Flexible centering fastening device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a flexible alignment and fastening device, comprising: a floating mechanism and a rotating mechanism. The floating mechanism has a central axis, and fixed plates and floating plates arranged parallel to and spaced apart along the central axis. Multiple columnar elastic bodies made of metallic elastic material are disposed between the fixed plates and the floating plates, arranged in a circular array around the central axis. The rotating mechanism includes a rotating shaft arranged along the central axis and rotatably connected to the floating mechanism via bearings. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to a power source via a universal connector, and the other end is connected to a tool head. This utility model achieves high-precision, small-tolerance alignment through the cooperation of the floating mechanism and the rotating mechanism. The universal connector enables large-tolerance alignment by connecting the rotating shaft to the power source. The cooperation between the floating mechanism and the universal connector achieves automatic alignment and dynamic adjustment between components, improving alignment accuracy and adaptability. This device has a simple structure and is easy to assemble and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of machining and automated assembly technology, specifically to a flexible centering and fastening device. Background Technology

[0002] In automated production processes, bolt tightening operations place extremely strict requirements on center alignment. Traditional bolt tightening actuators typically employ rigid connections. However, in actual production, due to factors such as workpiece positioning errors and the difficulty in achieving ideal repeatability of equipment positioning, centering deviations frequently occur. This can prevent bolts from being properly screwed into threaded holes, causing tightening interruptions and impacting production progress. Furthermore, rigid connections cannot buffer the additional forces generated by centering deviations, potentially causing scratches, deformation, or even cracks on the workpiece surface, reducing product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, this utility model provides a flexible centering and fastening device that realizes automatic centering of bolts and target holes, improves centering accuracy and adaptability, and ensures production efficiency and quality.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: to provide a flexible centering and fastening device, comprising: A floating mechanism has a central axis, and fixed plates and floating plates arranged parallel to and spaced apart along the central axis. A plurality of columnar elastic bodies made of metallic elastic material are provided between the fixed plates and the floating plates, and the plurality of elastic bodies are arranged in a ring array around the central axis. The rotating mechanism includes a rotating shaft arranged along the central axis and rotatably connected to the floating mechanism via a bearing. One end of the rotating shaft is connected to a power source via a universal connector, and the other end is connected to a tool head.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, the angle between the axial extension direction of the elastic body and the central axis is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45°. Meanwhile, the two ends of the elastomer in the axial direction are fixedly connected to the fixed plate and the floating plate respectively by positioning screws.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, a support column is provided between each of the two adjacent elastic bodies, the axial extension direction of the plurality of support columns is parallel to the central axis, and one end of the support column is movably connected to the fixed plate, and the other end is fixedly connected to the floating plate.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, a plurality of movable holes are provided on the fixing plate, and the plurality of movable holes are respectively provided with a plurality of support columns; The support column has a fixing part, a connecting part, and a support part integrally connected between the fixing part and the connecting part. The fixing part is positioned and connected to the floating plate, and the connecting part is clearance-fitted with the movable hole.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the movable hole is a T-shaped hole composed of a limiting hole and a through hole; Correspondingly, the connecting part has a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part passing through the through hole and the second connecting part being accommodated in the limiting hole.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, the fixed plate and the floating plate are respectively provided with an upper shaft hole and a lower shaft hole along the central axis direction, and at least one of the upper shaft hole and the lower shaft hole is provided with the bearing.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the bearing is disposed between the floating plate and the rotating shaft, and the universal connector extends upward along the central axis to the outside of the fixed plate to connect the drive shaft.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, a flange is fixedly connected to the side of the floating plate facing away from the fixed plate, and the flange is provided with mounting holes for installing the bearing.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the universal connector includes two connectors arranged along the central axis, and the two connectors are movably connected by a cross shaft.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by cooperating with the floating mechanism and the rotating mechanism, high-precision small-tolerance centering operations can be achieved; by using a universal connector to connect the rotating shaft to the power source, large-tolerance centering operations can be achieved; the cooperation between the floating mechanism and the universal connector enables automatic centering and dynamic adjustment between components, improving centering accuracy and adaptability; in addition, this device has a simple structure, is easy to assemble and maintain, and reduces production costs while improving production efficiency and product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0015] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the following explanations are provided: O', Central axis; 1, Floating mechanism; 10, Fixed plate; 100, Movable hole; 1000, Limiting hole; 1001, Through hole; 101, Upper shaft hole; 11, Floating plate; 110, Lower shaft hole; 12, Elastomer; 13, Positioning screw; 14, Support column; 140, Fixed part; 141, Connecting part; 1410, First connecting part; 1411, Second connecting part; 142, Support part; 2, Rotating mechanism; 20, Bearing; 21, Rotating shaft; 22, Universal connector; 220, Connector head; 221, Cross shaft; 3, Tool head; 4, Drive shaft; 5, Flange; 50, Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] See Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a flexible centering and fastening device, installed between the drive end and the bit of a screwdriver, for fastening or loosening threaded connections (such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc.), achieving automatic centering of the connection with the corresponding hole, and performing a fastening action after precise centering, thereby effectively improving the accuracy and efficiency of assembly operations. The device includes a floating mechanism 1 responsible for centering and a rotating mechanism 2 responsible for providing rotational power.

[0018] Regarding floating mechanisms 1.

[0019] The floating mechanism 1 has a central axis O', and fixed plates 10 and floating plates 11 arranged parallel to and spaced apart along the central axis O'. Multiple columnar elastic bodies 12 made of a metallic elastic material are arranged between the fixed plates 10 and the floating plates 11 in a circular array around the central axis O'. The metallic elastic material is an elastic component made from metal wire using existing mold forming processes. It retains the characteristics of metallic materials while also possessing the elastic properties of elastic materials. The elastic material is either rubber or polyurethane.

[0020] Therefore, the setting of the elastic body 12 can not only ensure the stable support between the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11, but also enable the floating plate 11 to make a relatively small translation or tilt at a small angle in the radial direction under the action of external force, and automatically reset after the external force disappears.

[0021] Specifically, the elastomer 12 is inclined, with its axial extension direction forming an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45° with respect to the central axis O'. Simultaneously, both ends of the elastomer 12 are fixedly connected to the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11 via positioning screws 13, respectively, to ensure the structural stability and reliability of the floating mechanism during operation. Preferably, the inclination angle of the elastomer 12 is 10°. This inclined arrangement of the elastomer 12 helps the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11 to respond quickly to compensate for alignment tolerances when subjected to external forces; typically, the alignment tolerance is ±2mm.

[0022] Furthermore, to ensure the overall rigidity and stability of the floating mechanism, a number of support columns 14, matching the number of elastic bodies 12, are provided between the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11. Specifically, a support column 14, integrally formed from stainless steel, is provided between every two adjacent elastic bodies 12. The elastic bodies 12 and support columns 14 are staggered to form an orderly and stable support structure. The axial extension direction of the multiple support columns 14 is parallel to the central axis O' to ensure the relative stability of the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11.

[0023] In addition, one end of the support column 14 is movably connected to the fixed plate 10, and the other end is fixedly connected to the floating plate 11, thereby enabling the floating plate 11 to translate radially relative to the fixed plate 10.

[0024] Specifically, the fixed plate 10 has multiple movable holes 100, each corresponding to a different support column 14. The support columns 14 are integrally formed to ensure the structural integrity and consistent mechanical properties, avoiding stress concentration and structural weaknesses that may occur due to welding or other connection methods. The support column 14 has a fixing part 140, a connecting part 141, and a support part 142 integrally connected between the fixing part 140 and the connecting part 141. The fixing part 140 is connected to the floating plate 11 by screws; the connecting part 141 and the movable holes 100 are fitted with a clearance, which can be understood as the degree of freedom of the support column 14 within the centering tolerance range.

[0025] Furthermore, the movable hole 100 is a T-shaped hole composed of a limiting hole 1000 and a through hole 1001. Correspondingly, the connecting part 141 has a first connecting part 1410 and a second connecting part 1411. The first connecting part 1410 passes through the through hole 1001, and the second connecting part 1411 is accommodated within the limiting hole 1000. The T-shaped connection structure effectively prevents excessive radial movement of the support column 14. This achieves a flexible connection between the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11, ensuring the structural stability and reliability of the floating mechanism under large loads, without affecting the radial translation of the floating plate 11. This allows the floating plate 11 to be flexibly adjusted according to actual working conditions, thereby improving the overall performance and adaptability of the floating mechanism.

[0026] Regarding rotating mechanism 2.

[0027] The rotating mechanism 2 includes a rotating shaft 21 arranged along the central axis O' and rotatably connected to the floating mechanism 1 via a bearing 20, so that the rotating shaft 21 and the floating mechanism 1 can achieve a relatively independent working state. One end of the rotating shaft 21 is connected to the power source via a universal connector 22, and the other end is connected to a tool head 3, such as a screwdriver bit or wrench for tightening nuts, bolts and other workpieces. Different types of tool heads can be replaced according to actual work needs to meet diverse work scenarios.

[0028] The universal connector 22 includes two connector heads 220 arranged along the central axis O', and the two connector heads 220 are movably connected by a cross shaft 221. The arrangement of the universal connector 22 and the bearing 20 enables the rotating shaft 21 and the floating mechanism 1 to form a relatively independent yet coordinated working state, with rotation and floating not interfering with each other.

[0029] Specifically, during power transmission, the universal connector 22 can stably transmit torque to ensure the rotation of the rotating shaft. In actual working scenarios, due to factors such as manufacturing errors, assembly deviations, and dynamic changes during the working process, when there is a large deviation between the center of the tool head 3 and the workpiece, the floating plate 11 drives the rotating shaft to perform large-range tolerance compensation in the radial and axial directions, automatically adjusting the center alignment between the tool head 3 and the workpiece to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the operation.

[0030] Therefore, the rotating shaft, which is connected to both the universal connector 22 and the floating mechanism, forms a highly flexible and adaptable motion system to improve the versatility and reliability of the flexible centering fastening device.

[0031] Furthermore, the fixed plate 10 and the floating plate 11 are respectively provided with an upper shaft hole 101 and a lower shaft hole 110 along the central axis O' direction, and at least one of the upper shaft hole 101 and the lower shaft hole 110 is provided with a bearing 20.

[0032] There are two embodiments regarding the installation method of bearing 20.

[0033] In one embodiment, the bearing 20 is embedded in or below the lower shaft hole 110, and the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft 21 is connected to the inner ring of the bearing 20; the universal connector 22 extends upward along the central axis O' to the outside of the fixing plate 10 to connect to the drive shaft 4, and the drive shaft 4 is connected to the power source.

[0034] In another embodiment, a flange 5 is fixedly connected to the side of the floating plate 11 facing away from the fixed plate 10. The flange 5 has mounting holes 50 for installing the bearing 20. The flange 5 enables quick assembly and disassembly of the rotating mechanism and the floating mechanism, improving the ease of installation, maintenance flexibility, and overall performance of the device.

[0035] Specifically, the working process of the flexible centering and fastening device provided in this embodiment is as follows: Centering stage: The robot moves this device to above the target hole. Due to positioning error, the center axis of the tool head 3 does not coincide with the center of the target hole. Flexible compensation stage: As the device continues to descend, the guide slope of the tool head 3 contacts the target hole. The contact force will push the floating mechanism 2 to produce corresponding translation or tilting until the center of the tool head 3 is aligned with the target hole. During this process, the rotating shaft 21 does not rotate. Tightening stage: After alignment, the power source is activated, transmitting torque to the rotating shaft 21 via the universal connector 22. Due to the presence of the bearing 20, the rotating shaft 21 drives the tool head 3 to rotate at high speed and smoothly, while the floating mechanism 2 maintains its aligned position. After the tightening operation is successfully completed, the alignment device moves upward under the drive of the robot, the tool head 3 loses contact force, and the floating mechanism 2 automatically resets, preparing for the next operation.

[0036] Many specific details have been set forth in the above description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model, and this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed above. Furthermore, any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solution of this utility model using the methods and techniques disclosed above, or modify it into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model, without departing from the content of the technical solution of this utility model, shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible centering fastening device, characterized in that include: The floating mechanism (1) has a central axis (O') and a fixed plate (10) and a floating plate (11) arranged parallel to and spaced apart along the central axis (O'). A plurality of columnar elastic bodies (12) made of metallic elastic material are provided between the fixed plate (10) and the floating plate (11). The plurality of elastic bodies (12) are arranged in a ring array around the central axis (O'). The rotating mechanism (2) includes a rotating shaft (21) arranged along the central axis (O') and rotatably connected to the floating mechanism (1) via a bearing (20). One end of the rotating shaft (21) is connected to a power source via a universal connector (22), and the other end is connected to a tool head (3).

2. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 1, wherein: The angle between the axial extension direction of the elastic body (12) and the central axis (O') is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45°; Meanwhile, the two ends of the elastic body (12) in the axial direction are fixedly connected to the fixed plate (10) and the floating plate (11) respectively by positioning screws (13).

3. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 1, wherein: A support column (14) is provided between each of the two adjacent elastic bodies (12). The axial extension direction of the multiple support columns (14) is parallel to the central axis (O'). One end of the support column (14) is movably connected to the fixed plate (10), and the other end is fixedly connected to the floating plate (11).

4. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 3, wherein: The fixing plate (10) has multiple movable holes (100), and the multiple movable holes (100) are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple support columns (14); The support column (14) has a fixing part (140), a connecting part (141), and a support part (142) integrally connected between the fixing part (140) and the connecting part (141). The fixing part (140) is positioned and connected to the floating plate (11), and the connecting part (141) is clearance-fitted with the movable hole (100).

5. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 4, wherein: The movable hole (100) is a T-shaped hole composed of a limiting hole (1000) and a through hole (1001); Correspondingly, the connecting part (141) has a first connecting part (1410) and a second connecting part (1411), the first connecting part (1410) passes through the through hole (1001), and the second connecting part (1411) is accommodated in the limiting hole (1000).

6. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 1, wherein: The fixed plate (10) and the floating plate (11) are respectively provided with an upper shaft hole (101) and a lower shaft hole (110) along the central axis (O') direction, and at least one of the upper shaft hole (101) and the lower shaft hole (110) is provided with the bearing (20).

7. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 6, wherein: The bearing (20) is located between the floating plate (11) and the rotating shaft (21), and the universal connector (22) extends upward along the central axis (O') to the outside of the fixed plate (10) to connect the drive shaft (4).

8. The flexible centering fastening device of claim 1, wherein: A flange (5) is fixedly connected to the side of the floating plate (11) facing away from the fixed plate (10), and the flange (5) has a mounting hole (50) for installing the bearing (20).

9. The flexible centering and fastening device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal connector (22) includes two connectors (220) arranged along the central axis (O'), and the two connectors (220) are movably connected by a cross shaft (221).

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