Linear drive with coupling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a linear drive comprising a transmission housing (2), an electric motor (24) accommodated in the transmission housing, which drives a shaft (10) having a worm (16). The shaft (10) meshes with a worm wheel (18), which is torsionally connected to a main shaft holder (22) by means of a coupling (20), which is torsionally connected to a main shaft (14). The coupling is pretensioned by means of a spring (18) and can be adjusted by means of a coupling operator. In order to enable simple and quick operation of the coupling, it is proposed that the coupling operator comprises a slide (22) which bears against the coupling (20) and which is arranged torsionally but axially movably relative to the coupling (20). A rotary element (24), which is axially fixed but rotatable about an axis of rotation, acts on the slide (22) on the outside facing away from the coupling (20). Complementarily configured impact ramps (22a, 24a) are provided between the slide (22) and the rotary element (24). The rotary element (24) can be operated by means of a traction mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to a linear actuator, particularly for adjusting furniture, hospital beds or the like, having an electric motor that can be movable relative to a stationary guide tube via a transmission device, and thus lengthening and shortening (unverkürzt) the length of the linear actuator, for example, adjusting furniture, hospital beds or the like.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a linear actuator comprising: a transmission mechanism drivable by an electric motor; an electric motor connected to and particularly housed within a motor housing, the electric motor driving a shaft having a screw or having a screw at its end, the screw itself engaging a worm gear. The worm gear is torsionally connected to and detachable from a spindle retainer via a coupling device. A spindle is torsionally housed within the spindle retainer. A spindle nut runs on the spindle, the spindle nut being longitudinally movably adjustable in a guide tube between an inserted rear end position and an exit front end position and connected to a travel tube. The travel tube and the transmission housing are preferably connected to furniture or other objects and can be adjusted by adjusting the movable travel tube relative to the stationary guide tube or by longitudinal adjustment, so as to deflect the two components relative to each other. Particularly preferred is a linear actuator used to adjust a hospital bed, wherein the linear actuator is fastened under or on the bed frame, particularly by means of a claw-shaped coupling on the rear end of the drive housing, and the travel tube is hinged to the head or foot component, which can be adjusted from a flat position to a folded position relative to the stationary frame.

[0003] In the resting position, the coupling device is engaged, i.e., held in the engaged position by a spring. In this engaged position, the coupling device connects the worm gear and the spindle retainer, thus transmitting torque from the worm gear to the spindle retainer and therefore to the spindle. Typically, the connection is achieved by a pair of complementary profile structures—particularly in the form of splined shaft structures—constituted on the worm gear and the spindle retainer, and a complementary profile structure on the inner side of the coupling device. That is, the coupling device torsionally connects the worm gear and the spindle retainer to each other.

[0004] Sometimes, it is necessary for such linear actuators to be disengaged from the coupling position, and sometimes this needs to be done relatively quickly and briefly, for example, because in emergency situations, patients must be treated quickly, and for this purpose, the head or foot of the bed must be lowered. The coupling device of the present invention is used for this purpose, and in this regard, it can also be called an emergency coupling device. By operating the coupling device actuator—which disengages the coupling device relative to the spring force—the anti-torsional connection between the spindle nut and the spindle retainer is interrupted, thereby achieving free travel and allowing the bed or the raised foot or head assembly to be lowered instantly. Background Technology

[0005] Such a coupling device is known, for example, from the applicant's international patent application WO 2014 / 005913. In this design, the worm gear includes injection-molded claws for forming a molded part and has a smooth internal surface. The worm gear has a splined shaft molded on its side, and a flange with a correspondingly configured wedge structure is formed on the spindle retainer. The coupling device is torsionally connected to the spindle retainer by spring tension and, in a resting position, by the splined shaft on the worm gear pressing against the correspondingly configured wedge structure on the spindle retainer.

[0006] The coupling device is operated by a knob located on the transmission housing, which adjusts the drive member via an eccentric component. This drive member engages with a groove surrounding the outer side of the coupling device via a pin. Rotation of the knob, by means of the eccentric component, causes the coupling device to move from a engaged, stationary position to a disengaged, idle position. In the stationary state, the coupling device torsionally connects the worm gear to the spindle retainer, i.e., it is engaged.

[0007] Disadvantages of existing technology

[0008] A disadvantage of this design is the need for complex operation via a rotating mechanism or a knob with an eccentric component. This necessitates applying the knob close to the transmission housing to facilitate emergency disengagement of the coupling in case of an emergency. This proximity to the knob can sometimes be problematic, especially in urgent situations, i.e., emergency situations.

