JPS63293317A - Flexible holding device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate a plastic deformation portion and to improve the bearability by utilizing the expansion of diameter owing to the pressure of plate springs which are installed respectively in a cylinder and a rotary member opposed each other, for driving a rod movable in the longitudinal direction of the arm. CONSTITUTION:When a handle 34 is rotated in the pressing direction, the larger diameter part 24 of a shaft 22 and a pressing ring 38 approach each other, and the both members press the centers of plate springs 36a and 36b. As a result, the edges of the plate springs 36a and 36b expand outward, and the both springs push rods 50a and 50b toward ball joints 48a and 48b. By pushing pressing bodies 54a and 54b of the ball joints 48a and 48b with the tops of the rods 50a and 50b, and by fixing balls 56a and 56b, the ball joints 48a and 48b are fixed. On the other hand, a rotary member 16 is fixed to a cylinder unit 10 by pressing its surface opposite to the cylinder unit 10 and the cylinder unit 10 surface each other when the larger diameter part 24 of the shaft 22 and the pressing ring 28 approach.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a flexible support device for fixedly supporting a measuring instrument or the like at an arbitrary angular position.

(Prior art) Conventionally, many devices have been developed to securely support measuring instruments, etc. at arbitrary angular positions, and are tightened using hydraulic pressure.
The applicant of this application also has a hydraulic swivel support device
-197945, etc.). However, hydraulic swivel support devices have problems such as fluid volume loss and changes in oil volume due to temperature changes, and the applicant has recently developed a mechanical swivel support device and has filed a patent application (
``Universal Support Device'' (filed on May 8, 1985).

The flexible support device is shown in FIG.

This flexible support device has the following configuration. In other words,
A cylinder 100 with one end open is bored, and the cylinder 1
A cylinder unit 102 is provided with a flange or groove on the outer peripheral surface near the opening end, and a bottomed space 104 is provided, and the space 104 communicates with the cylinder 100, and the space 104 is connected to the cylinder 100.
It is disposed near the opening end of the cylinder unit 102 and is rotatably engaged with the flange or groove of the cylinder unit 102 to be rotatable toward the cylinder unit 102 and slightly movable in the axial direction of the rotation surface. When a force is applied in the direction of separating from the unit 102, the opposing surfaces of the concave and convex engagement press against each other to prevent rotation with respect to the cylinder unit 102, a rotating part 106, and a through hole in the length direction. 108 is bored and one end is fixed to the cylinder unit 102, the through hole 108 is connected to a first arm 110 communicating with the cylinder 100 of the cylinder unit 102, and a through hole 112 is bored in the length direction. a second arm 114 whose one end is fixed to the rotating part 106 and whose through hole 112 communicates with the space 104 of the rotating part 106; and the first and second arms 110, 114. ball joints 116, 118 disposed at the tips of the and through holes 108 of the first and second arms 110, 114;
．． rods 120 and 122 disposed within the cylinder unit 112 and movable in the lengthwise direction of the arm; and rods 120 and 122 movable within the cylinder 100 of the cylinder unit 102 and into the space 104 of the rotating part 106 that is in communication with the cylinder 100. and when a pressing force is applied, each rod 120, 122 is pushed toward the distal end of each arm to fix each corresponding ball joint 116, 118 at an arbitrary inclination angle, Pressing the inner wall of the space of the rotating part 106 and pressing the contact surfaces of the rotating part 106 and the cylinder unit 102 to fix the rotating part 106 to the cylinder unit 102 at an arbitrary rotation position. This is a flexible support device characterized by comprising pressing members 124a, 124b, and 124c for the purpose of pressing, and a handle 126 for adjusting the pressing force on the pressing members 124a, 124b, and 124C.

(Problems and Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, although the above-mentioned mechanical flexible support device was able to solve the problems of liquid volume loss and container change, it has the following problems.

Since the pressure point is a sliding point, there is a problem in connection that repeated sliding under high pressure can cause plastic changes and galling at the contact point, which in severe cases can impair functionality. . Therefore, in order to make the pressing member etc. durable against the above-mentioned phenomenon, selection of materials, heat treatment, etc. are required, resulting in an increase in cost.

Although it is possible to overcome the above-mentioned plastic deformation and galling phenomena by replacing parts, there is a problem in that the frequency of replacement is increased and the cost increases when used for a long period of time.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive mechanical swivel support device that does not cause plasticity or galling of the pressing member.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, a cylinder unit in which a through hole is bored and a bottomed space are provided, and the space is connected to the through hole, is rotatable to the cylinder unit, and is rotated in the axial direction of the rotating surface. a rotating part that is provided so as to be slightly movable toward the cylinder unit, and whose surfaces facing the cylinder unit press against each other to prevent rotation relative to the cylinder unit when a force in a direction approaching the cylinder unit is applied; , a through hole is formed in the length direction, one end is fixed to the cylinder unit, and the through hole is connected to a first arm communicating with the through hole of the cylinder unit, and a through hole is formed in the length direction. The through hole has a second arm that communicates with the space of the rotating section, and a ball disposed at the tips of the first and second arms. a joint; a rod disposed within the through holes of the first and second arms and movable in the length direction of the arms; disposed within the through holes of the cylinder unit and within the space of the rotating part; When a pressing force is applied, each of the rods is pushed toward the tip of each arm to fix each corresponding ball joint at an arbitrary inclination angle, and the rotating part and the cylinder unit are opposed to each other. It is characterized by comprising a pressing member for fixing the rotating part at an arbitrary rotational position with respect to the cylinder unit by pressing the surfaces, and a handle for adjusting the pressing force on the pressing member. .

(effect) The operation will be explained with reference to the drawings.

When the handle 34 is rotated in the pressing direction, the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 220 that is the pressing member and the pressing ring 38 that is the pressing member
approaches. At this time, the large diameter portion 24 and the pressing ring 38 press the center of the temporary springs 36a and 36b, which are pressing members. The edges of leaf springs 36a, 36b then expand outward and connect rods 50a, 50b to ball joints 48a, 48b, respectively.
Push in the direction of . The ends of the rods 50a, 50b pushed in the direction of the ball joints 48a, 48b push the pressing bodies 54a, 54b of the ball joints 48a, 48b, and the ball portions 56a, 56b
to be fixed. By fixing the ball portions 56a, 56b, the ball joints 48a, 48b are fixed.

On the other hand, the surface of the rotating portion 16 facing the cylinder unit 10 is pressed against each other when the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 and the press ring 38 approach, and is fixed to the cylinder unit 10 .

(Embodiments) Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, the configuration will be explained.

In FIG. 1, 10 is a cylinder unit, which has a two-stage structure in which a through hole 12 is bored in the center and a step 14 is provided.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a rotating portion, and a space portion 18 is formed inside. The lower end in the drawing is closed by a closing member 20 fixed thereto. Further, the open end surface of the rotating portion 16 is arranged to face the upper and lower end surfaces of the cylinder unit 10 in the drawing, and the through hole 12 of the cylinder unit 10 and the space 18 of the rotating portion 16 are in communication.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a shaft which is a pressing member, and as seen in the drawing, a large diameter portion 24 is formed at the lower end thereof and is prevented from being removed from the space 18 of the rotating portion 16. A flange 26 is formed at the lower end of the large diameter portion 24, and a rubber bushing 30 is inserted between the flange 26 and a step 28 in the space 18. The upper end of the shaft 22 passes through the through hole 12 of the cylinder unit IO and is formed with a male butterfly portion 32 on its outer periphery.

34 is a handle, which is screwed onto the male butterfly portion 32 of the shaft 22 protruding from the cylinder unit IO.

36a and 36b are also leaf springs which are pressing members, and two leaf springs each are fitted around the shaft 22 so as to be freely rotatable.

38 is also a press ring which is a press member, and is fitted onto the shaft 22 so as to be freely rotatable.

40 is a bushing that closes the gap between the shaft 22 and the through hole 12.

42 is a first arm, one end of which is screwed onto the cylinder unit 10, and a through hole 46a is bored in the center, and the through hole 46a communicates with the through hole 12 of the cylinder unit IO. A ball joint 48a is arranged at the other end of the first arm 42. A rod 50a is disposed within the through hole 46a of the first arm 42 so as to be movable in its length direction, and one end of the rod 50a reaches the edge of the leaf spring 36a in the cylinder unit 10. and the other end is a ball joint 48a.
reaches inside. Note that the ball joint 48a is fixed to the base 52.

44 is a second arm, one end of which is screwed onto the rotating portion 16, and a through hole 46b is bored in the center.
b communicates with the space 18 of the rotating part 16. A ball joint 48b is arranged at the other end of the second arm 44. A rod 50b is disposed within the through hole 46b of the second arm 44 so as to be movable in its length direction, and one end of the rod 50b reaches the edge of the leaf spring 36b within the rotating portion 16. The other end reaches the inside of the ball joint 48b.

Note that the ball joint 48b is connected to a fixture (not shown) and supports a measuring instrument or the like (not shown).

The operation of the universal support device configured as above will be explained.

First, we will discuss the fixed case.

When the handle 34 is rotated in the tightening direction, the lower end surface of the handle 34 descends as shown in the drawing, pushing the pressure ring 38 downward. At the same time, the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 also moves toward (approaches) the pressure ring 38 against the elasticity of the rubber bush 30. When the press ring 38 and the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 approach each other, the lower surface of the press ring 38 presses the center of the leaf spring 36a, and the upper surface of the large diameter portion 24 presses the center of the leaf spring 36b. Both leaf springs 36a and 36b are designed so that when the center portion is pressed, the outer edges expand outward.
Push the inner ends of the rods 50a, 50b, which are in contact with each other, outward. a rod 50a with its inner end pushed outward;
50b is a pressing body 54 in the ball joints 48a and 48b, respectively.
a, push 54b outward.

The pressed pressing bodies 54a and 54b each have a ball portion 56.
By pressing a, 56b, each ball joint 48a, 4
8b is fixed. Further, the rotating portion 16 has a pressing ring 38
When the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 approaches, the opposing surfaces of the rotating portion 16 and the cylinder unit 10 are brought into pressure contact with each other, thereby being fixed to the cylinder unit 10 at an arbitrary angle.

To loosen the fixation, rotate the handle 34 in the opposite direction to the tightening direction. Then, due to the elastic force of the leaf springs 36a, 36b, the press ring 38 and the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 move in the direction away from each other (.Then, the pressing force applied to the center of the temporary springs 36a, 36b is released, and the plate spring 36a,
The outer edge of 36b returns to its previous position by its own elasticity. Then, the rods 50a, 50b that had been pressed outward are also released from the pressure, so the rods 5Qa, 50b move slightly in the direction of the leaf springs 36a, 36b due to their own elasticity. Then, the pressure of the rods 50a, 50b on the pressing bodies 54a, 54b is released, and the pressing of the pressing bodies 54a, 54b on the ball parts 56a, 56b is also released, and the double joint 48a is released.
, 48b are unlocked. Press ring 38 at the same time
Since the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 moves in the direction of separation, the pressure contact between the rotating portion 16 and the cylinder unit 10 on the opposing surfaces is also released, and the rotating portion 16 can freely rotate relative to the cylinder unit 10. At this time, since the rubber bush 30 is disposed within the space 18 of the rotating part 16, it is possible to gradually release the pressure contact between the rotating part 16 and the cylinder unit (10), and at the same time the rotating part 16 is released. This makes it possible to prevent a measuring instrument or the like (not shown) from suddenly rotating relative to the cylinder unit 10 and falling over unexpectedly.

In the above-described embodiment, a plate spring 36a is provided as a part of the pressing member.
, 36b is used, but the leaf springs 36a136b are not two leaf springs, but may be one, three or more leaf springs as long as sufficient rigidity and elasticity can be ensured.

Furthermore, the lengths and diameters do not necessarily have to be equal. Resin or the like may be used as long as the material has sufficient rigidity and elasticity. Next, FIGS. 2 to 4 show the leaf springs 36a and 3.
Another example of how to arrange 6b will be shown. In either case, the leaf spring may slide, so use an appropriate stopper (
(not shown) to prevent the temporary spring from sliding.

Although not shown, the leaf springs 36a and 36b of the pressing member
Instead, if you press the center part, the edges will open outwards (
The structure does not necessarily have to be elastic, as long as it can press the rods 50a, 50b outward when the press ring 38 and the large diameter portion 24 of the shaft 22 approach each other.

Various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it goes without saying that many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. be.

(Effects of the Invention) When the flexible support device according to the present invention is used, plastic deformation and galling phenomena do not occur at the contact points of the pressing member, etc., so the durability of the device is improved and a device with a long life can be provided. . In addition, since high precision and high quality are not required for the parts constituting the device, it is possible to provide a device at low cost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of the universal support device according to the present invention, and FIG.
4 to 4 are front sectional views of main parts showing other embodiments, and FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of a conventional universal support device. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Cylinder unit, 12... Through hole, 16... Rotating part, 18...
Space part, 22... Shaft, 24... Large diameter part, 34... Handle, 36a,
36b...plate spring, 38...pressing ring, 42...first arm, 44
...Second arm, 46a, 46b...Through hole, 48a, 48b...Ball joint, 50a150b...Rod.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A cylinder unit having a through hole formed therein and a bottomed space, the space communicating with the through hole and being rotatable to the cylinder unit, and The rotating surface is provided so as to be able to move slightly in the axial direction, and when a force is applied in the direction toward the cylinder unit, the surfaces facing the cylinder unit are pressed against each other to prevent rotation relative to the cylinder unit. a first arm having a through hole bored in the length direction, one end of which is fixed to the cylinder unit, and the through hole communicating with the through hole of the cylinder unit; A through hole is formed in the direction, one end is fixed to the rotating part, and the through hole is connected to a second arm communicating with the space of the rotating part, and the first and second arms. a ball joint disposed at the tip; a rod disposed within the through holes of the first and second arms and movable in the length direction of the arms; and a rod disposed within the through holes of the cylinder unit and of the rotating portion. When a pressing force is applied to the space, each rod is pushed toward the distal end of each arm to fix each corresponding ball joint at an arbitrary inclination angle, and the rotating portion and a pressing member for pressing opposing surfaces of the cylinder unit to fix the rotating part at an arbitrary rotational position with respect to the cylinder unit, and a handle for adjusting the pressing force on the pressing member. A flexible support device characterized by: