Cylinder device

Abstract

To provide a cylinder device that expands options in a limited installation space.SOLUTION: A cylinder device has a generally cylindrical cylinder chamber 18 that is blocked with a head cover 1 at one end and is blocked with a rod cover 3 at the other end. The cylinder chamber 18 is provided with a generally columnar piston 4 that can be reciprocated by fluid pressure, and piston rods 6 fixed to the piston 4. The piston 4 is reciprocated by a fluid that is introduced in and out. The piston 4 is a single, and the piston rods 6 are plural. Each piston rod 6 is fixed at a position deviated from a center axis of the piston 4 on one end side, and projects out through the rod cover 3 to be fixed to a single plate 7 on the other end side. Coaxially with the center axis of the piston 4, a recessed portion for adding an additional mechanism is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cylinder device.

Background Art

[0002] In cylinder devices used as drive sources or pressure sources for mechanical equipment, JIS standards and ISO standards exist, and it is known that outer dimensions including cylinder inner diameter dimensions and various mounting dimensions are specified.

[0003] <Prior Art 1> For example, in hydraulic cylinder devices, "JIS B 8367-1 to 5" and in pneumatic cylinder devices, "JIS B 8368-1 to 3" specify the cylinder inner diameter dimensions, mounting dimensions, and outer dimensions related to mounting of cylinder devices according to various mountings.

[0004] Cylinder devices that comply with the above standards and have the unique features of each manufacturer are commercially available from various hydraulic and pneumatic equipment manufacturers.

[0005] As an example, the schematic member configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0006] In FIGS. 4 and 5, a through hole having a substantially circular axial orthogonal cross section is formed in the cylinder tube 2 on the central axis, one end is closed by the head cover 1, and the other end is closed by the rod cover 3, thereby forming a cylinder chamber 18 (18a, 18b).

[0007] A substantially cylindrical piston 4 is provided in the cylinder chamber 18, and one end of a piston rod 6 for transmitting reciprocating movement to the outside is connected to the piston 4. The other end of the piston rod 6 penetrates the rod cover 3 and protrudes to the outside, and a male screw 23 for connecting to a mating part is formed on the tip side cylindrical portion.

[0008] The rod cover 3 and the head cover 1 are each provided with pipe openings 14a and 14b, and the piston 4 is slid under the action of the pressure fluid supplied to these pipe openings.

[0009] Therefore, the cylinder chamber 18, the piston 4, and the piston rod 6 are each configured in a one-to-one-to-one relationship.

[0010] Furthermore, the rod cover 3 is provided with a packing 12, a bush 13, a central recess 33a, and a cushion seal 32a, and the head cover 1 is provided with a central recess 33b and a cushion seal 32b, and all of these are connected coaxially in a row with the piston rod 6.

[0011] Moreover, further, the rod cover 3 and the head cover 1 are each provided with a cushion valve 35a, 35b, and each end of the piston 4 is provided with a cushion sleeve 31a, 31b, and a fluid pressure cushion mechanism is equipped including other members.

[0012] Some manufacturers position this cylinder device as a "standard cylinder device" or a "general cylinder device", but in this specification, for the sake of explanation, it is expressed and described as a "single-rod general-purpose cylinder device". Furthermore, in a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, the reciprocating moving part that operates integrally with the piston 4 is expressed as a "moving body", and the fixed part (the range of X0 in FIG. 5) excluding the "moving body" is expressed and described as a "cylinder body".

[0013] <Prior Art 2> In a cylinder device in which the dimension in the axial direction is suppressed to be shorter compared to the above, for example, in a hydraulic cylinder device, the cylinder inner diameter dimension, the mounting dimension, and the outer shape dimension related to mounting of a thin cylinder device are specified by "JIS B 8367-6", and in a pneumatic cylinder device, by "JIS B 8368-4".

[0014] Cylinder devices compliant with the above standards and further having the unique features of each manufacturer are commercially available from various fluid power equipment manufacturers.

[0015] As an example, the following description will be given with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

[0016] Compared with the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, dimensionally, the axial dimensions of the cylinder tube 2, the rod cover 3, the head cover 1, and the piston 4 are mainly suppressed to be short. Structurally, compared with FIGS. 4 and 5, the central recess and the cushion seal 32 are omitted from the rod cover 3 and the head cover 1. Furthermore, since the cushion sleeves 31 at both ends of the piston 4 are omitted, the axial dimension is suppressed to be short. A female screw 22 or a male screw 23 for connecting to a mating part is formed on the tip-side cylindrical portion of the piston rod 6 (see FIG. 12).

[0017] Some manufacturers position this cylinder device as a "standard thin cylinder device" or a "space-saving cylinder device", but in this specification, for the sake of explanation, it will be expressed and described as a "single-rod thin cylinder device". Furthermore, in the single-rod thin cylinder device, the reciprocating moving part that operates integrally with the piston 4 is expressed as a "moving body", and the fixed part (the range of U0 in FIG. 11) excluding the "moving body" is expressed and described as a "cylinder body".

[0018] <Prior Art 3> Different from the above, there are various cylinder devices that are commercially available with forms unique to each pneumatic and hydraulic equipment manufacturer, departing from the standards. Among them, the cylinder device having a plate shape at the tip of the piston rod (see FIGS. 15, 16, and 17) has the feature that each plane of the tip plate can be used when attaching the tip of the piston rod to a mating member. An example is shown below. (1) A cylinder device in which a plurality of cylinder chambers are combined into one (see FIG. 15) (2) A cylinder device provided with a slide guide 72 outside (see FIG. 16) (3) A cylinder device provided with sliding guides 82 and 83 outside (see FIG. 17)

[0019] Furthermore, these are also characterized by having a function of preventing rotation around the piston rod structurally, or having a guide mechanism for a moving body by piston sliding inside or outside, enabling simplification of the configuration of the member to be installed.

[0020] Some manufacturers position this cylinder device as a "composite cylinder device" or a "cylinder device with composite functions", but in this specification, for the sake of explanation, it is expressed and described as a "composite cylinder device". Furthermore, in the composite cylinder device, the reciprocating moving part that operates integrally with the piston is expressed as a "moving body", and the part excluding the "moving body" is expressed and described as a "cylinder body".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0021]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Patent Document 8

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0022] When installing a cylinder device on a mechanical device, if there are limitations in the shape or dimensions of the member to be installed, there may be difficulties in selecting and installing the cylinder device.

[0023] In the case of a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device and a single-rod thin cylinder device, the shape of the tip of the piston rod provided in the standard specification is a male thread or a female thread shape, and it is necessary to match the shape of the connection part of the member to be attached to the thread shape of the tip of the piston rod. Furthermore, since eccentricity and inclination are likely to occur in fastening by screws, a member configuration that suppresses or allows the occurrence of eccentricity and inclination due to screw fastening is required.

[0024] Therefore, as an easy attachment method, there is a method of using a connecting fitting (see the connecting fitting in FIGS. 13 and 14). However, when using a connecting fitting, a required occupied space including the occupied length (dimensions X2 and U2 in the figure) is needed, and it may be difficult to use the connecting fitting in a limited space.

[0025] In FIG. 13, X0 is the overall length of the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, S is the difference in overall length between the multi-rod general-purpose cylinder device and the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, X2 is the occupied length added when a connecting fitting for attachment to a flat surface is attached to the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, and X3 is the difference in overall length between the rod plate of the multi-rod general-purpose cylinder device and the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device + connecting fitting. In FIG. 14, U0 is the overall length of the single-rod thin cylinder device, U1 is the overall length of the multi-rod thin cylinder device (U0 = U1), U2 is the occupied length added when a connecting fitting for attachment to a flat surface is attached to the thin cylinder device, and U3 is the difference in overall length between the rod plate of the multi-rod thin cylinder device and the single-rod thin cylinder device + connecting fitting.

[0026] Therefore, the shape of the tip of the piston rod is desired to enable the installation of the member to be installed with a small occupied space, and furthermore, the member to be installed should be easy to process and have a shape that suppresses the occurrence of eccentricity and inclination during fixation.

[0027] In addition, when installing a cylinder device in a limited space, it is desirable to miniaturize the cylinder device itself. However, in the configuration of a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device (see Fig. 5), the packing 12, bush 13, central recess 33a and cushion seal 32a attached to the rod cover 3, the central recess 33b and cushion seal 32b attached to the head cover 1, and the cushion sleeves 31 (31a and 31b) at both ends of the piston 4 are arranged coaxially in a row with the piston rod 6, making it difficult to miniaturize in the axial direction.

[0028] Regarding the dimensional limit in the axial direction, a single-rod thin cylinder device (see Fig. 11) with a shorter axial length than a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device (see Fig. 5) is advantageous, but there are also points where functions are omitted due to its thin shape. In Figs. 10 and 11, for example, when the piston 4 stops at the stroke end, since the fluid pressure cushion mechanism is omitted and it relies on the contact between the rubber cushion 9 and the stroke end face, there is a problem of a large impact during stopping, and when a buffered stop is required, it is necessary to provide a buffer mechanism outside the cylinder device.

[0029] Even in a single-rod thin cylinder device (see Fig. 11), it is desirable to equip it with a fluid pressure cushion mechanism similar to a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device (see Fig. 5).

[0030] Furthermore, similar to the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, the shape of the piston rod tip is desired to enable attachment with a small occupied space, facilitate machining of the connection part shape of the member to be attached, and further suppress the occurrence of eccentricity and inclination during fixation.

[0031] On the other hand, a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device and a single-rod thin cylinder device have the function as a drive source or pressure source. However, if there is a need for functions such as anti-rotation function around the piston rod, guide mechanism during movement, and stroke adjustment mechanism for the member to be installed, it is necessary to provide such mechanisms in addition to the cylinder device, and the space for them is also required.