[0009] In addition, the operating mechanism is basically located on the side next to the transmission housing, which makes the design structure and assembly relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, based on the prior art and its associated disadvantages described at the beginning, the object of the present invention is to at least partially avoid these disadvantages and, in particular, to provide a linear drive that enables particularly simple and rapid operation of the coupling device, specifically, particularly simple and rapid operation from different areas of the bed.

[0011] According to the present invention, a linear actuator is provided, comprising: a transmission housing; an electric motor housed within the transmission housing, the electric motor driving a shaft having a worm gear, the shaft itself meshing with a worm wheel, the worm wheel being torsionally connected to a spindle retainer via a coupling device; the spindle being torsionally connected to the spindle retainer; a spindle nut running on the spindle; the spindle nut being longitudinally movable in a guide tube between an inserted rear end position and an outward front end position and connected to a stroke tube; wherein the coupling device is preloaded by a spring, and the coupling device can be engaged in the coupling position by means of a coupling device operator. The coupling device is adjusted between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the coupling device torsionally connects the worm gear to the spindle retainer. In the disconnected position, the coupling device releases the spindle retainer. The coupling device actuator includes a sliding member abutting against the coupling device, the sliding member being torsionally but axially movable relative to the coupling device; a rotating member, axially fixed but rotatable about a rotation axis, acts on the sliding member on the outside facing away from the coupling device; a complementary collision ramp is formed between the sliding member and the rotating member; a traction mechanism is provided, by which the rotating member can be operated.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting device is configured as a connecting device sleeve.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the sliding member and the rotating member are configured as annular or sleeve-shaped.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the slider is torsionally secured but movably movable along the longitudinal direction of the connecting device assembly and acts on the connecting device sleeve with its inner end face to disconnect it, and the slider has a plurality of axially projecting impact ramps on its outer end face, which are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and face toward the rotating member.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least one Bowden wire retainer is rotatably hinged to the rotating member.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating member is configured as a rotating ring, which includes two traction mechanism retainers opposite each other on opposite ends of its diameter on the outer side.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating member has a groove for the at least one Bowden line retainer.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device operator is disposed in the fork head.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the fork head has a receiving tube connector that extends in opposite directions from the end wall of the fork head to the fork formed on the fork head, and / or the fork head has a supply opening for connecting the Bowden line retainer.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the fork has two input connectors facing each other at opposite ends of its diameter for receiving Bowden line retainers, the two input connectors being tangentially projected laterally from the sides of the fork at opposite ends of its diameter.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the spindle retainer has a bearing housing on which the inner ring of the bearing is seated; the outer ring of the bearing is seated in the bearing housing of the bearing retainer, which supports the bearing in the fork or the transmission housing; the bearing retainer is disposed inside the coupling device operator.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing retainer includes an axial stop that acts axially on the bearing, and / or the bearing retainer has a bearing boss, the outer ring of the bearing being radially outward and axially abutting the bearing boss at the end, and / or the bearing retainer is interrupted to form bearing fingers that are circumferentially separated from each other.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the slider has a bearing finger groove on its outer side facing the rotating member, the bearing finger engaging into the bearing finger groove.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing retainer has six circumferentially spaced bearing fingers that engage with six complementary slotted bearing finger grooves formed on the outer side of the slide member.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing retainer has a connecting section for connection to the fork or transmission housing.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the connection area of ​​the bearing retainer includes a plurality of crossbeams extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bearing retainer, together forming an intermediate space between the crossbeams, and a pin or protrusion engages in the intermediate space at the mounting position on the inner side of the end of the fork.

[0027] Therefore, in the simplest implementation, the task or technical problem has been solved by having two tensioning members that can rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation, with a coarse thread or collision ramp formed between the two tensioning members, and a traction mechanism that enables the tensioning members to rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation.

[0028] The rotation axis extends along the longitudinal extension direction of the connecting device, which is typically coaxial with the main shaft and subsequently the longitudinal axis of the entire linear drive. With the design of this invention, lateral action on the connecting device is no longer required; instead, a connecting device operator is axially positioned along the longitudinal axis of the connecting device. This operator comprises two relatively torsionable tensioning members and a collision ramp formed between them and abutting each other. Therefore, the connecting device operator includes two relatively torsionable tensioning members, wherein the first tensioning member is positioned inside the mounting position and abuts against the connecting device or directly operates the connecting device. This first tensioning member is axially movable and torsionally resistant, and is therefore called a sliding member. The second tensioning member is positioned outside the sliding member, i.e., spaced apart from the connecting device by the sliding member and rotatable about the rotation axis, but axially fixed; therefore, this second tensioning member is called a rotating member. A collision ramp is formed between the sliding member and the rotating member, abutting each other in the mounting position. This collision ramp preferably has a complementary slope of approximately 45 degrees and can be arbitrarily determined axially by the tilt angle during rotation. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating component causes the sliding component to move axially through the collision of the two tensioning ramps. This causes the sliding component to be axially offset along the longitudinal axis of the connecting device and pressed against the connecting device on the inside. As a result, the connecting device, which is pre-tensioned by the spring in the rest position, is disengaged for idle or emergency adjustment. In the case of emergency adjustment, the connecting device releases the spindle retainer for emergency operation.

