Jacking positioning mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to a jacking positioning mechanism which comprises a jacking end which is arranged under a target position and can vertically ascend and descend, a first positioning assembly and a second positioning assembly which are connected with the jacking end, the first positioning assembly and the second positioning assembly respectively comprise a first positioning end and a second positioning end which can move in the direction perpendicular to the jacking direction, and the first positioning end and the second positioning end are oppositely arranged. The jacking positioning mechanism further comprises a third positioning assembly and a fourth positioning assembly, the third positioning assembly and the fourth positioning assembly respectively comprise a third positioning end and a fourth positioning end, the moving directions of the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end are orthogonal to the first positioning end, and the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end are oppositely arranged. The four positioning ends are located at the same horizontal height when the mechanism is in a positioning state and abut against the four edges of the rectangular plate correspondingly. According to the jacking and positioning mechanism, due to the adoption of the structural combination, synchronous, flexible and equal-height limiting of the four edges of the plate can be achieved in the jacking process, indentation and damage caused by clamping concentrated force are effectively avoided, and the adaptability and positioning stability of the high-precision plate are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to positioning mechanisms, and more particularly to lifting positioning mechanisms. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial scenarios such as automated assembly, intelligent manufacturing, and precision machining, it is often necessary to accurately place rectangular plates (such as metal plates, glass substrates, and circuit boards) at specific processing or inspection positions to achieve high-precision positioning, processing, or testing. To ensure operational accuracy and consistency, a positioning mechanism is typically used to quickly and securely position the rectangular plate at the designated target location. This positioning mechanism must possess sufficient stability and adaptability to ensure that the plate does not shift or warp during subsequent processes.

[0003] Existing positioning structures generally employ clamping or limiting elements to rigidly abut or clamp the edges of rectangular plates. Typically, limiting blocks or clamping jaws are arranged facing each other on two sets of opposite sides of the plate to achieve bidirectional positioning in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. These devices are often driven by cylinders or electric push rods, and some systems are also equipped with a lifting platform to lift the plate to the positioning plane before clamping.

[0004] However, while such structures can perform the positioning function, the concentrated clamping force, applied directly to the edges of the sheet metal, often causes problems such as corner indentations, material cracking, or surface scratches. This is particularly detrimental to sheet metal with surface coatings, high edge brittleness, or high precision requirements. Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a new type of lifting and positioning mechanism to solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lifting and positioning mechanism that can reduce the risk of edge damage and meet the requirements for rapid and safe positioning of precision rectangular plates.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above problems is: a lifting and positioning mechanism for restricting a rectangular plate at a target position, wherein the rectangular plate includes two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides, characterized in that it includes:

[0007] A lifting assembly includes a lifting end that is controlled to move vertically, the lifting end being positioned directly below the target position;

[0008] A first positioning component is connected to the lifting end. The first positioning component includes a first positioning end that is controlled to move, and the moving direction of the first positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end.

[0009] A second positioning component is connected to the lifting end. The second positioning component includes a controllable moving second positioning end, which is disposed opposite to the first positioning end and parallel to the moving direction of the first positioning end. The moving direction of the second positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end.

[0010] The third positioning component includes a controlled-moving third positioning end, the moving direction of which is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end.

[0011] The fourth positioning component includes a controllable moving fourth positioning end, which is disposed opposite to the third positioning end and parallel to the moving direction of the third positioning end, and the moving direction of the fourth positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end.

[0012] The lifting and positioning mechanism includes a positioning state that restricts the rectangular plate to the target position. When the lifting and positioning mechanism is in the positioning state, the first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end are at the same horizontal height, and the first positioning end and the second positioning end abut against the two long sides of the rectangular plate, and the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end abut against the two short sides of the rectangular plate, respectively.

[0013] Preferably, flexible buffer structures are provided on both sides of the first positioning end and the second positioning end facing each other, and on both sides of the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end facing each other. The flexible buffer structures are configured to contract along the direction of the external force when subjected to external pressure.

[0014] Preferably, a first pressure sensor is provided between the first positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, a second pressure sensor is provided between the second positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, a third pressure sensor is provided between the third positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, and a fourth pressure sensor is provided between the fourth positioning end and the flexible buffer structure.

[0015] The lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a controller, which is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, the fourth pressure sensor, the first positioning component, the second positioning component, the third positioning component, and the fourth positioning component, so as to control the first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end, and the fourth positioning end to move according to the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and the pressure difference between the third pressure sensor and the fourth pressure sensor, so that the pressure difference approaches zero.

