Clamp air path coupling and positioning device

Abstract

This invention discloses a portable fixture air coupling device capable of achieving fixture positioning and air path coupling linkage for mass production. It includes a valve housing with a receiving cavity, a valve core that slides into the receiving cavity, and an elastic element within the receiving cavity. The valve housing has first and second insertion ports on both sides, and an air guide groove within the receiving cavity. The outer side of the valve housing has an air guide port and an exhaust port. The valve core has an air guide channel, a guide channel, and a stopper separating the guide channel to form an air inlet and an exhaust section. The other end of the air guide channel connects to the fixture air inlet when the valve core engages with the fixture. Both ends of the elastic element abut against the inner wall of the valve housing and the valve core. Under the combined action of the air path opening / closing at the air guide port and the elastic element, the valve core moves between a first and a second position, allowing it to engage with the fixture after positioning, connecting the air inlet, exhaust, and air guide groove, or allowing the valve core to leave the fixture when not positioned, at least separating the air inlet from the air guide groove. A positioning device including the above-mentioned portable fixture air coupling device is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated manufacturing and assembly technology, and in particular to a pneumatic coupler and positioning device for a traveling fixture. Background Technology

[0002] Pneumatic couplers for accompanying fixtures are primarily used in automated production lines and flexible manufacturing systems to provide controllable pneumatic power to moving fixtures (i.e., accompanying fixtures). They are applied in automated manufacturing scenarios where the fixture follows the workpiece frequently between multiple workstations and requires a stable positive pressure (e.g., blowing, clamping) or negative pressure (e.g., vacuum adsorption) air source after precise positioning. In these production scenarios, it is necessary to ensure that the air source is activated only after the fixture has completed precise positioning, thereby avoiding continuous energy waste, reducing process failures caused by incorrect air supply, and significantly improving the integration and operational efficiency of the entire automation system.

[0003] However, current pneumatic couplings for accompanying fixtures on the market have the following problems: First, the mechanical positioning of traditional fixtures and the air supply and disconnection of the pneumatic coupling are independent, lacking a linkage control mechanism. This easily leads to problems such as "supplying air before positioning," "supplying air before positioning is stable," and "vacuum circuit not being closed bidirectionally." Thus, in multi-station moving scenarios, if the air supply begins before the fixture is fully fixed, it will cause workpiece clamping deviation, vacuum adsorption detachment, and other malfunctions. On the other hand, traditional pneumatic fixtures use a "constantly open" air supply mode, continuously supplying air regardless of whether the fixture is positioned or in a processing state, resulting in a large waste of compressed air. Second, when manually operating the fixture, it is difficult to unify the production rhythm, resulting in high labor costs and low production efficiency, making it difficult to meet the needs of mass production. Furthermore, the inconsistent interface specifications lead to high changeover costs, making it unsuitable for the multi-variety, small-batch production needs of modern manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to address the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing a portable clamp pneumatic coupler and positioning device that enables mechanical positioning and pneumatic coupling of clamps for mass production.

[0005] A pneumatic coupler for a travel clamp, comprising: The valve housing has an inner cavity forming a receiving cavity. A first socket communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side of the valve housing adjacent to the clamp, and a second socket communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side of the valve housing away from the clamp. An air guide groove is provided in the receiving cavity near the second socket, and an air guide port and an exhaust port communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on the outer side of the valve housing. The valve core is slidably inserted into the receiving cavity and sealed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The valve core has an air guide channel extending axially and penetrating both ends of the valve core, a guide channel extending radially and penetrating the side wall of the valve core and communicating with the air guide channel, and a stop member housed in the guide channel and sealed to the inner wall of the guide channel. The stop member separates the guide channel to form an air inlet and an air outlet. One end of the air guide channel is connected to an external air pressure device, and the other end of the air guide channel is connected to the air inlet of the clamp when the valve core approaches and cooperates with the clamp. An elastic element is located within the receiving cavity. One end of the elastic element abuts against the inner wall of the valve housing, and the other end abuts against the valve core. The valve core moves between a first position and a second position under the combined action of the air passage opening / closing at the air inlet and the elastic element, so that the valve core engages with the clamp after mechanical positioning and the air inlet and exhaust portion are connected to the air guide groove, or the valve core leaves the clamp when the clamp is not mechanically positioned. The shut-off element is sealed to the inner wall of the valve housing, and at least the air inlet portion is separated from the air guide groove.