[0029] This design has decisive advantages. On the one hand, it is very compact because it can be easily integrated into the end of the housing in a linear orientation, without the need for radially acting levers, slides, or other mechanisms. This allows for increased structural space on the sides of the housing or linear actuator.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the coupling device is disposed in the rear end of the linear drive.

[0031] Preferably, the connecting device and the connecting device operator, i.e., the two colliding tensioning elements, have corresponding or similar external geometries or are geometrically matched.

[0032] Particularly preferred are cylindrical, especially hollow cylindrical, components having at least the same outer diameter. Preferably, this outer diameter is geometrically matched to the inner diameter of the fork head.

[0033] Preferably, the sliding and rotating components of the connecting device operator are configured as hollow cylinders or rings, so that the connecting device operator can be placed on or around the connecting device from the bottom and outside. Preferably, the sliding component is configured as a hollow cylindrical sliding ring, and the rotating component is configured as a hollow cylindrical rotating ring.

[0034] Preferably, the rotating component includes at least a traction mechanism retainer for inserting or securing the traction mechanism, particularly preferably a Bowden line, into which the rope loop of the traction rope can be inserted.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the outer swivel ring includes two such traction mechanism retainers opposed to each other on opposite ends of its diameter. Particularly preferably, these retainers are rotatably hinged to the outer surface of the second tension ring and are preferably configured as rotatably hinged rope receptacles. For the swivel ring to terminate with the adjacent mating member, particularly the plane of the fork, the swivel ring may have a groove whose size at least matches the fastening section of the traction mechanism retainer.

[0036] The particularly compact design of the present invention enables, for the first time, the coupling device and the coupling device operator to be at least partially housed within the fork head. For this purpose, the fork head preferably has a tubular, hollow cylindrical receiving fitting that extends forward from the original end of the fork head as the fork leaves and is configured to accommodate the coupling device operator and possibly also at least a portion of the coupling device.

[0037] To improve stability, in a preferred embodiment, the fork head may also be partially housed in or mounted in the transmission housing.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving tube of the fork head has at least one supply opening for supplying rope or Bowden line. Preferably, this supply opening is formed at the end of an input tube that is tangentially separated laterally from the outer side of the fork head. This input tube thus extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the fork head on the outer cylindrical side of a hollow cylindrical receiving tube for receiving a coupling device operator, and therein houses a Bowden line retainer or a fastening device for the Bowden line on a swivel ring. In a preferred embodiment, the Bowden line retainer has a receptacle protruding from the input tube, into which a rope loop at the end of the Bowden line can be inserted.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fork has two input connectors facing opposite ends of its diameter for receiving Bowden wire retainers, these two input connectors projecting tangentially from the sides of the preferably cylindrical fork. Therefore, emergency release of the coupling device, for example from either side of the bed, can be operated by means of separate traction mechanisms.

[0040] The proposed linear actuator is preferably used as a furniture actuator, and particularly preferably for adjusting the swingable head or foot components of a hospital bed. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that this linear actuator can generally be used to adjust all types of mechanical mechanisms, especially for adjusting movable components relative to stationary components.

[0041] The particularly compact support of the spindle retainer in a narrow structural space can be achieved by having a bearing housing on which the inner ring of the bearing is seated; the outer ring of the bearing is disposed in the bearing housing of the bearing retainer, which supports the bearing in the fork or also in the transmission housing.

[0042] That is, the bearing retainer has a bearing housing on its front side facing the bearing for surrounding and receiving an outer ring of the bearing, and a connecting area on its rear end away from the bearing for fastening with a receiving mating member, preferably on the inner side of the fork head, wherein this connecting area may have a reduced size relative to the bearing housing so that the bearing housing can be easily assembled. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a pin and rib are formed between the mating member and the bearing retainer, which engage with each other in the installation position such that the precise rotational angular orientation of the bearing retainer along the longitudinal axis of the connecting device assembly is irrelevant, i.e., assembly can be easily performed in each orientation position.

[0043] Preferably, the bearing housing of the bearing retainer has an axial stop that acts axially on the bearing, so that it can be used as a fixed bearing.

