Fluid pressure cylinder

Abstract

A fluid pressure cylinder (10) comprises a cylinder section (12) and an adapter unit (14). The adapter unit is detachably mounted to a cylinder tube (16) of the cylinder section. A first input / output port (84a) and a second input / output port (84b) communicating with a piston chamber (22) are formed in the cylinder tube. A first attachment hole (116a) and a second attachment hole (116b) are formed in the adapter unit. A first supply / discharge tube (140a) and a connected second supply / discharge tube (140b) are attached to the first attachment hole and the second attachment hole, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid pressure cylinder that operates based on the supply and discharge of a pressure fluid.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-113101, an air cylinder includes a cylinder tube in which a piston chamber is formed, and a piston accommodated in the piston chamber. Further, a supply and discharge pipe for supplying and exhausting compressed air to and from the piston chamber is connected to the air cylinder. In some cases, a position sensor for detecting the position of the piston may be provided on the cylinder tube. Further, a seal member (packing) is attached to the side peripheral wall (outer peripheral portion) of the piston. The seal member seals between the side peripheral wall of the piston and the inner peripheral wall of the piston chamber.

[0003] The piston moves within the piston chamber based on the supply and discharge of compressed air to and from the piston chamber. Along with this, the seal member slides in contact with the side peripheral wall of the piston. Therefore, when the operation of the air cylinder is repeated, the seal member wears out. That is, the seal member is a consumable part. The air cylinder is configured to include various consumable parts in addition to the seal parts. Therefore, in the air cylinder, regular maintenance is necessary.

[0004] The air cylinder is assembled to, for example, a predetermined device or equipment. Therefore, when performing maintenance on the air cylinder, it is necessary to remove the air cylinder from the predetermined device or equipment. Next, the supply and discharge pipe is removed from the air cylinder. When a position sensor is attached to the air cylinder, next, the position sensor is removed from the air cylinder. Next, the air cylinder is disassembled and the consumable parts are replaced.

[0005] Next, the air cylinder is assembled, and then the position sensor is attached to the air cylinder. Then, the air supply and discharge pipes are attached to the air cylinder. Next, the air cylinder is assembled to the designated device or equipment, and the mounting position of the position sensor is adjusted. That is, for example, the piston is moved to a predetermined position, and the position sensor is positioned so that the piston in this state can be detected. After these steps are completed, the maintenance is finished. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] As can be understood from the above, maintenance of an air cylinder involves many work steps. For this reason, performing maintenance on an air cylinder is not easy. Furthermore, while maintenance is being performed on the air cylinder, the device or equipment to which the air cylinder is installed must be stopped. Consequently, the operating efficiency of the device or equipment is reduced.

[0007] Furthermore, after the air cylinder is assembled, the piston is housed inside the cylinder tube. Therefore, the operator cannot see the piston. Under these circumstances, aligning the piston with the position sensor is not easy.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid pressure cylinder is provided, comprising: a cylinder tube having a piston chamber formed therein; a cylinder portion having a piston housed in the piston chamber and slidable in the axial direction of the cylinder tube; an adapter unit portion detachably mounted to the cylinder tube; and a positioning member for positioning the adapter unit portion relative to the cylinder portion, wherein the cylinder tube has a first input / output port and a second input / output port communicating with the piston chamber for supplying and discharging pressurized fluid to and from the piston chamber; the adapter unit portion has a first mounting hole for attaching a first supply / discharge pipe connected to the first input / output port, a second mounting hole for attaching a second supply / discharge pipe connected to the second input / output port, and a position sensor for detecting the position of the piston; the adapter unit portion is detachably mounted to the cylinder portion while holding the position sensor, and the adapter unit portion is positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube via the positioning member.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the adapter unit, to which the first and second supply and discharge pipes are connected and which holds the position sensor, can be removed from the cylinder tube. Therefore, for example, when replacing the sealing member inside the cylinder tube with a new one, first the adapter unit is detached from the cylinder tube, and then the cylinder is disassembled.

[0011] Thus, in this invention, when performing maintenance on the cylinder section, it is not necessary to remove the first supply / discharge pipe, the second supply / discharge pipe, the position sensor, etc., from the adapter unit. Therefore, the maintenance work process is reduced and the work is simplified. In other words, according to this invention, maintenance can be easily performed on the fluid pressure cylinder.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting position of the position sensor on the adapter unit is the same before and after removing the adapter unit from the cylinder tube. Therefore, after attaching the adapter unit to the cylinder tube, it is possible to align the position sensor with the piston by positioning the piston in a predetermined position. Consequently, it is easy to align the piston with the position sensor even when the operator cannot visually inspect the piston.

[0013] In addition, by connecting the cylinder tube and the adapter unit with a positioning member, the adapter unit can be easily positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of an air cylinder (fluid pressure cylinder) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the air cylinder separated into the cylinder section and the adapter unit section. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the air cylinder along the axial direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the state after the piston has moved from the position shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] In the following explanation, an air cylinder will be used as an example of a fluid pressure cylinder. Therefore, the pressure fluid is compressed air. Note that the fluid pressure cylinder may also be a hydraulic cylinder. In this case, the pressure fluid is hydraulic oil. Furthermore, the air cylinder used as an example is a single-rod cylinder, but a double-rod cylinder may also be used.

