Cylinder

Abstract

A cylinder (10) is provided with: a cylinder tube (12); a first cover (18); a second cover (20); a piston (14); a first port (70) for supplying and discharging compressed air to and from the first pressure chamber (30); a first buffer chamber (58) formed in the first cover (18); a first main flow path (63) communicating with the first buffer chamber (58); a first buffer protrusion (44) protruding from the piston (14) and preventing communication between the first main flow path (63) and the first pressure chamber (30) when inserted into the first buffer chamber (58); and a first fixed orifice (64) having an effective cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first main flow path (63) and communicating with the first pressure chamber (30). The first main flow path (63) and the first fixed orifice (64) open at a bottom surface (70a) of the first port (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a cylinder with an air buffer mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Description of related technologies:

[0003] In cylinders, air buffer mechanisms are sometimes used to mitigate the impact of inertia when the piston stops at the end of its stroke. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-199503 discloses an air buffer mechanism that includes a main flow path for a large flow through the cylinder barrel and a throttling flow path equipped with a throttle valve. When the piston is near the end of its stroke, the main flow path is closed, the exhaust flow is throttled, and the piston is decelerated.

[0004] Traditional cylinders use cushioning gaskets to seal the main flow path. Leakage in these gaskets reduces cushioning performance, so it's desirable to inspect them periodically at the factory or during use. However, the sealing performance of traditional gaskets is difficult to verify directly; therefore, it's indirectly verified by observing the deceleration at the end of the piston stroke.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for cylinders that can more easily and directly check for leaks in the cushioning gasket. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned technical problems.

[0007] This utility model relates to a cylinder comprising: a cylinder barrel having a through hole extending along an axial direction; a first cover closing an end of the through hole in a first direction; a second cover closing an end of the through hole in a second direction, forming a cylinder chamber between the second cover and the first cover; a piston dividing the cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber; a first port formed in the cylinder barrel for supplying and discharging compressed air to the first pressure chamber; a first buffer chamber formed in the first cover and communicating with the first pressure chamber; a first buffer latch protruding from the piston in the first direction, which, when inserted into the first buffer chamber, prevents communication between the first buffer chamber and the first pressure chamber; a first main flow path communicating with the first buffer chamber; and a first fixed throttling orifice having an effective cross-sectional area smaller than the first main flow path and opening into the first pressure chamber, wherein the first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice open at the bottom surface of the first port.

[0008] According to this invention, the sealing performance of the buffer gasket can be easily and reliably confirmed by checking whether the piston stops before the end of its stroke while the first fixed throttling orifice exposed to the bottom surface of the first port is closed using a rubber rod or the like.

[0009] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be readily understood through the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder according to the first embodiment, showing the piston at the end of its stroke in the first direction.

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A magnified sectional view of the area near the first cover. Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A magnified sectional view of the area near the second cover.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylinder at the midpoint of its stroke.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylinder at the end of its second stroke.

[0014] Figure 5A This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first cover of the cylinder according to the first aspect of the second embodiment. Figure 5B This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the first cover of the cylinder according to the second aspect of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0015] (First Implementation)

[0016] Figure 1 The cylinder 10 shown in this embodiment is a double-acting cylinder that operates by the supply and exhaust of compressed air. The cylinder 10 is used, for example, in automated production lines in factories. In the following description, the direction along the central axis C of the cylinder barrel 12 of the cylinder 10 will be referred to as the axial direction (first direction and second direction). Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be referred to as radially outward or outward, and the direction perpendicular to and approaching the axial direction will be referred to as radially inward or inward. In the radial direction, the direction in which the port is formed will be referred to as the upward direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the downward direction. Furthermore, in the following description, the terms "upward" and "downward" are used to describe the relative positional relationship of the components of the cylinder 10 and are not intended to limit the arrangement direction of the cylinder 10.

[0017] The cylinder 10 includes a cylinder barrel 12, a piston 14, a piston rod 16, a first cover 18 (top side cover), a second cover 20 (rod side cover), a first air buffer mechanism 22, and a second air buffer mechanism 24. A through hole 26 extending linearly is formed inside the cylinder barrel 12. The first cover 18 is inserted near the end of the through hole 26 in a first direction, and the second cover 20 is inserted near the end of the through hole 26 in a second direction. The first cover 18 and the second cover 20 close the two ends of the through hole 26, forming a cylinder chamber 28 inside.

[0018] A first port 70 is formed near the end of the cylinder 12 in a first direction, and a second port 82 is formed near the end of the cylinder 12 in a second direction. Air pipes are connected to the first port 70 and the second port 82 respectively for supplying compressed air for driving the cylinder 10 and for exhausting compressed air.

[0019] The first main flow path 63 and the first fixed throttling orifice 64 open onto the bottom surface 70a of the first port 70. The first main flow path 63 is located near the end of the bottom surface 70a in a first direction, and the first fixed throttling orifice 64 is located near the end of the bottom surface 70a in a second direction. The first fixed throttling orifice 64 is located on the second-direction side closer to the end of the first cover 18 in the second direction, and the axial position of the first fixed throttling orifice 64 overlaps with the axial position of the first pressure chamber 30, which will be described later. The first fixed throttling orifice 64 extends linearly in a radial direction, and its inner circumferential end opens into the first pressure chamber 30.

[0020] The first main flow path 63 has an effective cross-sectional area larger than the first fixed throttling orifice 64, enabling compressed air with a larger flow rate than the first fixed throttling orifice 64 to flow through it. The axial position of the first main flow path 63 overlaps with the axial position of the first internal flow path 62, which will be described later. The first main flow path 63 is formed as a hole extending radially and communicates with the first internal flow path 62. As described above, the first main flow path 63 and the first fixed throttling orifice 64 can be formed as radially extending holes, each formed by a single hole-opening process, thus facilitating manufacturing.

[0021] The second main flow path 77 and the second fixed throttling orifice 78 open onto the bottom surface 82a of the second port 82. The second main flow path 77 is located near the end of the bottom surface 82a in a second direction, and the second fixed throttling orifice 78 is located near the end of the bottom surface 82a in a first direction. The second fixed throttling orifice 78 is located on the first direction side closer to the end of the second cover 20 in the first direction, and the axial position of the second fixed throttling orifice 78 overlaps with the axial position of the second pressure chamber 32. The second fixed throttling orifice 78 is formed as a hole extending radially (downward), with its inner circumferential end opening into the second pressure chamber 32.

[0022] The second main flow path 77 has a larger effective cross-sectional area than the second fixed throttle orifice 78, allowing compressed air with a larger flow rate than the second fixed throttle orifice 78 to flow through. The second main flow path 77 is formed as a radially extending orifice, and its axial position coincides with the axial position of the second internal flow path 76 described later. Near the end of the stroke in the second direction, the second fixed throttle orifice 78 reduces the flow rate of the exhausted compressed air, thus slowing down the piston 14. Because the second main flow path 77 and the second fixed throttle orifice 78 are formed as radially extending orifices, they are easy to manufacture.

[0023] The first cover 18 and the second cover 20 are integrally disposed inside the through hole 26 in the axial direction, and are installed in a manner that does not protrude from the cylinder barrel 12 in the axial direction. Therefore, the axial dimension of the part of the cylinder 10, excluding the piston rod 16, is equal to the length of the cylinder barrel 12. Such a cylinder 10 can achieve miniaturization in the axial direction.

[0024] Piston 14 is housed in cylinder chamber 28. Piston 14 hermetically divides cylinder chamber 28 into a first pressure chamber 30 in a first direction and a second pressure chamber 32 in a second direction. While hermetically dividing cylinder chamber 28, piston 14 slides along the axial direction inside cylinder barrel 12.

[0025] A piston liner 34, a magnet 36, and a wear ring 38 are installed on the outer periphery of the piston 14. The piston liner 34 hermetically isolates the first pressure chamber 30 and the second pressure chamber 32 by preventing leakage of compressed air along the gap between the piston 14 and the cylinder 12. The magnet 36 enables the detection of the piston position using a magnetic sensor (not shown). The wear ring 38 prevents the piston 14 from wobbling and stabilizes the axial displacement of the piston 14.

