An automated fin gripping mechanism
The automated control system, which combines a V-shaped clamping mechanism with a pressure sensor, solves the problem of damage to finned tubes caused by traditional clamping mechanisms, achieving precise and low-damage clamping of finned tubes and improving product quality and production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIUJIANG IND TECH RES INST
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Traditional fin clamping mechanisms are prone to damaging finned tubes and are difficult to control precisely, affecting product quality and performance.
A V-shaped clamping mechanism is adopted, which combines a pressure sensor and a stepper motor to control the clamping force. Springs and rubber pads are used to reduce damage to the finned tubes, and a PLC controller is used to achieve precise clamping.
It reduces damage during finned tube clamping, improves clamping accuracy and product quality, and reduces production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224362050U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automation equipment technology, and more specifically, to an automated fin gripping mechanism. Background Technology
[0002] In the production, processing, and assembly of finned tubes, the clamping operation is crucial. Traditional clamping mechanisms mostly use direct clamping, employing significant clamping force to secure the finned tubes. However, the unique structure of finned tubes, with their fragile fins, makes them highly susceptible to damage when subjected to large clamping forces. This damage can lead to fin deformation or detachment, severely impacting the quality and performance of the finned tubes, resulting in lower product yield and increased production costs. Furthermore, traditional clamping mechanisms struggle to precisely control the clamping force; excessive or insufficient force can negatively affect the clamping effect. Therefore, we propose an automated fin clamping mechanism. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems in related technologies, this utility model provides an automated fin gripping mechanism that can solve the above problems.
[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:
[0005] An automated fin gripping mechanism includes a finned tube, a cantilever arm, and a gripping mechanism disposed below the cantilever arm. The gripping mechanism includes an outer shell, with a left push rod and a right push rod slidably mounted on both sides of the outer shell. The ends of the left and right push rods are integrally formed with toothed plates, and the toothed plates of the left and right push rods mesh with gears. A stepper motor for driving the gears is disposed on the front end face of the outer shell. Clamping plates are hinged to both sides of the bottom of the outer shell via hinges. Pressure sensors are embedded in the inner surface of the bottom layer of the clamping plates. Springs are hung on both sides of the top layer of the outer shell, with the other end of the springs connected to the inner surface of the top layer of the clamping plates. A PLC controller is fixedly mounted on the front end face of the outer shell.
[0006] Furthermore, both the left and right push rods have guide wheels rotatably mounted on their ends, and the guide wheels are in close contact with the inner surface of the clamping plate.
[0007] Furthermore, a 2mm to 4mm thick rubber pad is adhered to the surface of the pressure sensor, and the surface of the rubber pad is provided with anti-slip texture.
[0008] Furthermore, buckles for attaching springs are fixedly installed on both sides of the top layer of the outer shell and on the inner side of the top layer of the clamping plate, with the springs placed diagonally between the outer shell and the clamping plate.
[0009] Furthermore, the bottom end face of the clamping plate is integrally formed with a rounded end.
[0010] Furthermore, the outer casing has a track groove inside to accommodate the horizontal movement of the left and right push rods.
[0011] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The stepper motor of this application device works with the push rod to synchronously control the two clamping plates to approach each other in a V-shape. Combined with the pressure sensor to control the clamping force, the damage caused by the clamping mechanism when clamping the finned tube is reduced. The V-shaped clamping of the finned tube mainly plays a supporting role. Compared with directly clamping the finned tube by clamping force, the V-shaped clamping of the finned tube can greatly reduce the damage caused when clamping the finned tube. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0013] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated fin gripping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the gripping mechanism;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of the clamping mechanism;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the stepper motor shaft and the brake device.
[0018] In the picture:
[0019] 1. Cantilever beam; 2. Clamping mechanism; 201. Housing; 202. PLC controller; 203. Spring; 204. Left push rod; 205. Right push rod; 206. Stepper motor; 207. Clamping plate; 208. Pressure sensor; 3. Finned tube; 4. Guide wheel; 5. Hinge; 6. Rubber pad; 7. Toothed plate; 8. Gear; 9. Track groove. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0021] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an automated fin gripping mechanism is disclosed according to this utility model, including a fin tube 3, a cantilever arm 1, and a gripping mechanism 2 disposed below the cantilever arm 1.
[0022] The clamping mechanism 2 includes a housing 201. A left push rod 204 and a right push rod 205 are slidably mounted on both sides of the housing 201. The ends of the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 are integrally formed with toothed plates 7. The toothed plates 7 of the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 mesh with gears 8. A stepper motor 206 for driving gears 8 is provided on the front end face of the housing 201. Clamping plates 207 are hinged on both sides of the bottom of the housing 201 through hinges 5. A pressure sensor 208 is embedded in the inner surface of the bottom layer of the clamping plate 207. Springs 203 are hung on both sides of the top layer of the housing 201. The other end of the springs 203 is hung on the inner surface of the top layer of the clamping plate 207. A PLC controller 202 is fixedly mounted on the front end face of the housing 201.
[0023] Example 1: At least two clamping mechanisms 2 are provided below the cantilever arm 1. The top of the outer shell 201 is fastened to the cantilever arm 1 through a shaft column. The cantilever arm 1 can be used in combination with a hoisting mechanism that moves in the XYZ three-axis direction. After the clamping mechanism clamps the finned tube 3, it performs position transfer. The operating steps and pressure trigger value parameters of the PLC controller 202 are set. For example, when the clamping pressure is greater than 25N, the finned tube 3 is prone to deformation. It can be set that when the pressure sensor 208 detects that the clamping force of the two clamping plates 207 on the finned tube 3 exceeds 25N, the stepper motor 206 is controlled to stop running, thereby stopping the two clamping plates 207 of the clamping mechanism 2 from continuing to move inward.
[0024] Both the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 are located between the hinge 5 and the spring 203. The toothed grooves of the toothed plate 7 of the left push rod 204 face upwards, and the toothed grooves of the toothed plate 7 of the right push rod 205 face downwards. When the stepper motor 206 drives the gear 8 to rotate clockwise, both the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 extend outwards. At this time, the spring 203 will stretch and store energy. The clamping plate 207 rotates around the pin of the hinge 5, so that the two clamping plates 207 are V-shaped and close together, thereby clamping the finned tube 3. During the process, the rubber pad 6 is in contact with the surface of the finned tube 3. As the clamping plates 207 close together, the reaction force (i.e., pressure) received by the pressure sensor 208 increases. When the pressure is greater than 25N, the PLC controller 202 automatically controls the stepper motor 206 to stop running. The clamping plate 207 maintains a V-shape. To achieve the self-locking effect of the stepper motor 206, a brake device is installed on the motor shaft of the stepper motor 206 (the brake device consists of a braking electromagnet and a brake shoe brake. The brake shoe brake uses magnetic force and a spring to achieve power-off braking and power-on release. The motor shaft of the stepper motor and the brake shoe brake are respectively provided with protrusions and grooves. After the groove of the brake shoe brake engages with the protrusion of the motor shaft, it can increase the locking effect of the stepper motor shaft). The brake device is connected in parallel to the circuit of the stepper motor 206. When the stepper motor 206 is powered on, the brake device is also powered on, allowing the motor shaft to rotate. When the stepper motor 206 is powered off and stops, the brake device is de-powered, and the brake shoe brake clamps the motor shaft, thus stopping the motor shaft and keeping the clamping plate 207 in a V-shape.
[0025] In the preferred technical solution, the ends of both the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 are rotatably equipped with guide wheels 4. The guide wheels 4 are in close contact with the inner surface of the clamping plate 207. The guide wheels 4 can smoothly push the clamping plate 207 to replace planar friction with rolling friction.
[0026] In the preferred technical solution, a 2mm~4mm thick rubber pad 6 is adhered to the surface of the pressure sensor 208. The surface of the rubber pad 6 is provided with anti-slip texture, and the rubber pad is in soft contact with the finned tube 3 to reduce the deformation of the finned tube 3.
[0027] In the preferred technical solution, buckles for hanging springs 203 are fixedly provided on both sides of the top layer of the outer shell 201 and on the inner side of the top layer of the clamping plate 207. The springs 203 are obliquely placed between the outer shell 201 and the clamping plate 207, and the springs 203 are hung between the outer shell 201 and the clamping plate 207, which facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the springs in the future.
[0028] In the preferred technical solution, the bottom end face of the clamping plate 207 is integrally formed with a rounded end to avoid the sharp corner hitting the finned tube 3 and causing it to deform.
[0029] In the preferred technical solution, the outer casing 201 has a track groove 9 inside to accommodate the horizontal movement of the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205, thus limiting the left push rod 204 and the right push rod 205 to only move horizontally.
[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automated fin gripping mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a finned tube (3), a cantilever (1) and a clamping mechanism (2) located below the cantilever (1); The clamping mechanism (2) includes a housing (201). A left push rod (204) and a right push rod (205) are slidably mounted on both sides of the housing (201). The ends of the left push rod (204) and the right push rod (205) are integrally formed with toothed plates (7). The toothed plates (7) of the left push rod (204) and the right push rod (205) mesh with gears (8). The front end face of the housing (201) is provided with a stepper for driving the gears (8). The motor (206) has a clamp plate (207) hinged on both sides of the bottom of the outer shell (201) by a hinge (5). A pressure sensor (208) is embedded in the inner surface of the bottom layer of the clamp plate (207). Springs (203) are hung on both sides of the top layer of the outer shell (201). The other end of the spring (203) is hung on the inner surface of the top layer of the clamp plate (207). A PLC controller (202) is fixedly installed on the front end of the outer shell (201).
2. The automated fin gripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ends of the left push rod (204) and the right push rod (205) are both rotatably equipped with guide wheels (4), and the guide wheels (4) are in contact with the inner surface of the clamping plate (207).
3. The automated fin gripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure sensor (208) has a 2mm~4mm thick rubber pad layer (6) adhered to its surface, and the surface of the rubber pad layer (6) is provided with anti-slip texture.
4. The automated fin gripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (201) has buckles fixedly installed on both sides of the top layer and on the inner side of the top layer of the clamping plate (207) for hanging springs (203), and the springs (203) are obliquely placed between the outer shell (201) and the clamping plate (207).
5. The automated fin gripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the clamp (207) is integrally formed with a rounded end.
6. The automated fin gripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing (201) has a track groove (9) inside to accommodate the horizontal movement of the left push rod (204) and the right push rod (205).