US20050146252A1 - Cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder - Google Patents
Cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder Download PDFInfo
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- US20050146252A1 US20050146252A1 US10/747,048 US74704803A US2005146252A1 US 20050146252 A1 US20050146252 A1 US 20050146252A1 US 74704803 A US74704803 A US 74704803A US 2005146252 A1 US2005146252 A1 US 2005146252A1
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- cylinder
- chamber
- tubular housing
- pipes
- piston
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
- F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
- F15B15/28—Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
- F15B15/2815—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT
- F15B15/2838—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT with out using position sensors, e.g. by volume flow measurement or pump speed
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
- F15B11/02—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member
- F15B11/04—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed
- F15B11/042—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed by means in the feed line, i.e. "meter in"
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B11/00—Servomotor systems without provision for follow-up action; Circuits therefor
- F15B11/02—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member
- F15B11/04—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed
- F15B11/044—Systems essentially incorporating special features for controlling the speed or actuating force of an output member for controlling the speed by means in the return line, i.e. "meter out"
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/20—Fluid pressure source, e.g. accumulator or variable axial piston pump
- F15B2211/205—Systems with pumps
- F15B2211/2053—Type of pump
- F15B2211/20538—Type of pump constant capacity
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/30—Directional control
- F15B2211/305—Directional control characterised by the type of valves
- F15B2211/30525—Directional control valves, e.g. 4/3-directional control valve
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/405—Flow control characterised by the type of flow control means or valve
- F15B2211/40515—Flow control characterised by the type of flow control means or valve with variable throttles or orifices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/405—Flow control characterised by the type of flow control means or valve
- F15B2211/40576—Assemblies of multiple valves
- F15B2211/40584—Assemblies of multiple valves the flow control means arranged in parallel with a check valve
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/415—Flow control characterised by the connections of the flow control means in the circuit
- F15B2211/41527—Flow control characterised by the connections of the flow control means in the circuit being connected to an output member and a directional control valve
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/455—Control of flow in the feed line, i.e. meter-in control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/46—Control of flow in the return line, i.e. meter-out control
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/40—Flow control
- F15B2211/47—Flow control in one direction only
- F15B2211/473—Flow control in one direction only without restriction in the reverse direction
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/60—Circuit components or control therefor
- F15B2211/63—Electronic controllers
- F15B2211/6303—Electronic controllers using input signals
- F15B2211/6306—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a pressure
- F15B2211/6313—Electronic controllers using input signals representing a pressure the pressure being a load pressure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/70—Output members, e.g. hydraulic motors or cylinders or control therefor
- F15B2211/705—Output members, e.g. hydraulic motors or cylinders or control therefor characterised by the type of output members or actuators
- F15B2211/7051—Linear output members
- F15B2211/7053—Double-acting output members
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B2211/00—Circuits for servomotor systems
- F15B2211/70—Output members, e.g. hydraulic motors or cylinders or control therefor
- F15B2211/75—Control of speed of the output member
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a cylinder apparatus, and more particularly to a hydraulic or pneumatic system cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position in a cylinder of the cylinder apparatus.
- a conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position includes a cylinder ( 50 ), reed switches ( 54 ) and permanent magnets ( 521 ).
- the cylinder ( 50 ) generally includes a closed tubular housing ( 51 ), a piston ( 52 ) and a piston rod ( 53 ). Since operation of the cylinder ( 50 ) is conventional, no description of the cylinder ( 50 ) operation is provided.
- the conventional method of detecting the piston ( 52 ) position in a cylinder ( 50 ) uses the permanent magnets ( 521 ) and reed switches ( 54 ).
- the permanent magnet ( 521 ) is ring shaped and mounted around the piston ( 52 ).
- the reed switches ( 54 ) are respectively strapped to specific positions on the closed tubular housing ( 51 ).
- the piston ( 52 ) moves toward top dead center or bottom dead center in the closed tubular housing ( 51 ) and passes a reed switch ( 54 )
- the magnetic field of the permanent magnet ( 521 ) will trigger the reed switch ( 54 ).
- the reed switch ( 54 ) will send an electric signal to a host (not shown) that controls the entire system and stops or starts the piston moving and determines the direction of movement.
- the conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting the piston position in the cylinder ( 50 ) still has the following shortcomings.
- the reed switch ( 54 ) is strapped or clamped on the closed tubular housing ( 51 ), the reed switches ( 54 ) must be repeatedly unclamped and clamped to change or adjust the piston ( 52 ) position in the cylinder ( 50 ) to push an object to a required position. Especially, when the cylinder ( 50 ) is mounted inside a complex machine, unclamping or clamping the reed switches ( 54 ) is not easy and is inconvenient.
- the reed switches ( 54 ) sense the magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets ( 521 ) and send out an electric signal to the host.
- the reed switches ( 54 ) will sense the strong magnetic field and lose its capability to sense the position of the piston ( 52 ) correctly. Therefore, applications of the cylinder apparatus are significantly diminished and can only be used in machines that do not have strong magnetic fields.
- the present invention provides a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position in a cylinder of the cylinder apparatus to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
- the main objective of the invention is to provide a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position that is convenient to use.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a cylinder apparatus that can be broadly used in any hydraulic and pneumatic device.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cylinder apparatus in accordance with the present invention used in a simple hydraulic system
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cylinder apparatus in FIG. 1 used in a simple hydraulic system
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the cylinder apparatus used in a simple hydraulic system.
- FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder.
- a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position comprises a cylinder ( 10 ), pressure switches ( 20 ), throttling valves ( 30 , 30 ′) and a positive limit ( 40 ).
- the cylinder apparatus can be used in a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system.
- a double-acting cylinder with a piston rod used in a hydraulic system is described, but a person skilled in the art will recognize that a single-acting cylinder or a double-acting cylinder with two opposite piston rods can be used.
- the cylinder ( 10 ) is connected to a pumping device (not numbered) of the hydraulic system.
- the pumping device has a pump ( 60 ), pipes (not numbered) and directional control valves ( 61 ).
- the pump ( 60 ) is electrically connected to a controlling host (not shown) and pumps hydraulic fluid into the cylinder ( 10 ) via the pipes.
- the cylinder ( 10 ) includes a closed tubular housing ( 11 ), a piston ( 12 ) and an actuating device (not numbered).
- a complex hydraulic system can be constructed with the pump ( 60 ), the directional control valves ( 61 ) and the pipes, and a sophisticated cylinder ( 10 ) can also be constructed with the closed tubular housing ( 11 ), the piston ( 12 ) and the actuating device.
- a chamber (not number) is defined in the closed tubular housing ( 11 ), and the piston ( 12 ) is movably mounted in the chamber to move reciprocally in the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) and splits the chamber into a protruding chamber ( 111 ) and a retracting chamber ( 112 ).
- the actuating device is attached to the piston ( 12 ) and is adapted to push or carry an object to a proper position, where a next process will deal with the object.
- the actuating device in this preferred embodiment is a piston rod ( 13 ) with an inside end (not numbered) and an outside end (not numbered).
- the actuating device could be a carrier (not shown) attached to the piston ( 12 ) to carry the object for rodless cylinders, such as magnetic rodless cylinders.
- the inside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) is attached to the piston ( 12 ) in the closed tubular housing ( 11 ).
- the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) protrudes out of the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) and is adapted to push the object, such as a bottle ( 41 ) to a proper position.
- the protruding and the retracting chambers ( 111 , 112 ) are respectively connected to the pump ( 60 ) by means of the pipes through a directional control valve ( 61 ).
- the directional control valve ( 61 ) is connected to the pipes between the pump ( 60 ) and the cylinder ( 10 ) and is used to change the path of the hydraulic fluid pumped out of the pump ( 60 ) into the two chambers ( 111 , 112 ).
- a throttling valve ( 30 ′) is connected to the pipes between the directional control valve ( 61 ) and the protruding chamber ( 111 ) in the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) and is used to control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing into or out of the protruding chamber ( 111 ).
- the piston rod ( 13 ) can smoothly move out of the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) or smoothly retract into the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) by changing the path and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid into the different chambers ( 111 , 112 ).
- a one-direction throttling valve ( 30 ) is connected to the pipes between the directional control valve ( 61 ) and the retracting chamber ( 112 ) in the closed tubular housing ( 11 ) and throttles the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing out of the retracting chamber ( 112 ).
- the pressure switch ( 20 ) is connected to the pipes between the one-direction throttling valve ( 30 ) and the retracting chamber ( 112 ) and can be triggered by a pressure change in the retracting chamber ( 112 ).
- the pressure switch ( 20 ) can convert a physical signal to an electrical signal and send the electrical signal to the controlling host that controls the pump ( 60 ) and the directional control valve ( 61 ) to change the path of the hydraulic fluid.
- the positive limit ( 40 ) is positioned corresponding to the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) with a given distance that represents the proper position of the bottle ( 41 ) being moved.
- the bottle ( 41 ) is pushed by the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) to move until the bottle ( 41 ) abuts against the positive limit ( 40 ).
- the hydraulic fluid in the retracting chamber ( 111 ) flows out and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by the one-direction throttling valve ( 30 ) such that the piston ( 12 ) can smoothly move.
- the bottle ( 41 ) is pushed by the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) to move until the bottle ( 41 ) abuts the positive limit ( 40 ).
- the pressure in the retracting chamber ( 112 ) will be decreased while the movement of the bottle ( 41 ) is stopped by the positive limit ( 40 ).
- the decrement of the pressure in the retracting chamber ( 112 ) will trigger the pressure switch ( 20 ) to send the electrical signal to the controlling host to stop pumping or changing the path of the hydraulic fluid.
- the piston rod ( 13 ) can be retracted, and the bottle ( 41 ) is pushed to the proper position, where a next process in a product line is prepared to handle the bottle ( 41 ), such as a sealing process for the bottle ( 41 ).
- the pressure in the retracting chamber ( 112 ) is generally changed as the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) pushes the bottle ( 41 ) to abut the positive limit ( 40 ) each time. Therefore, the given distance between the positive limit ( 40 ) and an original position of the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ) will represent a proper movement of the bottle ( 41 ). Consequently, the movement of the piston rod ( 13 ) will be equal to the given distance between the positive limit ( 40 ) and the original position of the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ). Manufactures only have to adjust the positive limit ( 40 ) corresponding to the outside end of the piston rod ( 13 ). The object, such as the bottle ( 41 ) will always be pushed to abut the positive limit ( 40 ) with the proper position, where the sealing process deals with the bottle ( 41 ).
- an alternative embodiment of the invention has an additional feature that can be implemented with a one-direction throttling valve ( 30 ) and a pressure switch ( 20 ) connected to the pipes between the protruding chamber ( 111 ) and the directional control valve ( 61 ).
- a one-direction throttling valve ( 30 ) and a pressure switch ( 20 ) connected to the pipes between the protruding chamber ( 111 ) and the directional control valve ( 61 ).
- the controlling host can receive two electrical signals that are respectively sent out by the two pressure switches ( 20 ) that are respectively triggered by the changes of the pressure in the chambers ( 111 , 112 ).
- the controlling host can compare with the two signals and take a suitable action to position the bottle ( 40 ) in an exact position each time. For instance, if the controlling host does not receive the signals sent out by both the pressure switches ( 20 ) at the same time, one of the pressure switches ( 20 ) may be broken down or working abnormally. The controlling host could stop the movement of the piston ( 12 ) and send out alarms to notify a repairman to check the pressure switches ( 20 ) to avoid any possible mistakes occurring.
- the cylinder apparatus is very convenient to adjust.
- the pressure switch ( 20 ) can be installed and connected to the pipes at any conveniently and easily accessible position to make replacement of the pressure switch ( 20 ) convenient and easy.
- the pressure switches ( 20 ) are standard products in the hydraulic and pneumatic actuating industry, and a proper pressure switch ( 20 ) is conveniently selected to install. Also, the cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position as described overcomes interference by spurious magnetic fields.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Abstract
A cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position includes a cylinder, a throttling valve, a positive limit and a pressure switch. A piston is movably mounted in the cylinder. A piston rod with an outside end protruding out of the cylinder is attached to the piston and adapted to push an object. The cylinder is connected to a pump with pipes. The throttling valve and the pressure switch are connected to the pipes, and the pressure switch is installed between the cylinder and the throttling valve. Consequently, when the pump starts pumping, the piston rod pushes the object to abut the positive limit. The stopped movement of the piston rod will change the pressure in the cylinder that triggers the pressure switch to send a signal to a controlling host to stop the pump.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a cylinder apparatus, and more particularly to a hydraulic or pneumatic system cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position in a cylinder of the cylinder apparatus.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- In most hydraulic and pneumatic powered devices, cylinder apparatuses are the basic actuating elements. With reference to
FIG. 4 , a conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position includes a cylinder (50), reed switches (54) and permanent magnets (521). The cylinder (50) generally includes a closed tubular housing (51), a piston (52) and a piston rod (53). Since operation of the cylinder (50) is conventional, no description of the cylinder (50) operation is provided. - The conventional method of detecting the piston (52) position in a cylinder (50) uses the permanent magnets (521) and reed switches (54). The permanent magnet (521) is ring shaped and mounted around the piston (52). The reed switches (54) are respectively strapped to specific positions on the closed tubular housing (51). When the piston (52) moves toward top dead center or bottom dead center in the closed tubular housing (51) and passes a reed switch (54), the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (521) will trigger the reed switch (54). The reed switch (54) will send an electric signal to a host (not shown) that controls the entire system and stops or starts the piston moving and determines the direction of movement.
- However, the conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting the piston position in the cylinder (50) still has the following shortcomings.
- 1. Inconvenient Operation:
- Because the reed switch (54) is strapped or clamped on the closed tubular housing (51), the reed switches (54) must be repeatedly unclamped and clamped to change or adjust the piston (52) position in the cylinder (50) to push an object to a required position. Especially, when the cylinder (50) is mounted inside a complex machine, unclamping or clamping the reed switches (54) is not easy and is inconvenient.
- 2. Limited Application:
- As described in the foregoing description, the reed switches (54) sense the magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets (521) and send out an electric signal to the host. However, if the conventional cylinder apparatus is used in a machine that has a strong magnetic field around or in the machine, the reed switches (54) will sense the strong magnetic field and lose its capability to sense the position of the piston (52) correctly. Therefore, applications of the cylinder apparatus are significantly diminished and can only be used in machines that do not have strong magnetic fields. To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position in a cylinder of the cylinder apparatus to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.
- The main objective of the invention is to provide a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position that is convenient to use.
- Another objective of the invention is to provide a cylinder apparatus that can be broadly used in any hydraulic and pneumatic device.
- Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cylinder apparatus in accordance with the present invention used in a simple hydraulic system; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cylinder apparatus inFIG. 1 used in a simple hydraulic system; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the cylinder apparatus used in a simple hydraulic system; and -
FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a conventional cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position comprises a cylinder (10), pressure switches (20), throttling valves (30, 30′) and a positive limit (40). The cylinder apparatus can be used in a hydraulic system or a pneumatic system. A double-acting cylinder with a piston rod used in a hydraulic system is described, but a person skilled in the art will recognize that a single-acting cylinder or a double-acting cylinder with two opposite piston rods can be used. - The cylinder (10) is connected to a pumping device (not numbered) of the hydraulic system. The pumping device has a pump (60), pipes (not numbered) and directional control valves (61). The pump (60) is electrically connected to a controlling host (not shown) and pumps hydraulic fluid into the cylinder (10) via the pipes.
- The cylinder (10) includes a closed tubular housing (11), a piston (12) and an actuating device (not numbered). A complex hydraulic system can be constructed with the pump (60), the directional control valves (61) and the pipes, and a sophisticated cylinder (10) can also be constructed with the closed tubular housing (11), the piston (12) and the actuating device. A chamber (not number) is defined in the closed tubular housing (11), and the piston (12) is movably mounted in the chamber to move reciprocally in the closed tubular housing (11) and splits the chamber into a protruding chamber (111) and a retracting chamber (112). The actuating device is attached to the piston (12) and is adapted to push or carry an object to a proper position, where a next process will deal with the object. The actuating device in this preferred embodiment is a piston rod (13) with an inside end (not numbered) and an outside end (not numbered). The actuating device could be a carrier (not shown) attached to the piston (12) to carry the object for rodless cylinders, such as magnetic rodless cylinders. The inside end of the piston rod (13) is attached to the piston (12) in the closed tubular housing (11). The outside end of the piston rod (13) protrudes out of the closed tubular housing (11) and is adapted to push the object, such as a bottle (41) to a proper position.
- The protruding and the retracting chambers (111, 112) are respectively connected to the pump (60) by means of the pipes through a directional control valve (61). The directional control valve (61) is connected to the pipes between the pump (60) and the cylinder (10) and is used to change the path of the hydraulic fluid pumped out of the pump (60) into the two chambers (111, 112). A throttling valve (30′) is connected to the pipes between the directional control valve (61) and the protruding chamber (111) in the closed tubular housing (11) and is used to control the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing into or out of the protruding chamber (111). Therefore, the piston rod (13) can smoothly move out of the closed tubular housing (11) or smoothly retract into the closed tubular housing (11) by changing the path and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid into the different chambers (111, 112). A one-direction throttling valve (30) is connected to the pipes between the directional control valve (61) and the retracting chamber (112) in the closed tubular housing (11) and throttles the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing out of the retracting chamber (112). The pressure switch (20) is connected to the pipes between the one-direction throttling valve (30) and the retracting chamber (112) and can be triggered by a pressure change in the retracting chamber (112). The pressure switch (20) can convert a physical signal to an electrical signal and send the electrical signal to the controlling host that controls the pump (60) and the directional control valve (61) to change the path of the hydraulic fluid.
- The positive limit (40) is positioned corresponding to the outside end of the piston rod (13) with a given distance that represents the proper position of the bottle (41) being moved. The bottle (41) is pushed by the outside end of the piston rod (13) to move until the bottle (41) abuts against the positive limit (40).
- To operate the cylinder apparatus, only an appropriate pressure switch (20) has to be installed. When the hydraulic fluid flows into the protruding chamber (111) by the pump (60) continuously pumping, the pressure in the protruding chamber (111) will be instantly increased. However, the pressure in both the protruding chamber (111) and the retracting chamber (112) will be equalized. Therefore, a force proportional to the pressure in the protruding chamber (111) is produced and pushes the piston (12) toward the retracting chamber (112) to equalize the pressure in both chambers (111, 112). At the same time, the hydraulic fluid in the retracting chamber (111) flows out and the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by the one-direction throttling valve (30) such that the piston (12) can smoothly move. Thus, the bottle (41) is pushed by the outside end of the piston rod (13) to move until the bottle (41) abuts the positive limit (40). For an instant, the pressure in the retracting chamber (112) will be decreased while the movement of the bottle (41) is stopped by the positive limit (40). The decrement of the pressure in the retracting chamber (112) will trigger the pressure switch (20) to send the electrical signal to the controlling host to stop pumping or changing the path of the hydraulic fluid. At this time, the piston rod (13) can be retracted, and the bottle (41) is pushed to the proper position, where a next process in a product line is prepared to handle the bottle (41), such as a sealing process for the bottle (41).
- The pressure in the retracting chamber (112) is generally changed as the outside end of the piston rod (13) pushes the bottle (41) to abut the positive limit (40) each time. Therefore, the given distance between the positive limit (40) and an original position of the outside end of the piston rod (13) will represent a proper movement of the bottle (41). Consequently, the movement of the piston rod (13) will be equal to the given distance between the positive limit (40) and the original position of the outside end of the piston rod (13). Manufactures only have to adjust the positive limit (40) corresponding to the outside end of the piston rod (13). The object, such as the bottle (41) will always be pushed to abut the positive limit (40) with the proper position, where the sealing process deals with the bottle (41).
- With reference to
FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of the invention has an additional feature that can be implemented with a one-direction throttling valve (30) and a pressure switch (20) connected to the pipes between the protruding chamber (111) and the directional control valve (61). In such a structure, when the outside end of the piston rod (13) pushes the bottle (41) against the positive limit (40), the pressure in the retracting chamber (112) will decrease and the pressure in the protruding chamber (111) will increase. Therefore, the controlling host can receive two electrical signals that are respectively sent out by the two pressure switches (20) that are respectively triggered by the changes of the pressure in the chambers (111, 112). The controlling host can compare with the two signals and take a suitable action to position the bottle (40) in an exact position each time. For instance, if the controlling host does not receive the signals sent out by both the pressure switches (20) at the same time, one of the pressure switches (20) may be broken down or working abnormally. The controlling host could stop the movement of the piston (12) and send out alarms to notify a repairman to check the pressure switches (20) to avoid any possible mistakes occurring. - The cylinder apparatus is very convenient to adjust. The pressure switch (20) can be installed and connected to the pipes at any conveniently and easily accessible position to make replacement of the pressure switch (20) convenient and easy. The pressure switches (20) are standard products in the hydraulic and pneumatic actuating industry, and a proper pressure switch (20) is conveniently selected to install. Also, the cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting a piston position as described overcomes interference by spurious magnetic fields.
- Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, 11 and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
Claims (8)
1. A cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder of a cylinder and the cylinder apparatus comprising:
a cylinder having
a closed tubular housing with a chamber defined in the closed tubular housing and adapted to connect to a pump with pipes;
a piston movably mounted in the chamber in the closed tubular housing and splitting the chamber into a retracting chamber and a protruding chamber; and
an actuating device coupled to the piston and adapted to selectively push and carry an object;
a positive limit positioned corresponding to the actuating device adapted to stop movement of the actuating device;
a first throttling valve selectively connected to the pipes between one of the retracting and the protruding chambers and the pump; and
a first pressure switch connected to the pipes between the first throttling valve and the chamber.
2. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein
the actuating device is a piston rod with an inside end and an outside end, the inside end of the piston rod attached to the piston in the closed tubular housing and the outside end of the piston rod extending out of the closed tubular housing and adapted to push the object to abut the positive limit.
3. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein
the first throttling valve is connected to the pipes between the retracting chamber in the closed tubular housing and the pump, and
the first pressure switch is connected to the pipes between the retracting chamber in the closed tubular housing and the first throttling valve.
4. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein
the first throttling valve is connected to the pipes between the protruding chamber in the closed tubular housing and the pump, and
the first pressure switch is connected to the pipes between the protruding chamber in the closed tubular housing and the first throttling valve.
5. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein
the cylinder apparatus further comprises
a second throttling valve connected to the pipes between the retracting chamber in the closed tubular housing and the pump, and
a second pressure switch connected to the pipes between the retracting chamber in the closed tubular housing and the second throttling valve.
6. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the first throttling valve is one-directional.
7. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first throttling valve is one-directional.
8. The cylinder apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein both the first and the second throttling valves are one-directional.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/747,048 US20050146252A1 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2003-12-30 | Cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/747,048 US20050146252A1 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2003-12-30 | Cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050146252A1 true US20050146252A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
Family
ID=34710763
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/747,048 Abandoned US20050146252A1 (en) | 2003-12-30 | 2003-12-30 | Cylinder apparatus with a capability of detecting piston position in a cylinder |
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Cited By (10)
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EP2464792A1 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2012-06-20 | Oilquick AB | Tool holder with hydraulically controlled locking function |
CN103552081A (en) * | 2013-10-22 | 2014-02-05 | 郅健斌 | Method for controlling Z-axis lifting air cylinder of stacking manipulator |
WO2016123050A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2016-08-04 | Wagner Spray Tech Corporation | Piston limit sensing for fluid application |
TWI641761B (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-11-21 | 日商Smc股份有限公司 | Fluid pressure cylinder |
CN108883915A (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2018-11-23 | 株式会社多田野 | crane |
TWI646265B (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2019-01-01 | 日商Smc股份有限公司 | Driving method and driving device of fluid pressure cylinder |
CN109989951A (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2019-07-09 | 贵州大学 | A kind of varying load job platform decrease speed control device and method |
US10415710B2 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2019-09-17 | Kyb-Ys Co., Ltd. | Rotary valve and fluid pressure actuator unit including rotary valve |
US10941762B2 (en) | 2015-01-30 | 2021-03-09 | Wagner Spray Tech Corporation | Piston limit sensing and software control for fluid application |
WO2022254403A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-08 | Danfoss Power Solutions Ii Technology A/S | Actuator deadhead/stall detection in a load sense hydraulic system |
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US3941549A (en) * | 1974-06-26 | 1976-03-02 | Jacobs Arthur W | Reciprocating screw injection molding machine with hydraulic actuating mechanism with prefill valve |
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Cited By (15)
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EP2464792A1 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2012-06-20 | Oilquick AB | Tool holder with hydraulically controlled locking function |
EP2464792A4 (en) * | 2009-08-11 | 2014-06-11 | Oilquick Ab | Tool holder with hydraulically controlled locking function |
CN103552081A (en) * | 2013-10-22 | 2014-02-05 | 郅健斌 | Method for controlling Z-axis lifting air cylinder of stacking manipulator |
US10415710B2 (en) * | 2014-12-16 | 2019-09-17 | Kyb-Ys Co., Ltd. | Rotary valve and fluid pressure actuator unit including rotary valve |
WO2016123050A1 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2016-08-04 | Wagner Spray Tech Corporation | Piston limit sensing for fluid application |
CN107110135A (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2017-08-29 | 瓦格纳喷涂技术有限公司 | The piston limit sensing applied for fluid |
EP3250824A4 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2018-10-17 | Wagner Spray Tech Corporation | Piston limit sensing for fluid application |
US10941762B2 (en) | 2015-01-30 | 2021-03-09 | Wagner Spray Tech Corporation | Piston limit sensing and software control for fluid application |
US20190106301A1 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2019-04-11 | Tadano Ltd. | Crane |
CN108883915A (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2018-11-23 | 株式会社多田野 | crane |
US10604385B2 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2020-03-31 | Tadano Ltd. | Crane |
TWI646265B (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2019-01-01 | 日商Smc股份有限公司 | Driving method and driving device of fluid pressure cylinder |
TWI641761B (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-11-21 | 日商Smc股份有限公司 | Fluid pressure cylinder |
CN109989951A (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2019-07-09 | 贵州大学 | A kind of varying load job platform decrease speed control device and method |
WO2022254403A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-08 | Danfoss Power Solutions Ii Technology A/S | Actuator deadhead/stall detection in a load sense hydraulic system |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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