A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder and a method of use

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of electric cylinders, in particular to a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder and a use method thereof. The electric cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a first-stage cavity and a second-stage cavity arranged in the cylinder body and extending along an axial direction; a first-stage transmission assembly comprising a first-stage screw rod, a first-stage screw nut, a first-stage gear and a first-stage push rod; the first-stage screw rod is rotationally connected with the cylinder body and extends into the first-stage cavity; the first-stage screw nut is connected with the first-stage screw rod; the first-stage push rod is connected with the first-stage screw nut, moves with the first-stage screw nut and extends to a first end of the cylinder body; a second-stage transmission assembly comprising a second-stage screw rod, a second-stage screw nut, a second-stage gear and a second-stage push rod; the second-stage screw rod is rotationally connected with the cylinder body and extends into the second-stage cavity; the second-stage screw nut is connected with the second-stage screw rod; the second-stage push rod is connected with the second-stage screw nut, moves with the second-stage screw nut and extends to a second end of the cylinder body; and the first end and the second end of the cylinder body are opposite to each other. The electric cylinder can realize bidirectional asynchronous extension and one-way second-stage asynchronous extension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric cylinder technology, specifically to a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] An electric cylinder is a device that converts rotary motion into linear motion and is widely used in automated production equipment. Currently, common multi-stage electric cylinders include unidirectional multi-stage asynchronous electric cylinders, such as the servo multi-stage electric cylinder disclosed in utility model patent CN217607639U, and bidirectional synchronous electric cylinders, such as the bidirectional synchronous telescopic electric cylinder disclosed in utility model patent CN215634788U. Unidirectional multi-stage asynchronous electric cylinders cannot achieve bidirectional asynchronous extension, while bidirectional synchronous electric cylinders cannot achieve either bidirectional asynchronous extension or unidirectional multi-stage asynchronous extension. With the rapid development of automation technology, the working scenarios faced by electric cylinders are becoming increasingly complex. Therefore, there is a need for an electric cylinder that can achieve both bidirectional asynchronous extension and unidirectional two-stage asynchronous extension. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder and its usage method, the specific technical solution of which is as follows.

[0004] A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder, comprising:

[0005] The cylinder body has an internal primary cavity and a secondary cavity extending in the axial direction, with the axial directions of the primary cavity and the secondary cavity being parallel; the inner wall of the primary cavity has a primary guide groove extending in the axial direction; the inner wall of the secondary cavity has a secondary guide groove extending in the axial direction.

[0006] The primary transmission assembly includes a primary lead screw, a primary nut, a primary gear, and a primary push rod. The primary lead screw is rotatably connected to the cylinder body and extends into the primary cavity. The primary nut is connected to the primary lead screw, and a primary retainer is connected to the side of the primary nut via a primary spring. The primary retainer extends into a primary guide groove to restrict the rotation of the primary nut. The primary gear is rotatably mounted in the cylinder body, and a primary limiting groove is provided on the inner wall facing the primary nut. The depth of the primary limiting groove is greater than the depth of the primary guide groove, allowing the primary retainer to disengage from the guide groove and enter the primary limiting groove, thereby driving the primary gear to rotate with the primary nut. The primary push rod is connected to the primary nut, moves with the primary nut, and extends towards the first end of the cylinder body.

[0007] The secondary transmission assembly includes a secondary lead screw, a secondary nut, a secondary gear, and a secondary push rod. The secondary lead screw is rotatably connected to the cylinder body and extends into the secondary cavity. The secondary nut is connected to the secondary lead screw, and a secondary retainer is connected to the side of the secondary nut via a secondary spring. The secondary retainer extends into a secondary guide groove to restrict the rotation of the secondary nut. A secondary positioning groove is provided at the end of the secondary guide groove near the secondary gear, and the depth of the secondary positioning groove is greater than the depth of the secondary guide groove. The secondary gear meshes with the primary gear and is connected to the secondary lead screw. The secondary push rod is connected to the secondary nut, moves with the secondary nut, and extends towards the second end of the cylinder body. The first end and the second end of the cylinder body are opposite each other.

[0008] Furthermore, the first-stage guide groove has a first transition portion at one end near the first-stage limiting groove, and the first transition portion is a rounded corner or a chamfer; the second-stage guide groove has a second transition portion at one end near the second-stage limiting groove, and the second transition portion is a rounded corner or a chamfer.