[0026] The piston 14 has a first buffer protrusion 44 protruding from its end face 14a in a first direction toward the first direction. The first buffer protrusion 44 is a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter smaller than that of the piston 14, and its tip is tapered. Although not specifically defined, the first buffer protrusion 44 is integrally formed with the piston 14.

[0027] The first buffer spring 44 forms part of the first air buffer mechanism 22. That is, the first buffer spring 44 is inserted into the first buffer chamber 58 (described later) at the end of the first direction of the piston 14's stroke, preventing compressed air from being exhausted through the first internal flow path 62.

[0028] A second buffer bump 46 protruding in the second direction is installed on the end face 14b of the piston 14. The second buffer bump 46 is a cylindrical component covering the outer periphery of the piston rod 16, and has an outer diameter larger than that of the piston rod 16. The second buffer bump 46 is received in the receiving hole 14d of the piston 14. When the second buffer bump 46 is inserted into the second buffer chamber 72 (described later), it abuts against the second buffer gasket 74 in an airtight manner, preventing compressed air from being exhausted through the second main flow passage 77. Alternatively, the second buffer bump 46 may be integrally formed with the piston 14.

[0029] A mounting hole 14c and a receiving hole 14d are formed at the center of the piston 14. The mounting hole 14c is located radially inward of the magnet 36 and is used to insert the small-diameter portion 16a of the piston rod 16. The receiving hole 14d is formed adjacent to the second-direction side of the mounting hole 14c. The receiving hole 14d has an inner diameter larger than that of the mounting hole 14c and receives a portion of the first-direction side of the large-diameter portion 16b of the piston rod 16 and a portion of the first-direction side of the second buffer contact 46.

[0030] The piston rod 16 is connected to the piston 14 and extends along the axial direction. The piston rod 16 has a small-diameter portion 16a and a large-diameter portion 16b. The small-diameter portion 16a is inserted into the mounting hole 14c of the piston 14 and connected to the piston 14 by means of riveting or the like. The large-diameter portion 16b of the piston rod 16 extends from the piston 14 in a second direction along the axial direction. The large-diameter portion 16b of the piston rod 16 passes through the second cover 20 and protrudes from the second cover 20 in a first direction. The piston rod 16 and the piston 14 are integrally displaced along the axial direction.

[0031] The second-direction end of the first cover 18 is located on the first-direction side closer to the first fixed throttle orifice 64, thereby enabling communication between the first fixed throttle orifice 64 and the first pressure chamber 30. The first cover 18 has a first buffer chamber 58, a first buffer liner 60, and a first internal flow path 62.

[0032] The first buffer chamber 58 is formed by recessing from the second-direction end of the first cover 18 in the first direction. The first buffer chamber 58 is located at the center of the first cover 18 and opens into the first pressure chamber 30. The first buffer chamber 58 has an inner diameter and axial dimension larger than the first buffer protrusion 44, and is capable of accommodating the first buffer protrusion 44.

[0033] A first pad receiving groove 58a is formed near the second end of the first buffer chamber 58. A first buffer pad 60 is installed in the first pad receiving groove 58a. When the first buffer contact 44 is inserted into the first buffer chamber 58, the first buffer pad 60 makes airtight contact with the first buffer contact 44, preventing communication between the first buffer chamber 58 and the first pressure chamber 30. That is, the first buffer pad 60 prevents compressed air from being exhausted through the first internal flow path 62 by abutting against the first buffer contact 44.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2A As shown, the first internal flow path 62 extends vertically and radially through the first cover 18. The central portion of the first internal flow path 62 opens into and communicates with the first buffer chamber 58. That is, the first internal flow path 62 communicates with the first pressure chamber 30 via the first buffer chamber 58. The upper end of the first internal flow path 62 communicates with the first main flow path 63 formed on the upper part of the cylinder 12. The first main flow path 63 is a flow path that opens at the bottom surface 70a of the first port 70 of the cylinder 12, connecting the first port 70 and the first internal flow path 62. The first internal flow path 62 and the first main flow path 63 have relatively large effective cross-sectional areas, enabling rapid supply and discharge of compressed air to the first pressure chamber 30.

