Inner support clamp

An inner support clamp is provided. The inner support clamp may include a first elastic component and a supporting component. The first elastic component may hermetically cover at least a portion of the supporting component such that the first elastic component expands outward when the first elastic component is inflated by an inflation and deflation device. The inner support clamp may be with a small size, a light weight, and/or a simple structure, thereby reducing the manufacture cost of the inner support clamp. The inner support clamp may clamp objects with different sizes and shapes rapidly and stably. For a fragile, soft, or bottle-shape object, or an object with a regular or irregular shape, the inner support clamp may clamp the object safely and not cause damage to the object.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a clamp, and in particular, to an inner support clamp.

BACKGROUND

On some occasions (e.g., in industrial production, daily life, etc.), an object may need to be clamped. However, sometimes, it is inconvenient to contact with an outside surface of the object directly. The object may be clamped by a clamping device that is supported by an inside wall of the object. For an object with a thin wall and/or a fragile inside wall, a rigid clamp (e.g., a rigid clamp made of metal, etc.) may cause damage to the object and cannot be used to clamp the object. For an object with a relatively small internal space or a complex contour, a customized clamp may need to be manufactured. Such customized claim may not be applied to other objects, have a high production cost of the clamp, and an unstable structure if it is improperly designed.

Conventionally, an interior support clamp may be used to clamp an object based on a deformation of an elastic structure driven by a cylinder. Due to the limitation of the diameter and/or the air pressure of the cylinder, the interior support clamp may be unsuitable to clamp a fragile object and/or a soft object (e.g., a glass product with a thin wall, a coarse embryo of ceramic product, etc.). Therefore, it is desirable to provide an internal support clamp that can be used in various occasions.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an inner support clamp is provided. The inner support clamp may include a supporting component and a first elastic component. A connection part may be disposed on the supporting component. The connection part may be connected to an external device. The first elastic component may hermetically cover at least a portion of the supporting component such that the first elastic component expands outward when the first elastic component is inflated by an inflation and deflation device.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing component may be disposed on at least one of an outer wall or an inner wall of the first elastic component. At least one of a wear layer, an anti-indentation layer, an oil-proof layer, or an anti-static layer may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing component may include at least one of a reinforcing rib or a rough surface, and the at least one of the reinforcing rib or the rough surface may be disposed on the first elastic component.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing rib may include at least one of a stripe-shaped protrusion, a wave-shaped protrusion, and a zigzag-shaped protrusion.

In some embodiments, the at least one of the outer wall or the inner wall of the first elastic component may include the rough surface, and the rough surface may have at least one of a texture and a micro bump.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component may include an elastic material.

In some embodiments, the elastic material may include silicone or rubber.

In some embodiments, a waist of the first elastic component may be concaved when the inner support clamp is in a mounting state. The first elastic component may have a conformal shape when the inner support clamp is in the mounting state.

In some embodiments, an internal concave portion may be disposed in a central part of the supporting component. A chamber may be formed between the first elastic component and the supporting component.

In some embodiments, a clamping part may be disposed on the supporting component. An end of the first elastic component may be engaged with the clamping part when the inner support clamp is in a mounting state, and the first elastic component may hermetically cover at least a portion of the supporting component.

In some embodiments, the connection part disposed on the supporting component may include a thread connection part or an engagement connection part.

In some embodiments, a first gas channel may be disposed within the supporting component. A chamber formed between the first elastic component and the supporting component may be connected to the inflation and deflation device through the first gas channel.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a connection component. The connection component may be connected to the supporting component and configured to connect the inner support clamp to the external device.

In some embodiments, the connection component may include an upper connection unit and a lower connection unit. The upper connecting unit may be connected to the external device and the lower connection unit may be connected to the connection part disposed on the supporting component.

In some embodiments, the upper connection unit may include a thread connection unit or an engagement connection unit. The lower connection unit may include a second thread connection unit or a second engagement connection unit.

In some embodiments, the connection component may further include a crimping unit. The crimping unit may include a protrusion unit formed between the upper connection unit and the lower connection unit, the protrusion unit protruding outward along a radial direction of the inner support clamp. The crimping unit may press the first elastic component against the supporting component when the inner support clamp is in a mounting state.

In some embodiments, a second gas channel may be disposed in the connection component. A chamber formed between the first elastic component and the supporting component may be connected to the inflation and deflation device through the second gas channel.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may include a sealing component. The sealing component may be disposed at a joint between the first elastic component and the supporting component to seal the inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the sealing component may include a sealing block. An inner wall of the sealing block may be hermetically connected to an outer wall of the joint between the first elastic component and the supporting component.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a gas supplying interface. A chamber formed between the first elastic component and the supporting component may be connected to the inflation and deflation device through the gas supplying interface.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a telescoping mechanism. The supporting component may be connected to the telescoping mechanism directly or via the connection component.

In some embodiments, the telescoping mechanism may include a telescoping rod. The supporting component may be connected to a telescoping end of the telescoping rod directly or via the connection component, or the telescoping mechanism may include a spring and a traction unit, the supporting component may be connected to the spring and the traction unit directly or via the connection component, and the supporting component may be retractable along with a stretch of the spring caused by the traction of the traction unit.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a buffer component. The supporting component may be connected to the buffer component directly or via the connection component.

In some embodiments, the buffer component may include at least one of a buffer, a buffer pad, a buffer sheet, or a buffer spring, or the buffer component may include a telescoping mechanism, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The telescoping mechanism and the pressure sensor may be connected to the controller. The supporting component may be connected to the telescoping mechanism. The pressure sensor may be disposed at a joint between the supporting component and the telescoping mechanism.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp is provided. The clamp may include an inner support clamp and an external clamp. The external clamp may be disposed on the inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the external clamp may include a flexible gripper. The flexible gripper may be coaxial with the inner support clamp. The flexible gripper and the inner support clamp may be movable relative to each other. The flexible gripper may clamp an object to be clamped when the clamp is in use. The external clamp may include at least one of a ring-shaped airbag clamp, a hydraulic gripper, a pneumatic gripper, or an electric gripper.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp is provided. The clamp may include an inner support clamp and a guiding device. The guiding device may be detachably disposed on the inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the guiding device may have a shape of a taper or a trumpet. The guiding device may be detachably disposed at an extending end of the inner support clamp via a thread connection or an engagement connection.

In some embodiments, the guiding device may include a guide rod and a guide sleeve. The inner support clamp may be mechanically connected to the guide rod. The guide sleeve may be sleeved on the guide rod. A position limiting groove may be disposed on the guide rod along an axial direction of the guide rod. A position limiting protrusion may be disposed within the guide sleeve. When the clamp is in a mounting state, the position limiting protrusion may be engaged in the position limiting protrusion to prevent the guide rod from rotating within the guide sleeve and cause the inner support clamp to move with the guide rod along a direction limited by the guide sleeve.

In some embodiments, the clamp may further include an external clamp. The external clamp may be disposed on the inner support clamp.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp is provided. The clamp may include an inner support clamp and a disengagement device. In some embodiments, the disengagement device may include an air-jet structure. The air-jet structure may be disposed on the inner support clamp, and the air-jet structure may be connected to the inflation and deflation device when the disengagement device is in use. In some embodiments, the disengagement device may include a telescoping push rod, and the telescopic push rod may be disposed on the inner support clamp. In some embodiments, the disengagement device may include a vibration device, and the inner support clamp may be disposed on the vibration device.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner support clamp is provided. The inner support clamp may include a gas channel, an airbag, a supporting component, and a connection component. The airbag may include an elastic material and cover at least a portion of the supporting component. A chamber may be formed between the airbag and the supporting component. At least one port of the gas channel may pass through the supporting component and connected to the chamber. The connection component may be connected to the supporting component and configured to connect the inner support clamp to an external device.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a sealing component configured to seal the inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the sealing component may be disposed an outer wall of the airbag or the supporting component.

In some embodiments, the sealing component may include a sealing block. An inner wall of the sealing block may be hermetically connected to the outer wall of the airbag or the supporting component.

In some embodiments, a waist of the airbag may be concaved.

In some embodiments, the airbag may include silica gel.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may further include a gas supplying interface. A port of the gas supplying interface may be connected to a port of the gas channel, and another port of the gas supplying interface may be connected to an inflation and deflation device.

In some embodiments, the airbag may cover an outer surface of the supporting component.

In some embodiments, the connection component may be connected to the outer surface of the supporting component in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the connection component may be connected to one or more second clamps.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp further may include a bracket. The bracket may be connected to the connection component and one or more second clamps.