[0016] The X direction shown in the drawing is the axial direction of the air cylinder or cylinder tube. The X1 and X2 directions along the X direction are opposite to each other. The Y direction shown in the drawing is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction. The Y1 and Y2 directions along the Y direction are opposite to each other. The Z direction shown in the drawing is the vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The Z1 direction along the Z direction is downward, and the Z2 direction along the Z direction is upward.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of the air cylinder 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air cylinder 10. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the air cylinder 10 along the axial direction. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air cylinder 10 comprises a cylinder portion 12 and an adapter unit portion 14.

[0018] The cylinder section 12 has a cylinder tube 16. As shown in Figure 3, the X1 side end of the cylinder tube 16 is a closed end with a closing section 17. The X2 side end of the cylinder tube 16 is an open end and is closed by a cover member 18. The cover member 18 is positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube 16 via a snap ring 20. The closing section 17 and the cover member 18 form an internal space in the cylinder tube 16. This internal space is the piston chamber 22.

[0019] An insertion hole 24 is formed in the cover member 18. A piston rod 26 is passed through this insertion hole 24. An inner annular groove 28 is formed in the inner circumferential wall of the insertion hole 24, and an inner sealing member 30 is housed in the inner annular groove 28. The inner sealing member 30 airtightly seals the space between the inner circumferential wall of the insertion hole 24 and the side circumferential wall of the piston rod 26. An outer annular groove 32 is formed in the outer circumferential wall of the cover member 18. An outer sealing member 34 is housed in the outer annular groove 32. The outer sealing member 34 airtightly seals the space between the outer circumferential wall of the cover member 18 and the inner circumferential wall of the piston chamber 22.

[0020] The X1 end of the piston rod 26 enters the piston chamber 22. A piston 38 is mounted on the X1 end of the piston rod 26. In other words, the piston 38 is housed in the piston chamber 22 with the X1 end of the piston rod 26 connected to it. A connecting hole 40 is formed in the X2 end of the piston rod 26. A part of a workpiece (not shown) is inserted into the connecting hole 40. Therefore, when the piston 38 is displaced within the piston chamber 22, the piston rod 26 and the workpiece are displaced integrally with the piston 38. The workpiece is, for example, a predetermined jig.

[0021] The piston 38 divides the piston chamber 22 into a first chamber 42 and a second chamber 44. The first chamber 42 is the space enclosed by the X1 side end face of the piston 38, the inner surface of the closing portion 17 facing the piston chamber 22 (X2 side end face), and the inner circumferential wall of the piston chamber 22. The second chamber 44 is the space enclosed by the X2 side rear end face of the piston 38, the inner surface of the cover member 18 facing the piston chamber 22 (X1 side end face), and the inner circumferential wall of the piston chamber 22.

[0022] An annular packing groove 46 and an annular magnet mounting groove 48 are formed on the outer circumferential wall of the piston 38. A packing 50 is housed in the packing groove 46. The packing 50 prevents compressed air in the first chamber 42 from leaking into the second chamber 44. Similarly, it also prevents compressed air in the second chamber 44 from leaking into the first chamber 42. A magnet 52 is mounted in the magnet mounting groove 48.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a first projection 54a and a second projection 54b are provided at the Y1 side end and Y2 side end of the lower part of the cylinder tube 16, respectively. A third projection 54c is provided at the Y1 side end of the upper part of the cylinder tube 16. The first projection 54a to the third projection 54c extend along the axial direction (X direction) of the cylinder tube 16. Elongated holes 56 are formed in the first projection 54a to the third projection 54c. For example, a long bolt (not shown) for attaching the air cylinder 10 to a predetermined device or equipment is inserted through the elongated holes 56.

[0024] On the upper surface of the cylinder tube 16, a first flat portion 60, a second flat portion 62, and a third flat portion 64 are formed (see FIG. 2). The first flat portion 60 has a flat surface provided on the upper surface of the third protrusion 54c. The second flat portion 62 is adjacent to the first flat portion 60 via the first step portion 66. The second flat portion 62 is a flat surface parallel to the axial direction (X direction) of the cylinder tube 16 and parallel to the Y direction. In the first step portion 66, a first concave groove 68 recessed toward the Y1 side is formed. The first concave groove 68 extends in the axial direction (X direction) of the cylinder tube 16.

[0025] The third flat portion 64 is a flat surface parallel to the axial direction (X direction) of the cylinder tube 16 and parallel to the Y direction. The third flat portion 64 is located at the Y2-side end portion where the first protrusion 54a to the third protrusion 54c are not provided in the upper portion of the cylinder tube 16. The third flat portion 64 is adjacent to the second flat portion 62 via the second step portion 70. As understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the first flat portion 60 is the highest, and the third flat portion 64 is the lowest. The Y2-side end portion of the third flat portion 64 slightly protrudes from the curved Y2-side end portion on the side portion of the cylinder tube 16. Thereby, a first protruding end 72 is formed on the cylinder tube 16. The first protruding end 72 extends in the axial direction of the cylinder tube 16.

