Clamp for clamping a circuit board

Abstract

The application discloses a clamp for clamping a circuit board, comprising a support plate, a driving mechanism arranged below the support plate, and a clamping assembly, wherein the clamping assembly comprises a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly driven to move in opposite directions or reverse directions by the driving mechanism, the first clamping assembly and / or the second clamping assembly comprises a clamping head, the clamping head is a special-shaped body capable of rotating around a central axis thereof, the special-shaped body has a plurality of clamping edges and clamping corners, and at least one clamping edge or clamping corner in the clamping head can be selectively used as a contact part with the circuit board by rotating the clamping head. The application realizes "one clamp for multiple uses", effectively deals with diversified clamping scenes, and improves the universality and adaptability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary equipment for circuit board processing, and more specifically to a clamp for holding circuit boards. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of circuit board (PCB) processing, repair, and inspection, fixtures are commonly used to position and fix the circuit boards. Existing technology typically uses clamping blocks, which are linearly moved by a knob-driven lead screw to clamp or release the workpiece.

[0003] Although these types of clamps have a stable structure, their clamping parts have a single function: The fixed shape and angle of the clamping surface cannot flexibly adapt to the diverse clamping needs on circuit boards, such as those with notches, protrusions, or irregular edges. When clamping special parts, the fixed clamping surface may cause physical damage to the circuit board (such as crushing the notch).

[0004] Operators often need to prepare a variety of specialized fixtures to deal with different scenarios, which is inefficient and increases costs.

[0005] Therefore, how to improve the versatility of fixtures and safely and effectively adapt to various clamping needs of circuit boards has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the above situation, the main objective of this invention is to provide a clamp for holding circuit boards, so as to improve the versatility of the clamp and to safely and effectively adapt to various clamping needs of circuit boards.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A clamp for holding a circuit board includes a support plate, a drive mechanism disposed below the support plate, and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly that are driven by the drive mechanism to move in opposite directions. The first clamping assembly and / or the second clamping assembly includes a clamping head, which is an irregularly shaped body that can rotate about its own central axis; The irregularly shaped object has multiple clamping edges and clamping angles, and by rotating the clamping head, at least one of the clamping edges or clamping angles can be selectively used as the contact part with the circuit board.

[0008] Optionally, the clamping head is equipped with a bearing inside, and the clamping head is mounted on a column via the bearing. The column is connected to the drive mechanism.

[0009] Optionally, the cross-section of the clamping head body is triangular or pentagonal.

[0010] Optionally, each straight edge of the clamping head body cross section is provided with a cutting corner.

[0011] Optionally, a locking portion is provided on the side of the chamfered portion, which is a V-shaped groove for selectively engaging with the circuit board.

[0012] Optionally, the outer edge of the bottom end face of the gripper head body is provided with a downwardly extending skirt structure, which is an annular flange extending vertically downward from the outer edge of the gripper head body.

[0013] Optionally, the skirt structure includes a continuous skirt and a broken skirt; Connecting skirts connect adjacent areas into a single, continuous, uninterrupted structure. The broken hem is an independent, segmented structure.

[0014] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes: A rotating shaft with opposite threads on both sides, which are connected to the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly respectively; A knob, attached to the end of the shaft, is used to drive the shaft to rotate.

[0015] Optionally, the support plate is provided with a limiting mechanism for limiting and positioning the axial movement of the rotating shaft.

[0016] Optionally, the limiting mechanism is a ball bearing assembly; The center of the rotating shaft has an annular groove, and threads with opposite directions are located on both sides of the annular groove; the ball bearing assembly is located inside the annular groove.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clamp for holding circuit boards is disclosed. By designing the clamping head in the clamping assembly as an irregularly shaped body (such as a triangle) that can rotate around its own axis, a single clamp can have multiple clamping modes. Users can easily rotate the clamp to choose whether to use the long side to clamp neat edges, use the chamfered part to position the notch, or use the short side to obliquely press the area around the component, achieving "one clamp for multiple uses" and effectively dealing with diverse clamping scenarios. This improves versatility and adaptability.

