clamp device

Abstract

The clamp device is provided with an operating member (7) that is rotatably disposed on the end-side cross section of the output rod (4) and pushes the output rod (4) in the axial direction toward the front end. Additionally, the clamp device is provided with a supporting means (9) that is disposed inside a through hole (5) formed on the end-side of the housing (1) or filled inside the through hole (5) and pushes the output rod (4) in the axial direction toward the end end.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp device suitable for detachably fixing a clamping object, such as a work pallet, workpiece, mold, tool, or jig, to a clamp pallet, table, or robot arm, etc., as a base. Background Technology

[0002] As a clamp device of this type, there is one described in Patent Document 1 below. The clamp device according to the prior art is configured as follows.

[0003] The clamping device consists of a cylindrical plug portion protruding from the housing, an output rod, a engaging ball, and a piston, etc. The housing constituting the clamping device is provided with a clamping chamber and an unclamping chamber through which pressurized fluid is supplied and discharged. For example, compressed air is used to drive the clamping device, that is, to drive the piston and the output rod, and compressed air is supplied and discharged to the clamping chamber and the unclamping chamber each time it is driven. Prior art literature

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 177385 The problem to be solved

[0005] If multiple clamp devices as described above are installed, a large-scale facility is required for the compressed air supply system. Furthermore, the piping system for supplying and discharging compressed air becomes numerous and complex. This aspect is not desirable in terms of energy conservation and environmental measures. Therefore, it is desirable to either make compressed air unnecessary as a driving source or, if necessary, minimize its use.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a clamp device that can be operated without requiring a pressure fluid, such as compressed air, for driving, or without supplying the pressure fluid every time it is driven. means of solving the problem

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the clamp device according to the present invention is configured as follows, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0008] (1) The clamp device disclosed herein comprises a housing (1), a cylindrical plug portion (3) formed protruding from the housing (1), an output rod (4) inserted into a plug portion through hole (3a) of the plug portion (3) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a), and a engaging member (14) inserted into a through hole (13) formed in the main wall of the plug portion (3), wherein the engaging member (14) moves within the through hole (13) as the output rod (4) moves in the axial direction and is capable of contacting a connecting member (25) having a mounting hole (24) provided in a clamping object (WP) to allow the plug portion (3) to be inserted, and a through hole (5) formed on the base side of the housing (1) so as to be inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction, and an operating member (7) disposed in a rotatable state on the end side of the output rod (4). It includes an operating member (7) that pushes and moves the rod (4) in the direction of the leading edge in the axial direction, and a load-bearing means (9) that is disposed inside the through hole (5) or filled inside the through hole (5) and pushes and moves the output rod (4) in the direction of the leading edge in the axial direction. The load-bearing means (9) may be, for example, a spring or compressed gas (pressure gas).

[0009] The clamp device disclosed in this specification has the following operational effects. The clamp device does not include a chamber in which a pressure fluid is supplied and discharged each time it is driven, such as the clamp chamber and unclamp chamber included in conventional clamp devices. In the clamp device, the output rod is driven in the leading end direction of the axial direction by moving the operating member manually or by an external force (by being pressed into the through hole). In addition, the output rod is driven by the supporting means in the lower end direction, which is the other direction of the axial direction. Therefore, the clamp device can operate without requiring a pressure fluid, such as compressed air, for driving, or without supplying the pressure fluid each time it is driven.

[0010] (2) In the clamp device of (1), a portion (6) is formed on the end portion of the output rod (4), and the operating member (7) may be rotatably accommodated within the portion (6).

[0011] According to this configuration, it becomes easy to position the operating member at the base-side cross section of the output rod.

[0012] (3) In the clamp device of (1) or (2), the operating member (7) may be a sphere or a roller.

[0013] According to this configuration, the output load can be smoothly moved in the leading direction of the axial direction.

[0014] (4) In any one of the clamp devices of (1) to (3), the clamp device may further include a guide member (27) attached to the base of the through hole (5). The guide member (27) has a sliding surface (27a) facing the operating member (7) formed to fit the operating member (7) between them, and a protrusion (27b) convex toward the operating member (7) to prevent the operating member (7) from falling.

[0015] According to this configuration, when a force such as a direction oblique to the axial direction acts on the operating member, the component of the force perpendicular to the axial direction can be received by the housing through the guide member having the sliding surface. Accordingly, the application of the component of the force to the output rod can be suppressed, and the output rod can be moved smoothly toward the tip. In addition, the protrusion prevents the operating member from falling due to gravity.

[0016] (5) In the clamp device of (4), the guide member (27) may be ring-shaped.

[0017] According to this configuration, the operating member is surrounded by the guide member. Therefore, the reception of the operating member by the housing through the guide member is more secure. In addition, the falling of the operating member can be prevented more effectively.

[0018] (6) In the clamp device of (2), for example as shown in FIG. 6, a hole (41) extending in the axial direction is formed in the bottom center of the main part (6), and the clamp device may further include a magnet (42) received in the hole (41). In this case, the output rod (4) and the operating member (7) are formed of a magnetic material that is attracted by the magnet.

[0019] According to this configuration, the falling of the operating member due to gravity can be prevented by the magnet.

[0020] (7) In the clamp device of (2) or (6), for example as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of ball bodies (45) may be rotatably mounted between the bottom surface of the main part (6) and the operating member (7).

[0021] According to this configuration, the rotation of the operating member becomes smoother.

[0022] (8) In the clamp device of (7), for example as shown in FIG. 10, a detachment prevention ring (46) that prevents the ball body (45) from detaching between the bottom surface of the main part (6) and the operating member (7) may be fixed to the base of the output rod (4). The detachment prevention ring (46) has a protrusion (46a) that is convex toward the operating member (7) to prevent the operating member (7) from falling.

[0023] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the ball body from detaching between the bottom surface of the waist portion and the operating member. In addition, the protrusion can prevent the operating member from falling due to gravity. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, a clamp device can be provided that does not require a pressure fluid, such as compressed air, for driving, or can operate without supplying the pressure fluid every time it is driven. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of use of the clamp device disclosed in the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the present invention and is a side cross-sectional view when the clamp device is in a released state. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the clamp device shown in Figure 2 when it is in a locked state. FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and is a side cross-sectional view when the clamp device is in a released state. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the clamp device shown in Figure 4 when it is in a locked state. FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention and is a side cross-sectional view when the clamp device is in a locked state. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section A of Figure 6. FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention and is a side cross-sectional view when the clamp device is in a released state. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the clamp device shown in FIG. 8 when it is in a locked state. FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention and is a side cross-sectional view when the clamp device is in a locked state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] In the description of an embodiment of the present invention, an example of using a clamp device is illustrated for fixing a work pallet (WP), which is the object to be clamped, to a clamp pallet (CP) that serves as a base.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a clamp pallet (CP) to which a clamp device (101) is fixed is configured to travel on two rails (50) arranged at a predetermined distance apart. Between the two rails (50), a long plate-shaped cam member (51) extending in the same direction as the rail (50) is arranged. The cam member (51) has a cam portion (52). As shown in FIG. 2 and others, the cam portion (52) is formed in a trapezoidal shape that is convex upward when viewed from the side.

[0028] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. Based on FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the configuration of the clamp device (101) of the first embodiment is described. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the release state of the clamp device (101) and is also a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

[0029] The housing (1) of the clamp device (101) is fixed to the clamp pallet (CP) by a plurality of bolts (2). A cylindrical plug portion (3) is integrally formed to protrude upward from the housing (1). The upper rod portion (4a) of the output rod (4) is inserted into the plug portion through hole (3a) of the plug portion (3) so as to be movable in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a)). The axial direction of the output rod (4) is the same as the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a).

[0030] A cylindrical hole (5) is formed on the base side of the housing (1), and the lower rod portion (4b) of the output rod (4) is inserted into the cylindrical hole (5) so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The cylindrical hole (5) is a hole with a larger diameter than the plug portion cylindrical hole (3a). The cylindrical hole (5) and the plug portion cylindrical hole (3a) are formed vertically side by side. The axial direction of the cylindrical hole (5) and the axial direction of the plug portion cylindrical hole (3a) are the same direction.

[0031] A ball (7) (sphere, rotating body) as an operating member is rotatably received in a recess (6) formed on the base side cross-section of the lower rod portion (4b). A portion of the ball (7) protrudes outward in the axial direction of the through hole (5). Additionally, a rotating body such as a roller (not shown) may be used instead of the ball (7) as an operating member (the same applies in other embodiments).

[0032] Additionally, the lumbar portion (6) may not be formed (the same applies to other embodiments). That is, the base-side cross-section of the lower rod portion (4b) may be formed, for example, as a flat surface. In this case, a rotating body such as a ball (7) or a roller is attached to the base-side cross-section of the lower rod portion (4b) in a rotatable manner via a support member (not shown).

[0033] The base portion of the lower rod part (4b) in which the above-mentioned portion (6) is formed is a piston portion (8) (large diameter portion), and its diameter is larger than that of other parts of the output rod (4). A spring (9) is disposed in the space above the piston portion (8) within the through hole (5) as a means of pushing the piston portion (8) downward (in the direction of the base). The spring (9) is a compression coil spring. The spring (9) of this embodiment consists of a first spring (9a) and a second spring (9b). The diameter of the second spring (9b) is larger than the diameter of the first spring (9a). On the upper surface (front side surface) of the piston portion (8), a first stepped portion (8a) supporting the lower end of the first spring (9a) and a second stepped portion (8b) supporting the lower end of the second spring (9b) are provided in this order from the inside. A ring-shaped spring support (10) that accepts the upper end of the first spring (9a) is provided on the upper side of the first spring (9a), and a ring-shaped spring support (11) that accepts the upper end of the second spring (9b) is provided on the upper side of the second spring (9b). A ring-shaped stopper (12) (fixing ring) that prevents the output rod (4) from coming out of the through hole (5) is attached to the base of the through hole (5).

[0034] In addition, the spring (9) is not limited to being two springs. Also, other types of springs, such as disc springs, may be used instead of compression coil springs as springs (the same applies in other embodiments).

[0035] A plurality of through holes (13) are formed at regular intervals in the main direction in the upper part of the main wall of the plug portion (3). A ball (14) (a engaging ball) as a engaging member is inserted into each through hole (13). By means of the through holes (13), it is supported to be movable between the position shown in FIG. 2, located on the inner side in the diameter direction, and the position shown in FIG. 3, located on the outer side in the diameter direction (outer position).

[0036] On the outer wall of the upper rod portion (4a) of the output rod (4), a pressure surface (15) and a retraction groove (16) are formed vertically in parallel, corresponding to each ball (14). The pressure surface (15) is formed to become progressively wider as it extends upward. By moving the pressure surface (15) to a position facing the ball (14), the ball (14) is moved to an outer position that protrudes outward in the radial direction from the outer surface of the plug portion (3). Additionally, by moving the retraction groove (16) to a retraction position where the ball (14) can be inserted from a position facing the ball (14), the ball (14) becomes movable inward in the radial direction from the outer surface of the plug portion (3). In this embodiment, four balls (14) are inserted one by one into each through hole (13), but the number of balls (14) is not limited to four.

[0037] An annular collet (17) is fitted externally to the lower part (base part) of the main wall of the plug part (3). The collet (17) has a tapered outer surface (17a) that narrows upward, and is designed to elastically reduce its diameter by a single slit (17b) extending in the vertical direction. The collet (17) is prevented from coming off the plug part (3) by a fixing ring (18) (upward movement is restricted). On the upper surface (1a) of the housing (1), a plurality of through holes (20) are formed at regular intervals in the circumferential direction into which a pressing member (19) that pushes the collet (17) upward (toward the tip) is inserted. The pressing member (19) is cylindrical in shape and has a large diameter part (19a) (flange part) at the lower end. At the large diameter part (19a), the pressing member (19) is supported from below by a spring support (10). The collet (17) is subjected to an upward force by the first spring (9a) through the compression member (19) and the spring support (10). Thus, the collet (17), whose upward movement is restricted by the fixing ring (18), can move slightly in the up and down direction. In this embodiment, three compression members (19) are inserted one by one into each through hole (20), but the compression members (19) are not limited to three.

[0038] A recess (21) is opened on the lower surface of the work pallet (WP). A ring member (22) is mounted in the recess (21), and the ring member (22) is fixed to the work pallet (WP) by a plurality of bolts (23). A mounting hole (24) is formed by the inner hole of the ring member (22), and a plug part (3) can be inserted into the mounting hole (24).

[0039] In the mounting hole (24) of the ring member (22), an engaging portion (25) is formed in a tapered shape that widens as it goes upward. Additionally, a tapered inner surface (26) is formed below the engaging portion (25) to engage with the tapered outer surface (17a) of the collet (17). The tapered inner surface (26) is a surface formed such that the upper part narrows, that is, the width decreases as it goes upward.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, the mounting hole (24) is formed in the ring member (22), but the mounting hole (24) may be formed by the inner hole of the recess (21) of the work pallet (WP). That is, the above-mentioned attachment portion (25) and the tapered inner surface (26) may be formed in the inner hole of the recess (21) of the work pallet (WP) itself.

[0041] The clamp device (101) of the above configuration operates as follows.

[0042] In the release state shown in FIG. 2, the ball (7) is pushed upward by the cam portion (52) of the cam member (51), that is, by an external force, and the ball (7) is pushed deeper into the through hole (5) of the housing (1) than in the locked state shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the ball (7) resists the negative force of the spring (9) and is in a state where it pushes the output rod (4) upward (towards the tip). Since the output rod (4) is in a raised state, the ball (14) of the plug portion (3) can move to a retracted position within the retracted groove (16). A work pallet (WP) is brought in above the clamp device (101) in the release state shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] When clamping the work pallet (WP) to the clamp pallet (CP), the work pallet (WP) is first lowered so that the plug portion (3) is inserted into the mounting hole (24) of the ring member (22). At this time, the tapered inner surface (26) formed in the mounting hole (24) comes into contact with the tapered outer surface (17a) of the collet (17) in an expanded state, and a small gap is formed between the upper surface (1a) (seating surface) of the housing (1) and the lower surface of the ring member (22). After that, the clamp pallet (CP) is driven on the rail (50) to separate the cam portion (52) of the cam member (51) from the ball (7). Then, the external force by the cam portion (52) is released, and the spring (9) pushes the output rod (4) downward (towards the base), causing the output rod (4) to descend. When the output rod (4) descends, the extrusion part (16a), which forms part of the retraction groove (16) formed in the output rod (4), pushes the ball (14) of the plug part (3) to an outward protruding position in the diametrical direction. Then, the pressing surface (15) formed in the output rod (4) presses the holding part (25) of the work pallet (WP) (ring member (22)) downward through the ball (14). As a result, the diameter of the collet (17) is reduced, and it descends slightly together with the work pallet (WP). Consequently, the lower surface of the ring member (22) is received by the upper surface (1a) of the housing (1), and the clamp device (101) is switched from the release state shown in FIG. 2 to the lock state shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] When switching the clamp device (101) from the locked state shown in FIG. 3 to the release state shown in FIG. 2, the clamp pallet (CP) is driven on the rail (50) to bring the ball (7) into contact with the cam portion (52) of the cam member (51), causing the ball (7) to rise over the cam portion (52). As a result, the ball (7) pushes the output rod (4) upward (toward the tip) in resistance to the negative force of the spring (9), and the output rod (4) rises. When the output rod (4) rises, the retraction groove (16) formed in the output rod (4) comes into a position facing the ball (14) of the plug portion (3), and the ball (14) can move into the retraction groove (16) (inward in the diameter direction of the output rod (4)). As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the work pallet (WP) can be smoothly separated from the clamp pallet (CP). In addition, since the ball (7) rotates, when the ball (7) comes into contact with the cam (52), some of the lateral reaction force from the cam (52) can be lost at the ball (7) portion, and the inner surface of the through hole (5) and the piston portion (8) of the output rod (4) can be prevented from twisting. As a result, the output rod (4) can be moved smoothly toward the tip.

[0045] The clamp device (101) does not have a space for supplying and discharging pressure fluid whenever driven, such as the clamp chamber and unclamp chamber included in conventional clamp devices. In the clamp device (101), the output rod (4) is driven in the forward direction by moving the ball (14) by an external force (being pushed into the through hole (5). In the forward direction, which is opposite to the forward direction, the output rod (4) is driven by a spring (9). Therefore, the clamp device (101) does not require pressure fluid, such as compressed air, for driving. Additionally, the ball (7) may be moved by pressing it with a person's hand.

[0046] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. The clamp device of the second embodiment further includes a guide member (27) attached to the base portion of the through hole (5) of the housing (1), and differs from the clamp device of the first embodiment in this respect. Meanwhile, for each member constituting the clamp device of the second embodiment, the same reference numeral is assigned to members identical to those constituting the clamp device of the first embodiment (the same applies to embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and later).

[0047] The guide member (27) has a sliding surface (27a) facing the ball (7) formed to accommodate the ball (7). Additionally, a protrusion (27b) convex toward the ball (7) is provided on the lower side of the sliding surface (27a). The protrusion (27b) is intended to prevent the ball (7) from falling due to gravity. The sliding surface (27a) and the protrusion (27b) are formed vertically side by side.

[0048] The guide member (27) of the present embodiment is a ring-shaped member, and the sliding surface (27a) is a single surface that is circular when viewed from a plane formed as a plane parallel (straight) to the axial direction of the output rod (4). A fine gap is formed between the ball (7) and the sliding surface (27a).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, when the clamp device is in a locked state, the ball (7) is not supported from below by the cam member (51). However, the ball (7) does not fall due to the projection (27b). When the ball (7) comes into contact with the cam portion (52) of the cam member (51) by driving the clamp pallet (CP) over the rail (50), the lateral reaction force from the cam portion (52) is received into the housing (1) through the guide member (27) having a sliding surface (27a). Thus, the lateral reaction force acting on the output rod (4) can be suppressed, and the output rod (4) can be moved more smoothly in the direction of the front end.

[0050] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. The clamp device of the third embodiment differs from the clamp device of the first embodiment in that the means for pushing and moving the output rod (4) downward (towards the base) is different. Additionally, the clamp device of the third embodiment differs from the clamp device of the second embodiment in that the means for preventing the ball (7) from falling is different.

[0051] In this embodiment, the space above the piston part (8) in the through hole (5) becomes the pressure gas chamber (28). The piston part (8) of the output rod (4) is inserted into the through hole (5) in a sealed state through the sealing member (29). The upper rod part (4a) of the output rod (4) is inserted into the plug part through hole (3a) in a sealed state through the sealing member (30). Additionally, the pressure member (19) is inserted into the through hole (20) in a sealed state via the sealing member (31). By these, the space above the piston part (8) in the through hole (5) becomes the pressure gas chamber (28).

[0052] Compressed air is filled into the above-mentioned pressure gas chamber (28) through the charging port (32) as a locking (clamping) pressure gas. The compressed air filled in the pressure gas chamber (28) is a means of moving the output rod (4) downward (towards the base). The charging port (32) and the pressure gas chamber (28) are connected by a port-side passage (33) formed in the housing (1). An air charging member (34) is attached to the charging port (32).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the air filling member (34) includes a cylindrical main body (35), a ball (36), a spring (37), and a retaining cylinder (38). The main body (35) is sealed and fixed to the filling port (32) through a sealing member (39). At the end of the main body (35) in the direction of the port-side passage (33), the retaining cylinder (38) is press-fitted and sealed through an O-ring (40). The ball (36) and the spring (37) are housed inside the retaining cylinder (38). An air filling tube (not shown) is connected to the female screw hole (35a) of the main body (35). Pressure of compressed air is constantly applied within the air filling tube. Only the amount of compressed air leaked from the pressure gas chamber (28) is supplied to the pressure gas chamber (28) from the air filling tube through the air filling member (34) and the port-side passage (33). The ball (36), spring (37), and O-ring (40) constitute a check valve, which allows compressed air flow from the air filling pipe to the port-side passage (33) but does not allow flow in the opposite direction. The ball (36) is the valve body, and the O-ring (40) is the valve seat. When the compressed air pressure in the pressurized gas chamber (28) reaches a predetermined value, the ball (36) is pressed against the O-ring (40) by the spring (37), and the check valve closes.

[0054] According to the above configuration, when the clamp device is switched from the released state to the locked state shown in FIG. 6, the compressed air filled in the pressure gas chamber (28) pushes the output rod (4) downward (towards the base). Since only the amount of compressed air leaked from the pressure gas chamber (28) is supplied to the pressure gas chamber (28), the amount of compressed air used is extremely small. Therefore, although a compressed air supply facility such as an air compressor is required, the scale of the facility is extremely small.

[0055] At the bottom center of the recess (6) formed in the output rod (4), a bottomed hole (41) extending in the axial direction of the output rod (4) is provided, and a magnet (42) is received at the bottom of this hole (41). The magnet (42) is fixed in the hole (41) by twisting a plug (43) as a gap-filling member into the lower side of the magnet (42). The output rod (4), the plug (43), and the ball (7) are formed of a magnetic material that is attracted by a magnet, such as iron.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the ball (7) can be prevented from falling due to gravity by the magnet (42).

[0057] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The clamp device of the first embodiment becomes a released state when the ball (7) pushes the output rod (4) upward (toward the tip) and becomes a locked state when the spring (9) pushes the output rod (4) downward (toward the base). In contrast, the clamp device of the fourth embodiment becomes a locked state when the ball (7) pushes the output rod (4) upward (toward the tip) and becomes a released state when the spring (9) pushes the output rod (4) downward (toward the base).

[0058] On the outer wall of the upper rod portion (4a) of the output rod (4), a retraction groove (16) and a support surface (44) are formed vertically parallel to each other in correspondence with the ball (14). The retraction groove (16) is positioned to face the ball (14), and by moving to a retraction position where the ball (14) can be inserted, the ball (14) can move inward in the diameter direction relative to the outer surface of the plug portion (3). The support surface (44) is formed parallel (straight) to the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a). The support surface (44) is formed perpendicular to the axial direction of the through hole (13). By moving the support surface (44) to a position facing the ball (14), the ball (14) is moved to an outer position so that it protrudes outward in the diameter direction relative to the outer surface of the plug portion (3).

[0059] In the release state shown in FIG. 8, the spring (9) pushes the output rod (4) downward (towards the base), and the output rod (4) is in a lowered state. As the output rod (4) is lowered, the ball (14) of the plug part (3) can move to the retracted position within the retracted groove (16).

[0060] When clamping the work pallet (WP) to the clamp pallet (CP), the work pallet (WP) is first lowered so that the plug portion (3) is inserted into the mounting hole (24) of the ring member (22). Then, the clamp pallet (CP) is driven along the rail (50) to bring the ball (7) into contact with the cam portion (52) of the cam member (51) and place the ball (7) on the cam portion (52). Accordingly, the ball (7) resists the negative force of the spring (9) and pushes the output rod (4) upward (toward the tip), causing the output rod (4) to rise. When the output rod (4) rises, the extrusion portion (16a), which forms part of the retraction groove (16) formed in the output rod (4), pushes the ball (14) of the plug portion (3) to a radial outward protruding position, and the ball (14) is secured to the securing portion (25). As a result, the clamp device switches from the release state shown in Fig. 8 to the lock state shown in Fig. 9.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the clamp device of the fifth embodiment, a plurality of ball bodies (45) are rotatably mounted between the bottom surface of the recess (6) that accommodates the ball (7) and the ball (7). The clamp device of the fifth embodiment differs from the clamp device of the first embodiment in this respect. According to this configuration, the rotation of the ball (7) becomes smoother. As a result, when the ball (7) comes into contact with the cam portion (52), the lateral reaction force from the cam portion (52) can be more effectively distributed at the ball (14) portion.

[0062] A detachment prevention ring (46) for preventing the ball body (45) from detaching between the bottom surface of the waist portion (6) and the ball (7) is press-fitted and fixed to a circular fitting portion (47) formed at the base of the output rod (4). The inner surface of the detachment prevention ring (46) is formed to narrow as it goes downward, and has a protrusion (46a) at the bottom that is convex toward the ball (7). The protrusion (46a) is intended to prevent the ball (7) from falling due to gravity.

[0063] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the ball body (45) from coming off between the bottom surface of the waist portion (6) and the ball (7), and at the same time, the ball (7) can be prevented from falling due to gravity by the protrusion (46a).

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is possible to appropriately combine the elements of the above embodiments or apply various modifications to the above embodiments within the scope without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0065] For example, the above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0066] A person may press the ball (7) (operation member) with their hand (manually) to move the output rod (4) toward the tip.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the cam member (51) is stationary (fixed), but the cam member (51) may be moved to press the ball (7) (operating member) with the cam portion (52) to move it. Additionally, the means for generating an external force to move the ball (7) (operating member) is not limited to a member such as the cam member (51).

[0068] In the clamp device shown in FIG. 6, as the pressure gas (burying means) filled into the pressure gas chamber (28), a pressure gas other than compressed air, such as compressed nitrogen gas, may be used instead of compressed air.

[0069] The position of the clamp device may be inverted opposite to the up-and-down position exemplified, arranged in a lateral direction, or further arranged in an oblique direction.

[0070] The clamp device may be fixed to a table or the tip of a robot arm, etc. The clamp object may be a workpiece, mold, tool, or jig, etc. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 1: Housing, 3: Plug part, 3a: Plug part through hole, 4: Output rod, 5: Through hole, 6: Recess, 7: Ball (operating member), 9: Spring (supporting means), 13: Through hole, 14: Ball (engaging member), 24: Mounting hole, 25: Locking part, 27: Guide member, 27a: Sliding surface, 27b: Protrusion, 41: Hole, 42: Magnet, 45: Ball body, 46: Anti-detachment ring, 46a: Protrusion, 101: Clamp device, WP: Work pallet (clamp object)

Claims

Claim 1 A housing (1), a cylindrical plug portion (3) formed protruding from the housing (1), an output rod (4) inserted into a plug portion through hole (3a) of the plug portion (3) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a), a engaging member (14) inserted into a through hole (13) formed in the main wall of the plug portion (3), wherein the engaging member (14) moves within the through hole (13) as the output rod (4) moves in the axial direction and is capable of contacting a connecting portion (25) having a mounting hole (24) provided in a clamp target (WP) to allow the plug portion (3) to be inserted, a through hole (5) formed on the base side of the housing (1) so as to be inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction, and an operating member (7) disposed in a rotatable state on the base side end of the output rod (4) to push the output rod (4) in the direction of the leading end in the axial direction A clamp device comprising a moving operating member (7) and a pushing means (9) disposed inside the through hole (5) or filled inside the through hole (5) to push and move the output rod (4) in the base end side direction of the axial direction, wherein a recess (6) is formed on the base end side cross section of the output rod (4) and the operating member (7) is rotatably received in the recess (6). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 In paragraph 1, the operating member (7) is a clamp device that is a sphere or a roller. Claim 4 A clamp device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member (27) attached to the base portion of the through hole (5), wherein the guide member (27) includes a sliding surface (27a) facing the operating member (7) formed to interlock the operating member (7), and a protrusion (27b) convex toward the operating member (7) to prevent the operating member (7) from falling. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A clamp device according to claim 1, wherein a hole (41) extending in the axial direction is formed in the bottom center of the above-mentioned portion (6), and further comprising a magnet (42) received in the hole (41), and wherein the output rod (4) and the operating member (7) are formed of a magnetic material that is attracted by the magnet. Claim 7 A clamp device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, and 6, wherein a plurality of ball bodies (45) are rotatably mounted between the bottom surface of the above-mentioned portion (6) and the above-mentioned operating member (7). Claim 8 A clamp device according to claim 7, wherein a detachment prevention ring (46) that prevents the ball body (45) from detaching between the bottom surface of the above-mentioned portion (6) and the above-mentioned operating member (7) is fixed to the base portion of the above-mentioned output rod (4), and the detachment prevention ring (46) includes a protrusion (46a) that is convex toward the operating member (7) to prevent the operating member (7) from falling. Claim 9 A housing (1), a cylindrical plug portion (3) formed protruding from the housing (1), an output rod (4) inserted into a plug portion through hole (3a) of the plug portion (3) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a), a engaging member (14) inserted into a through hole (13) formed in the main wall of the plug portion (3), wherein the engaging member (14) moves within the through hole (13) as the output rod (4) moves in the axial direction and is capable of contacting a connecting portion (25) having a mounting hole (24) provided in a clamp target (WP) to allow the plug portion (3) to be inserted, a through hole (5) formed on the base side of the housing (1) so as to be inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction, and an operating member (7) disposed in a rotatable state on the base side end of the output rod (4) to push the output rod (4) in the direction of the leading end in the axial direction A clamp device comprising a moving operating member (7) and a pushing means (9) disposed inside the through hole (5) or filled inside the through hole (5) to push and move the output rod (4) in the direction of the base in the axial direction, wherein the operating member (7) is a sphere or a roller. Claim 10 A housing (1), a cylindrical plug portion (3) formed protruding from the housing (1), an output rod (4) inserted into a plug portion through hole (3a) of the plug portion (3) so as to be movable in the axial direction of the plug portion through hole (3a), a engaging member (14) inserted into a through hole (13) formed in the main wall of the plug portion (3), wherein the engaging member (14) moves within the through hole (13) as the output rod (4) moves in the axial direction and is capable of contacting a connecting portion (25) having a mounting hole (24) provided in a clamp target (WP) to allow the plug portion (3) to be inserted, a through hole (5) formed on the base side of the housing (1) so as to be inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction, and an operating member (7) disposed in a rotatable state on the base side end of the output rod (4) to push the output rod (4) in the direction of the leading end in the axial direction A clamp device comprising a moving operating member (7), a pushing means (9) disposed inside the through hole (5) or filled inside the through hole (5) to push and move the output rod (4) in the direction of the base of the axial direction, and a guide member (27) attached to the base of the through hole (5), wherein the guide member (27) includes a sliding surface (27a) facing the operating member (7) formed to interlock the operating member (7), and a protrusion (27b) convex toward the operating member (7) to prevent the operating member (7) from falling.

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