Patent No.:CN106090100A Date:2016-08-11

Google Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN106090100A/en?oq=CN106090100A

China Patent: http://epub.cnipa.gov.cn/

A Compressible Gas Spring with an Arbitrarily Lockable Device

Abstract:

The invention relates to a compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device, which is provided with a locking device installed on the right side of the compressible gas spring. The locking device includes a fixed component that can be connected to the cylinder of the compressible gas spring and a locking component that achieves the locking of the piston rod of the compressible gas spring through the relative movement of the fixed component. The locking component is installed on the fixed component. The design of this invention is ingenious, convenient to use, sturdy, durable, and requires little external force.

Description:

A Compressible Gas Spring with an Arbitrarily Lockable Device

Technical Field: The invention relates to a compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device.

Background Technology: At present, ordinary compressible gas springs have difficulty locking in position. The compression or extension of these springs is done through an interconnected hole on the valve body piston. When a slow extension speed is required, the compression force must be increased, which becomes very heavy.

Summary of the Invention: The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide an arbitrarily lockable device for a compressible gas spring that is reasonably designed, compact in structure, and easy to use.

To solve the above problem, the technical solution adopted in this invention is: The basic structure of this invention includes a cylinder, a left connection piece set at the left end of the cylinder, a piston rod installed in the cylinder, a piston installed on the piston rod and located inside the cylinder, a guiding and sealing component set at the right part of the cylinder, a locking device installed on the right side of the cylinder, a right connection piece set at the right end of the piston rod, and a power source gas set inside the cylinder.

Additionally, it includes a locking device installed on the right side of the compressible gas spring. The key point is: the locking device includes a fixed component connected to the cylinder of the compressible gas spring and a locking component that achieves the locking of the piston rod of the compressible gas spring through the relative movement of the fixed component. The locking component is installed on the fixed component.

The piston rod sequentially passes through the guiding and sealing component and the locking device. The locking device includes a locking assembly sleeve on the right end of the cylinder, an end closure set at the right end of the locking assembly sleeve, a limit tube groove set between the locking assembly sleeve and the cylinder, a radial through-hole set vertically on the cylinder, a unlocking lever set vertically within the radial through-hole, a pivot point shaft set at the lower end of the outer wall of the cylinder, at least two split elastic lock blocks evenly distributed inside the cylinder, a lock block pressing sleeve set at the right side of the split elastic lock blocks, a spring set between the positioning rebate at the right end of the lock block pressing sleeve and the end closure, and an unlocking pull wire set on the outer wall of the locking assembly sleeve.

The split elastic lock blocks are configured to embrace the outer wall of the piston rod. The outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks contacts the left end rebate inner wall of the lock block pressing sleeve. An annular inner groove is set on the inner wall of the split elastic lock blocks, and a wire spring is set within the inner groove. The middle circumference of the unlocking lever surrounds the outer side of the split elastic lock blocks and is located on the left side of the lock block pressing sleeve. The upper end of the unlocking lever is connected to the pull wire head of the unlocking pull wire. The lower end of the unlocking lever passes through the radial through-hole and swings around the pivot point shaft. An oscillation gap is set between the radial through-hole and the unlocking lever along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve. The rightmost point of the upper end of the oscillating unlocking lever is located on the right side of the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve. The unlocking lever contacts the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve. The outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks forms an outer conical surface, and the left end rebate of the lock block pressing sleeve is equipped with an inner conical surface corresponding to the outer conical surface. The radial through-hole is a long hole set along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve. The length of the oscillation gap is greater than the distance between the unlocking lever and the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve. A sealing groove is set on the piston, and a sealing ring for sealing the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder is set within the sealing groove. The piston separates the cylinder chamber into a rod chamber and a non-rod chamber. The rod chamber is located on the right side of the non-rod chamber. A damping hole is set on the piston to communicate the sealing groove and the non-rod chamber. An air return hole is set on the piston to communicate the sealing groove and the rod chamber. A fitting gap is set between the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder. The air return hole and the damping hole respectively communicate with the bottom of the sealing groove. The guiding and sealing component includes a first sealing sleeve, a second sealing sleeve, and a third sealing sleeve sequentially set in the cylinder from left to right. Sealing rings are set between the first sealing sleeve and the second sealing sleeve, and between the second sealing sleeve and the third sealing sleeve. The first sealing sleeve, second sealing sleeve, and third sealing sleeve are respectively riveted within the right end of the cylinder chamber. A double-position sealing end plug is set at the left end of the cylinder, and the left connection piece is set at the left end of the double-position sealing end plug. The taper of the outer conical surface and the inner conical surface is either 1:5, 1:10, or 7:24.

