An air supply mechanism

Abstract

The present application relates to the mechanical technical field.A kind of air supply mechanism, the telescopic direction of the piston rod of guide rod cylinder is vertical direction;Guide rod cylinder is installed on the vertical mounting surface of a cylinder connecting support by bolt;Push plate of guide rod cylinder is detachably connected with a gas supply block, and the gas supply block is provided with gas outlet port, and hollow rubber block is installed on the gas outlet port, to take the inner hole of rubber block as gas outlet hole;It also includes a protective cover, the protective cover is U-shaped, and the protective cover includes sequentially connected left side plate, top plate and right side plate, and the left side plate and the right side plate are respectively hinged with the left and right ends of gas supply block;Left side plate is hinged with one end of left connecting rod, and right side plate is hinged with one end of right connecting rod;The other end of left connecting rod and right connecting rod is respectively hinged with the left and right ends of cylinder connecting support.The present application greatly reduces alignment accuracy.By the linkage of protective cover and guide rod cylinder, dust protection for gas outlet port is facilitated.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application of application number 202111260728.4, application date October 28, 2021, entitled "A Simple Gas Supply Connection and Disconnection Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of mechanical technology, specifically to a gas supply device. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, "compliant media connectors (including male and female connector modules)" are often used to supply air to independent moving units such as skids, pallet trolleys, friction conveyor trolleys, or slides in the conveyor line.

[0004] When installing the "compliant medium connector", the guide rod cylinder is fixed on the mounting bracket of the workstation where air supply is required, and the male connector module of the compliant medium connector is mounted on the mounting plate at the end of the moving push rod of the guide rod cylinder. The guide rod cylinder pushes the male connector module forward and backward, realizing the insertion and disconnection functions of the male connector module and the female connector module fixed on the motion unit.

[0005] The main disadvantages of using a "compliant medium connector" to achieve gas supply connection and disconnection are as follows:

[0006] 1) Currently, the technology of "compliant media connectors" used in industry is complex (mainly because a. it integrates the connection of air source and the acquisition of signal information technology, which requires technical patent support; b. the male and female modules have high requirements for the processing precision and fitting precision of the components). At present, foreign brand products such as ATI (American brand) are mainly purchased. Foreign supply cycles are long, prices are expensive, and delivery time is greatly affected by customs and other factors, making it unstable.

[0007] 2) The high accuracy requirement for the stopping and positioning of the motion unit increases the cost of precise positioning of the motion unit. Because the male connector module of the "compliant medium connector" has a precision positioning pin group and coupling boss, and the male connector module is fixed in the station, the stopping and positioning accuracy of the female connector module installed on the motion unit is required to be high. Generally, it can be mated with the male connector module within ±0.3mm. Large deviations can easily cause friction stress, misalignment, incomplete docking, lack of sealing, or even damage to the male and female connector modules.

[0008] 3) The cost of spare parts for OEMs is high, maintenance costs are high, and production risks are significant. Not only are spare parts for guide rod cylinders required, but also sufficient spare parts for male and female head modules need to be prepared in advance. Due to the long procurement cycle and unstable supply of male and female head modules, if damage occurs and there are no readily available male and female head modules for replacement (male and female head modules are basically integral structures and need to be replaced as a whole), it will cause huge losses to production. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a gas supply mechanism to solve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an air supply mechanism, including a guide rod cylinder, characterized in that the extension and retraction direction of the piston rod of the guide rod cylinder is vertical;

[0011] The guide rod cylinder is bolted to the vertical mounting surface of a cylinder connecting bracket;

[0012] The cylinder connecting bracket is bolted to the bottom support base, which is a height-adjustable support base;

[0013] An air supply block is detachably connected to the push plate of the guide rod cylinder. The air supply block has an air outlet port, and a hollow rubber block is installed on the air outlet port, with the inner hole of the rubber block serving as the air outlet.

[0014] It also includes a protective cover, which is U-shaped and includes a left side plate, a top plate, and a right side plate connected in sequence. The left side plate and the right side plate are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the air supply block.

[0015] The left side plate is hinged to one end of the left connecting rod, and the right side plate is hinged to one end of the right connecting rod;

[0016] The other ends of the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the cylinder connecting bracket;

[0017] The hinge point between the left connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the left side plate and the air supply block and the top plate;

[0018] The hinge point between the right connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the right side plate and the air supply block and the top plate.

[0019] This patent optimizes the air supply connection structure by using the inner hole of a rubber block as the air outlet, significantly reducing alignment accuracy compared to traditional plug-in male and female connectors. Furthermore, this patent facilitates dust protection of the air outlet port through the linkage between the protective cover and the guide rod cylinder.

[0020] More preferably, the bottom support includes a height adjustment mechanism, upper and lower mounting bases, and a foot plate;

[0021] The height adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment rod base, an adjustment screw, and a hexagonal nut;

[0022] Four hexagonal nuts are welded and fixed on the mounting base. The mounting base has through holes through which the adjusting bolt passes, and the adjusting bolt is threadedly connected to the hexagonal nuts.

[0023] The bottom of the adjusting bolt is rotatably connected to the base of the adjusting rod;

[0024] The base of the adjusting rod is welded and fixed to the foot plate.

[0025] The height of the mounting base can be adjusted by rotating the adjusting bolt.

[0026] Further preferably, a tensioning bolt is fixedly connected to the top of the adjusting bolt. This facilitates the rotation of the adjusting bolt and provides operating space.

[0027] More preferably, a vertically arranged fixing plate is welded and fixed on the foot plate;

[0028] The fixed welding plate abuts against the outer edge of the mounting base.

[0029] It facilitates the adjustment of the vertical height of the mounting base.

[0030] More preferably, the fixing plate is welded and fixedly connected to the mounting base.

[0031] This ensures that once the height is adjusted, it is locked and cannot be adjusted again.

[0032] More preferably, the air outlet includes a rubber block mounting hole for mounting a rubber block and a spacer mounting hole for mounting a spacer. The rubber block mounting hole includes an upper part and a lower part arranged vertically, and the inner diameter of the upper part is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower part.

[0033] The inner diameter of the spacer mounting hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower part;

[0034] The spacer mounting hole is a stepped hole with an inner diameter decreasing from top to bottom. The spacer is installed at the top of the stepped hole, the top of the spacer extends out of the spacer mounting hole, and the outer wall of the spacer abuts against the inner wall of the rubber block.

[0035] This facilitates the limiting and fixing effect of the rubber block.

[0036] The spacer is a metal sleeve.

[0037] More preferably, the left and right ends of the air supply block are equipped with first shaft pins, and an oil-free bushing is installed between the first shaft pins and the air supply block;

[0038] A first gasket for passing through the first pivot pin is installed between the outer side of the protective cover and the air supply block.

[0039] This ensures the degree of freedom at the hinge.

[0040] More preferably, both the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod are hinged to the protective cover via a second pivot pin, and a second washer passing through the second pivot pin is provided between the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod and the protective cover.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment includes a mating component that engages with the rubber block;

[0042] The opposing component includes a mating block and a venting conduit mounted on the mating block, wherein the inner diameter of the venting conduit is smaller than the inner diameter of the rubber block;

[0043] The contact surface between the ventilation duct and the rubber block is a plane.

[0044] This ensures a smooth connection.

[0045] A further preferred embodiment includes an air supply channel, on which an air circuit triplet is installed. The air supply channel is connected to the air supply branch of the guide rod cylinder and the air supply block via a three-way connector.

[0046] Two-position five-way control valves are installed on both the air supply branch of the guide rod cylinder and the air supply block.

[0047] A speed control valve is installed on the guide rod cylinder. The airflow speed is adjusted by the speed control valve.

[0048] The air supply block is equipped with an air pipe connector. The air supply block is connected to the air supply branch through the air pipe connector.

[0049] More preferably, when the protective cover blocks the air supply block, the inner walls of the left and right sides of the protective cover may be provided with guide grooves that slope downwards from back to front;

[0050] The guide groove is slidably connected to a movable cover plate of a rubber block that covers the air supply block.

[0051] To improve the protective effect, when the protective cover flips to block the air supply block, the movable cover, guided by the guide groove, presses down on the rubber block. When the protective cover opens, the movable cover moves within the guide groove during the relative movement between the rubber block and the protective cover, sliding to the side adjacent to the top plate. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the disengaged and retracted state of a gas supply mechanism according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 This is the present invention. Figure 1 A partial sectional view at point AA in the middle;

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connected gas supply state of a gas supply mechanism according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 4 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A partial sectional view at point AA in the middle;

[0056] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of a gas supply mechanism of the present invention in its disengaged and retracted state.