[0009] Furthermore, the primary locking component includes a slider, and the primary nut has a sliding groove on its side; one end of the slider extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring, and the other end extends into the primary guide groove or the primary limiting groove and is provided with an inclined surface that cooperates with the first transition part.

[0010] Furthermore, the primary locking component includes a slider, and the primary nut has a sliding groove on its side; one end of the slider extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring, and the other end has a rotating groove; a steel ball is rotatably installed in the rotating groove, and part of the steel ball protrudes out of the rotating groove and extends into the primary guide groove or the primary limiting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the structure and working principle of the secondary card are the same as those of the primary card.

[0012] Furthermore, the cylinder block includes an upper cylinder head, a cylinder barrel, and a lower cylinder head; the upper cylinder head is connected to the cylinder barrel, and the cylinder barrel is connected to the lower cylinder head.

[0013] Furthermore, the secondary gear is located inside the upper cylinder head, and a limiting protrusion is provided at one end of the cylinder barrel near the upper cylinder head to restrict the axial movement of the secondary nut; the secondary push rod extends outward from the lower cylinder head, and the lower cylinder head restricts the axial movement of the secondary nut.

[0014] Furthermore, when the primary card extends into the primary guide groove, the primary guide groove is aligned with the primary limiting groove; when the secondary card extends into the secondary guide groove, the secondary guide groove is aligned with the secondary limiting groove.

[0015] Furthermore, it includes two sets of secondary transmission components and two secondary cavities; the two secondary transmission components are arranged symmetrically along the axis of the primary transmission component.

[0016] A method of using a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder as described in any of the above claims includes:

[0017] The cylinder body is fixed to the external structure, and the first-stage lead screw is driven to rotate, causing the first-stage push rod to extend to the first end of the cylinder body until the first-stage locking member extends into the first-stage locking groove; the first-stage lead screw is continued to rotate, causing the second-stage push rod to extend to the second end of the cylinder body; thus forming a reverse asynchronous action.

[0018] or

[0019] The secondary push rod is fixed to the external structure, and the primary screw is driven to rotate, causing the primary push rod to extend towards the first end of the cylinder body until the primary locking member extends into the primary locking groove; the primary screw is continued to be driven to rotate, causing the secondary screw to drive the cylinder body to move towards the first end of the cylinder body; thus forming a two-stage action in the same direction.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder provided by this invention can achieve both bidirectional asynchronous extension and unidirectional two-stage asynchronous extension, which can solve the requirements of some special working conditions; and the electric cylinder has a multi-cavity structure, which is suitable for heavy-load transmission and can resist greater external force disturbances. At the same time, the transmission structure is simple and compact. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 : Front sectional view of the electric cylinder in its initial state;

[0022] Figure 2 : A side sectional view of the first-stage lead screw of the electric cylinder in its initial state;

[0023] Figure 3 : A side sectional view of the secondary lead screw of the electric cylinder in its initial state;

[0024] Figure 4 : Front sectional view of the electric cylinder when the first stage is extended;

[0025] Figure 5 : Front sectional view of the electric cylinder when the second stage is extended;

[0026] Figure 6 : Side sectional view of the first-stage lead screw of the electric cylinder when the first stage is extended;

[0027] Figure 7 Side sectional view of the secondary lead screw of the electric cylinder when the secondary stage is extended;

[0028] Figure 8 : Figure 2 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 9 : Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of region B in the middle.

[0030] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Upper cylinder head; 2. Cylinder barrel; 3. Lower cylinder head; 4. Primary cavity; 5. Secondary cavity; 6. Primary lead screw; 7. Primary nut; 8. Primary gear; 9. Primary push rod; 10. Primary guide groove; 11. Primary retaining element; 12. Primary limiting groove; 13. Secondary lead screw; 14. Secondary nut; 15. Secondary gear; 16. Secondary push rod; 17. Secondary guide groove; 18. Secondary retaining element; 19. Secondary limiting groove; 20. First transition section; 21. Secondary transition section; 22. Primary spring; 23. Secondary spring; 24. Slider; 25. Steel ball. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] This embodiment provides a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder, see reference... Figure 1As shown, it specifically includes a cylinder block, a set of primary transmission components, and two sets of secondary transmission components. The cylinder block includes an upper cylinder head 1, a cylinder barrel 2, and a lower cylinder head 3; the upper cylinder head 1 is connected to the cylinder barrel 2, and the cylinder barrel 2 is connected to the lower cylinder head 3. A primary cavity 4 and two secondary cavities 5 extending axially are respectively formed within the cylinder barrel 2. The axes of the primary cavity 4 and the secondary cavities 5 are parallel. The primary transmission component extends into the primary cavity 4, and the two secondary transmission components are respectively located within the two secondary cavities 5.

[0035] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the primary transmission assembly includes a primary lead screw 6, a primary nut 7, a primary gear 8, and a primary push rod 9. One end of the primary lead screw 6 is rotatably connected to the cylinder 2 and the lower cylinder head 3 via bearings, while the other end extends into the primary cavity 4. The inner wall of the primary cavity 4 is provided with a primary guide groove 10 extending along the axial direction. The primary nut 7 is connected to the primary lead screw 6, and a primary retainer 11 is connected to the side of the primary nut 7 via a primary spring 22. The primary retainer 11 extends into the primary guide groove 10 to restrict the rotation of the primary nut 7. Therefore, when the primary lead screw 6 rotates, the primary nut 7 moves axially along the primary lead screw 6 under the restriction of the primary retainer 11. The first-stage gear 8 is mounted inside the upper end cover via bearings, and a first-stage limiting groove 12 is provided on the inner side wall facing the first-stage nut 7. The depth of the first-stage limiting groove 12 is greater than the depth of the first-stage guide groove 10, so that the first-stage clamp 11 enters the first-stage limiting groove 12 after disengaging from the guide groove and drives the first-stage gear 8 to rotate with the first-stage nut 7. The first-stage push rod 9 is connected to the first-stage nut 7, moves with the first-stage nut 7, and extends out to the first end of the cylinder body.

[0036] Specifically, the two sets of secondary transmission components have the same structure and functional principle, referring to... Figure 3As shown, the secondary transmission assembly includes a secondary lead screw 13, a secondary nut 14, a secondary gear 15, and a secondary push rod 16. One end of the secondary lead screw 13 is rotatably connected to the upper end cover and the cylinder 2 via bearings, and the other end extends into the secondary cavity 5. The inner wall of the secondary cavity 5 is provided with a secondary guide groove 17 extending along the axial direction. The secondary nut 14 is connected to the secondary lead screw 13, and a secondary clamp 18 is connected to the side of the secondary nut 14 via a secondary spring 23. The secondary clamp 18 extends into the secondary guide groove 17 to restrict the rotation of the secondary nut 14. The secondary cavity 5 is close to the secondary gear 15. A limiting protrusion is provided at one end, so that the end of the secondary guide groove 17 near the secondary gear 15 forms a secondary positioning groove, the depth of which is greater than the depth of the secondary guide groove 17. The secondary gear 15 meshes with the primary gear 8 and is connected to the secondary lead screw 13. Therefore, when the primary gear 8 rotates, it drives the secondary gear 15 to rotate, thereby causing the lead screw to rotate. Under the restriction of the secondary clamp 18, the secondary nut 14 moves along the axial direction of the secondary lead screw 13. The secondary clamp 18 compresses the secondary spring 23 from the secondary limiting groove 19 into the secondary guide groove 17, causing the secondary nut 14 to move until it abuts against the lower end cover. The secondary push rod 16 is connected to the secondary nut 14, moves with the secondary nut 14, and extends towards the second end of the cylinder. The first end and the second end of the cylinder are opposite each other.

[0037] Specifically, the first-stage guide groove 10 has a first transition portion 20 at one end near the first-stage limiting groove 12, and the first transition portion 20 is a rounded corner or chamfer; the second-stage guide groove 17 has a second transition portion 21 at one end near the second-stage limiting groove 19, and the second transition portion 21 is a rounded corner or chamfer. The presence of the transition portion makes it easier for the clamping spring to compress and enter the guide groove.

