Diaphragm structure and diaphragm-type cylinder
The diaphragm structure addresses wear issues in existing designs by using a projection and opposing surfaces to restrict rotation, ensuring stable and durable axial movement without wear, thus improving the diaphragm cylinder's longevity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUJIKURA COMPOSITES INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure 0007883382000001 
Figure 0007883382000002 
Figure 0007883382000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a diaphragm structure and a diaphragm type cylinder.
Background Art
[0002] In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 1, claim 1, etc., (1) a cylinder main body 13 in which a spring chamber 17 and a pressure chamber 19 are formed and a diaphragm 16 partitioning the spring chamber 17 and the pressure chamber 19 is attached, (2) a main shaft 22 fixed to the diaphragm 16, penetrating the spring chamber 17, and protruding outside the cylinder main body 13, (3) a guide pin 36 fixed to the cylinder main body 13 and engaging with a guide groove 35 formed in the main shaft 22 to guide the linear movement of the main shaft 22, (4) a conical coil spring 27 attached to the outside of the main shaft 22 and applying a centripetal force to the main shaft 22 while applying a spring force in the retreat direction, and (5) a forward stopper 32 attached to the main shaft 22 and restricting the forward limit position of the main shaft 22 by the fluid supplied to the pressure chamber 19 are provided. And according to Patent Document 1, this diaphragm cylinder aims to improve the durability of the diaphragm by preventing the deflection and inclination of the diaphragm.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] As mentioned above, the diaphragm cylinder disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure that assumes the main spindle 22 is fixed to the diaphragm 16. In this diaphragm cylinder, in order to prevent the diaphragm 16 from moving in conjunction with the movement of the main spindle 22 around its axis, a guide pin 36 is fixed to the cylinder body 13, a guide groove 35 is formed in the main spindle 22, and the guide pin 36 is engaged with the guide groove 35, thereby preventing the main spindle 22 from rotating around its axis and suppressing the rotation of the diaphragm 16 that accompanies it. In order to implement this technology, at least a guide pin 36 is a component, and the main spindle 22 is machined to have a guide groove 35. Therefore, this diaphragm cylinder has a complex structure.
[0005] Furthermore, in this diaphragm cylinder, when the spindle 22 reciprocates in the axial direction, the guide pin 36 is pressed against the surface forming the guide groove 35. In other words, when the spindle 22 reciprocates, the rotational force from the spindle 22, which is trying to rotate around its axis, is concentrated on the straight portion of the guide pin 36 that contacts the surface forming the guide groove 35. As a result, wear particles are generated from the guide pin 36 and the surface forming the guide groove 35, and there is a risk that these wear particles will adhere to the gap between the spindle 22 and the guide groove 25. The amount of wear particles present in this gap increases with the length of time the diaphragm cylinder is used. And if a certain amount of wear particles adheres to the gap between the spindle 22 and the guide groove 25, there is a risk that the axial movement of the spindle 22 will become unstable.
[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a diaphragm structure that makes it difficult or impossible to generate wear particles on the circumferential surface of a rod, compared to a configuration in which grooves are formed on the circumferential surface of the rod and the circumferential surface of the hole in the support, and a pin is fitted across both grooves to prevent the rod from rotating in the circumferential direction. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The diaphragm structure of the first embodiment is Diaphragm and, A rod attached to the center of the diaphragm, A support is provided that has a recess formed along the axial direction of the rod while the periphery of the diaphragm is fixed, and a part of the rod is fitted inside the recess to support the rod so that the rod moves back and forth within a defined range along the axial direction, Equipped with, At either one end of the rod or the bottom surface of the recess, at a position that coincides with the center of the rod when viewed from the axial direction, a projection is fixed or attached that protrudes toward the other and has a shape other than a perfect circle with the center as its axis when viewed from the axial direction, or a projection that protrudes toward the other and has a perfect circle shape with its axis offset from the center when viewed from the axial direction. On the other side, as viewed from the axial direction, blind holes, through holes, notches, or grooves are formed on both sides of the rod in the circumferential direction relative to the projection, having a pair of opposing surfaces that face the projection and restrict the rotation of the projection in the circumferential direction.
[0008] The diaphragm structure of the second embodiment is, A diaphragm structure according to the first embodiment, The length of the projection is greater than or equal to the distance of the forward or return journey of the rod. The pair of opposing surfaces face at least a portion of the projection, regardless of the position of the rod within the defined range.
[0009] The diaphragm structure of the third embodiment is, A diaphragm structure according to the first embodiment, At least one of the pair of opposing surfaces is separated from the projection and faces the projection in at least a portion of the defined range.
[0010] The diaphragm structure of the fourth embodiment is, A diaphragm structure according to a third embodiment, The tip portion of the aforementioned projection has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area from its base to its tip. The pair of opposing surfaces are formed to contact the tip portion of the projection when the rod is positioned closest to the support within the defined range.