[0032] In a composite cylinder device (see FIGS. 15, 16, and 17), it is possible to easily install by using each plane of the plate for the connection between the tip of the piston rod and the mating member, and it has a function of preventing rotation of the piston rod in terms of structure, and has a guide mechanism in the cylinder device itself and other functional features. However, the composite cylinder device has a different shape from a single-rod general-purpose cylinder device and a single-rod thin cylinder device, and it is inevitable that the size increases due to the added functions. Furthermore, the shape may become more complex, requiring a large occupied space, and it may be difficult to install when there are limitations in the shape or dimensions of the installation space.

[0033] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a cylinder device having a single substantially cylindrical cylinder chamber, the gist is a configuration that enables no increase in the dimensions of the cylinder body or enables miniaturization compared to the cylinder bodies of the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device and the single-rod thin cylinder device. By providing a function of preventing rotation of the piston, a piston rod guide mechanism, a stroke both-end position adjustment mechanism, a fluid pressure cushion mechanism, and a piston rod tip plate specification, the purpose is to provide a cylinder device that expands options even in a limited installation space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0034] The gist of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] A cylinder device having a substantially cylindrical cylinder chamber 18 with one end closed by a head cover 1 and the other end closed by a rod cover 3. In this cylinder chamber 18, a substantially cylindrical piston 4 that can reciprocate by fluid pressure and a piston rod 6 fixed to the piston 4 are provided. The cylinder chamber 18 is partitioned into a rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a head-side cylinder chamber 18b by the piston 4, and includes a fluid input / output port 14a communicating with the rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a fluid input / output port 14b communicating with the head-side cylinder chamber 18b. The piston 4 is reciprocated by the fluid introduced and discharged from each of the fluid input / output ports 14a and 14b. The piston 4 is singular, the piston rods 6 are plural, one end side of each piston rod 6 is fixed at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston 4, and the other end side penetrates through the rod cover 3 and protrudes to the outside. Shi Dan It is fixed to a plurality of plates 7, On the same axis as the central axis of the piston 4, a recess for adding an additional mechanism is provided. 、 Furthermore, it is provided with a fluid pressure cushion mechanism, which is provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4. When viewed from the axial direction, the piston rods 6 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other. It relates to a cylinder device characterized by the above.

[0036] Also, it has a substantially cylindrical cylinder chamber 18 with one end closed by a head cover 1 and the other end closed by a rod cover 3. In this cylinder chamber 18, a substantially cylindrical piston 4 that can reciprocate by fluid pressure and a piston rod 6 fixed to the piston 4 are provided. The piston 4 divides the cylinder chamber 18 into a rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a head-side cylinder chamber 18b. It is provided with a fluid input / output port 14a communicating with the rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a fluid input / output port 14b communicating with the head-side cylinder chamber 18b. It is a cylinder device that reciprocates the piston 4 by the fluid introduced and discharged from each of the fluid input / output ports 14a and 14b. The piston 4 is singular, the piston rods 6 are plural. One end side of each piston rod 6 is fixed at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston 4, and the other end side penetrates the rod cover 3 and projects to the outside and is fixed to a single plate 7. Furthermore A fluid pressure cushion mechanism including cushion sleeves 31a and 31b provided on the piston 4, sleeve storage recesses 33a and 33b into which the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b can be inserted, and cushion seals 32a and 32b provided in the sleeve storage recesses 33a and 33b and in sliding contact with the outer peripheral portions of the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b. The cushion sleeves 31a and 31b, the sleeve storage recesses 33a and 33b, and the cushion seals 32a and 32b are provided on the same axis as the central axis of the piston 4. When viewed from the axial direction, each piston rod 6 is It relates to a cylinder device characterized by being provided so as not to overlap.

[0037] Also, in the cylinder device according to claim 2 In the cylinder device described, an insertion hole 17a through which the piston rod 6 is inserted is provided in the rod cover 3, and guide portions 41 for guiding and supporting the axial movement of the piston rod 6 are respectively provided in the insertion hole 17a. It relates to a cylinder device characterized by the above.

[0038] Also, in claim 2,3In the cylinder device according to any one of the preceding claims, adjustment members 51a and 51b for adjusting the stroke end position of the piston 4 by contacting the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b are provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4. This relates to a cylinder device characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0039] Since the present invention is configured as described above, it enables further miniaturization and becomes a cylinder device that expands options even in a limited installation space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described based on the drawings while showing the operation of the present invention.

[0042] By introducing and discharging fluid to reciprocate the piston 4, the plate 7 that moves integrally with the piston 4 via a plurality of piston rods 6 is reciprocated.

[0043] At this time, both ends of the plurality of piston rods 6 are fixed to the piston 4 and the plate 7 respectively, thereby preventing the piston 4 from rotating.

