Device fixing mechanism

Abstract

To provide a device fixing mechanism that suppresses lateral swaying. [Solution] A device fixing mechanism 10 for fixing the device 2 to a base 4, comprising: a first mounting piece 11 attached to either the device 2 or the base 4; a second mounting piece 12 attached to the other of the device 2 or the base 4; an air spring 50 provided between the device 2 and the base 4, allowing the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 to be displaced relative to each other; a bolt 13 fixed to the first mounting piece 11 and inserted into a through hole 12c provided in the second mounting piece 12; and a nut 16 fastened to the bolt 13 such that a fastening force is applied to the second mounting piece 12 toward the first mounting piece 11, thereby preventing the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 from being displaced relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device fixing mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] In devices such as laser processing devices and measuring devices, an air spring (air suspension) for alleviating vertical vibration may be provided on the base of the device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an air levitation vibration control system that suppresses the vibration of a device by an air spring. However, although the vibration suppression device adopting an air spring can alleviate vertical vibration, it is vulnerable to lateral vibration. For example, during the transportation of a device that is likely to experience lateral vibration, the air spring may be damaged. Therefore, a mechanism that makes the air spring less likely to roll laterally during the transportation of the device has been demanded.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device fixing mechanism that suppresses lateral rolling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The device fixing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a device fixing mechanism for fixing a device to a base, a first attachment piece attached to either one of the device and the base, a second attachment piece attached to the other one of the device and the base, An air spring is provided between the device and the base, allowing the first mounting piece and the second mounting piece to be displaced relative to each other. A bolt fixed to the first mounting piece and inserted into a through hole provided in the second mounting piece, The device includes a nut fastened to the bolt such that a fastening force is applied to the second mounting piece toward the first mounting piece, thereby preventing relative displacement between the first mounting piece and the second mounting piece. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a device fixing mechanism that suppresses lateral swaying can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a device equipped with a device fixing mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of the device fixing mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device fixing mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a device fixing mechanism according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a device fixing mechanism according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of a device fixing mechanism according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a device fixing mechanism according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an apparatus fixing mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that U, D, R, L, F, and B shown in Figure 1, etc., indicate directions in the apparatus fixing mechanism 10, where U is upward, D is downward, R is to the right, L is to the left, F is forward, and B is to the rear.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, configurations having the same reference numerals as those already described will be omitted from the description of the embodiments.

[0011] The apparatus unit 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a front view showing the apparatus unit 1 equipped with the apparatus fixing mechanism 10 according to this embodiment.

[0012] In this embodiment, the device unit 1 is, for example, a laser processing device that irradiates a workpiece with laser light, or a measuring device that measures the physical properties of a material. The device unit 1 according to this embodiment can switch between an immovable state and a movable state. For example, the immovable state and the movable state may be switched by operating a stopper on the wheels provided on the device unit 1. In the immovable state, the device unit 1 is immovable relative to the ground. The device unit 1 is used in the immovable state. In the movable state, the device unit 1 can be moved to a different location. In the movable state, the device unit 1 is not used.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the device unit 1 includes a device 2, a base 4, and a device fixing mechanism 10.

[0014] Device 2 is the main body of device unit 1, and in the case of a laser processing device, for example, it would be a laser irradiation device that irradiates laser light and a transport device that transports the workpiece.

[0015] The base 4 is a flat platform capable of supporting the device 2. The base 4 may be provided with a moving mechanism (not shown), such as wheels, for moving the entire device unit 1 when it is in a movable state. The device unit 1 may also be switchable between a movable state and a non-movable state by the moving mechanism.

[0016] Using FIGS. 1 to 3, the device fixing mechanism 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the device fixing mechanism 10 according to the embodiment. The device fixing mechanism 10 is a member provided by being connected to the device 2 and the base 4. The device fixing mechanism 10 can be switched between a movable state in which the device 2 and the base 4 can be displaced relative to each other and a fixed state in which the device 2 and the base 4 cannot be displaced relative to each other.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the device fixing mechanism 10 includes a first attachment piece 11, a second attachment piece 12, a bolt 13, a first nut 14, a second nut 15, a third nut 16, and an air spring 50.

