Centering flexible inflatable mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses a centering flexible air expansion mechanism which comprises a lower guide column, the tail of the lower guide column is connected with an air pipe, two spaced top covers are arranged at the head end of the lower guide column, and the two top covers are connected with each other through a connecting column to form a stable structural frame. An inner shaft sleeve is arranged on the circumferential outer wall of the connecting column in a sleeving mode, a flexible expansion film is arranged on the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve in a surrounding and sleeving mode, inflation channels are formed in the lower guide column and the inner shaft sleeve, and gas is guided into the flexible expansion film to enable the flexible expansion film to be expanded to exceed the periphery of the top cover, so that a workpiece is clamped. Compared with traditional calipers and clamping jaws, the clamp and the positioning device have the advantages that more stable and uniform clamping force can be provided, the structure is simple, the clamp is suitable for workpieces of various specifications, the clamping force and the stability of the clamp are superior to those of a traditional clamp in long-time automatic operation, and the clamping task of the workpieces can be efficiently completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of fixtures and positioning devices, in particular to a centering flexible air-expanding mechanism. Background Art

[0002] In machining, assembly and automated production, clamping tools are key components to ensure the stability and precision of workpieces during the machining process. A caliper is a tool widely used in the fields of automotive repair, industrial manufacturing and metal processing. It amplifies the hand force through a lever action, enabling the operator to easily clamp or release the workpiece. The advantage of a caliper is its simplicity and ease of use, being suitable for occasions that require quick fixing and adjustment, and can be effectively used in processing such as welding, cutting, and drilling. However, a caliper relies on manual operation, and the clamping force varies depending on the strength and experience of the operator, with relatively poor clamping stability, especially in high-precision machining or long-term operations. In addition, the positioning accuracy of a caliper is relatively low and it is difficult to meet high-precision requirements. Since its clamping method may cause stress concentration on the workpiece, resulting in workpiece deformation or damage.

[0003] Jaw grippers are mainly used in the fields of automated equipment and robots, and are key components for a manipulator or robot to grasp, move and place objects. The advantage of jaw grippers is that they can cooperate with pneumatic, hydraulic or electric systems to achieve automated operation, and are suitable for application scenarios with relatively high flexibility. However, the structure of jaw grippers is more complex, and the design and manufacturing costs are relatively higher than those of calipers, and the adjustment and maintenance costs are also greater. Although jaw grippers perform well in the automated field, their grasping force is weaker than the uniform clamping force of calipers, especially when dealing with high-load or high-torque workpieces. When dealing with workpieces of various different sizes or shapes, jaw grippers may require more complex adjustments or component replacements, while calipers can usually more quickly adapt to the fixing requirements of different workpieces.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a clamping tool with low cost, simple structure, convenient and fast use to make up for the deficiencies of existing clamping tools. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a centering flexible air-expanding mechanism with a simple structure, adaptable to clamping and fixing of multi-specification parts, higher stability and reliability of positioning accuracy, and convenient replacement.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following scheme: a centering flexible air-expanding mechanism, comprising:

[0007] A lower guide post, the tail of which is connected with an air pipe for connecting with an external air supply device;

[0008] Two spaced and interconnected top covers, one of which is connected to the head end of the lower guide post;

[0009] Inner shaft sleeve, which is arranged between two top covers and coaxial with the two top covers. A clamping gap is formed between the two ends of the inner shaft sleeve and the adjacent top covers.

[0010] Flexible expansion film, which is sleeved around the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve, and the front and rear ends of the flexible expansion film are respectively clamped and fixed in the corresponding gaps.

[0011] Inflation channel, the intake end of which is connected and communicated with the outlet end of the air pipe, and the other end passes through the lower guide post and the inner shaft sleeve to introduce gas into the flexible expansion film, so that it expands beyond the peripheral edge of the top cover.

[0012] By connecting the lower guide post with the air pipe, setting a flexible expansion film between the top cover and the inner shaft sleeve, and then using gas pressure to expand through inflation to achieve the effects of self-centering and firm workpiece fixation. Compared with calipers, this centering flexible air expansion mechanism realizes automatic clamping through gas pressure expansion, can maintain a stable tightening and fixing force, and has obvious advantages especially in scenarios where the workpiece needs to be precisely fixed for a long time. It also has a self-centering function, reduces the uncertainty caused by manual operation, and improves the positioning accuracy. Moreover, the structure of this solution is relatively simple, adapts to workpieces of various specifications, can replace the gripper to complete simple grasping actions in an automated scenario, and at the same time reduces costs and maintenance difficulties.

[0013] As a further solution of the present utility model, on one side of each of the two top covers facing each other, there are respectively connecting columns extending along the central axis. At the center position of the top cover far from the lower guide post, there is a through hole that can penetrate the connecting column on the corresponding side. At the center of the other connecting column, there is a threaded hole that can be communicated with the through hole. A connecting bolt is inserted into the through hole, and the threaded end of the connecting bolt is threadedly connected with the threaded hole. The inner shaft sleeve is sleeved on the two connecting columns. This solution forms a firm overall structure by setting connecting columns, through holes and threaded holes between the top covers and using bolts for fixation. This design increases the mechanical strength and stability of the system, ensuring that it will not loosen due to vibration or external forces during operation. In addition, this connection method is convenient for assembly and disassembly, and is suitable for working environments that require frequent replacement or adjustment.

[0014] As a further solution of the present utility model, the inflation channel includes an intake main pipe communicated with the outlet end of the air pipe and two intake branch pipes respectively communicated with the outlet end of the intake main pipe. The outlet ends of the intake branch pipes lead to the inner side of the flexible expansion film. This solution enables the flexible expansion film to be evenly inflated and provides a uniform clamping force by setting the intake main pipe and branch pipes. This design not only improves the inflation efficiency of the system, but also enhances the clamping stability of the workpiece, and is especially suitable for processing precision workpieces or occasions that require long-term fixation. This solution also reduces the risk of insufficient or uneven tightening and fixation caused by uneven inflation.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the main air inlet pipe penetrates into the lower guide post from the tail end of the lower guide post. The two air inlet branch pipes extend through the lower guide post and penetrate through the top cover connected to the lower guide post and are communicated with the air guide connection channels arranged on the inner shaft sleeve. The air outlet end of the air guide connection channel is bent and penetrates through the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve. The gas is introduced into the flexible expansion film through the air guide connection channel, ensuring that the gas can be accurately transmitted to the required position. This design optimizes the gas flow path, improves the efficiency and stability of gas transmission, and avoids problems such as air leakage or insufficient pressure that may occur during the inflation process. At the same time, this solution also improves the reliability and service life of the entire air expansion mechanism.

[0016] As a further embodiment of the present utility model, a connecting air nozzle is provided at the tail end of the lower guide post, one end of which can be inserted into the main air inlet pipe and the other end can be inserted into the air outlet end of the air pipe. A ventilation channel that penetrates through both ends is provided at the central axis of the connecting air nozzle. By providing the connecting air nozzle, the connection method between the air pipe and the main air inlet pipe is simplified, making the gas input more convenient and reliable. The design of the connecting air nozzle enhances the airtightness, reduces the possibility of gas leakage, and improves the working efficiency and stability. This solution is particularly suitable for occasions that require frequent disassembly and assembly or need to ensure high airtightness.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, an electromagnetic valve that can prevent gas from flowing back after the flexible expansion film is inflated is provided in the ventilation channel, ensuring that the flexible expansion film remains in an expanded state after inflation. This design improves the safety and reliability of the air expansion mechanism. Especially during long-term fixed operations, it can maintain stable centering and fixation, avoiding the risk of workpiece loosening. This solution is applicable to processing or assembly scenarios that require the workpiece position to remain unchanged for a long time.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the inner shaft sleeve and the two connecting columns are sleeved together with an interference fit. The interference fit between the inner shaft sleeve and the connecting columns enhances the connection strength and prevents loosening or detachment. This design further improves the rigidity and stability of the system, and is suitable for operation scenarios that require high-precision positioning and strong fixation. The interference fit method ensures that the entire system can still maintain reliable performance when subjected to external forces or long-term use.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a sealing gasket is clamped and connected between the ends where the two connecting columns are joined, effectively preventing gas leakage and enhancing the airtightness. This design improves the airtightness and durability of the air expansion mechanism, and is suitable for occasions that need to work under high pressure for a long time. The application of the sealing gasket can also extend the service life of the equipment and reduce the maintenance frequency.

[0020] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present utility model compared with the prior art are as follows: The present utility model is more prominent when compared with traditional calipers and jaws. First of all, the present utility model realizes automatic centering and fixing through gas pressurization. Compared with traditional calipers that rely on manual operation, it can provide a more stable and uniform tightening and fixing force. This effectively solves the problem of unstable clamping caused by differences in strength and experience during the operation of calipers, and is particularly suitable for processing scenarios that require high-precision positioning and long-term stable clamping. In contrast to jaws, although jaws perform well in automatic operation, their complex structural design and high manufacturing and maintenance costs limit their application scope. The present utility model has a simple structure, is suitable for workpieces of various specifications, and reduces the overall manufacturing and use costs. In addition, in the face of changing working conditions, the assembly and disassembly process of the present utility model is more convenient, without cumbersome adjustment operations, showing stronger flexibility.

[0021] In addition, the optimization of the gas flow path and connection design significantly improves the airtightness and clamping reliability of the present utility model. Compared with the performance of traditional jaws when dealing with high-load and large-torque workpieces, the present utility model shows a more superior centering and fixing effect and can handle more stringent working requirements. The introduction of the solenoid valve further enhances the operation stability and prevents the problem of loosening of the tightening force caused by gas backflow, which makes the present utility model show more reliable performance during long-term automatic operation.

[0022] Generally speaking, the present utility model not only has advantages over traditional tools in terms of fixing tightening force and stability, but also has high-precision positioning ability and multi-scenario adaptability. Whether in machining, assembly or automated production, the present utility model can efficiently complete the task of grasping and fixing workpieces, becoming a choice with superior performance and significant cost-effectiveness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the present utility model, and an enlarged view of a partial area in the figure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the present utility model and the insertion direction of the workpiece.

[0026] Figure 4 is an overall cross-sectional view of the present utility model, and an enlarged view of a partial area in the figure.

[0027] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an enlarged view of part A in

[0028] Figure 6 For Figure 4 the enlarged view at position B in

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the drawings: 1, top cover; 2, flexible expansion film; 3, inner shaft sleeve; 4, lower guide post; 5, connecting nozzle; 6, air pipe; 7, inflation channel; 8, workpiece; 11, connecting column; 12, through hole; 13, threaded hole; 14, connecting bolt; 15, sealing washer; 30, clamping gap; 31, air guiding connection channel; 51, ventilation channel; 71, main air inlet pipe; 72, branch air inlet pipe. Detailed implementation manners

[0030] The following detailed implementation content provides multiple different embodiments or examples for implementing the present utility model. Of course, these are only embodiments or examples and are not intended to be restrictive. Additionally, repeated reference numerals may be used in different embodiments, such as repeated numbers and / or letters. These repetitions are for the purpose of simply and clearly describing the present invention and do not represent a specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures being discussed.

[0031] Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as "below", "lower side", "from inside to outside", "above", "upper side" and similar terms may be used. These relational terms are for the purpose of facilitating the description of the relationship between some elements or features in the drawings and other elements or features. These spatial relational terms include different orientations of the device during use or operation, as well as the orientations described in the drawings. The device may be rotated 90 degrees or other orientations, and the spatially relative adjectives used may be interpreted accordingly. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0032] The following further describes the present utility model in conjunction with the description of the drawings and the detailed implementation manners: As Figures 1 to 6A centering flexible air-expanding mechanism as shown includes a lower guide post 4 with a trachea 6 connected to its tail end. The trachea 6 is used to connect to an external air supply device to provide the required gas pressure. At the head end of the lower guide post 4, there are two spaced-apart disc-shaped top covers 1. One of the top covers 1 is fixedly connected to the head end of the lower guide post 4. On the opposite sides of the two top covers 1, there are connecting columns 11 extending along the central axis. At the center position of the top cover 1 far from the lower guide post 4, there is a through hole 12 that can penetrate the connecting column 11 on that side. At the center of the connecting column 11 on the other side, there is a threaded hole 13 that can communicate with the through hole 12. The two top covers 1 are connected to each other by a connecting bolt 14 passing through the through hole 12. The threaded end of the connecting bolt 14 extends into the threaded hole 13 and is threadedly connected and fixed thereto to form a stable structural framework. A sealing gasket 15 is clamped and connected between the ends where the two connecting columns 11 meet to prevent gas leakage and enhance the sealing performance. An inner shaft sleeve 3 is sleeved on the circumferential outer wall of the two connecting columns 11 by interference fit. A flexible expansion film 2 is sleeved around the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve 3. The flexible expansion film 2 is made of a high-elastic material to improve its expansion performance and durability. There are clamping gaps 30 formed between the two ends of the inner shaft sleeve 3 and the side walls of the adjacent top covers 1. The front and rear ends of the flexible expansion film 2 are respectively clamped and fixed in the corresponding gaps 30 and are fixed. An air inflation channel 7 is provided in the lower guide post 4 and the inner shaft sleeve 3. The air inlet end of the air inflation channel 7 is connected and communicated with the air outlet end of the trachea 6. The air outlet of the air inflation channel 7 is opened on the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve 3 to introduce gas into the flexible expansion film 2 so that its circumferential outer wall expands to exceed the periphery of the top cover 1, thereby tightening and fixing the workpiece.

[0033] Among them, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the air inflation channel 7 includes an intake main pipe 71 communicated with the air outlet end of the trachea 6. The intake main pipe 71 penetrates into the lower guide post 4 from the tail end of the lower guide post 4. The air outlet end of the intake main pipe 71 is respectively communicated with two intake branch pipes 72. The two intake branch pipes 72 extend through the lower guide post 4 to the top cover 1 connected to the lower guide post 4 and are communicated with a gas guiding connection channel 31 provided on the inner shaft sleeve 3. The air outlet end of the gas guiding connection channel 31 is bent and penetrates through the circumferential outer wall of the inner shaft sleeve 3 to ensure that gas is evenly filled into the flexible expansion film 2 and realize the air-expanding operation. When the flexible expansion film 2 is inflated, the flexible expansion film 2 expands and becomes larger until it tightly presses against the inner wall of the workpiece 8.

[0034] In addition, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 6As shown, for the convenience of frequently disassembling and assembling the air pipe 6, a connecting air nozzle 5 is provided at the tail end of the lower guide post 4. One end of the connecting air nozzle 5 can be inserted into the intake main pipe 71, and the other end can be inserted into the air outlet end of the air pipe 6. A ventilation passage 51 that penetrates both ends is provided at the central axis of the connecting air nozzle 5. An electromagnetic valve (not shown in the figure) that can prevent gas from flowing back after the flexible expansion film 2 is inflated is provided in the ventilation passage 51. The electromagnetic valve controls the flow of gas, prevents gas from flowing back, and ensures that the tightening force after inflation is stable and does not loosen.

[0035] During use, the lower guide post 4 is connected to an external air supply device through the air pipe 6. When it is necessary to clamp the workpiece 8, air is supplied to the air pipe 6, and the gas is introduced into the flexible expansion film 2 through the air inlet channel 7. As the gas is filled, the flexible expansion film 2 begins to expand, and the outer wall gradually exceeds the periphery of the top cover 1, generating a stable expansion clamping force to firmly clamp the workpiece 8. Through the control of the electromagnetic valve, the gas remains stable in the flexible expansion film 2, avoiding insufficient tightening force caused by gas backflow.

[0036] The above shows and describes 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 by the above embodiments. The above embodiments and the descriptions in the specification only illustrate the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention will have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A centering flexible air-expanding mechanism, characterized in that It includes: A lower guide post (4), with a trachea (6) connected to the tail of the lower guide post (4) for connection to an external air supply device; Two top covers (1) arranged at intervals and connected to each other, with one of the top covers (1) connected to the head end of the lower guide post (4); An inner bushing (3) is arranged between the two top covers (1) and is coaxial with the two top covers (1). A clamping gap (30) is formed between the two ends of the inner bushing (3) and the adjacent top cover (1); A flexible expansion film (2) is wound around the circumferential outer wall of the inner bushing (3), and the front and rear ends of the flexible expansion film (2) are respectively clamped and fixed in the corresponding gap (30); An air inlet channel (7), the air inlet end of which is connected and communicated with the air outlet end of the trachea (6), and the other end passes through the lower guide post (4) and the inner bushing (3) to introduce gas into the flexible expansion film (2) so that it expands beyond the periphery of the top cover (1).

2. The centering flexible air-expanding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein On one side of the two top covers (1) facing each other, there are connecting columns (11) extending along the central axis. At the center position of the top cover (1) far from the lower guide post (4), there is a through hole (12) that can penetrate the connecting column (11) on this side. At the center of the connecting column (11) on the other side, there is a threaded hole (13) that can be connected and communicated with the through hole (12). A connecting bolt (14) is inserted into the through hole (12), and the threaded end of the connecting bolt (14) is threadedly connected to the threaded hole (13). The inner bushing (3) is sleeved on the two connecting columns (11).

3. The centering flexible air-expanding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The air inlet channel (7) includes an air inlet main pipe (71) communicated with the air outlet end of the trachea (6) and two air inlet branch pipes (72) respectively communicated with the air outlet end of the air inlet main pipe (71). The air outlet end of the air inlet branch pipe (72) leads to the inner side of the flexible expansion film (2).

4. The centering flexible air inflation mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that The air inlet main pipe (71) penetrates into the lower guide post (4) from the tail end of the lower guide post (4). The two air inlet branch pipes (72) extend through the lower guide post (4) to the top cover (1) connected to the lower guide post and are connected and communicated with a gas guiding connection channel (31) arranged on the inner bushing (3). The air outlet end of the gas guiding connection channel (31) is bent and then penetrates through the circumferential outer wall of the inner bushing (3).

5. The centering flexible air expansion mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, At the tail end of the lower guide post (4), there is a connecting air nozzle (5) with one end that can be inserted into the air inlet main pipe (71) and the other end that can be inserted into the air outlet end of the trachea (6). A ventilation channel (51) that penetrates through both ends is arranged at the central axis of the connecting air nozzle (5).

6. The centering flexible air-expanding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, An electromagnetic valve that can prevent gas from flowing back after the flexible expansion film (2) is inflated is arranged in the ventilation channel (51).

7. A centering flexible air-expanding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner bushing (3) and the two connecting columns (11) are sleeved together with an interference fit.

8. A centering flexible air-expanding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, A sealing gasket (15) is clamped and connected between the ends of the two connecting columns (11) in contact.

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