Flexible clamp

Abstract

The utility model provides a flexible clamp which comprises a mounting seat, a plurality of ejector pins and a plurality of locking units, the ejector pins are movably mounted on the mounting seat, each ejector pin is connected with one locking unit, and each locking unit has a locking state and an unlocking state; when the locking unit is in the locking state, the limiting piece abuts against the ejector pin, the ejector pin can move in the first direction under the action of first external force, and the ejector pin can be fixed after the first external force is eliminated. When the locking unit is in the unlocking state, the limiting piece is separated from the ejector pin, and the ejector pin can move in the first direction and can also move in the second direction. And after the ejector pin is extruded by the to-be-machined part and moves, the operation of locking the ejector pin is relatively simple and convenient, and the flexible clamp is relatively high in use convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of parts processing technology, and in particular to a flexible clamp. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible fixtures are jigs that can adapt to parts of various sizes and shapes. Once the parts are fixed in the fixture, they can be processed. Currently, flexible fixtures are becoming increasingly common in various fields, and their application scenarios are constantly expanding. For example, in the automotive manufacturing industry, parts such as engine shafts can be fixed using flexible fixtures; in the aerospace industry, parts with complex curved surfaces, such as turbine blades, can also be fixed using flexible fixtures.

[0003] Flexible fixtures typically include a base and multiple movable ejector pins that can move to adapt to the shape of the part to be processed. After the ejector pins are pressed and moved by the part, they need to be locked to ensure that the flexible fixture stably clamps the part. However, in the prior art, locking the ejector pins after they are pressed and moved by the part is cumbersome, which results in low ease of use for the flexible fixture. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a flexible clamp that is highly convenient to use.

[0005] A flexible clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a mounting base; a plurality of ejector pins, wherein the ejector pins are movably mounted on the mounting base, a portion of the ejector pins protruding outside the mounting base, the ejector pins being movable in a first direction to reduce the exposed length of the ejector pins, and the ejector pins being movable in a second direction to increase the exposed length of the ejector pins, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; a locking unit, the locking unit including a limiting member, the locking unit having a locked state and an unlocked state; at least one of the ejector pins satisfying the following conditions: the ejector pin is connected to the locking unit; when the locking unit is in the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the ejector pin, the ejector pin is movable in the first direction under the action of a first external force, and the ejector pin is fixed after the first external force is removed; when the locking unit is in the unlocked state, the limiting member is separated from the ejector pin, and the ejector pin is movable in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0006] The flexible clamp according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: With the flexible clamp of this utility model, after the user presses the workpiece onto the end of the ejector pin, drives the ejector pin to move along the first direction and gradually retracts into the mounting base, the user can release the workpiece (i.e., eliminate the first external force) to fix the ejector pin pressed by the workpiece in its current position. The user does not need to operate a handle, knob, or other component to lock the position of the ejector pin. That is, with the flexible clamp of this utility model, the user first presses a portion of the ejector pins onto the workpiece and moves these ejector pins, then releases the hand, thus completing the clamping of the workpiece by the flexible clamp. The flexible clamp of this utility model is highly convenient to use.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the locking unit includes: a sleeve fixed to the mounting base, the ejector pin slidably inserted inside the sleeve, and a limiting member protruding relative to the inner surface of the sleeve and movable relative to the inner surface; a switching member including a pressing end and an abutting end, the pressing end being located outside the sleeve and operable, the abutting end being located inside the sleeve, and the switching member being slidable relative to the sleeve to switch between a first position and a second position; when the locking unit is in the locked state, the switching member is in the first position, and the limiting member abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin; when the locking unit is in the unlocked state, the switching member is in the second position, the abutting end abuts against the limiting member, and the limiting member is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the limiting member includes a plurality of limiting claws, which are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve, and along the first direction, the limiting claws gradually move toward the ejector pin.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this utility model, one end of the limiting claw is fixed to the inner surface, and the other end of the limiting claw is used to abut against the ejector pin. The limiting claw is elastic. During the process of the switching member moving from the first position to the second position, the switching member pushes the multiple limiting claws to move so that the multiple limiting claws open with each other. During the process of the switching member moving from the second position to the first position, the elasticity of the limiting claws causes the multiple limiting claws to close with each other.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the abutting end includes an inclined surface, which is used to abut against the limiting claw, and along the first direction, the inclined surface gradually moves closer to the ejector pin.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin is elastic.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the switching member is configured to move from the first position to the second position under the action of a second external force, and the limiting member is set as an elastic structure. The limiting member is configured such that when the second external force is eliminated, the limiting member drives the switching member to move from the second position to the first position.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible clamp further includes a reset plate located outside the mounting base, the ejector pin movably passing through the reset plate, and the pressing ends of all the switching components connected to the reset plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible clamp further includes a plurality of elastic elements, the elastic elements being connected to the mounting base, and each of the elastic elements being connected to one of the ejector pins; after the locking unit switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, the elastic force of the elastic element is used to drive the ejector pin to move along the second direction so as to reset the ejector pin.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the ejector pin includes: a main body portion connected to the locking unit, a portion of which protrudes outside the mounting base; and a limiting portion fixed to the main body portion and protruding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion, the limiting portion being able to abut against the mounting base to limit the movement of the ejector pin in the second direction.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of a flexible clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flexible clamp shown from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flexible fixture with a workpiece already clamped.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible fixture;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible clamp from another perspective.

