A pneumatic locker

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of pneumatic lockers, it is related to the technical field of pneumatic locker, including: pneumatic lock unit and the plug-in rod that can be inserted into pneumatic lock unit, pneumatic lock unit is blocked after being passed into compressed gas, pneumatic lock unit is provided with the insertion slot for the insertion of plug-in rod, the end of plug-in rod inserted into insertion slot is provided with flange portion, the open end of insertion slot is equipped with limiting unit, limiting unit includes the positioning sleeve assembled in the edge of insertion slot and at least one spacing adjustable limiting block with the outer wall of plug-in rod, by adjusting the spacing between limiting block and plug-in rod, just can control flange portion and limit, when first limiting portion is inserted into installation slot, its end will be inserted into the inside of positioning sleeve, i.e. first limiting portion will limit the movement of flange portion, when second limiting portion is inserted into installation slot, its end will not be inserted into the inside of positioning sleeve, limiting unit is switched between two kinds of use state, easy to operate, and practicality is strong.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of pneumatic locking devices, specifically to a pneumatic locking device. Background Technology

[0002] In intelligent manufacturing scenarios such as automated machining, tooling indexing and positioning, and workstation carrier switching, pneumatic ball lockers are often used to achieve rapid locking and positioning of insert rods. These lockers rely on compressed gas to drive an internal ball mechanism, which locks the insert rod into the slot through ball engagement, thereby ensuring the positioning accuracy and structural rigidity of the workpiece and carrier during operation. Existing pneumatic ball lockers are mainly used in two situations: one where the workpiece and carrier are moved out of the workstation as a whole, requiring the insert rod to be completely pulled out of the slot; the other where only in-situ fine-tuning, indexing, and angle switching are required, requiring only a short stroke of the insert rod to lift without completely pulling it out of the slot, and relocking after position adjustment.

[0003] Existing pneumatic locking devices have the following drawbacks when the device is lifted but not pulled out during a short stroke: factors such as equipment operation, air supply control, or mechanical vibration can easily cause the insertion rod to completely separate from the locking device. If the insertion rod accidentally dislodges from the slot, additional adjustment time must be spent before re-locking, requiring the insertion rod and slot to be realigned, interrupting the continuous operation and significantly reducing the equipment's cycle efficiency. Currently, conventional pneumatic ball-type locking devices only have two working states: locking and fully released. They lack a limiting and protective structure for the insertion rod during a short stroke lift, and cannot effectively prevent the insertion rod from accidentally dislodging completely during fine-tuning operations. Therefore, a new pneumatic locking device needs to be designed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the issue in the prior art where the insertion rod completely separates due to other factors when it is used without separation during short-range lifting.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a pneumatic locking device, comprising: a pneumatic locking unit and a pluggable rod that can be inserted into the pneumatic locking unit. The pneumatic locking unit locks the rod after compressed gas is introduced into it. The pneumatic locking unit is provided with a slot for inserting the rod. The end of the rod inserted into the slot has a protruding flange. A limiting unit is assembled on the open end of the slot. The limiting unit includes a positioning sleeve assembled on the edge of the end of the slot and at least one limiting block assembled on the positioning sleeve and whose distance from the outer wall of the rod is adjustable.

[0006] Preferably, the end of the positioning sleeve away from the slot is provided with a conical groove, and the outer wall of the insertion rod is provided with a conical part that coaxially protrudes and matches the conical groove.

[0007] Preferably, a mounting groove is provided through the side wall of the positioning sleeve, and a stepped groove is provided at the end of the mounting groove on the outer side wall of the positioning sleeve. The limiting block is strip-shaped, and a mounting part that can be assembled into the stepped groove is provided in the middle of the limiting block.

[0008] The limiting block includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part located on both sides of the mounting part, wherein the length of the second limiting part is less than the length of the first limiting part.

[0009] Preferably, each of the stepped grooves is fitted with a filler block that can be pressed and held on the mounting part, and the outer wall of the positioning sleeve is coaxially and detachably fitted with a mounting sleeve for fixing the filler block.

[0010] Preferably, the mounting groove and the stepped groove are provided with a first notch at the ends away from the axis of the positioning sleeve, the limiting block is provided with a first auxiliary hole at both ends, and the filling block is provided with a second auxiliary hole at the end away from the axis of the positioning sleeve.

[0011] Preferably, the filling block has a protruding snap-fit ​​portion located outside the stepped groove, and the end of the mounting sleeve has a second notch portion that fits onto the corresponding snap-fit ​​portion.

[0012] Preferably, the pneumatic locking unit includes a base, an inner cylinder with its open end connected to the base, an outer cylinder coaxially spaced outside the inner cylinder and connected to the base, and a sliding cylinder slidably sleeved on the inner cylinder and in sliding contact with the inner side of the outer cylinder.

[0013] The interior of the inner cylinder is the slot, and the outer cylinder has an air inlet at the end away from the slot. An elastic element is provided between the inner cylinder and the slide cylinder to push the slide cylinder closer to the air inlet. Several ball bearings that cooperate with the slide cylinder are mounted on the side wall of the inner cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, the inner cylinder has a plurality of conical grooves arranged along its circumference on its side wall, with the small-diameter end of the conical groove facing the axis of the inner cylinder, and each ball bearing is located in the corresponding conical groove. The inner wall of the slide cylinder is provided with an annular groove that matches the ball bearing.

[0015] Preferably, at least one sealing ring that abuts against the inner wall of the outer cylinder is fitted on the outer wall of the slide cylinder.

[0016] According to the above technical solution, the pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0017] Firstly, by adjusting the distance between the limiting block and the insert rod, the passage and limiting of the flange can be controlled, making operation simple and convenient. When the first limiting part is inserted into the mounting groove, its end will insert into the inside of the positioning sleeve, that is, the first limiting part will restrict the movement of the flange. When the second limiting part is inserted into the mounting groove, its end will not insert into the inside of the positioning sleeve, at which point the insert rod can be pulled out from the positioning sleeve. Therefore, the limiting unit can be switched between two usage states, making it simple and convenient to use and highly practical.

[0018] Secondly, other tools, such as wire or hooks, can be used to insert into the first and second auxiliary holes to pull out the filling block and the limiting block. The design of the first notch, the first auxiliary hole, and the second auxiliary hole facilitates the disassembly of the limiting block and the filling block, improving ease of use and reducing operational difficulty.

[0019] Third, the limiting unit has a simple and convenient structure. It uses the flange on the plug rod to achieve the limiting function, without the need for additional processing of the plug rod, which is low in cost and easy to manufacture.

[0020] Fourth, the two states can be switched by turning the two ends of the limit block. The limit block is always assembled in the mounting slot and will not be lost. It also has an anti-loss function to avoid the problem of parts being lost due to long-term disuse of this function.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section; and all parts not covered in the present invention are the same as or can be implemented using the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting unit of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 5This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting unit of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the positioning sleeve of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the positioning sleeve of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This invention provides a pneumatic locking device. Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0031] Figure 9 This invention provides a pneumatic locking device. Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting block and filling block of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the limiting block and filling block of a pneumatic locking device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1. Insert rod; 2. Slot; 3. Flange; 4. Positioning sleeve; 5. Limiting block; 6. Conical groove; 7. Conical part; 8. Mounting groove; 9. Stepped groove; 10. Mounting part; 11. First limiting part; 12. Second limiting part; 13. Filler block; 14. Mounting sleeve; 15. First notch; 16. First auxiliary hole; 17. Second auxiliary hole; 18. Snap-fit ​​part; 19. Second notch; 20. Base; 21. Inner cylinder; 22. Outer cylinder; 23. Slide cylinder; 24. Air inlet; 25. Elastic element; 26. Ball bearing; 27. Conical through groove; 28. Annular groove; 29. ​​Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" in the terminology represent the orientation of the term in its normal use or are common terms understood by those skilled in the art, and should not be regarded as limitations on the term.