[0016] Preferably, the first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end, and the fourth positioning end are all linearly extended and retracted by a cylinder.

[0017] Preferably, the lifting and positioning mechanism further includes:

[0018] Two parallel supports are provided, with the supports being parallel to the long side of the rectangular plate. The target position is located between the two supports. The third positioning component and the fourth positioning component are respectively provided on the two supports.

[0019] Preferably, the lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a support plate, which is connected to the lifting end, and the first positioning component and the second positioning component are both disposed on the side of the support plate away from the lifting end.

[0020] Preferably, the pallet has several suction holes on the side opposite to the lifting end, so that it fits against the side of the rectangular plate when the lifting and positioning mechanism is in the positioning state.

[0021] The lifting and positioning mechanism also includes:

[0022] A vacuum generator, connected to the adsorption hole, is used to adsorb the rectangular plate onto the surface of the tray.

[0023] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes:

[0024] Support;

[0025] A linear guide rail is provided on one side of the support, and the extension direction of the linear guide rail is perpendicular to the horizontal plane;

[0026] A slider is slidably engaged with the linear guide rail, one side of the slider is the lifting end, and the support plate is disposed on one side of the slider;

[0027] An electric actuator includes a controlled lifting drive end connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the extension direction of the linear guide.

[0028] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model

[0029] 1. Due to the structural design that uses a lifting assembly and multiple positioning assemblies working in tandem, while the rectangular plate is lifted to the target position, the first and second positioning ends respectively align with the two long sides of the rectangular plate, and the third and fourth positioning ends respectively align with the two short sides of the rectangular plate. All positioning ends are at the same horizontal height, thus achieving synchronous, flexible, and equal-height limiting of the four sides of the plate. Therefore, it effectively solves the problems of concentrated clamping force and easy indentation or damage to the edges of the plate in the existing technology. This enables non-destructive positioning and reliable fixing of brittle or high-requirement plates while ensuring high-precision positioning, and improves the applicability and process stability of the positioning structure.

[0030] 2. By employing flexible buffer structures on both sides of the first and second positioning ends and on both sides of the third and fourth positioning ends, and by designing such flexible buffer structures to contract along the direction of external force when subjected to external pressure, the problems of crushing and breakage caused by the rigid limiting structure directly acting on the edge of the plate in the prior art are effectively solved. This achieves flexible adaptation and edge protection for rectangular plates of different materials and precision levels, and improves the versatility and safety of the equipment.

[0031] 3. By employing a feedback control mechanism that sets pressure sensors between the four positioning ends and the corresponding flexible buffer structures, and by collecting the pressure difference between the first and second pressure sensors and the pressure difference between the third and fourth pressure sensors in real time through a controller, and controlling the movement of the corresponding positioning ends to make the pressure difference approach 0, the problems of uneven force on the edge of the plate, asymmetrical positioning, and low clamping accuracy in the prior art are effectively solved. This achieves adaptive symmetrical limiting and dynamic precise centering of rectangular plates, improves clamping stability and positioning consistency, and ensures high precision requirements and process yield in subsequent processing or inspection procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a lifting and positioning mechanism shown in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Among them: 10, lifting component; 20, first positioning component; 210, first positioning end; 30, second positioning component; 310, second positioning end; 40, third positioning component; 410, third positioning end; 50, fourth positioning component; 60, flexible buffer structure; 70, pallet; 80, support. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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 limiting the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] See Figure 1A preferred embodiment of this application provides a lifting and positioning mechanism for confining a rectangular plate at a target position. It is particularly suitable for scenarios such as automated assembly lines, plate welding platforms, and precision positioning fixtures. It can achieve rapid clamping and precise positioning of rectangular plates of different sizes. The rectangular plate includes two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides. The lifting and positioning mechanism includes a lifting component 10, a first positioning component 20, a second positioning component 30, a third positioning component 40, and a fourth positioning component 50. The lifting component 10 includes a lifting end that is controlled to move vertically, and the lifting end is positioned directly below the target position. The first positioning component 20 is connected to the lifting end and includes a first positioning end 210 that is controlled to move, with the moving direction of the first positioning end 210 perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end. The second positioning component 30 is connected to the lifting end and includes a second positioning end 310 that is controlled to move, positioned opposite to the first positioning end 210 and parallel to the moving direction of the first positioning end 210, with the moving direction of the second positioning end 310 perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end. The third positioning component 40 includes a third positioning end 410 that is controlled to move. The moving direction of the third positioning end 410 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end 210; the fourth positioning component 50 includes a controlled moving fourth positioning end, which is disposed opposite to the third positioning end 410 and parallel to the moving direction of the third positioning end, and the moving direction of the fourth positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end 210; wherein, the lifting positioning mechanism includes a positioning state that restricts the rectangular plate to the target position, when the lifting positioning mechanism is in the positioning state, the first positioning end 210, the second positioning end 310, the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end are at the same horizontal height, and the first positioning end 210 and the second positioning end 310 respectively abut against the two long sides of the rectangular plate, and the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end respectively abut against the two short sides of the rectangular plate.

