Modular flexible guard for an industrial robot work area
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522523693.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-08-28
AI Technical Summary
当生产布局需要调整时，它们无法便捷地改变防护区域的面积与形状，难以适应现代柔性制造环境的需求
操作人员通过转动把手驱动蜗杆与蜗轮，带动收卷轴转动，从而收卷或放卷防护布至所需长度，并利用蜗轮蜗杆的自锁特性将其稳定锁定；随后，根据防护区域的形状与面积，推动多个第二配重底座至预定位置，使防护布的内侧与各定位杆表面抵接，形成连续的柔性防护边界，过程中可随时调整防护布长度以匹配布局；最后，锁定所有万向轮的刹车功能，使整个装置固定。进而通过先调节屏障长度、再柔性布局支撑的方式，能够在生产布局调整时，便捷地改变防护区域的面积与形状，具有使用灵活性高的特点。
Smart Images
Figure CN224800031U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of protective fence technology, and specifically discloses a modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot. Background Technology
[0002] Industrial robots, as core equipment in modern intelligent manufacturing, are widely used in production processes such as welding, handling, and assembly. However, while robots operate efficiently, their high-speed operation and end effectors also pose safety risks to on-site personnel, as there is a possibility of accidental entry into their work area. Therefore, installing protective barriers to physically separate the robot's work area from the personnel activity area has become an essential safety measure. Its purpose is to prevent workers from crossing this safety barrier and ensure personal safety.
[0003] In existing technologies, traditional protective solutions mainly employ fixed fences made of welded metal pipes, or fences assembled from standardized components such as metal frames, mesh, and panels. While these types of fences provide basic isolation, they generally suffer from the fundamental drawback of fixed structures and inflexibility. When production layouts need to be adjusted, they cannot easily change the area and shape of the protected area, making them difficult to adapt to the demands of modern flexible manufacturing environments.
[0004] Therefore, a modular, flexible protective barrier for the working area of industrial robots is needed to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model proposes a modular flexible protective barrier for the working area of an industrial robot, which can easily change the area and shape of the protective area when adjusting the production layout, and has the characteristics of high flexibility of use.
[0006] This utility model is implemented as follows: a modular flexible protective barrier for the working area of an industrial robot, comprising: Protective fabric, used to form flexible protective barriers; The winding and unwinding mechanism is used to wind and unwind the protective fabric to adjust its unfolded length; Multiple independently configured positioning modules are used to provide support and positioning for the protective fabric along its unfolding path; The retraction mechanism includes a first counterweight base, with a vertical plate fixedly connected to the upper end of the first counterweight base. The first counterweight base has an internal mounting cavity, and a winding shaft is rotatably connected to the top of the inner wall of the mounting cavity via a through bearing. The two ends of the protective cloth are respectively fixedly connected to the right end of the vertical plate and the outer wall of the winding shaft. A portion of the protective cloth is wrapped around the outer wall of the winding shaft. First universal wheels are installed at the four corners of the lower end face of the first counterweight base. The positioning module includes a second counterweight base, with a positioning rod fixedly connected to the upper end of the second counterweight base, and second universal wheels installed at the four corners of the lower end face of the second counterweight base; The protective fabric forms the boundary of the protective area by being sequentially wrapped around multiple positioning rods.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, the retraction mechanism further includes a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a worm gear fixedly connected to the lower end of the retraction shaft. A worm gear meshing with the worm gear is rotatably connected inside the mounting cavity. A shaft extending out of the mounting cavity is fixedly connected to the left end of the worm gear. A turntable is fixedly connected to the left end of the shaft. A handle is rotatably connected to the eccentric part of the left end of the turntable.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, the outer wall of the protective cloth has an entrance and exit through it, and a protective curtain covering the entrance and exit is provided. The protective cloth is fixedly connected to the outside of the entrance and exit with a Velcro liner, and the protective curtain is provided with a Velcro liner that is bonded to the Velcro liner.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, the left end of the upright plate is fixedly connected to a fixing plate, and the lower end of the fixing plate is rotatably connected to the winding shaft through an embedded bearing.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective railing for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, both the first and second omnidirectional wheels are equipped with braking functions.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective barrier for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, the outer wall of the take-up shaft is fixedly connected to a first limiting plate located below the protective cloth, and the outer wall of the positioning rod is fixedly connected to two second limiting plates located above and below the take-up shaft, respectively.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the modular flexible protective barrier for the working area of an industrial robot according to this utility model, both the protective cloth and the protective curtain are made of PVC coated polyester cloth.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: The operator drives the worm gear and worm wheel by turning the handle, which in turn rotates the winding shaft to wind or unwind the protective fabric to the required length. The worm gear and worm wheel are then used to lock the fabric securely. Next, based on the shape and area of the protected area, multiple second counterweight bases are pushed to predetermined positions, causing the inner side of the protective fabric to abut against the surfaces of the positioning rods, forming a continuous, flexible protective boundary. The length of the protective fabric can be adjusted at any time during the process to match the layout. Finally, the brakes on all casters are locked to secure the entire device. This method of adjusting the barrier length first and then flexibly supporting the layout allows for convenient changes to the area and shape of the protected area during production layout adjustments, offering high flexibility in use. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a partial top sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the protective curtain of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the second counterweight base of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the first counterweight base of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a partial right-side cross-sectional view of the present invention.