In some embodiments, the one or more second clamps may include at least one second inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may include a gas channel control component. The gas channel control component may be connected to one or more gas channels of the at least one second inner support clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an exemplary inner support clamp100according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.1, the inner support clamp100may include a first elastic component2and a supporting component3.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may be disposed on the supporting component3and hermetically cover the entire or a portion of an outer surface of the supporting component3.

In some embodiments, a clamping part31may be disposed on the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is in a mounting state, an upper end and/or a lower end of the first elastic component2may be engaged with the clamping part31. The first elastic component2may be hermetically disposed on the supporting component3and cover the entire of the outer surface of the supporting component3. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the clamping part31may be disposed on each of a first end (also referred to as a top end) and a second end (also referred to as a bottom end) of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is in the mounting state, the first elastic component2may be disposed on the supporting component3. The upper end of the first elastic component2may be mounted on the clamping part31that is disposed on the first end of the supporting component3. The lower end of the first elastic component2may be mounted on the clamping part31that is disposed on the second end of the supporting component3. The upper end and/or the lower end of the first elastic component2may be hermetically connected to the clamping part(s)31via various sealing modes, such as an adhesive sealing mode, a pressure sealing mode, an engagement sealing mode, a sealing mode using a sealing element, etc. In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may be sleeved on the supporting component3, cover the entire of the outer surface of the supporting component3, and hermetically connected to the supporting component3. The first elastic component2may cover the outer surface of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is inflated (i.e., the inner support clamp100is in a positive air pressure state), the inner support clamp100may have the shape of a lantern, an ellipsoid, a drum, etc.

FIG.6is a schematic diagram illustrating the inner support clamp100when it is inflated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the inner support clamp100as shown inFIG.6.

As shown inFIGS.6-7, when the inner support clamp100is inflated, the first elastic component2may contact with an inner surface of an object along the circumference of the first elastic component2to clamp the object.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may be hermetically disposed on the supporting component3and cover a portion of an outer surface of the supporting component3.

For example, the clamping part31may be disposed on the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is in a mounting state, an upper end and/or the lower end of the first elastic component2may be engaged with the clamping part(s)31. The first elastic component2may be hermetically disposed on the supporting component3and cover a portion of the outer surface of the supporting component3.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an exemplary inner support clamp200according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2, a clamping part31may be disposed on each of a central part and a bottom part of an outer surface of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp200is in a mounting state, a first elastic component2may be disposed on the supporting component3. An upper end of the first elastic component2may be disposed on the clamping part31that is disposed on the central part of the supporting component3. A lower end of the first elastic component2may be disposed on the clamping part31that is disposed on a bottom end of the supporting component3. The upper end and/or the lower end of the first elastic component2may be hermetically connected to the clamping part(s)31via various sealing modes, such as an adhesive sealing mode, a pressure sealing mode, an engagement sealing mode, a sealing mode using a sealing element, etc. The first elastic component2may be sleeved on the supporting component3, cover a portion of the outer surface of the supporting component3, and hermetically connected to the supporting component3.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may include a cylindrical elastic component, which may be formed integrally or by an elastic sheet in a curled manner.

The cylindrical elastic component may be disposed on the supporting component3and cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the supporting component3. That is, the cylindrical elastic component may be disposed on the supporting component3and cover the entire or a portion of the outer surface of the supporting component3. A chamber (e.g., an airbag) may be formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp200is in a mounting state or use, the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be connected to an inflation and deflation device. The chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be inflated with a gas, which may cause an outward expansion of the first elastic component2. When the gas inflated into the chamber is deflated, the first elastic component2may shrink. When the first elastic component2is in an uninflated state or an evacuated state, the inner support clamp200may be inserted into an object. The inflation and deflation device may inflate gas into the chamber between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3to cause an outward expansion of the first elastic component2, and the expanded first elastic component2may generate a clamping force on the object. The first elastic component2may clamp the object using the clamping force.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the inner support clamp100when in use according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, the first elastic component2may be placed within an object410, and the first elastic component2may be expanded outward and generate a clamping force to clamp the object410.

After the first elastic component2clamps the object410, the gas in the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be deflated, and the inner support clamp100may be taken out from the object410. The air pressure in the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be determined and/or adjusted according to an actual need, and the clamping force of the first elastic component2on the object may be adjusted, so that the inner support clamp100may be suitable for clamping various objects, even an object with a thin wall or a fragile object.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may include an airbag. The airbag may be disposed on the supporting component3and hermetically cover the entire or a portion of the outer surface of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp is in a mounting state or in use, the airbag may be connected to an inflation and deflation device. In some embodiments, the airbag may be placed into an object and expanded outward to clamp the object after the inflation and deflation device inflates gas into the airbag. In some embodiments, the inflation and deflation device may deflate the gas in the airbag, and airbag may shrink.

In some embodiments, a waist of the first elastic component2may be concaved.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an exemplary inner support clamp300according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.3, the inner support clamp300may include a first elastic component2and a supporting component3.

When the first elastic component2is not inflated or deflated (i.e., the inner support clamp300has a negative air pressure), the first elastic component2may be in a loosen state or a contracted state. The first elastic component2may have a concaved shape along a vertical direction (i.e., a radial direction of the first elastic component2). In some embodiments, the concaved shape may increase a surface area of the first elastic component2and improve an expansion range of the first elastic component2when the first elastic component2is expanded.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may have a conformal shape. A conformal shape refers to that the surface of the first elastic component2that fits well with a surface of an object to be clamped. For example, an outer surface (e.g., a texture of the outer surface) of the first elastic component2may be specially designed so that it fits with a surface (e.g., a texture of the surface) of the object. As another example, the shape of the first elastic component2may be the same (or substantially the same) as that of the object. For example, the shape of the first elastic component2may be the same as that of the object410as shown inFIG.4. As yet another example, the surface of the first elastic component2may include one or more characteristics or textures, which may limit an expanding direction of the first elastic component2and improve the frictional force between the first elastic component2and the object. More descriptions regarding the characteristics or textures of the first elastic component2may be found elsewhere in the present disclosure. See, e.g.,FIG.15and the relevant descriptions thereof.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may include an elastic material (e.g., a highly elastic material). The first elastic component2including the elastic material may be easily and quickly deformed under the force of air pressure, which may be suitable for industrial applications.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may include silica gel. Exemplary silica gel may include a hot vulcanization type solid organic silica gel, a fluorine silica gel, a liquid silica gel, etc. The silica gel may have a temperature stability in different temperatures, a wide hardness range (e.g., 10-80 Shore hardness), a chemical resistance, a relatively great sealing performance, a relatively great electrical property, a relatively great compression resistance performance, or the like, or any combination thereof. Compared with conventional organic elastic material, the silica gel may be more easily to be processed and/or manufactured. The silica gel may be molded, calendered, and/or extruded with relatively low energy consumption, thereby improving the production efficiency of the silica gel. A tensile strength refers to a force per unit which is used to stretch or pull a silica gel before breaking the silica gel. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the hot vulcanization type solid organic silica gel may be 4.0 MPa˜12.5 MPa. The tensile strength of the fluorine silica gel may be 8.7 MPa˜12.1 MPa. The tensile strength of the liquid silica gel may be 3.6 MPa˜11.0 MPa. An elongation may measure a maximum extension length of a material before the material is broke. For example, the elongation may be a ratio of the maximum extension length to an original length of the material. The elongation of the hot vulcanization type solid organic silica gel may be 90%˜1120%. The elongation of the fluorine silica gel may be 159%˜699%. The elongation of the liquid silica gel may be 220%˜900%. The elongations of different silica gel are provided for illustration purpose and are not intended to be limiting. For example, different processing methods, curing agents, temperature, or the like, may change the elongation of a material.

Manufacturing the first elastic component2using silica gel may solve some problems of conventional inner support clamps. For example, as shown inFIG.4, when the inner surface of the object410to be clamped has a relatively complex contour, the silica gel may be deformed to improve the fitting degree between the first elastic component2and the object410. The first elastic component2may not need to be specially designed and the clamping efficiency of the inner support clamp may be improved.

The inner support clamp with the airbag disclosed in the present disclosure may be used for clamping various object (e.g., an object with a complex contour, a fragile object, an object with a thin wall, etc.), thereby improving the versatility of the inner support clamp, reducing the production cost of the inner support clamp, increasing the service life of the inner support clamp, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing component9may be disposed on an outer wall and/or an inner wall of the first elastic component2as shown inFIG.1. In some embodiments, the reinforcing component9may include one or more reinforcing ribs disposed on the first elastic component2.

