Linear actuator and method for assembling a linear actuator

Abstract

The present invention provides a linear actuator and a method for assembling a linear actuator. The method for assembling the linear actuator includes a semi-finished product assembly step and a screw assembly step. The semi-finished product assembly step completes a semi-finished product, which includes a housing, a main gear, and a main gear bearing. The main gear and the main gear bearing are covered and limited by the housing, and the main gear bearing is sleeved on the main gear. In the screw assembly step, a screw is installed in an inverted manner, such that one end of the screw is inserted into the main gear and the aforementioned end of the screw is limited in the main gear. Therefore, by first completing the semi-finished product, a suitable screw can be selected for assembly according to requirements, which can improve the assembly efficiency and convenience of the linear actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear actuator and a method for assembling a linear actuator, and more particularly to a linear actuator having a screw rod and a method for assembling a linear actuator. Background Art

[0002] A common linear actuator drives a screw rod to enable a driven object to perform a linear motion relative to the linear actuator, and can be applied in a quite wide range of fields; the linear actuator usually uses a motor to provide power, and different transmission elements can be configured according to actual needs to change the power transmission mode, such as changing the direction, output ratio, etc., and the linear actuator also includes related control boards for detecting or adjusting the power output. Many parts make the assembly of the linear actuator quite time-consuming.

[0003] In addition, since the size of the screw rod will change according to requirements, it is often necessary to wait until the size of the screw rod is determined before starting to assemble the linear actuator, which is not conducive to the improvement of process efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, how to improve the assembly efficiency and convenience of the linear actuator has become the goal of related industries. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for assembling a linear actuator is provided, which includes a semi-finished product assembly step, a screw rod assembly step, and a tailstock assembly step. The semi-finished product assembly step completes a semi-finished product, which includes a housing, a main gear, a main gear bearing, and a reinforcement seat. The main gear and the main gear bearing are wrapped and limited by the housing, and the main gear bearing is sleeved on the main gear. The reinforcement seat is disposed in the housing and sleeved on the main gear bearing. The reinforcement seat includes at least one mounting hole corresponding to at least one opening of the main gear; in the screw rod assembly step, a screw rod is inverted, one end of the screw rod is inserted into the main gear, and the aforementioned one end of the screw rod is limited in the main gear; in the tailstock assembly step, a tailstock is connected to the semi-finished product. The tailstock includes at least one through hole corresponding to the at least one mounting hole and for at least one screw to be inserted. The at least one screw passes through the at least one through hole and is screwed into the at least one mounting hole to fix the tailstock to the reinforcement seat.

[0006] Therefore, by first completing the semi-finished product, a suitable screw rod can be selected for assembly according to requirements, which can improve the assembly efficiency and convenience of the linear actuator.

[0007] According to the aforementioned method for assembling a linear actuator, in the screw rod assembly step, the aforementioned one end of the screw rod protrudes from the main gear, and after a gasket is sleeved on the aforementioned one end of the screw rod, the screw rod is limited by a riveting method.

[0008] According to the aforementioned linear actuator assembly method, the semi-finished product assembly step may further include fitting an adjustment module into the housing and electrically connecting it to a power module of the semi-finished product.

[0009] According to the aforementioned linear actuator assembly method, in the semi-finished product assembly step, a jig is passed through the aforementioned at least one mounting hole and the aforementioned at least one opening. After restricting the rotation of the main gear, the screw is locked in.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a linear actuator is provided, which is assembled by the aforementioned linear actuator assembly method and includes a semi-finished product and a screw. The semi-finished product includes a housing, a power module and a transmission module. The housing encloses an internal space. The power module is disposed in the internal space and includes a motor. The transmission module is disposed in the internal space and includes a main gear and a main gear bearing. The main gear is driven by the motor to rotate. The main gear bearing is sleeved on the main gear. The aforementioned one end of the screw is inserted and limited in the main gear.

[0011] According to the aforementioned linear actuator, the semi-finished product may further include an adjustment module. The adjustment module is detachably disposed on the housing and includes a module housing and a circuit board. The circuit board is accommodated in the module housing. When the adjustment module is assembled on the housing, the circuit board is electrically connected to the power module.

[0012] According to the aforementioned linear actuator, the housing may further include a fitting groove, and the module housing may further include a fitting flange. When the fitting flange is fitted into the fitting groove, the adjustment module is fixed to the housing, and a plug-in portion of the adjustment module is inserted into a connection portion of the power module.

[0013] According to the aforementioned linear actuator, the semi-finished product may further include a reinforcement seat and a tail seat. The reinforcement seat is disposed in the housing and connected to the main gear. The reinforcement seat includes a reinforcement seat body and the aforementioned at least one mounting hole. The aforementioned at least one mounting hole is disposed on the reinforcement seat body. The tail seat is detachably disposed on the reinforcement seat and includes a tail seat body and the aforementioned at least one through hole. The aforementioned at least one through hole corresponds to the aforementioned at least one mounting hole and is for inserting the aforementioned at least one screw. The aforementioned at least one screw passes through the aforementioned at least one through hole and is screwed into the aforementioned at least one mounting hole to fix the tail seat to the reinforcement seat.

[0014] According to the aforementioned linear actuator, the main gear may further include a fitting hole, and the fitting hole has an internal thread for screwing the screw. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a linear actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 Shown in accordance with Figure 1 An exploded partial view of the linear actuator of the embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 Shows another exploded view of a linear actuator according to Figure 1 the embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 a three-dimensional view of the alignment of the pitch adjustment module of a linear actuator according to the embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 a partial three-dimensional view of a linear actuator according to the embodiment; and

[0020] Figure 6 a block diagram showing a method for assembling a linear actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Symbol Description

[0022] 10: Linear actuator

[0023] 100: Semi-finished product

[0024] 110: Housing

[0025] 1101: Fitting groove

[0026] 120: Power module

[0027] 121: Motor

[0028] 122: Connecting part

[0029] 130: Transmission module

[0030] 131: Main gear

[0031] 1311: Fitting hole

[0032] 132: Main gear bearing

[0033] 133: Opening

[0034] 140: Pitch adjustment module

[0035] 141: Module housing

[0036] 1411: Fitting flange

[0037] 142: Circuit board

[0038] 143: Plug-in part

[0039] 150: Reinforcement seat

[0040] 151: Reinforcement seat body

[0041] 152: Mounting hole

[0042] 160: Tailstock

[0043] 161: Tailstock body

[0044] 162: Through hole

[0045] 170: Spacer

[0046] 180: Bush

[0047] 200: Screw rod

[0048] 300: Lifting mechanism

[0049] S1: Linear actuator assembly method

[0050] S2: Semi-finished product assembly steps

[0051] S3: Screw rod assembly steps

[0052] S4: Tailstock assembly steps Detailed implementation manners

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity, many practical details will be described together in the following description. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these practical details are not used to limit the present invention. That is to say, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, for the purpose of simplifying the drawings, some conventional structures and elements in the prior art will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings; and repeated elements may be represented by the same number or similar numbers.

[0054] In addition, when an element (or mechanism or module, etc.) is "connected", "arranged" or "coupled" to another element in this article, it may mean that the element is directly connected, directly arranged or directly coupled to another element, or it may mean that an element is indirectly connected, indirectly arranged or indirectly coupled to another element, that is, there are other elements between the element and another element. And when it is clearly stated that an element is "directly connected", "directly arranged" or "directly coupled" to another element, it means that there are no other elements between the element and another element. And the terms such as first, second, and third are only used to describe different elements or components, and do not limit the elements / components themselves. Therefore, the first element / component can also be renamed as the second element / component. And the combinations of elements / components / mechanisms / modules in this article are not generally known, conventional or existing combinations in this field, and it cannot be determined whether the combination relationship is easily completed by those skilled in the art based on whether the elements / components / mechanisms / modules themselves are existing.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 andFigure 3 ,in, Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a linear actuator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Show according to Figure 1 A partially exploded schematic diagram of a linear actuator 10 of an embodiment, Figure 3 Show according to Figure 1 Another partially exploded schematic diagram of the linear actuator 10 of the embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the linear actuator 10 includes a semi-finished product 100 and a screw 200. The semi-finished product 100 includes a housing 110, a power module 120 and a transmission module 130. The housing 110 surrounds an internal space. The power module 120 is disposed in the internal space and includes a motor 121. The transmission module 130 is disposed in the internal space and includes a main gear 131 and a main gear bearing 132. The main gear 131 is driven to rotate by the motor 121. The main gear bearing 132 is sleeved on the main gear 131. One end of the screw 200 is inserted and limited to the main gear 131. The other end of the main gear 131 may be sleeved with a shaft sleeve 180. When the semi-finished product 100 and the screw 200 are assembled, the screw 200 can be inserted into the main gear 131 from the other end of the main gear 131 and then fixed. The main gear bearing 132 is matched with the shaft sleeve 180 to enable the main gear 131 to stably rotate on the same axis. In addition, the main gear 131 may further include an engaging hole 1311, and the engaging hole 1311 has an internal thread (not shown) for the screw 200 to be screwed, so that the screw 200 and the main gear 131 are linked.

[0056] Therefore, by first completing the semi-finished product 100 , a suitable screw rod 200 can be selected for assembly according to the needs, which can improve the assembly efficiency and convenience of the linear actuator 10 .

