Locking device and limiting actuator

Abstract

The invention provides a locking device which comprises a push head used for making contact with a limited object. And the self-locking assembly is used for driving the push head to move axially and locking the push head after the push head is in contact with a limited object. The invention further provides a limiting actuator applying the locking device. According to the limiting device, enough locking force can be provided to firmly fix the limited object, and the limited object can be prevented from being damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of mechanical equipment, and in particular to a locking device and a position limiting actuator including the locking device. Background Art

[0002] Limiting devices are used to secure loads in place. For example, the support pipes on the side of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel support the riser. Because the riser is suspended underwater, it is affected by the surging water and requires a limiting device to secure it.

[0003] However, the limit device usually needs to rely on manual operation, which has high requirements for manual operation. Insufficient locking force cannot fix the load, and excessive locking force may damage the load. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a locking device and a position limiting actuator including the locking device.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a locking device, comprising: a push head for contacting a restricted object; and a self-locking assembly for driving the push head to move axially and locking the push head after the push head contacts the restricted object.

[0006] In some embodiments, the self-locking assembly includes a core shaft, a gripper shoe, and a retaining ring; the core shaft radially presses the gripper shoe so that the gripper shoe contacts the retaining ring to generate a locking force.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pusher head includes a side wall and an end face for contacting the object to be limited, and the end face and the side face enclose a cavity; the core shaft is arranged in the cavity, and the outer peripheral surface of the core shaft is conical; a plurality of windows penetrating the side wall are opened on the side wall of the pusher head, and the support shoe is installed in the window, and a reducing portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the support shoe, and the opening radius of the reducing portion gradually decreases in the direction approaching the end face.

[0008] In some embodiments, the conical outer peripheral surface of the core shaft has a taper angle ranging from 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support shoe includes a main body and mounting portions located on both sides of the main body, the main body is located in the window, and the mounting portions are pressed against the outer side of the pusher head side wall through an elastic pressing sheet.

[0010] In some embodiments, a limiting structure is provided at the opening of the pusher head, and a limiting structure is provided on the core shaft; the limiting structure of the pusher head cooperates with the limiting structure of the core shaft to confine the core shaft within the cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the limiting structure of the pusher head includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis; the limiting structure of the core shaft includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end surface of the push head used for contacting the object to be limited is any one of a plane, an arc surface, a spherical surface, and a tooth surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism further includes a limiting assembly for limiting the range of motion of the push head.

[0014] In some embodiments, the limiting assembly includes a limiting step arranged on the outer side of the pusher head side wall, and the limiting step is used to cooperate with the limiting pin to limit the range of movement of the pusher head.

[0015] In some embodiments, the self-locking assembly further comprises an end piece, on which a through hole is provided; the end piece is fixedly connected to the core shaft; and the through hole of the end piece is used for cooperating with the output piece of the driving device for installation.

[0016] In some embodiments, the self-locking assembly further includes a boosting assembly, which is used to keep the core shaft and the pusher head in an initial relative position before the pusher head contacts the restricted object.

[0017] In some embodiments, a support groove is provided at one end of the core shaft close to the end piece; the self-locking assembly also includes a booster spring, and the end piece is fixedly connected to the core shaft to limit the booster spring in the support groove; the outer diameter of the booster spring is matched with the inner diameter of the cavity opening of the push head, so as to keep the core shaft and the push head in their initial relative position before the push head contacts the object to be limited.

[0018] In some embodiments, the booster spring is a V-shaped spring with a V-shaped cross-section; the V-shaped spring has a plurality of evenly distributed split portions, and elastic claw portions are provided between adjacent split portions, and the elastic claw portions abut against the protrusion of the push head cavity opening.

[0019] In some embodiments, the surface of the retaining ring that contacts the gripper shoe includes a structure for increasing friction.

[0020] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a limit actuator, comprising a drive device, an output component, and the locking device described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the output component is coupled to the drive device and the locking device, respectively; the drive device drives the output component to move axially, driving the push head of the locking device to contact the object to be limited, and the self-locking component of the locking device locks the push head.

[0021] In some embodiments, the driving device includes a combination of one or more of an electric driving component, a pneumatic driving component, a hydraulic driving component, and a manual driving component.