[0035] A first peripheral gasket 66a, a second peripheral gasket 66b, and a first positioning ring 68 are installed on the outer periphery of the first cover 18. The first peripheral gasket 66a is located on the first direction side of the first internal flow path 62, and the second peripheral gasket 66b is located on the second direction side of the first internal flow path 62. The first peripheral gasket 66a prevents compressed air from leaking through the gap between the first cover 18 and the cylinder 12. The second peripheral gasket 66b is located inside the first port 70, positioned between the first main flow path 63 and the first fixed throttle orifice 64. The second peripheral gasket 66b prevents compressed air from leaking between the first main flow path 63 and the first fixed throttle orifice 64.

[0036] The first positioning ring 68 fixes the first cover 18 to the cylinder 12. The first positioning ring 68 engages with the groove-shaped recess formed in the first cover 18 and the cylinder 12, preventing the first cover 18 from displacing relative to the axial direction of the cylinder 12.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the end of the second cover 20 in the first direction is located on the second direction side relative to the second fixed throttle orifice 78, making communication between the second fixed throttle orifice 78 and the second pressure chamber 32 possible. The second cover 20 has an insertion hole 20a, a second buffer chamber 72, a second buffer gasket 74, a second internal flow path 76, and a second fixed throttle orifice 78. The insertion hole 20a extends through the center of the second cover 20 in the axial direction. The insertion hole 20a allows the piston rod 16 to be inserted. A rod gasket 80 is installed at a designated location in the insertion hole 20a. The rod gasket 80 prevents leakage of compressed air through the gap between the piston rod 16 and the second cover 20.

[0038] The second buffer chamber 72 is formed in a concave shape, such that the end of the second cover 20 in the first direction is recessed in the second direction. The second buffer chamber 72 opens in the first direction and communicates with the second pressure chamber 32. The second buffer chamber 72 is located at the center of the second cover 20 and has an inner diameter and axial length larger than the second buffer protrusion 46. The second buffer chamber 72 accommodates the second buffer protrusion 46 when the piston 14 is displaced to near the end of its stroke in the second direction.

[0039] like Figure 2B and Figure 4 As shown, a second pad receiving groove 72a is formed near the end of the second buffer chamber 72 in the first direction. A second buffer pad 74 is installed in the second pad receiving groove 72a. When the second buffer joint 46 is inserted into the second buffer chamber 72, the second buffer pad 74 makes airtight contact with the second buffer joint 46, preventing communication between the second buffer chamber 72 and the second pressure chamber 32. That is, the second buffer pad 74 makes airtight contact with the second buffer joint 46 near the end of its stroke in the second direction, cutting off the exhaust of compressed air from the second pressure chamber 32 through the second internal flow path 76.

[0040] The second internal flow path 76 extends vertically and radially through the second cover 20. The central portion of the second internal flow path 76 opens into and communicates with the second buffer chamber 72. The upper end of the second internal flow path 76 communicates with the second port 82 via the second main flow path 77. The second internal flow path 76 and the second main flow path 77 have relatively large effective cross-sectional areas, enabling rapid supply and discharge of compressed air to and from the second pressure chamber 32.

[0041] A third peripheral gasket 84a and a fourth peripheral gasket 84b are installed on the outer periphery of the second cover 20. The third peripheral gasket 84a is located on the first direction side of the second internal flow path 76. The third peripheral gasket 84a is disposed between the second main flow path 77 and the second fixed throttling orifice 78 to prevent air leakage between them. The fourth peripheral gasket 84b is located on the second direction side of the second internal flow path 76. The fourth peripheral gasket 84b prevents compressed air leakage to the outside of the second cover 20.

