Limiting mechanism and linear actuating device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a limiting mechanism (16) for limiting the movement of a sliding block (14) capable of keeping a workpiece and a linear actuating device. A restriction mechanism (16) is provided with: a restriction block (150) provided to an actuator (12) that moves a slider (14) in sliding directions (D1, D2); a stopper member (152) that is provided to the stopper block (150) and restricts the movement of the slider (14); and a stopper screw (154) that is provided to the stopper block (150) and that suppresses displacement of the stopper member (152) in the axial direction (AX).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a limiting mechanism and a linear actuating device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-151039 discloses an actuator that moves a slide table (slider) capable of holding a workpiece in a sliding direction. The actuator comprises a cylinder (cylinder body) and a piston rod. As the piston rod moves, an end plate connected to the piston rod and a slide table fixed to the end plate reciprocate linearly along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body. Utility Model Content

[0003] There is a case where the movable range of a slider is adjusted. In this case, it is desired to facilitate the adjustment operation.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is a limiting mechanism for limiting the movement of a slider capable of holding a workpiece, comprising: a limiting block, which is arranged on an actuator that moves the slider along a sliding direction; a stopping component, which is arranged on the limiting block, extends in an axial direction along the sliding direction, and limits the movement of the slider; and a stopping screw, which is arranged on the limiting block, and suppresses the displacement of the stopping component in the axial direction, and is provided in the limiting block with: a through hole extending in the axial direction for inserting the stopping component; and a threaded hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and connected to the through hole, and screwed into the stopping screw.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a linear actuator including the aforementioned limiting mechanism.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, adjustment work can be easily performed.

[0008] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the linear actuator according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction mechanism.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a figure which shows a buffer member.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a linear actuator of a comparative example.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a state of adjustment work of the linear actuator according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the linear actuator 10 includes an actuator 12, a slide 14 capable of holding a workpiece, and two limiting mechanisms 16. The linear actuator 10 is used, for example, to transport a workpiece. The limiting mechanisms 16 can be applied to structures other than the linear actuator 10.

[0015] The actuator 12 includes a cylinder 120 and a piston rod 130. The actuator 12 moves the slider 14 in a sliding direction.

[0016] The cylinder 120 is formed of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum, for example, and has a guide surface GF, a mounting surface IF, a first side surface SF1, a second side surface SF2, a third side surface SF3, and a fourth side surface SF4.

[0017] The guide surface GF is a surface for guiding the slider 14. A guide groove 122 is formed in the guide surface GF, but it is not necessarily formed. The guide groove 122 is located approximately in the center of the cylinder body 120 in the width direction and extends in the sliding direction. The sliding direction is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body 120, and includes a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. The installation surface IF is a surface for installing the linear actuator 10 in other components. The installation surface IF is located on the opposite side of the guide surface GF. The first side surface SF1 and the second side surface SF2 are both surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body 120. The first side surface SF1 and the second side surface SF2 are opposite to each other in the width direction of the cylinder body 120. The third side surface SF3 and the fourth side surface SF4 are both surfaces along the width direction of the cylinder body 120. The third side surface SF3 and the fourth side surface SF4 are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder body 120.

[0018] A first supply and discharge port 124 and a second supply and discharge port 126 are formed on the first side surface SF1. The internal space of the cylinder body 120 is divided into a first pressure chamber (not shown) and a second pressure chamber (not shown) by a piston (not shown) provided inside the cylinder body 120. The first pressure chamber is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the piston. The second pressure chamber is located on the second direction D2 side relative to the piston. The first supply and discharge port 124 is connected to the first pressure chamber. The second supply and discharge port 126 is connected to the second pressure chamber. A piston rod 130 is installed on the piston. The number of piston rods 130 installed on the piston is Figure 1 There are 2 in the example, but not limited to them.