[0022] The locking device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure consists of a push head and a self-locking assembly. When driven by an external force, the self-locking assembly drives the push head to move axially and contact the object to be restricted. Then, the self-locking assembly further moves axially relative to the push head to lock the push head. The self-locking assembly specifically includes a core shaft, a support shoe, and a retaining ring. During the locking process, after the push head contacts the object to be restricted (i.e., reaches a predetermined position), the core shaft continues to move axially under the action of the driving force. During the axial movement of the core shaft, the support shoe is squeezed and moves radially. The outer diameter of the support shoe is deformed under the constraint of the retaining ring, thereby generating a locking force. Therefore, the force driving the self-locking assembly to lock the push head does not directly act on the object to be restricted, reducing damage to the object to be restricted. The core shaft, support shoe, and retaining ring can achieve self-locking, and the locking reliability is higher. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1a to Figure 1f is a view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 1a and Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, Figure 1c It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line F2-F2. Figure 1d It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line F1-F1. Figure 1e This is an enlarged view of area F2-1. Figure 1f is an enlarged view of area F1-1;

[0024] Figure 2a to Figure 2e is a view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the working principle of the locking device, wherein Figure 2a Shows the starting position, Figure 2b It shows that the locking device has reached the predetermined position. Figure 2c Indicates the position where the locking device reaches the maximum locking force. Figure 2d is with Figure 2a Another corresponding cross-sectional view, Figure 2e is with Figure 2c another corresponding sectional view;

[0025] Figure 3a to Figure 3f is a view of the push head 201 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line GG, Figure 3b It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line QQ. Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, Figure 3d is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line JJ, Figure 3e is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line HH, Figure 3f It is a stereogram;

[0026] Figure 4a to Figure 4c is a view of the push head 201 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 4a It is a front view. Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 4c It is the left view;

[0027] Figure 5a to Figure 5d is a view of a mandrel 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 5a It is a front sectional view. Figure 5b It is a top view. Figure 5c is the left view, Figure 5d It is a stereogram;

[0028] Figure 6a to Figure 6d is a view of four grippers 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 6b It is a front view. Figure 6c is the left view, Figure 6d It is a stereogram;

[0029] Figure 7a to Figure 7d is a view of a retaining ring 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 7a It is a front view. Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 7c is the left view, Figure 7d It is a stereogram;

[0030] Figures 8a to 8c is a view of the limit pin 209 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 8a It is a front view. Figure 8b is the left view, Figure 8c It is a stereogram;

[0031] Figure 9a to Figure 9c is a view of a V-shaped spring 208 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 9a It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line AA. Figure 9b It is a front view. Figure 9c is an enlarged view of area A;

[0032] Figures 10a to 10d is a view of an end piece 207 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 10aIt is a front sectional view. Figure 10b It is a top view. Figure 10c is the left view, Figure 10d It is a stereogram;

[0033] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of a dual-mode limit actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of another dual-mode limit actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present disclosure, the technical solution of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Example embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the example embodiments may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0037] In the absence of conflict, the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the various features therein may be combined with each other.

[0038] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "made of" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0040] The embodiments described herein may be described with reference to plan views and / or cross-sectional views, with the aid of idealized schematic diagrams of the present disclosure. Thus, the example illustrations may be modified based on manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but include modifications of the configurations formed based on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions shown in the drawings illustrate specific shapes of the regions of the elements, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0042] In the following description, some directional words, such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "far side", "near side", etc., will be used. This is only for convenience and does not limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a locking device.

[0045] Figure 1a It is a schematic diagram of a locking device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The locking device can be used in water or underwater. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking device mainly includes a push head 201 and a self-locking assembly, and the self-locking assembly includes a core shaft 202, a support shoe 203, a retaining ring 206, and an end piece 207. In the locking device, the support shoe 203 is squeezed by the core shaft 202, and the support shoe 203 is squeezed and moves radially. The support shoe 203 is deformed under the constraint of the retaining ring 206 and contacts the retaining ring 206, generating a locking force, locking the push head 201 in a predetermined position, so that the push head 201 can withstand the reaction force of the object to be limited, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the object to be limited. The push head 201 is a component that generates a force on the object to be limited.

[0046] Figures 1a to 1f is a schematic diagram of a locking device in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein: Figure 1a and Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, Figure 1c It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line F2-F2. Figure 1d It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line F1-F1. Figure 1e This is an enlarged view of area F2-1. Figure 1f This is an enlarged view of area F1-1.

