Clamping assembly for clamping optical module with heat dissipation structure

The clamping assembly, which combines a lifting device and a buffer device, solves the problem of unstable clamping in optical module testing in the prior art. It achieves stable and precise clamping of optical modules with heat dissipation structures, avoids damage and loosening, and improves the reliability of optical module testing.

CN223989522UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-13SHENZHEN DONGYINGXUNDA ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2026-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing optical module inspection methods, pneumatic fingers and vacuum suction cups are difficult to stably hold optical modules with heat dissipation structures, which can easily lead to low positioning accuracy and damage, especially during transport, where they may fall off.

Method used

The clamping assembly consists of a lifting device, a buffer device, and an electric gripper. The lifting device moves the connecting seat, the electric gripper connects to the buffer device, the clamping plate clamps the heat dissipation structure of the optical module, and the buffer device provides cushioning and shock absorption. The position sensor detects the position of the gripper to ensure stable clamping.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable and precise clamping of optical modules, avoiding damage and loosening caused by uneven clamping force. It is suitable for clamping optical modules with heat dissipation structures, improving the reliability of the delivery process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure. The clamping assembly comprises a lifting device, a connecting seat, a buffer device, an electric clamping jaw and a position sensor, the lifting device is connected with the connecting base, the buffering device is arranged on the connecting base, and the electric clamping jaw is connected with the buffering device. The position sensor is used for detecting the position of the electric clamping jaw; two clamping arms of the electric clamping jaw are both provided with clamping plates, and the two clamping plates are oppositely arranged. The lifting device drives the connecting base to move up and down, and the buffer device, the electric clamping jaw and the two clamping plates on the electric clamping jaw jointly achieve grabbing of the optical module. The buffer device can play a role in buffering and damping when the clamping plate touches the optical module, damage to the optical module is avoided, the electric clamping jaw can provide stable and accurate clamping force, the clamping device is particularly suitable for clamping a heat dissipation structure on the optical module, and the situation that the optical module is damaged or loosened in the conveying process due to uneven clamping force is effectively avoided.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical module testing equipment technology, and more specifically, to a clamping component for clamping optical modules with heat dissipation structures. Background Technology

[0002] Optical modules are optoelectronic devices that perform photoelectric and electro-optical conversion. In the existing optical module inspection process, pneumatic fingers or suction cups are mainly used to grasp the optical modules. The positioning accuracy and repeatability of pneumatic fingers are usually low, and they are prone to damaging the optical modules. Vacuum suction cups have problems with insufficient or unstable adsorption force, especially for optical modules with heat dissipation structures. Optical modules with heat dissipation structures usually have uneven surfaces or irregular shapes, and suction cups cannot achieve uniform adsorption and stable clamping. During the transportation process, the optical modules may fall off. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a clamping assembly for holding an optical module with a heat dissipation structure, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art. To achieve the above objective, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A clamping assembly for holding an optical module with a heat dissipation structure, comprising a lifting device, a connecting seat, a buffer device, an electric gripper, and a position sensor; the lifting device is connected to the connecting seat and drives the connecting seat to move up and down; the buffer device is disposed on the connecting seat, the electric gripper is connected to the buffer device, and the electric gripper and the connecting seat can slide relative to each other; the position sensor is used to detect the position of the electric gripper; a clamping plate is installed on each of the two clamping arms of the electric gripper, and the two clamping plates are arranged opposite to each other.

[0004] Preferably, the buffer device includes a slide rail, a slider, a sliding seat, a limiting plate, and a pair of limiting shafts; the slider is fixedly connected to the connecting seat, the slide rail is fixedly connected to the sliding seat, and the slide rail and the slider are slidably connected; the limiting plate is connected to the connecting seat, the limiting shaft is slidably disposed on the limiting plate, one end of the limiting shaft is fixedly connected to the sliding seat, and the other end is provided with a locking screw; a compression spring is provided on the limiting shaft, one end of the compression spring abuts against the limiting plate, and the other end abuts against the sliding seat; the electric gripper is connected to the sliding seat.

[0005] Preferably, the position sensor includes a slotted photoelectric switch and a sensing element. The slotted photoelectric switch is located on the back of the connector, and the sensing element is connected to the sliding base. The sensing element and the slotted photoelectric switch are configured to cooperate with each other.