[0011] The diaphragm-type cylinder of the first embodiment is A diaphragm structure according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, A housing is positioned on the opposite side of the support with respect to the diaphragm, and has a first through-hole formed in the portion that overlaps with the center of the diaphragm when viewed from the axial direction, and grips the periphery of the diaphragm with the support while forming a first space with the diaphragm, Equipped with, The support, together with the diaphragm, forms a second space. A second through-hole is formed in the center of the diaphragm. The rod passes through the second through-hole, penetrates the diaphragm, and passes through the first through-hole, and moves in the axial direction as the diaphragm deforms due to pressure changes inside the first space or the second space.
[0012] The diaphragm-type cylinder of the second embodiment is A diaphragm-type cylinder according to the first embodiment, The projection is fixed to or attached to one end of the rod and penetrates the support. The tip surface of the projection constitutes the working surface of the cylinder.
[0013] The diaphragm-type cylinder of the third embodiment is A diaphragm-type cylinder according to a second embodiment, The projection is fixed to or attached to one end of the rod and penetrates the support. A part that acts as a cylinder, attached to the tip of the aforementioned projection, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]
[0014] The diaphragm structure of the first aspect is less likely or does not generate wear powder on the peripheral surface of the rod compared to a diaphragm structure (hereinafter referred to as a comparative structure) that suppresses the rotation of the diaphragm accompanying the axial rotation of the rod by forming grooves on the peripheral surface of the rod and the peripheral surface of the hole of the support and fitting pins across both grooves. Along with this, the diaphragm structure of the first aspect is more likely to reciprocate the rod stably in the long term compared to the comparative structure.
[0015] The diaphragm structure of the second aspect can smoothly reciprocate the rod.
[0016] The diaphragm structure of the third aspect is more likely to release the circumferential tensile stress of the diaphragm compared to a configuration in which both of a pair of opposing surfaces contact the protrusion over the entire defined range.
[0017] The diaphragm structure of the fourth aspect can reduce the frequency of diaphragm replacement.
[0018] The diaphragm type cylinder of the first aspect is less likely or does not generate wear powder on the peripheral surface of the rod compared to a configuration including the diaphragm structure of the comparative structure. Along with this, the diaphragm type cylinder of the first aspect is less likely to break in the long term compared to a configuration including the diaphragm structure of the comparative structure.
[0019] The diaphragm type cylinder of the second aspect can utilize the tip surface of the protrusion as a cylinder.
[0020] The diaphragm type cylinder of the third aspect can utilize the tip of the protrusion as a cylinder.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the diaphragm type cylinder of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a view of the diaphragm type cylinder of the first embodiment, and is a longitudinal sectional view cut along the cutting line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]This is a diagram of a diaphragm-type cylinder according to the first embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional view taken along the III-III cutting line in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diaphragm-type cylinder of the first embodiment when the diaphragm is deformed to a different shape than that shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] These are diagrams of several modified examples (1st to 4th modified examples) of the diaphragm-type cylinder of the first embodiment, each being a diagram of the part corresponding to Figure 3 (a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view). [Figure 6] This is a diagram of a diaphragm-type cylinder according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram of the part corresponding to Figure 2 (a partial enlarged view of the vertical cross-sectional view). [Figure 7] These are diagrams of modified versions (fifth modified version) of the diaphragm-type cylinder of the second embodiment, and each is a diagram of the part corresponding to Figure 3 (a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view). [Figure 8] This figure shows a modified example (sixth modified example) of the diaphragm-type cylinder of the second embodiment, and is a diagram of a portion corresponding to a part of Figure 4 (a partially enlarged view of the longitudinal section) and a diagram of a portion corresponding to Figure 3 (a partially enlarged view of the cross section). [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a diaphragm-type pump, an example of its application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0022] ≪Overview≫ The following describes the first embodiment and its variations (1st to 4th variations), the second embodiment and its variations (5th variation), variations other than those described above (6th variation), and several application examples, in that order. Note that in this specification, components having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings referenced in different embodiments, etc.
[0023] ≪First Embodiment≫ First, the functions, configuration, operation, and effects of the first embodiment will be described in the order shown in the drawings.
[0024] <Function and configuration of the diaphragm-type cylinder of the first embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the diaphragm cylinder 10 of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram of the diaphragm cylinder 10, a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram of the diaphragm cylinder 10, a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the diaphragm cylinder 10 when the diaphragm 20 is deformed into a different shape than in Figure 2.
[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 comprises a diaphragm 20, a housing 30, a pin PN (an example of a projection), an O-ring OR, a coil spring 40, a disc-shaped plate 45, and a rod 50. The diaphragm-type cylinder 10 has the function of deforming the diaphragm 20 with air injected from an external device (for example, a control device (not shown) and a compressor controlled by the control device (not shown)), thereby causing the rod 50 to reciprocate within a defined range in its axial direction relative to the housing 30. In this embodiment, the structure comprising at least the diaphragm 20, the rod 50, and the portion of the first housing 32 in which the recess 32A described later is formed is referred to as the diaphragm structure 100.
[0026] [Diaphragm] The diaphragm 20 has the function of moving the rod 50 along its axial direction (the direction along the axis labeled CL in the figure) by deforming. As shown in Figure 2, the diaphragm 20, for example, has a main body 22 and a central cylinder 23. The main body 22 is a deformable rectangular rubber member, comprising a disc-shaped portion 22B, an outer peripheral edge portion 22C (an example of a peripheral edge), and a protruding portion 22D. A through hole 22A (an example of a second through hole) is formed in the center of the disc-shaped portion 22B. The protruding portion 22D connects the disc-shaped portion 22B and the outer peripheral edge portion 22C around its entire circumference and protrudes toward one side in the thickness direction. As mentioned above, the main body 22 is rectangular as an example, but this is due to the shape of the housing 30. Therefore, it should be noted that the shape of the main body 22 may be circular or other shapes depending on the shape, structure, etc., of the housing 30 that grips the main body 22. The central cylinder 23 has a ring member 24 and a cylindrical member 25. The ring member 24 is a ring-shaped member with a through hole 24A formed in the center, and is fixed to the central part of the main body 22, that is, the part of the main body 22 in which the through hole 22A is formed. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, for example, a groove 24B is formed on the outer circumference of the ring member 24, and the main body 22 is fitted into the groove 24B. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the outer diameter of the ring member 24 is set to be larger than the diameter of the first rod portion 52 and the second cylindrical portion 54B, which will be described later. The inner diameter of the ring member 24 is set to be larger than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 54A of the rod 50 that passes through the ring member 24. Also, as an example, the axis of the rod 50 is set to be the same axis as the axis of the diaphragm 20. The symbols CL and O in each figure indicate the axis of the rod 50. Note that in the following explanation, "axial direction" means the direction along the axis of the rod 50. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cylindrical member 25 is a cylinder that protrudes axially from the ring member 24. Specifically, the cylindrical member 25 is positioned along the axial direction with respect to the axis CL and protrudes toward the second rod portion 54 (relative to the first rod portion 52) in the axial direction. Furthermore, the through hole 25A of the cylindrical member 25 is larger in diameter than the through hole 24A of the ring member 24. Therefore, the cylindrical member 25 forms a step between it and the ring member 24. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cylindrical member 25 supports the rod 50 (specifically, the second cylindrical portion 54B, which will be described later) by having its outer circumferential surface in contact with the circumferential surface of the through hole 34A in the second housing 34, and having the outer circumferential surface of the rod 50 in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the rod 50 (specifically, the second cylindrical portion 54B, which will be described later) on its inner circumferential surface.
[0027] [Housing, pins, and O-rings] The housing 30 has the function of housing the diaphragm 20 and a portion of the rod 50 inside, the function of forming a pressurized space for deforming the diaphragm 20, and the function of supporting the rod 50 so that it can move along the axial direction. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 30 is a rectangular solid when viewed from the axial direction, with a thickness (or height) that is thinner (or shorter) than the length of one side when viewed from the axial direction. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the housing 30 has a first housing 32 (an example of a support) and a second housing 34 (an example of a housing). The first housing 32 is positioned at one end in the axial direction, and the second housing 34 is positioned opposite the first housing 32 at the other end in the axial direction.
[0028] (First housing and pin) The first housing 32 has a recess 32A formed in it, centered on axis CL when viewed from its axial direction (see Figures 2 to 4). As shown in Figure 3, the recess 32A is a perfect circle when viewed from its axial direction. In other words, the recess 32A has a cylindrical shape. Here, the circumferential surface of the recess 32A is called the circumferential surface 32A1, and the bottom surface is called the circular base surface 32A2. On the surface of the first housing 32 facing the second housing 34, a circular recess 32B is formed so as to surround the recess 32A when viewed from the axial direction. Furthermore, a through hole OH1 is formed in the first housing 32, penetrating from its outer circumferential surface through to the recess 32B. A part of the rod 50 is fitted inside the recess 32A. The outer peripheral edge portion 22C of the diaphragm 20 (body 22) is positioned on the outer part of the recess 32B in the first housing 32, and the first housing 32 fixes the outer peripheral edge portion 22C by gripping it with the second housing 34. With the above configuration, the first housing 32 forms a space R1 (an example of a second space) enclosed by the diaphragm 20 and the rod 50. As mentioned above, a portion of the rod 50 is fitted inside the recess 32A. The circumferential surface 32A1 of the recess 32A functions as a sliding bearing for the rod 50, which moves back and forth in the axial direction.