[0026] The cylinder tube 16 has a cylinder-side engaging portion 73 that can engage with an adapter-side engaging portion 97 described later. The cylinder-side engaging portion 73 has the first concave groove 68 and the first protruding end 72 described above.

[0027] The second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 each have a flat surface extending along the axial direction (X direction) of the cylinder tube 16. Each flat surface of the second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 supports the adapter unit portion 14. That is, the second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 are adapter support surfaces.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the third flat portion 64 has a first seal housing hole 74a, a second seal housing hole 74b, and an engagement recess 76. As shown in Figure 3, the first seal housing hole 74a and the second seal housing hole 74b house the first seal member 80a and the second seal member 80b, respectively. The first seal member 80a and the second seal member 80b airtightly seal the space between the cylinder tube 16 and the base material 82 (described later) that constitutes the adapter unit portion 14.

[0029] A first input / output port 84a is opened at the bottom of the first seal housing hole 74a. The first input / output port 84a extends toward the first chamber 42 and communicates with the first chamber 42. A second input / output port 84b is opened at the bottom of the second seal housing hole 74b. The second input / output port 84b extends toward the second chamber 44 and communicates with the second chamber 44.

[0030] The engagement recess 76 is located between the first input / output port 84a and the second input / output port 84b. One end of a positioning pin 86 (positioning member), which will be described later, is inserted into the engagement recess 76. The engagement recess 76 is, for example, a bottomed hole. The positioning pin 86 restrains the adapter unit 14 to the cylinder tube 16. As a result, the adapter unit 14 is positioned relative to the cylinder 12.

[0031] Next, the adapter unit 14 will be described. The adapter unit 14 has a base material 82 as shown in Figure 4. The base material 82 has a first bottom portion 90 that abuts against the second flat portion 62 of the cylinder tube 16, and a second bottom portion 92 that abuts against the third flat portion 64 of the cylinder tube 16. The first bottom portion 90 and the second bottom portion 92 are flat surfaces.

[0032] In the base material 82, a second protruding end 96 is provided at the Y1 side end 94 facing the first flat portion 60 of the cylinder tube 16. In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the second protruding end 96 extends from the first bottom portion 90 toward the first groove 68 and is inserted into the first groove 68. The second protruding end 96 extends along the axial direction of the cylinder tube 16. The adapter unit portion 14 has an adapter-side engaging portion 97 that can engage with the cylinder-side engaging portion 73. The second protruding end 96 of the base material 82 is one of the adapter-side engaging portions 97 and engages with the first groove 68.

[0033] In the base material 82, the Y2 side end 98, which is the end opposite to the Y1 side end 94, extends to cover the first protruding end 72. A third protruding end 100 is provided below the Y2 side end 98. The third protruding end 100 protrudes in the Y1 direction, similar to the second protruding end 96. The second bottom portion 92, the Y2 side end 98, and the third protruding end 100 form a second groove 102. The second groove 102 extends along the axial direction of the cylinder tube 16. The first protruding end 72 of the cylinder tube 16 is inserted into the second groove 102 (see Figure 1 in particular). Thus, the second groove 102 of the base material 82 is another adapter-side engaging portion 97 into which the first protruding end 72 engages.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, pin holes 104a, 106a, 108a, and 110a are formed at the Y2 side end 98. Pin holes 104a, 106a, 108a, and 110a extend in the Y1 direction. The legs 114a and 114b of the U-shaped first slide pin 112a are inserted into pin holes 104a and 106a, respectively. The legs 114c and 114d of the U-shaped second slide pin 112b are inserted into pin holes 108a and 110a, respectively.

[0035] A first mounting hole 116a and a second mounting hole 116b are formed on the upper surface of the base material 82. The first mounting hole 116a and the second mounting hole 116b extend along the vertical direction (Z direction). Pin holes 104a and 106a are connected to the first mounting hole 116a. Here, on the inner circumferential wall of the first mounting hole 116a, pin holes 104b and 106b are formed at locations where pin holes 104a and 106a are aligned on the same axis. In other words, pin holes 104a and 104b are aligned via the first mounting hole 116a, and pin holes 106a and 106b are aligned via the first mounting hole 116a.

[0036] A difference in inner diameter is provided near the bottom wall of the first mounting hole 116a. Based on this difference in inner diameter, a first annular step portion 120a is provided inside the first mounting hole 116a. A first communication hole 122a is formed in the bottom wall of the first mounting hole 116a. The thin-walled portion 124a near the first communication hole 122a presses against the first sealing member 80a.