[0023] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a locking unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the working principle of the locking unit.

[0025] Reference numerals: 101-Flexible clamp, 102-Mounting base, 103-Ejector pin, 104-Locking unit, 105-Reset pressure plate, 106-Mounting channel, 107-Elastic element, 108-Upper seat body, 109-Lower seat body, 110-Main body, 111-Limiting part, 112-Sleeve, 113-Switching element, 114-Limiting element, 115-Limiting claw, 116-Pressing end, 117-Abutting end, 118-Inclined surface, 119-First limiting surface, 120-Second limiting surface, 121-First position, 122-Second position, 201-Workpiece. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model 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 elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2A flexible clamp 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The flexible clamp 101 includes a mounting base 102, a plurality of ejector pins 103, and a plurality of locking units 104. The ejector pins 103 are movably mounted on the mounting base 102, with a portion of the ejector pin 103 protruding outside the mounting base 102. The portion of the ejector pin 103 protruding outside the mounting base 102 is used to contact the workpiece 201, thereby supporting and / or fixing the workpiece 201.

[0031] The ejector pin 103 can move in a first direction, thereby reducing the exposed length of the ejector pin 103. The exposed length of the ejector pin 103 refers to the length of the portion of the ejector pin 103 that protrudes beyond the mounting base 102. The ejector pin 103 can also move in a second direction, thereby increasing the exposed length of the ejector pin 103. The first and second directions are opposite. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the ejector pin 103 is vertical, protruding from the top of the mounting base 102, with a first direction from top to bottom and a second direction from bottom to top. In other embodiments not shown, the ejector pin 103 may also be horizontal, protruding from the side (front, rear, left, or right) of the mounting base 102, with the first and second directions being two opposite horizontal directions.

[0032] The locking unit 104 includes a limiting member 114. The locking unit 104 has a locked state and an unlocked state. At least one ejector pin 103 satisfies the following: the ejector pin 103 is connected to the locking unit 104. When the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, the limiting member 114 abuts against the ejector pin 103. The ejector pin 103 can move along a first direction under the action of a first external force and can be fixed after moving along the first direction (automatic fixing, without the need for the user to operate other parts); when the locking unit 104 is in the unlocked state, the limiting member 114 and the ejector pin 103 are separated from each other, and the ejector pin 103 can move along both the first direction and the second direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the number of locking units 104 is the same as the number of ejector pins 103, and each ejector pin 103 is connected to one locking unit 104. In this way, each ejector pin 103 can be locked and unlocked by its corresponding locking unit 104, and the flexible clamp 101 is suitable for a wide variety of components. In other embodiments not shown, only a portion of the ejector pins 103 may be connected to one locking unit 104, while other ejector pins 103 may not be connected to any locking unit 104.

[0034] The specific structure of the locking unit 104 and how to switch the state of the locking unit 104 will be described in detail below. First, we will briefly introduce how to use the flexible fixture 101.

[0035] When no workpiece 201 (i.e., the part to be processed) is clamped and the ejector pin 103 is in the initial position, the flexible fixture 101 is in the following state: Figure 2 As shown. At this time, the exposed length of the ejector pin 103 is at its maximum, and all locking units 104 are in the locked state. If it is necessary to clamp the workpiece 201, the user can place the workpiece 201 on one or more ejector pins 103, and then the user presses down on the workpiece 201, causing the workpiece 201 to push the ejector pin 103 located below the workpiece 201 downward (i.e., move along the first direction). After the workpiece 201 is pressed by the user, the workpiece 201 will apply a pressure to the ejector pin 103, causing the ejector pin 103 to move downward. The pressure applied by the workpiece 201 to the ejector pin 103 is the first external force. Since the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, the ejector pin 103 can move along the first direction at this time. After workpiece 201 is placed in the appropriate position, the user stops pressing workpiece 201, and the first external force is eliminated. Workpiece 201 no longer pushes the ejector pin 103 located below workpiece 201. The ejector pin 103 located below workpiece 201 is fixed by locking unit 104. The ejector pin 103 located below workpiece 201 supports the bottom of workpiece 201, and the ejector pin 103 located on the side of workpiece 201 surrounds workpiece 201 and limits the lateral movement of workpiece 201. In this way, multiple ejector pins 103 together clamp workpiece 201. For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, three ejector pins 103 located in the central region press against the workpiece 201 and move downwards, while the remaining ejector pins 103 located around the workpiece 201 surround the workpiece 201.

[0036] It should be noted that, for the sake of explaining the working principle of the flexible fixture 101, Figure 3 The workpiece 201 shown is rectangular. However, in other applications, the workpiece 201 can have other, more complex shapes. For workpieces 201 of other shapes or sizes, the number and position of the ejector pins 103 pressed by the workpiece 201 can be... Figure 3 Different. Therefore, the flexible clamp 101 with multiple movable ejector pins 103 can be applied to a variety of workpieces 201 of different shapes and sizes.

[0037] After the workpiece 201 is finished, the user can switch the locking unit 104 to the unlocked state, so that the ejector pin 103 pressed by the workpiece 201 can move upward (i.e. move in the second direction), so that the ejector pin 103 releases its grip on the workpiece 201, thereby making it convenient for the user to remove the workpiece 201.

[0038] In the prior art, when the limiting member of the locking unit abuts against the ejector pin, the ejector pin cannot move in the first direction. When the ejector pin moves in the first direction, the limiting member and the ejector pin are separated. After the ejector pin is pressed down by the workpiece to the position required by the user, the user still needs to operate a handle, knob, or other component of the flexible fixture to make the limiting member abut against the ejector pin, thereby locking the position of the ejector pin.

[0039] As described above, with the flexible clamp 101 of this utility model, after the user presses the workpiece 201 onto the end of the ejector pin 103 and drives the ejector pin 103 to gradually retract into the mounting base 102, the user can release the workpiece 201 to fix the ejector pin 103 pressed by the workpiece 201 in its current position. The user does not need to operate a handle, knob, or other component to lock the position of the ejector pin 103. That is, with the flexible clamp 101 of this utility model, the user first presses the workpiece 201 onto a portion of the ejector pins 103 and moves these ejector pins 103, and then releases the hand to complete the clamping of the workpiece 201 by the flexible clamp 101. The flexible clamp 101 of this utility model is highly convenient to use.

[0040] The specific structure of the locking unit 104 is described below.