[0016] The markings in the diagram are: 1. Protective fabric; 2. First counterweight base; 3. Vertical plate; 4. Mounting cavity; 5. Winding shaft; 6. Fixing plate; 7. Worm gear; 8. Worm; 9. Shaft; 10. Turntable; 11. Handle; 12. Second counterweight base; 13. Second caster wheel; 14. Positioning rod; 15. Second limit plate; 16. Inlet / outlet; 17. Protective curtain; 18. Velcro closure; 19. Velcro closure; 20. First caster wheel; 21. First limit plate. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments to aid in understanding its content. Unless otherwise specified, the methods used in this invention are conventional methods; the raw materials and apparatus used, unless otherwise specified, are conventional commercially available products.
[0018] Please see Figure 1-6 A modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot, comprising: Protective fabric 1, used to form a flexible protective barrier; The winding and unwinding mechanism is used to wind and unwind the protective fabric 1 to adjust its unfolded length; Multiple independently configured positioning modules are used to provide support and positioning for the protective fabric 1 along its unfolding path; The retraction mechanism includes a first counterweight base 2, with a vertical plate 3 fixedly connected to the upper end of the first counterweight base 2. The interior of the first counterweight base 2 is provided with an installation cavity 4. The top of the inner wall of the installation cavity 4 is rotatably connected to a winding shaft 5 through a through-type bearing. The two ends of the protective cloth 1 are fixedly connected to the right end of the vertical plate 3 and the outer wall of the winding shaft 5, respectively. A part of the protective cloth 1 is wrapped around the outer wall of the winding shaft 5. First universal wheels 20 are installed at the four corners of the lower end face of the first counterweight base 2. The positioning module includes a second counterweight base 12, a positioning rod 14 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second counterweight base 12, and a second universal wheel 13 is installed at each of the four corners of the lower end face of the second counterweight base 12. The protective cloth 1 forms the boundary of the protective area by being wrapped around multiple positioning rods 14 in sequence.
[0019] In this embodiment: First, the length of the protective fabric 1 needs to be adjusted. The operator controls the unwinding mechanism via the drive mechanism to release or wind up the protective fabric 1. During operation, the drive mechanism is used to rotate the winding shaft 5. When the winding shaft 5 rotates in the winding direction, the protective fabric 1 is wound back, and the unfolded length is shortened; conversely, when the winding shaft 5 rotates in the unwinding direction, the protective fabric 1 is released, and the unfolded length increases. Through this operation, the protective fabric 1 can be adjusted to the desired length. During this process, the worm gear 7 and worm 8 in the drive mechanism have a self-locking characteristic, which can effectively prevent the winding shaft 5 from rotating accidentally, ensuring that the protective fabric 1 is stably locked in any position.
[0020] Subsequently, positioning modules are deployed to form a protective boundary. After the length of the protective fabric 1 is determined, the number and placement of the positioning modules are flexibly determined according to the shape and area of the target protection area. By pushing the second counterweight base 12, each positioning module is moved to the predetermined location using the second universal casters 13 at its bottom. This causes the inner side of the protective fabric 1 to abut against the surfaces of the multiple positioning rods 14, providing lateral support to the protective fabric 1 and thus forming a continuous, flexible protective boundary. If a mismatch in the length of the protective fabric 1 is found during the deployment process, it can be readjusted at any time.
[0021] Finally, the braking function of the first universal wheel 20 and the second universal wheel 13 is locked, so that the positions of the first counterweight base 2 and the second counterweight base 12 are fixed.