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4 , and see also Figure 3 ,in Figure 4 Show according to Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the alignment of the pitch adjustment module 140 of the linear actuator 10 of the embodiment. The semi-finished product 100 may further include a pitch adjustment module 140, and the pitch adjustment module 140 is used to detect the lifting distance of the screw 200. The pitch adjustment module 140 can be detachably arranged on the housing 110, and includes a module housing 141 and a circuit board 142, and the circuit board 142 is accommodated in the module housing 141; wherein, when the pitch adjustment module 140 is assembled to the housing 110, the circuit board 142 is electrically connected to the power module 120. A micro switch (not shown) may be arranged on the circuit board 142, and the pitch adjustment module 140 includes a driven wheel (not shown) meshing with the gear of the power module 120.

[0058] Depend on Figure 3 andFigure 4 It can be seen that the power module 120 may further include a connection part 122, the connection part 122 is electrically connected to the motor 121, and the connection part 122 is exposed outside the housing 110; and the distance adjustment module 140 may further include a plug-in part 143, the plug-in part 143 is electrically connected to the circuit board 142, and corresponding to the connection part 122, the plug-in part 143 includes a plurality of pin headers, and the connection part 122 includes a plurality of pin holes to respectively correspond to a plurality of electric wires of the motor 121. When the plug-in part 143 is inserted into the connection part 122, the circuit board 142 can be electrically connected to the motor 121 through the plug-in part 143 and the connection part 122, and can detect the lifting distance of the screw rod 200 in real time. The distance adjustment module 140 may further include another plug-in part (not shown), which is for connecting an external controller (not shown). The controller controls the rotation of the motor 121 through the distance adjustment module 140, and receives the lifting distance of the screw rod 200 detected by the distance adjustment module 140, and can stop the rotation of the motor 121 according to a predetermined distance.

[0059] Specifically, the housing 110 may further include a fitting groove 1101, and the module housing 141 may further include a fitting flange 1411. The fitting groove 1101 and the fitting flange 1411 correspond in geometric shape. When the fitting flange 1411 is fitted into the fitting groove 1101, the distance adjustment module 140 is limited in the housing 110, and the plug-in part 143 is inserted into the connection part 122 to complete the electrical connection between the power module 120 and the distance adjustment module 140. Finally, the module housing 141 is locked to the housing 110 with screws; when it is desired to disassemble the distance adjustment module 140, remove the screws and pull it out in the reverse direction along the fitting groove 1101 to release the docking of the plug-in part 143 and the connection part 122, and take out the distance adjustment module 140.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 5 , and please also refer to Figure 3 , wherein, Figure 5 shows Figure 1 a partial perspective schematic view of the linear actuator 10 of the embodiment. From Figure 3 and Figure 5It can be known that the semi-finished product 100 may further include a strengthening base 150 and a tailstock 160. The strengthening base 150 is disposed within the housing 110 and connected to the main gear 131. The strengthening base 150 includes a strengthening base body 151 and at least one mounting hole 152. The foregoing at least one mounting hole 152 is disposed on the strengthening base body 151. The strengthening base 150 can be used to disperse the force on the housing 110 during the actuation of the linear actuator 10. The tailstock 160 is detachably disposed on the strengthening base 150 and includes a tailstock body 161 and at least one through hole 162. The foregoing at least one through hole 162 corresponds to the foregoing at least one mounting hole 152 and is for inserting at least one screw. Wherein, the foregoing at least one screw passes through the foregoing at least one through hole 162 and is screwed into the foregoing at least one mounting hole 152 to fix the tailstock 160 to the strengthening base 150. In other embodiments, the tailstock and the strengthening base can be combined in other ways, which does not limit the present invention.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 6 , and please also refer to Figures 1 to 5 , wherein, Figure 6 FIG. shows a block diagram of a linear actuator assembly method S1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As can be known from Figures 1 to 6 , the linear actuator assembly method S1 includes a semi-finished product assembly step S2 and a screw assembly step S3. The semi-finished product assembly step S2 completes a semi-finished product 100, which includes a housing 110, a main gear 131, and a main gear bearing 132. The main gear 131 and the main gear bearing 132 are covered and limited by the housing 110, and the main gear bearing 132 is sleeved on the main gear 131. In the screw assembly step S3, a screw 200 is inverted so that one end of the screw 200 is inserted into the main gear 131 and the foregoing one end of the screw 200 is limited to the main gear 131.

[0062] Specifically, the semi-finished product assembly step S2 may further include fitting an adjustment module 140 to the housing 110 and electrically connecting it to a power module 120 of the semi-finished product 100, and the adjustment module 140 can be quickly disassembled and assembled by the user for maintenance or replacement. In the screw assembly step S3, the foregoing one end of the screw 200 protrudes from the main gear 131. After taking a gasket 170 and sleeving it on the foregoing one end of the screw 200, the screw 200 is limited by a riveting method. In other embodiments, the limitation of the screw and the main gear can also be quickly combined in other ways such as pins and keyways, which does not limit the present invention. The other end of the screw 200 can be combined with a lifting mechanism 300 by the user. The lifting mechanism 300 is driven by the screw 200 and moves linearly relative to the linear actuator 10. In other embodiments, the user can change the lifting mechanism according to actual needs for application in different fields, which does not limit the present invention.

[0063] The semi-finished product 100 further includes a reinforcement seat 150 which is disposed within the housing 110 and sleeved on the main gear bearing 132. The reinforcement seat 150 includes at least one mounting hole 152 corresponding to at least one opening 133 of the main gear 131. In the semi-finished product assembly step S2, a jig (not shown) passes through the aforementioned at least one mounting hole 152 and the aforementioned at least one opening 133. After restricting the rotation of the main gear 131, the screw 200 is locked in. Therefore, the mounting hole 152 can be passed through by the jig to position the main gear 131. Subsequently, the mounting hole 152 can also be screwed by the tailstock 160. Moreover, the opening 133 on the main gear 131 also has the effects of reducing weight and cost, enabling a structure to have multiple technical effects.

[0064] In addition, the linear actuator assembly method S1 may further include a tailstock assembly step S4 to connect a tailstock 160 to the semi-finished product 100, so as to achieve protection and dust-proof effects.

[0065] In summary, in the present invention, the parts other than the screw 200 are pre-assembled into the semi-finished product 100, and the user can select a suitable screw 200 for assembly according to requirements, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and convenience of the linear actuator 10.

[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a linear actuator, characterized in that, Comprising: A semi-finished product assembly step to complete a semi-finished product, which includes a housing, a main gear, a main gear bearing, and a reinforcement seat. The main gear and the main gear bearing are enclosed and limited by the housing, and the main gear bearing is sleeved on the main gear. The reinforcement seat is arranged inside the housing and sleeved on the main gear bearing. The reinforcement seat includes at least one mounting hole corresponding to at least one opening of the main gear; A screw assembly step of inverting a screw so that one end of the screw is inserted into the main gear and the end of the screw is limited in the main gear; and A tailstock assembly step of connecting a tailstock to the semi-finished product. The tailstock includes at least one through hole corresponding to the at least one mounting hole and for at least one screw to be inserted. The at least one screw passes through the at least one through hole and is screwed into the at least one mounting hole to fix the tailstock to the reinforcement seat.

2. The linear actuator assembly method according to claim 1, wherein, In the screw assembly step, make the end of the screw protrude from the main gear. After taking a gasket and sleeving it on the end of the screw, limit the screw in a riveting manner.

3. The linear actuator assembly method according to claim 2, wherein the semi-finished product assembly step further includes: Fitting a distance adjustment module into the housing and electrically connecting it to a power module of the semi-finished product.

4. The linear actuator assembly method according to claim 1, wherein in the semi-finished product assembly step, a jig passes through the at least one mounting hole and the at least one opening, restricts the rotation of the main gear, and then locks in the screw.

5. A linear actuator, characterized in that, Assembled by the linear actuator assembly method of claim 1 and including: The semi-finished product, including: The housing surrounding an internal space; A power module arranged in the internal space and including a motor; and A transmission module arranged in the internal space and including: The main gear driven by the motor to rotate; and The main gear bearing sleeved on the main gear; and The screw, one end of the screw is inserted and limited in the main gear.

6. The linear actuator according to claim 5, wherein the semi-finished product further includes: A distance adjustment module detachably arranged on the housing and including: A module housing; and A circuit board is accommodated within the module housing; wherein, When the distance adjustment module is assembled on the housing, the circuit board is electrically connected to the power module.

7. The linear actuator according to claim 6, wherein the housing further includes a fitting groove, and the module housing further includes a fitting flange. When the fitting flange is fitted into the fitting groove, the distance adjustment module is fixed to the housing, and a plugging portion of the distance adjustment module is inserted into a connecting portion of the power module.

8. The linear actuator according to claim 5, wherein the semi-finished product further includes: The reinforcement seat arranged inside the housing and connected to the main gear. The reinforcement seat includes: A reinforcement seat body, and The at least one mounting hole arranged in the reinforcement seat body; and The tailstock detachably arranged on the reinforcement seat and including: A tailstock body; and The at least one through hole corresponds to the at least one mounting hole and is for inserting the at least one screw; wherein, The at least one screw passes through the at least one through hole and is screwed into the at least one mounting hole to fix the tailstock to the reinforcement seat.

9. The linear actuator according to claim 5, wherein the main gear further includes: A fitting hole having an internal thread for screwing the screw.

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