[0041] Figure 6 A locking unit 104 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The locking unit 104 includes a sleeve 112, a limiting member 114, and a switching member 113. The sleeve 112 is fixed to the mounting base 102, and the sleeve 112 can be fitted into the top of the mounting base 102. A pin 103 is located inside the sleeve 112 and can slide relative to the sleeve 112. The limiting member 114 protrudes relative to the inner surface of the sleeve 112 and can move relative to the inner surface of the sleeve 112. The switching member 113 includes a pressing end 116 and an abutting end 117. The pressing end 116 can be operated, for example, by being located outside the sleeve 112 and outside the mounting base 102, so that the user can directly press the switching element 113; or, for example, by connecting the pressing end 116 to the reset plate 105 described below, the pressing end 116 may not be exposed, and the user can indirectly operate the pressing end 116 by operating the reset plate 105. The abutting end 117 is located inside the sleeve 112 and is used to abut against the limiting member 114. The switching element 113 can slide relative to the sleeve 112, thereby switching between a first position 121 and a second position 122 (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown). It should be noted that the sliding of the switching element 113 and the sliding of the ejector pin 103 are independent of each other, and the switching element 113 and the ejector pin 103 will not move synchronously.

[0042] Figure 7 The state switching process of locking unit 104 is shown. Figure 7In (a) and (b), the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, and the switching element 113 is in the first position 121. Figure 7 In (c) and (d), the locking unit 104 is in the unlocked state, and the switching element 113 is in the second position 122.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown in (a) and (b), when the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, the switching member 113 is in the first position 121, and the limiting member 114 (including multiple limiting claws 115) abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, thereby fixing the ejector pin 103. Furthermore, the limiting member 114 can prevent the ejector pin 103 from moving in the second direction (upward movement) and can allow the ejector pin 103 to move in the first direction (downward movement). Specifically, preventing the ejector pin 103 from moving in the second direction can prevent the ejector pin 103 from accidentally bouncing due to vibration, thereby preventing the workpiece 201 from being lifted by the ejector pin 103 and detaching from the flexible clamp 101. It should be noted that in... Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, when the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, the switching member 113 and the limiting member 114 are separate from each other and do not abut against each other. However, in some other embodiments not shown, when the locking unit 104 is in the locked state, the switching member 113 and the limiting member 114 can also abut against each other, as long as the limiting member 114 can press against the ejector pin 103 at this time.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown in (c) and (d), when the locking unit 104 is in the unlocked state, the switching member 113 is in the second position 122, and the switching member 113 abuts against the limiting member 114. The limiting member 114 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103. Since the limiting member 114 does not abut against the ejector pin 103 at this time, the ejector pin 103 can move both along the first direction and along the second direction.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the limiting member 114 includes a plurality of limiting claws 115, which are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve 112. Furthermore, along the first direction, the limiting claws 115 gradually approach the ejector pin 103. If we consider... Figure 6 Taking the indicated direction as a reference, "the limiting claw 115 gradually approaches the ejector pin 103" means that from the top end of the limiting claw 115 to the bottom end of the limiting claw 115, the limiting claw 115 gradually approaches the ejector pin 103. In this way, the limiting claw 115 is equivalent to a barb. After the limiting claw 115 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, it can effectively prevent the ejector pin 103 from moving in the second direction, while allowing the ejector pin 103 to move in the first direction.

[0046] like Figure 6As shown, the pressing end 116 includes a first limiting surface 119, and the abutting end 117 includes a second limiting surface 120. The first limiting surface 119 can abut against the sleeve 112, thereby limiting the movement of the switching member 113 in the first direction. The second limiting surface 120 can abut against the sleeve 112, thereby limiting the movement of the switching member 113 in the second direction.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, one end (top) of the limiting claw 115 is fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve 112, and the other end (bottom) of the limiting claw 115 is used to abut against the ejector pin 103. The limiting claw 115 is elastic, so that the limiting claw 115 can move relative to the inner surface of the sleeve 112. The limiting claw 115 and the sleeve 112 can be integrally molded, for example, by injection molding. Using plastic as the material for both the limiting claw 115 and the sleeve 112 helps to reduce costs and the weight of the flexible clamp 101. Specifically, the material of the limiting claw 115 can be ABS plastic with good elasticity.