[0022] In summary, by first adjusting the barrier length and then flexibly laying out the support, the area and shape of the protected area can be easily changed when adjusting the production layout, which has the characteristics of high flexibility in use.
[0023] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the take-up and unwinding mechanism also includes a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a worm gear 7 fixedly connected to the lower end of the take-up shaft 5. A worm 8 that meshes with the worm gear 7 is rotatably connected inside the mounting cavity 4. A shaft 9 extending out of the mounting cavity 4 is fixedly connected to the left end of the worm 8. A turntable 10 is fixedly connected to the left end of the shaft 9. A handle 11 is rotatably connected to the eccentric part of the left end of the turntable 10.
[0024] In this embodiment: the operator turns handle 11, causing turntable 10 and shaft 9 to rotate, which in turn drives worm 8 to rotate. Worm 8 meshes with worm wheel 7, which in turn drives take-up shaft 5 to rotate, thereby winding or releasing the protective cloth 1. The key is that the transmission between worm wheel 7 and worm 8 has a reverse self-locking characteristic. When the handle 11 is stopped, take-up shaft 5 cannot reverse on its own under the tension of protective cloth 1, thus achieving locking of protective cloth 1 at any length.
[0025] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the outer wall of the protective cloth 1 is provided with an inlet and outlet 16, and a protective curtain 17 is provided to cover the inlet and outlet 16. The protective cloth 1 is fixedly connected to the outside of the inlet and outlet 16 with a Velcro 18, and the protective curtain 17 is provided with a Velcro sub-attachment 19 that is bonded to the Velcro 18.
[0026] In this embodiment: an entrance and exit 16 are opened on the protective cloth 1 to form a passage for easy entry and exit, and a protective curtain 17 is provided for covering. The Velcro 19 of the protective curtain 17 is bonded to the Velcro 18 arranged on the outside of the entrance and exit 16 to achieve quick opening and closing.
[0027] As a technical optimization of this utility model, a fixing plate 6 is fixedly connected to the left end of the upright plate 3, and the lower end of the fixing plate 6 is rotatably connected to the winding shaft 5 through an embedded bearing.
[0028] In this embodiment: one end of the fixed plate 6 is fixedly connected to the upright plate 3, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the end of the winding shaft 5 through a bearing, thereby providing an upper support point for the winding shaft 5. Together with the bearing on the first counterweight base 2, it forms a double support structure, which improves the stability of the winding shaft 5.
[0029] As a technical optimization of this utility model, both the first universal wheel 20 and the second universal wheel 13 are equipped with a braking function.
[0030] In this embodiment: the first caster wheel 20 and the second caster wheel 13 enable the retraction mechanism and each positioning module to be easily pushed to any position within the working area. Once the position is determined, the operator can lock the brake. At this time, the first caster wheel 20 and the second caster wheel 13 become fixed feet, fixing the first counterweight base 2 and the second counterweight base 12.
[0031] As a technical optimization of this utility model, the outer wall of the winding shaft 5 is fixedly connected to a first limiting disc 21 located below the protective cloth 1, and the outer wall of the positioning rod 14 is fixedly connected to two second limiting discs 15 located above and below the winding shaft 5, respectively.
[0032] In this embodiment: the first limiting disc 21 installed on the winding shaft 5 is located below the protective cloth 1 to prevent the protective cloth 1 from moving downwards during winding or unwinding. The two second limiting discs 15 installed on the positioning rod 14 are located on the upper and lower sides of the protective cloth 1, respectively, thereby limiting the height of the protective cloth 1 around the positioning rod 14.
[0033] As a technical optimization of this utility model, both the protective cloth 1 and the protective curtain 17 are made of PVC coated polyester cloth.
[0034] In this embodiment, both the protective cloth 1 and the protective curtain 17 are made of PVC-coated polyester fabric. The high-strength polyester base fabric provides excellent tensile strength and durability, enabling it to withstand repeated opening and closing and accidental pulling. The PVC coating gives the material good wear resistance, flame retardancy, oil resistance and anti-aging properties, making it very suitable for long-term use in industrial environments, ensuring the overall lifespan and safety reliability of the guardrail.