[0006] In one embodiment, the valve housing includes a cylindrical outer shell, a first end cap fixed to one end of the cylindrical outer shell and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell, and a second end cap fixed to the other end of the cylindrical outer shell and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell. The first end cap has a first insertion port, the second end cap has a second insertion port, and the air guide groove is formed on the inner wall of the second end cap. The annular side of the valve core is sealed to the inner wall of the first end cap and the inner wall of the second end cap, and the middle part of the valve core protrudes to form an annular protrusion that seals to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell. One end of the elastic member abuts against the first end cap, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the side of the annular protrusion. The air guide port is opened on the side wall of the cylindrical shell and adjacent to the second end cap, and the exhaust port is opened on the side wall of the cylindrical shell and adjacent to the first end cap.

[0007] In one embodiment, an air inlet notch communicating with the air vent is provided on one side of the annular protrusion adjacent to the second end cap.

[0008] In one embodiment, one end of the cylindrical shell has a first groove communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical shell, and a first end cap is embedded in the first groove and sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical shell; the other end of the cylindrical shell has a second groove communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical shell, and a second end cap is embedded in the second groove and sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical shell.

[0009] In one embodiment, the axial cross-section of the first end cap is a T-shaped structure, and the axial cross-section of the second end cap is a T-shaped structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the guide channel extends through an outer side wall of the valve core, and one end of the stop member communicates with the intake and exhaust portions; or The guide channel passes through the two opposite outer walls of the valve core, and both ends of the stop member are connected to the air intake and exhaust sections.

[0011] The present invention also discloses a positioning device, including a clamp, and the aforementioned accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler.

[0012] In one embodiment, the positioning device further includes a chuck cylinder for being arranged on the machine tool worktable. The fixture includes a tray detachably mounted on the chuck cylinder and a vacuum chuck fixed on the tray. The upper surface of the vacuum chuck is provided with a mounting groove for clamping the workpiece. The vacuum chuck is provided with a suction channel that penetrates the upper surface of the vacuum chuck and communicates with the mounting groove. The suction channel penetrates the side of the vacuum chuck and forms an air inlet that mates with the valve core.

[0013] In one embodiment, the positioning device further includes a two-position five-way valve connected to an external pneumatic device, the chuck cylinder, and the air inlet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the side of the vacuum suction cup is provided with a third groove that communicates with the suction channel to form the air inlet, and a sealing ring is provided in the third groove.

[0015] The accompanying fixture pneumatic coupler and positioning device of this invention associates the opening and closing of the air inlet with the mechanical positioning of the fixture. After the fixture is mechanically positioned, the air inlet is opened, and the valve core aligns with the fixture, allowing air to flow into the fixture and clamping the workpiece. When the fixture is not mechanically positioned, the valve core moves away from the fixture under the action of the elastic element, simultaneously disconnecting the air path of the valve core to remove the workpiece. This achieves linkage between the mechanical positioning of the fixture and the coupled pneumatic path, ensuring stable workpiece clamping while reducing compressed air waste. Employing pure pneumatic control technology, automatic connection and disconnection are achieved. After the fixture reaches the workstation and is mechanically positioned, gas is automatically introduced through the air inlet, connecting the air source to the fixture. After processing is completed, the connection is automatically disconnected, significantly improving the full automation and unmanned operation of the fixture's energy supply, effectively reducing manual operation intensity, and enhancing production flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the accompanying fixture air circuit coupler when the coupling air circuit is disconnected in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged structural diagram of part A in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the accompanying fixture air circuit coupler when the air circuit is connected in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning device in one state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning device in another state according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working control principle of the positioning device in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0018] Example 1 This invention discloses a pneumatic coupling for a traveling fixture. This pneumatic coupling is used in automated production lines to quickly and automatically provide and disconnect pneumatic power sources for movable traveling fixtures or pallets, so that the clamping and releasing of workpieces by the traveling fixture can be adapted to robotic arms or CNC systems to achieve intelligent manufacturing and mass production. At the same time, by linking the mechanical positioning of the traveling fixture with the coupling pneumatic circuit, stable workpiece clamping can be ensured and gas waste can be reduced.