[0048] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7 In (b) and (c), during the movement of the switching member 113 from the first position 121 to the second position 122, the switching member 113 pushes multiple limiting claws 115 to move, thereby causing the multiple limiting claws 115 to open relative to each other, thereby releasing the contact between the limiting claws 115 and the ejector pin 103, and causing the locking unit 104 to switch to the unlocked state. Wherein, as Figure 6 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the abutting end 117 includes an inclined surface 118, which abuts against the limiting claw 115. Along the first direction, the inclined surface 118 gradually approaches the ejector pin 103. The angle matching degree between the inclined surface 118 and the inclined limiting claw 115 is relatively high, which facilitates the smooth and stable pushing open of multiple limiting claws 115.

[0049] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7 In (d) and (a), during the process of the switching member 113 moving from the second position 122 to the first position 121, the elasticity of the limiting claw 115 causes multiple limiting claws 115 to retract into each other, thereby restoring the contact between the limiting claw 115 and the ejector pin 103, and switching the locking unit 104 to the locked state.

[0050] Since each limiting claw 115 is elastic, the limiting member 114 is designed as an elastic structure. The switching member 113 can move from the first position 121 to the second position 122 under the action of a second external force, thereby causing the multiple limiting claws 115 to open relative to each other. This second external force can be the pressure applied directly to the pressing end 116 by the user's hand, or the pressure applied to the pressing end 116 by the reset plate 105 after the user has pressed it. After the second external force is released, the elasticity of the limiting member 114 can drive the switching member 113 to move from the second position 122 to the first position 121. In this way, as long as the user releases the pressure on the switching member 113, the elasticity of the limiting member 114 can drive both the limiting member 114 itself and the switching member 113 to reset, thereby automatically switching the locking unit 104 from the unlocked state to the locked state. This helps reduce the cumbersome operation of switching the locking unit 104 to the locked state, thus improving the ease of use of the flexible clamp 101. In addition, the elasticity of the limiting claw 115 can keep the limiting claw 115 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, thereby stably locking the ejector pin 103.

[0051] The outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 can be elastic; for example, the ejector pin 103 can also be made of plastic. In this way, when the limiting member 114 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 undergoes elastic deformation and indentation. The limiting member 114 slightly inserts into or embeds into the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, which helps to improve the locking effect of the limiting member 114 on the ejector pin 103, allowing the ejector pin 103 to be stably locked in the desired position. Moreover, when the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 is elastic, the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 can be smooth, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 does not have ratchet teeth, holes, grooves, or notches that cooperate with the limiting member 114, resulting in lower processing difficulty and cost for the ejector pin 103. Furthermore, when the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 is smooth, the position adjustment of the ejector pin 103 in its own axial direction is stepless, which helps to improve the flexibility of the flexible fixture 101 and enables the flexible fixture 101 to adapt to a variety of different types of workpieces 201.

[0052] In some other embodiments not shown, if the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 is not elastic, the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 may also be formed with a plurality of ratchet teeth (or a plurality of holes, grooves or notches) arranged along the first direction. The limiting member 114 abuts against the ratchet teeth (or holes, grooves or notches) on the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, thereby hindering the movement of the ejector pin 103.

[0053] Next, let's discuss... Figure 7 The state change process of the shown pin 103 and locking unit 104 will be explained.

[0054] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7In (a) and (b), after the end of the ejector pin 103 is pressed by the workpiece 201, the ejector pin 103 moves in the first direction (moves downward). After the ejector pin 103 moves to the appropriate position in the first direction, the user no longer presses the workpiece 201, and the workpiece 201 no longer pushes the ejector pin 103 downward, and the ejector pin 103 is fixed.

[0055] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7 In (b) and (c), after the workpiece 201 is processed, the user can press the switching element 113 to move it from the first position 121 to the second position 122, thereby switching the entire locking unit 104 from the locked state to the unlocked state. In this way, the limiting element 114 no longer abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103, and the ejector pin 103 can move freely along the first or second direction. "Pressing the switching element 113" can be done by the user directly pressing the switching element 113, or by directly pressing the reset plate 105 as described below, and then pressing the switching element 113 through the reset plate 105.

[0056] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7 In (c) and (d), after the locking unit 104 is switched to the unlocked state, the ejector pin 103 can move upward under the elastic force of the elastic element 107 to reset. The configuration of the elastic element 107 will be described in detail below.