[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, a prismatic pin PN is positioned inside the recess 32A. Specifically, the pin PN is positioned so that, when viewed from the axial direction, it coincides with the axis CL (center of the rod 50) on the circular base surface 32A2, and its axis is aligned with the axis CL, protruding toward the rod 50. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the shape of the pin PN when viewed from the axial direction is, for example, a square. In Figures 2 and 4, the pin PN is, for example, integrally formed with the first housing 32 and fixed to the first housing 32, but the method of fixing or attaching the pin PN is not limited. For example, the pin PN may be fitted into a hole (not shown) formed in the circular base surface 32A2 of the first housing 32. Furthermore, the tip of the pin PN, that is, the end opposite to the side fixed to the first housing 32, is chamfered as an example (see Figure 4). In other words, the area of the cross-section of the tip portion of the pin PN gradually decreases from the base end to the tip. Also, the amount of protrusion (length of the projection) of the pin PN from the circular base surface 32A2 is set to be greater than or equal to the distance of the forward or return journey of the rod 50 as an example.
[0030] (Second housing and O-ring) The second housing 34 is located on the opposite side of the first housing 32, with the diaphragm 20 in between, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4. The second housing 34 has a through hole 34A (an example of a first through hole) formed in its center when viewed from the axial direction and in a portion that overlaps with the center of the diaphragm 20 when viewed from the axial direction. Furthermore, an endless circumferential groove 34C is formed on the circumferential surface of the second housing 34 that forms the through hole 34A, extending around the entire circumference. An O-ring OR is fitted into the circumferential groove 34C. The O-ring OR is compressed and deformed while being sandwiched between the cylindrical member 25 and the second housing 34, and has the function of blocking the gap between the cylindrical member 25 and the second housing 34 in the axial direction. On the side of the second housing 34 facing the first housing 32, a circular recess 34B is formed so as to surround the through hole 34A when viewed from the axial direction. Furthermore, a through hole OH2 is formed in the second housing 34, extending from its outer circumferential surface through to the recess 34B. Inside the through hole 34A, the cylindrical member 25 of the central cylinder 23 and a part of the rod 50, which is positioned inside the cylindrical member 25, are fitted. The outer peripheral edge portion 22C of the diaphragm 20 (main body 22) is positioned on the outer part of the recess 34B in the second housing 34, and the second housing 34 is fixed to the first housing 32 by the outer peripheral edge portion 22C. With the above configuration, the second housing 34 forms a space R2 (an example of the first space) enclosed by the diaphragm 20 and the rod 50. Furthermore, the through-hole 34A in the second housing 34 functions as a sliding bearing for the rod 50 that reciprocates in the axial direction. The through-hole OH2 is connected to the aforementioned external device, and the through-hole OH2 functions as an air supply port for supplying compressed air from the external device to the space R2.
[0031] [Coil springs and disc-shaped plates] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the coil spring 40 is positioned in space R1 along the axial direction, that is, between the first housing 32 and the diaphragm 20, and has the function of pressing the diaphragm 20 from the concave side of the main body 22. Here, the coil spring 40 shown in Figure 2 is in a state where it is slightly compressed from its natural length, and the coil spring 40 shown in Figure 4 is in a state where it is more compressed than the coil spring 40 shown in Figure 2. The disc-shaped plate 45 has a disc 45A through which the center in the thickness direction penetrates, and a ring-shaped peripheral wall 45B around its periphery. As described above, the coil spring 40 is positioned between the first housing 32 and the diaphragm 20 and pressurizes the diaphragm 20 from the concave side of the main body 22. However, in this embodiment, the coil spring 40 does not perform its function by contacting the main body 22, but rather is configured to perform its function by sandwiching the disc-shaped plate 45 between the main body 22 and the coil spring, in other words, by using the disc-shaped plate 45 as a buffer.
[0032] 〔rod〕 The rod 50 has the function of moving axially in accordance with the deformation of the diaphragm 20 (see Figures 2 and 4). As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the rod 50 has a first rod portion 52 and a second rod portion 54. The first rod portion 52 and the second rod portion 54 are arranged along the axial direction, with one fixed to the other.