[0044] Further, by fixing the piston rod 6 at a position offset from the central axis of the piston 4 and providing a recess for adding an additional mechanism coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4, for example, when providing a fluid pressure cushioning mechanism on the central axis of the piston 4, it is possible to provide it so as not to overlap with each piston rod 6 when viewed from the axial direction, and by arranging these side by side, it is possible to achieve miniaturization. That is, it is possible to add an additional mechanism on the central axis of the piston 4 without increasing the outer dimensions of the cylinder cylindrical portion compared to a cylinder of the same size.

Embodiment

[0045] A specific Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] This embodiment is an example of a multi-rod general-purpose cylinder device, having a cylinder chamber 18 whose one end is closed by a head cover 1 and the other end is closed by a rod cover 3. In this cylinder chamber 18, a piston 4 that can reciprocate by fluid pressure and a piston rod 6 fixed to the piston 4 are provided. The cylinder chamber 18 is partitioned into a rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a head-side cylinder chamber 18b by the piston 4, and is provided with a fluid input / output port 14a communicating with the rod-side cylinder chamber 18a and a fluid input / output port 14b communicating with the head-side cylinder chamber 18b. The present invention is applied to a cylinder device that reciprocates the piston 4 by the fluid introduced and discharged from each of the fluid input / output ports 14a and 14b.

[0047] Specifically, the piston 4 is singular, the piston rods 6 are plural, one end side of each piston rod 6 is fixed at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston 4, the other end side penetrates through the rod cover 3 and protrudes to the outside and is fixed to a single plate 7, and a recess for adding an additional mechanism is provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4. Regarding the reference numerals in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to members or parts having the same function.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective sectional view of the cylinder device, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the cylinder device, and FIG. 3 is a left side view of the cylinder device. Also, the figure shows an example provided with a fluid pressure cushion mechanism.

[0049] A through hole having a substantially circular axial orthogonal cross section is formed on the central axis in a cylinder tube 2 having a substantially cylindrical shape. One end of the through hole is closed by a head cover 1, and the other end is closed by a rod cover 3, thereby forming a cylinder chamber 18 (18a·18b). Further, a sealed state is ensured by gaskets 8 (8a·8b) at both closing portions.

[0050] A substantially cylindrical piston 4 that reciprocates along the axial direction is slidably disposed in the cylinder chamber 18 with a slidable gap. An annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 4, and a piston seal 11 is attached to the annular groove. Thereby, the cylinder chamber 18 is separated into two, cylinder chambers 18a and 18b, by the piston 4.

[0051] Also, cushion sleeves 31a·31b for a fluid pressure cushion mechanism are connected via bolts 37 on the central axis of the piston 4, and four piston rods 6 are arranged substantially parallel to each other along the axial direction outside the central axis of the piston 4, and one end is connected via a bolt 19. And the other end of the piston rod 6 penetrates through the insertion holes 17a and 17b of the rod cover 3 and the flange 5 described later and protrudes to the outside of the cylinder body, and is connected to the rod plate 7 via a bolt 20. Thereby, the piston 4, the four piston rods 6, and the rod plate 7 move integrally.

[0052] The rod cover 3 through which the piston rod 6 passes is a cylinder body fixing part. A plurality of insertion holes 17a formed in the rod cover 3 are penetrated by a plurality of piston rods 6 straddling between the piston 4 and the rod plate 7, so that the connection body of the piston 4, the four piston rods 6 and the rod plate 7 is structurally prevented from rotating.

[0053] The rod plate 7 is formed in a plate shape with chamfered corners. On the flat surface part (wide surface part) facing the advancing and retreating direction of the rod plate 7, a female screw hole 22a is provided at the center thereof. In addition, simple through holes 24 in which no female screw hole 22b or screw is formed are provided other than the central part. Further, female screw holes 22c are formed on four side surface parts perpendicular to the flat surface part. The arrangement and types of these holes can be set as appropriate. Therefore, the mating member can be fixed (connected) using these holes. By providing a plurality of mounting holes on each surface of the rod plate 7, it becomes possible to cope with a greater variety of installation methods, and the processing of the installation part becomes easy. In addition, installation in a small occupied space is also possible. Furthermore, by providing a flat shape part on the rod plate 7, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of eccentricity and inclination that occur when fixed to the mating member.

[0054] Insertion holes 17a are respectively formed on the rod cover 3 substantially coaxially with each piston rod 6. The insertion hole 17a is a through hole and has an annular groove formed near the end face closer to the rod plate 7 side and a substantially cylindrical recess formed on the cylinder chamber 18a side.

[0055] A rod packing 12 that annularly surrounds the piston rod 6 is mounted in the annular groove of the insertion hole 17a to prevent leakage of fluid from the cylinder chamber 18 and entry of unnecessary substances from the outside.

