A clamping mechanism with a flexible protection structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a clamping mechanism with a flexible protection structure, including a lifting drive module and a clamping module. The clamping module includes a fixed bracket, a clamping assembly, and a flexible protection assembly. The flexible protection assembly includes an elastic buffer, a sliding component, and a detection component. One end of the elastic buffer is connected to the clamping assembly, and the other end is connected to the fixed bracket. The sliding component is connected to the fixed bracket, and the clamping assembly and the sliding component are slidably connected. When the clamping assembly presses against the product, it moves vertically upward along the sliding component. The detection component is used to detect the displacement of the clamping assembly. In this utility model, when the clamping assembly cannot accurately align with the product due to machining errors or transmission accuracy issues, and presses against the product while descending, the flexible protection assembly uses the elastic buffer and the sliding component to work together to buffer the impact force on the product, and the detection component monitors the displacement of the clamping assembly in real time to achieve active protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated material clamping and conveying, and in particular to a material clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the design of existing clamping mechanisms, the clamping part is usually directly and rigidly connected to the lifting drive module, lacking flexible buffering and protection mechanisms. Due to machining errors or transmission accuracy, the clamping part may not be able to accurately align with the product position, resulting in local compression between the clamping part and the product. Furthermore, the contact state between the clamping part and the product cannot be monitored in real time, making it impossible to adjust the gripping force or stop the action in time. This may result in excessive impact force on the product, causing product deformation, breakage, or surface scratches. This is especially true for fragile products (such as glass and ceramics) or precision components (such as lithium batteries), increasing the risk of product damage and scrap. Utility Model Content

[0003] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure, which can provide pressure buffering and detect the contact state in real time to trigger an alarm when local compression occurs during clamping.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0005] A clamping mechanism with a flexible protection structure includes a lifting drive module and a clamping module. The lifting drive module drives the clamping module to move up and down. The clamping module includes a fixed bracket, a clamping assembly, and a flexible protection assembly. The fixed bracket is disposed at the bottom of the lifting drive module. The flexible protection assembly includes an elastic buffer, a sliding member, and a detection member. One end of the elastic buffer is connected to the clamping assembly, and the other end is connected to the fixed bracket. The sliding member is connected to the fixed bracket, and the clamping assembly is slidably connected to the sliding member. When the clamping assembly presses against the workpiece, the elastic buffer is compressed, and the clamping assembly moves vertically upward along the sliding member. The detection member is disposed on the fixed bracket and is used to detect the displacement of the clamping assembly. The lifting drive module and the detection member are connected to an external control system.

[0006] Furthermore, the elastic buffer includes an elastic portion and a fixing portion, with the elastic portion disposed at both ends of the fixing portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the sliding member includes a guide rail and a slider, the guide rail is connected to the fixed bracket, the slider can slide along the guide rail in a vertical direction, and the slider is connected to the clamping assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the clamping assembly includes a mounting plate, an upper claw, and a lower pressing block. The upper claw is connected and fixed to the lower part of the mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the elastic buffer. The lower pressing block is provided with a telescopic cylinder. The lower pressing block moves closer to or away from the upper claw as the telescopic cylinder extends and retracts. The telescopic cylinder is connected and fixed to the fixed bracket.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper claw is covered with a rubber sleeve.

[0010] Furthermore, the side of the lower pressing block facing the upper claw is provided with a flexible layer, which is made of silicone.

[0011] Furthermore, the detection element includes a sensing sheet and a sensor. The sensing sheet is disposed on the mounting plate, and the sensor is fixed on the fixed bracket. During the lifting and lowering of the mounting plate, the sensing sheet passes through the sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the sensing sheet is a metal sheet or a reflective sheet.

