rod (2).

6. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes according to claim 5, wherein, The multi-size sheet material handling tool further includes a second sliding member (6) and a second locking member. The second support frame (5) is connected to the second sliding member (6), the second sliding member (6) is slidably connected to the first support frame (1), and the second locking member is used to fix the second sliding member (6) to the first support frame (1).

7. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes of claim 1, wherein, The first support frame (1) includes at least two support rods (11), the at least two support rods (11) are arranged sequentially along the first direction, adjacent two support rods (11) are rotatably connected, and at least one suction cup (3) is connected to each support rod (11).

8. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes according to claim 7, wherein, The length of the support rod (11) along the first direction is adjustable.

9. The sheet handling tool for multiple sizes of claim 1, wherein, The multi-size sheet metal handling tool also includes a universal ball hinge (7), and the suction cup (3) is rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting rod (2) via the universal ball hinge (7).

10. A sheet material handling tool for multiple sizes according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The multi-size sheet handling tool also includes a handle (8) connected to the first support frame (1).

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