[0006] Preferably, the sensing element is provided with a set of strip grooves with adjustable installation positions.

[0007] Preferably, the slide rail is a linear guide rail, and the slider is a ball bearing slider.

[0008] Preferably, the inner side of the clamping plate is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0009] Preferably, the electric gripper includes a motor and a transmission mechanism, the motor is connected to the transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism is connected to a pair of gripping arms; the motor is a servo motor.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting seat includes a back plate and a side plate arranged perpendicularly to each other. The back side of the back plate is connected to the lifting device, and the front side is arranged opposite to the electric gripper. The buffer device is installed on the side plate.

[0011] Preferably, the lifting device is a slide cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, the device further includes a robotic arm, one end of which is fitted with a mounting frame, and the lifting device is connected to the mounting frame.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model uses a lifting device to drive the connecting seat to move up and down, a buffer device is set on the connecting seat, and the electric gripper is connected to the buffer device, thereby realizing the overall lifting of the electric gripper. When the electric gripper moves to the optical module, the gripping arm drives the clamping plate to move, and the two clamping plates together clamp the heat dissipation structure of the optical module, thereby realizing the gripping of the optical module. The buffer device of this utility model can play a role in buffering and shock absorption when the clamping plate touches the optical module, avoiding damage to the optical module. The electric gripper can provide a relatively stable and precisely controllable clamping force, which is especially suitable for clamping the heat dissipation structure on the optical module, effectively avoiding damage to the optical module or loosening during transportation due to uneven clamping force. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front view of a clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view of a clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the clamping assembly and the robotic arm for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the diagram, the correspondence between the names of each component and the numbers in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0020] 1--Lifting device, 2--Connecting seat, 21--Back plate, 22--Side plate, 3--Buffer device, 31--Slide rail, 32--Slider, 33--Sliding seat, 34--Limiting plate, 35--Limiting shaft, 36--Locking screw, 37--Compression spring, 4--Electric gripper, 5--Position sensor, 51--Slotted photoelectric switch, 52--Induction plate, 521--Strip groove, 6--Clamping plate, 7--Robot arm, 8--Mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but should not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5This utility model provides a clamping assembly for holding an optical module with a heat dissipation structure, including a lifting device 1, a connecting seat 2, a buffer device 3, an electric gripper 4, and a position sensor 5; the lifting device 1 is connected to the connecting seat 2 and drives the connecting seat 2 to move up and down; the buffer device 3 is disposed on the connecting seat 2, and the electric gripper 4 is connected to the buffer device 3, and the electric gripper 4 and the connecting seat 2 can slide relative to each other; the position sensor 5 is used to detect the position of the electric gripper 4; a clamping plate 6 is installed on each of the two clamping arms of the electric gripper 4, and the two clamping plates 6 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0025] In this embodiment of the invention, the lifting device 1 is connected to the connecting seat 2, enabling the connecting seat 2 to move up and down. This design allows the clamping assembly to flexibly adjust its height according to actual needs, adapting to the clamping requirements of optical modules with heat dissipation structures of different heights, thus improving the versatility and adaptability of the clamping assembly. This is because the heat dissipation structure of commonly used optical modules is located on the top of the optical module, and the heat dissipation structure is usually a structure with many fins or thin plates. These fins increase the heat dissipation area, thereby improving heat dissipation efficiency. In this embodiment, a pair of clamping plates 6 cooperate with the fins on the heat dissipation structure. The two clamping plates 6 can enter the fin area under the drive of the lifting mechanism, and then the two clamping plates 6 move closer to each other, jointly clamping the fins of the heat dissipation structure, thereby tightening the entire optical module with heat dissipation structure. Furthermore, the entire clamping assembly can also be installed on a gantry, multi-axis motion platform, or robot to increase the range of motion of the clamping assembly, thereby realizing a large-scale transfer of materials.

[0026] Because the optical module integrates optical and circuit components, it is crucial to follow proper operating procedures during clamping; otherwise, damage to the optical module can easily occur. Therefore, this embodiment incorporates a buffer device 3 on the connecting base 2, and an electric gripper 4 is mounted on the buffer device 3. The electric gripper 4 and the connecting base 2 can slide relative to each other. Under normal circumstances, the electric gripper 4 remains downward under its own weight and, driven by the lifting device 1, approaches the heat dissipation structure of the optical module. Then, the clamping plate 6 clamps the heat dissipation structure at the top of the optical module. If the optical module shifts position, the heat dissipation structure malfunctions, or other unforeseen failures occur, preventing the clamping plate 6 from entering the fins of the heat dissipation structure, the clamping plate 6 may directly press against the heat dissipation structure. In this case, the buffer device 3 acts as a buffer and shock absorber, reducing the impact force generated during clamping and preventing damage to the optical module. This is especially beneficial for protecting fragile heat dissipation structures or delicate internal components of the optical module. Furthermore, the position sensor 5 is set to detect the position of the electric gripper 4. When the reverse upward movement of the electric gripper 4 is detected, it can be determined that there is an abnormality in the current clamping operation, thereby issuing an alarm signal or stopping the clamping operation to avoid abnormal damage to the equipment and loss of materials.

[0027] Both arms of the electric gripper 4 are equipped with opposing clamping plates 6. The electric gripper 4 provides a relatively stable and precisely controllable clamping force. Compared with some traditional mechanical grippers or manual clamping methods, its clamping force is more uniform and precise, which can effectively avoid damage to the optical module or loosening during transportation due to uneven clamping force. At the same time, the opposing clamping plates 6 increase the contact area with the optical module, further improving the stability and reliability of clamping.

[0028] Preferably, the buffer device 3 includes a slide rail 31, a slider 32, a sliding seat 33, a limiting plate 34, and a pair of limiting shafts 35; the slider 32 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 2, the slide rail 31 is fixedly connected to the sliding seat 33, and the slide rail 31 and the slider 32 are slidably connected; the limiting plate 34 is connected to the connecting seat 2, the limiting shafts 35 are slidably disposed on the limiting plate 34, one end of the limiting shaft 35 is fixedly connected to the sliding seat 33, and the other end is provided with a locking screw 36; a compression spring 37 is provided on the limiting shaft 35, one end of the compression spring 37 abuts against the limiting plate 34, and the other end abuts against the sliding seat 33; the electric gripper 4 is connected to the sliding seat 33.

[0029] In this embodiment, the slider 32 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 2, and the slide rail 31 is fixedly connected to the sliding seat 33. The slide rail 31 and slider 32 are slidably connected, allowing the sliding seat 33 to slide flexibly relative to the connecting seat 2. When the electric gripper 4 clamps the optical module and generates impact force, the relative sliding of the slide rail 31 and slider 32 absorbs part of the impact force, providing immediate buffer protection for the optical module and preventing damage from hard collisions. Furthermore, the limiting plate 34 is connected to the connecting seat 2, and the limiting shaft 35 is slidably mounted on the limiting plate 34, with one end fixedly connected to the sliding seat 33 and the other end equipped with a locking screw 36. This limiting structure precisely limits the movement range of the sliding seat 33, ensuring that excessive sliding does not occur during the buffering process, thus guaranteeing the stability and reliability of the buffer device 3. A compression spring 37 is mounted on the limiting shaft 35, with both ends abutting against the limiting plate 34 and the sliding seat 33, respectively. When the electric gripper 4 is subjected to an external impact, the compression spring 37 will compress and deform, absorbing and buffering energy through elastic deformation, providing a gentle and continuous buffering force for the optical module. At the same time, the compression spring 37 can also maintain the stable downward pressure of the electric gripper 4, keeping it in a downward trend. The entire buffer device 3 is composed of common components such as the slide rail 31, slider 32, sliding seat 33, limiting plate 34, limiting shaft 35, and compression spring 37. The structure is relatively simple and compact, reducing the difficulty of manufacturing and assembly while ensuring the buffering function.

[0030] Preferably, the position sensor 5 includes a slotted photoelectric switch 51 and a sensing element 52. The slotted photoelectric switch 51 is disposed on the back of the connecting base 2, and the sensing element 52 is connected to the sliding base 33. The sensing element 52 and the slotted photoelectric switch 51 are configured to cooperate with each other.