[0033] The first rod portion 52 is the part of the rod 50 that is supported by the first housing 32, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Alternatively, the first rod portion 52 is the part that is fitted into the recess 32A of the first housing 32 and supported by the first housing 32 so that the rod 50 can move in the axial direction. Therefore, the length of the first rod portion 52 is set to be longer than the length (or depth) of the recess 32A (see Figures 2 and 4). In this embodiment, the first rod portion 52 is, as an example, a perfect circle when viewed from the axial direction, as shown in Figure 3. The cross-section of the first rod portion 52 is the same at each position from one end to the other in the axial direction (see Figures 2 and 3). Furthermore, a blind hole OP is formed in the end face 52A of the first rod portion 52. As shown in Figure 3, the blind hole OP is formed in a shape (for example, a rectangular tube shape) into which the pin PN fits when viewed from the axial direction, at a position corresponding to the pin PN. Here, as shown in Figure 3, the shape of the blind hole OP when viewed from the axial direction is, for example, a square. The blind hole OP has a pair of opposing surfaces OS facing the pin PN on both sides of the rod 50 in the circumferential direction relative to the pin PN when viewed from the axial direction. In addition, the blind hole OP is chamfered so that it contacts the tip portion of the pin PN over its entire circumference when the rod 50 is located as close to the first housing 32 as possible within a defined range (see Figure 4).
[0034] The second rod portion 54 has a first cylindrical portion 54A and a second cylindrical portion 54B. The first cylindrical portion 54A has a smaller diameter than the width of the first rod portion 52. The first cylindrical portion 54A has a female joint (not shown in the figure) formed around its axis. The second cylindrical portion 54B is formed integrally with the first cylindrical portion 54A as an example and has a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 54A. The second cylindrical portion 54B is fitted into the through hole 34A of the second housing 34 and is supported by the second housing 34 so that the rod 50 can move in the axial direction.
[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first rod portion 52, the first cylindrical portion 54A, and the second cylindrical portion 54B are arranged along the axial direction in the order described, and the first cylindrical portion 54A constitutes a stepped portion connecting the first rod portion 52 and the second cylindrical portion 54B. The rod 50 passes the first cylindrical portion 54A through the through hole 24A of the ring member 24 of the diaphragm 20, and grips the ring member 24 by sandwiching it from both sides in the axial direction with the first rod portion 52 and the second cylindrical portion 54B.
[0036] The above describes the function and configuration of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 of this embodiment.
[0037] <Operation of the diaphragm-type cylinder in the first embodiment> Next, the operation of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. First, by activating an external device (not shown) and, for example, pulse-controlling the compressed air supplied from a compressor, compressed air is intermittently injected into space R2 through the through-hole OH2, which functions as an air supply port. In this case, when compressed air is injected into the space R2 of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 in the state shown in Figure 2 through the through-hole OH2, the air pressure inside space R2 increases, and the diaphragm 20 (body 22) is pressurized. The coil spring 40 is compressed by the diaphragm 20, which gradually deforms as it is pressurized. As a result, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 changes from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 4. That is, the rod 50 moves from the position where the ring member 24 contacts the second housing 34 to the position where it contacts the first housing 32. Note that when the volume of space R2 increases due to the deformation of the diaphragm 20 as compressed air is injected into space R2 through the through-hole OH2, the volume of space R1 decreases by the same amount because the air inside space R1 is exhausted to the outside through the through-hole OH1. Next, when the supply of compressed air from the external compressor is stopped, the through-hole OH2 is opened to the atmosphere, and the air inside space R2 is discharged to the outside through the through-hole OH2, while outside air is injected into space R1 through the through-hole OH1. Consequently, the diaphragm 20 (body 22), which was pressurized by the compressed air inside space R2, is released from its pressurization, and the coil spring 40, which was compressed by the diaphragm 20, gradually approaches its natural length. As a result, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 changes from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 2. As described above, the rod 50 reciprocates within a defined range in the axial direction as the diaphragm 20 deforms due to pressure changes in space R1 or space R2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, at least a portion of the pin PN is positioned inside the blind hole OP, regardless of the axial position of the rod 50, which reciprocates within a defined range. The above describes the operation of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 of this embodiment.
[0038] <Effects of the First Embodiment> Next, the effects of the first embodiment will be described.
[0039] [First effect] The first effect is that (1) a pin PN is fixed or attached to either one of the ends of the rod 50 (first rod portion 52) or the recess 32A which functions as a sliding bearing for the rod 50, at a position that coincides with the center of the rod 50 when viewed from the axial direction, and the pin PN is a projection of a shape other than a perfect circle (for example, a prismatic shape) with the center of the rod 50 as the axis when viewed from the axial direction, and (2) on the other side, blind holes OP are formed on both sides of the rod 50 in the circumferential direction relative to the pin PN when viewed from the axial direction, and each has a pair of opposing surfaces OS that face the pin PN and restrict the rotation of the pin PN in the circumferential direction of the rod 50.
[0040] As described above, the diaphragm cylinder disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the comparative form) suppresses rotation of the spindle around its axis by engaging a guide pin fixed to the cylinder body with a guide groove formed on the spindle (see Figure 1 of Patent Document 1). Therefore, when the spindle reciprocates in the axial direction, the rotational force from the spindle attempting to rotate around its axis is concentrated on the straight portion of the guide pin that contacts the surface forming the guide groove. As a result, wear particles are generated from the guide pin and the surface forming the guide groove. The amount of wear particles increases with the length of use of this diaphragm cylinder. Furthermore, if a certain amount of wear particles is present in the gap between the spindle and the guide groove, the axial movement of the spindle may become unstable.