[0019] For specific details, please refer to... Figures 1-5The accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler 100 of this embodiment includes a valve housing 110, a valve core 120, and an elastic element 130. The valve housing 110 has an inner cavity forming a receiving cavity 111. A first insertion port 112 communicating with the receiving cavity 111 is opened on the side of the valve housing 110 adjacent to the clamp, and a second insertion port 113 communicating with the receiving cavity 111 is opened on the side of the valve housing 110 away from the clamp. That is, the valve housing 110 is open on both sides to form a channel for insertion and sliding of the valve core 120. An air guide groove 114 is provided in the receiving cavity 111 near the second insertion port 113. The air guide groove 114 provides a communication channel between the external pneumatic device and the clamp after the valve core 120 slides, so that compressed gas can be connected to the clamp to clamp the workpiece. An air guide port 115 and an exhaust port communicating with the receiving cavity 111 are opened on the outer surface of the valve housing 110. The air guide port 115 is used to connect to the air source that drives the valve core 120 to slide. The valve core 120 slides into the receiving cavity 111 and seals with the inner wall of the receiving cavity 111. While ensuring that the valve core 120 can approach or move away from the clamp under the drive of the air source and transmit positive or negative pressure air to the clamp, the airtightness of the entire accompanying clamp air circuit coupler 100 can be guaranteed. The valve core 120 has an air guide channel 121 extending axially along the valve core 120 and penetrating both ends of the valve core 120, a guide channel 122 extending radially along the valve core 120 and penetrating the side wall of the valve core 120 and communicating with the air guide channel 121, and a stop member 123 housed in the guide channel 122 and sealed to the inner wall of the guide channel 122. The stop member 123 separates the guide channel 122 to form an air inlet 1221 and an exhaust 1222. One end of the air guide channel 121 (i.e., the input end of the valve core 120) is connected to an external air pressure device, and the other end of the air guide channel 121 (i.e., the output end of the valve core 120) is connected to the air inlet 210 of the clamp 200 when the valve core 120 approaches and cooperates with the clamp. In other words, the valve core 120 is a cylindrical structure. The elastic element 130 is located in the receiving cavity 111. One end of the elastic element 130 abuts against the inner wall of the valve housing 110, and the other end of the elastic element 130 abuts against the valve core 120. The elastic element 130 is used to provide the restoring force for the valve core 120 to slide after the air source at the air inlet 115 is disconnected, so that the valve core 120 can automatically leave the clamp after the air source at the air inlet 115 is disconnected, and separate the air source provided by the external air pressure device from the clamp, so as to reduce the waste of compressed gas.

[0020] In this embodiment, the guide channel 122 is located near the air guide groove 114. The stop member 123 is used to divide the entire inner cavity of the valve core 120 (i.e., the coupling air path) into two sections within the guide channel 122. The stop member 123 actually forms a valve. Thus, when the valve core 120 moves to the point where the stop member 123 is located at the air guide groove 114, the air guide groove 114 actually forms a connecting section between the air inlet 1221 and the exhaust 1222, so that the inner cavity of the valve core 120 is unobstructed. When the valve core 120 moves to the point where the stop member 123 is completely away from the air guide groove 114, the stop member 123 seals against the inner wall of the air guide channel 121, blocking the compressed gas on the side of the stop member 123 away from the clamp, thereby interrupting the coupling air path.

