A gripper pitch-changing assembly and a workpiece transfer device

Abstract

This application discloses a gripper pitch-changing assembly and a workpiece transfer device, comprising: a base plate on which a slide rail is disposed; a fixed slider fixedly disposed at a first end of the slide rail; a pitch-changing slider slidably connected to the slide rail, the pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider being connected by a first pitch-changing rod; a pitch-changing drive member for driving the pitch-changing slider to move, thereby adjusting the distance between the pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider; and a gripper assembly for clamping the workpiece, wherein the gripper assembly is disposed on both the fixed slider and the pitch-changing slider. Compared with the prior art, the gripper pitch-changing assembly and workpiece transfer device provided in this application can adjust the distance between adjacent grippers, making it suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, and thus offering higher practicality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and more specifically, to a gripper pitch-changing assembly and a workpiece transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of industrial automation, the transfer and replacement of products in different types of fixtures, jigs, conveyor lines and other tooling is increasingly accomplished using automation technology. The use of automation technology can not only liberate people from heavy physical labor, some mental labor and harsh and dangerous working environments, but also expand human organ functions and greatly improve labor productivity.

[0003] Grippers are a common structure in automated equipment. Their purpose is to pick up products during automation and transfer them to the next workstation via a transfer structure. Currently, the distance between grippers is fixed, which is not suitable for situations where the distance between products changes after transfer. This makes variable-distance feeding difficult and impractical.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a gripper pitch-adjusting assembly and a workpiece transfer device that can adjust the distance between adjacent grippers, making it suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, and thus more practical. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a gripper pitch-adjusting assembly and a workpiece transfer device for transferring guide tubes. The assembly can adjust the distance between adjacent grippers, making it suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, thus offering greater practicality.

[0006] The technical solution provided in this application is as follows:

[0007] A gripper pitch-changing assembly includes:

[0008] A substrate, on which a slide rail is provided;

[0009] A fixed slider is fixedly installed at the first end of the slide rail;

[0010] A variable-pitch slider is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the variable-pitch slider is connected to the fixed slider through a first variable-pitch rod;

[0011] A variable pitch drive is used to drive the variable pitch slider to move, so as to adjust the distance between the variable pitch slider and the fixed slider;

[0012] A gripper assembly for clamping workpieces, wherein the gripper assembly is provided on both the fixed slider and the variable pitch slider.

[0013] Preferably, the first end of the first pitch rod is fixedly connected to the fixed slider, the first pitch rod and the pitch slider are slidably connected, the second end of the first pitch rod is provided with a limit block, the pitch slider is provided with a stop block, and the limit block and the stop block are used to limit the movement.

[0014] Preferably, at least two pitch sliders are provided, and the pitch sliders are spaced apart along the second end of the slide rail. Adjacent pitch sliders are slidably connected by a second pitch rod, and the movable end of the pitch drive is connected to the farthest pitch slider.

[0015] Preferably, the gripper assembly includes:

[0016] A connecting plate is used to connect to the fixed slider or the variable pitch slider;

[0017] Gripper drive element disposed on the connecting plate;

[0018] A jaw assembly is disposed on the jaw drive element, and the jaw drive element is used to drive the jaw assembly to clamp the workpiece.

[0019] Preferably, the gripper assembly includes:

[0020] The first and second grippers are respectively hinged to both sides of the connecting plate, and the two ends of the gripper driving element are respectively connected to the first and second grippers.

[0021] A receiving groove for accommodating the clamping part for accommodating the workpiece is formed between the first jaw and the second jaw.

[0022] Preferably, the gripper assembly further includes:

[0023] A detection plate is disposed between the first and second grippers and is fixedly connected to the connecting plate.

[0024] Preferably, the gripper assembly further includes:

[0025] Positioning plates are provided at both ends of the gripper assembly, and the bottom of the positioning plates is provided with positioning surfaces, which are located above the receiving groove.