[0013] Furthermore, there are two sets of clamping modules, each set of clamping modules is correspondingly arranged on opposite sides of the bottom of the lifting assembly.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] 1. This utility model discloses a clamping mechanism with a flexible protection structure. The clamping module is equipped with a flexible protection component. When the clamping component cannot accurately align with the product position due to machining errors or transmission accuracy issues, and it presses against the product during downward movement, the elastic buffer of the flexible protection component compresses and absorbs the impact energy, effectively reducing the impact force of the clamping component on the product. The sliding component allows the clamping component to move in the vertical direction, working in conjunction with the elastic buffer to further enhance the buffering effect and provide more reliable protection for the product. This avoids the clamping module rigidly colliding and damaging the product, reducing the probability of product damage or scrap. The detection component monitors the displacement of the clamping component in real time. When displacement is detected, it is determined that the clamping component is pressing against the product. The control system promptly controls the lifting drive module to stop and triggers an alarm to prevent the clamping component from continuing to descend and causing further damage to the product. In other words, the clamping mechanism of this utility model, through the design of the flexible protection component, uses the elastic buffer and sliding component to buffer the impact force when the clamping component presses against the product, and uses the detection component to monitor the displacement of the clamping component in real time to achieve active protection.

[0016] 2. This utility model also improves the stability of clamping and provides precise clamping force control through the coordinated design of various components such as the upper claw, lower pressure block, and telescopic cylinder of the clamping assembly, thus avoiding workpiece deformation or equipment wear caused by excessive clamping force. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings further illustrate the present invention, but the embodiments in the drawings do not constitute any limitation on the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting module and clamping module of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible protection component of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic buffer structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower pressure block structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 a limitation of this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" 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, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a clamping mechanism with a flexible protection structure, including a lifting drive module 100 and a clamping module 200. The lifting drive module 100 drives the clamping module 200 to move up and down. The clamping module 200 includes a fixed bracket 210, a clamping assembly 220, and a flexible protection assembly 230. The fixed bracket 210 is disposed at the bottom of the lifting drive module 100. The flexible protection assembly 230 includes an elastic buffer 231, a sliding member 232, and a detection member 233. One end of the clamping assembly 220 is connected to the elastic buffer 231, and the other end of the clamping assembly 231 is connected to the fixed bracket 210. The sliding member 232 is connected to the fixed bracket 210. The clamping assembly 220 and the sliding member 232 are slidably connected. When the clamping assembly presses against the workpiece, the elastic buffer 231 is compressed, and the clamping assembly 220 moves vertically upward along the sliding member 232. The detection member 233 is set on the fixed bracket 210 to detect the displacement of the clamping assembly 220. The lifting drive module 100 is connected to the detection member 233 to an external control system.

[0027] It should be noted that in actual production, due to machining errors or transmission accuracy issues, the clamping module 200 may not be able to accurately align with the product position. This could cause the clamping module 200 to press on the product when it moves downwards under the drive of the lifting component, resulting in product damage or scrap. In this embodiment, to reduce such risks, a flexible protective component 230 is provided on the clamping module 200. The elastic buffer 231 absorbs the impact energy when the clamping component 220 presses on the product. At the same time, the sliding connection between the sliding component 232 and the clamping component 220 allows the clamping component 220 to move upwards, further buffering the impact force. Together with the elastic buffer 231, this prevents damage to the product. As the clamping component 220 moves upwards under the action of the flexible protective component, the detection component 233 transmits the displacement signal to the control system. The control system then controls the lifting drive module 100 to stop operating and triggers an alarm based on the displacement signal.

[0028] like Figure 1The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure also includes a frame 300 and a transverse module 400. The transverse module 400 is horizontally movable and connected to the frame 300. The lifting drive module 100 is connected to the transverse module 400. After the clamping module 200 normally clamps the product, it can move horizontally on the frame together with the lifting drive module 100. During the clamping operation, the lifting drive module 100 drives the clamping module 200 to descend. The elastic buffer 231 is initially in its natural state, and the clamping assembly 22... If the product surface is in normal contact and the displacement detected by the detection component 233 is within the normal range, the current gripping force is maintained. After the product is stably clamped, the lifting drive module 100 is raised to transport the product to the target position. When the clamping component 220 presses against the product, the elastic buffer 231 is compressed, and the slider 232b slides upward along the guide rail 232a. The detection component 233 detects the displacement signal of the clamping component, and the control system controls the lifting drive module 100 to stop and issue an alarm to prevent product damage.

[0029] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the elastic buffer 231 includes an elastic part 231a and a fixed part 231b, with the elastic part 231a disposed at both ends of the fixed part 231b. It should be noted that the placement of the elastic part 231a at both ends of the fixed part 231b allows for simultaneous energy absorption through elastic deformation at both ends when the clamping assembly 220 is subjected to a vertical impact force, providing a more uniform buffering effect. Compared to single-end elasticity or a design using only one elastic element, the double-end elastic structure can more effectively disperse stress and reduce the risk of failure due to excessive localized stress. The fixed part 231b, as an intermediate support structure, can limit excessive deformation of the elastic part 231a, ensuring that the buffering process is within a controllable range and reducing vibration or swaying caused by uneven force transmission. In other words, this structure can prevent the elastic buffer 231 from tilting or becoming unstable during compression, improving the overall structural stability.

[0030] In this invention, the sliding member 232 and the elastic buffer member 231 work together to achieve flexible floating, ensuring that the clamping assembly 220 remains stable during floating and avoiding displacement or shaking. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sliding member 232 includes a guide rail 232a and a slider 232b. The guide rail 232a is connected to the fixed bracket 210, and the slider 232b can slide along the vertical direction of the guide rail 232a. The slider 232b is connected to the clamping assembly 220.

[0031] It should be noted that in this design, the guide rail 232a provides precise linear guidance for the slider 232b, ensuring that the movement trajectory of the clamping assembly 220 in the vertical direction is strictly aligned, avoiding offset or wobbling, effectively resisting lateral forces, and preventing the clamping assembly 220 from tilting or jamming due to external forces during movement, thus improving the smoothness and reliability of the movement. During product clamping, when the clamping assembly 220 presses against the product, the product exerts an upward resistance on the clamping assembly 220, causing the elastic buffer 231 to compress. At this time, the reaction force of the elastic buffer 231 is less than the resistance exerted by the product, and the clamping assembly 220 moves upward, pushing the slider 232b upward along the guide rail 232a. The detection element 233 feeds back the displacement. If the displacement exceeds a threshold, the lifting drive module 100 immediately stops descending to prevent damage to the product.

[0032] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly 220 includes a mounting plate 221, an upper claw 222, and a lower pressing block 223. The upper claw 222 is connected and fixed to the lower part of the mounting plate 221. The mounting plate 221 is connected to the elastic buffer 231. A telescopic cylinder 224 is provided on the lower pressing block 223. The lower pressing block 223 moves closer to or away from the upper claw 222 as the telescopic cylinder 224 extends and retracts. The telescopic cylinder 224 is connected and fixed to the fixed bracket 210.

[0033] It should be noted that the mounting plate 221, as the basic support structure, ensures the overall stability of the clamping assembly 220. It works in conjunction with the elastic buffer 231 to protect the workpiece and equipment. The upper claw 222, as the workpiece support component, provides a stable support surface and, together with the lower pressure block 223, achieves reliable workpiece clamping, ensuring that the workpiece will not slip during clamping. Driven by the telescopic cylinder 224, the lower pressure block 223 clamps and releases the workpiece. By precisely controlling the stroke of the telescopic cylinder 224, the clamping force can be adjusted to meet the clamping requirements of different workpieces. The telescopic cylinder 224 is connected and fixed to the fixed bracket 210, ensuring the stability and reliability of the cylinder and preventing clamping failure due to vibration or impact. In other words, this clamping assembly 220 structure improves clamping stability and provides precise clamping force control, preventing workpiece deformation or equipment wear caused by excessive clamping force.

[0034] To further ensure contact force with the product during the buffer gripping process and prevent damage to the product surface, the upper claw 222 is covered with a rubber sleeve, and the side of the lower pressure block 223 facing the upper claw 222 is provided with a flexible layer 223a, which is made of silicone. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5The lower pressure block 223 has a groove on the side facing the upper claw 222. A fitting block 223b is installed within the groove, and the fitting block 223b encloses a flexible layer 223a. The side of the flexible layer 223a facing the upper claw 222 protrudes beyond the side walls of the groove. It should be noted that this specific structure, during clamping, allows the protruding portion of the flexible layer 223a to contact the workpiece first, acting as a buffer to prevent scratches or indentations on the workpiece surface from direct contact with hard materials. This is particularly suitable for workpieces with high surface quality requirements, and it can better conform to the slight undulations or irregular shapes of the workpiece surface, ensuring uniform distribution of clamping force and preventing workpiece deformation due to excessive local pressure. In practical use, the structure of the groove and fitting block 223b allows for modular installation of the flexible layer 223a. When the flexible layer 223a wears or is damaged, only the fitting block 223b or the flexible layer 223a needs to be replaced to restore the clamping performance, reducing maintenance costs.

[0035] like Figure 2 The detection component 233 includes a sensing plate 233a and a sensor 233b. The sensing plate 233a is mounted on the mounting plate 221, and the sensor 233b is fixed on the fixed bracket 210. During the lifting and lowering of the mounting plate 221, the sensing plate 233a passes through the sensor 233b. Understandably, with this design, the sensing plate 233a moves synchronously with the mounting plate 221. That is, when the clamping assembly 220 presses down on the product and moves upward, the sensing plate 233a moves upward accordingly. The sensor 233b can detect the change in displacement signal of the sensing plate 233a through photoelectric, electromagnetic, or mechanical triggering methods, thereby accurately determining the current position of the clamping assembly.

[0036] Preferably, sensor 233b is a photoelectric sensor, and sensing sheet 233a is a metal sheet. The photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (such as infrared or visible light), and the metal sheet blocks the light beam to trigger a signal, achieving non-contact detection. The response time is typically in the millisecond range, enabling real-time monitoring of the position of the high-speed moving mounting plate 221. Understandably, when the metal sheet is in normal working condition, it is placed between the photoelectric sensors to block the light. When the clamping assembly 220 presses down on the product, the metal sheet rises with the mounting plate 221, detaching from the photoelectric sensor and triggering a signal. Alternatively, when the metal sheet is in normal working condition, it is placed below the photoelectric sensor, blocking the light. When the clamping assembly 220 presses down on the product, the metal sheet rises with the mounting plate 221 until the photoelectric sensor blocks the light, triggering a signal.

[0037] In some embodiments, there are two sets of clamping modules 200, each set of clamping modules 200 being disposed on opposite sides of the bottom of the lifting assembly. It is understood that the two sets of clamping modules 200 can work independently or collaboratively, improving the versatility of the clamping mechanism. When the product to be clamped is large, the two sets of clamping modules 200 work together to clamp it, thus enabling more stable product clamping and transfer. When the product to be clamped is small, each set of clamping modules 200 can clamp the product separately, improving overall efficiency.

[0038] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0039] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure, comprising a lifting drive module and a clamping module, wherein the lifting drive module drives the clamping module to move up and down, characterized in that, The clamping module includes a fixed bracket, a clamping assembly, and a flexible protection assembly. The fixed bracket is located at the bottom of the lifting drive module. The flexible protection assembly includes an elastic buffer, a sliding member, and a detection member. One end of the elastic buffer is connected to the clamping assembly, and the other end is connected to the fixed bracket. The sliding member is connected to the fixed bracket, and the clamping assembly and the sliding member are slidably connected. When the clamping assembly presses against the workpiece, the elastic buffer is compressed, and the clamping assembly moves vertically upward along the sliding member. The detection member is located on the fixed bracket and is used to detect the displacement of the clamping assembly. The lifting drive module is connected to the detection member and an external control system.

2. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic buffer includes an elastic part and a fixed part, with the elastic part disposed at both ends of the fixed part.

3. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding component includes a guide rail and a slider. The guide rail is connected to the fixed bracket, and the slider can slide along the guide rail in a vertical direction. The slider is connected to the clamping assembly.

4. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a mounting plate, an upper claw, and a lower pressing block. The upper claw is connected and fixed to the lower part of the mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the elastic buffer. The lower pressing block is provided with a telescopic cylinder. The lower pressing block moves closer to or away from the upper claw as the telescopic cylinder extends and retracts. The telescopic cylinder is connected and fixed to the fixed bracket.

5. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper claw is covered with a rubber sleeve.

6. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The side of the lower pressure block facing the upper claw has a flexible layer, which is made of silicone.

7. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The detection component includes a sensing sheet and a sensor. The sensing sheet is disposed on the mounting plate, and the sensor is fixed on the fixed bracket. During the lifting and lowering of the mounting plate, the sensing sheet passes through the sensor.

8. The clamping mechanism with a flexible protective structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sensor is a photoelectric sensor, and the sensing sheet is a metal sheet.

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