[0056] In addition, a substantially cylindrical bush 13 having a slidable gap with the piston rod 6 is fitted on the circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical recess of the insertion hole 17a to reduce sliding resistance.

[0057] Furthermore, on the rod cover 3, a pipe port (port) 14a is provided between the phases of the insertion holes 17a so as to face the central concave portion 33a. The pipe port 14a communicates with the cylinder chamber 18a via the fluid passage 15a and further via the central concave portion 33a.

[0058] On the central axis of the cylinder chamber 18a, a central concave portion 33a for arranging a fluid pressure cushion mechanism is formed. The central concave portion 33a is formed by opening a substantially cylindrical first concave shape having a smaller diameter than the inscribed circle of the plurality of insertion holes 17a toward the cylinder chamber 18a side, and a substantially cylindrical second concave shape having a smaller diameter than the first concave shape is formed at the bottom thereof, having a two-stage concave shape.

[0059] Also, on the rod cover 3, as a fluid pressure cushion mechanism, a cushion seal 32a having a check valve configuration for introducing and suppressing pressure release is provided in the first concave shape of the central concave portion 33a. In cooperation with this, a cushion throttle hole 34a, a cushion adjustment valve 35a, and a cushion adjustment valve seal 36a are provided between the phases of the insertion holes 17a, enabling adjustment of the speed of the fluid pressure cushion. Since the constituent members of the fluid pressure cushion mechanism are of an existing configuration and are well-known, the details of the configuration are omitted.

[0060] In FIGS. 1 and 2, an example is shown in which a flange 5 having an insertion hole 17b formed on the extension of the insertion hole 17a is provided on the rod cover 3. Reference numeral 21 in the figure is a through hole.

[0061] On the head cover 1, similar to the rod cover 3, a pipe port 14b is provided so as to face the central concave portion 33b. The pipe port 14b communicates with the cylinder chamber 18b via the fluid passage 15b and further via the central concave portion 33b.

[0062] On the central axis of the cylinder chamber 18b, a central concave portion 33b is formed. The central concave portion 33b is formed by opening a substantially cylindrical first concave shape having a small diameter toward the cylinder chamber 18a side, and a substantially cylindrical second concave shape having a smaller diameter than the first concave shape is formed at the bottom thereof, having a two-stage concave shape.

[0063] Further, in the head cover 1, as a fluid pressure cushion mechanism, a cushion seal 32b having a check valve configuration for introducing and passing through and suppressing exhaust pressure is provided in the first concave shape of the central concave portion 33b. In cooperation with this, a cushion throttle hole 34b, a cushion adjustment valve 35b, and a cushion adjustment valve seal 36b are provided to enable adjustment of the speed of the fluid pressure cushion.

[0064] In addition, in FIGS. 1 and 2, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 4 at a position spaced apart from the piston seal 11 by a predetermined distance, and a magnet 10 for position detection is continuously provided in the groove, and it is configured to be able to detect the position by a piston position detection sensor (not shown). Further, rubber cushions 9 for shock absorption are attached to both ends of the outer periphery. These are all provided as required.

[0065] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0066] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a state where the piston 4 is in the middle of the stroke is shown. When the pressure fluid is released from the pipe orifice 14b on the head cover 1 side and the pressure fluid is supplied to the pipe orifice 14a on the rod cover 3 side from this state, the piston 4 slides in the cylinder chamber 18 under the action of the pressure fluid and moves toward the head cover 1 side. Next, when the pressure fluid is released from the pipe orifice 14a on the rod cover 3 side and the pressure fluid is supplied to the pipe orifice 14b on the head cover 1 side, the piston 4 slides in the cylinder chamber 18 under the action of the pressure fluid and moves toward the rod cover 3 side. At the same time, the four piston rods 6 and the rod plate 7 connected to the piston 4 also move integrally.

[0067] Since the operating principle of the fluid pressure cushion mechanism is well-known, the following description will be limited to the operation (the operating principle is the same for FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0068] In the above-mentioned movement, the function of the fluid pressure cushion mechanism (see FIGS. 2 and 5). For example, on the rod cover side, in the process of reaching the moving end, when the cushion sleeve 31a contacts the cushion seal 32a, the fluid in the cylinder chamber 18a and the central recess 33a is divided into two parts. The fluid in the central recess 33a passes through the fluid passage 15a and is discharged from the pipe orifice 14a. However, the flow rate of the fluid in the cylinder chamber 18a is suppressed by the check valve action of the cushion seal 32a and is discharged from the pipe orifice 14a through the cushion throttle hole 34a. The flow rate of the fluid passing through this cushion throttle hole 34a is throttled by the cushion adjustment valve 35a, and the discharge time of the fluid in the cylinder chamber 18 is delayed, thereby slowing down the speed of the piston.

[0069] Conversely, at the start, the cushion seal 32a is opened with respect to the fluid entering from the pipe orifice 14a, and the fluid in the central recess 33a directly flows into the cylinder chamber 18, so the cushion mechanism does not operate.