[0026] A workpiece transfer device includes the gripper pitch-changing assembly described in any of the above claims.

[0027] Preferably, it further includes:

[0028] Mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being used to mount the gripper pitch-changing assembly;

[0029] A first moving drive assembly connected to the mounting bracket for driving the mounting bracket to move vertically;

[0030] A second motion drive component is connected to the first motion drive component and is used to drive the mounting bracket and the first motion drive component to move along a first direction.

[0031] Preferably, at least two gripper pitch-changing components are provided, with a first gripper pitch-changing component and a second gripper pitch-changing component being spaced apart along a second direction. The first gripper pitch-changing component is fixedly disposed with the mounting bracket, and the second gripper pitch-changing component is slidably connected to the mounting bracket via a third moving drive component.

[0032] The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0033] The gripper pitch-changing assembly provided by this utility model firstly comprises a base plate, a fixed slider, a pitch-changing slider, and a pitch-changing drive assembly. The base plate has a slide rail, the fixed slider is located at the first end of the slide rail and is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the pitch-changing slider is slidably connected to the slide rail. The pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider are connected by a first pitch-changing rod. The pitch-changing drive assembly drives the pitch-changing slider to move along the first pitch-changing rod to adjust the distance between the pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider. Secondly, a gripper assembly is provided to clamp the workpiece. Both the fixed slider and the pitch-changing slider are equipped with gripper assemblies. When material needs to be picked up, the distance between two adjacent workpieces to be transferred is a first distance. The pitch-changing drive assembly adjusts the distance between the pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider to the first distance so that the gripper assembly can clamp the workpieces to be transferred. When material needs to be unloaded, the distance between adjacent placement stations is a second distance. The pitch-changing drive assembly adjusts the distance between the pitch-changing slider and the fixed slider to the second distance so that when workpieces are unloaded, the workpieces on the gripper assembly can be smoothly placed on the placement stations. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the gripper pitch-changing component in this utility model embodiment can adjust the distance between adjacent grippers, and is suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, making it more practical.

[0034] This utility model also provides a workpiece transfer device, including the gripper pitch-changing component of any of the above-mentioned components, which can also achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be described in detail here. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a gripper variable distance assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention when the gripper components are at a first distance;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a gripper variable distance assembly provided in an embodiment of the present utility model when the gripper components are at a second distance;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the gripper assembly provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a workpiece transfer device provided in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Reference numerals: 1. Base plate; 2. Fixed slider; 3. Variable pitch slider; 4. First variable pitch rod; 5. Variable pitch drive component; 6. Gripper assembly; 7. Second variable pitch rod; 61. Connecting plate; 62. Gripper drive component; 63. Gripper assembly; 64. Detection plate; 65. Positioning plate;

[0041] 100 Gripper pitch control assembly; 200 Mounting bracket; 300 First motion drive assembly; 400 Second motion drive assembly; 500 Third motion drive assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0044] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

[0047] The embodiments of this utility model are written in a progressive manner.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a gripper pitch-changing assembly, including: a base plate 1, on which a slide rail is provided; a fixed slider 2 fixedly disposed at the first end of the slide rail; a pitch-changing slider 3 slidably connected to the slide rail, the pitch-changing slider 3 and the fixed slider 2 being connected by a first pitch-changing rod 4; a pitch-changing drive 5, which drives the pitch-changing slider 3 to move, thereby adjusting the distance between the pitch-changing slider 3 and the fixed slider 2; and a gripper assembly 6 for clamping workpieces, wherein both the fixed slider 2 and the pitch-changing slider 3 are provided with gripper assemblies 6.

[0049] Currently, workpieces are often transferred using a transfer device. To improve transfer efficiency, the transfer device is often equipped with multiple grippers to simultaneously grip multiple workpieces. However, the distance between the grippers in the existing technology is often relatively fixed, which is only applicable when the workpieces are placed at the same distance before and after the transfer. If the distance between the workpieces before and after the transfer changes, it may not be applicable.