[0038] Specifically:

[0039] The lifting and positioning mechanism includes a lifting component 10 located below the target position, and four sets of positioning components arranged around the target position, including a first positioning component 20, a second positioning component 30, a third positioning component 40, and a fourth positioning component 50, which are used to perform omnidirectional limiting constraints on the four edges of the rectangular plate.

[0040] The lifting assembly 10 includes a controllable and driveable lifting end that can move up and down vertically under the action of a control signal. The upper surface of the lifting end is flat and wide, and can support the bottom center area of ​​the 70 plates. Its function is to lift the rectangular plates from below and float them to a position close to the positioning position, providing initial support for subsequent four-way boundary limiting operations.

[0041] The first positioning component 20 and the second positioning component 30 are symmetrically arranged and both are connected to the lifting end. Each includes a first positioning end 210 and a second positioning end 310, whose movement directions are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the lifting direction. The first positioning end 210 abuts against one long side of the rectangular plate, and the second positioning end 310 abuts against the opposite long side, thereby achieving horizontal one-sided and reverse limiting of the rectangular plate.

[0042] The third positioning component 40 and the fourth positioning component 50 are used to limit and control the short side of the rectangular plate. Both are configured as controllable moving mechanisms, each including a third positioning end 410 and a fourth positioning end, with their moving directions parallel to each other and perpendicular to both the lifting end direction and the first positioning end 210 direction. The third positioning end 410 contacts one short side, and the fourth positioning end contacts its opposite side, completing the clamping and positioning of the rectangular plate in the other axial direction.

[0043] In actual operation, the lifting assembly 10 first lifts the plate from below to the target height. Simultaneously, the four positioning ends are activated sequentially, moving inward until they abut against the four sides of the rectangular plate, completing multi-boundary synchronous clamping. When the mechanism is in the positioning state, the contact surfaces of all positioning ends are on the same horizontal plane, forming a closed boundary, keeping the rectangular plate stable and without displacement.

[0044] This structure is suitable for room temperature, dry industrial environments and can be installed on metal frame structures. Each positioning end can be fitted with buffer pads, magnetic chucks, or flexible covering materials to accommodate sheet metal with different surface finishes. The drive method can be electric cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or stepper modules, flexibly selected according to usage frequency and accuracy requirements.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lifting component 10 located directly below the target position and four sets of positioning end structures arranged around the four sides and controllably movable are used in this technical solution. Each positioning end precisely abuts against the four sides of the rectangular plate. Therefore, the problems of plate offset, inaccurate alignment and uneven clamping that easily occur during the initial positioning process in the prior art are effectively solved. This achieves accurate centering and stable fixing of the plate under omnidirectional constraints, improving positioning efficiency, operational reliability and product assembly accuracy.

[0046] To improve the safety and adaptability of the lifting and positioning mechanism in the process of limiting and positioning rectangular plates, in some embodiments, flexible buffer structures 60 are provided on both sides of the relative orientation of the first positioning end 210 and the second positioning end 310 and on both sides of the relative orientation of the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end. The flexible buffer structure 60 is configured to contract along the direction of the external force when subjected to external pressure.

[0047] Specifically:

[0048] The flexible buffer structure 60 is disposed between the end faces of the positioning end or on the outer side of the end, and acts on the contact surface of the four sides of the rectangular plate to provide controllable deformation during the positioning process, thereby achieving flexible limiting and impact-resistant buffering.

[0049] The flexible buffer structure 60 can take the form of a silicone pad, rubber block, polyurethane foam, elastic sheet structure, or composite elastic layer, and is fixed to the side of the positioning end facing the plate. Its size, hardness, and compressibility deformation can be matched and selected according to the weight, rigidity, and surface treatment of the plate being positioned. This structure maintains a certain thickness in a static state. If positioning errors or mechanical impacts occur during the clamping of the plate, it can elastically contract along the direction of force when subjected to external pressure, effectively absorbing instantaneous impact force and preventing damage to the plate surface or rebound displacement of the positioning end.