[0037] A first pipe fitting 128a is inserted into the first mounting hole 116a. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first pipe fitting 128a is a cylindrical body having a small diameter section 130a with a small outer diameter and a large diameter section 132a with a large outer diameter. An annular first mounting groove 134a is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the small diameter section 130a. A first fitting seal member 136a is fitted into the first mounting groove 134a. An annular first engagement groove 138a is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the large diameter section 132a. The legs 114a and 114b of the first slide pin 112a are engaged with the first engagement groove 138a.

[0038] Specifically, when the first pipe fitting 128a is inserted into the first mounting hole 116a, as shown in Figure 3, the lower surface of the small diameter portion 130a abuts against the thin-walled portion 124a, and the lower surface of the large diameter portion 132a abuts against the first annular step portion 120a. In this state, the legs 114a and 114b of the first slide pin 112a are inserted into the pin holes 104a and 106a, respectively. The tips of the legs 114a and 114b protrude from the pin holes 104a and 106a, respectively, pass through the first engagement groove 138a of the first pipe fitting 128a, and then enter the pin holes 104b and 106b, respectively.

[0039] As a result, the axially approximate midpoints of the legs 114a and 114b engage with the first engagement groove 138a. This clamps the first pipe joint 128a to the legs 114a and 114b, preventing it from coming loose from the first mounting hole 116a. The first joint sealing member 136a seals the space between the outer circumferential wall of the small diameter portion 130a of the first pipe joint 128a and the inner circumferential wall of the first mounting hole 116a.

[0040] Similarly, pin holes 108a and 110a are connected to the second mounting hole 116b. On the inner circumferential wall of the second mounting hole 116b, pin holes 108b and 110b are formed at locations where pin holes 108a and 110a are aligned on the same axis.

[0041] Similarly, a second annular step portion 120b is provided near the bottom wall portion of the second mounting hole 116b, based on the difference in the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 116b. A second communication hole 122b is formed in the bottom wall portion of the second mounting hole 116b. The thin-walled portion 124b near the second communication hole 122b presses against the second sealing member 80b.

[0042] A second pipe fitting 128b is inserted into the second mounting hole 116b. As shown in Figure 3, the shape of the second pipe fitting 128b is the same as that of the first pipe fitting 128a. That is, the second pipe fitting 128b has a small diameter portion 130b and a large diameter portion 132b. A second mounting groove 134b is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the small diameter portion 130b, and a second fitting seal member 136b is fitted into the second mounting groove 134b. A second engagement groove 138b is formed on the outer circumferential wall of the large diameter portion 132b. The legs 114c and 114d of the second slide pin 112b engage with the second engagement groove 138b.

[0043] When the second pipe fitting 128b is inserted into the second mounting hole 116b, the lower surface of the small diameter portion 130b abuts against the thin-walled portion 124b, and the lower surface of the large diameter portion 132b abuts against the second annular step portion 120b. In this state, the leg portion 114c of the second slide pin 112b is inserted into the pin hole 108b via the pin hole 108a and the second mounting hole 116b, and the leg portion 114d is inserted into the pin hole 110b via the pin hole 110a and the second mounting hole 116b. As a result, the second pipe fitting 128b is clamped to the leg portions 114c and 114d, and is prevented from coming out of the second mounting hole 116b. The second joint sealing member 136b seals the space between the outer circumferential wall of the small-diameter portion 130b of the second pipe joint 128b and the inner circumferential wall of the second mounting hole 116b.

[0044] The first pipe joint 128a and the second pipe joint 128b may be connected to the base material 82 via screws.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tip of the first supply / drain pipe 140a is connected to the first pipe joint 128a, and the tip of the second supply / drain pipe 140b is connected to the second pipe joint 128b. The other ends of the first supply / drain pipe 140a and the second supply / drain pipe 140b (not shown) are connected to supply / drain mechanisms (not shown), respectively. Compressed air flows through the first supply / drain pipe 140a and the second supply / drain pipe 140b.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, an insertion hole 144 is formed on the upper surface of the base material 82 between the first mounting hole 116a and the second mounting hole 116b. As shown in Figure 3, the insertion hole 144 penetrates the base material 82 along the Z direction. The insertion hole 144 is superimposed on the engagement recess 76. A positioning pin 86 is inserted into the superimposed engagement recess 76 and insertion hole 144. This insertion positions and fixes the adapter unit 14 to the cylinder tube 16.

[0047] Furthermore, a first sensor mounting groove 146a is formed on the upper surface of the base material 82 near the Y1 side end 94. A second sensor mounting groove 146b is formed adjacent to the first sensor mounting groove 146a. The second sensor mounting groove 146b is closer to the first pipe joint 128a and the second pipe joint 128b than the first sensor mounting groove 146a. The first position sensor 148a is housed in the first sensor mounting groove 146a, and the second position sensor 148b is housed in the second sensor mounting groove 146b. The upper surfaces of the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b are at approximately the same position as the upper surface of the base material 82. The first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b are electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) via cables 150a and 150b, respectively.

[0048] The air cylinder 10 according to this embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation and effects of the air cylinder 10 will be explained.