[0038] like Figure 1-11 As shown, a pneumatic locking device includes: a pneumatic locking unit and a pluggable rod 1 that can be inserted into the pneumatic locking unit. After compressed gas is introduced into the pneumatic locking unit, the pluggable rod 1 is locked in place. The pneumatic locking unit is provided with a slot 2 for inserting the pluggable rod 1. The end of the pluggable rod 1 that is inserted into the slot 2 has a protruding flange 3. A limiting unit is assembled on the open end of the slot 2. The limiting unit includes a positioning sleeve 4 assembled on the edge of the end of the slot 2 and at least one limiting block 5 assembled on the positioning sleeve 4 and whose distance from the outer wall of the pluggable rod 1 is adjustable.

[0039] The positioning sleeve 4 has a through mounting groove 8 on its side wall. The end of the mounting groove 8 on the outer side wall of the positioning sleeve 4 has a stepped groove 9. The limiting block 5 is strip-shaped. The middle part of the limiting block 5 has a mounting part 10 that can be assembled into the stepped groove 9. The limiting block 5 includes a first limiting part 11 and a second limiting part 12 located on both sides of the mounting part 10. The length of the second limiting part 12 is less than the length of the first limiting part 11.

[0040] In the above technical solution, after the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the slot 2, the pneumatic locking unit is connected to compressed gas, and the pneumatic locking unit will lock the flange 3 of the insertion rod 1. That is, in the air-circulating state, the pneumatic locking unit remains locked with the insertion rod 1, and in the non-air-circulating state, the insertion rod 1 and the pneumatic locking unit are in a separable state.

[0041] When the insert rod 1 is inserted into the slot 2, it needs to pass through the positioning sleeve 4 before being inserted into the slot 2. When the first limiting part 11 is inserted into the mounting groove 8, the first limiting part 11 will be inserted into the inner side of the positioning sleeve 4, that is, the first limiting part 11 will restrict the movement of the flange part 3, that is, the flange part 3 cannot pass through the limiting block 5. When the second limiting part 12 is inserted into the mounting groove 8, the mounting part 10 will be inserted into the stepped groove 9 and located at the end of the stepped groove 9. Since the length of the second limiting part 12 is less than the length of the first limiting part 11, when the second limiting part 12 is inserted into the mounting groove 8, its end will not be inserted into the inside of the positioning sleeve 4. At this time, the insert rod 1 can be pulled out from the positioning sleeve 4.

[0042] The movement range of the insertion rod 1 can be limited according to different usage requirements, making it highly practical. If the insertion rod 1 needs to move within the slot 2 without completely separating, the first limiting part 11 can be inserted into the mounting slot 8. If the insertion rod 1 needs to be completely pulled out during separation, the second limiting part 12 can be inserted into the mounting slot 8, allowing the insertion rod 1 to be completely pulled out during separation. When switching between the two usage states, simply reverse the direction of the limiting block 5 so that different ends of the limiting block 5 are inserted into the mounting slot 8. The switching operation is simple and convenient, and users can switch between the two usage states according to specific usage requirements.

[0043] The limiting unit has a simple and convenient structure. It uses the flange 3 on the insert rod 1 to achieve the limiting function, without the need for additional processing of the insert rod 1. It is low in cost and easy to manufacture.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a conical groove 6 is provided at the end of the positioning sleeve 4 away from the slot 2, and a conical part 7 that matches the conical groove 6 is coaxially protruding on the outer wall of the insertion rod 1.

[0045] In the above technical solution, the conical part 7 and the conical groove 6 cooperate to facilitate the position correction of the insertion rod 1. When the insertion rod 1 is fully inserted into the slot 2, the outer wall of the conical part 7 will fit against the side wall of the conical groove 6, so that the insertion rod 1 and the slot 2 are kept in a coaxial state. At the same time, when the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the slot 2, the conical groove 6 also plays the role of widening, which helps the insertion rod 1 to be inserted into the positioning sleeve 4 and then inserted into the slot 2 along the positioning sleeve 4.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the stepped grooves 9 is fitted with a filler block 13 that can be pressed and held on the mounting part 10, and the outer wall of the positioning sleeve 4 is coaxially and detachably fitted with a mounting sleeve 14 for fixing the filler block 13.