[0041] In contrast, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment has the configurations described in (1) and (2) above. Therefore, when the rod 50 attempts to rotate around its axis during axial reciprocating movement, the pin PN contacts one of the pair of opposing surfaces OS. In other words, in this embodiment, instead of receiving the rotational force of the main shaft with a guide pin arranged on the circumferential surface of the sliding bearing, as in the comparative embodiment described above, the circumferential surface 32A1 of the recess 32A is made to function only as a sliding bearing, and the rotation of the rod 50 around its axis is restricted by the end face of the rod 50 (first rod portion 52), which does not function as a sliding bearing. Therefore, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment is less likely to generate wear particles on the circumferential surface of the rod 50 (first rod portion 52) compared to the comparative embodiment, or does not generate wear particles at all. Consequently, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment makes it easier to stably reciprocate the rod 50 over a long period of time compared to the comparative embodiment.
[0042] [Second effect] The second effect is that the protrusion amount of pin PN is set to be greater than or equal to the distance of the forward or return journey of rod 50, and that the pair of opposing surfaces OS face at least a portion of pin PN regardless of the position of rod 50 within the range of the rod's return journey (a defined range). In other words, this effect is that at least a portion of pin PN is located inside the blind hole OP regardless of the axial position of rod 50 as it reciprocates within a defined range (see Figures 2 and 4).
[0043] For example, in a configuration where the tip of the pin PN is not positioned inside the blind hole OP when the space R2 is open to the atmosphere and the coil spring 40 is in a state close to its natural state (not shown), when compressed air is injected into the space R2 and the rod 50 moves, the tip of the pin PN may come into contact with the periphery of the blind hole OP due to the rod 50 being fixed to the diaphragm 20.
[0044] In contrast, in the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment, at least a portion of the pin PN is positioned inside the blind hole OP, regardless of the axial position of the rod 50 which reciprocates within a defined range (see Figures 2 and 4). Therefore, in this embodiment, the tip portion of the pin PN does not periodically contact the periphery of the blind hole OP while the pin PN reciprocates.
[0045] Therefore, unlike the configuration in which the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment is set so that the tip portion of the pin PN is not located inside the blind hole OP when the space R2 is open to the atmosphere and the coil spring 40 is in a state close to its natural state, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment allows the rod 50 to move back and forth smoothly. It should be noted that the comparative configuration of this embodiment, in which the space R2 is open to the atmosphere and the coil spring 40 is in a state close to its natural state, is configured such that the tip portion of the pin PN is not located inside the blind hole OP, is a configuration that achieves the first effect. Therefore, it should be noted that this configuration falls within the technical scope of the present invention.
[0046] [Third effect] The third effect is that (1) the tip portion of the pin PN has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area from its base to its tip, and (2) the pair of opposing surfaces OS are formed to contact the tip portion of the pin PN when the rod 50 is located as close to the first housing 32 as possible within a defined range.
[0047] In this embodiment, by having the configurations described in (1) and (2) above, the diaphragm 20 can be returned to the same state (position) at least once for each movement cycle of the rod 50, which moves back and forth within a defined range. Therefore, even if the diaphragm 20 twists during the movement of the rod 50, it will periodically return to the same position and deform. Therefore, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment is less prone to diaphragm 20 breakage. In other words, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10 (and diaphragm structure 100) of this embodiment can reduce the frequency of diaphragm 20 replacement.
[0048] The above describes the effects of this embodiment. The above also describes the first embodiment.
[0049] <<Variations of the First Embodiment>> Next, modifications of the first embodiment (first to fourth modifications) will be described with reference to Figure 5. For the first to fourth modifications, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment (see Figure 3) will be described. Figures 5(A) to 5(D) are diagrams of the first to fourth modifications, respectively, and are diagrams of the part corresponding to Figure 3 of the first embodiment (partial enlarged views of the cross-sectional view).
[0050] <First variation> As shown in the first modified example in Figure 5(A), the shape of the blind hole OP as viewed from the axial direction may be a rectangle rather than a square. Furthermore, as in this modified example, the blind hole OP only needs to have a pair of surfaces that contact each other in such a way that the rotation of the pin PN is restricted on the upstream and downstream sides (both sides in the circumferential direction of the rod 50) when the pin PN rotates together with the rod 50 around the axis CL. In this modified example, there is an advantage that the machining accuracy of the blind hole OP can be lower compared to the first embodiment.