[0049] A workpiece is connected to the piston rod 26. Specifically, a portion of the workpiece is inserted into the connecting hole 40 of the piston rod 26. The air cylinder 10 operates in this state.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a state in which the operating air in the first chamber 42 is discharged while operating air is supplied to the second chamber 44. In this case, since the internal pressure of the second chamber 44 is higher than the internal pressure of the first chamber 42, the piston 38 is moved in the X1 direction by pressure from the operating air in the second chamber 44 and is in a first position closest to the occluding portion 17. To move the piston 38 in the X2 direction from this state, operating air is supplied to the first chamber 42 while operating air is discharged from the second chamber 44. Specifically, operating air is sent from the supply and discharge mechanism to the first chamber 42. The operating air flows through the first supply and discharge pipe 140a and then flows into the first input / output port 84a via the first communication hole 122a. The operating air passes through the first input / output port 84a and flows into the first chamber 42. As a result, the internal pressure of the first chamber 42 increases.

[0051] Meanwhile, the supply and discharge mechanism discharges the operating air from the second chamber 44. The operating air from the second chamber 44 passes through the second input / output port 84b and the second communication hole 122b in that order and flows into the second supply and discharge pipe 140b. As a result, the operating air from the second chamber 44 is discharged through the second supply and discharge pipe 140b. Consequently, the internal pressure of the second chamber 44 decreases.

[0052] As a result of the internal pressure difference between the first chamber 42 and the second chamber 44, the piston 38 receives pressure from the operating air in the first chamber 42. As a result, the piston 38 slides. That is, the piston 38 moves toward the cover member 18 located at the X2 side end. As a result, the air cylinder 10 enters the state shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the piston 38 is in the second position. This causes the workpiece connected to the piston rod 26 to move, for example. The second position sensor 148b detects the magnetic force of the magnet 52, and it is detected that the piston 38 has reached the second position. The control unit receives the detection signal from the second position sensor 148b and recognizes that the piston 38 has moved to the second position.

[0053] To return the piston 38 to the state shown in Figure 3, the supply and discharge mechanism sends working air into the second chamber 44, and the supply and discharge mechanism also discharges working air from the first chamber 42. The working air in the first chamber 42 passes through the first input / output port 84a and the first communication hole 122a in that order and flows into the first supply and discharge pipe 140a. As a result, the working air in the first chamber 42 is discharged through the first supply and discharge pipe 140a, causing the internal pressure of the first chamber 42 to decrease.

[0054] The operating air sent from the supply and discharge mechanism flows through the second supply and discharge pipe 140b, then passes through the second communication hole 122b and the second input / output port 84b in that order, and flows into the second chamber 44. As a result, the internal pressure of the second chamber 44 increases. Due to the internal pressure difference created between the first chamber 42 and the second chamber 44 as described above, the piston 38 slides. That is, the piston 38 moves toward the closed portion 17 located at the X1 side end and reaches the first position. As a result, the air cylinder 10 returns to the state shown in Figure 3. At this time, the workpiece connected to the piston rod 26 also moves, for example. Based on the detection of the magnetic force of the magnet 52 by the first position sensor 148a, it is detected that the piston 38 has reached the first position. The control unit receives the detection signal from the first position sensor 148a and recognizes that the piston 38 has moved to the first position.

[0055] As the piston 38 repeats the above reciprocating motion, the packing 50 and inner sealing member 30 attached to the outer circumferential wall of the piston 38 repeatedly slide against the inner circumferential wall of the piston chamber 22 and the side circumferential wall of the piston rod 26, respectively. This sliding contact causes wear on the packing 50 and inner sealing member 30. If the packing 50 and inner sealing member 30 are excessively worn, compressed air will leak between the first chamber 42 and the second chamber 44, making it difficult to move the piston 38. To avoid this, the packing 50 and inner sealing member 30 are replaced with new ones.

[0056] To achieve this, the adapter unit 14 is detached from the cylinder 12. Specifically, the maintenance worker grasps the positioning pin 86 with their fingers and pulls it in the Z2 direction. This causes the positioning pin 86 to detach from the engagement recess 76 and the insertion hole 144. As a result, the base material 82 is released from the constraint of the positioning pin 86. At this point, the second protruding end 96 is engaged with the first groove 68 and the first protruding end 72 is engaged with the second groove 102, so relative movement of the adapter unit 14 with respect to the cylinder 12 in the Z direction is prevented. Therefore, the adapter unit 14 is prevented from falling off the cylinder 12.

[0057] Next, the worker pulls the base material 82 in the Y2 direction, as shown in Figure 2. That is, the worker slides the base material 82 in the Y2 direction. At this time, the first bottom portion 90 and the second bottom portion 92 of the base material 82 slide against the second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 of the cylinder tube 16. Since the first bottom portion 90, the second bottom portion 92, the second flat portion 62, and the third flat portion 64 are all flat surfaces, the worker can easily slide the base material 82 in the Y2 direction while sliding it against the cylinder tube 16.