[0047] The filling block 13 has a protruding snap-fit ​​portion 18 located outside the stepped groove 9, and the end of the mounting sleeve 14 has a second notch portion 19 that fits onto the corresponding snap-fit ​​portion 18.

[0048] In the above technical solution, when it is necessary to change the position between the first limiting part 11 and the second limiting part 12, the mounting sleeve 14 is assembled on the outside of the positioning sleeve 4 by several bolts, which makes it convenient to disassemble and assemble the mounting sleeve 14.

[0049] After removing the mounting sleeve 14, the filler block 13 and the limiting block 5 can be taken out. Then, insert the other end of the limiting block 5 into the mounting groove 8, and insert the filler block 13 to fill the remaining space of the stepped groove 9. At this time, the filler block 13 will press against the mounting part 10. Fixing the filler block 13 can fix the limiting block 5. Finally, put the second notch 19 on the mounting sleeve 14 onto the snap-fit ​​part 18 to restrict the filler block 13 in the stepped groove 9 and prevent it from moving, thus fixing the limiting block 5. The operation is simple and convenient. By turning the two ends of the limiting block 5, the two states can be switched. The limiting block 5 is always assembled in the mounting groove 8 and will not be lost, thus also having an anti-loss function.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ends of the mounting groove 8 and the stepped groove 9 away from the axis of the positioning sleeve 4 are provided with a first notch 15, the ends of the limiting block 5 are provided with a first auxiliary hole 16, and the end of the filling block 13 away from the axis of the positioning sleeve 4 is provided with a second auxiliary hole 17.

[0051] In the above technical solution, after the filling block 13 and the limiting block 5 are assembled, when it is necessary to change the two ends of the limiting block 5, it will be inconvenient to remove the limiting block 5 and the filling block 13. Therefore, the first notch 15 is provided so that the ends of the limiting block 5 and the filling block 13 are partially exposed. At this time, other tools, such as wire, hook, etc., can be used to insert the first auxiliary hole 16 and the second auxiliary hole 17 to pull out the filling block 13 and the limiting block 5. The setting of the first notch 15, the first auxiliary hole 16 and the second auxiliary hole 17 facilitates the disassembly of the limiting block 5 and the filling block 13, improves the convenience of use and reduces the difficulty of operation.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic locking unit includes a base 20, an inner cylinder 21 with its open end connected to the base 20, an outer cylinder 22 coaxially spaced and sleeved on the outside of the inner cylinder 21 and connected to the base 20, and a slide cylinder 23 slidably sleeved on the inner cylinder 21 and slidably in contact with the inner side of the outer cylinder 22.

[0053] The interior of the inner cylinder 21 is the slot 2. An air inlet 24 is provided at the end of the outer cylinder 22 away from the slot 2. An elastic element 25 is provided between the inner cylinder 21 and the slide cylinder 23 to push the slide cylinder 23 to slide closer to the air inlet 24. Several ball bearings 26 that cooperate with the slide cylinder 23 are assembled on the side wall of the inner cylinder 21.

[0054] At least one sealing ring 29 is fitted on the outer wall of the slide cylinder 23, which abuts against the inner wall of the outer cylinder 22.

[0055] The inner cylinder 21 has a plurality of conical through grooves 27 arranged along its circumference on its side wall. The small diameter end of the conical through groove 27 is arranged facing the axis of the inner cylinder 21. Each ball 26 is located in the corresponding conical through groove 27. The inner wall of the slide cylinder 23 is provided with an annular groove 28 that is adapted to the ball 26.

[0056] In the above technical solution, when no compressed gas is introduced, under the action of the elastic element 25, the end of the slide cylinder 23 near the air inlet 24 will be pushed to abut against the end of the outer cylinder 22 where the air inlet 24 is provided. At this time, the annular groove 28 corresponds to several conical through grooves 27. When the insertion rod 1 is pulled out, the flange 3 will squeeze the ball 26, so that part of the ball 26 moves into the annular groove 28. That is, at this time the insertion rod 1 can be inserted and removed freely in the slot 2.