[0035] The working principle and usage process of this utility model are as follows: First, the length of the protective cloth 1 needs to be adjusted. The operator controls the unwinding mechanism through the drive mechanism to release or rewind the protective cloth 1. During operation, turning the handle 11 drives the turntable 10 and the shaft 9 to rotate, which in turn causes the worm gear 8 to drive the worm wheel 7 to rotate, and drives the winding shaft 5 to rotate synchronously with the worm wheel 7. When the winding shaft 5 rotates in the winding direction, the protective cloth 1 is wound back, and the unfolded length is shortened; conversely, when the winding shaft 5 rotates in the unwinding direction, the protective cloth 1 is released, and the unfolded length increases. Through this operation, the protective cloth 1 can be adjusted to the required length. During this process, the self-locking mechanism formed by the worm wheel 7 and the worm gear 8 can effectively prevent the winding shaft 5 from rotating accidentally, ensuring that the protective cloth 1 is stably locked in any position.
[0036] Subsequently, positioning modules are deployed to form a protective boundary. After the length of the protective fabric 1 is determined, the number and placement of the positioning modules are flexibly determined according to the shape and area of the target protection area. By pushing the second counterweight base 12, each positioning module is moved to the predetermined location using the second universal casters 13 at its bottom. This causes the inner side of the protective fabric 1 to abut against the surfaces of the multiple positioning rods 14, providing lateral support to the protective fabric 1 and thus forming a continuous, flexible protective boundary. If a mismatch in the length of the protective fabric 1 is found during the deployment process, it can be readjusted at any time.
[0037] Finally, the braking function of the first universal wheel 20 and the second universal wheel 13 is locked, so that the positions of the first counterweight base 2 and the second counterweight base 12 are fixed.
[0038] In summary, by first adjusting the barrier length and then flexibly laying out the support, the area and shape of the protected area can be easily changed when adjusting the production layout, which has the characteristics of high flexibility in use.
[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "left", "right", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "inner", "outer", "back", "middle", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0040] However, the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of implementation of this utility model. Therefore, any substitution of equivalent components or equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of protection of this utility model should still fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot, characterized in that, include: Protective fabric (1) is used to form a flexible protective barrier; The winding and unwinding mechanism is used to wind and unwind the protective cloth (1) to adjust its unfolded length; Multiple independently configured positioning modules are used to provide support and positioning for the protective cloth (1) along its unfolding path; The retraction mechanism includes a first counterweight base (2), with a vertical plate (3) fixedly connected to the upper end of the first counterweight base (2). The first counterweight base (2) has an installation cavity (4) inside. The top of the inner wall of the installation cavity (4) is rotatably connected to a winding shaft (5) through a through-type bearing. The two ends of the protective cloth (1) are fixedly connected to the right end of the vertical plate (3) and the outer wall of the winding shaft (5) respectively. A part of the protective cloth (1) is wrapped around the outer wall of the winding shaft (5). The four corners of the lower end face of the first counterweight base (2) are each equipped with a first universal wheel (20). The positioning module includes a second counterweight base (12), a positioning rod (14) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the second counterweight base (12), and a second universal wheel (13) is installed at each of the four corners of the lower end face of the second counterweight base (12). The protective cloth (1) forms the boundary of the protective area by being wrapped around multiple positioning rods (14) in sequence.
2. The modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The take-up and untake-down mechanism also includes a drive mechanism, which includes a worm gear (7) fixedly connected to the lower end of the take-up shaft (5). The interior of the mounting cavity (4) is rotatably connected to a worm (8) that meshes with the worm gear (7). The left end of the worm (8) is fixedly connected to a shaft (9) that extends out of the mounting cavity (4). The left end of the shaft (9) is fixedly connected to a turntable (10). The eccentric part of the left end of the turntable (10) is rotatably connected to a handle (11).
3. The modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the protective cloth (1) is provided with an inlet and outlet (16) and a protective curtain (17) covering the inlet and outlet (16). The protective cloth (1) is fixedly connected with a Velcro liner (18) on the outside of the inlet and outlet (16). The protective curtain (17) is provided with a Velcro liner (19) that is bonded to the Velcro liner (18).
4. The modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left end of the upright plate (3) is fixedly connected to a fixing plate (6), and the lower end of the fixing plate (6) is rotatably connected to the winding shaft (5) through an embedded bearing.
5. A modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first omnidirectional wheel (20) and the second omnidirectional wheel (13) are equipped with a braking function.
6. The modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the take-up shaft (5) is fixedly connected to a first limiting disc (21) located below the protective cloth (1), and the outer wall of the positioning rod (14) is fixedly connected to two second limiting discs (15) located above and below the take-up shaft (5).
7. A modular flexible protective fence for the working area of an industrial robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The protective cloth (1) and the protective curtain (17) are both made of PVC coated polyester cloth.