[0044] Preferably, the bearing housing of the bearing retainer has a bearing boss, and the engaging bearing boss is configured to accommodate or support the outer ring of the bearing not only on the outer side but also on the end side.

[0045] The bearing housing of the bearing retainer can be configured as a circumferentially closed formation, such as a pot-shaped formation, having a bearing boss at one of its front ends in the mounting position for receiving an outer ring of the bearing.

[0046] However, for structural space optimization, the bearing housing can also be configured not as a closed structure in the circumferential direction, but rather as bearing fingers spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. These bearing fingers can engage with or sit in complementary bearing finger grooves on the rear end of the sliding element of the connecting device operator.

[0047] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the bearing retainer includes a bearing housing for the outer ring of the bearing, which preferably includes a boss that surrounds the outer ring not only on the outer side but also on the end side in the mounting position to achieve fixed support / floating support. Preferably, a connection region engages with the bearing housing of the bearing retainer, using this connection region to connect the bearing retainer to a receiving mating member, such as a fork.

[0048] If the connection area of ​​the bearing retainer includes multiple crossbeams extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bearing retainer, together with the spacers formed between the crossbeams, wherein pins engage in the spacers on the inside of the fork ends, then the bearing retainer can be inserted into the receiving tube of the fork particularly easily in almost every arbitrary rotational direction.

[0049] Therefore, according to the design of the present invention, the bearing retainer may bridge the end of the spindle retainer and the area behind the rear wall of the fork, and the bearing retainer is fixed to or supported in the rear wall or back wall of the fork.

[0050] The bearing housing can be configured as a circumferentially closed ring, including an outer boss formed on the end side to form an axial stop.

[0051] The particularly compact integration of the bearing retainer in the coupling device operator can be achieved by the bearing retainer not being configured as a circumferentially closed formation, but rather by the bearing housing ring together with the outer boss being interrupted multiple times in the circumferential direction to form multiple circumferentially spaced bearing fingers, which together form the bearing housing to accommodate the outer ring of the bearing, particularly the ball bearing.

[0052] These bearing fingers can now engage with corresponding bearing finger grooves on the outer side of the sliding member facing the rotating member, thereby allowing the sliding member of the moving coupling device to move around the bearing fingers.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the bearing retainer includes six circumferentially spaced bearing fingers that engage with complementary slotted bearing finger grooves formed on the outer side of the slide.

[0054] Therefore, the proposed bearing retainer is surrounded or enclosed by the coupling device operator in the installation position.

[0055] A preferred embodiment includes a connecting device configured as a connecting sleeve, that is, a circular or hollow cylindrical component having an internal profile structure, wherein the internal profile structure matches a complementary profile structure of the worm gear or spindle retainer so as to connect them to each other in a torsionally resistant manner at the connection position, that is, to establish a form-locking connection.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the profile structure on the inner side of the connecting device is configured as a spline structure, which is complementary to the spline shaft formed on the worm gear and the spline shaft formed on the main shaft retainer, i.e., interacting with them in a connecting manner and transmitting torque from the worm gear to the main shaft retainer. Preferably, the main shaft retainer has a hollow cylindrical receiving section extending along the longitudinal axis in the middle for torsionally accommodating a spline shaft flange that protrudes radially from the end side of the main shaft. This spline shaft flange has a spline structure on the inner side facing the worm gear that is complementary to the connecting device, and in this respect corresponds to the spline shaft structure of the worm gear.

[0057] For cost reasons, the basic parts of the linear drive, especially the housing, and most of the transmission components are made of plastic. Only the spindle and worm gear are made of steel for strength reasons.

[0058] The anti-torsional connection between the spindle retainer and the spindle is achieved either by press fitting or by a fastening pin driven into a groove on the end side of the spindle between the spindle and the spindle retainer.

[0059] Preferably, the transmission housing is configured to be separate or separable. Preferably, the transmission housing includes a first housing member—particularly configured to house an electric motor—and a second housing member detachably connectable to the first housing member. Preferably, the housing members abut against each other on a separation plane. In a water-spray-proof embodiment, a surrounding engagement flange is provided on the engagement or separation plane along with a seal formed thereon, the seal preferably including a sealing groove and a complementary sealing lip or sealing protrusion, which sealably engage with each other in the installation position and thus seal the engagement position between the housing members.