The reinforcing rib(s) may include a stripe-shaped protrusion, a wave-shaped protrusion, a zigzag-shaped protrusion, or the like, or any combination thereof. As shown inFIG.1, the reinforcing rib(s) may be disposed on an outer wall of the first elastic component2, and have an annular protrusion structure that extends along a circumferential direction of the first elastic component2, and protrudes along a radial direction of the first elastic component2. As another example, the reinforcing rib(s) may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2in an axial direction and protrude outward in the radial direction. In some embodiments, the count of the reinforcing rib may be determined based on an actual need, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs may be evenly disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2. In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcing ribs may be disposed on the outer surface of the first elastic component2in different manners as required.

The reinforcing rib(s) disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2may increase the friction coefficient of the outer wall of the first elastic component2, and accordingly improve the friction force between the outer wall of the first elastic component2and an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp100, thereby improving the clamping stability of the inner support clamp100. In addition, the reinforcing rib(s) disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2may reinforce the first elastic component2(e.g., an airbag), thereby increasing the strength, the local stiffness, and the service life of the first elastic component2. In some embodiments, when the first elastic component2is in an expanded state, the shape of the first elastic component2may be adjusted by adjusting a count, a size, an arrangement, etc., of the reinforcing rib(s).

For example, one or more reinforcing ribs may be evenly disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2, and the size of each of the one or more reinforcing ribs may be set relatively small so that when the first elastic component2is inflated, different portions of the first elastic component2may expand outward simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. As another example, a plurality of reinforcing ribs having a relatively large size and spaced apart from each other by a certain distance may be arranged, so that when the first elastic component2is inflated, a plurality of expansion portions (e.g., expansion portions as shown inFIG.7andFIG.15) with different lengths and/or different diameters may be formed. Merely by way of example, when the first elastic component2is inflated, an expansion portion with a relatively small diameter may be formed on the top of the first elastic component2, and an expansion portion with a relatively large diameter may be formed on the bottom of the first elastic component2.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing component may be disposed on or formed by an inner wall of the first elastic component2. The reinforcing component disposed on or formed by the inner wall of the first elastic component2may work together with the reinforcing component9disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2, thereby improving the strength, the local stiffness, and/or the service life of the first elastic component2, and adjusting the shape of the first elastic component2when the first elastic component2is in the expanded state.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing component9may include a rough surface of the first elastic component2.

The rough surface may include at least one of a texture and/or a micro bump disposed on the first elastic component2. For example, the rough surface may include a plurality of spherical crown-shaped protrusion and/or textures disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2in a uniform or non-uniform manner. In some embodiments, the rough surface may improve the friction coefficient of the outer wall of the first elastic component2, and accordingly improve the friction force between the outer wall of the first elastic component2and an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp, thereby improving the clamping stability of the inner support clamp.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may include a wear layer, an anti-indentation layer, an oil-proof layer, an anti-static layer, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, other material may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2, for example, in a coating manner, a soaking manner, etc. The material disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2may improve the wear resistance performance, the scratch-resistant performance, the oil resistance performance, the anti-static performance, and the like, of the first elastic component2.

For example, a wear layer may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2by spraying a wear-resistant coating (e.g., KN17 polymer ceramic polymer coating, KN7051 silicon carbide ceramic coating, etc.) on the outer wall of the first elastic component2. As another example, an oil-proof layer may be formed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2by soaking the first elastic component2into an oil-proof agent (e.g., a chromium complex of perfluoro carboxylic acid, a fluoro hydrocarbon acrylate resin, an organic fluorinated compound such as fluorocarbon sulfonyl ethyl acrylate, etc.). As still another example, an anti-static layer may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2by spraying an anti-static material (e.g., an anti-static carbon-based coating, an anti-static metal-based coating an anti-static metal oxide-based coating, an alkyd-type anti-static coating, an acrylic-type anti-static coating, an epoxy-type anti-static coating, a polyurethane-type anti-static coating, etc.) on the outer wall of the first elastic component2or soaking the first elastic component2into the anti-static material. As still another example, an anti-indentation layer may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2by spraying an anti-fingerprint coating agent on the outer wall of the first elastic component2or soaking the first elastic component2into the anti-fingerprint coating agent. Alternatively, a pressure-relief film may be disposed on the outer wall of the first elastic component2to form the anti-indentation layer.

In some embodiments, a connection part32may be disposed on the supporting component3and connected to an external device.

In some embodiments, the connection part32may include a thread connection part, an engagement connection part, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the supporting component3may be connected to the external device via the thread connection part in a thread connection manner, the engagement connection part in an engagement connection manner, or the like. In some embodiments, the supporting component3may be connected to the connection component4in a thread connection manner, an engagement connection manner, etc., and the connection component4may be connected to the external device, thereby establishing a connection between the supporting component3and the external device.

In some embodiments, an internal concave portion33may be disposed on a central part of the supporting component3as shown inFIGS.1-3. A diameter of the central part of the supporting component3may be less than a diameter of each of the two ends of the supporting component3. That is, a diameter of the supporting component3may be gradually increased from the central part to each of the two ends of the supporting component3. In such cases, a chamber may be formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3when the first elastic component2is sleeved on the supporting component3to cover a portion of the supporting component3. An airbag-like structure may be formed in the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3. In some embodiments, after the inner support clamp clamps an object, it is likely that the first elastic component2may be unable to be separated from the object as required, for example, because of the electrostatic adsorption, etc. In such cases, an inflation and deflation device may be used to extract all or a portion of the gas between the first elastic component2and the internal concave portion33to contract the first elastic component2and separate the first elastic component2from the object.

In some embodiments, a first gas channel1may be disposed in the supporting component3as shown inFIGS.1-3.

The chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be connected to the inflation and deflation device through the first gas channel1. For example, the inflation and deflation device may be connected to an airbag through the first gas channel1.

In some embodiments, the first gas channel1may include a main gas channel and a plurality of branch gas channels. As shown inFIG.5, the first gas channel1may include a main channel11and six branch gas channels12. The chamber between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3or the airbag may be connected to the main gas channel through the plurality of branch gas channels. The main gas channel11may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. In some embodiments, the main gas channel11may be disposed in the supporting component3, and one port of the main gas channel11may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. The plurality of branch gas channels12may be disposed between the main gas channel11and the chamber (or the airbag). A port of each of the plurality of branch gas channels12may be connected to the main gas channel11and the other port of each of the plurality of branch gas channels may be connected to the chamber. Using a plurality of ports of the plurality of branch gas channels may improve the efficiency of gas exchange between the inner support clamp and the inflation and deflation device.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may include a connection component4. The connection component4may be configured to connect the inner support clamp to an external device.

As shown inFIGS.3,7, and10, the connection component4may be connected to the supporting component3. The supporting component3and the first elastic component2may be connected to the external device through the connection component4.

In some embodiments, the connection component4may include an upper connection unit44and a lower connection unit45. The upper connecting unit44may be connected to an external device, and the lower connection unit45may be connected to the connection part32disposed on the supporting component3.

FIG.10is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an inner support clamp1000according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.10, the connection component4may include an upper connection unit44and a lower connection unit45. The upper connection unit44may include a threaded connection unit, an engagement connection unit, etc. The lower connection unit45may include a second thread connection unit, a second engagement connection unit, etc. When the inner support clamp1000is in a mounting state, the connection component4may be connected to a connection part32disposed on the supporting component3via a thread connection manner or an engagement connection manner through the lower connection unit45, and the connection component4may be connected to the supporting component3. In some embodiments, the connection component4may be detachably connected to the supporting component3. When one or more components (e.g., a first elastic component2, a supporting component3, the connection component4, etc.) of the inner support clamp1000are damaged, the damaged component(s) of the inner support clamp1000may be replaced without replacing other normal components, thereby saving the cost of using the inner support clamp1000. In some embodiments, the connection component4may be non-detachably connected to the supporting component3. For example, the connection component4and the supporting component3may be integrated formed, which may improve the stability of the inner support clamp1000.

In some embodiments, the connection component4may be connected to an outer surface of the supporting component3along a vertical direction as shown inFIG.10, which may increase a contact area between the first elastic component2and an inner side of an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp1000, and make the inner support clamp1000easy to use. In some embodiments, the connection component4may be connected to a horizontal outer surface of the supporting component3through the first elastic component2as shown inFIG.3andFIG.4. When an airbag is inflated, the airbag through which the connection component4passes may expand freely, and the airbag may be connected to an inner surface of the object.

In some embodiments, the connection component4may include a crimping unit46as shown inFIG.10.