[0031] In this embodiment, the detection method using the slotted photoelectric switch 51 and the sensing element 52 is a non-contact detection, avoiding the wear and jamming problems that may occur with mechanical contact detection, thus improving the reliability and stability of position detection. When the sliding seat 33 slides up and down on the connecting seat 2 along with the electric gripper 4, the sensing element 52 connected to the sliding seat 33 also moves synchronously. The slotted photoelectric switch 51 is located on the back of the connecting seat 2, with its transmitting and receiving ends arranged opposite each other to form an optical path. In the initial state, the sensing element 52 has not entered the slot of the slotted photoelectric switch 51, and the light emitted by the transmitting end of the slotted photoelectric switch 51 can be successfully received by the receiving end. At this time, the slotted photoelectric switch 51 is in the conducting state, indicating that the electric gripper 4 is in normal condition. When the electric gripper 4 rises relative to the connecting seat 2 due to the reaction force of the optical module or the material, the sliding seat 33 drives the sensing plate 52 to rise. The sensing plate 52 enters the slot of the slotted photoelectric switch 51, blocking the light between the transmitting end and the receiving end, so that the receiving end of the slotted photoelectric switch 51 cannot receive the light. At this time, the state of the slotted photoelectric switch 51 changes, and the position of the sensing plate 52 can be determined. Then, the position information of the sliding seat 33 and the electric gripper 4 connected to it can be obtained, realizing real-time detection and feedback of the position of the electric gripper 4, so as to control the electric gripper 4.

[0032] Preferably, the sensing element 52 is provided with a set of adjustable mounting slots 521. In this embodiment, by providing the slots 521, the position of the sensing element 52 can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs when it is installed on the sliding seat 33. The mounting position of the sensing element 52 can be moved along the direction of the slots 521, thereby changing the initial position of the sensing element 52 in conjunction with the slotted photoelectric switch 51 to adapt to different specifications of optical modules or different clamping requirements.

[0033] Preferably, the slide rail 31 is a linear guide rail, and the slider 32 is a ball bearing slider 32. The ball bearing slider 32 cooperates with the linear guide rail, using rolling friction instead of traditional sliding friction, greatly reducing frictional resistance. This makes the movement of the electric gripper 4 smoother and more flexible.

[0034] Preferably, the inner side of the clamping plate 6 is provided with anti-slip texture. The anti-slip texture increases the friction between the clamping plate 6 and the heat dissipation structure of the optical module, enabling the clamping plate 6 to clamp the optical module more firmly, preventing the optical module from sliding or falling off during clamping, and improving the stability and reliability of clamping.

[0035] Preferably, the electric gripper 4 includes a motor and a transmission mechanism. The motor is connected to the transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism is connected to a pair of gripping arms. The motor is a servo motor. In this embodiment, a servo motor is used as the power source. The servo motor can precisely control the output torque, thereby precisely adjusting the gripping force of the gripping arms on the optical module through the transmission mechanism. For optical modules with different materials and different heat dissipation structures, a suitable gripping force can be provided according to their needs, ensuring that the optical module will not loosen during the gripping process, and that the heat dissipation structure of the optical module will not be damaged due to excessive gripping force.

[0036] Preferably, the connecting seat 2 includes a back plate 21 and a side plate 22 arranged perpendicularly to each other. The back side of the back plate 21 is connected to the lifting device 1, and the front side is opposite to the electric gripper 4. The buffer device 3 is mounted on the side plate 22. The mutually perpendicular back plate 21 and side plate 22 form a stable L-shaped structure, providing good strength and stability for the connecting seat 2, and reliably supporting components such as the electric gripper 4 and the buffer device 3. At the same time, this structural design can make full use of space, making the layout of the equipment more compact, and realizing the reasonable installation and coordinated operation of the lifting device 1, the electric gripper 4, and the buffer device 3 within a limited space.

[0037] Preferably, the lifting device 1 is a slide cylinder. The slide cylinder converts the piston movement of the cylinder into the linear movement of the slide, resulting in a compact overall structure that occupies little space. It can realize the lifting function of the electric gripper 4 within a limited space, making the layout of the equipment more reasonable.