[0019] In addition, for fragile structures on the circuit board, such as small gaps, a "corner top" mode can be used for micro-clamping or positioning, avoiding the squeezing fracture that may occur when using traditional large-area clamping surfaces. This significantly improves the safety and reliability of operation and reduces the probability of physical damage to the circuit board.

[0020] Furthermore, operators do not need to frequently change the entire dedicated fixture; they only need to manually rotate the clamping head to select the desired working surface to complete the clamping preparation. This design simplifies the operation process, saves working time, and reduces the cost of configuring and managing multiple tools.

[0021] Other beneficial effects of the present invention will be explained in detail through the introduction of specific technical features and technical solutions in specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the beneficial technical effects brought about by these technical features and technical solutions through the introduction of these technical features and technical solutions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a clamp for holding a circuit board disclosed in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a support plate and base disclosed in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a clamping head disclosed in this embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another view of the clamping head structure disclosed in this embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a drive mechanism structure disclosed in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention is described below based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following detailed description of the present invention, some specific details are described in detail, but well-known methods, processes, procedures, and elements are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the essence of the present invention.

[0024] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0025] Unless the context explicitly requires it, the words "comprising," "including," and similar terms throughout the specification and claims should be interpreted as encompassing rather than being exclusive or exhaustive; that is, meaning "including but not limited to."

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] To improve the versatility of the clamp and to safely and effectively adapt to various clamping requirements of circuit boards, this embodiment discloses a clamp for clamping circuit boards. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a clamp for holding a circuit board disclosed in this embodiment. Figure 2This is an exploded view of a support plate and base disclosed in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the clamp for holding the circuit board includes: a support plate 1, a drive mechanism 2, and a clamping assembly 3, wherein: Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The support plate 1 is a plate-shaped structure that serves as the base of the entire fixture. In practice, the support plate 1 can be fixed by the base 4, which is connected to the support plate 1 by threaded parts 22, together forming a stable support frame.

[0028] The drive mechanism 2 is mounted on the support frame, and its installation and initial positioning can be achieved through the adjustment device 21 provided on the base 4. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drive mechanism 2 is located below the support plate 1 and provides the power required for clamping. In a specific embodiment, the drive mechanism 2 preferably includes a rotating shaft with oppositely helical threads at both ends. By rotating the shaft, two parts that are threadedly engaged with it can be driven to perform linear movements in opposite directions.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 The clamping assembly 3 includes a first clamping assembly 31 and a second clamping assembly 32, which are driven by the drive mechanism 2 to move in opposite directions. The first clamping assembly 31 and the second clamping assembly 32 achieve the function of clamping or releasing the circuit board through the transmission of the drive mechanism 2.

[0030] In this embodiment, the first clamping assembly 31 and / or the second clamping assembly 32 include a clamping head 30, which is an irregularly shaped body rotatable about its own central axis 301. The irregularly shaped body has multiple clamping edges and clamping angles, and by rotating the clamping head 30, at least one of the clamping edges or clamping angles can be selectively used as the contact portion with the circuit board. Specifically: Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a clamping head disclosed in this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another view of the clamping head disclosed in this embodiment. The clamping head 30 is designed as an irregular shape that can rotate around its own central axis 301. Its body cross section is preferably triangular, thus naturally forming different clamping sides and clamping angles.

[0031] In practice, by manually rotating the clamping head 30, the user can flexibly choose different geometric features as the contact part with the circuit board. For example, a long clamping edge can be selected to stably clamp the regular long edge of the circuit board; a short clamping edge can be selected for clamping in narrow spaces; a clamping angle or chamfer can be selected to press against the notch or edge on the circuit board for precise positioning and micro-clamping, avoiding damage to the fragile structure.

[0032] During the installation process, the clamping head 30 is mounted on the moving part of the drive mechanism 2 through its central through hole and related connecting structures (preferably bearings and a column, as described below). Therefore, while the clamping head 30 can rotate freely, it can also move linearly with the drive mechanism 2 to complete the clamping action.

[0033] During use, the operator first manually rotates the two clamping heads 30 to the required angle according to the specific shape of the circuit board to be clamped (such as whether there is a notch or whether oblique clamping is required), aligning the selected clamping edge or angle with the workpiece. Then, by rotating the knob 22 of the drive mechanism 2 to drive the rotating shaft 21, the first clamping assembly 31 and the second clamping assembly 32 move towards each other until the selected contact part on their clamping heads 30 reliably contacts and clamps the circuit board. To disassemble, simply rotate the knob 22 in the opposite direction to release the clamp.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The clamping head 30 has a bearing 33 inside, and the clamping head 30 is mounted on a column 34 via the bearing 33. The column 34 is connected to the drive mechanism 2. Specifically, the bearing 33 is pressed into or fixed in the circular through hole 301 at the center of the clamping head 30. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping head 30 is mounted on a column 34 via an internal bearing 33. The column 34 can be considered as part of the transmission rod or connecting rod of the drive mechanism 2. Specifically, the upper end of the column 34 passes through the inner ring of the bearing 33 and is fixedly connected to the clamping head 30, thereby rotatably supporting the clamping head 30.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 4 The lower end of the column 34 is connected to a moving part of the drive mechanism 2, such as a slider that mates with a T-shaped guide rail. Therefore, when the drive mechanism 2 operates, its power is transmitted through the column 34, causing the entire gripping head 30 to move linearly to perform gripping or releasing actions. Since the gripping head 30 is mounted on the column 34 via bearings 33, it can rotate freely independently around the axis of the column 34 while maintaining linear motion.

[0036] In this embodiment, the combination of bearings and the main body ensures smooth and accurate rotation, while the column serves to connect and transmit power, resulting in a compact structure with strong practicality.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4In optional embodiments, the cross-section of the clamping head 30 is triangular or pentagonal, preferably triangular. This triangular cross-section design ensures that the clamping head 30 always has at least one clamping angle or clamping edge in an optimal working position at any rotation angle, to accommodate workpieces of different shapes. The triangular cross-section of the clamping head 30 has a simple and symmetrical structure, is easy to manufacture, and can naturally form multiple differentiated clamping features (long side, short side, apex angle).

[0038] To avoid potential scratches to the operator or circuit board from sharp corners, and to better grip the circuit board, in an optional embodiment, a notch 302 is provided at the intersection of each straight edge of the clamping head 30 body cross-section. Please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Taking the cross-section of the clamping head 30 as a triangle as an example, a chamfered portion 302 is machined at the intersection of each straight side of the triangle (i.e., the three vertices). Figure 3 As shown, the chamfered corner 302 is a smaller flat surface or a transition structure of a specific shape formed by cutting off a portion of the original sharp corner. This design avoids sharp apex corners and transforms a single corner into two functional surfaces. On the one hand, it provides a basis for subsequent snap-fit ​​designs; on the other hand, the transition structure itself can also clamp the circuit board.

[0039] For more stable and precise positioning and clamping, in an optional embodiment, a locking portion 303 is provided on the side of the chamfered portion 302. The locking portion 303 is a V-shaped groove for selectively engaging with the circuit board. Please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The engaging portion 303 is specifically designed as a V-shaped groove. The opening of this V-shaped groove faces the outside of the clamping head 30, and the included angle formed by its two walls can be well matched with the edge of the circuit board or a specific structure.

[0040] In this embodiment, the V-shaped groove-shaped engaging portion 303 is used to selectively engage with the edge of the circuit board. When the operator rotates the clamping head 30 so that the V-shaped groove on a certain chamfered portion 302 is aligned with the circuit board, the groove can hug the edge of the board from both sides like a "claw", providing a more stable and precise positioning and clamping effect than simple planar contact, and is particularly suitable for preventing the circuit board from sliding or shifting during clamping.

[0041] To increase the rigidity and strength of the contact area between the clamping head 30 and the circuit board, in an optional embodiment, the outer edge of the bottom end face of the clamping head 30 body is provided with a downwardly extending skirt structure 304. The skirt structure 304 is an annular flange extending vertically downward from the outer edge of the clamping head 30 body. Please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4This annular flange extends integrally downwards from the bottom edge of the main structure of the clamping head 30. This increases the rigidity and strength of the contact area between the clamping head 30 and the circuit board, preventing deformation under clamping force. Simultaneously, it also increases the contact area with the circuit board to a certain extent, improving clamping stability.

[0042] To balance strength and applicability, in optional embodiments, the skirt structure 304 includes a continuous skirt 304a and a segmented skirt 304b; the continuous skirt 304a consists of adjacent areas of the skirt connected as a single unit, forming a continuous, uninterrupted integral structure; the segmented skirt 304b is an independent, segmented structure. Please refer to... Figure 4 : In certain areas of the clamping head 30 body, its skirt is formed by connecting the skirts of adjacent areas to create a continuous, uninterrupted, integral ring structure. This design provides uniform and maximum structural strength and support area.

[0043] In other areas of the clamping head 30 body, its skirts are independent, broken segmental structures. There are clear gaps or breaks between these segmented skirts. This design provides necessary clearance for clamping operations while ensuring necessary local strength, such as avoiding interference with taller components on the circuit board, thus increasing the flexibility of the clamp's use.

[0044] In this embodiment, by designing the skirt structure 304 in a combination of "continuous" and "discontinuous" modes, a balance is achieved between ensuring overall structural strength and providing localized operational clearance. This allows the clamping head to firmly hold the circuit board while also maneuvering smoothly in complex board component layouts, thus balancing strength and applicability.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a drive mechanism 2 disclosed in this embodiment. The drive mechanism 2 includes a rotating shaft 21 and a knob 22. The rotating shaft 21 has threads with opposite directions on both sides, which are respectively connected to the first clamping component 31 and the second clamping component 32. The knob 22 is connected to the end of the rotating shaft 21 and is used to drive the rotating shaft 21 to rotate.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the rotating shaft 21 is provided with a first thread 211 (thread shape not shown, only location shown) and a second thread 212 (thread shape not shown, only location shown) of a preset length on both sides. The threads of the first thread 211 and the second thread 212 are in opposite directions, and the length of the first thread 211 can be the same as the length of the second thread 212. The clamping assembly 3 is connected to the threaded portion of the rotating shaft 21, so that when the rotating shaft 21 rotates, the clamping assembly 3 can be driven to move axially on the rotating shaft 21 through the threads. The first clamping assembly 31 is connected to the rotating shaft 21 through the first thread 211, and the second clamping assembly 32 is connected to the rotating shaft 21 through the second thread 212. So that when the rotating shaft 21 rotates, the two clamping assemblies (31, 32) can move towards each other under the drive of the threads in opposite directions. Thus, by rotating the rotating shaft 21, the distance between the two clamping assemblies (31, 32) is adjusted, thereby tightly clamping the circuit board to be fixed.

[0047] In this embodiment, the design of the rotating shaft 21 with oppositely helical threads at both ends constitutes a simple and efficient power transmission system. This mechanism has few parts, is easy to assemble, and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs. Through purely mechanical threaded transmission, the rotational motion of the knob 22 is directly and without delay converted into precise linear motion of the two clamping components (31, 32), resulting in high power transmission efficiency and good reliability.

[0048] To limit and position the axial movement of the rotating shaft 21, in an optional embodiment, a limiting mechanism is provided within the support plate 1 to limit and position the axial movement of the rotating shaft 21. In this embodiment, "within the support plate 1" refers to the area within the projection range of the support plate 1; specifically, the limiting mechanism can be disposed on the base 4.

[0049] In practical implementation, the limit mechanism can be implemented using a beaded assembly. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 5 The limiting mechanism is a ball bearing assembly 214; the center of the rotating shaft 21 is provided with an annular groove 213, and threads with opposite directions are located on both sides of the annular groove 213; the ball bearing assembly 214 is located in the annular groove.

[0050] In this embodiment, the annular groove 213 is arranged around the circumference of the rotating shaft 21, and the bead assembly 214 is fixedly arranged at the center of the base 4. When the rotating shaft 21 is rotatably connected to the support plate 1, the bead assembly 214 is located in the annular groove 213. The bead assembly 214 is located in the annular groove 213 to limit the axial position of the rotating shaft 21, which can avoid axial displacement error caused by the shaking or inaccurate positioning of the rotating shaft 21.