[0060] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] In this regard, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "front," "rear," etc., are used with respect to the orientation of the described figures. Because components of various embodiments can be positioned along multiple different directions, directional terms are used for clarification and are not limiting. It goes without saying that other embodiments can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. The following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. Within the scope of this specification, the terms "connection," "joint," and "integration" are used to describe not only direct but also indirect connections, direct or indirect joins, and direct or indirect integrations. In the figures, identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals, provided that this is appropriate for the purpose. The illustrations in the figures are substantially to scale.

[0062] However, for the purpose of clarifying details, the defined areas are shown overly large for purposes visible to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings may be significantly simplified and do not include every detail that might exist in actual implementation.

[0063] Unless otherwise stated, indefinite and definite articles refer not only to a single component but also to "at least one". Terms include those previously mentioned, their modifications, and similar meanings. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "approximately," "substantially," and similar terms relating to the size and features of components of the invention do not describe the described size and features as strict boundaries or parameters and do not exclude minor modifications that are functionally similar. Descriptions with at least numerical parameters also include modifications of those parameters according to mathematical and manufacturing principles in the prior art, such as rounding, deviations and other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0064] Finally, in the case of multiple identical components or parts, only one of them is provided with a reference numeral for clarity. Attached Figure Description

[0065] In the attached image:

[0066] Figure 1 : Showing an isometric front view of the linear driver according to the invention;

[0067] Figure 2 : Shows an enlarged isometric front view of the rear end of the linear drive with the housing cover removed and the fork head removed;

[0068] Figure 3 : Shows an isometric exploded view of the assembly including the worm gear, connecting device, and spindle retainer;

[0069] Figure 4 : Indicates the position at which the device is disconnected (disconnected) according to Figure 3 An enlarged perspective top view of the device;

[0070] Figure 5 : Showing the connection according to Figure 4 A top view of the device;

[0071] Figure 6 : Shows an isometric enlarged view of the coupling device operator according to the invention with the fork head removed;

[0072] Figure 7 : Shows an enlarged isometric top view of the assembly including the worm gear, coupling device, spindle retainer, and coupling device operator at the coupling location;

[0073] Figure 8 : Indicates the position of disconnection by the lower part according to Figure 7An enlarged isometric view of the device;

[0074] Figure 9 : Shows an enlarged longitudinal section of a device including a worm gear, a connecting device, a spindle retainer, a bearing, a bearing retainer, and a connecting device operator including a sliding sleeve and a rotating sleeve;

[0075] Figure 10 : Showing according to Figure 1 The linear actuator passes through the longitudinal section of the conduit in the middle;

[0076] Figure 11 An isometric side view of the fork head 10, configured to accommodate a coupling device operator, is shown from the rear. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Therefore, according to Figure 1 The linear actuator basically consists of a two-piece transmission housing 2, a motor housing 4 housed therein, a motor disposed within the motor housing, and a conduit 6 extending longitudinally along the linear actuator. A stroke tube 8 is longitudinally and movably housed within this conduit, and this stroke tube can... Figure 1 Adjustment is made between the position of the inserted end and the position of the fully removed end, as shown in the figure.

[0078] Forks 10 and 12 are fastened to the front end of the travel tube and the rear end of the housing, respectively. These forks 10 and 12 secure the linear actuator between two adjustable components, such as the deflectable head and foot ends of the bed relative to a stationary frame. Preferably, fork 10 is subsequently connected to a crossbeam on the bed frame, and fork 12 is connected to a crossbeam of the foot or head component, which is pivotally hinged to the frame. Thus, by moving the travel tube 8 into and out of the stationary guide tube 6, the foot or head component deflects relative to the stationary frame plane, i.e., is lifted from the frame plane.

[0079] The transmission housing 2 is split or separable and includes a rear housing part 2a and a housing cover 2b connected to the rear housing part on a connecting flange, wherein a sealing groove is formed on the connecting flange.

[0080] The rear housing 2a has a cylindrical receiving tube connector for accommodating the motor housing 4, which extends transversely to the longitudinal extension direction of the linear drive.

[0081] Therefore, the motor housing 4 extends laterally to the longitudinal axis of the linear drive.

[0082] As from Figure 1Clearly visible, the fork head 10 has a receiving tube joint 10b formed from the end wall of the fork head 10 in a direction opposite to that of the fork head. From the receiving tube joint, tangentially to the outer side and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receiving tube joint 10b, there are input tube joints 10d and 10e for receiving Bowden line holders 26 and 28, or the Bowden line holders 26 and 28 protrude from the receiving tube joint, that is, one Bowden line holder 26 is upward and the other Bowden line holder 28 is downward in a direction opposite to that of the first Bowden line holder.