In some embodiments, the crimping unit46may include a protrusion portion disposed between the upper connection unit44and the lower connection unit45. The crimping unit46may protrude outward along a radial direction of the inner support clamp1000. As shown inFIG.10, when the inner support clamp1000is in the mounting state, the crimping unit46may press the first elastic component2against the supporting component3to ensure the sealing between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, a sealing ring, a sealing gasket, etc., may be disposed between the first elastic component2and a clamping part of the supporting component3to further ensure the sealing between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3.

In some embodiments, a second gas channel may be disposed in the connection component4.

The airbag and/or the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be connected to the inflation and deflation device through the second gas channel.

In some embodiments, when the inner support clamp1000is in the mounting state, the second gas channel may be connected to the first gas channel1disposed in the supporting component3, and accordingly, the airbag or the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and the outer surface of the supporting component3may be connected to the inflation and deflation device.

In some embodiments, to improve the sealing of the inner support clamp1000and prevent the airbag from leaking and/or deforming, the inner support clamp1000may include a sealing component5as shown inFIGS.1and10.

The sealing component5may include one or more static sealing components, one or more dynamic sealing components, or the like, or any combination thereof. The static sealing component(s) may include a gasket, a sealant, or other direct contact sealing components. The dynamic sealing component may include a rotatory sealing component, a reciprocating sealing component, or the like, or any combination thereof. According to whether the sealing component is in contact with a component that moves relative to the sealing component, the sealing component5may be classified as a contact type sealing component or a non-contact type sealing component. According to a contact position of the sealing component5and a component that moves relative to the sealing component5, the sealing component5may be classified as a circumferential sealing component or an end face sealing component. The end face sealing component may be also referred to as a mechanical sealing component. Considering the complexity of assembly and disassembly of the sealing component, the sealing component5used in some embodiments of the present disclosure may be an end face sealing component. In some embodiments, a shape of the sealing component5may be determined based on the shape of an inner contact surface between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. The shape of the sealing component5may include a ring, a concave-convex shape, etc. An outer surface of the sealing component5may be hermetically connected to the inner contact surface between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, the sealing component5may be disposed on outside of the first elastic component2and/or the supporting component3. For example, the sealing component5may be hermetically connected to the outside of the first elastic component2and/or supporting component3using a gasket and/or a sealant.

In some embodiments, the sealing component5may include a sealing block51. As shown inFIG.3, an inner wall of the sealing block51may be hermetically connected to outer walls of the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, the sealing block51may include an upper sealing block and/or a lower sealing block. The upper sealing block may be disposed at a joint between an upper end of the first elastic component2and a top end of the supporting component3, and the lower sealing block may be disposed at a joint between a lower end of the first elastic component2and a bottom end of the supporting component3. Compared with other sealing components, the sealing component5may be easy to install or disassemble, and more suitable for industrial use. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the sealing block51may be connected to the supporting component3via a fastening screw8, and the inner wall of sealing block51may be hermetically connected with the outer walls of the first elastic component2and the supporting component3.

FIG.12is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of an inner support clamp1200according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.12, a sealing component (e.g., the sealing component5) may further include a sub-sealing component52. The sub-sealing component52may include a sealing screw. The sub-sealing component52may be configured to connect an upper sealing component and a lower sealing component of the inner support clamp1200, and squeeze the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component toward an edge of a first elastic component2, thereby achieving a physical connection between the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component and improving the gas tightness of the inner support clamp1200. In some embodiments, the sub-sealing component52may be a screw with a relatively long length as shown inFIG.12or a screw with a relatively short length. The sub-sealing component52may further connect a sealing component (e.g., the sealing component5) and a supporting component (e.g., the supporting component3), and squeeze the sealing component and the supporting component toward the edge of the first elastic component2, thereby achieving a physical connection between the sealing component and the supporting component and improving the gas tightness of the inner support clamp1200. The implementation of the sub-sealing component52is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp1200may include a gas supplying interface6.

The airbag or the chamber formed between the first elastic component2and an outer surface of the supporting component (e.g., the supporting component3) may be connected to an inflation and deflation device through the gas supplying interface6.

In some embodiments, the gas supplying interface6may be directly disposed on the first elastic component2. One end of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to the inside of the first elastic component2and the other end of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to the inflation and deflation device, and accordingly, the inside of the first elastic component2may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. The first elastic component2may expand when the inflation and deflation device inflates gas into the first elastic component2, and the first elastic component2may recover or contract when the gas in the first elastic component2is deflated or exhausted.

In some embodiments, the gas supplying interface6may be disposed on a connection component (e.g., the connection component4) or the supporting component. As shown inFIG.3, the gas channel disposed on the connection component4and/or the supporting component3may be connected to one end of the gas supplying interface6, and the other end of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to the inflation and deflation device, and accordingly the first elastic component2may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. The first elastic component2may expand when the inflation and deflation device inflates a gas into the first elastic component2, and the first elastic component2may recover and/or contract when the first elastic component2is deflated or exhausted.

In some embodiments, the inflation and deflation device may include an electric inflation and deflation device, a circulating inflation and deflation device, a gas extraction device, a gas generator, a gas storage device, etc.

A port of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to a port of the gas channel disposed on the connection component and/or the supporting component, and the other port of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. For example, a gas storage tank may be connected to the gas supplying interface6through a device or a joint (e.g., a solenoid valve) that may be used in a gas inflation and/or deflation. As another example, a gas generator may be connected to the gas supplying interface6through a device or a joint (e.g., the solenoid valve). In some embodiments, the gas generator may be disposed in the first elastic component2. The pressure of the first elastic component2may be controlled and/or adjusted by a pneumatic system (e.g., the inflation and deflation device not shown in the figure), thereby improving the control accuracy of the expansion of the first elastic component2.

In some embodiments, a plurality of inner support clamps described in the present disclosure may be used independently or in combination.

In some embodiments, a connection component (e.g., the connection component4) of an inner support clamp may include a thread connection unit, an engagement connection unit, etc., and the connection component4may be connected to an external device via a thread connection manner, an engagement connection manner, etc. In some embodiments, the connection component may include an upper connection part and/or a lower connection part. For example, the inner support clamp may include one or both of the upper connection part and the lower connection part, which may be determined based on an actual need. The inner support clamp may be used independently or together with one or more other second inner support clamps.

FIG.11is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined clamp1100including a plurality of inner support clamps according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.12is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the combined clamp shown inFIG.11.

As shown inFIG.11andFIG.12, the plurality of inner support clamps (i.e., an inner support clamp1110, an inner support clamp1120, an inner support clamp1130) may be combined in series via a connection component (e.g., the connection component4as described in connection withFIGS.3,4,6-8, and10). The combined clamp1100may be easily assembled and/or disassembled using the connection components, and the length of the combined clamp1100may be adjusted based on an actual need.

As shown inFIG.12, the connection component may include a mounting unit41and a connection unit42. The mounting unit41may be configured to connect the combined clamp1200with an external device. The connection unit42may be configured to connect two adjacent inner support clamps.

Optionally, the connection component may include a screw43. In some embodiments, the screw43may include a screw with a relatively long length, which may be used to connect an inner support clamp to an adjacent inner support clamp or a mounting unit. In some embodiments, the screw43may include a screw with a relatively short length, which may be used to physically connect two supporting components (e.g., two supporting components3as described in connection withFIGS.1-4,7, and10) of two adjacent inner support clamps.

Main gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps may be connected to each other through the connection component(s). The pneumatic control of the plurality of inner support clamps may be performed by a gas supplying interface6. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing component (e.g., a sealing ring53) may be disposed at the joint between the main gas channel(s) and other components of the combined clamp1200to ensure the sealing of the combined clamp1200.

In some embodiments, the first elastic component2may deform if the air pressure changes. For an inner support clamp, if the air pressures at different positions of the first elastic component2are the same, the pressure of the first elastic component2on an inner surface of an object to be clamped may be the same, the inner support clamp may cause damage to the object when the thickness of the object is variable along a vertical direction. The combined clamp1200may include a gas channel controller configured to control the connection of a plurality of gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps. The gas channel controller (not shown inFIG.11andFIG.12) may be disposed in the connection unit42shown inFIG.12, thereby realizing an independent control of deflation or inflation of each of the plurality of inner support clamps. In some embodiments, the gas channel controller may include an air valve. In some embodiments, the plurality of the gas supplying interfaces6may be directly connected to each other via the connection component(s). In such cases, one or more gas channel controllers may be disposed between the plurality of gas supplying interfaces6and the inflation and deflation device. By controlling each of the one or more gas channel controllers, the deflation or inflation of a corresponding inner support clamp may be controlled.

FIG.13is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary combined clamp1300in a deflated state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.14is a schematic diagram illustrating the combined clamp1300in an inflated state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the combined clamp1300may be manufactured by combining a plurality of inner support clamps (e.g., the inner support clamps100).