[0021] The valve core 120 moves between a first position and a second position under the combined action of the air passage opening and closing at the air inlet 115 and the elastic member 130, so that the valve core 120 cooperates with the clamp 200 after the clamp is mechanically positioned, and the air inlet 1221 and the air outlet 1222 are connected to the air guide groove 114, or the valve core 120 leaves the clamp 200 when the clamp 200 is not mechanically positioned. The shut-off member 123 is sealed to the inner wall of the valve housing 110, and at least the air inlet 1221 is separated from the air guide groove 114. In this embodiment, the first position refers to the valve core 120 sliding on the valve housing 110 until the end of the valve core 120 is connected to the air inlet 210 of the clamp 200 and the air guide channel 121 is connected to the air passage of the clamp 200. During this process, compressed gas is introduced into the air guide port 115 to push the valve core 120 towards the clamp 200. The elastic element 130 is compressed, and the air in the receiving cavity 111 away from the air guide port 115 is discharged through the exhaust port. The elastic potential energy of the elastic element 130 continues to rise, and the air inlet 1221 and the exhaust 1222 are both connected to the air guide groove 114 so that the compressed gas introduced by the external air pressure device enters the air passage of the clamp 200 through the valve core 120. The second position refers to the valve core 120 sliding on the valve housing 110 until the end of the valve core 120 is disconnected from the air inlet 210 of the clamp 200, and the stop member 123 is sealed to the inner wall of the air guide channel 121, so that the space on both sides of the stop member 123 is completely separated. During this process, the air guide port 115 stops supplying compressed gas, the thrust of the compressed gas on the valve core 120 is released, and the valve core 120 moves away from the clamp 200 under the action of the spring, so that after the air guide channel 121 is separated by the stop member 123, the compressed gas is stopped from being further supplied to the clamp 200.

[0022] When the accompanying fixture air circuit coupler 100 is working, when the fixture 200 has not completed mechanical positioning, the air inlet 115 does not input compressed gas. Under the action of the elastic element 130, the valve core 120 moves to the second position away from the fixture 200. The accompanying fixture air circuit coupler 100 is in the reset state, and the valve core 120 is in the reset open state. The shut-off element 123 in the valve core 120 seals against the edge of the groove on the side away from the fixture 200 of the air guide groove 114, so that the positive or negative pressure input at the input end of the valve core 120 cannot be delivered to the output end of the valve core 120, so as to avoid the waste caused by the continuous supply and consumption of compressed gas. At this time, the valve core 120 is disengaged from the fixture 200, the coupling air circuit of the valve core 120 is closed, and the compressed gas at the input end of the valve core 120 cannot be transmitted to the output end of the valve core 120.

[0023] After the fixture 200 completes mechanical positioning, compressed gas is introduced into the air inlet 115. This compressed gas pushes the valve core 120 to slide closer to the fixture 200, while simultaneously compressing the elastic element 130, until the output end of the valve core 120 couples (or docks) with the air inlet 210 of the fixture 200. During this process, the stop element 123 of the valve core 120 moves closer to the fixture 200 until it reaches the position of the air guide groove 114. This air guide groove 114 connects the air inlet 1221 and exhaust 1222 on both sides of the stop element 123, allowing compressed gas from an external pneumatic device to be delivered to the fixture 200 via the valve core 120. After the workpiece is processed, the air source at the control air inlet 115 is disconnected. The valve core 120 then resets under the action of the elastic element 130 and disengages from the fixture 200, thus re-breaking the circuit between the valve core 120 and the fixture 200 and cutting off the air source at the input end of the valve core 120.

[0024] The aforementioned accompanying fixture pneumatic coupler 100 solves the pain points of traditional pneumatic fixtures in workpiece clamping and movement operations, such as slow changeover, energy waste, poor reliability, low efficiency, and significant safety hazards. Through innovative connection methods and simplified structural components, it offers convenient operation and allows for rapid workpiece clamping and replacement, adapting to batch production rhythms, reducing auxiliary operation time, and improving workpiece processing and changeover efficiency. Compared to traditional fixture pneumatic couplers, it has greater versatility. Furthermore, the accompanying fixture pneumatic coupler 100 in this solution adopts the core characteristic of supplying air after positioning and cutting off air supply upon separation, fundamentally solving the energy waste problem of continuous air supply in traditional pneumatic fixtures. Based on its working principle, compressed air is introduced into the air inlet 115 only after the fixture 200 completes mechanical positioning, which pushes the valve core 120 to connect the air path. After processing, the air path at the air inlet 115 is disconnected, thus shutting off the air source and avoiding ineffective air supply during the movement of the fixture 200. At the same time, precise air supply control reduces pressure fluctuations in the compressed gas pipeline network, indirectly reducing the start-up and shutdown frequency of the air compressor and extending the life of auxiliary equipment. Meanwhile, the accompanying fixture air path coupler 100 links the mechanical positioning of the fixture 200 with the on / off state of the coupled air path, completely avoiding the risk of malfunction caused by the "air path first" of traditional fixtures. Especially when clamping precision and small shaft parts, it avoids problems such as workpiece clamping failure and adsorption detachment caused by failure to position and supply air from the source. Compared to the exposed air lines of traditional fixtures, the accompanying fixture air line coupler 100 in this solution adopts an integrated air line design, which reduces wear and tear caused by dragging and friction of the lines. In addition, the quick insertion and removal design of the valve core 120 shortens the fixture air line docking time during product changeover to less than 1 second, which can adapt to the multi-product switching needs of flexible production.