[0051] <Second variation> As shown in the second modified example in Figure 5(B), the shape of the pin PN and the blind hole OP as viewed from the axial direction may be hexagonal. Although not shown in the illustration, the shape of the blind hole OP as viewed from the axial direction may be a polygon other than a hexagon, as long as the pin PN can be fitted into it. For example, it may be a polygon or a combination of a polygon and a circle. The effects of this modified example are the same as those of the first embodiment and the first modified example. Alternatively, a through hole (not shown in the illustration) may be used instead of a blind hole OP.
[0052] <Third variation> As shown in the third modified example in Figure 5(C), the portion that contacts the pin PN may be a notch OQ instead of a blind hole OP (see Figures 3, 5(A), and 5(B)). In this modified example, the notch OQ is formed from the circumferential surface of the first rod portion 52 to the center, but it may also be formed from the circumferential surface through the axis O to the opposite circumferential surface to form a groove (not shown). The notch OQ, as with the blind hole OP, only needs to have a pair of surfaces that contact the pin PN to restrict its rotation on the upstream and downstream sides (both sides in the circumferential direction of the rod 50) when the pin PN rotates with the rod 50 around the axis CL. In this modified example, the machining accuracy of the notch OQ may be lower than in the first embodiment.
[0053] <Fourth variation> As shown in the fourth modified example in Figure 5(D), an example of a projection is a projection that is fixed or attached to a position that coincides with the center (axis O) of the rod 50 when viewed from the axial direction, and that protrudes toward the rod 50, and may be a perfectly circular pin PN whose axis is offset from the axis O when viewed from the axial direction. That is, an example of a projection may be cylindrical as long as a part of it coincides with the axis O when viewed from the axial direction. However, in this case, the blind hole, through hole, notch or groove into which the cylindrical pin PN fits must have a pair of opposing surfaces OS on both sides of the rod 50 in the circumferential direction relative to the pin PN when viewed from the axial direction, which face the pin PN and restrict the rotation of the pin PN in the circumferential direction of the rod 50. In this modified example, the pin PN is, as an example, a perfectly circular blind hole OP when viewed from the axial direction, but the pair of opposing surfaces OS face the pin PN and restrict the rotation of the pin PN in the circumferential direction of the rod 50. This modified example is advantageous in that it is easier to process compared to the first embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples.
[0054] The above is a description of a modified example of the first embodiment.
[0055] ≪Second Embodiment≫ Next, the diaphragm-type cylinder 10A (and diaphragm structure 100A) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. In this embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment (see Figure 2) will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10A of this embodiment, and is a diagram of the part corresponding to Figure 2 of the first embodiment (a partial enlarged view of the vertical cross-sectional view).
[0056] In the first embodiment, the blind hole OP is formed in the rod 50 and the pin PN is fixed to the circular base surface 32A2 of the first housing 32 (see Figures 2 and 4), whereas in this embodiment, the pin PN is fixed to the rod 50 and the blind hole OP is formed in the circular base surface 32A2. The only differences between the configuration, function, and operation of this embodiment and that of the first embodiment are those described above. Furthermore, the effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The above concludes the description of the second embodiment.
[0057] <<Modified Version of the Second Embodiment>> Next, a modified example of the second embodiment (the fifth modified example) will be described with reference to Figure 7. Only the parts of the fifth modified example that differ from the first embodiment (see Figure 3) will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram of the fifth modified example, and is a diagram of the part corresponding to Figure 3 of the first embodiment (a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view). In this modified example, instead of a blind hole OP, a groove OU is formed between two rods ST that are arranged in parallel to each other. As a result, the opposing surfaces of each rod ST, with the groove OU in between, form a pair of opposing surfaces OS. The effects of this modified example are the same as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first to fourth modifications described above may be applied mutatis mutandis as modifications of the second embodiment. The above describes a modified example of the second embodiment.
[0058] <Other variations and multiple application examples> As described above, an example of the present invention has been explained with reference to the first embodiment and its modifications, and the second embodiment and its modifications. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The technical scope of the present invention also includes, for example, several modifications and several applications described later. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention includes, for one embodiment of the above-mentioned embodiments and several modifications described later, (1) an embodiment in which a part of its components is replaced with components of another embodiment (not shown), (2) an embodiment in which a part or all of the components of another embodiment are added to its components (not shown), and other embodiments. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments that combine the technologies disclosed herein. The same applies to several applications described later.
[0059] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the rod 50 was described as having a first rod portion 52 and a second rod portion 54. However, these may be constructed as a single integrated unit.
[0060] Furthermore, for example, in the first embodiment, it was explained that when the rod 50 is located closest to the first housing 32 within a defined range, the blind hole OP is chamfered so that it contacts the tip portion of the chamfered pin PN over its entire circumference (see Figure 4). However, as long as the diaphragm structure 100 has the configurations (1) and (2) described above to achieve the first effect of the first embodiment, it is not necessary for one or both of the pin PN and the blind hole OP to be chamfered. This modification is also true for the second embodiment and for multiple modifications of the first and second embodiments.