The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: The preferred design includes a return air hole and a damping hole on the piston assembly. The return air hole functions when the piston rod is compressed, while the damping hole functions when the piston rod extends. The compression force of an ordinary compressible gas spring is much greater than that of this invention. All locking components in the locking device are assembled on the locking assembly sleeve, which also serves to connect with the cylinder. The split elastic lock blocks are preferably blocks forming a complete embracing locking device with a specified internal circular diameter. The assembled embracing locking device has an outer conical surface with a specified angle. The embracing locking device is equipped with wire springs. The wire springs expand the split elastic lock blocks outward when not subjected to external force, changing the formed inner circular diameter to achieve the purpose of not embracing the piston rod. The lock block pressing sleeve and the spring are arbitrary embracing locking components. The lock block pressing sleeve acts on the split elastic lock blocks. The taper of the outer conical surface and the inner conical surface is the same. Under the action of the spring, the lock block pressing sleeve compresses the split elastic lock blocks, closing them to form an embracing locking force, locking the piston rod and stopping its extension and contraction. The unlocking of the locking device is achieved by the unlocking pull wire and unlocking lever. The unlocking lever is installed within the reserved radial through-hole of the locking assembly sleeve and is connected in a single-axis, single-end manner. It forms a mechanical lever with the pivot point shaft. The unlocking pull wire is on the other end of the unlocking lever. An external force pulls the unlocking pull wire, making the unlocking lever push the lock block pressing sleeve. The split elastic lock blocks are then expanded by the internal wire springs, opening the locking device. When the external force on the unlocking pull wire is released, the locking device locks again. The unlocking lever can also be designed as a hand-pull or handle form without using the unlocking pull wire.

This invention is ingeniously designed, easy to use, durable, and requires little external force.

Explanation of Drawings:

• Figure 1: Structural schematic diagram of the invention.
• Figure 2: Structural schematic diagram of the locking device in the invention.
• Figure 3: Structural schematic diagram of the split elastic lock block in the invention.
• Figure 4: Structural schematic diagram of the internal groove in the invention.
• Figure 5: Structural schematic diagram of the lock block pressing sleeve in the invention.

Key Components:

1. Right connection piece
2. Piston rod
3. Locking device
4. Cylinder
5. Guiding and sealing component
6. Piston
7. Power source gas
8. Double-position sealing end plug
9. Left connection piece
10. Damping hole
11. Air return hole
12. Fitting gap
13. First sealing sleeve
14. Second sealing sleeve
15. Third sealing sleeve
16. Locking assembly sleeve
17. Limit tube groove
18. Radial through-hole
19. End closure
20. Unlocking lever
21. Pivot point shaft
22. Split elastic lock block
23. Lock block pressing sleeve
24. Unlocking pull wire
25. Pull wire head
26. Internal groove
27. Wire spring
28. Outer conical surface
29. Inner conical surface
30. Positioning rebate
31. Spring

Specific Implementation: As shown in Figures 1-5, this invention includes a cylinder (4), a left connection piece (9) set at the left end of the cylinder (4), a piston rod (2) set inside the cylinder (4), a piston (6) set on the piston rod (2) and located inside the cylinder (4), a guiding and sealing component (5) set at the right part of the cylinder (4), a locking device (3) set at the right side of the cylinder (4), a right connection piece (1) set at the right end of the piston rod (2), and a power source gas (7) set inside the cylinder (4).

The piston rod (2) sequentially passes through the guiding and sealing component (5) and the locking device (3). The locking device (3) includes a fixed component connected to the cylinder (4) of the compressible gas spring and a locking component that achieves the locking of the piston rod (2) through the relative movement of the fixed component. The locking component is installed on the fixed component.

The locking device (3) includes a locking assembly sleeve (16) on the right end of the cylinder (4), an end closure (19) set at the right end of the locking assembly sleeve (16), a limit tube groove (17) set between the locking assembly sleeve (16) and the cylinder (4), a radial through-hole (18) set vertically on the cylinder (4), a unlocking lever (20) set vertically within the radial through-hole (18), a pivot point shaft (21) set at the lower end of the outer wall of the cylinder (4), at least two split elastic lock blocks (22) evenly distributed inside the cylinder (4), a lock block pressing sleeve (23) set at the right side of the split elastic lock blocks (22), a spring (32) set between the positioning rebate (31) at the right end of the lock block pressing sleeve (23) and the end closure (19), and an unlocking pull wire (24) set on the outer wall of the locking assembly sleeve (16).

The split elastic lock blocks (22) embrace the outer wall of the piston rod (2). The outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22) contacts the left end rebate inner wall of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). An annular inner groove (26) is set on the inner wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22), and a wire spring (27) is set within the inner groove (26). The middle circumference of the unlocking lever (20) surrounds the outer side of the split elastic lock blocks (22) and is located on the left side of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The upper end of the unlocking lever (20) is connected to the pull wire head (25) of the unlocking pull wire (24).

The lower end of the unlocking lever (20) passes through the radial through-hole (18) and swings around the pivot point shaft (21). An oscillation gap is set between the radial through-hole (18) and the unlocking lever (20) along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve (16). The rightmost point of the upper end of the oscillating unlocking lever (20) is located on the right side of the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The unlocking lever (20) contacts the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22) forms an outer conical surface (28), and the left end rebate of the lock block pressing sleeve (23) is equipped with an inner conical surface (30) corresponding to the outer conical surface (28). The radial through-hole (18) is a long hole set along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve (16).

The length of the oscillation gap is greater than the distance between the unlocking lever (20) and the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23), thereby increasing the oscillation stroke to ensure complete disengagement.

A sealing groove is set on the piston (6). A sealing ring for sealing the piston (6) and the inner wall of the cylinder (4) is set within the sealing groove. The piston (6) separates the cylinder chamber into a rod chamber and a non-rod chamber. The rod chamber is located on the right side of the non-rod chamber. A damping hole (10) is set on the piston (6) to communicate the sealing groove and the non-rod chamber. An air return hole (11) is set on the piston (6) to communicate the sealing groove and the rod chamber. A fitting gap (12) is set between the piston (6) and the inner wall of the cylinder (4).

The air return hole (11) and the damping hole (10) respectively communicate with the bottom of the sealing groove.

The guiding and sealing component (5) includes a first sealing sleeve (13), a second sealing sleeve (14), and a third sealing sleeve (15) sequentially set in the cylinder (4) from left to right. Sealing rings are set between the first sealing sleeve (13) and the second sealing sleeve (14), and between the second sealing sleeve (14) and the third sealing sleeve (15). The first sealing sleeve (13), second sealing sleeve (14), and third sealing sleeve (15) are respectively riveted within the right end of the cylinder chamber.

A double-position sealing end plug (8) is set at the left end of the cylinder (4), and the left connection piece (9) is set at the left end of the double-position sealing end plug (8).

The taper of the outer conical surface (28) and the inner conical surface (30) is either 1:5, 1:10, or 7:24, achieving quick disengagement and fit.

The preferred design includes five air return holes (11) and one damping hole (10) on the piston assembly. The air return holes (11) function when the piston rod (2) is compressed, while the damping hole (10) functions when the piston rod (2) extends. The compression force of an ordinary compressible gas spring is much greater than that of this invention. All locking components in the locking device (3) are assembled on the locking assembly sleeve (16), which also serves to connect with the cylinder (4). The split elastic lock blocks (22) are preferably four blocks forming a complete embracing locking device with a specified internal circular diameter. The assembled embracing locking device has an outer conical surface (28) with a specified angle. The embracing locking device is equipped with wire springs (27). The wire springs (27) expand the split elastic lock blocks (22) outward when not subjected to external force, changing the formed inner circular diameter to achieve the purpose of not embracing the piston rod (2). The lock block pressing sleeve (23) and the spring (32) are arbitrary embracing locking components. The lock block pressing sleeve (23) acts on the split elastic lock blocks (22). The taper of the outer conical surface (28) and the inner conical surface (30) is the same. Under the action of the spring (32), the lock block pressing sleeve (23) compresses the split elastic lock blocks (22), closing them to form an embracing locking force, locking the piston rod (2) and stopping its extension and contraction. The unlocking of the locking device (3) is achieved by the unlocking pull wire (24) and unlocking lever (20). The unlocking lever (20) is installed within the reserved radial through-hole (18) of the locking assembly sleeve (16) and is connected in a single-axis, single-end manner. It forms a mechanical lever with the pivot point shaft (21). The unlocking pull wire (24) is on the other end of the unlocking lever (20). An external force pulls the unlocking pull wire (24), making the unlocking lever (20) push the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The split elastic lock blocks (22) are then expanded by the internal wire springs (27), opening the locking device. When the external force on the unlocking pull wire (24) is released, the locking device (3) locks again. The unlocking lever (20) can also be designed as a hand-pull or handle form without using the unlocking pull wire (24).

This invention is ingeniously designed, easy to use, sturdy, durable, and requires little external force.

It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this invention and not to limit them. Although this invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the above embodiments or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. It is evident that those skilled in the art can combine multiple technical solutions of this invention. These modifications or replacements do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention.

Claims: A Compressible Gas Spring with an Arbitrarily Lockable Device,  invented by LeiYan Gas Spring, a pioneer Chinese Gas Spring Manufacture

1. A compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device, characterized by the inclusion of a locking device (3) installed on the right side of the compressible gas spring. The locking device (3) includes a fixed component connected to the cylinder (4) of the compressible gas spring and a locking component that achieves the locking of the piston rod (2) of the compressible gas spring through the relative movement of the fixed component. The locking component is installed on the fixed component.
2. According to claim 1, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the locking device (3) includes a locking assembly sleeve (16) fitted on the right end of the cylinder (4), an end closure (19) set at the right end of the locking assembly sleeve (16), a limit tube groove (17) set between the locking assembly sleeve (16) and the cylinder (4), a radial through-hole (18) set vertically on the cylinder (4), a unlocking lever (20) set vertically within the radial through-hole (18), a pivot point shaft (21) set at the lower end of the outer wall of the cylinder (4), at least two split elastic lock blocks (22) evenly distributed inside the cylinder (4), a lock block pressing sleeve (23) set at the right side of the split elastic lock blocks (22), a spring (32) set between the positioning rebate (31) at the right end of the lock block pressing sleeve (23) and the end closure (19), and an unlocking pull wire (24) set on the outer wall of the locking assembly sleeve (16). The split elastic lock blocks (22) embrace the outer wall of the piston rod (2). The outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22) contacts the left end rebate inner wall of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). An annular inner groove (26) is set on the inner wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22), and a wire spring (27) is set within the inner groove (26). The middle circumference of the unlocking lever (20) surrounds the outer side of the split elastic lock blocks (22) and is located on the left side of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The upper end of the unlocking lever (20) is connected to the pull wire head (25) of the unlocking pull wire (24). The lower end of the unlocking lever (20) passes through the radial through-hole (18) and swings around the pivot point shaft (21). An oscillation gap is set between the radial through-hole (18) and the unlocking lever (20) along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve (16). The rightmost point of the upper end of the oscillating unlocking lever (20) is located on the right side of the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23). The unlocking lever (20) contacts the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23).
3. According to claim 2, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the outer wall of the split elastic lock blocks (22) forms an outer conical surface (28), and the left end rebate of the lock block pressing sleeve (23) is equipped with an inner conical surface (30) corresponding to the outer conical surface (28).
4. According to claim 3, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the radial through-hole (18) is a long hole set along the axial direction of the locking assembly sleeve (16).
5. According to claim 3, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the length of the oscillation gap is greater than the distance between the unlocking lever (20) and the left end surface of the lock block pressing sleeve (23).
6. According to claim 1, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that a left connection piece (9) is set at the left end of the cylinder (4), a guiding and sealing component (5) is set at the right part of the cylinder (4), a locking device (3) is set at the right side of the cylinder (4), a right connection piece (1) is set at the right end of the piston rod (2), and a power source gas (7) is set inside the cylinder (4). The piston rod (2) sequentially passes through the guiding and sealing component (5) and the locking device (3). A sealing groove is set on the piston (6). A sealing ring for sealing the piston (6) and the inner wall of the cylinder (4) is set within the sealing groove. The piston (6) separates the cylinder chamber into a rod chamber and a non-rod chamber. The rod chamber is located on the right side of the non-rod chamber. A damping hole (10) is set on the piston (6) to communicate the sealing groove and the non-rod chamber. An air return hole (11) is set on the piston (6) to communicate the sealing groove and the rod chamber. A fitting gap (12) is set between the piston (6) and the inner wall of the cylinder (4).
7. According to claim 6, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the air return hole (11) and the damping hole (10) respectively communicate with the bottom of the sealing groove.
8. According to claim 6, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the guiding and sealing component (5) includes a first sealing sleeve (13), a second sealing sleeve (14), and a third sealing sleeve (15) sequentially set in the cylinder (4) from left to right. Sealing rings are set between the first sealing sleeve (13) and the second sealing sleeve (14), and between the second sealing sleeve (14) and the third sealing sleeve (15). The first sealing sleeve (13), second sealing sleeve (14), and third sealing sleeve (15) are respectively riveted within the right end of the cylinder chamber.
9. According to claim 6, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that a double-position sealing end plug (8) is set at the left end of the cylinder (4), and the left connection piece (9) is set at the left end of the double-position sealing end plug (8).
10. According to claim 3, the compressible gas spring with an arbitrarily lockable device is characterized in that the taper of the outer conical surface (28) and the inner conical surface (30) is either 1:5, 1:10, or 7:24.