[0057] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of the connected gas supply state of a gas supply mechanism according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the docking effect of a gas supply mechanism according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the movable cover plate and the air supply block in the working state of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0061] The components are as follows: 1. Foot plate; 2. Adjusting rod base; 3. Fixed welding plate; 4. Hex nut; 5. Adjusting bolt; 6. Tensioning bolt; 7. Mounting seat; 8. Speed ​​control valve; 9. Push plate; 10. Air pipe connector; 11. Protective cover; 12. Left connecting rod; 13. Cylinder connecting bracket; 14. Guide rod cylinder; 15. Oil-free bushing; 16. First gasket; 17. First shaft pin; 18. Left side plate; 19. Second shaft pin; 20. Rubber block; 21. Spacer; 22. Air supply block; 23. Hand part; 24. Movable cover plate; 25. Outer body. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] See Figures 1 to 9 Specific embodiment 1: An air supply mechanism includes a guide rod cylinder 14, the piston rod of the guide rod cylinder 14 extending and retracting in a vertical direction; the guide rod cylinder 14 is bolted to a vertical mounting surface of a cylinder connecting bracket 13; the cylinder connecting bracket 13 is bolted to a bottom support seat, the bottom support seat being a height-adjustable support seat; an air supply block 22 is detachably connected to the push plate 9 of the guide rod cylinder 14, the air supply block 22 having an air outlet port, and a hollow rubber block 20 is installed on the air outlet port, with the inner hole of the rubber block 20 serving as the air outlet.

[0064] It also includes a protective cover 11, which is U-shaped and comprises a left side plate 18, a top plate, and a right side plate connected in sequence. The left side plate 18 and the right side plate are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the air supply block 22. One end of the left connecting rod 12 is hinged to the left side plate 18, and one end of the right connecting rod is hinged to the right side plate. The other ends of the left connecting rod 12 and the right connecting rod are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the cylinder connecting bracket 13. The hinge points of the left connecting rod 12 and the right connecting rod with the air supply block 22 are located between the hinge points of the left side plate 18 and the right side plate with the air supply block 22 and the top plate. This patent optimizes the air supply docking structure by using the inner hole of the rubber block 20 as the air outlet, which greatly reduces the alignment accuracy compared to the traditional plug-in male and female connectors. In addition, this patent facilitates dust protection of the air outlet port through the linkage between the protective cover 11 and the guide rod cylinder 14.

[0065] The bottom support includes a height adjustment mechanism, upper and lower mounting bases 7, and a base plate 1. The height adjustment mechanism includes an adjusting rod base 2, an adjusting screw, and hexagonal nuts 4. Four hexagonal nuts 4 are welded and fixed to the mounting base 7. The mounting base 7 has through holes through which adjusting bolts 5 pass, and the adjusting bolts 5 are threadedly connected to the hexagonal nuts 4. The bottom of the adjusting bolts 5 is rotatably connected to the adjusting rod base 2. The adjusting rod base 2 is welded and fixed to the base plate 1. This allows for height adjustment of the mounting base 7 by rotating the adjusting bolts 5. A tension bolt 6 is fixedly connected to the top of the adjusting bolts 5. This allows for rotation of the adjusting bolts 5 and provides operating space. A vertically arranged fixing plate 3 is welded and fixed to the base plate 1. The fixing plate 3 abuts against the outer edge of the mounting base 7. This allows for longitudinal height adjustment of the mounting base 7. The fixing plate 3 is welded and fixedly connected to the mounting base 7. This ensures that once the height is adjusted, it is locked and cannot be adjusted again. A cylinder connecting bracket is installed on the mounting base.

[0066] The air outlet includes a rubber block mounting hole for mounting a rubber block and a spacer mounting hole for mounting a spacer 21. The rubber block mounting hole has an upper part and a lower part, with the inner diameter of the upper part being smaller than that of the lower part. The inner diameter of the spacer mounting hole is smaller than that of the lower part. The spacer mounting hole is a stepped hole, and the spacer 21 is mounted on the top of the stepped hole. The top of the spacer 21 extends out of the spacer mounting hole, and the outer wall of the spacer 21 abuts against the inner wall of the rubber block. This facilitates the limiting and fixing effect of the rubber block. The spacer 21 is a metal sleeve.

[0067] First pivot pins are installed at both ends of the air supply block 22, and an oil-free bushing 15 is installed between the first pivot pin 17 and the air supply block 22; a first washer 16 for passing through the first pivot pin 17 is installed between the outer side of the protective cover 11 and the air supply block 22. This ensures the freedom of movement at the hinge. The left connecting rod 12 and the right connecting rod are hinged to the protective cover 11 by a second pivot pin 19, and a second washer passing through the second pivot pin 19 is provided between the left connecting rod 12 and the right connecting rod and the protective cover 11.

[0068] It also includes a mating component 23 that connects with the rubber block; the mating component 23 includes a mating block and a venting conduit mounted on the mating block, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the rubber block; the contact surface between the venting conduit and the rubber block is flat, to ensure a good mating effect. The venting conduit is a metal tube.

[0069] It also includes an air supply channel, on which an air circuit tripartite is installed. The air supply channel is connected to the air supply branch of the guide rod cylinder and the air supply block via a three-way connector. Two-position five-way control valves are installed on both the guide rod cylinder and air supply block air supply branches. A speed regulating valve 8 is installed on the guide rod cylinder 14. The airflow speed is adjusted by the speed regulating valve 8. An air pipe connector 10 is installed on the air supply block 22. The air supply block 22 is connected to the air supply block air supply branch via the air pipe connector 10.

[0070] The guide rod cylinder is mounted in front of the cylinder connecting bracket. See also Figure 8 When the protective cover 11 blocks the air supply block 22, two parallel, downward-sloping guide grooves can be formed on the inner walls of the left and right sides of the protective cover 11. The angle between the top of the guide groove and the vertical direction is 30°-45°. A movable cover plate 24, which covers the air supply block 22, is slidably connected to the guide groove. The movable cover plate 24 has sliders at both ends that are slidably connected to the guide groove, thus improving the protective effect. See also Figure 8 In (a), when the protective cover 11 flips to block the air supply block 22, the movable cover, guided by the guide groove, presses down on the rubber block. See also Figure 8 In (b), when the protective cover 11 is opened, the movable cover moves in the guide groove and slides to the side adjacent to the top plate during the relative movement between the rubber block and the protective cover 11.

[0071] It also includes an infrared positioning system, which includes an infrared laser emitter mounted on the opponent and an infrared receiving sensor mounted on the air supply block.

[0072] Two infrared laser emitters are provided, located to the left and right of the two ventilation ducts, with the central axis of the two ventilation ducts and the center of the two infrared laser emitters on the same plane. The two infrared laser emitters face upwards and towards the sensing end of the infrared receiving sensor. The sensing direction of the infrared receiving sensor is downwards.

[0073] There are two infrared receiving sensors, located to the left and right of the two rubber blocks, and the central axis of the two rubber blocks is in the same plane as the center of the two infrared receiving sensors.

[0074] This facilitates feedback and detection of the alignment between the handpiece and the air supply block, enabling regular positioning checks.

[0075] See Figure 9 An outer sleeve 25 is fixed to the lower periphery of the air supply duct. When the air supply block mates with the matching component, the outer sleeve 25 is fitted over the rubber block. The outer sleeve, air supply duct, and air supply block form an annular detection space. A detection air path is installed on the outer sleeve, and a pressure sensor is installed on the detection air path. This facilitates the detection of any air leakage when the air supply block mates with the matching component, and allows for timely replacement of the rubber block. A ring-shaped sponge is fixed to the bottom of the outer sleeve, creating a flexible buffer barrier. Although the outer sleeve and air supply block are not completely sealed, during air delivery, the pressure sensor readings in the annular detection space differ significantly between areas with and without air leakage.

[0076] Beneficial effects: This invention can replace the "compliant media connector" used in the project: by replacing the expensive, long-term and unstable foreign-purchased "compliant media connector" with a processed part through structural design, the cost is greatly reduced. The price of a set of ATI's "compliant media connector" is about 45,000 RMB, and the cost of this invention is far lower than that of a set of ATI's "compliant media connector".

[0077] This invention does not require high positioning accuracy for independent motion units, does not use pin positioning, and uses a rubber block with a certain contact area and elasticity for planar contact sealing. A positioning accuracy of ±2mm is sufficient for use, which indirectly reduces the cost of production conveyor lines and is less likely to cause damage to the air supply device during debugging and production.

[0078] This invention results in low spare parts costs and low maintenance costs for OEMs. Only spare parts for the guide rod cylinder 14 are needed. Rubber blocks, due to long-term contact and compression, are also necessary as they are vulnerable parts and need to be replaced and maintained at regular intervals (e.g., once a quarter). However, the cost is very low, and even temporary processing can be completed quickly, with no supply risk and no impact on production.

[0079] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas supply mechanism, comprising a guide rod cylinder, characterized in that, The extension and retraction direction of the piston rod of the guide rod cylinder is vertical; The guide rod cylinder is bolted to the vertical mounting surface of a cylinder connecting bracket; The cylinder connecting bracket is bolted to the bottom support base, which is a height-adjustable support base; An air supply block is detachably connected to the push plate of the guide rod cylinder. The air supply block has an air outlet port, and a hollow rubber block is installed on the air outlet port, with the inner hole of the rubber block serving as the air outlet. It also includes a protective cover, which is U-shaped and includes a left side plate, a top plate, and a right side plate connected in sequence. The left side plate and the right side plate are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the air supply block. The left side plate is hinged to one end of the left connecting rod, and the right side plate is hinged to one end of the right connecting rod; The other ends of the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the cylinder connecting bracket; The hinge point between the left connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the left side plate and the air supply block and the top plate; The hinge point between the right connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the right side plate and the air supply block and the top plate; When the protective cover blocks the air supply block, the inner walls of the left and right sides of the protective cover are provided with guide grooves that slope downward from back to front. The guide groove is slidably connected to a movable cover plate of a rubber block that covers the air supply block; When the protective cover flips to block the air supply block, the movable cover plate, guided by the guide groove, presses down on the rubber block; When the protective cover is opened, the movable cover moves within the guide groove during the relative movement between the rubber block and the protective cover, and slides to the side adjacent to the top plate.

2. The gas supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the top of the guide groove and the vertical direction is 30°-45°.

3. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable cover plate is equipped with sliders at both ends that are slidably connected to the guide groove.

4. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mating component that engages with the rubber block; the mating component includes a mating block and a venting conduit mounted on the mating block, the inner diameter of the venting conduit being smaller than the inner diameter of the rubber block; the contact surface between the venting conduit and the rubber block is a plane; the venting conduit is a metal pipe.

5. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, An outer sleeve is fixed to the lower end of the ventilation duct. When the air supply block is connected to the hand component, the outer sleeve is fitted around the rubber block.

6. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer casing, the ventilation duct, and the air supply block form a ring-shaped detection space; A detection air path is installed on the outer shell, and a pressure sensor is installed on the detection air path; The bottom of the outer casing is fixed with a ring-shaped sponge.

7. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom support includes a height adjustment mechanism, upper and lower mounting bases, and a foot plate; The height adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment rod base, an adjustment bolt, and a hexagonal nut; Four hexagonal nuts are welded and fixed on the mounting base. The mounting base has through holes through which the adjusting bolt passes, and the adjusting bolt is threadedly connected to the hexagonal nuts. The bottom of the adjusting bolt is rotatably connected to the base of the adjusting rod; The base of the adjusting rod is welded and fixed to the foot plate.

8. A gas supply mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air supply channel, on which an air circuit triplet is installed. The air supply channel is connected to the air supply branch of the guide rod cylinder and the air supply block air supply branch through a three-way connector. Two-position five-way control valves are installed on the air supply branch of the guide rod cylinder and the air supply block. The gas supply block is equipped with a gas pipe connector.

9. A gas supply mechanism, comprising a guide rod cylinder, characterized in that, The extension and retraction direction of the piston rod of the guide rod cylinder is vertical; The guide rod cylinder is bolted to the vertical mounting surface of a cylinder connecting bracket; The cylinder connecting bracket is bolted to the bottom support base, which is a height-adjustable support base; An air supply block is detachably connected to the push plate of the guide rod cylinder. The air supply block has an air outlet port, and a hollow rubber block is installed on the air outlet port, with the inner hole of the rubber block serving as the air outlet. It also includes a protective cover, which is U-shaped and includes a left side plate, a top plate, and a right side plate connected in sequence. The left side plate and the right side plate are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the air supply block. The left side plate is hinged to one end of the left connecting rod, and the right side plate is hinged to one end of the right connecting rod; The other ends of the left connecting rod and the right connecting rod are respectively hinged to the left and right ends of the cylinder connecting bracket; The hinge point between the left connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the left side plate and the air supply block and the top plate; The hinge point between the right connecting rod and the air supply block is located between the hinge point between the right side plate and the air supply block and the top plate; It also includes a mating component that engages with the rubber block; the mating component includes a mating block and a venting conduit mounted on the mating block, the inner diameter of the venting conduit being smaller than the inner diameter of the rubber block; the contact surface between the venting conduit and the rubber block is a plane; the venting conduit is a metal pipe.

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