[0050] During equipment operation, after the lifting assembly 10 lifts the plate to the target height, the four positioning ends move sequentially towards the plate, eventually abutting against its long and short sides to form a closed positioning frame. The flexible buffer structure 60, positioned between the positioning ends and the plate during contact, provides a certain range of compliant pressure, enabling the positioning process to have adaptive adjustment capabilities. Even if the plate has certain processing tolerances, thermal expansion and contraction, or positional deviations, it can achieve non-destructive limiting and ensure final positioning accuracy.

[0051] This structure is suitable for positioning rectangular plates with high surface finish requirements or those made of fragile materials, such as aluminum plates, composite plates, and coated plates. It is also suitable for welding fixtures, mounting equipment, or automated assembly jigs requiring high stability and high repeatability. The equipment operates in a normal, dry environment. If used in high-temperature, humid, or corrosive environments, the flexible cushioning material should be made of high-temperature resistant, aging-resistant rubber or silicone.

[0052] In this embodiment, since a flexible buffer structure 60 is provided between the first positioning end 210 and the second positioning end 310 and between the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end in this technical solution, and this structure can contract along the direction of the external force when subjected to external pressure, it effectively solves the problem of surface damage, component impact damage or positioning error amplification caused by rigid clamping of the plate during the positioning process in the prior art. Thus, it realizes flexible limiting, impact buffering and high-precision protection of the plate, and improves the adaptability, safety and structural reliability of the positioning mechanism.

[0053] To improve the pressure balance and intelligent adjustment capability of the lifting and positioning mechanism during the clamping and positioning of rectangular plates, in some embodiments, a first pressure sensor is provided between the first positioning end 210 and the flexible buffer structure 60, a second pressure sensor is provided between the second positioning end 310 and the flexible buffer structure 60, a third pressure sensor is provided between the third positioning end 410 and the flexible buffer structure 60, and a fourth pressure sensor is provided between the fourth positioning end and the flexible buffer structure 60, forming a four-point distributed pressure detection system. The lifting and positioning mechanism also includes a controller, which is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, the fourth pressure sensor, the first positioning component 20, the second positioning component 30, the third positioning component 40, and the fourth positioning component 50, so as to control the movement of the first positioning end 210, the second positioning end 310, the third positioning end 410, and the fourth positioning end respectively according to the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and the pressure difference between the third pressure sensor and the fourth pressure sensor, so that the pressure difference approaches zero.

[0054] Specifically:

[0055] The aforementioned pressure sensor can be a strain gauge, diaphragm, or capacitive sensing element. It is compact, highly responsive, and capable of sensing the clamping force applied to the edge of the rectangular plate by the corresponding positioning end in real time. The sensor is embedded in the positioning end structure and installed in the contact area between the rigid positioning component and the flexible buffer component, enabling it to accurately acquire the compression response of the flexible structure during clamping, thereby reflecting the force state in each positioning direction.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a controller, preferably an embedded control unit with multi-channel analog signal acquisition and motion control capabilities. The controller is connected to four pressure sensors respectively and acquires their corresponding pressure data. At the same time, it controls the drive actuators connected to the first to fourth positioning components 50, such as electric cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or stepper modules.

[0057] In actual operation, after the lifting assembly 10 lifts the rectangular plate to the target height, the four positioning assemblies begin to move towards the center. The controller compares and judges the real-time pressure difference between the first and second pressure sensors, and the real-time pressure difference between the third and fourth pressure sensors. If the pressure applied by a pair of positioning ends is uneven, it indicates that there is a skew in the clamping process or that the plate is not centered. At this time, the controller will automatically adjust the position of the pair of positioning ends, moving them towards the side with less force to compensate, until the pressure difference between the two approaches zero, indicating that the plate has achieved force balance in that direction. Similarly, the other pair of positioning ends also achieves dynamic adjustment through the same logic, ultimately achieving a precise limiting state where the rectangular plate is evenly stressed in all four directions.

[0058] This control strategy not only ensures positioning accuracy and clamping symmetry, but also avoids edge deformation, scratches or positioning errors caused by unilateral overpressure. It is particularly suitable for sheet-type workpieces with high requirements for appearance quality, flatness or geometric accuracy.

[0059] This structure is suitable for automated assembly platforms, welding fixtures, and testing devices in ambient temperature and dry environments. Sensor selection should include dustproof encapsulation and high repeatability. The controller should support pressure threshold setting, differential feedback closed-loop control, and can be linked with a host computer system to achieve data monitoring and process traceability.

