C-shaped positioner
By installing a locking mechanism on the gripper of the C-type positioner, the problem of workpiece falling due to air source failure was solved, achieving stability and safety in clamping, and improving processing efficiency and quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520027132.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-06
AI Technical Summary
When the air supply fails, the clamping device of the existing C-type positioner cannot support the weight of the workpiece, causing the workpiece to fall, damaging the equipment and affecting welding efficiency and quality.
A locking mechanism is installed on the gripper. Using components such as a locking cylinder, a limit plate, a spring, and a limit rack, the gripper is automatically moved and positioned when the air source is disconnected, preventing the workpiece from falling.
It effectively prevents workpieces from falling, ensures equipment safety, improves processing quality and efficiency, and enhances clamping stability and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN223863211U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fixture and tooling equipment technology, specifically a C-type positioner. Background Technology
[0002] C-type positioners, also known as roll-type positioners, are suitable for the automated clamping and positioning of long, strip-shaped workpieces. They can be used in conjunction with industrial robots to achieve automated assembly and welding. During operation, the C-type positioner uses the rotation and tilting mechanisms of its worktable to bring the workpiece, fixed on the worktable, to the required welding or assembly angle, facilitating subsequent welding or assembly operations. Existing C-type positioners typically use a high-pressure air source as their power source. The movement of the clamping device is controlled by the air supply to clamp the workpiece. If the air source fails and cannot supply air, the clamping device cannot support the weight of the workpiece, causing it to fall. This not only damages the positioner and the workpiece but also affects the welding efficiency and quality of subsequent workpieces. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a C-type positioner with a locking mechanism installed on the gripper of the workpiece. The locking mechanism can limit the gripper when power is lost, thus solving the problems in the prior art.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: a C-type positioner, including a base frame, on which a rotatable inner ring rotating assembly is installed. The inner ring rotating assembly includes side plates arranged side by side, each side plate having a notch. A C-shaped arc plate is provided between two side plates without notches. A vertical plate and a bottom plate are installed between the notches on the side plates. The side plates, C-shaped arc plate, vertical plate, and bottom plate constitute the outer shell of the inner ring rotating assembly. A vertical moving groove is provided side by side on the vertical plate, and a first gripper capable of vertical lifting is installed in the vertical moving groove. A horizontal moving groove is provided side by side on the bottom plate, and a second gripper capable of horizontal movement is installed in the horizontal moving groove. A locking mechanism is installed on both the first gripper and the second gripper. The locking mechanism can realize the movement and positioning of the first gripper and the second gripper respectively when the first gripper and the second gripper lose power. A vertical movement cylinder and a vertical movement slide rail are installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the vertical movement cylinder is connected to the first gripper. The first gripper is provided with a vertical movement slider that cooperates with the vertical movement slide rail. The vertical movement cylinder can drive the first gripper to move vertically. A horizontal movement cylinder and a horizontal movement slide rail are also installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the horizontal movement cylinder is connected to the second gripper. The second gripper is provided with a horizontal movement slider that cooperates with the horizontal movement slide rail. The horizontal movement cylinder can drive the second gripper to move horizontally. The locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder mounted on the gripper. A connecting limiting plate is mounted on the piston rod of the locking cylinder. A limiting groove is formed in the connecting limiting plate. Corresponding to the position of the limiting groove, elongated grooves are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the connecting limiting plate. A fixing block is mounted on the gripper. The fixing block has a first through groove and a second through groove that communicate with each other. The height of the first through groove is greater than the height of the second through groove. A locking block is fitted in the first through groove. A spring is installed between the locking block and the first through groove. The end of the locking block extending out of the fixing block has a first inclined surface. A limiting rack is installed on one side of the slide rail. The spring... There is a tendency for the locking block to eventually enter the limiting rack. A movable rod is also installed in the second through slot. One end of the movable rod is connected to the locking block, and the other end is located in the limiting groove. A limiting bolt that mates with the elongated groove is also installed on the movable rod. When the locking cylinder has an air supply, the piston rod extends, the connecting limiting plate moves away from the fixed block, and the spring is compressed. The locking block, being away from the limiting rack, will not interfere with the movement of the gripper. When the air supply is disconnected, the piston rod retracts, the connecting limiting plate moves closer to the fixed block, and the locking block extends into the limiting rack to lock the movement of the gripper. A drive motor is installed on the base frame, and a transmission shaft is installed on the output shaft of the drive motor. Sprockets are installed at both ends of the transmission shaft along its length, and a chain that meshes with the sprockets is provided on the outer periphery of the side plate.The side plate is equipped with an arc-shaped guide rail. Several circumferentially arranged guide mechanisms are installed on both sides of the base frame. Each guide mechanism includes a detachable guide fixing plate. Clamping bearings are installed on both sides of the guide fixing plate, and a guide bearing is installed between the clamping bearings. The rotating shafts of the clamping bearings and the guide bearings are arranged perpendicularly. The clamping bearings are respectively fitted onto the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the arc-shaped guide rail, while the guide bearings are pressed against the outer surface of the arc-shaped guide rail. A protective cover is also provided on the outer side of the guide mechanism. A winding drum is installed at the front end of the base frame, with a wire wound on it. The wire is located outside the C-shaped arc plate and can enter the inner rotating assembly through the C-shaped arc plate. When the inner rotating assembly rotates, the winding drum always tends to tighten the wire. Foot fasteners are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the base frame.