[0047] In some embodiments, a through hole is provided on the end piece 207, and the end piece 207 is fixedly connected to the core shaft 202. When the locking device is applied to a limit actuator, the through hole is assembled with the output component of the limit actuator (e.g., the drive bolt 1000), thereby coupling the locking device to the drive device of the limit actuator.

[0048] The pusher head 201 is cylindrical with one end closed and the other open. The closed end is located at the proximal end, abutting against the object to be restrained and exerting force on the object. The core shaft 202 is located inside the pusher head 201 and has a conical outer surface, with its outer diameter decreasing toward the closed end (i.e., the proximal end) of the pusher head 201.

[0049] In some embodiments, the conical outer surface of the mandrel 202 has a taper range of 0 to 10 degrees. For example, the taper range of the conical outer surface of the mandrel 202 is 0.1 to 8 degrees. For example, the taper of the conical outer surface of the mandrel 202 can be set to 2 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, etc. In the disclosed embodiments, this taper range can be referred to as a self-locking angle range. The conical design of the outer surface of the mandrel 202 that meets this taper range enables the mandrel 202, the gripper shoe 203, and the retaining ring 206 to cooperate and achieve self-locking.

[0050] During installation, first pass the driving bolt 1000 through the through hole of the end piece 207, and then securely connect the end piece 207 to the core shaft 202. A limiting structure is provided at the opening of the push head 201 (see FIG. Figure 5a to Figure 5d ), the core shaft 202 also has a matching limiting structure ( Figure 7a to Figure 7d ), after the two limiting structures are aligned, the mandrel 202 can be installed into the cylindrical cavity of the pusher head 201. After passing through the limiting structure, the mandrel 202 is rotated to confine the mandrel 202 in the pusher head 201. A step is provided on the inner wall of the pusher head 201. This step cooperates with the limiting structure on the mandrel 202 to limit the maximum rightward movement of the mandrel 202 relative to the pusher head 201. The limiting structure at the open end of the pusher head 201 cooperates with the limiting structure on the mandrel 202 to limit the maximum leftward movement of the mandrel 202 relative to the pusher head 201.

[0051] A V-shaped spring 208 is disposed between the core shaft 202 and the end piece 207. The outer diameter of the V-shaped spring 208 matches the inner diameter of the retaining structure at the opening of the push head 201. A certain initial thrust is required to deform the V-shaped spring 208, thereby pushing the core shaft 202 further into the push head 201. Before the push head 201 contacts the object being restrained, the force acting on the V-shaped spring 208 is less than this initial thrust, causing the V-shaped spring 208 to not deform, or to deform only slightly, and unable to enter the opening of the push head 201. This allows the drive bolt 1000 to push the push head 201 rightward while preventing the core shaft 202 from locking, thus preventing the push head 201 from locking before reaching the target position. When the push head 201 contacts the object being restrained, the force acting on the V-shaped spring 208 becomes greater than the initial thrust, squeezing and deforming the V-shaped spring 208, and causing the core shaft 202 to continue moving rightward relative to the push head 201 until it locks.

[0052] The side wall of the push head 201 is provided with a plurality of windows 2011 penetrating the side wall, and the gripper shoe 203 is installed in the window 2011. The gripper shoe 203 includes a main body 2031 and two mounting portions 2032 (see FIG. Figures 8a to 8c ), during installation, the main body 2031 and the window 2011 are placed in the window 2011 accordingly. On the side wall of the push head 201, the two mounting portions 2032 of the gripper shoe 203 are pressed by the elastic pressing piece 212, and then the gripper shoe 203 is fixed to the push head 201 by the screw 211.

[0053] The inner wall of the shoe 203 has a variable diameter structure, and the radius of the opening of the variable diameter section decreases as it approaches the locking direction. In other words, the inner diameter of the shoe 203 decreases toward the closed end (i.e., the proximal end) of the push head 201. This, in conjunction with the tapered structure of the mandrel 202, achieves a gradual locking effect. In some embodiments, the opening radius of the variable diameter section on the inner circumference of the shoe 203 decreases nonlinearly as it approaches the end face of the push head 201, with the magnitude of this decrease gradually increasing. As the mandrel 202 moves closer to the end face of the push head 201, it compresses the shoe 203, causing the radial pressure generated by the shoe 203 under the restraint of the retaining ring 206 to gradually increase, thereby generating a gradually increasing locking force. The taper of the mandrel 202 and shoe 203 satisfies the self-locking angle range. When the mandrel 202 compresses the shoe 203, the shoe 203 moves radially under the compression, and the outer diameter of the shoe 203 deforms under the restraint of the retaining ring 206, thereby generating a locking force and achieving self-locking.

