A rail centering clamp

Abstract

A track centering clamping fixture, relating to the field of tooling fixture technology, includes a fixed frame, two sets of clamping assemblies, and a locking device. The clamping assemblies are respectively installed at both ends of the fixed frame, each set containing two vertically staggered and oppositely arranged clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism consists of a fixed base and a clamping device, which includes two jaws, a guide rail assembly, a bidirectional lead screw, and a nut. Centering and clamping are achieved by turning the bidirectional lead screw to drive the jaws. The jaw ends are provided with right-angled step structures and leveling blocks to ensure uniform force on the workpiece. The locking device consists of a hinged locking arm, a pull rod, and a locking nut. A secure lock is achieved by flipping the locking arm and tightening the pull rod. A built-in arc-shaped pressure plate ensures that the clamping force acts perpendicularly on the contact surface. This invention improves the adaptability of the equipment to workpieces of various specifications, achieving efficient and precise positioning and clamping, and is suitable for various processes such as assembly, welding, or inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tooling and fixture technology, and in particular to a track centering clamping fixture. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing and assembly of rail-type products, workpiece alignment and clamping are crucial steps to ensure the accuracy of subsequent welding, inspection, or assembly. Currently, the industry commonly uses general-purpose fixtures or simple clamping devices for workpiece positioning, but these solutions generally suffer from problems such as low alignment accuracy, uneven clamping force, and poor adaptability.

[0003] Traditional clamps often rely on manual adjustment or single-directional clamping structures, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the high-precision alignment requirements of both axial and radial directions. This is especially true when dealing with assemblies of tracks and mounting plates with asymmetrical upper and lower structures, where inconsistent clamping references can easily lead to accumulated assembly errors. Furthermore, existing clamping devices often employ an integral structure with a fixed clamping position, making it impossible to flexibly adjust according to workpiece length and limiting the equipment's versatility. While some solutions introduce mechanical clamping mechanisms, they lack effective secondary locking mechanisms, making them prone to loosening under machining vibrations or external disturbances, affecting positioning repeatability and machining stability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a track centering clamping fixture that is compact, has high centering accuracy, reliable clamping, and strong adaptability, in order to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies in terms of positioning accuracy, clamping stability, and universal adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention discloses a track centering clamping fixture.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A track centering clamping fixture, comprising:

[0008] Fixture;

[0009] The clamping assembly consists of two sets, each mounted at one end of the fixing frame;

[0010] The clamping assembly includes two clamping mechanisms that are staggered vertically and arranged in opposite directions.

[0011] The clamping mechanism includes:

[0012] The mounting base is securely connected to the mounting bracket.

[0013] The clamping device is installed on one side of the fixed base;

[0014] The clamping device includes:

[0015] Two grippers are located on one side of the fixed base;

[0016] A guide rail assembly is installed between the grippers and the fixed base; the two grippers are slidably connected to the fixed base via the guide rail assembly.

[0017] A bidirectional lead screw, which moves through two grippers, and whose two ends are rotatably connected to a fixed base;

[0018] Two nuts are installed on two jaws respectively, and the two nuts are threaded to the positive and negative thread sections of the bidirectional lead screw respectively; the two jaws are driven to clamp and center by turning the bidirectional lead screw.

[0019] Preferably, the clamping end of the gripper is provided with a right-angled step structure, and an equal-height block is installed inside the right-angled step structure.

[0020] Preferably, a handwheel is installed at one end of the bidirectional lead screw.

[0021] Preferably, a slider is provided between the gripper and the guide rail assembly, the slider is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly, and the gripper and the slider are detachably connected.

[0022] Preferably, a locking device is installed on one side of the fixing base corresponding to the clamping part of the clamping device; the locking device cooperates with the clamping device to circumferentially fix the workpiece; the locking device includes:

[0023] The locking arm has a right-angle bent structure, with one end of the locking arm hinged to one end of the fixed base;

[0024] A pull rod is hinged to the other end of a fixed base; and the free end of the pull rod can move through the free end of a locking arm; or it is hinged to the free end of a locking arm, and the free end of the pull rod can move through the other end of a fixed base.

[0025] The lock nut, threaded onto the free end of the pull rod, is used to lock the locking arm.

[0026] Preferably, the locking arm has a slot in its body, and an arc-shaped pressing plate is provided in the slot. The middle part of the arc-shaped pressing plate is hinged to the locking arm through a pin.

[0027] Preferably, a spherical washer is fitted onto the rod body between the locking nut and the locking arm.

[0028] Preferably, one end of the locking arm corresponding to the pull rod is provided with a slot that matches the pull rod.

[0029] By employing the technical solution described above, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] (1) By setting clamping components at both ends of the fixed frame, the present invention can simultaneously achieve high-precision centering and positioning of two workpieces in the axial and radial directions, providing a stable and reliable reference for subsequent assembly, welding or inspection processes. The fixed frame is provided with multiple clamping component mounting positions. The clamping components adopt a detachable connection method, and the installation position can be flexibly adjusted according to the length of different workpieces, which significantly improves the adaptability and versatility of the equipment for workpieces of various specifications. The clamping device and the locking device in the clamping component work together. First, the clamping device initially clamps the workpiece, and then the locking device applies a vertical downward pressure to lock it, thereby realizing circumferential constraint and axial clamping of the workpiece, effectively preventing loosening or displacement caused by vibration or external force during processing, and greatly improving the reliability and repeatability of clamping positioning.

[0031] (2) The clamping device of the present invention adopts a synchronous drive structure consisting of a bidirectional lead screw, a nut, and a guide rail assembly. The two jaws are slidably connected to the fixed seat through the guide rail assembly. When the bidirectional lead screw rotates, they move synchronously towards or away from each other along the guide rail to achieve precise centering clamping or release. This structure does not require an additional power source, is easy to operate, and the clamping force is uniform and controllable. The two ends of the bidirectional lead screw are connected to the fixed seat through bearings and are equipped with handwheels, which not only improves the rotational stability and centering accuracy, but also enhances the efficiency of human-machine interaction and the convenience of operation. In addition, the clamping end of the jaw is provided with a right-angle step structure and embedded with equal height blocks, which can compensate for the height deviation caused by manufacturing errors or wear, ensure that the end faces of the two jaws are flush, so that the workpiece is subjected to uniform force, and further improve the centering accuracy and clamping stability.

[0032] (3) The clamping jaws and the guide rail assembly of the present invention are connected by a slider. The clamping jaws are fixed to the slider in a detachable manner, which makes it easy to change or adjust the direction of the clamping jaws according to the shape of the workpiece. It can achieve centering clamping on the outer surface and can also be converted to the clamping mode on the inner wall, which greatly expands the application range and working condition adaptability of the clamping device. The locking device adopts a hinged locking arm and pull rod cooperation structure. After the locking arm flips and clamps the workpiece, it is firmly locked by tightening the locking nut at the end of the pull rod. The locking arm body is provided with a slot and has an arc-shaped clamping plate built in. The clamping plate can adaptively adjust its posture according to the curvature of the workpiece surface to ensure that the clamping force acts perpendicularly on the contact surface, avoid local stress concentration or clamping failure, and protect the workpiece surface from damage.

[0033] (4) The present invention further includes a spherical washer fitted between the locking nut and the locking arm on the pull rod. This structure can automatically level itself during the tightening process, compensate for angular deviations caused by assembly errors or component deformation, and ensure uniform transmission of locking force. This effectively prevents the locking nut from loosening or being damaged due to uneven force, significantly improving the reliability and durability of the locking connection. In addition, the locking arm has a matching slot at one end corresponding to the pull rod. When unlocking, simply loosen the locking nut, and the pull rod can quickly disengage along the slot without complete disassembly or complex operations, greatly shortening the workpiece clamping time and improving overall work efficiency.

[0034] In summary, the track centering clamping fixture of the present invention not only ensures high-precision centering, but also has multiple beneficial technical effects such as convenient operation, strong adaptability, reliable clamping and efficient clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the fixing frame.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first type of clamping mechanism;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second type of clamping mechanism;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the locking device in its open state.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arc-shaped clamping plate.