[0005] The positive effects of this utility model are as follows: The C-type positioner described herein has a first gripper capable of vertical lifting mounted on the vertical plate constituting the inner ring rotating assembly housing, and a second gripper capable of horizontal movement mounted on the bottom plate. The coordinated movement of the first and second grippers enables clamping and position adjustment of the workpiece. Locking mechanisms are installed on both the first and second grippers, automatically repositioning them when the power source is lost. This effectively prevents the workpiece from falling due to gripper weakness, ensuring workpiece safety and processing quality, while also avoiding equipment damage. It improves production efficiency and safety, offering advantages such as stable clamping, accurate positioning, high safety, high processing efficiency, and wide applicability. It has high practical value and application prospects in the field of fixture and tooling equipment technology. Attached Figure Description
[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0007] Figure 2 This is the front view of this utility model;
[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The left view;
[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Top view;
[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A bottom view;
[0011] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inner rotating assembly;
[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Sectional view along line AA;
[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along the BB direction;
[0014] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two sets of grippers and the drive assembly in the inner ring rotating assembly;
[0015] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism;
[0016] Figure 11 This is a top view of the locking mechanism;
[0017] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the locking mechanism when the gripper is locked;
[0018] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part of I;
[0019] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An enlarged view of the sectional view along the CC direction. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The C-type positioner described in this utility model, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, it includes a base frame 1, on which a rotatable inner ring rotating assembly is installed. The base frame 1 is the fixed frame of the positioner. The inner ring rotating assembly can clamp the workpiece and rotate and adjust it relative to the base frame 1, thereby realizing the adaptive adjustment of the position of the clamped workpiece to facilitate subsequent welding machine operation.
[0021] The inner ring rotating assembly includes side plates 2 arranged side by side, each side plate 2 having a notch. A C-shaped arc plate 3 is provided between two side plates 2 without notches. A vertical plate 4 and a bottom plate 5 are installed between the notches on the side plates 2. The vertical plate 4 and the bottom plate 5 are arranged perpendicularly. The side plates 2, C-shaped arc plate 3, vertical plate 4 and bottom plate 5 constitute the outer shell of the inner ring rotating assembly.
[0022] A vertical moving groove 6 is provided on the vertical plate 4, and a first gripper 7 capable of vertical lifting is installed in the vertical moving groove 6. A horizontal moving groove 8 is provided on the bottom plate 5, and a second gripper 9 capable of horizontal movement is installed in the horizontal moving groove 8. The coordinated action of the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9 can achieve stable clamping of the workpiece.
[0023] Furthermore, in order to achieve the movements of the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9, such as Figures 7-9As shown, a vertical movement cylinder 10 and a vertical movement slide rail 11 are installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the vertical movement cylinder 10 is connected to the first gripper 7. The first gripper 7 is provided with a vertical movement slider 12 that cooperates with the vertical movement slide rail 11. The vertical movement cylinder 10 can drive the first gripper 7 to move vertically. A horizontal movement cylinder 13 and a horizontal movement slide rail 14 are also installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the horizontal movement cylinder 13 is connected to the second gripper 9. The second gripper 9 is provided with a horizontal movement slider 15 that cooperates with the horizontal movement slide rail 14. The horizontal movement cylinder 13 can drive the second gripper 9 to move horizontally.
[0024] Both the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9 are equipped with locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms can move and position the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9 respectively when the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9 lose power, so as to avoid the first gripper 7 and the second gripper 9 being unable to support and hold the workpiece after the power is lost, and the workpiece falling under the action of gravity and causing destructive consequences.
[0025] The locking mechanism can be any existing structure capable of locking, such as a cam locking pin structure, an L-shaped locking structure, or a rotary locking structure. The cam locking pin structure can include a cam feature, a locking pin, a spring, and a handle. Operating the handle rotates the cam, which in turn moves the locking pin, achieving the locking function. The end of the locking pin is typically rounded to allow for movement of the locking position. The L-shaped locking structure can consist of a frame, a tensioning rod, a locking rod, a stop block, and a locking spring. The spring force engages the locking rod and the tensioning rod, achieving the locking function. The locking position can be achieved by setting different notches. In the rotary locking structure, the movement of the tensioning element is a circular motion. The frame has guide grooves, and the tensioning rod is equipped with a tensioning pin. The tensioning pin moves within the guide grooves on the frame, first pushing axially and then rotating radially, combining with the spring force to achieve the locking function. All of the above structures can be connected to a power source via a transmission mechanism to transmit the action when power is lost, achieving positioning and locking of the chuck.
[0026] To adapt to C-type positioners that use high-pressure air as their power source, and to enable the two grippers to instantly limit their movement when the high-pressure air source is lost, such as... Figures 10-12 As shown, the locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder 16 disposed on the gripper, and a connecting limiting plate 17 is installed on the piston rod of the locking cylinder 16. In the air-ventilated state, the piston rod of the locking cylinder 16 is in the extended state.
[0027] A limiting groove 18 is formed within the connecting limiting plate 17. Corresponding to the position of the limiting groove 18, elongated grooves 19 are formed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the connecting limiting plate 17. An adjustable movable rod 27 is installed within the limiting groove 18.
[0028] A fixing block 20 is installed on the gripper. The fixing block 20 has a first through groove 21 and a second through groove 22 that are connected to each other. The height of the first through groove 21 is greater than the height of the second through groove 22. A locking block 23 is installed in the first through groove 21. A spring 24 is installed between the locking block 23 and the first through groove 21. The end of the locking block 23 that extends out of the fixing block 20 has a first inclined surface 25. A limiting rack 26 is installed on one side of the slide rail. A through groove is opened on the gripper to allow the locking block 23 to pass through. The spring 24 always has a tendency to push the locking block 23 into the limiting rack 26. When the locking block 23 enters the gap in the limiting rack 26, the gripper can be moved and locked.
[0029] A movable rod 27 is also installed in the second through groove 22. One end of the movable rod 27 is connected to the locking block 23, and the other end of the movable rod 27 is located in the limiting groove 18. A limiting bolt 28 that mates with the long groove 19 is also installed on the movable rod 27 to achieve a fixed installation connection between the movable rod 27 and the connecting limiting plate 17.
[0030] When there is an air supply, the piston rod of the locking cylinder 16 extends, the connecting limit plate 17 moves away from the fixed block 20, the movable rod 27 pulls the locking block 23 away from the limit rack 26, the spring 24 is in a compressed state, the locking block 23 moves away from the limit rack 26 and does not interfere with the movement of the gripper. That is, when the power source is normal, the two grippers move normally under control, the locking mechanism is in a non-working state and will not affect the normal movement of the gripper.
[0031] When the air source is disconnected, the piston rod of the locking cylinder 16 retracts, the connecting limit plate 17 moves closer to the fixed block 20, and the movable rod 27 drives the locking block 23 to extend into the limiting rack 26 to lock the movement of the gripper. That is, when the power source is disconnected, the gripper loses power, and at the same time, through the transmission of each component in the locking mechanism, the locking block 23 enters into the limiting rack 26 to limit the movement of the gripper.
[0032] The opening of the long slot 19 can adjust the initial installation position between the connecting limit plate 17 and the movable rod 27. It can adapt the arrangement of each component according to the actual installation space inside the device, avoid interference between the components, and, in conjunction with the elasticity of the spring 24, can accurately achieve the limit locking of the gripper through transmission when the air source is on or off.
[0033] Furthermore, to drive the rotation of the inner ring rotating assembly, a drive motor 29 is mounted on the base frame 1. A transmission shaft 30 is mounted on the output shaft of the drive motor 29, and sprockets 31 are mounted at both ends of the transmission shaft 30 along its length. A chain 32 that meshes with the sprockets 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the side plate 2. Through the coordinated use of the drive motor 29, transmission shaft 30, sprockets 31, and chain 32, the smooth rotation of the inner ring rotating assembly is achieved, providing the workpiece with a full range of machining angles and further improving machining efficiency and flexibility.
[0034] Furthermore, in order to achieve stable guidance when the inner ring rotating assembly rotates, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, an arc-shaped guide rail 33 is installed on the side plate 2, and several guide mechanisms arranged in a circle are installed on both sides of the base frame 1. Each guide mechanism includes a detachable guide fixing plate 34. Clamping bearings 35 are installed on both sides of the guide fixing plate 34, and guide bearings 36 are installed between the clamping bearings 35. The rotation axes of the clamping bearings 35 and the guide bearings 36 are arranged perpendicularly. The clamping bearings 35 are respectively fitted on the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the arc-shaped guide rail 33, while the guide bearings 36 are pressed against the outer surface of the arc-shaped guide rail 33.
[0035] The guiding mechanism can be adapted to different positions according to the actual guiding requirements of the arc-shaped guide rail 33. This can be achieved by changing the installation position of the guide fixing plate 34. The cooperation between the clamping bearing 35 and the guide bearing 36 and the arc-shaped guide rail 33 not only ensures the smooth operation of the inner ring rotating assembly, but also enhances the stability and service life of the equipment. In order to protect the internal guiding mechanisms, a protective cover 37 is also provided on the outside of the guiding mechanism.
[0036] When the inner rotating assembly rotates, the wire connected to it will swing accordingly. Uncontrolled wire swaying can interfere with the mechanisms inside the positioner, or even break, preventing normal power supply. To avoid this, a winding drum 38 is installed at the front end of the base frame 1, with a wire 39 wound around it. The wire 39 is located outside the C-shaped arc plate 3 and can enter the inner rotating assembly through the C-shaped arc plate 3. When the inner rotating assembly rotates, the winding drum 38 always tends to tighten the wire 39. This tightening is achieved by a torsion spring on its own rotating shaft, which always tends to rotate the winding drum 38 to tighten the wire 39. When the inner rotating assembly... Figure 2 When rotated clockwise in the indicated direction, the end of the wire 39 is stretched away from the spool 38. At this time, to overcome the spring force of the torsion spring, the wire 39 is in a tightened state. When the inner rotating assembly is in Figure 2When rotated counterclockwise in the indicated direction, the end of the wire 39 approaches the winding drum 38. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the winding drum 38 rotates to wind and tighten the wire 39, ensuring that the wire 39 inside the positioner is always in a taut state during operation, preventing interference or breakage caused by wire shaking, and ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.
[0037] The base frame 1 is equipped with four feet 40 at the bottom corners. The feet 40 enhance the stability and reliability of the equipment, making the equipment more stable during operation.
[0038] The technical solution of this utility model is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein. All technical contents not described in detail herein are publicly known technologies.
Claims
1. A C-type positioner, comprising a base frame (1), on which a rotatable inner ring rotating assembly is mounted, characterized in that: The inner ring rotating assembly includes side plates (2) arranged side by side. Each side plate (2) has a notch. A C-shaped arc plate (3) is provided between the two side plates (2) without notches. A vertical plate (4) and a bottom plate (5) are installed between the side plates (2) with notches. The side plates (2), C-shaped arc plate (3), vertical plate (4) and bottom plate (5) constitute the outer shell of the inner ring rotating assembly. A vertical moving groove (6) is provided on the vertical plate (4) arranged side by side. A first gripper (7) that can move vertically is installed in the vertical moving groove (6). A horizontal moving groove (8) is provided on the bottom plate (5) arranged side by side. A second gripper (9) that can move horizontally is installed in the horizontal moving groove (8). A locking mechanism is installed on both the first gripper (7) and the second gripper (9). The locking mechanism can realize the movement and positioning of the first gripper (7) and the second gripper (9) respectively when the first gripper (7) and the second gripper (9) lose power.