[0038] Specifically, the primary locking component 11 includes a slider 24, and the primary nut 7 has a sliding groove on its side; one end of the slider 24 extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring 22, and the other end has a rotating groove; a steel ball 25 is rotatably installed in the rotating groove, and part of the steel ball 25 protrudes out of the rotating groove and extends into the primary guide groove 10 or the primary limiting groove 12.

[0039] Alternatively, the primary locking component 11 can also be in other structural forms. For example, the primary locking component 11 includes a slider 24, and the primary nut 7 has a sliding groove on its side. One end of the slider 24 extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring 22. The other end extends into the primary guide groove 10 or the primary limiting groove 12 and has an inclined surface that cooperates with the first transition part 20.

[0040] The secondary card 18 has the same structure and function as the primary card 11, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0041] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, in the initial state, both the first-stage push rod 9 and the second-stage push rod 16 are in the unextended state. When the push rod needs to extend, it drives the first-stage lead screw 6 to rotate, thus causing the first-stage push rod 9 to extend towards the first end of the cylinder body. At this time, the first-stage guide groove 10 and the first-stage limiting groove 12 are axially aligned. The first-stage push rod 9 continues to move until the first-stage retaining member 11 extends into the first-stage limiting groove 12. At this point, the first-stage push rod 9 can no longer move, and the first-stage lead screw 6 continues to rotate, causing the first-stage gear 8 to rotate with the nut under the action of the retaining member. At this time, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the first stage extension is completed; therefore, the first stage gear 8 drives the second stage gear 15 to rotate, and the second stage gear 15 drives the second stage lead screw 13 to rotate. At this time, the second stage guide groove 17 and the second stage limiting groove 19 are also axially aligned. Under the action of the second stage limiting groove 19, the second stage nut 14 moves towards the second end of the cylinder, thereby causing the second stage clamp 18 to overcome the elastic force of the second stage spring 23 and enter the second stage guide groove 17, until it moves to the point where the second stage nut 14 abuts against the lower end cover. At this time, refer to Figure 5 The second-stage extension is completed as shown, thus achieving bidirectional asynchronous extension.

[0042] When the push rod needs to be retracted, the first-stage lead screw 6 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the first-stage nut 7 drives the first-stage gear 8 to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby driving the second-stage gear 15 to rotate. The second-stage push rod 16 then retracts until the second-stage locking piece 18 is engaged in the second-stage limiting groove 19. At this time, the second-stage nut 14 cannot move or rotate, thus preventing the first-stage gear 8 from rotating. At this time, the first-stage guide groove 10 and the first-stage limiting groove 12 are axially aligned. The rotation and movement of the first-stage locking piece 11 are restricted by the first-stage limiting groove 12. As the first-stage lead screw 6 continues to rotate, the first-stage spring 22 is subjected to force, thereby causing the first-stage locking piece 11 to enter the first-stage guide groove 10, and the first-stage push rod 9 is retracted.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment provides a method for using the bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder described in Embodiment 1, which specifically includes: fixing the cylinder body to the external structure, driving the first-stage lead screw 6 to rotate, causing the first-stage push rod 9 to extend towards the first end of the cylinder body until the first-stage locking member 11 extends into the first-stage locking groove; continuing to drive the first-stage lead screw 6 to rotate, causing the second-stage push rod 16 to extend out of the second end of the cylinder body; thereby forming a reverse asynchronous action.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cylinder body is fixed to the external structure to achieve the asynchronous extension of the electric cylinder in the opposite direction.

[0046] Example 3

[0047] This embodiment provides a method for using the bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder described in Embodiment 1, which specifically includes: fixing the secondary push rod 16 to the external structure, driving the primary lead screw 6 to rotate, causing the primary push rod 9 to extend towards the first end of the cylinder body until the primary locking member 11 extends into the primary locking groove; continuing to drive the primary lead screw 6 to rotate, causing the secondary lead screw 13 to drive the cylinder body to move towards the first end of the cylinder body; thereby forming a two-stage action in the same direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the secondary push rod 16 is fixed to the external structure to achieve the synchronous two-stage asynchronous extension of the electric cylinder.

Claims

1. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder, characterized in that, include: The cylinder body has an internal primary cavity and a secondary cavity extending in the axial direction, with the axial directions of the primary cavity and the secondary cavity being parallel; the inner wall of the primary cavity has a primary guide groove extending in the axial direction; the inner wall of the secondary cavity has a secondary guide groove extending in the axial direction. The primary transmission assembly includes a primary lead screw, a primary nut, a primary gear, and a primary push rod. The primary lead screw is rotatably connected to the cylinder body and extends into the primary cavity. The primary nut is connected to the primary lead screw, and a primary retainer is connected to the side of the primary nut via a primary spring. The primary retainer extends into a primary guide groove to restrict the rotation of the primary nut. The primary gear is rotatably mounted in the cylinder body, and a primary limiting groove is provided on the inner wall facing the primary nut. The depth of the primary limiting groove is greater than the depth of the primary guide groove, allowing the primary retainer to disengage from the guide groove and enter the primary limiting groove, thereby driving the primary gear to rotate with the primary nut. The primary push rod is connected to the primary nut, moves with the primary nut, and extends towards the first end of the cylinder body. The secondary transmission assembly includes a secondary lead screw, a secondary nut, a secondary gear, and a secondary push rod. The secondary lead screw is rotatably connected to the cylinder body and extends into the secondary cavity. The secondary nut is connected to the secondary lead screw, and a secondary retainer is connected to the side of the secondary nut via a secondary spring. The secondary retainer extends into a secondary guide groove to restrict the rotation of the secondary nut. A secondary positioning groove is provided at the end of the secondary guide groove near the secondary gear, and the depth of the secondary positioning groove is greater than the depth of the secondary guide groove. The secondary gear meshes with the primary gear and is connected to the secondary lead screw. The secondary push rod is connected to the secondary nut, moves with the secondary nut, and extends to the second end of the cylinder. The first end of the cylinder is opposite to the second end.

2. The bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-level guide groove has a first transition section at one end near the first-level limiting groove, and the first transition section is a rounded corner or a chamfer; the second-level guide groove has a second transition section at one end near the second-level limiting groove, and the second transition section is a rounded corner or a chamfer.

3. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The primary locking component includes a slider, and the primary nut has a sliding groove on its side; one end of the slider extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring, and the other end extends into the primary guide groove or the primary limiting groove and has an inclined surface that cooperates with the first transition part.

4. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The primary locking component includes a slider, and the primary nut has a sliding groove on its side; one end of the slider extends into the sliding groove and is connected to the bottom wall of the sliding groove through a primary spring, and the other end has a rotating groove; a steel ball is rotatably installed in the rotating groove, and part of the steel ball protrudes out of the rotating groove and extends into the primary guide groove or the primary limiting groove.

5. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The structure and working principle of the secondary card are the same as those of the primary card.

6. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder block includes an upper cylinder head, a cylinder barrel, and a lower cylinder head; the upper cylinder head is connected to the cylinder barrel, and the cylinder barrel is connected to the lower cylinder head.

7. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 6, characterized in that, The secondary gear is located inside the upper cylinder head, and the cylinder barrel is provided with a limiting protrusion at the end near the upper cylinder head to restrict the axial movement of the secondary nut; the secondary push rod extends outward from the lower cylinder head, and the lower cylinder head restricts the axial movement of the secondary nut.

8. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the primary card extends into the primary guide groove, the primary guide groove is aligned with the primary limiting groove; when the secondary card extends into the secondary guide groove, the secondary guide groove is aligned with the secondary limiting groove.

9. A bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to any one of claims 1-4 and 6-8, characterized in that, It includes two sets of secondary transmission components and two secondary cavities; the two secondary transmission components are arranged symmetrically along the axis of the primary transmission component.

10. A method of using a bidirectional asynchronous electric cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, include: Fix the cylinder body to the external structure, drive the first-stage lead screw to rotate, so that the first-stage push rod extends to the first end of the cylinder body until the first-stage locking piece extends into the first-stage locking slot; Continue to drive the first-stage lead screw to rotate, causing the second end of the second-stage push rod cylinder to extend; thus forming a reverse asynchronous action; or The secondary push rod is fixed to the external structure, and the primary screw is driven to rotate, causing the primary push rod to extend towards the first end of the cylinder body until the primary locking member extends into the primary locking groove; the primary screw is continued to be driven to rotate, causing the secondary screw to drive the cylinder body to move towards the first end of the cylinder body; thus forming a two-stage action in the same direction.

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