[0042] A second positioning ring 86 is installed at the second end of the second cover 20 in a second direction. The second positioning ring 86 fixes the second cover 20 to the cylinder 12. The second positioning ring 86 is a C-shaped metal component that fits into a groove-shaped recess formed in the cylinder 12, preventing the second cover 20 from displacing relative to the axial direction of the cylinder 12.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2AAs shown, the first air buffer mechanism 22 comprises a first buffer contact 44, a first buffer chamber 58, a first buffer pad 60, a first internal flow path 62, and a first fixed throttling orifice 64. Near the end of its stroke in the first direction, the first buffer contact 44 contacts the first buffer pad 60, isolating the first buffer chamber 58 from the first pressure chamber 30. This disconnects the first internal flow path 62 from the first pressure chamber 30. Compressed air from the first pressure chamber 30 is discharged through the first fixed throttling orifice 64. The first fixed throttling orifice 64 throttles the flow rate of the compressed air, thereby slowing the movement speed of the piston 14.

[0044] like Figure 2B and Figure 4 As shown, the second air buffer mechanism 24 comprises a second buffer contact 46, a second buffer chamber 72, a second buffer pad 74, a second internal flow path 76, and a second fixed throttling orifice 78. The second air buffer mechanism 24 isolates the second buffer chamber 72 from the second pressure chamber 32 by bringing the second buffer contact 46 into contact with the second buffer pad 74 at the end of its stroke in the second direction. This disconnects the second internal flow path 76 and the second pressure chamber 32. As a result, the exhaust of compressed air from the second pressure chamber 32 is throttled by the second fixed throttling orifice 78, and the piston 14 is decelerated.

[0045] Cylinder 10 is configured as described above. The operation of cylinder 10 will be explained below.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the cylinder 10 shown, the piston 14 is located at the end of its stroke in the first direction. When a compressed air supply source is connected to the first port 70 and an exhaust port is connected to the second port 82, compressed air is supplied to the first pressure chamber 30 through the first fixed throttle orifice 64. This creates a pressure difference between the first pressure chamber 30 and the second pressure chamber 32, and the piston 14 begins its stroke in the second direction. When the first buffer actuation 44 disengages from the first buffer pad 60, the first buffer chamber 58 and the first pressure chamber 30 connect, and a larger flow of compressed air is supplied to the first pressure chamber 30 through the first internal flow path 62. This increases the speed of the piston 14's movement in the second direction.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, at the middle position of the stroke, the first internal flow path 62 and the first fixed throttle orifice 64 are connected to the first pressure chamber 30, and the second internal flow path 76 and the second fixed throttle orifice 78 are connected to the second pressure chamber 32. Because the exhaust of compressed air from the second pressure chamber 32 proceeds rapidly through the second internal flow path 76 and the second fixed throttle orifice 78, the piston 14 moves rapidly.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, when the piston 14 moves to the end of its stroke in the second direction, the second damping contact 46 inserts into the second buffer chamber 72. As a result, the second buffer pad 74 comes into airtight contact with the second damping contact 46, and the second buffer chamber 72 is isolated from the second pressure chamber 32. Thus, the second internal flow path 76 is isolated from the second pressure chamber 32. The exhaust of compressed air from the second pressure chamber 32 thereafter occurs through the second fixed throttle orifice 78. The second fixed throttle orifice 78 reduces the movement speed of the piston 14 to a range where the impact can be absorbed by the second damper 42 by throttling the exhaust flow of the compressed air.

[0049] Subsequently, when the exhaust port is connected to the first port 70 and the compressed air supply source is connected to the second port 82, compressed air is supplied to the second pressure chamber 32 through the second internal flow path 76 and the second fixed throttle orifice 78. As a result, the piston 14 performs a stroke in the first direction.

