Fixing device

Abstract

To disclose a fixing device for fixing a flexible flat piece.SOLUTION: A fixing device comprises: a support platform (1) for supporting a flexible flat piece; and a fixture for clamping the flexible flat piece to the support platform (1). A vacuum chamber is formed in the support platform (1), and multiple vacuum suction holes (11) are formed in the top wall of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum suction holes (11) are used to suck the flexible flat piece on the top surface of the support platform (1) to prevent the flexible flat piece from being moved while it is clamped by the fixture. In the present invention, the flexible flat piece is vacuum-adsorbed on the top surface of the support platform. Therefore, the flexible flat piece does not move, wrinkle, warp or deflect during the clamping process, making the clamping operation of the flexible flat piece very simple and easy, which can greatly improve the clamping efficiency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202322253097.4, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Office on August 21, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a fixation device, more particularly to a fixation device suitable for fixing a flexible flat piece. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, before crimping a terminal onto a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), the flexible flat cable or the flexible printed circuit board needs to be clamped and fixed with a fixture first. However, during the process of closing the fixture, the flexible flat cable or the flexible printed circuit board is easy to move. Therefore, in the prior art, it is necessary to hold the flexible flat cable or the flexible printed circuit board with a human hand to prevent the flexible flat cable or the flexible printed circuit board from moving during the clamping process. Additionally, due to the flexibility of the flexible flat cable or flexible printed circuit board, wrinkles, distortions, or even flexing may occur during the clamping process, requiring readjustment and replacement of the flexible flat cable or flexible printed circuit board. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention is directed to overcoming or alleviating at least one aspect of the above-mentioned disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fixing device for fixing a flexible flat piece is provided, the fixing device comprising a support platform for supporting the flexible flat piece and a fixture for clamping the flexible flat piece to the support platform. A vacuum chamber is formed in the support platform, and a number of vacuum suction holes are formed in an upper wall of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum suction holes are used to suck the flexible flat piece to the upper surface of the support platform to prevent the flexible flat piece from moving while the flexible flat piece is clamped by the fixture.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fixturing device further comprises a connecting tube connected to the support platform and in communication with the vacuum chamber.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of vacuum chambers are formed in the support platform, the plurality of vacuum chambers being separated from each other, and the fixing device includes a plurality of connecting tubes respectively connected to the plurality of vacuum chambers.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of vacuum holes in the top wall of the vacuum chamber are arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device further comprises a vacuum generating device coupled to the connecting tube for generating a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum generating device is a vacuum pump or a vacuum generator.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixture is rotatably mounted to the support platform and is rotatable relative to the support platform between a closed position in which it clamps the flexible flat piece and an open position in which it releases the flexible flat piece.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixation device further comprises a locking device attached to the support platform for locking the fixture in a closed position to prevent accidental opening of the fixture.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixture includes a backing plate having two opposite ends in a first horizontal direction and a pair of pivot arms fixed to opposite ends of the backing plate. The pivot arms are pivotally coupled to the support platform to allow the backing plate to rotate between a closed position and an open position. When the backing plate is pivoted to the closed position, the flexible flat piece is clamped between a bottom surface of the backing plate and a top surface of the support platform.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixture further includes a handle coupled to the backing plate such that the fixture is rotatable between the closed and open positions by manipulating the handle.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device further comprises a pair of mounting plates respectively fixed to opposite ends of the support platform in the first horizontal direction, and the fixture further comprises a pair of mounting shafts respectively fixed to the pair of rotating arms, mounting holes being formed in the mounting plates, the mounting shafts being rotatably engaged in the mounting holes, and the axes of the mounting shafts and the mounting holes extending along the first horizontal direction.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a locking hole is formed in the rotating arm of the fastener. The locking device comprises a locking pin adapted to move between a locked position in which it engages with the locking hole and an unlocked position in which it disengages from the locking hole, and a driver for driving the locking pin to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. When the fastener is rotated to the closed position and the locking pin is moved to the locked position, the locking pin engages with the locking hole to lock the fastener in the closed position.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device further comprises a pair of mounting brackets respectively secured to the pair of mounting plates, the fixing device comprising a pair of locking devices, drivers of the locking devices being respectively attached to the pair of mounting brackets.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driver is a cylinder, and a telescopic rod of the cylinder is coupled to the locking pin for driving the locking pin to move between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixation device further comprises a frame for mounting and supporting the support platform, the frame including a horizontal top plate, the support platform being movably mounted on the horizontal top plate such that the support platform can move along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device further comprises a sliding rail fixed to the upper surface of the horizontal top plate and extending along the second horizontal direction, and a slider fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform and slidably mated with the sliding rail, The support platform and the fixing device and the locking device attached to the support platform are movable together along the sliding rail.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixing device further comprises a driving device mounted on the horizontal top plate and a transmission mechanism coupled between the driving device and the support platform, The driving device is used to drive the support platform to move along the sliding rail.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism includes a rack fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform, and a gear rotatably mounted on the horizontal top plate and meshing with the rack, the drive device being a motor, and an output shaft of the motor is coupled to the gear for rotationally driving the gear.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum generating device is attached to the bottom surface of the horizontal top plate of the frame.

[0024] In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flexible flat piece is vacuum-adhered to the upper surface of the support platform, so that the flexible flat piece does not move, wrinkle, distort or bend during the clamping process, making the clamping operation of the flexible flat piece very simple and easy, and can greatly improve the clamping efficiency.

[0025] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. [Diagram 3] 1A-1C are exemplary exploded views of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a flexible flat piece is vacuum-adhered to the upper surface of a support platform. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a flexible flat piece is vacuum-adhered to the top surface of a support platform. [Figure 7] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0028] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fixing device for fixing a flexible flat piece is provided, the fixing device comprising a support platform for supporting the flexible flat piece and a fixture for clamping the flexible flat piece to the support platform. A vacuum chamber is formed in the support platform, and a number of vacuum suction holes are formed in an upper wall of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum suction holes are used to suck the flexible flat piece to the upper surface of the support platform to prevent the flexible flat piece from moving while the flexible flat piece is clamped by the fixture.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary exploded view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary perspective view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a flexible flat piece 7 is vacuum-attached to the upper surface of a support platform 1. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a flexible flat piece 7 is vacuum-attached to the upper surface of a support platform 1. FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fixation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1-7, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fixing device for fixing a flexible flat piece 7 is disclosed. The flexible flat piece 7 may be a flexible flat cable or a flexible printed circuit board. The fixing device includes a support platform 1 and a fixture 2. The support platform 1 is used to support the flexible flat piece 7. The fixture 2 is used to clamp the flexible flat piece 7 to the support platform 1. In the illustrated embodiment, a vacuum chamber 10 is formed in the support platform 1, and a number of vacuum suction holes 11 are formed in the upper wall of the vacuum chamber 10. The vacuum suction holes 11 are used to suck the flexible flat piece 7 to the upper surface of the support platform 1 to prevent the flexible flat piece 7 from moving while the flexible flat piece 7 is clamped by the fixture 2.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixturing device further comprises a connecting tube 12 connected to the support platform 1 and in communication with the vacuum chamber 10 .

[0033] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of vacuum chambers 10 are formed on a support platform 1, and the plurality of vacuum chambers 10 are separated from each other. The fixing device includes a plurality of connecting pipes 12 respectively connected to the plurality of vacuum chambers 10.

[0034] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of vacuum suction holes 11 in the upper wall of the vacuum chamber 10 are arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The arrangement density of the vacuum suction holes 11 may be set according to actual requirements.

[0035] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device further includes a vacuum generating device 3 connected to the connecting pipe 12 for generating a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 10. The vacuum generating device 3 may be a vacuum pump or a vacuum generator.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 2 is rotatably mounted to the support platform 1 and is rotatable relative to the support platform 1 between a closed position in which it clamps the flexible flat piece 7 and an open position in which it releases the flexible flat piece 7.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixation device further includes a locking device 5 attached to the support platform 1 for locking the fixture 2 in a closed position to prevent accidental opening of the fixture 2.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 2 includes a presser plate 21 and a pair of rotating arms 22. The presser plate 21 has two opposite ends in a first horizontal direction Y. The pair of rotating arms 22 are fixed to both ends of the presser plate 21, respectively. The rotating arms 22 are rotatably connected to the support platform 1, allowing the presser plate 21 to rotate between a closed position and an open position. When the presser plate 21 rotates to the closed position, the flexible flat piece 7 is clamped between a bottom surface of the presser plate 21 and an upper surface of the support platform 1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 2 further includes a handle 23 coupled to the pressure plate 21 such that the fixture 2 can be rotated between a closed position and an open position by manipulating the handle 23.

[0040] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device further comprises a pair of mounting plates 13 respectively fixed to opposite ends of the support platform 1 in the first horizontal direction Y. The fixture 2 further includes a pair of mounting shafts 24. The pair of mounting shafts 24 are respectively fixed to the pair of rotating arms 22. A mounting hole 134 is formed in the mounting plate 13, and the mounting shaft 24 is rotatably fitted in the mounting hole 134. The axes of the mounting shafts 24 and the mounting hole 134 extend along the first horizontal direction Y.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, a locking hole 22a is formed in the rotating arm 22 of the fixture 2. The locking device 5 includes a locking pin 52 and a driver 50. The locking pin 52 is adapted to move between a locking position where it engages with the locking hole 22a and an unlocking position where it disengages from the locking hole 22a. The driver 50 is used to drive the locking pin 52 to move between the locking position and the unlocking position. When the fixture 2 is rotated to the closed position and the locking pin 52 is moved to the locking position, the locking pin 52 engages with the locking hole 22a to lock the fixture 2 in the closed position.

[0042] 1-7 , in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device further comprises a pair of mounting brackets 6 respectively fixed to the pair of mounting plates 13. The fixing device includes a pair of locking devices 5, and drivers 50 of the pair of locking devices 5 are respectively attached to the pair of mounting brackets 6.

[0043] 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the driver 50 is a cylinder 50, and a telescopic rod 51 of the cylinder 50 is coupled to the locking pin 52 for driving the locking pin 52 to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the driver 50 may also be a hydraulic cylinder or an electromagnetic device.

[0044] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixation device further comprises a frame 4 for mounting and supporting the aforementioned support platform 1. The frame 4 includes a horizontal top plate 40, and the support platform 1 is movably mounted on the horizontal top plate 40 so as to be movable along a second horizontal direction X perpendicular to the first horizontal direction Y.

[0045] 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device further includes a sliding rail 45 and a slider 15. The sliding rail 45 is fixed to the upper surface of the horizontal top plate 40 and extends along the second horizontal direction X. The slider 15 is fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform 1 and slidably engages with the sliding rail 45. The support platform 1, as well as the fixture 2 and the locking device 5 attached to the support platform 1, are movable together along the sliding rail 45.

[0046] 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device further includes a driving device (not shown) and a transmission mechanism 14, 44. The driving device is attached to the horizontal top plate 40. The transmission mechanism 14, 44 is coupled between the driving device and the support platform 1. The driving device is used to drive the support platform 1 to move along the sliding rail 45.

[0047] 1 to 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the transmission mechanisms 14 and 44 include a rack 14 and a gear 44. The rack 14 is fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform 1. The gear 44 is rotatably attached to the horizontal top plate 40 and meshes with the rack 14. The driving device is a motor, and an output shaft of the motor is coupled to the gear 44 to rotate and drive the gear 44.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum generating device 3 is attached to the bottom surface of a horizontal top plate 40 of a frame 4.

[0049] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0050] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0051] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A fixing device for fixing a flexible flat piece (7), comprising: The fixation device comprises: - a support platform (1) for supporting said flexible flat piece (7); - a fixture (2) for clamping said flexible flat piece (7) to said support platform (1), A vacuum chamber (10) is formed in the support platform (1), and a plurality of vacuum suction holes (11) are formed in an upper wall of the vacuum chamber (10); The vacuum suction holes (11) are used to suck the flexible flat piece (7) onto the upper surface of the support platform (1) to prevent the flexible flat piece (7) from moving while it is clamped by the fixture (2). Fixed device.

2. a connecting pipe (12) connected to the support platform (1) and in communication with the vacuum chamber (10); The fixation device of claim 1 .

3. A plurality of vacuum chambers (10) are formed in the support platform (1), the plurality of vacuum chambers (10) being separated from one another; The fixing device includes a plurality of connecting pipes (12) respectively connected to the plurality of vacuum chambers (10). The fixation device according to claim 2 .

4. The plurality of vacuum suction holes (11) in the top wall of the vacuum chamber (10) are arranged in an array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The fixation device according to claim 2 .

5. a vacuum generating device (3) connected to the connecting pipe (12) for generating a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber (10); The fixation device according to claim 2 .

6. The vacuum generating device (3) is a vacuum pump or a vacuum generator; The fixation device according to claim 5.

7. The fixture (2) is rotatably mounted on the support platform (1); rotatable relative to the support platform (1) between a closed position in which it clamps the flexible flat piece (7) and an open position in which it releases the flexible flat piece (7); The fixation device according to claim 5.

8. a locking device (5) mounted on the support platform (1) for locking the fixture (2) in the closed position to prevent accidental opening of the fixture (2). The fixation device according to claim 7.

9. The fixing device (2) is a pressure plate (21) having two opposite ends in a first horizontal direction (Y); - a pair of rotating arms (22) fixed to both ends of the pressing plate (21), the rotating arm (22) is rotatably connected to the support platform (1) and enables the back plate (21) to rotate between the closed position and the open position; When the back plate (21) is rotated to the closed position, the flexible flat piece (7) is clamped between a bottom surface of the back plate (21) and the top surface of the support platform (1). The fixation device according to claim 8.

10. The fixture (2) further includes a handle (23) connected to the retaining plate (21), such that the fixture (2) is rotatable between the closed position and the open position by manipulating the handle (23). The fixation device according to claim 9.

11. a pair of mounting plates (13) respectively fixed to the opposite ends of the support platform (1) in the first horizontal direction (Y); The fixture (2) further includes a pair of mounting shafts (24) fixed to the pair of rotating arms (22), respectively; A mounting hole (134) is formed in the mounting plate (13), the mounting shaft (24) is rotatably fitted into the mounting hole (134), and the axes of the mounting shaft (24) and the mounting hole (134) extend along the first horizontal direction (Y); The fixation device according to claim 9.

12. A locking hole (22a) is formed in the rotating arm (22) of the fixing device (2), The locking device (5) - a locking pin (52) adapted to move between a locked position in engagement with said locking hole (22a) and an unlocked position in disengagement from said locking hole (22a); - a driver (50) for driving said locking pin (52) so that said locking pin (52) moves between said locked position and said unlocked position, When the fastener (2) is rotated to the closed position and the locking pin (52) is moved to the locking position, the locking pin (52) engages with the locking hole (22a) to lock the fastener (2) in the closed position. The fixation device according to claim 11.

13. The device further includes a pair of mounting brackets (6) fixed to the pair of mounting plates (13), respectively; The fixing device comprises a pair of locking devices (5), the drivers (50) of the locking devices (5) being respectively mounted on the pair of mounting brackets (6); The fixation device according to claim 12.

14. The driving body (50) is a cylinder (50), a telescopic rod (51) of the cylinder (50) is coupled to the locking pin (52) for driving the locking pin (52) to move between the locked position and the unlocked position; The fixation device according to claim 13.

15. A frame (4) for mounting and supporting said support platform (1), The frame (4) includes a horizontal top plate (40), and the support platform (1) is movably mounted on the horizontal top plate (40) so as to be movable along a second horizontal direction (X) perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (Y). The fixation device according to claim 9.

16. a slide rail (45) fixed to an upper surface of the horizontal upper plate (40) and extending along the second horizontal direction (X); a slider (15) fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform (1) and slidably fitted to the slide rail (45); The support platform (1), as well as the fixing device (2) and the locking device (5) mounted on the support platform (1), are movable together along the sliding rail (45); The fixation device according to claim 15.

17. A drive device installed on the horizontal top plate (40); a transmission mechanism (14, 44) connected between the drive device and the support platform (1); The drive device is used to drive the support platform (1) to move along the sliding rail (45). The fixation device according to claim 16.

18. The transmission mechanism (14, 44) a rack (14) fixed to the bottom surface of the support platform (1); a gear (44) rotatably mounted on the horizontal upper plate (40) and meshing with the rack (14); the drive device is a motor, the output shaft of the motor being coupled to the gear (44) for driving the gear (44) in rotation; The fixation device of claim 17.

19. The vacuum generating device (3) is installed on the bottom surface of the horizontal top plate (40) of the frame (4). The fixation device according to claim 15.

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