[0025] In one embodiment, the valve housing 110 includes a cylindrical outer shell 116, a first end cap 117 fixed to one end of the cylindrical outer shell 116 and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell 116, and a second end cap 118 fixed to the other end of the cylindrical outer shell 116 and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell 116. The first end cap 117 has a first insertion port 112, and the second end cap 118 has a second insertion port 113. A vent groove 114 is formed on the inner wall of the second end cap 118. The first end cap 117 is screwed to the cylindrical outer shell 116, and a sealing ring is provided at the mating portion of the first end cap 117 and the cylindrical outer shell 116. The second end cap 118 is screwed to the cylindrical outer shell 116, and a sealing ring is provided at the mating portion of the second end cap 118 and the cylindrical outer shell 116, to ensure the sealing of the mating portions of the first end cap 117 and the second end cap 118 with the cylindrical outer shell 116. The annular side of the valve core 120 is sealed to the inner wall of the first end cap 117 and the inner wall of the second end cap 118. The valve core 120 has a central protrusion forming an annular protrusion 124 that seals to the inner wall of the cylindrical outer shell 116. One end of the elastic element 130 abuts against the first end cap 117, and the other end abuts against the side of the annular protrusion 124. An air inlet 115 is located on the side wall of the cylindrical outer shell 116 and adjacent to the second end cap 118. An exhaust outlet is located on the side wall of the cylindrical outer shell 116 and adjacent to the first end cap 117. In this embodiment, the elastic element 130 is a return spring. Alternatively, the elastic element 130 can be a ring with good elasticity, easy deformation and reset, or it can be composed of multiple elastic strips arranged annularly around the valve core 120. Preferably, in this embodiment, the elastic element 130 is a return spring sleeved on the valve core 120 and abuts against the first end cap 117 and the annular protrusion 124. Sealing rings are provided at the parts where the valve core 120 slides with the first end cover 117, the parts where the valve core 120 slides with the second end cover 118, and the parts where the annular protrusion 124 slides with the inner wall of the cylindrical outer shell 116. In addition, a sealing ring is provided on each side of the air guide groove 114 on the inner wall of the second end cover 118. In this way, the sealing performance of the entire accompanying clamp air circuit coupler 100 is ensured, thereby improving the air circuit pressure stability of the accompanying clamp air circuit coupler 100.

[0026] In one embodiment, an air inlet 125 communicating with an air inlet 115 is provided on one side of the annular protrusion 124 adjacent to the second end cap 118. This air inlet 125 provides a contact area between the compressed gas entering from the air inlet 115 and the side of the annular protrusion 124, allowing the compressed air entering the air inlet 125 to act on the side of the annular protrusion 124, thereby pushing the entire valve core 120 towards the clamp. Both ends of the valve core 120 are stepped shaft structures to mate with the air inlet of the clamp and the interface of an external pneumatic device.