As shown inFIG.13, the combined clamp1300may include a bracket7. The bracket7may be connected to a connection component4and configured to establish a connection between each two adjacent inner support clamps of the combined clamp1300. Compared with the combined clamp described in connection withFIG.11and/orFIG.12, the combined clamp1300may be manufactured by arranging a plurality of inner support clamps in parallel. An airbag of each of the inner support clamp of the combined clamp1300may cover a portion of an outer surface of the supporting component3along a horizontal direction. The combined clamp1300may be manufactured by selecting and/or combining the bracket7and the plurality of inner support clamps according to an actual need. A plurality of contact points or contact surfaces may be formed between the combined clamp1300and an inner surface of the object to be clamped.

As shown inFIG.13, three inner support clamps may be connected via the bracket7, and three contact surfaces may be formed between the combined clamp1300and the object to be clamped.FIG.13illustrates a front view of the combined clamp1300when the combined clamp1300is contracted.FIG.14is a schematic diagram illustrating the combined clamp1300when each inner support clamp of the combined clamp1300as shown inFIG.13is in an expanded state. A combined clamp may be manufactured by combining a plurality of inner support clamps using a flexible bracket (e.g., the bracket7). Such combined clamp may be easily designed and manufactured, and can be used to clamp an object with a large internal dimension. In some embodiments, the size of the bracket7may be adjusted. For example, the size of the bracket7may be adjusted by changing the length of a connection arm of the bracket7.

In some embodiments, gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps of a combined clamp may be connected. For example, the main gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps may be directly connected. Alternatively, gas supplying interfaces of the plurality of inner support clamps may be directly connected. An inflation and deflation device may be used to deflate or inflate the plurality of inner support clamps. If the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps of a combined clamp are connected, the combined clamp may include a gas channel controller for controlling the connection of the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps. The gas channel controller may be disposed at joints of the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps, or joints of the gas supplying interfaces of the plurality of inner support clamps.

In some embodiments, a plurality of clamps of a combined clamp may be of the same type or different types. The combined clamp may include an inner support clamp, an external support clamp, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, an inner support clamp may include a combined inner support clamp. As another example, the combined clamp may be formed by combining a plurality of combined inner support clamps, each of which includes a plurality of inner support clamps in series or a plurality of inner support clamps in parallel. The size of each of the first elastic component2, the supporting component3, the connection component4, and the bracket7in some embodiments of the present disclosure may be determined according to the object to be clamped.

In some embodiments, an inner support clamp may also include a telescoping mechanism10as shown inFIGS.15and16.

A supporting component (e.g., the supporting component3as described in connection withFIGS.1-4,7, and10) of the inner support clamp may be connected to the telescoping mechanism10directly or through a connection component4, etc. A first elastic component (e.g., the first elastic component2) may move with the expansion and contraction of the telescoping mechanism10. The connection component4may be connected to a telescoping end of the telescoping mechanism10through a thread connection unit, and the first elastic component may move with the expansion and/or contraction of the telescoping mechanism10.

In some embodiments, the telescoping mechanism10may include a telescoping rod, for example, an electric telescoping rod, a hydraulic telescoping rod, a pneumatic telescoping rod, etc.

In some embodiments, the telescoping mechanism10may include a spring101and a traction unit102(e.g., a traction wire, a traction rope, a traction rod, etc.) as shown inFIG.23. The supporting component3may be connected to the spring101and the traction unit102directly or through the connection component4. The traction unit102may guide the supporting component3to move up and down, and the supporting component3may expand or contract with the expansion and contraction of the spring101under the traction of the traction unit102.

In some embodiments, the connection component4may be part of the telescoping mechanism10. For example, the connection component4may be a portion of the telescoping end of the telescoping mechanism10. Merely by way of example, the connection component4may be a portion of the telescoping end of the telescoping rod.

The inner support clamp with the telescoping mechanism10may be used to clamp an object in a special scenario. For example, a plurality of objects to be clamped are densely stacked (e.g., densely packed bottle-shape objects), and heights of a part of the plurality of objects are lower than heights of surrounding objects, there may be insufficient space for clamping the plurality of object from outside of the plurality of objects. An inner support clamp may be unable to clamp an object the height of which is lower than the heights of its surrounding objects. An inner support clamp with the telescoping mechanism10may expand or contract, and the densely stacked objects may be clamped in batches.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may include a buffer component20as shown inFIG.17.

The supporting component3may be connected to the buffer component20directly or through the connection component4, etc. For example, as shown inFIG.17, the connection component4may be directly connected to the buffer component20. Alternatively, the buffer component20may be connected to the connection component4through the telescoping mechanism10. In some embodiments, the buffer component20may be integrally formed with the telescoping mechanism10as shown inFIG.18. For example, an end of the telescoping mechanism10may be connected to the connection component4, and the other end of the telescoping mechanism10may be connected to the buffer component20.

When an external force is applied on the inner support clamp, the buffer component20may have a buffering function and configured to protect the inner support clamp and the object to be clamped. For example, when the inner support clamp extends into the object to be clamped, incorrect positioning of the inner support clamp may cause a collision between the first elastic component and the object to be clamped. In such cases, the buffer component20may implement the buffering function to protect the clamp and the object to be clamped.

In some embodiments, the buffer component20may include a buffer, a cushion, a buffer sheet, a buffer spring, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the buffer may include a buffer that may be adjusted automatically. When the first elastic component collides with the object to be clamped and a colliding force exceeds a preset threshold, the buffer may automatically expand or contract. In some embodiments, the buffer component20may include a telescoping mechanism, a pressure sensor, a controller, or the like, or any combination thereof. The telescoping mechanism and the pressure sensor may be connected to the controller. The supporting component may be connected to the telescoping mechanism. The pressure sensor may be disposed at a joint between the supporting component and the telescoping mechanism. The telescoping mechanism may include an electric telescoping rod, a hydraulic telescoping rod, a pneumatic telescoping rod, etc. When the first elastic component2collides with the object to be clamped and a colliding force exceeds the preset threshold, the telescoping mechanism may automatically expand and contract.

In some embodiments, the buffer component20may include a buffer piece, for example, a spring pad, a spring pad, a spring, etc.

In some cases (e.g., an inner support clamp clamps a plurality of objects in batches), if the inner support clamp does not accurately extend into the object to be clamped, it may cause damage to the object. The buffer component20(e.g., the spring, or other structures such as the telescoping rod, etc.) may cause a retraction of the inner support clamp. That is, the inner support clamp may be retracted when the inner support clamp touches the object, thereby reducing the damage to the object. In addition, when the inner support clamp clamps a plurality of objects in batches (e.g., clamping the objects according to a matrix), the inner support clamp may be unable to extend into one or more objects. Merely by way of example, the plurality of objects may include sixty objects. The inner support clamp may be able to extend into fifty-nine objects of the objects, but unable to extend into one of the objects. In such cases, fifty-nine objects may be moved by the inner support clamp and the remaining object may be not damaged.

In addition, the buffer component20may protect the first elastic component. Specifically, when the first elastic component extends into an object to be clamped, if the positioning of the first elastic component is not accurate or the depth the first elastic component within the object exceeds a threshold, the first elastic component may encounter a relatively large resistance. If the resistance is not buffered, a collapsing force may be generated, and accordingly, the friction of the first elastic component may be increased and the first elastic component may be damaged.

In some embodiments, an inner support clamp according to some embodiments may include a gas channel, an airbag, a supporting component3, a connection component4, a sealing component5, a gas supplying interface6, a bracket7, and a telescoping mechanism10.

The airbag may cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the supporting component3, and a chamber may be formed between the airbag and the supporting component3. At least one port of the gas channel may be connected to the chamber through the supporting component3. The connection component4may be connected to the supporting component3, thereby connecting the inner support clamp and an external device. The gas channel may include a first gas channel1disposed in the supporting component3and a second gas channel disposed in the connection component4.