[0070] On the head cover 1 side, the direction is changed, and the same operation is performed by the respective corresponding members (each member with the same b symbol).

[0071] In the fluid pressure cushion mechanism of the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rod packing 12, the bush 13, the central recess 33a, and the cushion sleeve 31a of the components are arranged in a row on the central axis of the piston rod 6 and the cylinder body.

[0072] In this embodiment, the central recess 33a and the cushion sleeve 31a are arranged on the central axis of the cylinder body, and the rod packing 12 and the bush 13 are arranged on the piston rod 6 having a different axis. Therefore, by arranging these two side by side, it is possible to shorten the S dimension in the axial direction in FIG. 13, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization compared to the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device.

[0073] That is, this embodiment is provided with a fluid pressure cushion mechanism for braking the movement of the piston 4 at the stroke end. This fluid pressure cushion mechanism is provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4 and is arranged so as not to overlap with each piston rod 6 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0074] Specifically, it is provided with a fluid pressure cushion mechanism including cushion sleeves 31a and 31b provided on the piston 4, sleeve storage recesses (central recesses) 33a and 33b into which the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b can be inserted, and cushion seals 32a and 32b provided in the sleeve storage recesses 33a and 33b and in sliding contact with the outer peripheral portions of the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b. The cushion sleeves 31a and 31b, the sleeve storage recesses 33a and 33b, and the cushion seals 32a and 32b are provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4 and are arranged so as not to overlap with each piston rod 6 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0075] Note that the number of piston rods 6 is appropriately determined according to the cylinder size. For example, when the diameter size of the piston of the cylinder device is small, the number of piston rods 6 is two or three, and when it is large, the number can be increased to enhance the connection strength between the piston 4 and the rod plate 7.

[0076] FIG. 18 shows an example (another example 1) provided with a guide portion for guiding and supporting the axial movement of the piston rod. The reference signs in the figure show only the differences from FIG. 2.

[0077] The rod cover 3 has piston rod holes (insertion holes) 17a formed coaxially corresponding to the juxtaposed positions of the respective piston rods 6, and guide portions 41 for guiding and supporting the movement of the piston rods 6 are fitted into the respective piston rod holes 17a. Further, a rod packing 42 that annularly surrounds the piston rod 6 is continuously provided at one end of the guide portion 41 on the piston side, separating the cylinder chamber 18 and the guide portion 41. And, a rod packing 12 that annularly surrounds the piston rod 6 is mounted near the rod plate side with the formation of an annular groove, preventing the entry of unwanted substances from the outside.

[0078] In a single-rod general-purpose type cylinder device, since a guide mechanism for guiding and supporting the axial sliding of the piston rod is not provided, the guide mechanism is provided outside the cylinder device as necessary, and its occupied space is required.

[0079] Also, in a composite type cylinder device with a built-in guide mechanism, since its shape is different from that of a single-rod general-purpose type cylinder device and it is enlarged, an increase in the occupied space accompanying it is required.

[0080] In Another Example 1 (cylinder device with a guide mechanism), a guide mechanism can be provided without increasing the dimensions of the cylinder body, and it is not necessary to increase the occupied space, expanding the options for the cylinder device in a limited space.

[0081] On the other hand, X1, Y1, and Z1 in the figure indicate that it is possible to provide the guide portion 41 without increasing the dimensions of the cylinder body of the single-rod general-purpose type cylinder device together with FIG. 20.

[0082] That is, as in Another Example 1, the rod cover 3 may be provided with insertion holes 17a through which the piston rods 6 are inserted, and guide portions 41 for guiding and supporting the axial movement of the piston rods 6 may be provided in the respective insertion holes 17a.

[0083] FIG. 19 shows an example (Another Example 2) in which a member for adjusting the stroke end position is provided. Only the reference numerals different from those in FIG. 2 are shown in the figure.

[0084] For example, on the central axis of the rod cover 3, a through hole 54a is formed on the side of the cylinder chamber 18a, a female thread 55a is formed near the outer end face, and a movable stopper (adjusting member) 51a is inserted.

[0085] The tip of the movable stopper 51a consists of a cylindrical portion with a substantially circular cross-section, and the other outer peripheral portion is a male thread portion. The male thread portion is rotatably screwed into the female thread 55a, and the cylindrical portion penetrates through the through hole 54a and faces the inside of the cylinder chamber 18a.

[0086] A seal 53a is mounted in the through hole 54a with the formation of an annular groove, and by surrounding the cylindrical portion of the movable stopper 51a annularly, leakage of fluid is prevented.

[0087] This figure shows an example in which a cushion sleeve 31a is provided on the piston 4, taking the case with a fluid pressure cushion function as an example. The end face of the cushion sleeve 31a that moves integrally with the piston 4 as a moving body in the cylinder chamber 18a is abutted by the end face of the cylindrical portion of the movable stopper 51a, thereby acting as a stopper to change the position at the end of the stroke.