[0050] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the gripper pitch-changing assembly provided by this utility model firstly includes a base plate 1, a fixed slider 2, a pitch-changing slider 3, and a pitch-changing drive assembly. The base plate 1 is provided with a slide rail, the fixed slider 2 is disposed at the first end of the slide rail and is fixedly connected to the base plate 1, the pitch-changing slider 3 is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the pitch-changing slider 3 and the fixed slider 2 are connected by a first pitch-changing rod 4. The pitch-changing drive assembly is used to drive the pitch-changing slider 3 to move along the first pitch-changing rod 4 to adjust the distance between the pitch-changing slider 3 and the fixed slider 2. Secondly, a gripper assembly 6 is also provided. The gripper assembly 6 is used to clamp the workpiece. Both the fixed slider 2 and the variable pitch slider 3 are equipped with gripper assemblies 6. When material needs to be picked up, the distance between two adjacent workpieces to be transferred is a first distance. The distance between the variable pitch slider 3 and the fixed slider 2 is adjusted to the first distance by the variable pitch drive assembly, so that the gripper assembly 6 can clamp the workpiece to be transferred. When material needs to be unloaded, the distance between adjacent placement stations is a second distance. The distance between the variable pitch slider 3 and the fixed slider 2 is adjusted to the second distance by the variable pitch drive assembly, so that when the workpiece is unloaded, the workpiece on the gripper assembly 6 can be smoothly placed on the placement station. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the gripper variable pitch assembly in this embodiment can adjust the distance between adjacent grippers, which is suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, and has higher practicality.

[0051] In one embodiment of the above structure, the first end of the first pitch-changing rod 4 is fixedly connected to the pitch-changing slider 3, and the second end of the first pitch-changing rod 4 is slidably connected to the fixed slider 2; or, the first end of the first pitch-changing rod 4 is fixedly connected to the fixed slider 2, and the second end of the first pitch-changing rod 4 is slidably connected to the pitch-changing slider 3. In both of these structures, the first pitch-changing rod 4 is positioned between the fixed slider 2 and the pitch-changing slider 3. Under the action of the pitch-changing drive assembly, it drives the pitch-changing slider 3 to move along the first pitch-changing rod 4, thereby adjusting the distance between the two gripper assemblies 6.

[0052] In one preferred embodiment, the first end of the first pitch rod 4 is fixedly connected to the fixed slider 2, and the first pitch rod 4 and the pitch slider 3 are slidably connected. In order to limit the maximum distance between the fixed slider 2 and the pitch slider 3, a limit block is provided at the second end of the first pitch rod 4, and a stop block is provided inside the pitch slider 3. The limit block and the stop block abut against each other to limit the distance between the pitch slider 3 and the fixed slider 2.

[0053] Specifically, when it is necessary to pick up the workpiece, the variable pitch drive assembly moves the variable pitch slider 3 away from the fixed slider 2 until the limit block and the stop block abut. At this time, the distance between the variable pitch slider 3 and the gripper assembly 6 on the fixed slider 2 is the first distance. The workpiece is clamped and picked up by the two gripper assemblies 6. When it is necessary to release the workpiece, the variable pitch drive assembly drives the variable pitch slider 3 to move closer to the fixed slider 2 until the variable pitch slider 3 abuts against the fixed slider 2. At this time, the distance between the two gripper assemblies 6 on the variable pitch slider 3 and the fixed slider 2 is the second distance, which is adapted to the position of the placement station.

[0054] In the above structure, as one embodiment, at least two variable-pitch sliders 3 are provided in this utility model embodiment. The variable-pitch sliders 3 are spaced apart along the second end of the slide rail, and two adjacent variable-pitch sliders 3 are slidably connected by a second variable-pitch rod 7. The movable end of the variable-pitch drive 5 is connected to the farthest variable-pitch slider. The connection method between the second variable-pitch rod 7 and the two variable-pitch sliders 3 is the same as the connection method between the first variable-pitch rod 4 and the fixed slider 2 and the variable-pitch slider 3, and will not be further described.