[0061] Furthermore, as shown in the sixth modified example in Figure 8, the blind hole OP may be made into a through hole OT, and the pin PN may always pass through the through hole OT. The tip surface of the pin PN may be used as the working surface of the cylinder. Alternatively, the working part 60 of the cylinder may be attached to the tip surface of the pin PN.
[0062] Furthermore, in the descriptions of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the multiple modifications described above, the diaphragm structure 100, etc., was described as constituting a part of the diaphragm-type cylinder 10, etc. However, the diaphragm structure 100, etc., may constitute a part of a device other than the diaphragm-type cylinder 10, for example, as long as it has its basic configuration. For example, the diaphragm structure 100, etc., may constitute a part of the diaphragm-type pump 10K in the application example of Figure 13. Although not shown in the diagram, the diaphragm structure 100, etc., may also constitute part of a pump equipped with a pair of diaphragm-type pumps 10K that share rods 50, 50C, etc. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the diaphragm structure 100, etc., may constitute part of the speaker, power source, or other device.
[0063] The above describes other variations and several application examples. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0064] 10 Diaphragm type cylinder 10A Diaphragm Cylinder 100A diaphragm structure 20 diaphragms 22 Main unit 22A Through hole (an example of a second through hole) 22B Disk shaped part 22C Outer edge portion (an example of a periphery) 22D protrusion 23 Through member 24 Ring Member 24A through hole 24B Groove 25 cylindrical member 25A through hole 30 Housing 32. First Housing (Example of Support) 32A Through hole (an example of a recess) 34. Second Housing (Example of a Housing) 34A Through hole (an example of the first through hole) 34C circumferential groove 40 coil springs 45 Disc-shaped plate 45A Disc 45B Peripheral wall 50 rods 52 First rod section 54 Second rod section 54A First cylindrical section 54B Second cylindrical section 60 Working part OH1 through hole OH2 through hole OP blind hole OQ notch OS Pair of opposing surfaces OR O-ring OT through hole OU Groove PN pin (an example of a protrusion) R1 space (an example of a second space) R2 space (an example of the first space) ST bar
Claims
1. Diaphragm and, A rod attached to the center of the diaphragm, A support is provided in which the periphery of the diaphragm is fixed and a recess is formed along the axial direction of the rod, a part of the rod is fitted inside the recess to form a closed space isolated from the diaphragm, and the circumferential surface of the recess functions as a sliding bearing for the rod so that the rod can reciprocate within a defined range along the axial direction, Equipped with, At either one end of the rod or the bottom surface of the recess, at a position that coincides with the center of the rod when viewed from the axial direction, a projection is fixed or attached that protrudes toward the other and has a shape other than a perfect circle with the center as its axis when viewed from the axial direction, or a projection that protrudes toward the other and has a perfect circle shape with its axis offset from the center when viewed from the axial direction. On the other side, as viewed from the axial direction, blind holes, through holes, notches, or grooves are formed on both sides of the rod in the circumferential direction relative to the projection, having a pair of opposing surfaces that face the projection and restrict the rotation of the projection in the circumferential direction. Diaphragm structure.
2. The length of the projection is greater than or equal to the distance of the forward or return journey of the rod. The pair of opposing surfaces face at least a portion of the projection, regardless of the position of the rod within the defined range. The diaphragm structure according to claim 1.
3. At least one of the pair of opposing surfaces is positioned away from the projection and facing the projection in at least a portion of the defined range. The diaphragm structure according to claim 1.
4. The tip portion of the aforementioned projection has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area from its base to its tip. The pair of opposing surfaces are formed to contact the tip portion of the projection when the rod is positioned closest to the support within the defined range. The diaphragm structure according to claim 3.
5. A diaphragm structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A housing is positioned on the opposite side of the support with respect to the diaphragm, and has a first through-hole formed in a portion that overlaps with the center of the diaphragm when viewed from the axial direction, and grips the periphery of the diaphragm with the support while forming a first space with the diaphragm, Equipped with, The support, together with the diaphragm, forms a second space. A second through-hole is formed in the center of the diaphragm. The rod passes through the second through-hole, through the diaphragm, and through the first through-hole, and moves in the axial direction in accordance with the deformation of the diaphragm due to pressure changes inside the first space or the second space. Diaphragm type cylinder.
6. The projection is fixed to or attached to one end of the rod and penetrates the support. The tip surface of the projection constitutes the working surface as a cylinder. The diaphragm-type cylinder according to claim 5.
7. The projection is fixed to or attached to one end of the rod and penetrates the support. A part that acts as a cylinder, attached to the tip of the aforementioned projection, A diaphragm-type cylinder according to claim 6, comprising: