Clamp capable of clamping rims of various specifications

Abstract

The utility model relates to a clamp capable of clamping rims of various specifications, which comprises an air cylinder body, one side of the air cylinder body is connected with a plurality of sliding block bodies capable of sliding in a pneumatic driving mode, one side of at least one sliding block body is provided with a first clamping piece, and the end of the first clamping piece can deform. A second clamping piece used for providing supporting force for the periphery of the rim is arranged on one side of at least one sliding block body, and wheel rims of different specifications and models can be clamped by changing the distance between the first clamping piece and the second clamping piece. The rim diameter error is compensated through elastic deformation of the flexible element, stable guiding is provided through the limiting groove of the fixing plate, the dual effects of elastic compensation and rigid positioning are achieved through combination of the flexible element and the limiting groove, and rims with different diameters can be clamped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wheel rim clamping technology, specifically to a clamping device capable of holding various wheel rim specifications. Background Technology

[0002] Wire-spoke wheels, also known as spoked wheels, consist of spokes, a hub, and a rim. Due to their good elasticity, they can absorb road impacts and are suitable for unpaved roads. Off-road motorcycles typically use spoked wheels. The motorcycle rim is the core component of the motorcycle wheel, primarily responsible for supporting the tire, transmitting power, and cushioning vibrations. It is mostly made of aluminum alloy or steel profiles, formed through processes such as rolling, cutting, shaping, welding, grinding, and punching, resulting in lightweight and high-strength characteristics. During manufacturing, dimensional accuracy and static / stationary balance must be ensured, directly affecting vehicle safety and handling stability.

[0003] In the wheel rim production process, the fixtures that hold the wheel rims are a crucial medium connecting the processing equipment and the workpiece. The versatility of these fixtures is essential for improving production efficiency. Taking forming machines and blanking machines as examples, universal fixtures can adapt to the clamping requirements of different wheel rim models, allowing for the processing of multiple specifications of products without frequent fixture changes. This compatibility not only reduces equipment setup time but also lowers the cost for companies to purchase dedicated fixtures. Simultaneously, universal fixtures simplify production management processes, reduce downtime caused by fixture changes, and ensure continuous operation of the production line.

[0004] For manufacturing companies, the flexibility of universal fixtures is particularly important. They enable rapid response to changes in market demand and prevent fixture obsolescence due to product iterations. Furthermore, the standardized design of universal fixtures reduces operator training difficulties and minimizes quality issues caused by operational errors, providing crucial support for wheel manufacturing companies to achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0005] The authorization announcement number CN222754898U discloses a new energy motorcycle aluminum wheel hub processing fixture. According to its instruction manual and drawings, the mounting ring of the fixture is designed to be rotatable. After clamping and fixing the new energy motorcycle aluminum wheel hub, the clamping structure can be flexibly adjusted to rotate, thereby enabling convenient processing of new energy motorcycle aluminum wheel hubs in conjunction with processing equipment.

[0006] However, the solution has certain limitations: 1. Although the solution can clamp wheel rims of different specifications and models, the clamping efficiency is low and it cannot meet the fast-paced needs of production; 2. The entire gripping structure is complex and the manufacturing cost is higher. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention addresses the problem of the universality of clamps for holding wheel rims by proposing a clamp capable of holding various wheel rim specifications. The elastic deformation of the flexible element compensates for the wheel rim diameter error, and the limiting groove of the fixed plate provides stable guidance. The combination of the two achieves the dual effect of "elastic compensation and rigid positioning", enabling the clamping of wheel rims of different diameters.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a clamp capable of holding multiple wheel rim specifications, comprising a cylinder body, wherein one side of the cylinder body is connected to a plurality of sliding slider bodies via a pneumatic drive, at least one slider body is provided with a first clamping member with deformable end on one side, and at least one slider body is provided with a second clamping member for providing support force to the outer periphery of the wheel rim on one side, wherein the distance between the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be varied to clamp wheel rims of different specifications and models.

[0009] Preferably, a transition plate is provided on the other side of the cylinder body, and a flange connected to the robotic arm is provided on the side of the transition plate.

[0010] Preferably, the first clamping member includes a first support plate and a flexible support component mounted on the side of the first support plate. The end of the flexible support component can deform. After the flexible element deforms, it supports the second clamping member, which can adapt to rims of different diameters and reduce the frequency of clamp replacement.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible support assembly includes a support frame and flexible elements. The mounting groove inside the support frame is provided with a plurality of flexible elements, and the height of the flexible elements is greater than the height of the mounting groove inside the support frame.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible element includes a template and a plurality of plastic columns installed at the bottom of the template. A partition is also provided at the bottom of the template to separate the plurality of plastic columns from the middle, and the height of the partition is less than the height of the plastic columns.

[0013] Preferably, the second clamping member includes a second support plate and a fixing plate mounted on the second support plate. This arrangement is designed to enable a detachable design between the second support plate and the fixing plate, thereby facilitating the subsequent replacement of the damaged module.

[0014] Preferably, the fixing plate is made of plastic and has a limiting groove. The top of the inner wall of the limiting groove is chamfered, and the outer periphery of the wheel rim can form a line contact with the top of the inner wall of the limiting groove. The lowest point of the outer periphery of the wheel rim does not contact the bottom of the inner wall of the limiting groove.

[0015] Preferably, the length and width of the fixing plate are both greater than the length and width of the flexible support assembly. This arrangement is to ensure that the flexible element can make normal contact with the wheel rim.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The elastic deformation of the flexible element compensates for the rim diameter error, and the limiting groove of the fixed plate provides stable guidance. The combination of the two achieves the dual effect of "elastic compensation and rigid positioning". It can not only clamp rims of different diameters, but also solve the problem of slippage or uneven clamping force when the traditional pneumatic gripper clamps irregular rims.

[0018] 2. As the distance between the first and second clamping members gradually decreases until they contact the wheel rim, the outer periphery of the rim can form a line contact with the top of the inner wall of the limiting groove. Because the limiting groove has a U-shaped cross-section, it significantly increases the effective contact area and disperses stress. This U-shaped groove's line contact with the rim reduces the contact surface pressure, preventing indentations on the aluminum alloy rim surface. The lowest point of the outer periphery of the rim does not contact the bottom of the inner wall of the limiting groove, preventing the rim from being deformed.

[0019] 3. Eliminating the complex adjustment mechanism of traditional pneumatic grippers, this solution achieves self-adaptation through passive deformation, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the modular design allows for the individual replacement of worn components, such as replacing only the mounting plate, or replacing the flexible support assembly, thereby extending the overall clamping life. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention after the flexible element has been removed;

[0023] Figure 4 For the present utility model in Figure 3 Enlarged view of region A in the image;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the present invention after the first and second clamping components have been removed.

[0025] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Cylinder body; 11. Slider body; 12. Transition plate; 13. Flange; 2. First clamping component; 21. First support plate; 22. Flexible support assembly; 221. Support frame; 222. Flexible element; 223. Partition; 2220. Template; 2221. Plastic column; 3. Second clamping component; 31. Second support plate; 32. Fixing plate; 321. Limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a clamp capable of holding various rim sizes includes a cylinder body 1, one side of which is connected to two sliding slider bodies 11 via a pneumatic drive.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cylinder body 1 can be specifically selected as a finger gripper or a parallel opening and closing type gripper, while the slider body 11 is the finger that slides at the end of the finger gripper. The core design of this finger gripper is based on a linear guide rail translation structure. Compressed air drives a double-acting cylinder to move the finger linearly along the guide rail, achieving high-precision gripping and release.

[0029] A transition plate 12 is provided on the other side of the cylinder body 1. A flange 13, which is connected to the robotic arm, is located on the side of the transition plate 12. The flange 13 is connected to the end of the industrial robot, allowing the position of the entire fixture to be adaptively adjusted during production.

[0030] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 and Figure 4 One of the slider bodies 11 has a first clamping member 2 with deformable ends on one side. The first clamping member 2 includes a first support plate 21 and a flexible support assembly 22 installed on the side of the first support plate 21. The end of the flexible support assembly 22 can deform. The other slider body 11 has a second clamping member 3 on one side for providing support force to the outer periphery of the wheel rim. The distance between the first clamping member 2 and the second clamping member 3 can be varied to clamp wheel rims of different specifications and models.

[0031] The flexible support assembly 22 includes a support frame 221 and flexible elements 222. A plurality of flexible elements 222 are provided inside the mounting groove inside the support frame 221. The height of the flexible elements 222 is greater than the height of the mounting groove inside the support frame 221.

[0032] To achieve better clamping effect, at least half of the length of the flexible element 222 is exposed to the outside relative to the bottom of the support frame 221. This arrangement is to ensure that the flexible element 222 can make normal contact with the wheel rim.

[0033] The flexible element 222 includes a template 2220 and a plurality of plastic columns 2221 installed at the bottom of the template 2220. A partition 223 is also provided at the bottom of the template 2220 to separate the plurality of plastic columns 2221 in the middle. The height of the partition 223 is less than the height of the plastic columns 2221.

[0034] As the distance between the first clamping element 2 and the second clamping element 3 gradually decreases until they contact the wheel rim, the plastic cylinder 2221 deforms. The reaction force generated after deformation can press the wheel rim tightly. By adjusting the deformation of the flexible element 222 and the support of the second clamping element 3, it is possible to adapt to rims of different diameters, reduce the frequency of clamp changes, and facilitate the unloading process when transporting different rims to the molding machine, or the loading process of the finishing machine.

[0035] It should be noted that after the first clamping member 2 and the second clamping member 3 complete clamping, the elastic deformation of the plastic column 2221 provides a continuous clamping force, thereby offsetting the clamping force fluctuation caused by vibration or impact.

[0036] The design of the partition 223 is mainly to expand the plastic column 2221 to both sides as much as possible during the clamping deformation process, thereby increasing the contact area between each plastic column 2221 and the wheel rim, thus improving the clamping effect.

[0037] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 The second clamping member 3 includes a second support plate 31 and a fixing plate 32 mounted on the second support plate 31. The fixing plate 32 is made of plastic and has a limiting groove 321. The top of the inner wall of the limiting groove 321 is chamfered. The chamfer design can avoid scratching the surface of the wheel rim and provide a certain guidance during the clamping process of the wheel rim. The length and width of the fixing plate 32 are both greater than the length and width of the flexible support assembly 22. This setting is to increase the area of ​​the fixing plate 32, thereby improving the stability of the clamping between the fixing plate 32 and the wheel rim.

[0038] The distance between the first clamping member 2 and the second clamping member 3 gradually decreases until they contact the wheel rim. At this point, the outer periphery of the rim forms a line contact with the top of the inner wall of the limiting groove 321, while the lowest point of the outer periphery of the rim does not contact the bottom of the inner wall of the limiting groove 321. Because the limiting groove 321 has a U-shaped cross-section, it significantly increases the effective contact area and disperses stress. Therefore, this line contact between the U-shaped groove and the rim reduces the pressure on the contact surface, preventing indentations on the aluminum alloy rim surface and avoiding rim deformation.

[0039] Elastic deformation of flexible element 222: Through the deformation of the plastic column 2221 at the end of flexible element 222, the clamping force is dynamically adjusted with the rim diameter, and adaptive clamping can be achieved without additional sensors or complex control programs.

[0040] The elastic deformation of the flexible element 222 compensates for the rim diameter error, and the limiting groove 321 of the fixed plate 32 provides stable guidance. The combination of the two achieves the dual effect of "elastic compensation and rigid positioning", solving the problem of slippage or uneven clamping force when the traditional pneumatic gripper clamps irregular rims.

[0041] By eliminating the complex adjustment mechanisms (such as screws or servo motors) of traditional pneumatic grippers, self-adaptation is achieved through passive deformation, reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the modular design of this solution allows for the individual replacement of worn components, such as replacing only the U-groove module of the fixing plate 32, or replacing the flexible support assembly 22, thereby extending the overall fixture life.

[0042] Working principle and usage of this utility model:

[0043] The distance between the first clamping member 2 and the second clamping member 3 changes as the two sliding slider bodies 11 on the cylinder body 1 are controlled.

[0044] As the distance between the first clamping element 2 and the second clamping element 3 gradually decreases until they contact the wheel rim, the plastic cylinder 2221 deforms. The reaction force generated after deformation can press the wheel rim tightly. By adjusting the deformation of the flexible element 222 and its support to the second clamping element 3, it is possible to adapt to rims of different diameters and reduce the frequency of clamp replacement.

[0045] The distance between the first clamping member 2 and the second clamping member 3 gradually decreases until they contact the wheel rim. At this point, the outer periphery of the rim can form a line contact with the top of the inner wall of the limiting groove 321, while the lowest point of the outer periphery of the rim does not contact the bottom of the inner wall of the limiting groove 321. The elastic deformation of the flexible element 222 compensates for the rim diameter error, and the limiting groove 321 of the fixing plate 32 provides stable guidance. The combination of the two achieves the dual effects of elastic compensation and rigid positioning.

[0046] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples illustrating the spirit of this utility model. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to replace them, without departing from the spirit of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamp capable of holding multiple rim sizes, comprising a cylinder body (1), wherein one side of the cylinder body (1) is pneumatically driven to connect a plurality of sliding slider bodies (11), characterized in that, At least one slider body (11) has a first clamping member (2) with deformable end on one side, and at least one slider body (11) has a second clamping member (3) for providing support force to the outer periphery of the rim on one side. The distance between the first clamping member (2) and the second clamping member (3) can be varied to clamp wheel rims of different specifications and models.

2. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder body (1) is provided with a transition plate (12) on the other side, and the side of the transition plate (12) is provided with a flange (13) connected to the robotic arm.

3. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first clamping member (2) includes a first support plate (21) and a flexible support assembly (22) installed on the side of the first support plate (21), the end of which is capable of deformation.

4. The clamp capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible support assembly (22) includes a support frame (221) and flexible elements (222). The mounting groove inside the support frame (221) is provided with a plurality of flexible elements (222). The height of the flexible elements (222) is greater than the height of the mounting groove inside the support frame (221).

5. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flexible element (222) includes a template (2220) and a plurality of plastic columns (2221) installed at the bottom of the template (2220). At the bottom of the template (2220), there is also a partition (223) that separates the plurality of plastic columns (2221) from the middle. The height of the partition (223) is less than the height of the plastic columns (2221).

6. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second clamping member (3) includes a second support plate (31) and a fixing plate (32) mounted on the second support plate (31).

7. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fixing plate (32) is made of plastic and has a limiting groove (321) on it. The top of the inner wall of the limiting groove (321) is chamfered. The outer periphery of the rim can form a line contact with the top of the inner wall of the limiting groove (321). The lowest point of the outer periphery of the rim does not contact the bottom of the inner wall of the limiting groove (321).

8. The clamping fixture capable of holding multiple rim sizes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length and width of the fixed plate (32) are both greater than the length and width of the flexible support component (22).

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