[0055] It should be noted that the farthest variable pitch slider here refers to the variable pitch slider 3 located at the end furthest from the fixed slider 2. The variable pitch drive assembly drives the farthest variable pitch slider to move along the slide rail, thereby adjusting the relative distance between the sliders.

[0056] In the above structure, as one embodiment, the gripper assembly 6 of this utility model includes a connecting plate 61, a gripper driving element 62, and a gripper group 63. The connecting plate 61 is connected to the fixed slider 2 or the variable-pitch slider 3. The gripper driving element 62 is disposed on the connecting plate 61, and the gripper group 63 is disposed on the gripper driving element 62. The gripper driving element 62 drives the gripper group 63 to clamp the workpiece, thereby realizing the picking and unloading of the workpiece. The gripper group 63 is used to pick up and place the workpiece. This technical solution does not further limit the specific structure of the gripper group 63.

[0057] As one specific implementation, the gripper assembly 63 in this embodiment of the present invention includes a first gripper, a second gripper, and a receiving groove. The first gripper and the second gripper are respectively hinged to the two sides of the connecting plate 61. The two ends of the gripper driving element 62 are respectively connected to the first gripper and the second gripper. The gripper driving element 62 drives the first gripper and the second gripper to clamp or release. In order to make the workpiece more stable when clamped, a receiving groove for accommodating the clamping part of the workpiece is formed between the first gripper and the second gripper in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In one specific implementation, the workpiece in this utility model embodiment is a conduit. When the conduit needs to be transferred, the outer circumferential surface of the conduit is often clamped by the gripper assembly 63. At this time, the receiving groove is adapted to the outer circumferential surface of the conduit.

[0059] In the above structure, to detect whether the gripper assembly 63 has clamped the workpiece, as one embodiment, the gripper assembly 6 of this utility model further includes a detection plate 64. The detection plate 64 is disposed between the first gripper and the second gripper, and is fixedly connected to the connecting plate 61. When the first gripper and the second gripper clamp the workpiece, the detection plate 64 detects whether there is a workpiece between the first gripper and the second gripper. The detection plate 64 is an existing structure and will not be further described here.

[0060] In the above structure, as one embodiment, the gripper assembly 6 in this utility model embodiment further includes a positioning plate 65. The two positioning plates 65 are respectively disposed at both ends of the gripper assembly 63. The bottom of the positioning plate 65 is provided with a positioning surface, which is disposed above the receiving groove.

[0061] When clamping a workpiece, if the workpiece is not positioned correctly and both ends are tilted upwards, the gripper assembly 63 may not be able to clamp the workpiece properly. To solve this problem, the gripper assembly 6 in this embodiment of the present invention is provided with a positioning plate 65. The positioning plate is used to adjust the position of the workpiece, and then the gripper assembly 63 clamps the workpiece.

[0062] Please Figure 4 As shown, this utility model also provides a workpiece transfer device for transferring guide tubes, including the jaw pitch-changing component of any of the above-mentioned components, which can also adjust the distance between adjacent jaws, and is suitable for situations where the distance between products changes before and after transfer, making it more practical.

[0063] Furthermore, as one embodiment, the workpiece transfer device in this utility model embodiment also includes a mounting frame 200, a first moving drive assembly 300, and a second moving drive assembly 400. The mounting frame 200 is used to mount the gripper pitch-changing assembly. The first moving drive assembly 300 is connected to the mounting frame 200 and is used to drive the mounting frame 200 to move vertically. The second moving drive assembly 400 is connected to the first moving drive assembly 300 and is used to drive the mounting frame 200 and the first moving drive assembly 300 to move in a first direction. The position of the gripper pitch-changing assembly can be adjusted more conveniently through the first moving drive assembly 300 and the second moving drive assembly 400.

[0064] In the above structure, as one embodiment, at least two gripper pitch-changing components are provided in this utility model embodiment. The first gripper pitch-changing component and the second gripper pitch-changing component are spaced apart along the second direction. The first gripper pitch-changing component is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 200, and the second gripper pitch-changing component is slidably connected to the mounting frame 200 through the third moving drive component 500. The first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0065] For slender workpieces, such as conduits, at least two gripper assemblies 6 can be set up to facilitate transfer. The second gripper pitch-changing assembly is slidably connected to the mounting frame 200, and the position of the second gripper pitch-changing assembly is adjusted by the third moving drive assembly 500 to accommodate the transfer of workpieces of different lengths.

[0066] Furthermore, as one embodiment, at least one second gripper pitch-changing component is provided in this utility model embodiment. When the length of the workpiece is too long, at least two second gripper pitch-changing components can also be provided. The number of second gripper pitch-changing components corresponds one-to-one with the number of third moving drive components 500.

[0067] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A gripper pitch-changing assembly, characterized in that, include: Substrate (1), on which a slide rail is provided; A fixed slider (2) is fixedly installed at the first end of the slide rail; A variable pitch slider (3) is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the variable pitch slider (3) is connected to the fixed slider (2) through a first variable pitch rod (4); A variable pitch drive (5) is used to drive the variable pitch slider (3) to move, so as to adjust the distance between the variable pitch slider (3) and the fixed slider (2); The gripper assembly (6) is used to clamp the workpiece. The gripper assembly (6) is provided on both the fixed slider (2) and the variable pitch slider (3).

2. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the first pitch rod (4) is fixedly connected to the fixed slider (2), and the second end of the first pitch rod (4) is slidably connected to the pitch slider (3). The second end of the first pitch rod (4) is provided with a limit block, and the pitch slider (3) is provided with a stop block. The limit block and the stop block are used to limit the movement.

3. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two variable pitch sliders (3) are provided. The variable pitch sliders (3) are spaced apart along the slide rail. Adjacent variable pitch sliders (3) are slidably connected by a second variable pitch rod (7). The telescopic end of the variable pitch drive (5) is connected to the farthest variable pitch slider.

4. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (6) includes: A connecting plate (61) is used to connect to the fixed slider (2) or the variable pitch slider (3); The gripper drive element (62) is disposed on the connecting plate (61); The gripper assembly (63) is disposed on the gripper drive element (62), and the gripper drive element (62) is used to drive the gripper assembly (63) to clamp the workpiece.

5. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gripper assembly includes: The first and second grippers are hinged to the two sides of the connecting plate (61) respectively, and the two ends of the gripper driving element (62) are connected to the first and second grippers respectively. A receiving groove for accommodating the clamping part for accommodating the workpiece is formed between the first jaw and the second jaw.

6. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (6) further includes: A detection plate (64) is disposed between the first gripper and the second gripper and is fixedly connected to the connecting plate (61).

7. The gripper pitch-changing assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (6) further includes: Positioning plates (65) are provided at both ends of the gripper assembly (63). The bottom of the positioning plate (65) is provided with a positioning surface, which is located above the receiving groove.

8. A workpiece transfer device, characterized in that, Includes the gripper pitch-changing assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The workpiece transfer device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Mounting bracket (200) for mounting the gripper pitch assembly (100); A first moving drive assembly (300) for moving the mounting bracket (200) in the vertical direction; A second motion drive component (400) is connected to the first motion drive component (300) and is used to drive the mounting bracket (200) and the first motion drive component (300) to move along a first direction.

10. The workpiece transfer device according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least two gripper pitch-changing assemblies (100) are provided. The first gripper pitch-changing assembly and the second gripper pitch-changing assembly are spaced apart along the second direction. The first gripper pitch-changing assembly is fixedly disposed with the mounting frame (200). The second gripper pitch-changing assembly is slidably connected to the mounting frame (200) through a third moving drive assembly (500). The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are arranged perpendicular to each other.

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