2. A C-type positioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vertical moving cylinder (10) and a vertical moving slide rail (11) are installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the vertical moving cylinder (10) is connected to the first gripper (7). The first gripper (7) is provided with a vertical moving slider (12) that cooperates with the vertical moving slide rail (11). The vertical moving cylinder (10) can drive the first gripper (7) to move vertically. A horizontal moving cylinder (13) and a horizontal moving slide rail (14) are also installed in the inner ring rotating assembly. The piston rod of the horizontal moving cylinder (13) is connected to the second gripper (9). The second gripper (9) is provided with a horizontal moving slider (15) that cooperates with the horizontal moving slide rail (14). The horizontal moving cylinder (13) can drive the second gripper (9) to move horizontally.
3. A C-type positioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder (16) mounted on the gripper. A connecting limiting plate (17) is installed on the piston rod of the locking cylinder (16). A limiting groove (18) is opened in the connecting limiting plate (17). Corresponding to the position of the limiting groove (18), long slots (19) are opened on the upper and lower surfaces of the connecting limiting plate (17). A fixing block (20) is installed on the gripper. A first through groove (21) and a second through groove (22) communicating with the fixing block (20) are opened inside the fixing block (20). The height of the first through groove (21) is greater than the height of the second through groove (22). A locking block (23) is installed in the first through groove (21). A spring (24) is installed between the locking block (23) and the first through groove (21). A first inclined surface (25) is provided at one end of the locking block (23) extending out of the fixing block (20). A limiting rack (26) is installed on one side of the slide rail. The spring ( 24) There is always a tendency to push the locking block (23) into the limiting rack (26). A movable rod (27) is also installed in the second through groove (22). One end of the movable rod (27) is connected to the locking block (23), and the other end of the movable rod (27) is located in the limiting groove (18). A limiting bolt (28) that matches the long groove (19) is also installed on the movable rod (27). When the air source is supplied, the piston rod of the locking cylinder (16) extends, the connecting limiting plate (17) moves away from the fixed block (20), the spring (24) is in a compressed state, and the locking block (23) moves away from the limiting rack (26) and does not interfere with the movement of the gripper. When the air source is disconnected, the piston rod of the locking cylinder (16) retracts, the connecting limiting plate (17) moves closer to the fixed block (20), and the locking block (23) extends into the limiting rack (26) to lock the movement of the gripper.
4. A C-type positioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: A drive motor (29) is installed on the base frame (1), and a transmission shaft (30) is installed on the output shaft of the drive motor (29). Both ends of the transmission shaft (30) in the length direction are equipped with sprockets (31), and the outer periphery of the side plate (2) is provided with a chain (32) that meshes with the sprockets (31).
5. A C-type positioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side plate (2) is equipped with an arc-shaped guide rail (33). Several guide mechanisms arranged in a circle are installed on both sides of the base frame (1). Each guide mechanism includes a detachable guide fixing plate (34). Clamping bearings (35) are installed on both sides of the guide fixing plate (34). Guide bearings (36) are installed between the clamping bearings (35). The rotating shafts of the clamping bearings (35) and the guide bearings (36) are arranged perpendicularly. The clamping bearings (35) are respectively fitted on the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the arc-shaped guide rail (33). The guide bearings (36) are pressed against the outer surface of the arc-shaped guide rail (33). A protective cover (37) is also provided on the outer side of the guide mechanism.
6. A C-type positioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base frame (1) is equipped with a winding drum (38) at the front end, and a wire (39) is wound on the winding drum (38). The wire (39) is located on the outside of the C-shaped arc plate (3). The wire (39) can enter the inner ring rotating assembly through the C-shaped arc plate (3). When the inner ring rotating assembly rotates, the winding drum (38) always tends to tighten the wire (39). Foot (40) is provided at the four corners of the bottom of the base frame (1).