[0027] One end of the cylindrical outer shell 116 has a first groove 1161 communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell 116. A first end cap 117 is embedded in the first groove 1161 and is sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical outer shell 116. The other end of the cylindrical outer shell 116 has a second groove 1162 communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical outer shell 116. A second end cap 118 is embedded in the second groove 1162 and is sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical outer shell 116. In this embodiment, by providing the first groove 1161 and the second groove 1162 at both ends of the cylindrical outer shell 116, it is beneficial for the first end cap 117 and the second end cap 118 to be quickly aligned with the cylindrical outer shell 116 during the assembly of the valve body 110, so that the corresponding mounting holes can be quickly aligned, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the valve body 110. Furthermore, the axial cross-section of the first end cap 117 is a T-shaped structure, and the axial cross-section of the second end cap 118 is a T-shaped structure. The vertical part of the first end cap 117 is used to provide a through-passage for the valve core 120, and the horizontal part of the first end cap 117 is used to provide an abutment position for the elastic element 130. The vertical part of the second end cap 118 is used to provide a through-passage for the valve core 120 and a setting position for the air guide groove 114. The horizontal part of the second end cap 118 is used to limit the maximum distance that the valve core 120 moves away from the clamp (when the annular protrusion 124 abuts against the horizontal part of the second end cap 118, the valve core 120 can no longer move away from the clamp). In this embodiment, a first annular sealing groove is provided on the outer ring side of the horizontal portion of the first end cap 117. A second annular sealing groove is provided on the inner ring side of the horizontal portion of the first end cap 117 and the inner ring side of the vertical portion of the first end cap 117 (i.e., the inner side of the first socket 112). A third annular sealing groove is provided on the outer ring side of the annular protrusion 124. A fourth annular sealing groove is provided on the outer ring side of the horizontal portion of the second end cap 118. A fifth annular sealing groove is provided on both sides of the air guide groove 114, near the vertical end of the second end cap 118, and on the inner ring side of the horizontal portion of the second end cap 118 (i.e., the inner side of the second socket 113). A sealing ring is provided in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth annular sealing grooves, and the edge of the sealing ring protrudes from the above-mentioned annular sealing grooves so that the sealing ring deforms after abutting against the corresponding wall surface, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the entire accompanying clamp air circuit coupler 100.

[0028] In one embodiment, the guide channel 122 penetrates one outer wall of the valve core 120, and one end of the stop member 123 communicates with the air intake portion 1221 and the exhaust portion 1222. That is, the portion of the valve core 120 where the guide channel 122 communicates with the air guide channel 121 has a T-shaped structure. In another embodiment, the guide channel 122 penetrates two opposite outer walls of the valve core 120, and both ends of the stop member 123 communicate with the air intake portion 1221 and the exhaust portion 1222. That is, the portion of the valve core 120 where the guide channel 122 communicates with the air guide channel 121 has a cross-shaped structure.

[0029] Example 2 Please combine Figures 1-6 The present invention also discloses a positioning device for clamping and positioning fixtures processed on an automated production line. Specifically, the positioning device includes a fixture 200 and a traveling fixture pneumatic coupler 100 as described in Embodiment 1. The fixture 200 is used to clamp the workpiece to be processed and moves with the workpiece between various stations on the automated production line. That is, the fixture 200 itself can move, and before the workpiece is processed, the fixture 200 needs to be mechanically positioned to prevent the workpiece from shaking or shifting with the fixture 200 during processing, thereby ensuring processing accuracy. The structure of the traveling fixture pneumatic coupler 100 is exactly the same as that of the traveling fixture pneumatic coupler 100 in Embodiment 1, and can be referred to the relevant description of Embodiment 1 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0030] In one embodiment, the positioning device further includes a chuck cylinder 300 arranged on the machine tool worktable 10. The clamp 200 includes a tray 210 detachably mounted on the chuck cylinder 300 and a vacuum suction cup 220 fixed on the tray 210. The upper surface of the vacuum suction cup 220 has a mounting groove 221 for clamping workpieces. The vacuum suction cup 220 has a suction channel 222 inside, which penetrates the upper surface of the vacuum suction cup 220 and communicates with the mounting groove 221. The suction channel 222 penetrates the side of the vacuum suction cup 220 and forms an air inlet 210 that mates with the valve core 120. In this embodiment, the chuck cylinder 300 is an EROWA chuck cylinder, and the tray 210 is an EROWA tray 210. The EROWA chuck cylinder is a pneumatically driven clamping device for EROWA fixture trays. It replaces manual / hydraulic operation with a cylinder to achieve automatic clamping and loosening of the EROWA fixture tray and high-precision repeatable positioning. It is widely used in CNC machine tools and automated production lines for high-speed, high-precision, and automated workpiece clamping. In this embodiment, the EROWA fixture includes a positioning plate, a tray, a pneumatic chuck, and pull studs. The positioning plate is a key component for achieving precise positioning and comes in various sizes and types (e.g., 50, 90, G type, etc.). The tray is used to fix the product and can be made of stainless steel, brass, or aluminum alloy, with various shapes to adapt to different workpieces. The pneumatic chuck provides strong and stable clamping force. The pull studs cooperate with the chuck to achieve rapid locking. The pneumatic chuck of the EROWA fixture has prismatic positioning teeth that align with holes on the positioning plates installed at the bottom of the tray. When the fixture is placed vertically on the worktable, the positioning teeth insert into the holes of the positioning plates, completing the initial mechanical alignment and achieving rapid pre-positioning. During the locking process, the steel balls press against the inclined surface of the rivet ring through the cooperation of the bottom rivet of the clamp tray and the pneumatic chuck, generating a huge downward pressure (up to 6000N) to firmly press the clamp tray. At this time, the positioning plate below undergoes a slight elastic deformation, forming line or point contact with the rigid positioning teeth. This flexible deformation can absorb minor errors and eliminate the influence of chips and particles on accuracy, thus ensuring that the accuracy of each repeated installation is controlled within ±0.002mm. The clamp adopts a ball locking device with a self-locking function, which can maintain the clamping state even in the event of accidental loss of air pressure, ensuring machining safety. During the release, the compressed air switches to the rodless chamber of the chuck cylinder, driving the piston of the cylinder to compress the self-locking spring (i.e., elastic element) in the chuck, freeing the steel balls so that they no longer press against the inclined surface of the rivet ring, completing the release of the tray 210, so that the tray 210 and vacuum suction cup 220 can be removed. The side of the vacuum suction cup 220 is provided with a third groove that communicates with the suction channel 222 to form an air inlet 210. A sealing ring is provided in the third groove to ensure the sealing of the valve core 120 when it is coupled with the side of the vacuum suction cup 220.

[0031] Furthermore, the positioning device also includes a two-position five-way valve 400 connected to an external pneumatic device, a chuck cylinder 300, and an air inlet 115. Preferably, the two-position five-way valve 400 is a two-position five-way manual valve. That is, in this embodiment, the clamping or releasing of the EROWA chuck cylinder and the on / off and coupling control of the air path of the vacuum suction cup 220 are all achieved manually through the two-position five-way manual valve. Specifically, when the two-position five-way manual valve is in the left position, compressed air enters the rodless chamber of the EROWA chuck cylinder, pushing the piston to compress the self-locking spring (i.e., the elastic element), thereby releasing the chuck to move the clamp; at the same time, when the two-position five-way manual valve is in the left position, the air path of the air inlet 115 of the accompanying clamp air path coupler 100 is connected to the atmosphere through the two-position five-way valve 400 to discharge compressed air, and the elastic element 130 in the accompanying clamp air path coupler 100 resets, causing the valve core 120 to separate from the clamp, and there is no vacuum inside the clamp. When the 2-position 5-way manual valve is turned to the right, compressed air is switched via the 2-position 5-way valve 400 to connect with the air inlet 115 of the accompanying fixture air circuit coupler 100. This causes the air pressure to push the valve core 120 towards the fixture, activating the vacuum in the fixture and attracting the workpiece. Simultaneously, compressed air in the rodless chamber of the EROWA chuck cylinder 300 is discharged via the 2-position 5-way valve 400, and the EROWA chuck cylinder self-locking spring (i.e., elastic element) pushes the piston rod to reset, achieving chuck clamping and completing the mechanical positioning and locking of the fixture tray. This achieves the linkage control of fixture mechanical positioning and coupled air circuit, ensuring stable workpiece clamping while reducing compressed air waste.

[0032] The accompanying fixture pneumatic coupler 100 and positioning device of the present invention associate the opening and closing of the air inlet 115 with the mechanical positioning of the fixture. After the fixture is mechanically positioned, the air inlet 115 is vented, and the valve core 120 is docked with the fixture to vent air into the fixture and clamp the workpiece. When the fixture is not mechanically positioned, the valve core 120 is released from the fixture under the action of the elastic element 130, and the air path of the valve core 120 is simultaneously disconnected to remove the workpiece. This realizes the linkage between the mechanical positioning of the fixture and the coupling air path, which can reduce the waste of compressed air while ensuring stable clamping of the workpiece. The pure pneumatic control device technology realizes automatic connection and disconnection. After the fixture arrives at the work position and is mechanically positioned, the gas is automatically connected to the fixture through the air inlet 115. After the processing is completed, the connection is automatically disconnected. This significantly improves the full automation and unmanned operation of the fixture's energy supply, effectively reduces the intensity of manual operation, and enhances production flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

[0033] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0034] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pneumatic coupler for a traveling clamp, characterized in that, include: The valve housing has an inner cavity forming a receiving cavity. A first socket communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side of the valve housing adjacent to the clamp, and a second socket communicating with the receiving cavity is provided on the side of the valve housing away from the clamp. An air guide groove is provided in the receiving cavity near the second socket, and an air guide port and an exhaust port communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on the outer side of the valve housing. The valve core is slidably inserted into the receiving cavity and sealed to the inner wall of the receiving cavity. The valve core has an air guide channel extending axially and penetrating both ends of the valve core, a guide channel extending radially and penetrating the side wall of the valve core and communicating with the air guide channel, and a stop member housed in the guide channel and sealed to the inner wall of the guide channel. The stop member separates the guide channel to form an air inlet and an air outlet. One end of the air guide channel is connected to an external air pressure device, and the other end of the air guide channel is connected to the air inlet of the clamp when the valve core approaches and cooperates with the clamp. An elastic element is located within the receiving cavity. One end of the elastic element abuts against the inner wall of the valve housing, and the other end abuts against the valve core. The valve core moves between a first position and a second position under the combined action of the air passage opening / closing at the air inlet and the elastic element, so that the valve core engages with the clamp after mechanical positioning and the air inlet and exhaust portion are connected to the air guide groove, or the valve core leaves the clamp when the clamp is not mechanically positioned. The shut-off element is sealed to the inner wall of the valve housing, and at least the air inlet portion is separated from the air guide groove.

2. The accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing includes a cylindrical outer shell, a first end cap fixed to one end of the cylindrical outer shell and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell, and a second end cap fixed to the other end of the cylindrical outer shell and sealingly fitted with the cylindrical outer shell. The first end cap has a first insertion port, and the second end cap has a second insertion port. The air guide groove is formed on the inner wall of the second end cap. The annular side of the valve core is sealed to the inner wall of the first end cap and the inner wall of the second end cap, and the middle part of the valve core protrudes to form an annular protrusion that seals to the inner wall of the cylindrical shell. One end of the elastic member abuts against the first end cap, and the other end of the elastic member abuts against the side of the annular protrusion. The air guide port is opened on the side wall of the cylindrical shell and adjacent to the second end cap, and the exhaust port is opened on the side wall of the cylindrical shell and adjacent to the first end cap.

3. The accompanying clamp air coupler according to claim 2, characterized in that, An air inlet notch communicating with the air duct is provided on one side of the annular protrusion adjacent to the second end cap.

4. The accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the cylindrical shell has a first groove communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical shell, and a first end cap is embedded in the first groove and sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical shell; the other end of the cylindrical shell has a second groove communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical shell, and a second end cap is embedded in the second groove and sealed and fixedly connected to the cylindrical shell.

5. The accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end cap has a T-shaped axial cross-section, and the second end cap has a T-shaped axial cross-section.

6. The accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide channel penetrates one outer side wall of the valve core, and one end of the stop member communicates with the intake and exhaust portions; or The guide channel passes through the two opposite outer walls of the valve core, and both ends of the stop member are connected to the air intake and exhaust sections.

7. A positioning device, comprising a clamp, characterized in that, It also includes the accompanying clamp pneumatic coupler as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The positioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning device also includes a chuck cylinder for being arranged on the machine tool worktable. The fixture includes a tray detachably mounted on the chuck cylinder and a vacuum chuck fixed on the tray. The upper surface of the vacuum chuck is provided with a mounting groove for clamping the workpiece. The vacuum chuck is provided with a suction channel that penetrates the upper surface of the vacuum chuck and communicates with the mounting groove. The suction channel penetrates the side of the vacuum chuck and forms an air inlet that connects with the valve core.

9. The positioning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning device also includes a two-position five-way valve that is connected to an external pneumatic device, the chuck cylinder, and the air inlet.

10. The positioning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vacuum suction cup has a third groove on its side that communicates with the suction channel to form the air inlet, and a sealing ring is provided in the third groove.

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