[0051] In this embodiment, the interlocking relationship between the annular groove and the beaded assembly is used to restrict the clamping assembly by the annular groove and the beaded assembly, thereby preventing the clamping assembly from rotating, thus improving the stability of the clamp during use and improving the clamping effect.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clamp for holding circuit boards is disclosed. By designing the clamping head in the clamping assembly as an irregularly shaped body (such as a triangle) that can rotate around its own axis, a single clamp can have multiple clamping modes. Users can easily rotate the clamp to choose whether to use the long side to clamp neat edges, use the chamfered part to position the notch, or use the short side to obliquely press the area around the component, achieving "one clamp for multiple uses" and effectively dealing with diverse clamping scenarios. This improves versatility and adaptability.

[0053] In addition, for fragile structures on the circuit board, such as small gaps, a "corner top" mode can be used for micro-clamping or positioning, avoiding the squeezing fracture that may occur when using traditional large-area clamping surfaces. This significantly improves the safety and reliability of operation and reduces the probability of physical damage to the circuit board.

[0054] Furthermore, operators do not need to frequently change the entire dedicated fixture; they only need to manually rotate the clamping head to select the desired working surface to complete the clamping preparation. This design simplifies the operation process, saves working time, and reduces the cost of configuring and managing multiple tools.

[0055] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described preferred solutions can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict. The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings; for example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, or sometimes in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. The numbering of each step in this document is for ease of explanation and reference only and is not intended to limit the order of execution. The specific execution order is determined by the technology itself, and those skilled in the art can determine various permissible and reasonable orders based on the technology itself.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that, without conflict, the above-mentioned preferred solutions can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0057] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Various obvious or equivalent modifications or substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art regarding the above details without departing from the basic principles of the present invention will be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clamp for holding a circuit board, comprising a support plate (1), a drive mechanism (2) disposed below the support plate (1), and a clamping assembly (3), wherein the clamping assembly (3) comprises a first clamping assembly (31) and a second clamping assembly (32) driven by the drive mechanism (2) to move in opposite directions, characterized in that, The first clamping assembly (31) and / or the second clamping assembly (32) include a clamping head (30), which is an irregularly shaped body that can rotate about its own central axis (301); The irregular shape has multiple clamping edges and clamping angles, and by rotating the clamping head (30), at least one of the clamping edges or clamping angles can be selectively used as the contact part with the circuit board.

2. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping head (30) is provided with a bearing (33) inside. The clamping head (30) is mounted on a column (34) through the bearing (33). The column (34) is connected to the driving mechanism (2).

3. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping head (30) has a triangular or pentagonal cross-section.

4. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping head (30) has corner sections (302) at the intersection of the straight edges of each straight edge of its body cross section.

5. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A locking part (303) is provided on the side of the chamfered portion (302). The locking part (303) is a V-shaped groove for selectively engaging with the circuit board.

6. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The outer edge of the bottom end face of the clamping head (30) body is provided with a downwardly extending skirt structure (304), which is an annular flange extending vertically downward from the outer edge of the clamping head (30) body.

7. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The skirt structure (304) includes a continuous skirt (304a) and a broken skirt (304b). The connected skirt (304a) is a skirt that connects adjacent areas into one piece, forming a continuous, unbroken integral structure; The broken skirt (304b) is an independent, broken segment structure.

8. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (2) includes: A rotating shaft (21) has threads with opposite directions on both sides, which are respectively connected to the first clamping assembly (31) and the second clamping assembly (32); A knob (22) is connected to the end of the rotating shaft (21) for driving the rotating shaft (21) to rotate.

9. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The support plate (1) is provided with a limiting mechanism for limiting and positioning the axial movement of the rotating shaft (21).

10. The clamp for holding a circuit board as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism is a bead assembly (214). The center of the rotating shaft (21) is provided with an annular groove (213), and the threads with opposite directions of rotation are located on both sides of the annular groove (213); the ball bearing assembly (214) is located in the annular groove (213).

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