[0057] When compressed gas is introduced into the air inlet 24, the compressed gas will push the slide cylinder 23 away from the air inlet 24 to slide, that is, the slide cylinder 23 will slide closer to the base 20. The annular groove 28 and the conical through groove are misaligned. At this time, the ball 26 is squeezed by the flange 3 and cannot move, thereby restricting the flange 3 from being pulled out and locking the insertion rod 1 on the pneumatic locking unit.

[0058] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0060] Furthermore, various different embodiments of the present invention can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A pneumatic locking device, characterized in that, include: A pneumatic locking unit and a pluggable rod (1) that can be inserted into the pneumatic locking unit. The pneumatic locking unit locks the rod (1) after compressed gas is introduced. The pneumatic locking unit is provided with a slot (2) for inserting the rod (1). The end of the rod (1) inserted into the slot (2) is provided with a flange (3). A limiting unit is assembled on the open end of the slot (2). The limiting unit includes a positioning sleeve (4) assembled on the edge of the end of the slot (2) and at least one limiting block (5) assembled on the positioning sleeve (4) and whose distance from the outer wall of the rod (1) is adjustable.

2. The pneumatic locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the positioning sleeve (4) away from the slot (2) is provided with a conical groove (6), and the outer wall of the insertion rod (1) is provided with a conical part (7) that matches the conical groove (6).

3. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning sleeve (4) has a through mounting groove (8) on its side wall. The mounting groove (8) has a stepped groove (9) at the end of the outer side wall of the positioning sleeve (4). The limiting block (5) is strip-shaped. The middle part of the limiting block (5) has a mounting part (10) that can be assembled into the stepped groove (9). The limiting block (5) includes a first limiting part (11) and a second limiting part (12) located on both sides of the mounting part (10), wherein the length of the second limiting part (12) is less than the length of the first limiting part (11).

4. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the stepped grooves (9) is fitted with a filler block (13) that can be pressed and held on the mounting part (10), and the outer wall of the positioning sleeve (4) is coaxially and detachably fitted with a mounting sleeve (14) for fixing the filler block (13).

5. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting groove (8) and the stepped groove (9) are provided with a first notch (15) at the ends away from the axis of the positioning sleeve (4), the limiting block (5) is provided with a first auxiliary hole (16) at both ends, and the filling block (13) is provided with a second auxiliary hole (17) at the end away from the axis of the positioning sleeve (4).

6. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filling block (13) has a protruding snap-fit ​​part (18) located outside the stepped groove (9), and the end of the mounting sleeve (14) has a second notch part (19) that fits onto the corresponding snap-fit ​​part (18).

7. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic locking unit includes a base (20), an inner cylinder (21) with its open end connected to the base (20), an outer cylinder (22) coaxially spaced outside the inner cylinder (21) and connected to the base (20), and a sliding cylinder (23) slidably sleeved on the inner cylinder (21) and slidably in contact with the inner side of the outer cylinder (22). The interior of the inner cylinder (21) is the slot (2). An air inlet (24) is provided at the end of the outer cylinder (22) away from the slot (2). An elastic element (25) is provided between the inner cylinder (21) and the slide cylinder (23) to push the slide cylinder (23) closer to the air inlet (24). Several ball bearings (26) that cooperate with the slide cylinder (23) are assembled on the side wall of the inner cylinder (21).

8. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner cylinder (21) has several conical through grooves (27) arranged along its circumference on its side wall. The small diameter end of the conical through groove (27) is arranged facing the axis of the inner cylinder (21). Each ball (26) is located in the corresponding conical through groove (27). The inner wall of the slide cylinder (23) is provided with an annular groove (28) that matches the ball (26).

9. A pneumatic locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer wall of the slide (23) is fitted with at least one sealing ring (29) that abuts against the inner wall of the outer cylinder (22).

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