[0019] A fluid such as air is supplied to one of the first supply and discharge port 124 and the second supply and discharge port 126. When fluid is supplied to the second supply and discharge port 126, the piston rod 130 moves in the first direction D1. This movement causes the fluid in the first pressure chamber to be discharged from the first supply and discharge port 124. When fluid is supplied to the first supply and discharge port 124, the piston rod 130 moves in the second direction D2. This movement causes the fluid in the second pressure chamber to be discharged from the second supply and discharge port 126.

[0020] The slider 14 includes a slider body 140, a protrusion 142, and a connecting portion 144. The slider body 140 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The slider body 140 is arranged to be movable along the guide groove 122 of the cylinder body 120. The slider body 140 has a holding surface HF for holding a workpiece. The slider body 140 has a sliding surface (not shown) that faces the guide surface GF of the cylinder body 120. The holding surface HF is the surface opposite to the sliding surface.

[0021] The protrusion 142 is a portion that protrudes laterally (in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction) from the slider body 140. Since the protrusion 142 protrudes from the slider body 140, the movement of the slider body 140 is restricted by the restriction mechanism 16. The protrusion 142 is fixed to the slider body 140 by a fastening member FM such as a bolt. Alternatively, the protrusion 142 may be formed integrally with the slider body 140.

[0022] The connecting portion 144 is a portion that connects the slider body 140 and the piston rod 130. The connecting portion 144 is arranged opposite the third side surface SF3 of the cylinder body 120. The piston rod 130 has a first rod end (not shown) and a second rod end (not shown) opposite the first rod end. A piston is connected to the first rod end. The connecting portion 144 is connected to the second rod end. The second rod end of the piston rod 130 and the first end portion 14A in the longitudinal direction of the slider body 140 are respectively fixed to the connecting portion 144 by a fastening member FM. Alternatively, the connecting portion 144 may be formed integrally with the slider body 140.

[0023] The two limiting mechanisms 16 limit movement of the slider 14. One limiting mechanism 16A limits movement of the slider 14 in the first direction D1, while the other limiting mechanism 16B limits movement of the slider 14 in the second direction D2.

[0024] The limiting mechanism 16A and the limiting mechanism 16B are substantially the same in structure. The limiting mechanism 16A and the limiting mechanism 16B each include a limiting block 150, a stopper 152, a stop screw 154, and a buffer member 156. The limiting block 150 of the limiting mechanism 16A is provided on the first side surface SF1 of the cylinder body 120. The limiting block 150 of the limiting mechanism 16B is provided on the fourth side surface SF4 of the cylinder body 120. The shape of the limiting block 150 of the limiting mechanism 16A is different from that of the limiting block 150 of the limiting mechanism 16B. Figure 1 In the example shown, they are different, but they can also be the same.

[0025] use Figure 2 The restriction block 150 , the stopper member 152 , the stopper screw 154 , and the buffer member 156 will be described in detail. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the restriction mechanism 16A.

[0026] The limiting block 150 is formed with a through hole TH and a screw hole SH. The through hole TH is formed along the slider 14 ( Figure 1 ) through the limiting block 150 in the sliding direction of the through-hole TH. A threaded groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole TH. A stopper member 152 is inserted into the through-hole TH. The axial direction AX of the stopper member 152 coincides with the extension direction of the through-hole TH. The set screw 154 can be screwed into the threaded hole SH. The threaded hole SH extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the through-hole TH and communicates with the through-hole TH. In other words, the threaded hole SH extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AX of the stopper member 152 and communicates with the through-hole TH.

[0027] The limiting block 150 may also be formed with one or more fastening holes CH. The fastening member FM is inserted into the fastening hole CH. The limiting block 150 is fixed to the cylinder body 120 ( Figure 1 ). In addition, the restriction block 150 may also be formed integrally with the cylinder body 120. In this case, one or more fastening holes CH are not formed in the restriction block 150.

[0028] The stopper member 152 is a rod-shaped threaded member that limits the movement of the slider 14. The stopper member 152 is provided on the limiting block 150. A thread groove corresponding to the thread groove formed on the inner circumference of the through-hole TH is formed on the outer circumference of the stopper member 152. The stopper member 152 is threadedly inserted into the through-hole TH.

[0029] A tool fitting portion FH1 into which a rod-shaped tool can be fitted is formed at an end portion E1 in the first direction D1 of the stopper member 152. The rod-shaped tool may be a polygonal wrench such as a hexagonal wrench or a screwdriver.

[0030] The length of the stopper member 152 in the axial direction AX is longer than the length in the extension direction of the through-hole TH formed in the limiting block 150. An end E2 of the stopper member 152 in the second direction D2 protrudes from the through-hole TH toward the exterior of the limiting block 150. When the end E2 of the stopper member 152 included in the limiting mechanism 16A contacts the protrusion 142 of the slider 14, movement of the slider 14 in the first direction D1 is restricted. When the end E2 of the stopper member 152 included in the limiting mechanism 16B contacts the second end 14B of the slider 14, movement of the slider 14 in the second direction D2 is restricted. Alternatively, when the end E2 of the stopper member 152 included in the limiting mechanism 16B contacts the protrusion 142 of the slider 14, movement of the slider 14 in the second direction D2 is restricted. The second end 14B of the slider 14 is the end of the slider 14 opposite the first end 14A. Furthermore, a cushioning material such as rubber (not shown) may be attached to the end E2 of the stopper member 152 .

[0031] The stopper 152 is fixed to the limiting block 150 by a set screw 154. When the set screw 154 is released, the amount of protrusion of the stopper 152 from the through-hole TH can be adjusted. In the limiting mechanism 16A, the greater the amount of protrusion of the stopper 152 from the through-hole TH in the second direction D2, the smaller the amount of movement of the slider 14. Conversely, the smaller the amount of protrusion of the stopper 152 from the through-hole TH in the second direction D2, the greater the amount of movement of the slider 14. In the limiting mechanism 16B, the greater the amount of protrusion of the stopper 152 from the through-hole TH in the first direction D1, the smaller the amount of movement of the slider 14. Conversely, the smaller the amount of protrusion of the stopper 152 from the through-hole TH in the first direction D1, the greater the amount of movement of the slider 14.

[0032] The stop screw 154 is a member for suppressing displacement of the stop member 152 in the axial direction AX. The stop screw 154 is provided on the restriction block 150. The stop screw 154 is screwed into the screw hole SH of the restriction block 150.

[0033] The end E11 of the set screw 154 is disposed within the threaded hole SH. The end E12 of the set screw 154, opposite the end E11, may be disposed within or outside the threaded hole SH. A tool fitting portion FH2 is formed at the end E12 of the set screw 154, into which a rod-shaped tool can be fitted.

[0034] When the rod-shaped tool engaged with the tool engaging portion FH2 is rotated in the first rotational direction, the set screw 154 moves toward the stop member 152. This movement secures the stop member 152 to the restriction block 150, suppressing displacement of the stop member 152 in the axial direction AX. On the other hand, when the rod-shaped tool engaged with the tool engaging portion FH2 is rotated in the second rotational direction, the set screw 154 moves away from the stop member 152. This movement releases the fixation of the stop member 152 to the restriction block 150.

[0035] The buffer member 156 is disposed between the stop member 152 and the stop screw 154. The buffer member 156 is made of aluminum or the like, and is pressed between the stop screw 154 and the stop member 152 and plastically deformed by being screwed into the stop screw 154. When a thread groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the stop member 152, the stop member 152 sinks into the buffer member 156. Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a depression recess 158 formed by the stopper member 152 being depressed is formed on the surface of the buffer member 156. Therefore, displacement of the stopper member 152 in the axial direction AX can be suppressed well.

[0036] Figure 4 FIG is a diagram showing a linear actuator 100 according to a comparative example. Figure 4 Components identical to those described in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the linear actuator device 100 of the comparative example, a held object (workpiece) 160 is placed on the holding surface HF of the slider 14. Furthermore, in the linear actuator device 100 of the comparative example, the cylinder 120 is placed on a placement plate 170. Furthermore, in the linear actuator device 100 of the comparative example, a lock nut 180 is provided on the stopper member 152. The lock nut 180 is positioned between the held object 160 and the placement plate 170.

[0037] In the comparative example, to secure the stopper 152 in the desired position, the user engages the wrench 190 with the lock nut 180 and rotates it. In this case, the wrench 190 contacts the object 160 or the placement plate 170. Consequently, the rotation of the wrench 190 is limited. In other words, in the comparative example, the wrench 190 can only be rotated slightly. Consequently, the user must repeatedly engage the wrench 190 with the lock nut 180 and rotate it.

[0038] The number of times the above-mentioned operations are performed depends largely on the size of the object 160 and the holding surface HF of the slider body 140 on which the object 160 is placed. Furthermore, the number of times the above-mentioned operations are performed depends on the height dimension LD of the actuator 12. The height dimension LD of the actuator 12 is the distance between the holding surface HF of the slider body 140 and the installation surface IF of the cylinder 120. The height dimension LD of the actuator 12 is smaller than the width dimension WD of the actuator 12. The width dimension WD of the actuator 12 is the distance between the first side surface SF1 and the second side surface SF2, which are opposite to each other in the width direction of the cylinder 120.

[0039] Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a state of adjustment work of the linear actuator device 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 The viewpoint and Figure 4 In the present embodiment, when fixing the stopper member 152 at a desired position, a stopper screw 154 is used. The stopper screw 154 is located between the holding object 160 and the placement plate 170.

[0040] The user engages the first end E21 of the hexagonal wrench 200 with the tool engagement portion FH2 of the set screw 154 and rotates it in the first rotational direction. In this position, the hexagonal wrench 200 does not contact the object 160 or the placement plate 170. Therefore, the rotation of the hexagonal wrench 200 is not restricted. Consequently, the user can secure the stop member 152 with the set screw 154 without reengaging the hexagonal wrench 200. Consequently, the limiting mechanism 16 of this embodiment facilitates adjustment.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when changing the amount of movement of the slider 14 in the first direction D1, the user releases the fixing of the stop screw 154. In this case, the user fits the first end E21 of the hexagonal wrench 200 into the tool fitting portion FH2 of the stop screw 154 and rotates it in the second rotational direction. In the state where the fixing of the stop member 152 is released, the user fits the second end E22 of the hexagonal wrench 200 into the tool fitting portion FH1 of the stop member 152 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 2 ), so that it rotates in the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction. Therefore, as in the case of rotating the set screw 154, the user can rotate the stop member 152 without re-engaging the hexagonal wrench 200.

[0042] Furthermore, in the restriction mechanism 16 of this embodiment, the buffer member 156 that is pressed and plastically deformed between the stopper screw 154 and the stopper member 152 is disposed between the stopper member 152 and the stopper screw 154. Thus, according to this embodiment, displacement of the stopper member 152 in the axial direction AX can be well suppressed.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the actuator 12 includes two limiting mechanisms 16. A stopper 152, which serves as one limiting mechanism 16A, limits movement of the slider 14 in the first direction D1. Furthermore, a stopper 152, which serves as the other limiting mechanism 16B, limits movement of the slider 14 in the second direction D2. This increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the range of movement of the slider 14 compared to a case where the actuator 12 includes only one limiting mechanism 16.

[0044] The above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0045] For example, the stopper member 152 may be a rod-shaped pin. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the stopper member 152 may not have a threaded groove formed thereon. In this case, the tool engagement portion FH1 may not be formed at the end E1 of the stopper member 152. Furthermore, in this case, the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole TH into which the stopper member 152 is inserted may not have a threaded groove formed thereon. Even in this case, adjustment can be easily performed, similar to the above-described embodiment.