[0058] As the slide moves, the engagement of the second protruding end 96 with the first groove 68 is released, and the engagement of the first protruding end 72 with the second groove 102 is released. As a result, the constraint of the cylinder tube 16 on the base material 82 is released. This allows the base material 82 to be easily separated from the cylinder tube 16. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to separate the adapter unit 14 from the cylinder unit 12 while the first pipe joint 128a, the first supply / exhaust pipe 140a, the second pipe joint 128b, and the second supply / exhaust pipe 140b are connected to the base material 82. Furthermore, there is no need to remove the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b from the base material 82. There is also no need to remove the cables 150a and 150b that electrically connect the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b to the control unit from the base material 82.

[0059] As described above, the upper surfaces of the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b are at approximately the same position as the upper surface of the base material 82. Therefore, after separating the adapter unit 14 from the cylinder 12, interference between the upper surfaces of the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b and any object is avoided. As a result, failure of the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b due to interference is avoided. In other words, the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b are protected based on the fact that the first position sensor 148a is mounted in the first sensor mounting groove 146a and the second position sensor 148b is mounted in the second sensor mounting groove 146b.

[0060] Next, the worker replaces the cylinder part 12 with a spare part. To do this, the worker loosens the long bolts, etc., that connect the cylinder part 12 to the device or equipment. This allows the cylinder part 12 to be removed from the device or equipment.

[0061] Next, the operator slides the adapter unit 14 along the second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 of the spare part from the Y2 direction to the Y1 direction. For the same reasons as above, the operator can easily slide the base material 82 in the Y1 direction while bringing the first bottom portion 90 and the second bottom portion 92 of the base material 82 into sliding contact with the second flat portion 62 and the third flat portion 64 of the cylinder tube 16, respectively. As the base material 82 slides in this manner, the second protruding end 96 is inserted into the first groove 68 and the first protruding end 72 is inserted into the second groove 102. This temporarily restrains the base material 82 to the cylinder tube 16.

[0062] The operator then aligns the insertion hole 144 with the engagement recess 76. After that, the operator inserts the positioning pin 86 into the insertion hole 144. As the tip of the positioning pin 86 passes through the insertion hole 144 and is inserted into the engagement recess 76, the base material 82 is restrained by the cylinder tube 16. In other words, the adapter unit 14 is positioned on the cylinder tube 16.

[0063] During the process of separating the adapter unit 14 from the cylinder 12 and assembling the spare part to the adapter unit 14, the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b remain attached to the base material 82. Therefore, there is no need to perform alignment work between the first position sensor 148a and the second position sensor 148b and the piston 38 in the spare part. This also simplifies maintenance work.

[0064] Subsequently, the user of the air cylinder 10 operates the spare part. Meanwhile, the worker disassembles the cylinder section 12. For example, the worker removes the snap ring 20 and cover member 18 from the cylinder tube 16, and removes the piston rod 26 and piston 38 from the piston chamber 22. Next, the worker removes the packing 50 from the piston 38 and replaces it with a new one. The worker also removes the inner seal member 30 from the cover member 18 and replaces it with a new one. After that, the cylinder section 12 is assembled in the reverse order of the above procedure.

[0065] When the maintenance period for the spare part arrives, the spare part is replaced with the maintained cylinder section 12 in the same manner as described above. By using the spare part in this way, the downtime of the specified equipment incorporating the air cylinder 10 can be shortened.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when performing maintenance on the cylinder section 12, it is not necessary to remove the first pipe joint 128a, the first supply and discharge pipe 140a, the second pipe joint 128b, the second supply and discharge pipe 140b, the first position sensor 148a, and the second position sensor 148b from the base material 82. In other words, it is not necessary to disassemble the adapter unit section 14. As a result, the maintenance work process is reduced. Also, the maintenance work is simplified.

[0067] Since the cover member 18 has been removed from the cylinder tube 16, it is also possible to replace the outer seal member 34.

[0068] When replacing the first seal member 80a and the second seal member 80b with new ones, the worker detaches the adapter unit 14 from the cylinder 12 in the same manner as described above, exposing the first seal housing hole 74a and the second seal housing hole 74b. Then, the worker removes the first seal member 80a and the second seal housing hole 74b from the first seal housing hole 74a and the second seal housing hole 74b, respectively, and replaces them with new ones.

[0069] When replacing the first joint sealing member 136a and the second joint sealing member 136b with new ones, the worker slides the first slide pin 112a and the second slide pin 112b in the Y2 direction. As a result, the first slide pin 112a and the second slide pin 112b detach from the base material 82. Consequently, the first pipe fitting 128a and the second pipe fitting 128b are released from the constraints of the first slide pin 112a and the second slide pin 112b, respectively. The worker then pulls the first pipe fitting 128a and the second pipe fitting 128b in the Z2 direction. This exposes the first joint sealing member 136a attached to the first pipe fitting 128a and the second joint sealing member 136b attached to the second pipe fitting 128b. Subsequently, the worker removes the first joint sealing member 136a and the second joint sealing member 136b from the first pipe joint 128a and the second pipe joint 128b, respectively, and replaces them with new ones.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, all sealing members, such as the inner sealing member 30 and the second joint sealing member 136b, can be replaced with simple work. In other words, maintenance of the air cylinder 10 is easy.

[0071] As described above, this embodiment comprises a cylinder section (12) having a cylinder tube (16) in which a piston chamber (22) is formed, a piston (38) housed in the piston chamber and slidable in the axial direction of the cylinder tube, an adapter unit section (14) detachably attached to the cylinder tube, and a positioning member (86) for positioning the adapter unit section relative to the cylinder section, wherein the cylinder tube has a first input / output port (84a) and a second input / output port (84a) that communicate with the piston chamber and supply and discharge pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. The present invention discloses a fluid pressure cylinder having 4b), wherein the adapter unit portion has a first mounting hole (116a) for attaching a first supply / exhaust pipe (140a) connected to the first input / output port, a second mounting hole (116b) for attaching a second supply / exhaust pipe (140b) connected to the second input / output port, and position sensors (148a, 148b) for detecting the position of the piston, the adapter unit portion is detachable from the cylinder portion while holding the position sensors, and the adapter unit portion is positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube via the positioning member.

[0072] With this configuration, the adapter unit, to which the first and second supply and discharge pipes are connected and which holds the position sensor, can be removed from the cylinder tube. Therefore, for example, when replacing the sealing member inside the cylinder tube with a new one, first the adapter unit is detached from the cylinder tube, and then the cylinder is disassembled.

[0073] Thus, with the above configuration, when performing maintenance on the cylinder section, it becomes unnecessary to remove the first supply / discharge pipe, the second supply / discharge pipe, and the position sensor from the adapter unit. Therefore, the maintenance work process is reduced and simplified. In other words, maintenance can be easily performed on the fluid pressure cylinder.

[0074] Furthermore, the mounting position of the position sensor on the adapter unit is the same before and after removing the adapter unit from the cylinder tube. Therefore, after attaching the adapter unit to the cylinder tube, it is possible to align the position sensor with the piston by positioning the piston in a predetermined position. Consequently, it is easy to align the piston with the position sensor even when the operator cannot visually inspect the piston.

[0075] In addition, by connecting the cylinder tube and the adapter unit with a positioning member, the adapter unit can be easily positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube.

[0076] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the adapter unit has an insertion hole (144), the cylinder tube has an engagement recess (76), and one end of the positioning member is inserted into the insertion hole and engaged.

[0077] The adapter unit is positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube by one end of the positioning member passing through the insertion hole and engaging with the engagement recess. As a result, the adapter unit is prevented from falling off the cylinder tube during use of the fluid pressure cylinder. Accordingly, misalignment between the first input / output port and the second input / output port formed on the cylinder tube and the first supply / discharge pipe and the second supply / discharge pipe provided on the adapter unit is also prevented.

[0078] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the engaging recess is located between the first input / output port and the second input / output port, and the insertion hole is located between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0079] In this case, the space between the first input / output port and the second input / output port, which would otherwise be considered dead space, is avoided. In other words, the space between the first input / output port and the second input / output port can be effectively utilized. The same applies to the space between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0080] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the cylinder tube has adapter support surfaces (90, 92) that support the adapter unit, and the adapter unit can be attached to and detached from the cylinder by sliding along the adapter support surfaces.

[0081] In this configuration, the adapter unit can be attached to the cylinder tube by sliding it along the adapter support surface. Similarly, when detaching the adapter unit from the cylinder tube, the adapter unit is slid along the adapter support surface. Thus, according to this embodiment, the adapter unit can be easily attached to and detached from the cylinder tube.

[0082] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the adapter support surface has a flat surface extending along the axial direction.

[0083] On a flat surface, the adapter unit can easily slide along the adapter support surface. In other words, in this case, the adapter unit can slide smoothly along the adapter support surface. Therefore, attaching and detaching the adapter unit from the cylinder tube becomes even easier.

[0084] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the cylinder tube has a cylinder-side engaging portion (68), and the adapter unit has an adapter-side engaging portion (96) that can engage with the cylinder-side engaging portion, and the engagement of the cylinder-side engaging portion and the adapter-side engaging portion prevents relative movement of the cylinder tube and the adapter unit in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the adapter support surface.

[0085] The engagement portion on the cylinder side and the engagement portion on the adapter side engage with each other, preventing the adapter unit from falling off the cylinder tube.

[0086] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the cylinder tube has a plurality of cylinder-side engaging portions (73) including the cylinder-side engaging portion, and the adapter unit has a plurality of adapter-side engaging portions (97) including the adapter-side engaging portion.

[0087] This makes it even more difficult for the adapter unit to detach from the cylinder tube.

[0088] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the adapter unit comprises a base material (82) having a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole formed therein, a first slide pin (112a) and a second slide pin (112b) detachably mounted to the base material, a first pipe joint (128a) attached to the end of the first supply and discharge pipe, and a second pipe joint (128b) attached to the end of the second supply and discharge pipe, wherein the first pipe joint is positioned and fixed in the first mounting hole by the engagement of the first slide pin mounted on the base material with the first pipe joint, and the second pipe joint is positioned and fixed in the second mounting hole by the engagement of the second slide pin mounted on the base material with the second pipe joint.