[0054] In some embodiments, the surface of the retaining ring 206 in contact with the gripper shoe 203 includes a friction-increasing structure. The disclosed embodiments do not specifically limit the friction-increasing structure. In some embodiments, the friction-increasing structure is a covering provided on the surface of the retaining ring 206 in contact with the gripper shoe 203, which can increase the friction between the contact surface of the retaining ring 206 and the gripper shoe. In some embodiments, the friction-increasing structure is a structure obtained by surface treatment of the surface of the retaining ring 206 in contact with the gripper shoe 203. For example, the surface of the retaining ring 206 in contact with the gripper shoe 203 has a concave-convex structure, which can also increase the friction between the contact surface of the retaining ring 206 and the gripper shoe, thereby increasing the locking force.

[0055] The shoe 203 is radially against the retaining ring 206. The retaining ring 206 can be fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder 210 of the position limiting actuator 21 by means of threads, screws, interference fit, etc., or can be made into a structure integral with the inner wall of the cylinder 210.

[0056] The limit pin 209 is inserted into the hole located on the side wall of the cylinder body 210 and abuts against the outer wall of the push head 201. When unlocking, the push head 201 follows the core shaft 202 and moves axially away from the object to be limited; when the limit step set on the outer wall of the push head 201 contacts the limit pin 209, the push head 201 stops axial movement. When the core shaft 202 continues to move axially away from the object to be limited, the push head 201 remains stationary, thereby separating the core shaft 202 from the push head 201 and unlocking. It also ensures that the push head 201 will not enter the interior of the cylinder body and lock without contacting the object to be limited during the next locking process. In some embodiments, when the limit pin 209 contacts the limit step on the outer wall of the push head 201, the end face of the push head 201 used to contact the object to be limited is flush with one end of the limit actuator.

[0057] Figure 2a to Figure 2e is a view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating the working principle and various positions of the locking device, wherein Figure 2a Shows the starting position, Figure 2b It shows that the locking device has reached the predetermined position. Figure 2c Indicates the position where the locking device reaches the maximum locking force. Figure 2d is with Figure 2a Another corresponding cross-sectional view, Figure 2e is with Figure 2c Another corresponding cross-sectional view.

[0058] exist Figure 2a In the starting position shown, the push head 201 has not yet contacted the object 3. The driving bolt 1000 moves axially to the right. Before the push head 201 contacts the object 3, the force acting on the V-shaped spring 208 is less than the preset initial thrust. The V-shaped spring 208 does not deform or deforms slightly, and cannot enter the opening of the push head 201. The driving bolt 1000 pushes the push head 201, the core shaft 202, and the support shoe 203 to move to the right as a whole. During this process, the core shaft 202 will not be locked, preventing the push head 201 from locking before reaching the target position. This process continues until Figure 2b In the position shown, the push head 201 contacts the restricted object 3.

[0059] When the push head 201 contacts the restricted object 3, the push head 201 stops moving, the force acting on the V-shaped spring 208 becomes greater than the preset initial thrust, the V-shaped spring 208 is squeezed and deformed, the core shaft 202 continues to move to the right relative to the push head 201, squeezing the support shoe 203, the support shoe 203 is squeezed and moves radially, and the support shoe 203 is deformed under the constraint of the retaining ring 206 and contacts the retaining ring 206, generating a locking force, locking the push head 201 in the predetermined position, and this is Figure 2c Position shown.

[0060] Figure 3a to Figure 3f FIG is a view of a push head 201 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line GG, Figure 3b It is a sectional view along the cutting line QQ. Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis, Figure 3d is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line JJ, Figure 3e is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line HH, Figure 3f It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0061] Figure 4a to Figure 4c is a view of the push head 201 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 4a It is a front view. Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 4c It is the left view.

[0062] The pusher head 201 is generally cylindrical with one end open and includes a body portion 2013, a bottom portion 2017, and a connecting portion 2012 located therebetween. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 2012 is smaller than that of the body portion 2013 and the bottom portion 2017. The connecting portion 2012 has multiple windows 2011 formed around its central axis. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four windows, but this number is not limited. Due to the presence of four windows 2011, the connecting portion 2012 includes four gripper support portions 2019. When the gripper 203 is positioned in the windows 2011, the two mounting portions 2032 of the gripper 203 rest against the edges of the gripper support portions 2019. Each gripper support portion 2019 has multiple threaded holes 2014 formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two threads, but this number is not limited. After the gripper shoe 203 is placed in the window 2011 , the two mounting portions 2032 of the gripper shoe 203 are pressed by the elastic pressing piece 212 , so that the gripper shoe 203 is fixed to the pusher head 201 by the screw 211 .

[0063] A limiting structure is formed on the inner circumference of the open end of the cylindrical portion 2013, and the limiting structure includes a plurality of protrusions 2016 and a plurality of recesses 2018 uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of protrusions 2016 and recesses 2018 is four, but this number is not limited.

[0064] A countersunk threaded hole 2015 is provided in each recess 2018 and passes through the side wall of the cylindrical body 2013. The screw 213 is screwed into the countersunk threaded hole 2015 to prevent the core shaft 202 from rotating around the axis relative to the push head 210.

[0065] The embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the shape of the end face of the push head 201 that is used to contact the object to be limited. For example, the end face of the push head 201 that is used to contact the object to be limited is in the shape of a plane, an arc surface, a spherical surface, a tooth surface, etc. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the end face of the push head 201 that is used to contact the object to be limited is a plane, the specific shape can be a flat circle, a rectangle, a triangle, etc.; when the end face of the push head 201 that is used to contact the object to be limited is an arc surface, the arc surface can be curved outward (away from the direction of the core axis) or curved inward (toward the direction of the core axis); when the end face of the push head 201 that is used to contact the object to be limited is a spherical surface, the spherical surface can be convex outward (away from the direction of the core axis) or concave inward (toward the direction of the core axis). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the tooth surface refers to a structure with a plurality of teeth on the surface, for example, the surface has a pointed tooth structure arranged in an array.

[0066] Figure 5a to Figure 5d is a view of a mandrel 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 5a It is a front sectional view. Figure 5b It is a top view. Figure 5c is the left view, Figure 5d It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0067] The core shaft 202 is generally cylindrical and mainly includes a conical portion 2021, a limiting portion 2026, a cylindrical portion 2022 and a threaded portion 2023. The conical portion 2021 has a conical outer peripheral surface with an outer diameter decreasing toward the closed end (i.e., the proximal end) of the push head 201, which abuts against the support shoe 203 and forms a self-locking function.

[0068] The limiting portion 2026 includes a plurality of protrusions 2024 and a plurality of recesses 2025 uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of the protrusions 2024 and the recesses 2025 are both four, but this number is not limited.

[0069] The sizes of the protrusion 2016 and recess 2018 of the push head 201 and the protrusion 2024 and recess 2025 of the core shaft 202 are set so that after the limiting structures of the two are aligned, the core shaft 202 can be installed in the cylindrical cavity of the push head 201, and then the core shaft 202 is rotated after passing through the limiting structure to confine the core shaft 202 in the push head 201.

[0070] The external thread of the threaded portion 2023 is engaged with the internal thread of the end piece 207. The outer diameter of the threaded portion 2023 is smaller than that of the cylindrical portion 2022, so that a step 2027 is formed therebetween, and the V-shaped spring 208 is disposed at the step 2027.

[0071] Figure 6a to Figure 6d is a view of four grippers 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 6bIt is a front view along the axis. Figure 6c is the left view, Figure 6d It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, there are four grippers 203, but this number is not limited. The gripper 203 mainly includes an arc-shaped main body 2031 and two mounting portions 2032 located on both sides of the circumference. A notch 2033 is provided in the center of each mounting portion 2032.

[0073] The outer circumference of the shoe 203 is a cylindrical surface, which matches the inner circumference of the retaining ring, and the inner circumference is toward the proximal side ( Figure 8a The right side of the figure) has a conical surface with a reduced diameter, thereby cooperating with the conical portion 2021 of the core shaft 202.

[0074] Figure 7a to Figure 7d is a view of a retaining ring 206 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 7a It is a front view. Figure 7b is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line XX, Figure 7c is the left view, Figure 7d It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0075] The retaining ring 206 is substantially cylindrical, and a countersunk threaded hole 2061 is provided on its side wall.

[0076] Figures 8a to 8c is a view of the limit pin 209 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 8a It is a front view. Figure 8b is the left view, Figure 8c It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0077] The limiting pin 209 includes a head portion 2091 and a pin body portion 2092 . The diameter of the head portion 2091 is larger than the diameter of the pin body portion 2092 .

[0078] Figure 9a to Figure 9c is a view of a V-shaped spring 208 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 9a It is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line AA. Figure 9b It is a front view. Figure 9c This is an enlarged view of area A.

[0079] The V-shaped spring 208 is a disc-shaped spring with a V-shaped cross-section. At the outer end of the V-shaped cross-section, the V-shaped spring 208 has multiple evenly distributed slits 2081. The number of slits 2081 is not limited, and the size and number of slits 2081 can be used to adjust the initial thrust. Between adjacent slits 2081 are elastic claws 2082. Accordingly, the number of elastic claws 2082 is not limited.

[0080] At the initial position, the elastic claw 2082 at the outer end of the V-shaped spring 208 abuts against the limiting structure at the opening of the push head 201, namely the protrusion 2016. When the force acting on the V-shaped spring 208 becomes greater than the preset initial thrust, the V-shaped spring 208 is squeezed and deformed, and the core shaft 202 can continue to move rightward relative to the push head 201.

[0081] Figures 10a to 10d is a view of an end piece 207 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 10a It is a front sectional view. Figure 10b It is a top view. Figure 10c is the left view, Figure 10d It is a three-dimensional picture.

[0082] The end piece 207 is generally cylindrical and primarily comprises an end piece body 2071 and a protrusion 2072. The outer circumference of the end piece body 2071 mates with the inner circumference of the cylinder body 210, and a groove 2073 is provided on the outer circumference of the end piece body 2071 for mounting the sealing ring 1200. The inner circumference of the end piece body 2071 mates with the outer circumference of the drive bolt 1000, and a groove 2074 is provided on the inner circumference of the end piece body 2071 for mounting the sealing ring 1210. A step is formed on the inner circumference of the end piece body 2071. A plurality of screw holes 2075 are formed on the end surface of the end piece body 2071.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the locking device is installed in the cylinder 210 , a sealing ring 1140 may be provided between the cylinder 210 and the locking device.

[0084] An internal thread for mating with the external thread of the threaded portion 2023 of the core shaft 202 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 2072 .

[0085] Example 2

[0086] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a limit actuator, including a driving device, an output component, and the locking device described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure; the output component is coupled to the driving device and the locking device respectively; the driving device drives the output component to move axially, driving the push head of the locking device to contact the object to be limited, and the self-locking component of the locking device locks the push head.

[0087] In some embodiments, the driving device includes a combination of one or more of an electric driving component, a pneumatic driving component, a hydraulic driving component, and a manual driving component.

[0088] Example 3

[0089] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dual-mode limit actuator including the locking device in the embodiment of the present disclosure, which supports manual + automatic dual modes. Figure 11A schematic structural diagram of a dual-mode limit actuator provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 A schematic structural diagram of another dual-mode limit actuator provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the dual-mode limit actuator mainly consists of a cylinder assembly 10, a driving bolt 1000, and a locking device 20.

[0091] The dual-mode limit actuator includes a cylinder body 100, an inner sleeve 150, etc.; the cylinder assembly 10 mainly includes a medium chamber formed by the cylinder body 100 and the inner sleeve 150, a piston 111, an end cover 112, and an axial sleeve 900; holes a and b for connecting to an external oil pressure source are provided on the side wall of the cylinder body 100, and the movement of the piston 111 is controlled by the holes a and b.

[0092] Inner sleeve 150 is securely connected to cylinder body 100 via bolts, providing a sealed installation space for moving components such as piston 111. Piston 111 moves axially within the medium chamber. Piston 111 is securely connected to axial sleeve 900. End cap 112 seals the medium chamber and limits the piston's position.

[0093] In some embodiments, as Figure 11 As shown, the piston 111 includes a tubular portion and a flange portion disposed on the end of the tubular portion of the piston 111 facing away from the end cap 112. The tubular portion of the piston 111 is sleeved onto the inner sleeve 150, with the flange portion of the piston 111 in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder 100, and the inner wall of the tubular portion of the piston 111 in close contact with the outer wall of the inner sleeve 150. That is, the cross-section of the piston 111 is L-shaped. The end cap 112 is mounted between the outer wall of the tubular portion of the piston 111 and the inner wall of the cylinder 100. The end of the tubular portion of the piston 111 near the end cap 112 is fixedly connected to the flange portion of the axial sleeve 900.

[0094] In some embodiments, as Figure 12 As shown, the piston 111 includes a tubular portion, an outer flange portion, and an inner flange portion disposed at the end of the tubular portion of the piston 111 facing away from the end cap. The tubular portion of the piston 111 is sleeved onto the inner sleeve 150, with the outer flange portion of the piston 111 in close contact with the inner wall of the cylinder body 100, and the inner flange portion of the piston 111 in close contact with the outer wall of the inner sleeve 150. That is, the cross-section of the piston 111 is T-shaped. The end cap includes a first end cap 116 and a second end cap 117. The first end cap 116 is mounted between the outer wall of the tubular portion of the piston 111 and the inner wall of the cylinder body 100; the second end cap 117 is mounted between the inner wall of the tubular portion of the piston 111 and the outer wall of the inner sleeve 150. The end of the tubular portion of the piston 111 near the end cap is fixedly connected to the flange portion of the axial sleeve 900.

[0095] Linear gear teeth (i.e., splines) are provided on the inner surface of the inner sleeve 150 and the outer surface of the axial sleeve 900, respectively. The inner sleeve 150 and the axial sleeve 900 mesh with each other through the gear teeth. The outer gear teeth of the axial sleeve 900 mate with the inner gear teeth of the inner sleeve 150. The axial sleeve 900 and the inner sleeve 150 do not rotate relative to each other; however, the axial sleeve 900 can move axially relative to the inner sleeve 150. The internal threads of the axial sleeve 900 mesh with the external threads of the drive bolt 1000.

[0096] When oil pressure is applied to ports a and b of cylinder 100, piston 111 moves axially along the outer cylindrical surface of inner sleeve 150, causing axial movement of axial sleeve 900. Furthermore, threaded engagement between axial sleeve 900 and drive bolt 1000 further enables axial movement of drive bolt 1000. The axially moving drive bolt 1000 then acts on the locking device, locking or unlocking it. This operating mode is known as automatic mode.

[0097] The outer end of the drive bolt 1000 features an external hexagonal head, making it easy to grip with torque tools such as hydraulic torque wrenches. In manual mode, rotating the torque wrench around its axis converts the torque wrench's rotational motion into axial movement of the drive bolt 1000. This axial movement of the drive bolt 1000 then acts on the locking mechanism, locking or unlocking it. This operating mode is known as manual mode.

[0098] The locking process in manual mode is described below.

[0099] In the starting position, the locking device 20 is in a retracted state.

[0100] The step of extending the push head 201 without load is as follows: the driving bolt 1000 is rotated to move the driving bolt 1000 axially, pushing the locking device to extend as a whole, and the push head 201 contacts the restricted object, that is, reaches the predetermined position.

[0101] Locking steps: the push head 201 stops moving after contacting the object to be limited, and the driving bolt 1000 continues to push the core shaft 202 to move axially; during the axial movement of the core shaft 202, the support shoe 203 is squeezed and moves radially, and the support shoe 203 is deformed under the constraint of the retaining ring 206 and contacts the retaining ring 206, generating a locking force, locking the push head 201 in a predetermined position, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the object to be limited.

[0102] In one embodiment, the maximum locking force of the locking device 20 is about 1800 kN, that is, the push head 201 can withstand a maximum reaction force of 1800 kN from the object being restrained. However, the locking force can be selected to a different value according to the specific application.

[0103] The locking process in automatic mode is described below.

[0104] In the starting position, the locking device 20 is in a retracted state.

[0105] The steps of extending the push head 201 without load: the cylinder assembly 10 is connected to the oil pressure to push the piston 111 and the drive bolt 1000 to move axially, pushing the locking device 20 to extend as a whole, and the push head 201 contacts the restricted object, that is, reaches the predetermined position.

[0106] Locking steps: the push head 201 stops moving after contacting the object to be limited, and the piston 111 continues to push the core shaft 202 to move axially by driving the bolt 1000; during the axial movement of the core shaft 202, the support shoe 203 is squeezed and moves radially, and the support shoe 203 is deformed under the constraint of the retaining ring 206 and contacts the retaining ring 206, generating a locking force, locking the push head 201 in a predetermined position, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the object to be limited.

[0107] In one embodiment, the thrust force of the piston 111 pushing the core shaft 202 is about 1200 KN, but the thrust force can be selected to be different according to specific applications.

[0108] In one embodiment, the maximum locking force of the locking device 20 is about 1800 kN, that is, the push head 201 can withstand a maximum reaction force of 1800 kN from the object being restrained. However, the locking force can be selected to a different value according to the specific application.

[0109] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and should be interpreted only in a general illustrative sense and not for purposes of limitation. In some instances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise expressly indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A locking device, characterized in that: include: Push head, used to contact the object to be restricted; The self-locking component is used to drive the push head to move axially and lock the push head after the push head contacts the restricted object.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-locking assembly comprises a core shaft (202), a support shoe (203), and a retaining ring (206); the core shaft (202) presses the support shoe (203) in the radial direction, so that the support shoe (203) contacts the retaining ring (206), thereby generating a locking force.

3. The locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The push head (201) comprises a side wall and an end face for contacting a restricted object, wherein the end face and the side face enclose a cavity; the core shaft (202) is arranged in the cavity, and the outer peripheral surface of the core shaft (202) is conical; The side wall of the push head (201) is provided with a plurality of windows penetrating the side wall, the support shoe (203) is installed in the windows, and a reducing portion is provided on the inner circumference of the support shoe (203), the opening radius of the reducing portion gradually decreases in the direction approaching the end face.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conical outer peripheral surface of the core shaft (202) has a taper range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees.

5. The locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gripper shoe comprises a main body and mounting parts respectively located on both sides of the main body. The main body is located in the window, and the mounting parts are pressed against the outer side of the pusher head side wall through elastic pressing sheets.

6. The locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limiting structure is provided at the opening of the push head (201), and a limiting structure is provided on the core shaft (202); the limiting structure of the push head (201) cooperates with the limiting structure of the core shaft (202) to confine the core shaft (202) within the cavity.

7. The locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The limiting structure of the pusher head includes a plurality of convex parts and a plurality of concave parts uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis; the limiting structure of the core shaft includes a plurality of convex parts and a plurality of concave parts uniformly and alternately distributed around the central axis.

8. The locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The end surface of the push head (201) used for contacting the object to be limited is any one of a plane surface, an arc surface, a spherical surface, and a tooth surface.

9. The locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The locking mechanism further includes a limiting component for limiting the range of movement of the push head.

10. The locking device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The limiting assembly includes a limiting step arranged on the outer side of the push head side wall, and the limiting step is used to cooperate with the limiting pin to limit the movable range of the push head.

11. The locking device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The self-locking assembly further comprises an end piece (207), and a through hole is provided on the end piece (207); The end piece (207) is fixedly connected to the core shaft (202); the through hole of the end piece (207) is used for matching and installing with the output piece of the driving device.

12. The locking device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The self-locking assembly further includes a boosting assembly, which is used to keep the core shaft and the pusher head in an initial relative position before the pusher head contacts the restricted object.

13. The locking device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The core shaft is provided with a supporting groove at one end close to the end piece; The self-locking assembly further comprises a boosting spring (208), the end piece being fixedly connected to the core shaft to limit the boosting spring in the support groove; The outer diameter of the booster spring matches the inner diameter of the cavity opening of the pusher head, so as to keep the core shaft and the pusher head in an initial relative position before the pusher head contacts the restricted object.

14. The locking device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The booster spring is a V-shaped spring with a V-shaped cross section; the V-shaped spring has a plurality of evenly distributed split portions, and elastic claw portions are provided between adjacent split portions, and the elastic claw portions abut against the protrusion of the push head cavity opening.

15. The locking device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that: The surface of the retaining ring in contact with the gripper shoe includes a structure for increasing friction.

16. A limit actuator, characterized in that: It includes a driving device, an output component, and a locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; the output component is coupled to the driving device and the locking device respectively; the driving device drives the output component to move axially, driving the push head of the locking device to contact the limited object, and the self-locking component of the locking device locks the push head.

17. The limit actuator according to claim 16, characterized in that: The driving device includes one or more of an electric driving component, a pneumatic driving component, a hydraulic driving component, and a manual driving component.

Images