[0060] In this embodiment, since the technical solution uses pressure sensors between each positioning end and the flexible buffer structure 60, and acquires multiple pressure data in real time through the controller, and dynamically adjusts the position of each positioning end according to the pressure difference to make it tend to force balance, it effectively solves the problem of biased clamping, position offset or structural deformation that easily occurs in the clamping and positioning process of the plate in the prior art. Thus, it realizes omnidirectional intelligent limiting with high precision, high uniformity and high stability, and improves the adaptive ability and clamping safety of the positioning system.

[0061] To achieve synchronous clamping and high-response limit control of the four sides of the rectangular plate, in some embodiments, the first positioning end 210, the second positioning end 310, the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end are all linearly extended and retracted by cylinders.

[0062] Specifically:

[0063] Each cylinder independently drives its corresponding positioning end to reciprocate linearly in a predetermined direction, thus forming a four-way controllable limiting unit system. Each positioning component includes a cylinder body and a linkage bracket. The cylinder is a double-acting linear cylinder, with one end fixedly mounted on the frame or base structure, and the piston rod end connected to the positioning end. When compressed air is injected into the cylinder's intake chamber, the piston rod extends, driving the positioning end to move towards the plate, generating a clamping effect; when air enters the other chamber or the air pressure is released, the piston rod retracts, and the positioning end returns to its initial position, achieving unlocking or release.

[0064] To ensure the stability of the movement path during clamping, a guide structure, such as a linear bearing, sliding sleeve, or slide rail, is installed between the piston rod and the positioning end to prevent skewed movement caused by uneven load. The stroke range of the cylinder should be adapted to the maximum side length of the rectangular plate, and a limit block or buffer device should be installed at the tail of the cylinder or at the end of the stroke to absorb inertial impact and protect the structural safety.

[0065] Each cylinder is centrally controlled, and the pneumatic system controls the forward and backward movements of each positioning end via solenoid valves. It can also be combined with position sensors, pressure sensors, and other components to achieve automatic feedback and status recognition. The control method can be time control, stroke control, or force control adjustment, depending on the object being clamped and the equipment's response requirements.

[0066] This structure is widely applicable to industrial automation positioning stations, clamping devices, and sheet metal processing equipment. It is particularly suitable for applications requiring high production cycle time and high clamping accuracy, such as welding fixtures, inspection tooling, and dispensing or spraying positioning platforms. The applicable environment is a standard industrial production line, free from highly corrosive gases and high humidity / dust conditions. The air source pressure should be maintained within a stable output range to ensure consistent cylinder action and reliable response.

[0067] In this embodiment, since each positioning end in this technical solution adopts a cylinder to achieve linear extension and retraction drive structure, it has the advantages of compact structure, rapid response and simple control. Therefore, it effectively solves the problems of sluggish action of clamping structure, inconsistent control, complex structure or difficulty in adjusting accuracy in the prior art. Thus, it realizes high-efficiency, synchronized and flexible adjustable full-side limit control of rectangular plate, and improves the automation level and operation stability of the equipment.

[0068] To improve the stability and layout flexibility of the positioning structure during the adaptation process of rectangular plates of different sizes, in some embodiments, the lifting positioning mechanism further includes two parallel supports, which are parallel to the long side of the rectangular plate, and the target position is located between the two supports. The third positioning component 40 and the fourth positioning component 50 are respectively disposed on the two supports.

[0069] Specifically:

[0070] Two supports are spaced apart and extend along the long side of the rectangular plate, forming the structural boundary that defines the positioning area. The target position is set in the central area between the two supports to support the rectangular plate being positioned.

[0071] The third positioning component 40 and the fourth positioning component 50 are respectively installed on the inner sides of the two brackets in a symmetrical arrangement. Their movement direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the brackets, specifically, they extend and retract horizontally along the short side of the rectangular plate. With this arrangement, the third positioning end 410 and the fourth positioning end can extend from the inner side of the two brackets respectively and form a clamping engagement with the two short sides of the rectangular plate, thereby achieving precise positioning in the short side direction.

[0072] The bracket can be constructed from welded steel, aluminum profiles, or high-strength composite panels, offering high rigidity and installation strength. Pre-installed slide rails, mounting holes, or modular guide grooves facilitate rapid installation and subsequent adjustments of the positioning components. The bracket is secured to the equipment base via screws, slots, or support connectors, ensuring the overall positioning structure remains undeformed during clamping.