[0088] Also, when there is no fluid pressure cushion function and no cushion sleeve 31a, the end face of the cylindrical portion of the movable stopper 51a can abut against the piston 4.

[0089] On the other hand, on the side of the head cover 1, the direction is changed, and the same operation is performed by each corresponding member (each member with the same b-symbol).

[0090] Furthermore, on the rod cover 3 side, the movable stopper 51a is fixed by fastening the nut 52a, and on the head cover 1 side, the movable stopper 51b is fixed by fastening the nut 52b.

[0091] The movable stopper 51a can be installed at each advancing and retracting position with the rod cover 3 on one side and 51b on the head cover 1 side. Particularly in the case of arranging it on the rod cover 3 side, in the conventional configuration (see Fig. 5), since there is a piston rod 6 on the central axis of the piston 4, it was impossible to arrange the stopper (51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a) part. However, in the configuration of this embodiment, since each piston rod 6 is arranged parallel to the central axis, it is possible to provide the movable stopper 51a on the central axis.

[0092] Furthermore, the fact that the position of the member serving as the stopper part is on the central axis of the piston 4 means that, since it is the central position of the cylinder thrust, there is an advantage that no moment in the direction of tilting the central axis to which the cylinder thrust is applied is generated on the piston 4 and the connecting member under its thrust.

[0093] On the other hand, X1, Y1, and Z1 in the figure, together with Fig. 20, show that it is possible to provide the guide part 41 and the movable stoppers 51a and 51b without increasing the cylinder body dimensions of the single-rod general-purpose cylinder device.

[0094] That is, as in Another Example 2, a configuration may be adopted in which the adjusting members 51a and 51b for adjusting the stroke end position of the piston 4 by abutting against the cushion sleeves 31a and 31b are provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston 4.

[0095] Since this embodiment is configured as described above, when reciprocatingly moving the plate 7 that moves integrally with the piston 4 via a plurality of piston rods 6 by introducing and discharging fluid to reciprocatingly move the piston 4, both ends of the plurality of piston rods 6 are fixed to the piston 4 and the plate 7 respectively, thereby preventing the piston 4 from rotating.

[0096] Also, by fixing the piston rod 6 at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston 4, when providing a fluid pressure cushion mechanism on the central axis of the piston 4, it is possible to provide it so as not to overlap with each piston rod 6 when viewed from the axial direction, and thus it is possible to achieve miniaturization accordingly.

[0097] Therefore, this embodiment enables further miniaturization and becomes a cylinder device that expands options even in a limited installation space.

Embodiment

[0098] In Example 1, an example of a multi-rod general-purpose cylinder device was described. In Example 2, an example of a multi-rod thin cylinder device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0099] As described above, a thin cylinder device is advantageous in a limited space. However, an existing single-rod thin cylinder device (see FIGS. 10 and 11) has a problem that the impact at the stop at the stroke end of the piston 4 is large. For this problem, in a multi-rod cylinder device, it is possible to provide a fluid pressure cushion mechanism without increasing the size of the cylinder body. Similar to the above-described multi-rod general-purpose cylinder device, by providing a plate shape at the rod tip, an increase in the occupied space during the installation of the cylinder device is suppressed (see FIG. 21).

[0100] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the cylinder device, FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the cylinder device, and FIG. 9 is a left side view of the cylinder device. Also, the figure shows an example in which a fluid pressure cushion mechanism is provided.

[0101] In a cylinder tube 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an outer shape whose cross-section perpendicular to the axis is substantially rectangular, a cylinder chamber 18 whose cross-section perpendicular to the axis is substantially circular is formed. One end of the cylinder chamber 18 is integrated with a head cover 1 and closed, and the other end is closed by a rod cover 3. Further, the closing portion by the rod cover 3 is sealed by a gasket 8, and the rod cover 3 is held by a retaining ring 25.

[0102] Also, on one surface of the outer wall of the cylinder tube 2, a bulging portion having a convex cross-section perpendicular to the axis is formed along the axis. On this bulging portion, pipe ports 14a and 14b are provided at predetermined intervals so as to face the cylinder chamber 18. These pipe ports 14a and 14b communicate with the cylinder chamber 18 via fluid passages 15a and 15b and fluid passages 16a and 16b.

[0103] Furthermore, a cushion throttle hole 34 that connects the pipe port 14 and the cylinder chamber 18 and a valve hole are formed at positions intersecting with each other, and a cushion adjustment valve 35 for adjusting the opening area of the cushion throttle hole 34 is provided, enabling adjustment of the speed of the fluid pressure cushion. A valve seal 36 for preventing fluid leakage is attached to the cushion adjustment valve 35 in an annular groove 38.