[0038] Preferably, the system also includes a robotic arm 7, one end of which is fitted with a mounting frame 8, and the lifting device 1 is connected to the mounting frame 8. The robotic arm 7 has multiple degrees of freedom and can move flexibly in three-dimensional space. Through its connection with the mounting frame 8 and the lifting device 1, the gripping component can move freely between different working positions and heights, adapting to complex working environments and diverse operational needs. For example, on an optical module production line, the robotic arm 7 can accurately move the gripping component to different workstations, realizing a series of operations such as loading, handling, and testing of optical modules, greatly improving production flexibility and automation.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model uses a lifting device to drive the connecting seat to move up and down, a buffer device is set on the connecting seat, and the electric gripper is connected to the buffer device, thereby realizing the overall lifting of the electric gripper. When the electric gripper moves to the optical module, the gripping arm drives the clamping plate to move, and the two clamping plates together clamp the heat dissipation structure of the optical module, thereby realizing the gripping of the optical module. The buffer device of this utility model can play a role in buffering and shock absorption when the clamping plate touches the optical module, avoiding damage to the optical module. The electric gripper can provide a relatively stable and precisely controllable clamping force, which is especially suitable for clamping the heat dissipation structure on the optical module, effectively avoiding damage to the optical module or loosening during transportation due to uneven clamping force.

[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the utility model to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of this utility model, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this utility model and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A clamping assembly for clamping an optical module with a heat dissipation structure, characterized in that, The device comprises a lifting device (1), a connecting seat (2), a buffer device (3), an electric clamping jaw (4) and a position sensor (5); the lifting device is connected with the connecting seat and drives the connecting seat to move up and down; the buffer device is arranged on the connecting seat, the electric clamping jaw is connected with the buffer device, and the electric clamping jaw and the connecting seat are relatively slidable; the position sensor is used for detecting the position of the electric clamping jaw; two clamping arms of the electric clamping jaw are both provided with clamping plates (6), and the two clamping plates are oppositely arranged.

2. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The buffer device comprises a sliding rail (31), a sliding block (32), a sliding seat (33), a limiting plate (34) and a pair of limiting shafts (35); the sliding block is fixedly connected with the connecting seat, the sliding rail is fixedly connected with the sliding seat, and the sliding rail and the sliding block are in sliding fit connection; the limiting plate is connected with the connecting seat, the limiting shafts are slidably arranged on the limiting plate, one end of the limiting shafts is fixedly connected with the sliding seat, and the other end is provided with locking screws (36); a compression spring (37) is arranged on the limiting shaft, one end of the compression spring is in abutment with the limiting plate, and the other end is in abutment with the sliding seat; the electric clamping jaw is connected with the sliding seat.

3. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The position sensor comprises a slot-shaped photoelectric switch (51) and a sensing sheet (52), the slot-shaped photoelectric switch is arranged on the back of the connecting seat, the sensing sheet is connected with the sliding seat, and the sensing sheet is arranged in cooperation with the slot-shaped photoelectric switch.

4. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, A group of adjustable strip-shaped grooves (521) are arranged on the sensing sheet.

5. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 2, wherein, The sliding rail is a linear guide rail, and the sliding block is a ball sliding block.

6. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The inner side of the clamping plate is provided with anti-skid lines.

7. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The electric clamping jaw comprises a motor and a transmission mechanism, the motor is connected with the transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism is connected with a pair of clamping arms, and the motor is a servo motor.

8. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting seat comprises a back plate (21) and a side plate (22) which are arranged perpendicularly to each other, the back of the back plate is connected with the lifting device, and the front face is arranged opposite to the electric clamping jaw; the buffer device is arranged on the side plate.

9. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting device is a sliding table air cylinder.

10. The clamping assembly for clamping the optical module with the heat dissipation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, A mechanical hand (7) is further arranged, one end of the mechanical hand is provided with a mounting rack (8), and the lifting device is connected with the mounting rack. The device comprises a lifting device (1), a connecting seat (2), a buffer device (3), an electric clamping jaw (4) and a position sensor (5); the lifting device is connected with the connecting seat and drives the connecting seat to move up and down; the buffer device is arranged on the connecting seat, the electric clamping jaw is connected with the buffer device, and the electric clamping jaw and the connecting seat are relatively slidable; the position sensor is used for detecting the position of the electric clamping jaw; two clamping arms of the electric clamping jaw are both provided with clamping plates (6), and the two clamping plates are oppositely arranged.