[0043] In the diagram: 1. Fixing frame; 2. Fixing base; 3. Clamping device; 3-1. Gripper; 3-2. Guide rail assembly; 3-3. Bidirectional lead screw; 3-4. Nut; 3-5. Equal height block; 3-6. Handwheel; 3-7. Slider; 4. Locking device; 4-1. Locking arm; 4-2. Pull rod; 4-3. Locking nut; 4-4. Arc-shaped pressure plate; 4-5. Spherical gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed when in use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0046] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] Example 1:

[0048] Combined with appendix Figures 1-5 A track centering clamping fixture includes a fixed frame 1 and clamping assemblies. The fixed frame 1 is a basic support component used to support and position the entire clamping system. Clamping assemblies are installed at both ends of the fixed frame 1; the clamping assemblies at both ends clamp the upper and lower workpieces respectively, so that the two workpieces are centered and positioned in the axial and radial directions, thereby providing a stable reference for subsequent assembly, welding, inspection or other processing procedures.

[0049] The clamping assembly includes two clamping mechanisms that are staggered vertically and arranged opposite each other. For example, when assembling a certain type of rail product, the upper clamping mechanism is used to clamp the rail, and the lower clamping mechanism is used to clamp the mounting plate of the rail. The clamping assembly is detachably connected to the fixing frame 1. The fixing frame 1 has multiple clamping assembly mounting positions, allowing the clamping assembly to be flexibly adjusted according to the length of the workpiece being clamped, thereby adapting to the clamping requirements of workpieces of different specifications and improving the versatility and applicability of the equipment.

[0050] The clamping mechanism includes a fixed base 2, a clamping device 3, and a locking device 4. The fixed base 2 serves as a transitional connecting structure, and it is securely connected to the fixed frame 1 via bolts or other fastening methods. The clamping device 3 is installed on one side of the fixed base 2; the locking device 4 is installed on the side of the fixed base 2 corresponding to the clamping part of the clamping device 3. The clamping device 3 first performs preliminary clamping on the workpiece, and then the locking device 4 locks the clamping state. That is, the locking device 4 and the clamping device 3 work together to constrain the workpiece circumferentially and compress it axially, effectively preventing the workpiece from loosening or shifting during processing, and significantly improving the reliability and repeatability of clamping positioning.

[0051] Specifically, the clamping device 3 includes two grippers 3-1, a guide rail assembly 3-2, and a drive mechanism for driving the two grippers 3-1 to synchronously align and move closer or further apart. The two grippers 3-1 are located on one side of the fixed base 2; the guide rail assembly 3-2 is installed between the grippers 3-1 and the fixed base 2, and the two grippers 3-1 are slidably connected to the fixed base 2 through the guide rail assembly 3-2, ensuring that the grippers 3-1 maintain a stable and linear trajectory during movement, avoiding uneven clamping force or workpiece damage due to skewness, and improving the stability and consistency of the clamping action.

[0052] The drive mechanism includes a bidirectional lead screw 3-3 and two nuts 3-4. The bidirectional lead screw 3-3 movably passes through the two grippers 3-1, and both ends of the bidirectional lead screw 3-3 are rotatably connected to the fixed base 2 via bearings. To improve the rotational smoothness of the bidirectional lead screw 3-3, bearings are installed at both ends of the bidirectional lead screw 3-3, and the fixed base 2 is provided with bearing seats that are adapted to the corresponding bearings. This structure effectively reduces the frictional resistance and radial runout during the rotation of the lead screw, extends the service life of the transmission components, and ensures the synchronicity and centering accuracy of the movement of the grippers 3-1.

[0053] Nuts 3-4 are installed on each of the two grippers 3-1, and the two nuts 3-4 are threadedly connected to the forward and reverse thread sections of the bidirectional lead screw 3-3, respectively. By turning the bidirectional lead screw 3-3, the two grippers 3-1 can be driven to move synchronously towards or away from each other along the guide rail assembly 3-2, thereby achieving centering, clamping, or releasing the workpiece. This structure requires no additional power source, is easy to operate, and provides uniform and controllable clamping force, making it suitable for applications requiring high centering accuracy. A handwheel 3-6 is installed at one end of the bidirectional lead screw 3-3, allowing the operator to manually turn the bidirectional lead screw 3-3 to achieve clamping or releasing actions, improving the convenience of operation and the efficiency of human-machine interaction.

[0054] The locking device 4 includes a locking arm 4-1 and a pull rod 4-2. The locking arm 4-1 has a right-angle bend structure, and one end of it is hinged to one end of the fixed base 2 via a pin or hinge, allowing the locking arm 4-1 to rotate around the hinge point. The pull rod 4-2 is hinged to the other end of the fixed base 2; and the free end of the pull rod 4-2 can move through the free end of the locking arm 4-1; alternatively, the pull rod 4-2 can also be hinged to the free end of the locking arm 4-1, with its free end moving through the other end of the fixed base 2. A locking nut 4-3 is threadedly connected to the free end of the pull rod 4-2.

[0055] After the clamping device 3 completes the initial clamping of the workpiece, the locking arm 4-1 is flipped to the position where it presses the workpiece. Then, the locking nut 4-3 is tightened, and the locking arm 4-1 is pulled tight by the pull rod 4-2, so that the locking arm 4-1 applies a vertically downward clamping force to the workpiece, thereby firmly fastening the workpiece to the clamping device 3. This locking structure not only enhances the rigidity of the clamping system, but also effectively prevents clamping failure caused by vibration or external force interference, improving the safety and stability of the overall clamping system.

[0056] Example 2:

[0057] Combined with appendix Figure 5 and 6 A track centering clamping fixture differs from Embodiment 1 in that, based on Embodiment 1, the clamping end of the jaw 3-1 is provided with a right-angled step structure, within which a height equalizing block 3-5 is installed. The height equalizing block 3-5 can finely adjust the height of the clamping end of the jaw 3-1, ensuring that the two jaws 3-1 of the same clamping device 3 maintain flush end faces in the clamping state. This avoids inconsistencies in the clamping surfaces caused by manufacturing errors or wear, thereby ensuring uniform force on the workpiece during clamping and improving centering accuracy and clamping reliability.

[0058] Furthermore, a slider 3-7 is provided between the gripper 3-1 and the guide rail assembly 3-2. The slider 3-7 is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly 3-2. The gripper 3-1 and the slider 3-7 are detachably connected, for example, by bolts.

[0059] As attached Figure 6 As shown, this structure allows the clamping jaws 3-1 to be replaced or their installation direction adjusted according to the shape of different workpieces and clamping requirements. For example, the two clamping jaws 3-1 can be adjusted to a centered clamping mode to hold the outer surface of the workpiece; or they can be adjusted to a mutually spaced clamping mode to support the inner wall of the workpiece. This design significantly expands the applicability of the clamping device 3, enabling it to adapt to various working conditions and improving the flexibility and reusability of the equipment.

[0060] Example 3:

[0061] Combined with appendix Figures 7-8 A track centering clamping fixture, based on Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the locking arm 4-1 has a slot in its body, and an arc-shaped pressure plate 4-4 is provided in the slot. The middle part of the arc-shaped pressure plate 4-4 is hinged to the locking arm 4-1 via a pin. When clamping the workpiece, the arc-shaped pressure plate 4-4 can automatically adjust its posture according to the curvature or shape of the workpiece surface to achieve adaptive fitting, ensuring that the clamping force always acts perpendicularly on the workpiece surface, avoiding local stress concentration or clamping failure caused by mismatch of contact surfaces, thereby improving the clamping effect and the workpiece surface protection capability.

[0062] Furthermore, a spherical washer 4-5 is fitted onto the rod body between the locking nut 4-3 and the locking arm 4-1 of the pull rod 4-2. The spherical washer 4-5 can form point contact with the locking arm 4-1 or the fixing seat 2, while the locking nut 4-3 contacts the flat end face of the spherical washer 4-5. This structure allows the locking nut 4-3 to automatically level itself during tightening, compensating for angular deviations caused by assembly errors or component deformation, ensuring uniform transmission of locking force, effectively preventing the locking nut 4-3 from loosening or being damaged due to uneven force, and improving the reliability and durability of the locking connection.

[0063] Furthermore, the locking arm 4-1 has a slot at one end corresponding to the pull rod 4-2, which is adapted to fit the pull rod 4-2. When unlocking is required, simply loosen the locking nut 4-3, and the pull rod 4-2 can quickly disengage from the locking arm 4-1 along the slot, without the need to completely disassemble the pull rod 4-2 or perform complex operations. This significantly improves the locking and unlocking efficiency of the clamping structure, shortens the workpiece clamping time, and helps to improve the overall work efficiency.

[0064] The parts of this invention not described in detail are prior art. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to encompass all changes falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this invention.

Claims

1. A rail centering and clamping fixture, characterized in that, include: Fixture (1); The clamping assembly consists of two sets, each mounted on one end of the fixing frame (1); The clamping assembly includes two clamping mechanisms that are staggered vertically and arranged in opposite directions. The clamping mechanism includes: The fixed base (2) is securely connected to the fixed frame (1); The clamping device (3) is installed on one side of the fixed base (2); The clamping device (3) includes: Two grippers (3-1) are located on one side of the fixed base (2); The guide rail assembly (3-2) is installed between the gripper (3-1) and the fixed base (2); the two grippers (3-1) are slidably connected to the fixed base (2) through the guide rail assembly (3-2); A bidirectional lead screw (3-3) movably passes through two grippers (3-1), and both ends of the bidirectional lead screw (3-3) are rotatably connected to the fixed base (2); Two nuts (3-4) are respectively installed on two jaws (3-1), and the two nuts (3-4) are respectively threaded to the positive and negative thread sections of the double-acting screw (3-3); the two jaws (3-1) are driven to clamp in the center by turning the double-acting screw (3-3).

2. The track centering clamping fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping end of the gripper (3-1) is provided with a right-angled step structure, and a height block (3-5) is installed inside the right-angled step structure.

3. The track alignment clamping fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A handwheel (3-6) is installed at one end of the bidirectional lead screw (3-3).

4. The track alignment clamping fixture as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A slider (3-7) is provided between the gripper (3-1) and the guide rail assembly (3-2). The slider (3-7) is slidably connected to the guide rail assembly (3-2), and the gripper (3-1) and the slider (3-7) are detachably connected.

5. The rail centering clamp of claim 1 wherein, The fixing seat (2) is equipped with a locking device (4) on one side of the clamping part corresponding to the clamping part of the clamping device (3); the locking device (4) cooperates with the clamping device (3) to fix the workpiece circumferentially, and the locking device (4) includes: The locking arm (4-1) has a right-angle bent structure, and one end of the locking arm (4-1) is hinged to one end of the fixed seat (2); The pull rod (4-2) is hinged to the other end of the fixed base (2); and the free end of the pull rod (4-2) can move through the free end of the locking arm (4-1); or it is hinged to the free end of the locking arm (4-1), and the free end of the pull rod (4-2) can move through the other end of the fixed base (2); The locking nut (4-3) is threaded onto the free end of the pull rod (4-2) and is used to lock the locking arm (4-1).

6. The track alignment clamping fixture as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The locking arm (4-1) has a slot in its body, and an arc-shaped pressing plate (4-4) is provided in the slot. The middle part of the arc-shaped pressing plate (4-4) is hinged to the locking arm (4-1) through a pin.

7. The track alignment clamping fixture as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The pull rod (4-2) is fitted with a spherical washer (4-5) between the locking nut (4-3) and the locking arm (4-1).

8. The track centering clamping fixture as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The locking arm (4-1) has a slot at one end corresponding to the pull rod (4-2) that is adapted to the pull rod (4-2).

Images