[0050] During the stroke in the first direction, piston 14 passes through... Figure 3 The middle of the journey towards Figure 1 The displacement at the end of the stroke in the first direction is shown. Near the end of the stroke in the first direction, the first buffer joint 44 is inserted into the first buffer chamber 58. As a result, the first buffer pad 60 is in airtight contact with the first buffer joint 44, and the first buffer chamber 58 and the first pressure chamber 30 are isolated. The first internal flow path 62 is cut off from the first pressure chamber 30. The exhaust of compressed air from the first pressure chamber 30 thereafter occurs through the first fixed throttle orifice 64. The first fixed throttle orifice 64 reduces the speed of the piston 14 to a range where the impact can be absorbed by the first damper 40 by throttling the flow rate of the exhausted compressed air.

[0051] In the aforementioned cylinder 10, the sealing performance of the first buffer gasket 60 is confirmed as follows. First, the piston 14 moves towards... Figure 3 The flow path moves to the middle position of the flow path. Next, a rubber rod or similar object is inserted into the first fixed throttling orifice 64 exposed at the first port 70. This airtightly seals the first fixed throttling orifice 64. However, the first main flow path 63 remains unsealed.

[0052] Next, piston rod 16 moves in the first direction. Before reaching the vicinity of the end of its stroke in the first direction, the air in the first pressure chamber 30 is exhausted through the first main flow path 63, while piston 14 moves.

[0053] Subsequently, when the piston reaches near the end of its stroke, the first buffer abutment 44 comes into contact with the first buffer pad 60. Under normal sealing conditions, the air in the first pressure chamber 30 is not exhausted, and the piston stops before the piston rod 16 and piston 14 reach the end of their stroke.

[0054] On the other hand, if the sealing performance of the first buffer gasket 60 is insufficient, the piston rod 16 and piston 14 will advance toward the end of their stroke because the air in the first pressure chamber 30 is exhausted through the first internal flow path 62 and the first main flow path 63. As described above, the sealing performance of the first buffer gasket 60 is confirmed by checking the stopping position of the piston rod 16.

[0055] Furthermore, after confirming the sealing performance of the second buffer gasket 74, the second fixed throttle orifice 78 is closed. Then, the piston rod 16 is pulled in the second direction, and it is checked whether it stops before the piston rod 16 reaches the end of its stroke in the second direction. If the piston rod 16 stops before reaching the end of its stroke in the second direction, it can be confirmed that the sealing performance of the second buffer gasket 74 is normal. However, even though the second fixed throttle orifice 78 is closed, if the piston rod 16 can move to the end of its stroke in the second direction, it can be confirmed that the sealing performance of the second buffer gasket 74 is insufficient.

[0056] As described above, the cylinder 10 of this embodiment can easily and reliably check the sealing performance of the first buffer pad 60 or the second buffer pad 74.

[0057] (Second Implementation)

[0058] like Figure 5A As shown, the cylinder 10A involved in the first aspect of this embodiment is structurally similar to that of the reference cylinder 10A in the first cover 18A. Figures 1-4 The cylinder 10 described is different. Figure 5A In the middle, to and Figures 1-4 Structures that are identical to those described in the text are marked with the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0059] The first cover 18A has a buffer ring 88 at its end on the second direction side. The buffer ring 88 is a ring-shaped component formed of an elastic material. The buffer ring 88 is located at the piston 14 (refer to...). Figure 1 The first direction of the stroke of the buffer ring 88 abuts against the piston 14, thereby mitigating the impact caused by the collision between the first cover 18A and the piston 14. Furthermore, since the buffer ring 88 has a connection with the first damper 40 (see reference 14), the impact is mitigated. Figure 1 Since it has the same function, the first damper 40 of the piston 14 can also be omitted in cylinder 10A.

[0060] The buffer ring 88 is located on the second direction side of the axial direction, which is further from the opening of the first fixed throttling orifice 64 on the bottom surface 70a of the first port 70. That is, the axial position of the first cover 18A in the buffer ring 88, which is part of it, overlaps with the axial position of the first fixed throttling orifice 64. However, the buffer ring 88 moves radially inward from the first fixed throttling orifice 64 without obstructing the flow of compressed air between the first pressure chamber 30 and the first fixed throttling orifice 64.

[0061] The above cylinder 10A performance and reference Figures 1-4 The same effect is achieved with cylinder 10 as described. Furthermore, this first embodiment has been described using the first cover 18A as an example, but it can also be applied to the second cover 20 (see...). Figure 1 Add the same buffer ring 88.

[0062] Figure 5B The cylinder 10B involved in the second embodiment shown in this diagram is structurally similar to that of the reference cylinder 10B in the first cover 18B. Figures 1-4 The cylinder 10 described is different. Figure 5B In the middle, to and Figures 1-4 Structures that are identical to those described in the text are marked with the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0063] Compared to the first cover 18 of the first embodiment, the first cover 18B has a thicker wall in the axial direction. The end of the first cover 18B in the second direction protrudes in the second direction relative to the first fixed throttling orifice 64. Therefore, the position of the first cover 18B in the axial direction overlaps with the position of the first fixed throttling orifice 64 in the axial direction.

[0064] Cylinder 10B has a connecting flow path 90 extending along the axial direction to allow communication between the first fixed throttle orifice 64 and the first pressure chamber 30. The connecting flow path 90 is formed on the outer periphery of the first cover 18B. The shape of the connecting flow path 90 can also be a groove extending along the axial direction. Alternatively, the connecting flow path 90 can be formed by a circumferentially narrowed portion extending throughout the circumference of the first cover 18B. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path 90 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first fixed throttle orifice 64. Furthermore, the connecting flow path 90 can also be formed by cutting the cylinder barrel 12 without cutting the first cover 18B.

[0065] The above cylinder 10B performance and reference Figures 1-4 The cylinder 10 described herein has the same effect. Furthermore, the second embodiment of this invention has been described using the first cover 18B as an example, but the second cover 20 (see reference...) Figure 1 ) can also be constructed in the same way.

[0066] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following notes are further disclosed.

[0067] (Postscript 1)

[0068] The cylinder 10 of this utility model comprises: a cylinder barrel 12 having a through hole 26 extending along an axial direction; a first cover 18 closing the end of the through hole in a first direction; a second cover 20 closing the end of the through hole in a second direction, forming a cylinder chamber 28 between the second cover and the first cover; a piston 14 dividing the cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber 30 and a second pressure chamber 32; a first port 70 formed in the cylinder barrel for supplying and discharging compressed air to the first pressure chamber; and a first buffer chamber 58 formed in the cylinder barrel. A first cover, and in communication with the first pressure chamber; a first buffer protrusion 44, which protrudes from the piston in the first direction and prevents communication between the first buffer chamber and the first pressure chamber when the first buffer protrusion is inserted into the first buffer chamber; a first main flow path 63, which is in communication with the first buffer chamber; and a first fixed throttling orifice 64, which has an effective cross-sectional area smaller than the first main flow path and opens into the first pressure chamber, the first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice opening at the bottom surface 70a of the first port.

[0069] The aforementioned cylinder allows for easy inspection of the sealing performance of the first buffer gasket by sealing the first fixed throttle hole exposed to the bottom surface of the first port.

[0070] (Postscript 2)

[0071] In the cylinder described in Appendix 1, the first main flow path may open at the end of the bottom surface of the first port in the first direction, and the first fixed throttle orifice may open at the end of the bottom surface of the first port in the second direction. This cylinder simplifies the shape of the first main flow path and the first fixed throttle orifice, making it easier to manufacture.

[0072] (Note 3)

[0073] In the cylinder described in Appendix 1 or 2, a second peripheral gasket 66b may be installed on the outer periphery of the first cover, and this second peripheral gasket is disposed between the first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice. This cylinder can utilize the second peripheral gasket to both seal the first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice and seal the first pressure chamber, thus simplifying the structure.

[0074] (Note 4)

[0075] In any of the cylinders described in Appendices 1 to 3, the position of the first cover in the axial direction may be offset from the position of the first fixed throttling orifice in the axial direction, and the first pressure chamber may extend to the inside of the first fixed throttling orifice. This cylinder enables direct communication between the first fixed throttling orifice, formed by radial drilling and opening at the bottom surface of the first port, and the first pressure chamber, thereby simplifying the structure and achieving cylinder miniaturization.

[0076] (Note 5)

[0077] In any of the cylinders described in Appendix 1 to 3, the position of the end of the first cover in the axial direction may overlap or coincide with the position of the first fixed throttle orifice in the axial direction.

[0078] (Note 6)

[0079] In any of the cylinders described in Appendices 1 to 5, the first cover may have a first internal flow path 62 extending radially intersecting the axial direction, connecting the first buffer chamber and the first main flow path, wherein the position of the axial direction of the first internal flow path overlaps with the position of the axial direction of the first port. This cylinder can accommodate both the first and second air buffer mechanisms without increasing the axial dimension.

[0080] (Note 7)

[0081] The cylinder described in any of Appendices 1 to 6 may also further include: a second port 82 formed in the cylinder barrel for supplying or discharging compressed air to the second pressure chamber; a second buffer chamber 72 formed in the second cover and communicating with the second pressure chamber; a second buffer protrusion 46 protruding from the piston in the second direction, which, when inserted into the second buffer chamber, prevents communication between the second buffer chamber and the second pressure chamber; a second main flow path 77 communicating with the second buffer chamber; and a second fixed throttle orifice 78 having an effective cross-sectional area smaller than the second main flow path and opening into the second pressure chamber, wherein the second main flow path and the second fixed throttle orifice open at the bottom surface 82a of the second port. In addition to the end of the stroke in the first direction, the cylinder may also be equipped with a first air buffer mechanism and a second air buffer mechanism at the end of the stroke in the second direction.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it is not limited to the various embodiments described above. These embodiments may involve various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention, or from the spirit of the present invention derived from the content described in the claimed scope and its equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments may also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments described above, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example and are not limited thereto. The same applies to the use of numerical values ​​or formulas in the description of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A cylinder, characterized in that, have: A cylinder barrel having a through hole extending along the axial direction; A first cover, which closes the end of the through hole in a first direction; A second cover closes the second end of the through hole in a second direction, forming a cylinder chamber between the second cover and the first cover; A piston that divides the cylinder chamber into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber; A first port, formed in the cylinder, supplies or discharges compressed air to the first pressure chamber; A first buffer chamber is formed in the first cover and communicates with the first pressure chamber; A first buffer engagement protrudes from the piston in the first direction, and when the first buffer engagement is inserted into the first buffer chamber, it prevents communication between the first buffer chamber and the first pressure chamber. The first main path is connected to the first buffer chamber; as well as A first fixed throttling orifice has an effective cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first main flow path and opens into the first pressure chamber. The first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice open on the bottom surface of the first port.

2. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first main flow path opens at the end of the bottom surface of the first port in the first direction, and the first fixed throttling orifice opens at the end of the bottom surface of the first port in the second direction.

3. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second peripheral gasket is installed on the outer periphery of the first cover, and the second peripheral gasket is disposed between the first main flow path and the first fixed throttling orifice.

4. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of the first cover in the axial direction is offset from the position of the first fixed throttling orifice in the axial direction, and the first pressure chamber extends to the inside of the first fixed throttling orifice.

5. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position of the end of the first cover in the axial direction overlaps with or coincides with the position of the first fixed throttling orifice in the axial direction.

6. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover has a first internal flow path that extends radially intersecting the axis direction, connecting the first buffer chamber and the first main flow path. The position of the axial direction of the first internal flow path overlaps with the position of the axial direction of the first port.

7. The cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also has: A second port, formed in the cylinder, supplies or discharges compressed air to the second pressure chamber; A second buffer chamber is formed in the second cover and communicates with the second pressure chamber; A second buffer spring protrudes from the piston in the second direction, and when the second buffer spring is inserted into the second buffer chamber, it prevents the communication between the second buffer chamber and the second pressure chamber. The second main path is connected to the second buffer chamber; as well as The second fixed throttling orifice has an effective cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second main flow path and opens into the second pressure chamber. The second main flow path and the second fixed throttling orifice open on the bottom surface of the second port.

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