[0089] With this configuration, the first and second pipe fittings can be positioned and fixed to the base material by attaching the first and second slide pins to the base material. Therefore, it is not necessary to screw the first and second slide pins into the base material. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is easy to position and fix the first and second pipe fittings to the base material. Furthermore, the first and second pipe fittings can be easily attached to and detached from the base material by attaching and detaching the first and second slide pins from the base material.

[0090] This embodiment discloses a fluid pressure cylinder in which the adapter unit portion has sensor mounting grooves (146a, 146b) on which the position sensor is mounted.

[0091] In this case, the position sensor is housed in the sensor mounting groove. Therefore, for example, when performing maintenance on a fluid pressure cylinder, interference between the position sensor and any object is avoided. In other words, the position sensor is protected.

[0092] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10...Air cylinder 12...Cylinder section 14…Adapter unit section 16…Cylinder tube 22...Piston chamber 26...Piston rod 30...Inner sealing member 34...Outer sealing member 38... Piston 50... Packing 52...Magnet 60...First flat part 62...Second flat part 64...Third flat part 68...First concave groove 72...First protruding end 73...Cylinder-side engaging portion 76...Engaging recess 80a...First sealing member 80b...Second sealing member 82...Base material 84a...First input / output port 84b...Second input / output port 86...Positioning pin 90...First bottom part 92...Second bottom part 96...Second protruding end 97...Adapter side engagement part 100...Third protruding end 102...Second concave groove 112a...First slide pin 112b...Second slide pin 116a…First mounting hole 116b…Second mounting hole 122a...First communication hole 122b...Second communication hole 128a...First pipe joint 128b...Second pipe joint 136a...First joint sealing member 136b...Second joint sealing member 138a...First engagement groove 138b...Second engagement groove 140a...First supply / discharge pipe 140b...Second supply / discharge pipe 144…Insertion hole 146a…First sensor mounting groove 146b...Second sensor mounting groove 148a...First position sensor 148b...Second position sensor

Claims

1. A cylinder section (12) having a cylinder tube (16) in which a piston chamber (22) is formed, and a piston (38) housed in the piston chamber and slidable in the axial direction of the cylinder tube, An adapter unit (14) that is detachably attached to the cylinder tube, A positioning member (86) for positioning the adapter unit portion relative to the cylinder portion, Equipped with, The cylinder tube has a first input / output port (84a) and a second input / output port (84b) that communicate with the piston chamber and supply and discharge pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. The adapter unit includes a first mounting hole (116a) for attaching a first supply / exhaust pipe (140a) connected to the first input / output port, a second mounting hole (116b) for attaching a second supply / exhaust pipe (140b) connected to the second input / output port, and position sensors (148a, 148b) for detecting the position of the piston. The adapter unit is detachable from the cylinder while holding the position sensor. Furthermore, the adapter unit is positioned and fixed to the cylinder tube via the positioning member, forming a fluid pressure cylinder (10).

2. In the fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 1, the adapter unit portion has an insertion hole (144), and the cylinder tube has an engagement recess (76), One end of the positioning member is inserted into the insertion hole and engaged with the fluid pressure cylinder.

3. In the fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 2, the engaging recess is located between the first input / output port and the second input / output port, The insertion hole is a fluid pressure cylinder located between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

4. In the fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 1, the cylinder tube has adapter support surfaces (90, 92) that support the adapter unit portion, A fluid pressure cylinder in which the adapter unit can be attached to and detached from the cylinder by sliding the adapter unit along the adapter support surface.

5. A fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 4, wherein the adapter support surface has a flat surface extending along the axial direction.

6. In the fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 5, the cylinder tube has a cylinder-side engaging portion (68), and the adapter unit has an adapter-side engaging portion (96) that can engage with the cylinder-side engaging portion. A fluid pressure cylinder in which the engagement of the cylinder-side engaging portion and the adapter-side engaging portion prevents relative movement of the cylinder tube and the adapter unit portion in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the adapter support surface.

7. A fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 6, wherein the cylinder tube has a plurality of cylinder-side engaging portions (73) including the cylinder-side engaging portion, and the adapter unit has a plurality of adapter-side engaging portions (97) including the adapter-side engaging portion.

8. A fluid pressure cylinder according to claim 1, wherein the adapter unit portion comprises a base material (82) having the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole formed therein, a first slide pin (112a) and a second slide pin (112b) detachably mounted to the base material, a first pipe joint (128a) attached to the end of the first supply and discharge pipe, and a second pipe joint (128b) attached to the end of the second supply and discharge pipe, wherein the first slide pin mounted on the base material engages with the first pipe joint to position and fix the first pipe joint in the first mounting hole, and the second slide pin mounted on the base material engages with the second pipe joint to position and fix the second pipe joint in the second mounting hole.

9. A fluid pressure cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the adapter unit portion has sensor mounting grooves (146a, 146b) on which the position sensor is mounted.

Images