The first elastic component2may include an airbag, which may include silica gel. Conventionally, an airbag of an inner support clamp may include rubber. The elasticity of the rubber may be relatively poor. In order to deform the airbag to fit a surface of an object to be clamped, a cylinder principle may be utilized. That is, a gas may be inflated into a sealed chamber of the airbag, and air pressure in the chamber may be several times (e.g., tenfold) higher than the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. The pressure difference may be generated when the cross-sectional area of a piston rod of the cylinder is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a piston of the cylinder, which may drive a movement of the piston rod. The movement of the piston rod may squeeze the airbag to move the entire inner support clamp in a vertical direction, which may further cause a deformation of the airbag in a horizontal direction. In such cases, the deformation rate of the airbag may be relatively slow, and the deformability degree may be relatively low. The inner support clamp with the airbag made of rubber may be not suitable for clamping an object with a relatively complex internal contour and/or a thin inner wall. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the airbag may include silica gel, the technical problems faced by conventional inner support clamps describe above may be effectively solved. For example, as shown inFIG.4, when the inner surface of the object410includes a complex contour, the airbag including silica gel may be easily deformed to fit the inner surface of the object410. In such cases, the inner support clamp may not need to be designed in advance. The inner support clamp based on the airbag with high elasticity may be applied to clamp an object with a complex inner contour, and the inner support clamp may have relatively strong versatility, a high clamping efficiency, and be suitable for multiple industrial scenarios and daily life scenarios, etc.

The sealing component5may include one or more static sealing components, one or more dynamic sealing components, or the like, or any combination thereof. The static sealing component(s) may include a gasket, a sealant, or other direct contact sealing components. The dynamic sealing component may include a rotatory sealing component, a reciprocating sealing component, or the like, or any combination thereof. According to whether the sealing component is in contact with a component that moves relative to the sealing component, the sealing component5may be classified as a contact type sealing component or a non-contact type sealing component. According to a contact position of the sealing component5and a component that moves relative to the sealing component5, the sealing component5may be classified as a circumferential sealing component or an end face sealing component. The end face sealing component may be also referred to as a mechanical sealing component. Considering the complexity of assembly and disassembly of the sealing component, the sealing component5used in some embodiments of the present disclosure may be an end face sealing component. In some embodiments, a shape of the sealing component5may be determined based on the shape of an inner contact surface between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. The shape of the sealing component5may include a ring, a concave-convex shape, etc. An outer surface of the sealing component5may be hermetically connected to the inner contact surface between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, the sealing component5may be disposed on outside of the first elastic component2and/or the supporting component3. For example, the sealing component5may be hermetically connected to the outside of the first elastic component2and/or supporting component3using a gasket and/or a sealant. In some embodiments, the sealing component5may include a sealing block51. As shown inFIG.3, an inner wall of the sealing block51may be hermetically connected to outer walls of the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, the sealing block51may include an upper sealing block and/or a lower sealing block. The upper sealing block may be disposed at a joint between an upper end of the first elastic component2and a top end of the supporting component3, and the lower sealing block may be disposed at a joint between a lower end of the first elastic component2and a bottom end of the supporting component3. Compared with other sealing components, the sealing component5may be easy to install or disassemble, and more suitable for industrial use. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the sealing block51may be connected to the supporting component3via a fastening screw8, and the inner wall of sealing block51may be hermetically connected with the outer walls of the first elastic component2and the supporting component3. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.12, a sealing component (e.g., the sealing component5) may further include a sub-sealing component52. The sub-sealing component52may include a sealing screw. The sub-sealing component52may be configured to connect an upper sealing component and a lower sealing component of the inner support clamp1200, and squeeze the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component toward an edge of a first elastic component2, thereby achieving a physical connection between the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component and improving the gas tightness of the inner support clamp1200. In some embodiments, the sub-sealing component52may be a screw with a relatively long length as shown inFIG.12or a screw with a relatively short length. The sub-sealing component52may further connect the sealing component and the supporting component3, and squeeze the sealing component and the supporting component3toward the edge of the first elastic component2, thereby achieving a physical connection between the sealing component and the supporting component3and improving the gas tightness of the inner support clamp1200.

In some embodiments, a waist of the airbag may be concaved. As shown inFIG.3, when the airbag is not inflated or deflated (i.e., the inner support clamp300is in a negative air pressure), the airbag may be in a loosen state or a contracted state. The airbag may have a concaved shape along a vertical direction (i.e., a radial direction of the first elastic component2). In some embodiments, the concaved shape may increase a surface area of the airbag and improve an expansion range of the airbag when the airbag is expanded.

In some embodiments, the airbag may have a conformal shape. A conformal shape refers to that the surface of the airbag that fits well with a surface of an object to be clamped. For example, an outer surface (e.g., a texture of the outer surface) of the airbag may be specially designed so that it fits with a surface (e.g., a texture of the surface) of the object. As another example, the shape of the airbag may be the same (or substantially the same) as that of the object. For example, the shape of the airbag may be the same as that of the object410as shown inFIG.4. As yet another example, the surface of the airbag may include one or more characteristics or textures, which may limit an expanding direction of the airbag and improve the frictional force between the airbag and the object. More descriptions regarding the characteristics or textures of the airbag may be found elsewhere in the present disclosure. See, e.g.,FIG.15and the relevant descriptions thereof.

A port of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to a port of the gas channel disposed on the connection component4and/or the supporting component3, and the other port of the gas supplying interface6may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. The pressure of the airbag may be controlled and/or adjusted by a pneumatic system (e.g., the inflation and deflation device not shown in the figure), thereby improving the control accuracy of the expansion of the airbag. In some embodiments, the gas channel1may include a main gas channel11and a plurality of branch gas channels12. In some embodiments, the main gas channel11may be disposed in the supporting component3, and one port of the main gas channel11may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. The plurality of branch gas channels12may be disposed between the main gas channel11and the chamber (or the airbag). A port of each of the plurality of branch gas channels12may be connected to the main gas channel11and the other port of each of the plurality of branch gas channels may be connected to the chamber. As shown inFIG.5, the first gas channel1may include a main channel11and six branch gas channels12. Using a plurality of ports of the plurality of branch gas channels may improve the efficiency of gas exchange between the inner support clamp and the inflation and deflation device.

The airbag may be hermetically disposed on the supporting component3and cover the entire of the outer surface of the supporting component3. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the clamping part31may be disposed on each of a first end (also referred to as a top end) and a second end (also referred to as a bottom end) of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is in the mounting state, the airbag may be disposed on the supporting component3. The upper end of the airbag may be mounted on the clamping part31that is disposed on the first end of the supporting component3. The lower end of the airbag may be mounted on the clamping part31that is disposed on the second end of the supporting component3. The upper end and/or the lower end of the airbag may be hermetically connected to the clamping part(s)31via various sealing modes, such as an adhesive sealing mode, a pressure sealing mode, an engagement sealing mode, a sealing mode using a sealing element, etc. In some embodiments, the airbag may be sleeved on the supporting component3, cover the entire of the outer surface of the supporting component3, and hermetically connected to the supporting component3. The airbag may cover the outer surface of the supporting component3. When the inner support clamp100is inflated (i.e., the inner support clamp100is in a positive air pressure state), the inner support clamp100may have the shape of a lantern, an ellipsoid, a drum, etc. The airbag may contact with an inner surface of an object along the circumference of the airbag to clamp the object. In some embodiments, the connection component4may be connected to a surface of the supporting component3through the airbag. When an airbag is inflated, the airbag through which the connection component4passes may expand freely, and the airbag may be connected to an inner surface of the object. In some embodiments, the connection component4may be connected to an outer surface of the supporting component3along a vertical direction, which may increase a contact area between the first elastic component2and an inner side of an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp, and make the inner support clamp easy to use. As shown inFIGS.6-7, the connection component4may include an upper connection part and/or a lower connection part. For example, the inner support clamp may include one or both of the upper connection part and the lower connection part, which may be determined based on an actual need. The inner support clamp may be used independently or together with one or more other second inner support clamps. As shown inFIG.11, the plurality of inner support clamps (i.e., an inner support clamp1110, an inner support clamp1120, and an inner support clamp1130) may be combined in series via a connection component (e.g., the connection component). The combined clamp1100may be easily assembled and/or disassembled using the connection components, and the length of the combined clamp1100may be adjusted based on an actual need. The connection component may include a mounting unit41and a connection unit42as shown inFIG.12. The mounting unit41may be configured to connect the combined clamp1200with an external device. The connection unit42may be configured to connect two adjacent inner support clamps. Alternatively, the connection component may include a screw43. Optionally, the connection component may include a screw43. As shown inFIG.12, the screw43may include a screw with a relatively long length, which may be used to connect an inner support clamp to an adjacent inner support clamp or a mounting unit. In some embodiments, the screw43may include a screw with a relatively short length, which may be used to physically connect two supporting components3of two adjacent inner support clamps. Main gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps may be connected to each other through the connection component(s). The pneumatic control of the plurality of inner support clamps may be performed by a gas supplying interface6. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing component5(e.g., a sealing ring53) may be disposed at the joint between the main gas channel(s) and other components of the combined clamp1200to ensure the sealing of the combined clamp1200. In some embodiments, the airbag may deform if the air pressure changes. For an inner support clamp, if the air pressures at different positions of the airbag are the same, the pressure of the airbag on an inner surface of an object to be clamped may be the same, the inner support clamp may cause damage to the object to be clamped when the thickness of the object to be clamped is variable along a vertical direction. The combined clamp1200may include a gas channel controller configured to control the connection of a plurality of gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps. The gas channel controller (not shown inFIG.11andFIG.12) may be disposed in the connection unit42shown inFIG.12, thereby realizing an independent control of deflation or inflation of each of the plurality of inner support clamps. In some embodiments, the gas channel controller may include an air valve. In some embodiments, the plurality of the gas supplying interfaces6may be directly connected to each other via the connection component. In such cases, one or more gas channel controllers may be disposed between the plurality of gas supplying interfaces6and the inflation and deflation device. By controlling each of the one or more gas channel controllers, the deflation or inflation of a corresponding inner support clamp may be controlled.

A combined clamp may include a bracket7as shown inFIG.13. The bracket7may be connected to the connection component and configured to establish a connection between each two inner support clamps. Compared with the combined clamp described in connection withFIG.11and/orFIG.12, the combined clamp may be manufactured by arranging a plurality of inner support clamps in parallel. An airbag of each of the inner support clamp of the combined clamp may cover a portion of an outer surface of the supporting component3along a horizontal direction. The combined clamp may be manufactured by selecting and/or combining the bracket7and the plurality of inner support clamps according to an actual need. A plurality of contact points or contact surfaces may be formed between the combined clamp and an inner surface of the object to be clamped. As shown inFIG.13, three inner support clamps may be connected via the bracket7, and three contact surfaces may be formed between the combined clamp1300and the object to be clamped. A combined clamp may be manufactured by combining a plurality of inner support clamps using a flexible bracket (e.g., the bracket7). Such combined clamp may be easily designed and manufactured, and can be used to clamp an object with a large internal dimension. In some embodiments, the size of the bracket7may be adjusted. For example, the size of the bracket7may be adjusted by changing the length of a connection arm of the bracket7.

In some embodiments, gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps of a combined clamp may be connected. For example, the main gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps may be directly connected. Alternatively, gas supplying interfaces of the plurality of inner support clamps may be directly connected. An inflation and deflation device may be used to deflate or inflate the plurality of inner support clamps. If the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps of a combined clamp are connected, the combined clamp may include a gas channel controller for controlling the connection of the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps. The gas channel controller may be disposed at joints of the gas channels of the plurality of inner support clamps, or joints of the gas supplying interfaces of the plurality of inner support clamps.

In some embodiments, a plurality of clamps of a combined clamp may be of the same type or different types. The combined clamp may include an inner support clamp, an external support clamp, or the like, or any combination thereof. For example, an inner support clamp may include a combined inner support clamp. As another example, the combined clamp may be formed by combining a plurality of combined inner support clamps, each of which includes a plurality of inner support clamps in series or a plurality of inner support clamps in parallel.

The size of each of the first elastic component2, the supporting component3, the connection component4, and the bracket7in some embodiments of the present disclosure may be determined according to the object to be clamped.

In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs may be disposed on an outer wall of the airbag. The reinforcing rib(s) may include an annular protrusion which may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the airbag to form a reinforcing component9as shown inFIG.1,FIG.2,FIG.8, andFIG.10. The reinforcing rib(s) disposed on the outer wall of the airbag may increase the friction coefficient of the outer wall of the airbag, and accordingly improve the friction force between the outer wall of the airbag and an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp100, thereby improving the clamping stability of the inner support clamp100. In addition, the reinforcing rib(s) disposed on the outer wall of the airbag may reinforce the airbag, thereby increasing the strength, the local stiffness, and the service life of the airbag. In some embodiments, when the airbag is in an expanded state, the shape of the airbag may be adjusted by adjusting a count, a size, an arrangement, etc., of the reinforcing rib(s).

In some embodiments, the airbag may include a wear layer, an anti-indentation layer, an oil-proof layer, an anti-static layer, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the supporting component3may be connected to the external device via the thread connection part in a thread connection manner, the engagement connection part in an engagement connection manner, or the like. In some embodiments, an internal concave portion33may be disposed on a central part of the supporting component3as shown inFIGS.1-3.

As shown inFIG.10, the connection component4may include an upper connection unit44and a lower connection unit45. The upper connection unit44may include a threaded connection unit, an engagement connection unit, etc. The lower connection unit45may include a second thread connection unit, a second engagement connection unit, etc. When the inner support clamp1000is in a mounting state, the connection component4may be connected to a connection part32disposed on the supporting component3via a thread connection manner or an engagement connection manner through the lower connection unit45.

In some embodiments, the connection component4may include a crimping unit46. In some embodiments, the crimping unit46may include a protrusion portion disposed between the upper connection unit44and the lower connection unit45. The crimping unit46may protrude outward along a radial direction of the inner support clamp1000. As shown inFIG.10, when the inner support clamp1000is in the mounting state, the crimping unit46may press the first elastic component2against the supporting component3to ensure the sealing between the first elastic component2and the supporting component3.

In some embodiments, an inner support clamp may also include a telescoping mechanism10as shown inFIGS.15and16. A supporting component (e.g., the supporting component3as described in connection withFIGS.1-4,7, and10) of the inner support clamp may be connected to the telescoping mechanism10directly or through a connection component4, etc. An airbag may move with the expansion and contraction of the telescoping mechanism10. The connection component4may be connected to a telescoping end of the telescoping mechanism10through a thread connection unit. A first elastic component (e.g., the first elastic component2) may move with the expansion and/or contraction of the telescoping mechanism10. The connection component4may be connected to a telescoping end of the telescoping mechanism10through a thread connection unit, and the first elastic component may move with the expansion and/or contraction of the telescoping mechanism10. In some embodiments, the telescoping mechanism10may include a telescoping rod, for example, an electric telescoping rod, a hydraulic telescoping rod, a pneumatic telescoping rod, etc. The inner support clamp with the telescoping mechanism10may be used to clamp an object in a special scenario. For example, a plurality of objects to be clamped are densely stacked (e.g., densely packed bottle-shape objects), and heights of a part of the plurality of objects are lower than heights of surrounding objects, there may be insufficient space for clamping the plurality of object from outside of the plurality of objects. An inner support clamp may be unable to clamp an object the height of which is lower than the heights of its surrounding objects. An inner support clamp with the telescoping mechanism10may expand or contract, and the densely stacked objects may be clamped in batches.

In some embodiments, the inner support clamp may include a buffer component20as shown inFIG.17. The supporting component may be connected to the buffer component20directly or through the connection component4. For example, as shown inFIG.17, the connection component4may be directly connected to the buffer component20. When an external force is applied on the inner support clamp, the buffer component20may have a buffering function and configured to protect the inner support clamp and the object to be clamped. For example, when the inner support clamp extends into the object to be clamped, incorrect positioning of the inner support clamp may cause a collision between the first elastic component and the object to be clamped. In such cases, the buffer component20may implement the buffering function to protect the clamp and the object to be clamped. In some embodiments, the buffer component20may include a buffer, a cushion, a buffer sheet, a buffer spring, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some cases (e.g., an inner support clamp clamps a plurality of objects in batches), if the inner support clamp does not accurately extend into the object to be clamped, it may cause damage to the object. The buffer component20(e.g., the spring, or other structures such as the telescoping rod, etc.) may cause a retraction of the inner support clamp. That is, the inner support clamp may be retracted when the inner support clamp touches the object, thereby reducing the damage to the object. In addition, when the inner support clamp clamps a plurality of objects in batches (e.g., clamping the objects according to a matrix), the inner support clamp may be unable to extend into one or more objects. Merely by way of example, the plurality of objects may include sixty objects. The inner support clamp may be able to extend into fifty-nine objects of the objects, but unable to extend into one of the objects. In such cases, fifty-nine objects may be moved by the inner support clamp and the remaining object may be not damaged. In addition, the buffer component20may protect the airbag. Specifically, when the airbag extends into an object to be clamped, if the positioning of airbag is not accurate or the depth the airbag within the object exceeds a threshold, the airbag may encounter a relatively large resistance. If the resistance is not buffered, a collapsing force may be generated, and accordingly, the friction of the airbag may be increased and the airbag may be damaged.

In some embodiments, an inner support clamp may include the telescoping mechanism10and the buffer component20. The buffer component20may be connected to the connection component4through the telescoping mechanism10as shown inFIG.18. For example, an end of the telescoping mechanism10may be connected to the connection component4, and the other end of the telescoping mechanism10may be connected to the buffer component20. In some embodiments, the buffer component20may be integrally formed with the telescoping mechanism10.

In some embodiments, one or more of the bracket7, the reinforcing component9, the telescoping mechanism10, and/or the buffer component20may be omitted according to actual manufacture and/or use need.

In some embodiments, a clamp may include the inner support clamp100and an external clamp. In some embodiments, the external clamp may include a flexible gripper. The flexible gripper may be coaxial with the inner support clamp100. The flexible gripper and the inner support clamp100may be movable relative to each other. The flexible gripper may clamp an object to be clamped when the clamp is in use. In some embodiments, the external clamp may include a ring-shaped airbag clamp, a hydraulic gripper, a pneumatic gripper, an electric gripper, etc. The external clamp may be configured to clamp the object410together with the inner support clamp100.

By using the external clamp, the inner surface and the outer surface of the object may be clamped simultaneously. Even one of the inner support clamp and the external clamp fails to clamp the object or slips from the object, the other one may clamp the object. In addition, the distribution of a clamping force may be uniform when the object is clamped from the inner surface and the outer surface of the object, thereby avoiding a damage to the object caused by an excessive local force. In some embodiments, the clamp with the external clamp may be applied for some special scenarios. For example, for an object that is difficult to be directly clamped by an external clamp, the inner support clamp100may slightly lift the object, and the external clamp may clamp the lifted object. As another example, for bottle-shape objects that are densely packed, there may be insufficient space for an external clamp to clamp the bottle-shape objects, and an inner support clamp100may be unable to clamp the bottle-shape objects with a relatively high speed. The external clamp may clamp the bottle-shape objects together with the inner support clamp100. For example, the inner support clamp100may be extended into a bottle-shape object to be clamped and lift the bottle-shape object to a certain height, and the external clamp may clamp the object.

In some embodiments, a clamp may include the inner support clamp100as described above and a guiding device30as shown inFIG.21.

In some embodiments, the guiding device30may be detachably disposed on the inner support clamp100. In some embodiments, the guiding device30may have a shape of a taper, a trumpet, etc. The guiding device30may be detachably disposed at an extending end of the inner support clamp100via a thread connection, an engagement connection, etc. For example, as shown inFIG.21, the guiding device30may have the shape of a bullet, which may be detachably disposed at a front end of the inner support clamp100via the thread connection, the engagement connection, or the like, or any combination thereof. When the clamp is extended into the object or sleeved the object, the clamp may not accurately clamp the object and/or cause damage to the object if the clamp does not align with the object. The guiding device30may act as a bullet head or a trumpet mouth, which may improve the alignment accuracy and fault tolerance of the clamp. In some embodiments, the guiding device30may include an elastic material, a flexible material, etc. such as silica gel, rubber, etc. In some embodiments, the guiding device30may include a hollow structure or a solid structure. In some embodiments, the guiding device30may include a smooth surface, which may reduce a friction force between the surface of the guiding device30and the object, and avoid a damage to the object, and make it easy to insert the inner support clamp into the object.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.19, the inner support clamp100may be disposed on the guiding device30. The guiding device30may include a guiding rod301and a guiding sleeve302.

In some embodiments, a supporting component (e.g., the supporting component3as described in connection withFIGS.1-4,7, and10) and/or the connection component4may be connected to the guiding rod301such that a first elastic component (e.g., the first elastic component2as described in connection withFIGS.1-4,6-8,10, and12) may move with the expansion and/or contraction of the guiding rod301. The guiding sleeve302may be sleeved on the guiding rod301such that the guiding rod301may telescopically move in a direction limited by the guiding sleeve302. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.20, a position limiting groove303may be disposed on the guiding rod301along an axial direction of the guiding rod301, and a position limiting protrusion304may be disposed within the guiding sleeve302. When the clamp is in a mounting state, the position limiting protrusion304may be engaged in the position limiting303to prevent the guiding rod301from rotating within the guiding sleeve302, and cause the inner support clamp100to telescopically move with the guiding rod301along a direction limited by the guiding sleeve302. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.15, the guiding rod301and the guiding sleeve302may be part the telescoping mechanism10. For example, the guiding sleeve302may be a first sleeve of a telescoping rod of the telescoping mechanism10, and the guiding rod301may be a second sleeve of the telescoping rod. One end of the second sleeve may be inserted into the first sleeve. In some embodiments, the guiding rod301and the guiding sleeve302may be part of the buffer component20. For example, the guiding sleeve302may be a sleeve located in the buffer component20, and the guiding rod301may be a telescoping rod or a piston rod located in the buffer component20.

It should be noted that the structure of the guiding device30is only exemplary embodiments, and different guiding devices may be used for clamping different objects according to an actual need.

In some embodiments, the clamp may also include an external clamp. More descriptions regarding the external clamp may be found elsewhere in this disclosure, which are not repeated here.

In some embodiments, a clamp may include an inner support clamp100as described above and a disengagement device50as shown inFIG.22.

In some embodiments, after an inner support clamp and/or an external support clamp clamp an object, it is likely that the inner support clamp and/or an external support clamp may be unable to be separated from the object as required, for example, because of the electrostatic adsorption, etc. In such cases, the disengagement device50may be disposed outside the inner support clamp and configured to separate the inner support clamp100from the object.

In some embodiments, the disengagement device50may include an air-jet structure. As shown inFIG.22, the air-jet structure may be disposed on the inner support clamp100. The air-jet structure may be connected to an inflation and deflation device when the disengagement device50is in use. In some embodiments, the air-jet structure may include a jet nozzle disposed outside the inner support clamp100. When the jet nozzle is in a mounting state or in use, the jet nozzle may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. Specifically, as shown inFIG.22, the air-jet structure may include an annular nozzle, and air injection holes501may be disposed on the annular nozzle. When the inner support clamp100is in a mounting state, the annular nozzle may be connected to the connection component4, and the annular nozzle may be disposed coaxially with the inner support clamp100. The air injection holes501may be directed toward an outer wall of the first elastic component2. When the object is clamped, an airbag may be shrunk, and the object may be not fallen off. The jet nozzle may inject air toward the object to separate the object from the inner support clamp100. As another example, the air-jet structure may include a gas channel formed on the first elastic component2. When the inner support clamp100is in use, the gas channel may be connected to the inflation and deflation device. When the object is sucked up, the airbag may be shrunk, and the object may be not fallen off. The inflation and deflation device may inject air toward the object to separate the object from the inner support clamp100. The air-jet structure disposed on the inner support clamp100may inject air to an adsorption point of the object and the inner support clamp100to separate the object from the inner support clamp100.

In some embodiments, the disengagement device50may include a telescoping push rod. The telescoping push rod may be disposed on the inner support clamp100. For example, the telescoping push rod may be a pneumatic telescoping rod, which may be disposed on the inner support clamp100or integrally formed with the inner support clamp100. When the object is clamped, the airbag may be shrunk, and the object may not separate from the inner support clamp100. The telescoping push rod may extend to separate the object from the inner support clamp100.

In some embodiments, the disengagement device50may include a vibration device disposed on the inner support clamp100. In some embodiments, the vibration device may include a micro-vibration device disposed on the inner support clamp100. When the object is clamped, the airbag may be shrunk, and the object may be not fallen off. The inner support clamp100may be vibrated or shook with the micro-vibration device to separate the object from the inner support clamp100. In some embodiments, the vibration device may have a same structure as or a similar structure to a mobile phone vibrator of a mobile phone.

An inner support clamp according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following benefits. The inner support clamp may have a small size, a light weight, a simple structure, and a low manufacture cost. An airbag of the inner support clamp may include silica gel, and the inner support clamp with such airbag may be used for clamping different objects with different sizes without causing damage to an object to be clamped by the inner support clamp. The inner support clamp may quickly and stably clamp a fragile and/or soft object, such as a ring-shape object, a bottle-shape object, etc., and not cause damage to the surface of the object. A first elastic component of the inner support clamp may be inserted into the object, the first elastic component may expand to fit with an inner surface of the object and clamp the object. In some embodiments, the first elastic component may include a conformal shape so as to avoid a concentrated force applied to the object and reduce damage to the inner surface of the object. The air pressure of the airbag of the inner support clamp may be adjusted, that is, the amplitude of the force applied by the inner support clamp may be adjusted, and an object with a thin-wall or a fragile object may be clamped safely. Besides, even if a pneumatic system of the inner support clamp is overloaded or a collision occurs between the inner support clamp and the object, the inner support clamp may not damage the object. For an object with a complex contour, the airbag including silica gel may be deformed to fit the object. This may reduce the design complexity of the inner support clamp.