[0018] The air spring 50 is a spring member using air provided to suppress vibration of the device 2. The air spring 50 is provided between the device 2 and the base 4. The air spring 50 includes a main body portion 51, a first air spring plate 52, and a second air spring plate 53. The main body portion 51 is sandwiched between the first air spring plate 52 and the second air spring plate 53. The main body portion 51 is a hollow member that can be filled with air and is easily elastically deformed. The main body portion 51 is made of, for example, rubber that is easily elastically deformed.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the first air spring plate 52 and the second air spring plate 53 are flat plates. The first air spring plate 52 is fixed to the lower surface of the device 2. The second air spring plate 53 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 4. The main body portion 51 of the air spring 50 is fixed to the first air spring plate 52 and the second air spring plate 53. By providing the first air spring plate 52 and the second air spring plate 53, it becomes easier to fix the main body portion 51 to the device 2 and the base 4. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the device unit 1 is rectangular in top view, and the air springs 50 are provided one by one at the four corners of the device unit 1 when the device unit 1 is seen through from above.

[0020] The air spring 50 becomes elastically deformable by filling the hollow body portion 51 with air. The air spring 50 is positioned between the device 2 and the base 4, and by elastically deforming, it can suppress vertical vibrations of the device 2 (upward U and downward D). The user can adjust the height of the device 2 relative to the base 4 by adjusting the amount of air filled into the air spring 50. The user can also adjust the elastic modulus (spring rate) of the air spring 50 by adjusting the amount of air filled into the air spring 50.

[0021] The first mounting piece 11 is a plate-shaped member fixed to the device 2. In the example shown in Figure 2, the first mounting piece 11 is fixed to the device 2 via the first air spring plate 52. The first mounting piece 11 and the first air spring plate 52 are fixed together, for example, by welding or screwing. The first mounting piece 11 is provided with an opening 11a through which a bolt 13, which will be described later, can be inserted.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device fixing mechanism 10, as seen from the left L, of the portion through which the bolt 13 is inserted in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the second mounting piece 12 is a gate-shaped member fixed to the base 4. The second mounting piece 12 consists of an upper member 12a and a lower member 12b, with the lower member 12b being fixed to the base 4. The upper member 12a is a horizontal flat plate, and the lower member 12b is a vertical flat plate. The lower member 12b is provided so as to be connected to the lower surface of the front end and the lower surface of the rear end of the upper member 12a, respectively. The upper member 12a is provided with a through hole 12c through which the bolt 13, which will be described later, can be inserted.

[0023] The bolt 13 is provided by inserting it through the opening 11a of the first mounting piece 11 and the through hole 12c of the second mounting piece 12. A first nut 14, a second nut 15, and a third nut 16 are attached to the bolt 13. The bolt 13 is attached to the first mounting piece 11 by two first nuts 14 and second nuts 15 (each an example of a fixing nut) which are provided so as to sandwich the first mounting piece 11. The first nut 14 is screwed onto the bolt 13 and fastened so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the first mounting piece 11. The second nut 15 is screwed onto the bolt 13 and fastened so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the first mounting piece 11. This makes it difficult for the bolt 13 to loosen and allows the bolt 13 to be firmly fixed to the first mounting piece 11. Note that the bolt 13 may be fixed to the first mounting piece 11 by, for example, only the first nut 14 or the second nut 15, as long as it is configured to be firmly fixed to the first mounting piece 11.

[0024] The third nut 16 is screwed onto the bolt 13, allowing a fastening force to be applied to the second mounting piece 12 toward the first mounting piece 11. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the third nut 16 is tightened toward the upward direction U, contacts the lower surface of the upper member 12a of the second mounting piece 12, and allows a fastening force to be applied toward the upper member 12a toward the upward direction U.

[0025] When the third nut 16 applies a fastening force to the second mounting piece 12, the bolt 13 is fixed to both the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12, so the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 cannot be displaced relative to each other. On the other hand, when the third nut 16 does not apply a fastening force to the second mounting piece 12, the bolt 13 is fixed only to the first mounting piece 11, so the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 can be displaced relative to each other.

[0026] If the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 are unable to move relative to each other, then the device 2 and the base 4 are also unable to move relative to each other. In other words, the device fixing mechanism 10 can create a fixed state in which the device 2 and the base 4 are not able to move relative to each other by applying a fastening force to the third nut 16 against the second mounting piece 12. When the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 are relatively displaceable, the device 2 and the base 4 are similarly able to move relative to each other. In other words, the device fixing mechanism 10 can be made movable, allowing the device 2 and the base 4 to move relative to each other, by setting the third nut 16 not to exert a fastening force on the second mounting piece.

[0027] When device unit 1 is in a movable state, the device fixing mechanism 10 is kept immobile to prevent the air spring 50 from causing unnecessary lateral swaying during the movement of device unit 1. When device unit 1 is in an immobile state (i.e., when device 2 is in use), the device fixing mechanism 10 is made movable to suppress vibrations of device 2 by the air spring 50.

[0028] The air spring 50 is introduced to prevent vertical vibration of the device 2 of the device unit 1. Although the air spring 50 can suppress vertical vibration, it cannot suppress vibrations from the lateral direction (left and right direction in Figure 1). In addition, the air spring 50 may be damaged if a force is applied from the lateral direction.

[0029] According to the device fixing mechanism 10 of this disclosure, the first mounting piece 11 and the bolt 13 are fixed together, and a fastening force is applied to the second mounting piece 12 toward the first mounting piece 11 by a nut (third nut 16). This makes it possible to prevent relative displacement between the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12. If the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 are prevented from moving relative to each other, then the device (device 2) and the base 4 to which the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 are attached also become unable to move relative to each other. With the above configuration, relative displacement between the device 2 and the base 4 can be suppressed, and thus lateral swaying can be suppressed.

[0030] The above describes an apparatus fixing mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the apparatus fixing mechanism 10A may have a washer 30 provided between the second mounting piece 12 and the third nut 16.

[0031] Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of a device fixing mechanism 10A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The washer 30 is a disc-shaped member with a hole in its center through which a bolt 13 is inserted. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the washer 30 has a large-diameter portion 31 and a small-diameter portion 32 extending from the large-diameter portion 31 in the direction through which the bolt 13 is inserted. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 31 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 12c provided in the second mounting piece 12. The diameter of the small-diameter portion 32 is approximately the same as or smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 12c.

[0032] The washer 30 can be mounted in a way that changes how it is attached to the bolt 13. The washer 30 can be switched between mounting with the large diameter portion 31 facing upwards (Figure 4) and mounting with the small diameter portion 32 facing upwards (Figure 5). Here, mounting with the large diameter portion 31 facing upwards refers to mounting the washer 30 so that the large diameter portion 31 faces the first mounting piece 11. When the washer 30 is provided on the device fixing mechanism 10, it is preferable that the tip of the bolt 13 on the second mounting piece 12 side (i.e., the tip in the downward direction D in Figure 5) is provided at a predetermined distance from the base 4 so that the mounting way of the washer 30 can be easily changed. Specifically, it is preferable that the distance between the tip of the bolt 13 on the second mounting piece 12 side and the surface of the base 4 is such that the third nut 16 can be removed from the tip.

[0033] When the washer 30 is installed with the large-diameter portion 31 facing upwards, the user can tighten the third nut 16 to bring the large-diameter portion 31 into contact with the second mounting piece 12, thereby immobilizing the device fixing mechanism 10A (see Figure 4). The user can then fill the air spring 50 with air to the desired size or pressure, and then immobilize the device fixing mechanism 10, thereby safely moving the device unit 1.

[0034] When operating device 2, the user moves device unit 1 and then reattaches the washer 30 so that the small-diameter portion 32 is facing upwards (see Figure 5). Since the diameter of the small-diameter portion 32 is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the through hole 12c provided in the second mounting piece 12, the small-diameter portion 32 can fit into the through hole 12c. As a result, the first mounting piece 11 and the second mounting piece 12 can be displaced vertically by the height of the small-diameter portion 32. In this case, the air spring 50 can be displaced vertically, and vertical vibration of device unit 1 can be suppressed.

[0035] In this way, by providing a washer 30 having a large diameter portion 31 and a small diameter portion 32 between the second mounting piece 12 and the third nut 16, the movable state and immovable state of the device fixing mechanism 10 can be switched with a simple configuration.

[0036] In the case of the air spring 50, if air is added at a pressure exceeding the specified level, it may lose its vibration-suppressing function. Also, as shown in Figure 1, when multiple air springs 50 are provided in the device unit 1, it is necessary to ensure that the heights of each air spring 50 are the same. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, by providing washers 30 in the device fixing mechanism 10, the large-diameter portion 31 can function as a stopper for the vertical displacement of the air spring 50. This prevents excessive air filling into the air spring 50 and makes it easy to ensure that the heights of multiple air springs 50 are the same.

[0037] The device fixing mechanism 10 relating to this disclosure is not limited to the one described above. For example, the device fixing mechanism 10B may have a mounting plate 17 as shown in Figure 6. With the above configuration, the device fixing mechanism 10 can be easily retrofitted to a device unit 1 that already has an air spring 50 installed.

[0038] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the device fixing mechanism 10C according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the device fixing mechanism 10 may have a first mounting piece 11 attached to the base 4 and a second mounting piece 12 attached to the device 2. In the example shown in Figure 7, the second mounting piece 12 is attached to the first air spring plate 52 via a mounting plate 17. In this case, the bolt 13 is fixed to the base 4 by a second nut 15, and the first nut 14 (see Figures 2 to 6) is not used. In addition, the device fixing mechanism 10C can be immobilized by applying a fastening force to the second mounting piece 12 in the direction toward the first mounting piece 11 (downward direction D in Figure 7) using the third nut 16.

[0039] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of this disclosure should not be interpreted restrictively by the description of these embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of this disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1. Device Unit 2 equipment 4 base 10,10A,10B,10C Device fixing mechanism 11 First mounting piece 11a opening 12 Second mounting piece 12a Upper member 12b Lower member 12c through hole 13 volts 14 First nut 15 Second nut 16 Third nut 17 Mounting plate 30 washers 31 Large diameter section 32 Small diameter section 50 Air springs 51 Main body 52 First air spring plate 53 Second air spring plate

Claims

1. A device fixing mechanism for fixing the device to a base, A first mounting piece attached to either the device or the base, A second mounting piece attached to the other of either the aforementioned device or the aforementioned base, An air spring is provided between the device and the base, allowing the first mounting piece and the second mounting piece to be displaced relative to each other. A bolt fixed to the first mounting piece and inserted into a through hole provided in the second mounting piece, A device fixing mechanism comprising: a nut fastened to a bolt such that a fastening force is applied to the second mounting piece toward the first mounting piece, thereby preventing relative displacement between the first mounting piece and the second mounting piece.

2. A washer is provided between the second mounting piece and the nut, The washer has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The device fixing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the large-diameter portion of the washer is larger in diameter than the through-hole, and the small-diameter portion is smaller in diameter than the through-hole.

3. The device fixing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the bolt is fastened by two fixing nuts provided so as to sandwich the first mounting piece.

4. The device fixing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the nut is removable from the tip side of the bolt.

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