[0057] Please refer to the following in order. Figure 7 In cases (d) and (a), after the ejector pin 103 resets, the user can release the switch 113. Under the elastic action of the limiting member 114, the switch 113 moves upward, thus moving from the second position 122 to the first position 121, and the limiting member 114 re-presses against the ejector pin 103. In this way, the locking unit 104 returns to its original position. Figure 7 (a) shows the locked state.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the flexible clamp 101 also includes multiple elastic elements 107, which are connected to the mounting base 102. The number of elastic elements 107 is the same as the number of ejector pins 103, and each elastic element 107 is connected to one ejector pin 103. As described above, after the locking unit 104 switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, the elastic force of the elastic element 107 drives the ejector pin 103 to move in the second direction, thereby resetting the ejector pin 103. In this way, the ejector pin 103 can automatically reset, and the user does not need to manually pull the ejector pin 103 to reset it, making the flexible clamp 101 highly convenient to use.

[0059] Figure 4 One mounting method for the elastic element 107 is shown. For example... Figure 4As shown, the mounting base 102 includes an upper body 108 and a lower body 109, which can be connected by screws. The upper body 108 has a mounting channel 106, and the lower body 109 closes the bottom end of the mounting channel 106. A portion of the ejector pin 103 is slidably disposed within the mounting channel 106, and an elastic element 107 is also located within the mounting channel 106. The top end of the elastic element 107 abuts against the ejector pin 103, and the bottom end of the elastic element 107 abuts against the lower body 109. When the ejector pin 103 moves in the first direction (downward movement) due to the pressure of the workpiece 201, the elastic element 107 is gradually compressed. When the locking unit 104 is in the locked state and the ejector pin 103 is fixed, the elastic force of the elastic element 107, the weight of the workpiece 201, the weight of the ejector pin 103, and the force applied to the ejector pin 103 by the abutment member are balanced, thereby keeping the ejector pin 103 in its current position. When the locking unit 104 is switched to the unlocked state, the force applied to the ejector pin 103 by the abutment disappears, the original force balance of the ejector pin 103 is broken, and the elastic force of the elastic member 107 drives the ejector pin 103 to move in the second direction (upward movement), thereby resetting the ejector pin 103.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the ejector pin 103 includes a main body 110 and a limiting part 111. The main body 110 is cylindrical and connected to the locking unit 104, i.e., the main body 110 is used to abut against the limiting member 114. The outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103 mentioned above refers to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 110. A portion of the main body 110 protrudes outside the mounting base 102 and is used to contact the workpiece 201. The limiting part 111 is fixed to the main body 110 and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 110. The limiting part 111 can abut against the mounting base 102, thereby limiting the movement of the ejector pin 103 in the second direction to prevent the ejector pin 103 from disengaging from the mounting base 102. More specifically, the limiting part 111 can abut against the top wall of the mounting channel 106, thereby preventing the ejector pin 103 from moving in the second direction (upward movement). It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the middle, the elastic element 107 is in a compressed state, and the elastic force applied by the elastic element 107 to the ejector pin 103 keeps the ejector pin 103 in the state of maximum exposed length.

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, the flexible clamp 101 also includes a reset plate 105, which is located outside the mounting base 102, and the ejector pin 103 movably passes through the reset plate 105. The pressing ends 116 (tops) of all switching elements 113 are connected to the reset plate 105. For example, the reset plate 105 is located above the switching element 113, with its bottom surface abutting against the top surface of the switching element 113, i.e., the reset plate 105 rests on the switching element 113. Alternatively, the reset plate 105 can be fixed to the switching element 113 by means of screw connection, snap-fit, or other connection methods. The connection methods between the reset plate 105 and the switching element 113 are not listed here.

[0062] When the user presses down on the reset plate 105, all locking units 104 are switched to the unlocked state. In this way, regardless of the position of the ejector pins 103 pressed by the workpiece 201, and regardless of the number of ejector pins 103 pressed by the workpiece 201, the user only needs to press the reset plate 105 once to reset all the ejector pins 103 pressed by the workpiece 201. The user does not need to press multiple switching elements 113 sequentially, nor does the user need to reach into the gap between two ejector pins 103 to press the switching elements 113. Therefore, the reset plate 105 improves the ease of use of the flexible fixture 101.

[0063] In other embodiments not shown, the limiting member 114 may take other forms. For example, the limiting member 114 may be configured as an elastic ring, and along the first direction, the ring gradually approaches the ejector pin 103, with the abutting end 117 of the ring abutting against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin 103. The configurations of the limiting member 114 are not listed here.

[0064] Furthermore, the flexible clamp 101 of this invention adopts a modular design. When a certain ejector pin 103, a certain elastic element 107, or a certain locking unit 104 fails, only the faulty part can be replaced, without affecting the other non-faulty parts. The flexible clamp 101 has high maintainability and low maintenance cost.

[0065] In the description of this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A flexible clamp, characterized in that, include: Mounting base; A plurality of ejector pins are movably mounted on the mounting base, a portion of the ejector pin protruding outside the mounting base, the ejector pins being movable in a first direction to reduce the exposed length of the ejector pins, and the ejector pins being movable in a second direction to increase the exposed length of the ejector pins, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; A locking unit, comprising a limiting member, having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein at least one ejector pin satisfies the following: the ejector pin is connected to the locking unit; when the locking unit is in the locked state, the limiting member abuts against the ejector pin, the ejector pin can move along a first direction under the action of a first external force, and the ejector pin can be fixed after the first external force is removed; when the locking unit is in the unlocked state, the limiting member is separated from the ejector pin, and the ejector pin can move along both the first direction and the second direction.

2. The flexible gripper of claim 1, wherein, The locking unit includes: A sleeve is fixed to the mounting base, the ejector pin is slidably inserted into the sleeve, and the limiting member protrudes relative to the inner surface of the sleeve and is movable relative to the inner surface. A switching element includes a pressing end and an abutting end, the pressing end being located outside the sleeve and operable, the abutting end being located inside the sleeve, and the switching element being slidable relative to the sleeve to switch between a first position and a second position. When the locking unit is in the locked state, the switching member is in the first position, and the limiting member abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin. When the locking unit is in the unlocked state, the switching member is in the second position, the abutting end abuts against the limiting member, and the limiting member is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface.

3. The flexible gripper of claim 2, wherein, The limiting member includes multiple limiting claws, which are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve. Along the first direction, the limiting claws gradually move closer to the ejector pin.

4. The flexible gripper of claim 3, wherein, One end of the limiting claw is fixed to the inner surface, and the other end of the limiting claw is used to abut against the ejector pin. The limiting claw is elastic. During the process of the switching member moving from the first position to the second position, the switching member pushes the plurality of limiting claws to move, so that the plurality of limiting claws open with each other; during the process of the switching member moving from the second position to the first position, the elasticity of the limiting claws causes the plurality of limiting claws to close with each other.

5. The flexible gripper of claim 3, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the abutting end includes an inclined surface, which is used to abut against the limiting claw. Along the first direction, the inclined surface gradually moves towards the ejector pin.

6. The flexible gripper of claim 2, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the ejector pin is elastic.

7. The flexible gripper of claim 2, wherein, The switching member is configured to move from the first position to the second position under the action of a second external force. The limiting member is an elastic structure and is configured such that when the second external force is removed, the limiting member drives the switching member to move from the second position to the first position.

8. The flexible gripper of claim 2, wherein, The flexible clamp also includes a reset plate located outside the mounting base. The ejector pin can movably pass through the reset plate, and the pressing end of all the switching components is connected to the reset plate.

9. The flexible gripper of claim 1, wherein, The flexible clamp also includes a plurality of elastic elements, which are connected to the mounting base, and each of the elastic elements is connected to one of the ejector pins; After the locking unit switches from the locked state to the unlocked state, the elastic force of the elastic element is used to drive the ejector pin to move along the second direction so that the ejector pin is reset.

10. The flexible gripper of claim 9, wherein, The ejector pin includes: The main body is connected to the locking unit, and a portion of the main body protrudes from the mounting base. The limiting part is fixed to the main body and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface of the main body. The limiting part can abut against the mounting base to limit the movement of the ejector pin in the second direction.

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