[0046] The linear actuator 10 may include only one limiting mechanism 16. That is, neither the limiting mechanism 16A nor the limiting mechanism 16B may be provided. Even in such a case, the adjustment operation can be easily performed as in the above embodiment.

[0047] It is not necessary to provide the buffer member 156. Even in such a case, the adjustment work can be easily performed similarly to the above embodiment.

[0048] Regarding the above-mentioned utility model, the following additional remarks are further disclosed.

[0049] (Note 1)

[0050] The present invention relates to a limiting mechanism 16 for limiting the movement of a slider 14 capable of holding a workpiece, and comprises: a limiting block 150, which is arranged on an actuator 12 that moves the slider along sliding directions D1 and D2; a stopping member 152, which is arranged on the limiting block, extends in an axial direction AX along the sliding direction, and limits the movement of the slider; and a stopping screw 154, which is arranged on the limiting block to suppress the displacement of the stopping member in the axial direction, and is provided in the limiting block with: a through hole TH, which extends in the axial direction for inserting the stopping member; and a threaded hole SH, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and is connected to the through hole, and is screwed into the stopping screw.

[0051] (Note 2)

[0052] The restriction mechanism described in Supplementary Note 1 may include a buffer member 156 disposed between the stopper member and the set screw, wherein the buffer member is pressed and plastically deformed between the set screw and the stopper member.

[0053] (Note 3)

[0054] The limiting mechanism recorded in Note 1 may also be that two limiting blocks are provided in the actuator, the stop member provided in one of the two limiting blocks limits the movement of the slider in the first direction D1 of the sliding direction, and the stop member provided in the other of the two limiting blocks limits the movement of the slider in the second direction D2 of the sliding direction opposite to the first direction.

[0055] (Note 4)

[0056] The restriction mechanism described in Supplementary Note 1 may be configured such that a tool fitting portion FH2 capable of fitting with a rod-shaped tool is formed at the end portion E12 of the set screw.

[0057] (Note 5)

[0058] The limiting mechanism recorded in Note 1 may also be that the actuator comprises: a cylinder 120, the limiting block is arranged in the cylinder; and a piston rod 130, which is moved by the fluid supplied to the interior of the cylinder, and the slider is connected to the piston rod and can move along the guide surface GF of the cylinder.

[0059] (Note 6)

[0060] The present invention may also be a linear actuator 10 including the limiting mechanism described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5 .

[0061] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned contents, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A limiting mechanism for limiting the movement of a slider capable of holding a workpiece, characterized in that: have: a limiting block provided on an actuator for moving the slider along a sliding direction; a stopper, which is provided on the limiting block, extends in an axial direction along the sliding direction, and limits the movement of the slider; as well as a stop screw provided on the limiting block to suppress displacement of the stop member in the axial direction; The limiting block is formed with: a through hole extending in the axial direction for inserting the stopper member; and a threaded hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction to communicate with the through hole and to be threadedly engaged with the stop screw.

2. The limiting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: A buffer member is provided, the buffer member being arranged between the stop member and the stop screw, The buffer member is pressed between the stop screw and the stop member and is plastically deformed.

3. The limiting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is provided with two limiting blocks. The stopper provided in one of the two limiting blocks limits the movement of the slider in the first direction of the sliding direction. The stopper provided at the other of the two limiting blocks limits movement of the slider in a second direction of the sliding direction that is opposite to the first direction.

4. The limiting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: A tool fitting portion capable of fitting with a rod-shaped tool is formed at an end portion of the set screw.

5. The limiting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator includes: a cylinder in which the restriction block is provided; and a piston rod which is moved by a fluid supplied to the interior of the cylinder. The slider is connected to the piston rod and is movable along a guide surface provided on the cylinder.

6. A linear actuator, characterized in that: The invention comprises the restriction mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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