[0073] This structure facilitates the formation of an expandable positioning platform. The distance between the supports can be adjusted according to changes in the size of the workpiece, and sensors, buffers, or guiding mechanisms can be installed on the supports to enhance the equipment's functional expandability. The space between the two supports also provides a convenient passage for lifting, loading, and unloading operations of the workpiece, making it suitable for automated loading and unloading processes.

[0074] This implementation method is suitable for clamping and positioning medium to large rectangular plates, such as sheet metal components, glass panels, and composite material plates. It is widely used in welding fixtures, painting clamping platforms, and automated assembly stations. The equipment operating environment should have a flat ground and high structural installation accuracy to ensure that the supports are symmetrically arranged and form a standardized positioning area.

[0075] In this embodiment, since two brackets are arranged parallel to the long side of the rectangular plate, and the third positioning component 40 and the fourth positioning component 50 are respectively installed on the two brackets, the problem of limited arrangement of the short side positioning end and large lateral span of the clamping mechanism leading to structural instability in the prior art is effectively solved. Thus, the technical effects of modular positioning mechanism, reasonable structural arrangement and enhanced clamping rigidity are achieved, which improves the flexibility of the system to adapt to plates of different sizes and the overall positioning accuracy.

[0076] To ensure the stability of the lifting plate support, in some embodiments, the lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a support plate 70, which is connected to the lifting end. The first positioning component 20 and the second positioning component 30 are both disposed on the side of the support plate 70 away from the lifting end.

[0077] Specifically:

[0078] The support plate 70 serves as the mounting reference surface for the positioning assembly. The support plate 70 is fixedly connected to the lifting end, located at the top of the lifting mechanism, and unfolds horizontally. Its dimensions are slightly smaller than the rectangular plate being positioned to ensure sufficient positioning space at the edges during lifting support. The support plate 70 can be made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or high-strength composite materials, possessing good rigidity and wear resistance. Its lower surface is fixedly connected to the lifting end, while its upper surface serves as a support surface for supporting the plate to be positioned.

[0079] The first positioning component 20 and the second positioning component 30 are respectively installed on the side of the pallet 70 away from the lifting end, that is, on the side area of ​​the upper surface of the pallet 70. Each positioning component is fixed to the edge of the pallet 70 by a mounting base, guide rail, or slider structure, and can move parallel to the surface of the pallet 70 to abut and limit contact with the long side of the rectangular plate. This structure ensures that the positioning components maintain a relatively fixed relationship with the plate during the lifting process, avoiding alignment errors caused by the dispersion of the mechanism.

[0080] During equipment operation, the lifting assembly 10 first lifts the entire pallet 70, raising the plate from its reference position to a preset positioning height. Simultaneously, the first and second positioning assemblies 30 on the pallet 70 move inward synchronously under the control system, achieving clamping and positioning of the long side of the plate. Because the pallet 70 is a rigid integral structure, the connection between the pallet 70 and the lifting end ensures vertical stability. Furthermore, the positioning assemblies are uniformly installed on the pallet 70, avoiding clamping deviations caused by inconsistent references between the assemblies.

[0081] This structure is suitable for positioning small to medium-sized rectangular plates, especially in compact work environments requiring rapid lifting and synchronous clamping, such as electronic component mounting platforms, laser welding positioning fixtures, and multi-station assembly fixture systems. The pallet 70 can be equipped with limit blocks, elastic support pads, or anti-slip surface structures to improve the stability of the plate during lifting.

[0082] In this embodiment, since the technical solution adopts a pallet 70 structure and sets the first positioning component 20 and the second positioning component 30 on the side of the pallet 70 away from the lifting end, forming an integrated structural layout, it effectively solves the problem of unstable positioning accuracy caused by inconsistent installation benchmarks of positioning components, uneven force during clamping, or asynchronous lifting and clamping actions in the prior art. This achieves structural integration of lifting support and boundary limiting, improved positioning synchronization and operational reliability, and enhances the overall coordination and adaptation efficiency of the system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the pallet 70 has a plurality of adsorption holes on the side opposite to the lifting end, so as to fit against the side of the rectangular plate when the lifting and positioning mechanism is in the positioning state; the lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a vacuum generator, which is connected to the adsorption holes to adsorb the rectangular plate onto the surface of the pallet 70.

[0084] Specifically:

[0085] The structure of the support plate 70 of the lifting and positioning mechanism is further optimized into an adsorption unit with negative pressure adsorption function. The adsorption holes penetrate the body of the support plate 70 in a uniformly distributed or arrayed manner, forming a negative pressure adsorption channel that can form a sealed contact with the bottom surface of the rectangular plate.

[0086] To achieve stable adsorption, the lifting and positioning mechanism also includes a vacuum generator located on one side of the system. The vacuum generator is connected to the adsorption cavity inside the tray 70 through a vacuum pipeline. When triggered by the control system, it starts a negative pressure back-pull action, thereby forming a local negative pressure area on the surface of the tray 70, which firmly adsorbs the rectangular plate placed on it onto the surface of the tray 70, in conjunction with the subsequent limiting and positioning steps.

[0087] The vacuum generator can be a vortex vacuum pump, a venturi vacuum generator, or a silent negative pressure module. The suction power is selected based on the material, size, and process stability requirements of the workpiece. The tray 70 body can have an embedded vacuum chamber structure, and the adsorption holes can be equipped with filters or dustproof devices to prevent impurities from clogging the channels. It is recommended to use a flexible pad or sealing ring in the contact area between the adsorption surface and the workpiece to enhance sealing performance and adapt to workpieces of different thicknesses and surface roughness.

[0088] In actual operation, when the lifting assembly 10 raises the support plate 70 to the predetermined positioning height, the rectangular plate is supported by the surface of the support plate 70. Simultaneously, the control system activates the vacuum generator, and the suction holes begin to create negative pressure on the bottom surface of the rectangular plate, ensuring that it remains stable and does not shift or slide before being clamped at the first to fourth positioning ends. This suction continues until the entire clamping and processing process is completed, after which the control system releases the vacuum, completing the workpiece removal.

[0089] This structure is suitable for flat, non-porous, and suitable plate-shaped materials for vacuum adsorption, such as glass substrates, aluminum alloy panels, stainless steel plates, and plastic parts. Applicable environments include clean, dry locations free from strong vibrations. The geometry of the 70° adsorption surface of the tray can be customized according to the plate size, and multi-zone control modules can be added to achieve zoned adsorption and localized vacuum adjustment.

[0090] In this embodiment, since the technical solution uses several adsorption holes on the surface of the tray 70 and connects them with a vacuum generator to form a negative pressure adsorption structure, it effectively solves the problems of easy displacement, unstable initial positioning, or need for manual auxiliary calibration of the plate during the lifting or clamping process in the prior art. Thus, it realizes the active adsorption, position fixation and automatic holding of the rectangular plate during the positioning process, and improves the accuracy, safety and overall automation of the clamping initial stage.

[0091] To achieve precise lifting and stable control of rectangular plates, in some embodiments, the lifting assembly 10 includes a support 80, a linear guide rail, a slider, and an electric cylinder. The linear guide rail is disposed on one side of the support 80, and the extension direction of the linear guide rail is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The slider slides in cooperation with the linear guide rail, and one side of the slider is the lifting end. The support plate 70 is disposed on one side of the slider. The electric cylinder includes a controlled lifting drive end, which is connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the extension direction of the linear guide rail.

[0092] Specifically:

[0093] The support 80 serves as the fixed bearing foundation for the entire lifting structure, supporting the linear guide rail and its associated motion mechanism. The support 80 is preferably made of a rigid metal material, such as steel or aluminum alloy, and is fixedly installed on the equipment platform or device base.

[0094] The linear guide rail is vertically mounted on one side of the support 80, extending perpendicular to the horizontal plane, forming a guide path for the vertical lifting and lowering of the plate. The slider slides in conjunction with the linear guide rail, enabling precise vertical movement under the guide rail's guidance. To ensure guiding accuracy and smooth movement, the linear guide rail can be a double-rail or heavy-duty structure, and the slider is equipped with roller or ball bearing assemblies to achieve low-friction, high-load-bearing linear motion.

[0095] One side of the slider is the lifting end, which serves as the output interface for the lifting force, connecting to and driving the support plate 70 to perform synchronous lifting and lowering movements. The support plate 70 is mounted on the slider via a flange or support structure. The movement of the slider on the guide rail drives the support plate 70 to rise and fall as a whole, thereby achieving the function of supporting and lifting the bottom of the rectangular plate being measured.

[0096] The electric push cylinder, as a linear drive actuator, has its drive end fixedly connected to the slider. The slider is moved vertically along the linear guide by controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push cylinder. The electric push cylinder is preferably a stepper or servo-controlled type, featuring adjustable stroke, high-precision feedback, and quiet operation. Its cylinder body is fixed to the support structure 80, and the linear displacement output from the drive end can be set within a corresponding stroke range according to the target positioning height.

[0097] During operation, the electric push cylinder is activated under the command of the control system, driving the slider to move upward along the linear guide rail, and the support plate 70 rises accordingly. After the support plate 70 lifts the rectangular plate to the target positioning height, the system can trigger the positioning component to clamp the boundary. After positioning is completed, the electric push cylinder can maintain its current position or perform dynamic adjustment or slow descent operations.

[0098] This structure is suitable for high-precision lifting applications, especially in automated platforms where stable support, high positioning repeatability, or high lifting frequency are required for sheet metal parts, such as electronic product assembly, photovoltaic panel loading, and sheet metal pre-positioning. The recommended operating environment is a clean, low-dust industrial workshop with moderate temperature. The electric pusher cylinder can be equipped with limit switches, encoders, or displacement sensors to achieve closed-loop process control.

[0099] In this embodiment, since the technical solution uses an electric cylinder to drive the slider to move on a vertically set linear guide rail, and the slider is connected to the support plate 70 to form an integrated lifting structure, it effectively solves the problems of unstable guidance, inaccurate stroke control or slow response in the lifting process of the prior art. Thus, it achieves the technical effects of precise and controllable lifting action, compact structural layout and high stability of operation, and significantly improves the action coordination and control reliability of the overall system.

[0100] The above description in this specification is merely illustrative of the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, as long as they do not depart from the content of this specification or exceed the scope defined in the claims, all of which shall fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A lifting and positioning mechanism for confining a rectangular plate at a target position, wherein, The rectangular plate includes two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides, characterized in that it comprises: A lifting assembly includes a lifting end that is controlled to move vertically, the lifting end being positioned directly below the target position; A first positioning component is connected to the lifting end. The first positioning component includes a first positioning end that is controlled to move, and the moving direction of the first positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end. A second positioning component is connected to the lifting end. The second positioning component includes a controllable moving second positioning end, which is disposed opposite to the first positioning end and parallel to the moving direction of the first positioning end. The moving direction of the second positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end. The third positioning component includes a controlled-moving third positioning end, the moving direction of which is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end. The fourth positioning component includes a controllable moving fourth positioning end, which is disposed opposite to the third positioning end and parallel to the moving direction of the third positioning end, and the moving direction of the fourth positioning end is perpendicular to the moving direction of the lifting end and the moving direction of the first positioning end. The lifting and positioning mechanism includes a positioning state that restricts the rectangular plate to the target position. When the lifting and positioning mechanism is in the positioning state, the first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end are at the same horizontal height, and the first positioning end and the second positioning end abut against the two long sides of the rectangular plate, and the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end abut against the two short sides of the rectangular plate, respectively.

2. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Flexible buffer structures are provided on both sides of the first positioning end and the second positioning end facing each other, and on both sides of the third positioning end and the fourth positioning end facing each other. The flexible buffer structures are configured to contract along the direction of the external force when subjected to external pressure.

3. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first pressure sensor is provided between the first positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, a second pressure sensor is provided between the second positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, a third pressure sensor is provided between the third positioning end and the flexible buffer structure, and a fourth pressure sensor is provided between the fourth positioning end and the flexible buffer structure. The lifting and positioning mechanism further includes a controller, which is connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, the fourth pressure sensor, the first positioning component, the second positioning component, the third positioning component, and the fourth positioning component, so as to control the first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end, and the fourth positioning end to move according to the pressure difference between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and the pressure difference between the third pressure sensor and the fourth pressure sensor, so that the pressure difference approaches zero.

4. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning end, the second positioning end, the third positioning end, and the fourth positioning end are all linearly extended and retracted by cylinders.

5. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Two parallel supports are provided, with the supports being parallel to the long side of the rectangular plate. The target position is located between the two supports. The third positioning component and the fourth positioning component are respectively provided on the two supports.

6. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tray, which is connected to the lifting end, and the first positioning component and the second positioning component are both disposed on the side of the tray away from the lifting end.

7. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pallet has several suction holes on the side away from the lifting end so that it can fit against the side of the rectangular plate when the lifting and positioning mechanism is in the positioning state. The lifting and positioning mechanism also includes: A vacuum generator, connected to the adsorption hole, is used to adsorb the rectangular plate onto the surface of the tray.

8. The lifting and positioning mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes: Support; A linear guide rail is provided on one side of the support, and the extension direction of the linear guide rail is perpendicular to the horizontal plane; A slider is slidably engaged with the linear guide rail, one side of the slider is the lifting end, and the support plate is disposed on one side of the slider; An electric actuator includes a controlled lifting drive end connected to the slider to drive the slider to move along the extension direction of the linear guide.

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