[0083] Figure 2 This is an enlarged perspective front view of the transmission mechanism housed in the transmission housing 2 with the housing cover 2b and fork 10 removed. A motor-driven shaft, with a main shaft 14 forming thereon, laterally protrudes into the transmission housing and meshes with a worm gear 16, which has a splined shaft tube joint 16a integrally molded on the side next to the original worm gear. A pressure spring 18 is provided on the splined shaft tube joint 16a, acting on a connecting sleeve 20, which is torsionally and longitudinally movable on the splined shaft tube joint 16a and has a splined shaft structure on its inner side that complements the splined shaft structure of the splined shaft tube joint 16a.

[0084] The coupling sleeve 20 is operated by the coupling device operator of the present invention for disconnection in an emergency, i.e., for emergency release. The operator includes a sliding sleeve 22 that acts on the inner side of the coupling sleeve 20 and is axially movable but torsionally resistant, and a rotating sleeve 24 that is rotatable but axially fixed acts on the outer side of the sliding sleeve 22.

[0085] Opposite at opposite ends of the diameter, two Bowden wire retainers 26, 28 are rotatably hinged to the outer ends of the rotating sleeve 24, extending tangentially relative to the circumference of the rotating sleeve. A steel rope, not shown, is inserted into or snapped into the Bowden wire retainers 26, 28 by a rope loop on its end side.

[0086] Figure 3 An exploded view of the following structural assembly is shown, which includes a worm gear 16, a splined shaft tube joint 16a molded thereon, and a pressure spring 18 seated on the splined shaft tube joint 16a. A connecting sleeve 20 is also fitted onto the splined shaft tube joint 16a, the connecting sleeve having an internal splined shaft structure complementary to the splined shaft structure of the splined shaft tube joint 16a.

[0087] A hollow cylindrical spindle retainer 30 is inserted into the outer rear end of a splined shaft tube connector 16a at one end, in which the spindle 32 is torsionally accommodated. On the rear end opposite to the connecting sleeve 20, the spindle retainer 30 has a splined shaft flange 30b that radially protrudes outward from the hollow cylindrical side of the spindle tube connector 30a, which serves torsionally accommodate the spindle 32. A splined shaft structure is also formed on the inner side of the splined shaft flange facing the connecting sleeve 20. This splined shaft structure is designed to complement the shaft structure on the splined shaft tube connector 16a of the worm gear 16.

[0088] Figure 4 Shown in the disconnected position Figure 3 The enlarged top view of the component shown in the figure shows that, in the disconnected position, the coupling sleeve 20 releases the splined shaft flange 30b of the spindle retainer 34 to achieve the desired idle stroke of the spindle 36.

[0089] on the contrary, Figure 5 The connecting sleeve 20 is shown in the connected position, in which the connecting sleeve 20 connects the splined shaft tube joint 16a of the worm gear to the main shaft retainer 34 in a torsion-resistant manner, that is, by pressure spring 18 pressing it against the splined shaft flange 30b of the main shaft retainer 30.

[0090] The sliding sleeve 22 is torsionally secured but movably oriented along the longitudinal direction of the connecting device assembly, thereby acting on the connecting device sleeve 20 with its inner end face to disconnect it. The sliding sleeve 22 has a plurality of axially projecting collision ramps 22a on its outer end face—facing the rotating sleeve 24—at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotating sleeve 24 has complementary collision ramps 24a on its inner side facing the sliding sleeve 22, which are complementary to the collision ramps 22a of the sliding sleeve, so that the rotating sleeve 24 and the sliding sleeve 22 abut or engage with each other in the installed position, and so that the end faces of the sliding sleeve 22 and the rotating sleeve 24 abut planarly in the rest position. Then, clockwise rotation of the rotating sleeve 24 about its longitudinal axis causes the complementary collision ramps 22a, 24a to collide with each other, thus causing axial adjustment of the sliding sleeve 22. The sliding sleeve 22 rests against the end face of the connecting device sleeve 20 with its inner end face and is geometrically configured such that the sliding sleeve 22 simultaneously protrudes from or surrounds the splined shaft flange 34b of the main shaft sleeve 34.

[0091] according to Figure 6The rotating sleeve 24 has two grooves 24b opposite each other on its rear outer end face. The flat arms 26a and 28a of the Bowden line retainers 26 and 28 can be inserted into these grooves 24b such that the outer surface of the arm ends with the outer end face of the rotating sleeve 24, and thus the rotating sleeve 24 ends flat with the end face of the fork 10, on which a fork is provided on the outer side. The arms 26a and 28a of the Bowden line retainers 26 and 28 are rotatably connected to the end of the rotating sleeve 24 by pins 24c, which in particular allows for good connection from... Figure 6 It is clearly visible in the enlarged image.