[0104] In FIG. 8, the case where the cylinder tube 2 and the head cover 1 are integrated is taken as an example. On the axis of the head cover 1, a cushion sleeve 31b for the fluid pressure cushion mechanism is press-fitted, and a fluid passage 16b connected to the fluid passage 15b is provided on its axis.

[0105] A piston 4 that reciprocates in the central axis direction is slidably disposed in the cylinder chamber 18 with a slidable gap, and an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the piston 4 and a piston seal 11 is fitted. The cylinder chamber 18 is separated into two by the piston 4.

[0106] Furthermore, a cushion sleeve 31a is provided on the center axis of the piston 4 on the rod cover 3 side for the fluid pressure cushion mechanism, and a central recess 33b having a cushion seal 32b is provided on the head cover 1 side.

[0107] In addition, four piston rods 6 are arranged substantially parallel to each other along the axial direction outside the central axis, and one end is fastened by a bolt 19. The other end of the piston rod 6 penetrates the rod cover 3 and protrudes to the outside of the cylinder body, and is fastened to the rod plate 7 by a bolt 20. Thereby, the piston 4, the four piston rods 6, and the rod plate 7 are connected and move integrally.

[0108] The rod cover 3 is formed with piston rod holes 17 substantially parallel in the axial direction. A bush 13 having a slidable gap with the piston rod 6 is fitted into the piston rod holes 17, and a rod packing 12 is coaxially mounted thereon to prevent fluid leakage and the entry of foreign matters. Further, a fluid passage 16 is formed at an extended position of the fluid passage 15.

[0109] In FIGS. 7 and 8, an annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the piston 4, and an annular magnet 10 for position detection is mounted thereon. Thereby, position detection can be performed by a position detection sensor (not shown). Further, rubber cushions 9 are mounted on both ends of the outer periphery for shock absorption. All of these are provided as required. Reference numerals 26 and 27 in the figure are pins, and 28 is a sensor rail.

[0110] The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0111] 1 Head cover 3 Rod cover 4 Piston 6 Piston rod 7 Plate 14a·14b Fluid input / output ports 17a Insertion hole 18 Cylinder chamber 18a Rod-side cylinder chamber 18b Head-side cylinder chamber 31a·31b Cushion sleeves 32a·32b Cushion seals 33a·33b Sleeve housing recesses 41 Guide portion 51a·51b Adjusting members

Claims

1. A cylinder device having a substantially cylindrical cylinder chamber with one end closed by a head cover and the other end closed by a rod cover, wherein a substantially cylindrical piston reciprocally movable by fluid pressure and a piston rod fixed to the piston are provided in the cylinder chamber, the cylinder chamber is partitioned by the piston into a rod-side cylinder chamber and a head-side cylinder chamber, and includes a fluid input / output port communicating with the rod-side cylinder chamber and a fluid input / output port communicating with the head-side cylinder chamber, and the piston is reciprocated by fluid introduced and discharged from each fluid input / output port, wherein the piston is singular, the piston rods are plural, one end side of each piston rod is fixed at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston, and the other end side penetrates the rod cover and protrudes to the outside and is fixed to a single plate, a recess for adding an additional mechanism is provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston, and further includes a fluid pressure cushion mechanism provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston, and when viewed in the axial direction, the piston rods are provided so as not to overlap each other. A cylinder device characterized by this.

2. A cylinder device having a substantially cylindrical cylinder chamber with one end closed by a head cover and the other end closed by a rod cover, wherein a substantially cylindrical piston reciprocally movable by fluid pressure and a piston rod fixed to the piston are provided in the cylinder chamber, the cylinder chamber is partitioned by the piston into a rod-side cylinder chamber and a head-side cylinder chamber, and includes a fluid input / output port communicating with the rod-side cylinder chamber and a fluid input / output port communicating with the head-side cylinder chamber, and the piston is reciprocated by fluid introduced and discharged from each fluid input / output port, wherein the piston is singular, the piston rods are plural, one end side of each piston rod is fixed at a position deviated from the central axis of the piston, and the other end side penetrates the rod cover and protrudes to the outside and is fixed to a single plate, Furthermore, a fluid pressure cushion mechanism is provided, which includes a cushion sleeve provided on the piston, a sleeve storage recess into which the cushion sleeve can be inserted, and a cushion seal provided in the sleeve storage recess and in sliding contact with the outer peripheral portion of the cushion sleeve. The cushion sleeve, the sleeve storage recess, and the cushion seal are provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston, and when viewed from the axial direction, the respective piston rods are provided so as not to overlap. A cylinder device characterized by this.

3. In the cylinder device according to claim 2, an insertion hole through which the piston rod is inserted is provided in the rod cover, and a guide portion for guiding and supporting the axial movement of the piston rod is provided in each of the insertion holes. A cylinder device characterized by this.

4. In the cylinder device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, an adjustment member for adjusting the stroke end position of the piston by contacting the cushion sleeve is provided coaxially with the central axis of the piston. A cylinder device characterized by this.

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