A retractable mechanical arm for sewing operations

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of telescopic mechanical arm for sewing processing, including first synchronous belt module, second synchronous belt module sliding table air cylinder and suction cup assembly, two sets of synchronous belt module cooperation, upper and lower parallel installation, the first synchronous belt module fixed in top, the second synchronous belt can move in below, form telescopic structure, stroke superposition, in small workspace, it can achieve large stroke work, the second synchronous belt module output end is connected with sliding table air cylinder, the sliding table air cylinder is connected with suction cup assembly, under the driving of sliding table air cylinder, various materials can be stably adsorbed, and good versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sewing processing technology, and in particular to a telescopic robotic arm for sewing processing. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production, robotic arms are devices that can greatly improve work efficiency and are widely used in various fields. In the sewing machine industry, the main function of robotic arms is to pick up, transport, and place various materials. Current robotic arm structures generally employ a single synchronous belt module combined with grippers.

[0003] In industrial production, robotic arms with single-synchronous-belt modules often lack sufficient travel to meet production demands, requiring a larger workspace to accommodate more robotic arms. However, this method results in low space utilization and high production costs. While grippers can stably grasp, transport, and place materials, they have high requirements for the material's texture and shape. In the textile processing industry, such as clothing manufacturing, where there is a wide variety of material textures and shapes, gripper-type robotic arms are often inadequate for the tasks. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a retractable robotic arm that offers a small footprint, a long stroke, and a wider range of applications for sewing.

[0005] A telescopic robotic arm for sewing processing includes a first synchronous belt module and a second synchronous belt module. The second synchronous belt module is positioned below the first synchronous belt module, forming a double-module stacked structure, which effectively increases the overall telescopic stroke of the robotic arm. The lower end of the first synchronous belt module is connected to the second synchronous belt module via a guide mechanism. The first synchronous belt module is fixed and serves to support and provide primary motion. The output end of the first synchronous belt module is connected to the second synchronous belt module via a connecting plate, which transmits the power of the first synchronous belt module to the second synchronous belt module, driving its synchronous movement. The output end of the second synchronous belt module is connected to a first mounting plate. A slide cylinder is fixedly connected to the first mounting plate. A suction cup assembly is fixedly connected below the slide cylinder. Several suction cups are provided below the suction cup assembly for performing the final gripping operation.

[0006] Preferably, the first synchronous belt module and the second synchronous belt module are respectively provided with a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch near the output end, which are used to detect the extreme positions of the module movement, and play a limiting and protection role to prevent the module from running beyond its range. The first proximity switch (3) is located at one end of the moving path of the output end of the first synchronous belt module (1), and the second proximity switch (4) is located at one end of the moving path of the output end of the second synchronous belt module (2).

[0007] Furthermore, a first sensing plate is fixed to the side of the connecting plate near the first proximity switch. The first sensing plate extends beyond the connecting plate and can reach the sensing position of the first proximity switch faster than the connecting plate, thus triggering the signal earlier and providing a buffer for the control system, ensuring a smoother and more reliable deceleration and stopping process. A second sensing plate is fixed to the outside of the output end of the second synchronous belt module, which works in conjunction with the second engagement switch to achieve accurate detection of the position of the output end of the second synchronous belt module, thereby improving the end-positioning accuracy.

[0008] Furthermore, the second proximity switch is a photoelectric proximity switch, and the second sensing plate is a photosensitive film, which can more accurately locate the position of the output end of the second synchronous belt module and improve working accuracy.

[0009] Preferably, a second mounting plate is fixed to the upper end of the first synchronous belt module, and corner brackets are fixed to both sides of the upper end of the second mounting plate to facilitate the installation and fixation of the entire robotic arm. A fixing plate is fixedly connected between the first synchronous belt module and the second mounting plate, which enhances the rigidity and stability of the overall structure.

[0010] Preferably, the guiding mechanism includes a mounting base, the upper end of which is connected to the first synchronous belt module, and the lower end of which is connected to a slider. The lower end of the slider is connected to a guide rail, which is fixed to the upper end of the second synchronous belt module. This guiding mechanism ensures that the second synchronous belt module moves smoothly and linearly relative to the first synchronous belt module, preventing deviation and jamming, and improving motion accuracy and service life.

[0011] Preferably, the suction cup assembly includes a third mounting plate, several waist holes, and several suction cups. The waist holes are located at the lower end of the third mounting plate, and the suction cups are fitted into the waist holes. This design allows the position of the suction cups to be flexibly adjusted according to the size and shape of the object being grasped, enhancing the adaptability and versatility of the robotic arm.

[0012] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: It employs two sets of synchronous belt modules, installed parallel to each other, with the upper module fixed and the lower module movable, forming a telescopic structure. The stroke is superimposed, allowing for a large stroke in a small space. Furthermore, the structure is lightweight, the working speed is faster, and maintenance is simpler. Simultaneously, the robotic arm's end effector uses a cylinder-lifting vacuum suction cup actuator, which can pick up various materials, offering good versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the retractable robotic arm described in this utility model.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a side view of an embodiment of the retractable robotic arm described in this utility model.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a front view of an embodiment of the retractable robotic arm described in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of part A of an embodiment of the retractable robotic arm described in this utility model.

[0017] Wherein: 1-First synchronous belt module; 2-Second synchronous belt module; 3-First proximity switch; 4-Second proximity switch; 5-Connecting plate; 6-First sensing plate; 7-Second sensing plate; 8-Second mounting plate; 9-Guide mechanism; 91-Mounting seat; 92-Slider; 93-Guide rail; 10-Angle seat; 11-Fixing plate; 12-First mounting plate; 13-Slide cylinder; 14-Suction cup assembly; 141-Third mounting plate; 142-Waist hole; 143-Suction cup. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and related examples. The embodiments of this utility model are not limited to the following examples, and this utility model relates to relevant necessary components in this technical field, which should be regarded as well-known technology in this technical field and can be known and mastered by those skilled in this technical field.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, a telescopic robotic arm for sewing processing comprises a first synchronous belt module 1 and a second synchronous belt module 2. The second synchronous belt module 2 is positioned below the first synchronous belt module 1, with the first synchronous belt module 1 serving as the fixed base of the entire robotic arm, and the second synchronous belt module 2 being the telescopic movable part. The output end of the first synchronous belt module 1 is robustly connected to the rigid shell of the second synchronous belt module 2 via a connecting plate 5, thereby efficiently and accurately transmitting the linear motion of the first synchronous belt module 1 to the second synchronous belt module 2, achieving smooth and fluid two-stage telescopic motion. This significantly increases the overall working stroke of the robotic arm, enabling long-distance operation in confined spaces. The lower end of the first synchronous belt module 1 is also connected to the upper end of the second synchronous belt module 2 via a guide mechanism 9. This guide mechanism 9 provides additional and robust lateral support and precise guidance for the second synchronous belt module 2, ensuring stable linear motion throughout its full telescopic stroke. This effectively avoids potential off-center loading, overturning, or jamming due to the cantilever structure, extending the equipment's service life.

[0020] like Figure 2As shown, the output end of the second synchronous belt module 2 is reliably connected to the slide cylinder 13 via the first mounting plate 12. The piston rod of the slide cylinder 13 is arranged vertically downwards, and a suction cup assembly 14 is fixedly installed at its lower end. The suction cup assembly 14 includes a third mounting plate 141, several waist holes 142, and several suction cups 143. The waist holes 142 are opened at the lower end 141 of the third mounting plate, and the suction cups 143 are fitted into the waist holes 142. This design allows the position of the suction cups to be flexibly adjusted according to the size and shape of the object being grasped, enhancing the adaptability and versatility of the robotic arm, and enabling safe and non-destructive adsorption of flat workpieces of various sizes and materials. Through the stable drive of the slide cylinder 13, the entire suction cup assembly 14 can be driven to perform rapid and precise vertical lifting movements, thereby achieving efficient and reliable workpiece picking and releasing operations. This robotic arm innovatively adopts a transmission structure in which dual synchronous belt modules cooperate and nest together, which not only makes the overall structure of the device more compact and lightweight, with faster dynamic response and higher working speed, but also makes daily maintenance simpler and easier.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the first proximity switch 3 is located on one side of the lower end of the first synchronous belt module 1, and the second proximity switch 4 is located on the upper end of the second synchronous belt module 2, near the first proximity switch 3. This is used to detect in real time whether the module has moved to its limit position or a preset working point, thereby achieving precise control of the movement stroke and flexible soft limit protection, greatly improving the operational safety of the entire system and the repeatability of positioning over long-term operation.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, a first sensing plate 6 is fixed to the side of the connecting plate 5 near the first proximity switch 3. The first sensing plate 6 extends beyond the connecting plate 5 and can reach the sensing position of the first proximity switch 3 faster than the connecting plate 5. The first sensing plate 6 can work in conjunction with the first proximity switch 3 installed on the first synchronous belt module 1 to accurately detect and feedback the real-time position of the second synchronous belt module 2 relative to the first synchronous belt module 1. A second sensing plate 7 is fixed to the outside of the output end of the second synchronous belt module 2. The second sensing plate 7 can work in conjunction with the second proximity switch 4 installed on the second synchronous belt module 2 to accurately detect and feedback the real-time position of the slide cylinder 13 relative to the second synchronous belt module 2. The combination of the two sets of sensing plates and proximity switches provides a stable and reliable position feedback signal for the control system (not shown in the figure), thereby making the control system's operation of the device throughout its entire stroke more intelligent, precise, and efficient.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the second proximity switch 4 is a photoelectric proximity switch, and the second sensing plate 7 is a photosensitive film, which can more accurately locate the position of the output end of the second synchronous belt module 2 and improve working accuracy.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the first synchronous belt module 1 is fixed with a second mounting plate 8, and several corner brackets 10 are symmetrically fixed on both sides of the upper surface of the second mounting plate 8. Through these standardized corner bracket 10 connectors, the entire robotic arm can be easily modularly installed onto various external frames, storage devices, or collaborative robots, greatly improving the integration convenience and installation adaptability of the equipment in different application scenarios. A fixing plate 11 is also added between the first synchronous belt module 1 and the second mounting plate 8. This fixing plate 11 mainly plays an important role in enhancing connection strength, dispersing stress, and significantly increasing structural rigidity. It can effectively suppress and reduce the vibration and minor deformation generated by the first synchronous belt module 1 during high-speed operation, ensuring the stability and durability of the robotic arm under long-term high-load operation.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the guiding mechanism 9 specifically includes a mounting base 91, the upper end of which is firmly connected to the lower end of the first synchronous belt module 1, and a slider 92 is precisely mounted on the lower end of the mounting base 91. The slider 92 cooperates with a precision linear guide rail 93, which is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the second synchronous belt module 2. This optimized design upgrades the connection between the second synchronous belt module 2 and the first synchronous belt module 1 from a simple single-point cantilever support to a stable linear guide rail support, greatly enhancing the rigidity, torsional resistance, and smoothness of movement of the entire multi-stage telescopic structure.

[0026] Through the above-described specific implementation methods, this robotic arm not only possesses bidirectional telescopic and wide-range spatial operation capabilities, but also exhibits significant advantages in structural rigidity, motion stability, repeatability, and intelligent control. The dual synchronous belt module structure makes the robotic arm lightweight and compact, with faster operating speeds, better acceleration performance, and lower maintenance costs. Simultaneously, the robotic arm's end effector innovatively employs a high-efficiency vacuum suction cup actuator driven by a slide cylinder. By configuring various types of suction cups, it can safely and flexibly pick up and transport various materials, including glass, metal sheets, and plastic products. This makes it widely applicable to material handling, precise positioning, and flexible assembly tasks in various industrial automation scenarios such as automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, food packaging, and logistics sorting, effectively improving production efficiency and automation levels.

[0027] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A telescopic robotic arm for sewing, characterized in that: The system includes a first synchronous belt module (1), a second synchronous belt module (2) is provided below the first synchronous belt module (1), the lower end of the first synchronous belt module (1) is connected to the second synchronous belt module (2) through a guide mechanism (9), the first synchronous belt module (1) is fixed, the output end of the first synchronous belt module (1) is connected to the second synchronous belt module (2) through a connecting plate (5), the output end of the second synchronous belt module (2) is connected to a first mounting plate (12), a slide cylinder (13) is fixedly connected on the first mounting plate (12), and a suction cup assembly (14) is fixedly connected below the slide cylinder (13).

2. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first synchronous belt module (1) and the second synchronous belt module (2) are respectively provided with a first proximity switch (3) and a second proximity switch (4) near the output end. The first proximity switch (3) is located at one end of the moving path of the output end of the first synchronous belt module (1), and the second proximity switch (4) is located at one end of the moving path of the output end of the second synchronous belt module (2).

3. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting plate (5) has a first sensing plate (6) fixed on one side near the inside of the first synchronous belt module (1). The first sensing plate (6) extends to the outside of the connecting plate (5) near the first proximity switch (3). The output end of the second synchronous belt module (2) has a second sensing plate (7) fixed on the outside, which works in conjunction with the second proximity switch (4).

4. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The second proximity switch (4) is a photoelectric proximity switch, and the second sensing plate (7) is a photosensitive film.

5. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first synchronous belt module (1) is fixed with a second mounting plate (8) at its upper end. Angle seats (10) are fixed on both sides of the upper end of the second mounting plate (8). A fixing plate (11) is fixedly connected between the first synchronous belt module (1) and the second mounting plate (8).

6. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The guide mechanism (9) includes a mounting base (91), several sliders (92) and a guide rail (93). The upper end of the mounting base (91) is connected to the first synchronous belt module (1), and the lower end of the mounting base (91) is connected to the slider (92). The lower end of the slider (92) is connected to the guide rail (93). The guide rail (93) is fixed to the upper end of the second synchronous belt module (2).

7. The telescopic robotic arm as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The suction cup assembly (14) includes a third mounting plate (141), a plurality of waist holes (142) and a plurality of suction cups (143). The waist holes (142) are opened at the lower end of the third mounting plate (141), and the suction cups (143) are fitted into the waist holes (142).

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