[0092] Figure 7 The coupling device operator is shown in the coupled static position, in which the sliding sleeve 22 abuts against the rotating sleeve 24 on the outside, wherein the collision ramps 22a and 24a of the sliding sleeve 22 and the rotating sleeve 24 are fully abutted against each other, such that the sliding sleeve 22 and the rotating sleeve 24 abut against each other without gap at the end sides.

[0093] on the contrary, Figure 8 The diagram shows the emergency position after which the rotating sleeve 24 is rotated counterclockwise via the Bowden wire retainers 26, 28, in the off position. Figure 7 The settings allow the collision ramps 22a and 24a to collide with each other, causing the sliding sleeve 22 to move axially inward to the connecting device sleeve 20.

[0094] Here, the sliding sleeve 22 overlaps or spans the splined shaft flange 30b of the main shaft retainer 30 on the outside.

[0095] Figure 9 The longitudinal section of the following component is shown, which includes a worm gear, a connecting sleeve 20 disposed on a splined shaft tube joint 16a of the worm gear 16, a spindle retainer 30 inserted into the rear end of the worm gear 16, and a roller bearing 34 placed on a rear bearing seat 30c of the spindle retainer 30, the roller bearing being surrounded on the outside by a bearing seat of a bearing retainer 36.

[0096] The sliding sleeve 22 includes six circumferentially spaced bearing finger grooves 22b on its rear end facing the connecting sleeve 20. Complementary bearing fingers 36a of the bearing retainer engage or sit in these grooves. The circumferentially spaced bearing fingers 36a form a circumferential bearing seat, defining an axial stop inward and a radial stop outward. In the installed position, the bearing fingers 36a end with or sit in the complementary bearing finger grooves 22b of the sliding sleeve 22.

[0097] The bearing housing formed by the bearing fingers 36a and subsequently connected to the bearing retainer 36 is a connecting section having a reduced outer diameter compared to the bearing housing and having a plurality of crossbeams 36a extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bearing retainer, together with the space formed between these crossbeams. When mounted in the fork, a protrusion on the inner side of the end of the fork engages with this space and thus secures the bearing retainer 36.

[0098] Figure 10 An enlarged longitudinal section of the longitudinal axis linear actuator via conduit 6 and travel tube 8 is shown. Clearly visible here is the fork head 10, which includes a rear end wall extending outwardly from which two fastening tabs for receiving rods or similar fasteners. In the opposite direction, the fork head includes a one-piece molded, hollow cylindrical receiving tube 10b, which is matched in length for enclosingly receiving the coupling actuator and coupling sleeve 20. On the outer side, the receiving tube 10b has outwardly projecting ribs 10c, which are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the receiving tube 10b and engage with complementary grooves or slots formed on the inner side of the rear end portion of the transmission housing 2 to form-lockingly connect the fork head 10 to the rear end portion of the transmission housing 2, or alternatively, to stop their engagement.

[0099] Therefore, the transmission device drives the spindle 14 with a trapezoidal thread, on which the spindle nut 38 is located. Figure 10 The system operates between the retracted position and the retracted position shown in the figure, in which the travel tube 8 is completely removed from the guide tube 6 before the fork 12 is removed.

[0100] Figure 11 An isometric side view of the fork head 10, configured to accommodate a coupling device operator, is shown from the rear. The fork head 10 includes an end wall 10g extending transversely to its longitudinal axis, from which two forks 10d and 10e extend rearwardly. A hollow cylindrical receiving tube connector 10b extends from the end wall in the opposite direction to the forks 10d and 10e, with multiple ribs spaced apart and molded on its outer surface. Furthermore, the input tube connector 10f, whose longitudinal axis extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receiving tube connector 10b and tangentially to its outer surface, is particularly well visible. A Bowden wire retainer 26 is inserted therein, rotatably hinged to the rotating ring 24 of the coupling device operator via an arm 26.

[0101] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0102] 2. Transmission device housing

[0103] 2a Rear transmission housing

[0104] 2b housing cover

[0105] 4 Motor housing

[0106] 6 catheters

[0107] 8-stroke tube

[0108] 10 and 12 fork heads

[0109] 10a protrusion

[0110] 10b housing pipe fitting

[0111] 10c rib

[0112] 10d, 10e fork

[0113] 10f input pipe connector

[0114] 10g end wall

[0115] 14 spindles

[0116] 16 worm gear

[0117] 16a splined shaft tube connector

[0118] 18 compression springs

[0119] 20 Connecting device sleeve

[0120] 22 Sliding Sleeve

[0121] 22a Collision Slope

[0122] 22b bearing finger groove

[0123] 24 Rotary Sleeve

[0124] 24a Collision Slope

[0125] 24b groove

[0126] 26-rope retainer

[0127] 26a arm

[0128] 28-rope retainer

[0129] 28a arm

[0130] 30 Spindle retainer

[0131] 30a spindle tube connector

[0132] 30b splined shaft flange

[0133] 30c bearing housing

[0134] 32 spindle

[0135] 34 roller bearings

[0136] 36 bearing retainer

[0137] 36a bearing refers to

[0138] 36b crossbeam

[0139] 38 Spindle nut.

Claims

1. A linear driver comprising: A transmission housing (2) houses an electric motor that drives a shaft with a worm gear, which meshes with a worm wheel (16). The worm wheel is torsionally connected to a main shaft retainer (30) via a coupling device (20). The main shaft (14) is torsionally connected to the main shaft retainer. A main shaft nut runs on the main shaft. The main shaft nut is longitudinally movable in a guide tube (6) between an inserted rear end position and an outward front end position and is connected to a stroke tube (8). The coupling device is preloaded by a spring (18) and is adjustable between a connected position and a disconnected position by means of a coupling device operator. In the connected position, the coupling... The device connects the worm gear (16) to the spindle retainer (30) in a torsion-resistant manner. In the disconnected position, the connecting device releases the spindle retainer (30). The connecting device operator includes a sliding member (22) abutting against the connecting device (20), which is torsion-resistant but axially movable relative to the connecting device (20). A rotating member (24), which is axially fixed but rotatable about a rotation axis, acts on the sliding member (22) on the outside facing away from the connecting device (20). Complementary collision ramps (22a, 24a) are formed between the sliding member (22) and the rotating member (24). A traction mechanism is provided, by which the rotating member (24) can be operated.

2. The linear driver according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting device is configured as a connecting device sleeve.

3. The linear driver according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding member (22) and the rotating member (24) are configured as annular or sleeve-shaped.

4. The linear driver according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding member (22) is torsionally secured but movable in the longitudinal direction of the connecting device assembly and acts on the connecting device sleeve with its inner end face to disconnect it, and the sliding member (22) has a plurality of axially projecting collision ramps on its outer end face at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the outer end face facing the rotating member (24).

5. The linear driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one Bowden line retainer (26, 28) is rotatably hinged to the rotating member (24).

6. The linear driver according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The rotating member (24) is configured as a rotating ring, which includes two traction mechanism retainers opposite each other on opposite ends of its diameter on the outer side.

7. The linear driver according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating member (24) has a groove (24b) for the at least one Bowden line retainer (26, 28).

8. The linear driver according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting device operator is located in the fork head (10).

9. The linear driver according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fork head (10) has a receiving fitting (10b) that extends from the end wall of the fork head in opposite directions to the fork formed on the fork head, and / or The fork (10) has a supply opening for connecting the Bowden line retainer (26, 28).

10. The linear driver according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The fork (10) has two input pipe fittings facing each other at opposite ends of its diameter for receiving Bowden line retainers, the two input pipe fittings being tangentially projected laterally from the side of the fork (10) at opposite ends of its diameter.

11. The linear driver according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The spindle retainer (30) has a bearing housing (30c) on which the inner ring of the bearing (34) is seated; the outer ring of the bearing (34) is seated in the bearing housing of the bearing retainer (36), which supports the bearing (34) in the fork (10) or the transmission housing (2); the bearing retainer (36) is disposed inside the coupling device operator.

12. The linear driver according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bearing housing (30c) of the bearing retainer (36) includes an axial stop that acts axially on the bearing, and / or The bearing housing (30c) of the bearing retainer (36) has a bearing boss, the outer ring of the bearing being radially outward and axially abutting the bearing boss at the end, and / or The bearing housing is interrupted to form bearing fingers (36a) that are circumferentially separated from each other.

13. The linear driver according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sliding member (22) has a bearing finger groove (22b) on its outer side facing the rotating member (24) for accommodating a bearing finger (36a), which engages with the bearing finger groove.

14. The linear driver according to claim 13, characterized in that, The bearing retainer (36) has six circumferentially spaced bearing fingers (36a) that engage with six complementary slotted bearing finger grooves (22b) formed on the outer side of the slide (22).

15. The linear driver according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bearing retainer (36) has a connecting section for connecting to the fork (10) or the transmission housing (2).

16. The linear driver according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connection area of ​​the bearing retainer (36) includes a plurality of crossbeams (36b) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bearing retainer, together with an intermediate space formed between the crossbeams, and a pin or protrusion (10a) engages in the intermediate space in the mounting position on the inner side of the end of the fork (10).

Images