linear transmission

Abstract

The present application provides a linear transmission device, which comprises a screw rod, a moving element, a backflow element, a plurality of balls and a sensor. The moving element is sleeved on the screw rod and forms a load path with the screw rod. The backflow element is arranged on the moving element and has a backflow path connected with the load path. The backflow path and the load path form a circulation path for the balls. In addition, the moving element has an internal thread groove with an ineffective tooth area. One end of the moving element has a receiving groove adjacent to the ineffective tooth area. The sensor is embedded in the receiving groove of the moving element without affecting the movement of the balls. Thus, the linear transmission device of the present application can solve the problem of the sensor protruding from the moving element, so that the arrangement of the surrounding space and the stroke of the moving element are not affected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a linear transmission device, and in particular to a linear transmission device that does not affect the configuration of the surrounding space. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a linear transmission device (such as a ball screw or a linear slide) usually has a sensor arranged on a moving part (such as a nut or a slider) to sense the temperature, vibration or torque of the moving part during operation, so that the machine operator can monitor in real time to ensure the accuracy of the machining or conveying.

[0003] As for the arrangement of the sensor, TW I585342 patent case arranges the sensor in a sensing port that is attached to the nut or the slider; TW I683984 patent case arranges the sensing chip in the extended part of the sensing housing, which extends into the extended slot recessed from the axial or radial surface of the nut; TW I701101 patent case arranges the positioning slot in the axial or radial surface of the outer protruding ring of the nut, and arranges the embedded device in the positioning slot, and arranges the sensing module in the positioning slot and achieves signal connection with the embedded device. However, in the above three patent documents, the sensor is protruding out of the nut after installation, which not only affects the configuration of the surrounding existing mechanism, but also affects the travel of the nut when the sensor is protruding out of the axial end surface of the nut.

[0004] On the other hand, TW I585342 patent case arranges the temperature sensor obliquely into the nut from one end surface of the nut to sense the temperature change of the nut during operation, but the aforementioned temperature sensor has already extended into the effective tooth area (i.e. the area where the ball passes through), which damages the structural rigidity of the nut and even affects the operation of the ball.

[0005] DISCLOSURE

[0006] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a linear transmission device that does not affect the configuration of the surrounding space and does not affect the operation of the ball.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned main purpose, the linear transmission device comprises a screw rod, a moving part, a backflow element, a plurality of balls, and a sensor. The outer surface of the screw rod has an external thread groove; the moving part has a screw hole, the moving part is axially movably sleeved on the screw rod through the screw hole, the hole wall of the screw hole has an internal thread groove, the internal thread groove of the moving part and the external thread groove of the screw rod correspondingly match to form a load path, the internal thread groove has an ineffective tooth area, one end of the moving part has a receiving groove, and the receiving groove is adjacent to the ineffective tooth area of the internal thread groove; the backflow element is arranged on the moving part and has a backflow path, the backflow path connects the load path and forms a circulation path with the load path for the balls to run; and the sensor is arranged in the receiving groove of the moving part to sense the temperature, vibration or torsion of the moving part during operation.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, the linear transmission device of the application arranges the sensor in the receiving groove in an embedded manner, so that the sensor does not protrude from the moving part, and therefore does not affect the arrangement of the surrounding space and the stroke of the moving part, and even the size of the moving part can be appropriately reduced to meet different use requirements. In addition, since the receiving groove is connected to the ineffective tooth area and is located in a non-load area, the sensor does not damage the structural rigidity of the moving part after assembly and does not affect the running of the balls.

[0009] Preferably, the line connecting the point farthest from the center of the screw hole to the center of the screw hole is a signal source radius, a circular signal sensitive area is defined by taking the center of the screw hole as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius and the radius of the screw hole as the radius, the sensor has a vibration sensing chip, and the vibration sensing chip is located in the signal sensitive area, so that the most accurate signal source can be obtained, and the most accurate monitoring can be realized.

[0010] Preferably, the sensor has a temperature sensing chip, and the temperature sensing chip is attached to the moving part, and an intermediate layer made of electrically insulating material or heat-conducting material can be arranged therebetween to prevent noise.

[0011] Preferably, the moving part can be a nut or a slide, if it is a nut, the receiving groove can be recessed from one end surface of the nut along the axial direction of the screw hole or radially, or recessed from one end surface of the nut along the axial direction of the screw hole and along the outer periphery of the nut along the radial direction of the screw hole; if it is a slide, the receiving groove is recessed from one end surface of the slide along the axial direction of the screw hole.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor is covered by a cover plate arranged in the receiving groove to avoid the sensor being disturbed by foreign matters outside to affect the sensing accuracy.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor is connected to a signal line that can extend out of the nut along the axial or radial direction of the screw hole and connect to a signal processor, which can be further connected to a terminal processor (e.g., a computer).

[0014] Preferably, the sensor is fixed to the moving part by adhesive means, for example, using epoxy resin.

[0015] Detailed descriptions of the construction, features, assembly, and use of the linear transmission device provided by this invention will be given in the subsequent detailed description of embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these detailed descriptions and the specific embodiments listed for implementing this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope defined by the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the linear transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the linear transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Sectional view along section line 3-3.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the moving part provided by the linear transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an end view of the linear transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the linear transmission device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the linear transmission device of the second embodiment of the present invention, omitting the screw.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial exploded view.

[0024] Figure 9 for Figure 7 End view.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the linear transmission device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, omitting the screw.

[0026] Figure 11 for Figure 10partial exploded perspective view of the linear motion device of the first embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 12 is a front view of the linear motion device of the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 10

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the linear motion device of the fourth embodiment of the present application omitting the screw.

[0029] Figure 14 is a front view of the linear motion device of the fourth embodiment of the present application. Figure 13

[0030] Figure 15 is a front view of the linear motion device of the fourth embodiment of the present application. Figure 13

[0031] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the linear motion device of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 17 is a partial exploded perspective view of the linear motion device of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 18 is a front view of the moving member provided by the linear motion device of the fifth embodiment of the present application.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] 10: linear motion device

[0036] 20: screw

[0037] 22: external thread groove

[0038] 30: moving member

[0039] 31: body

[0040] 32: flange

[0041] 33: screw hole

[0042] 34: internal thread groove

[0043] 35: ineffective tooth region

[0044] 36: accommodation groove

[0045] 37: accommodation groove

[0046] 40: return element

[0047] 42: return path

[0048] 50: ball

[0049] 52: load path

[0050] 54: circulation path​​​

[0051] 60: sensor

[0052] 61: temperature sensing chip

[0053] 62: vibration sensing chip

[0054] 63: cover plate

[0055] M: signal sensitive area

[0056] R: signal source radius

[0057] r: radius of screw hole

[0058] 64: signal line

[0059] 65: signal processor

[0060] 66: terminal processor

[0061] 67: cover plate

[0062] 70: return element

[0063] 72: return element

[0064] 80: moving element

[0065] 81: screw hole

[0066] 82: accommodating groove

[0067] 83: cover plate

[0068] 84: return element DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Applicant first states that in the entire specification, including the embodiments to be described below and the claims of the accompanying claims, the terms related to directions are based on the directions in the drawings. Secondly, in the embodiments to be described below and the drawings, the same element numbers represent the same or similar elements or structural features thereof.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 Fig. 1, the linear transmission device 10 of the first embodiment of the present application includes a screw rod 20, a moving element 30, two return elements 40, a plurality of balls 50, and a sensor 60.

[0071] The outer surface of the screw rod 20 has an outer thread groove 22 extending along the axial direction thereof.

[0072] The moving member 30 is a nut in this embodiment and has a body 31, a flange 32 connected to one end of the body 31, and a threaded hole 33 passing through the body 31 and the flange 32. The moving member 30 is sleeved on the screw rod 20 and can move along the axial direction of the screw rod 20, and the threaded hole 33 has an internal thread groove 34. The internal thread groove 34 of the moving member 30 and the external thread groove 22 of the screw rod 20 are correspondingly matched to form a load path 52 (as shown in Figure 4 Fig. 1) together. In addition, as shown in Figure 3 Fig. 2, the internal thread groove 34 has an ineffective tooth area 35 (that is, an area through which the balls 50 do not pass), and the moving member 30 is recessed in the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 from the end face of the flange 32 opposite to the body 31 to form a receiving groove 36, and the receiving groove 36 is adjacent to the ineffective tooth area 35 of the internal thread groove 34. It is worth mentioning that the present application can also be applied to small-sized nuts, and in this case, the moving member 30 (nut) does not have the structure of the flange, and the receiving groove 36 is recessed in the axial direction or the radial direction of the threaded hole 33 from the end face of the nut.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4 Fig. 3, two return elements 40 are arranged at both ends of the moving member 30, and each of the two return elements 40 has a return path 42. The two return paths 42 are connected to both ends of the load path 52, so that the two return paths 42 and the load path 52 together form a circulation path 54 for the balls 50 to run.

[0074] The sensor 60 is arranged in the receiving groove 36 of the moving member 30 and is fixed to the moving member 30 by using an electrically insulating adhesive (such as epoxy resin). The sensor 60 is also covered by a cover plate 63 arranged in the receiving groove 36 to avoid the interference of foreign matters (such as dust) with the sensor 60 to affect the sensing accuracy. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5 Fig. 4, the sensor 60 has a temperature sensing chip 61 abutting against the moving member 30 to sense the temperature change of the moving member 30 during operation. The position between the temperature sensing chip 61 and the moving member 30 can be further configured with an intermediate layer (not shown in the figure) made of electrically insulating material or heat-conducting material to prevent noise generation. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is further provided with a vibration sensing chip 62, which is located in a ring-shaped signal sensitive area M, for sensing the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation. The signal sensitive area M is defined by a circle with the center C of the threaded hole 33 as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius R and the radius r of the threaded hole 33 as the radius, wherein the signal source radius R is the line between the farthest point of the return flow element 40 from the center C of the threaded hole 33 and the center C of the threaded hole 33. Such arrangement can achieve the most accurate sensing result. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is further provided with a vibration sensing chip 62, which is located in a ring-shaped signal sensitive area M, for sensing the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation. The signal sensitive area M is defined by a circle with the center C of the threaded hole 33 as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius R and the radius r of the threaded hole 33 as the radius, wherein the signal source radius R is the line between the farthest point of the return flow element 40 from the center C of the threaded hole 33 and the center C of the threaded hole 33. Such arrangement can achieve the most accurate sensing result. Again as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is connected with a signal line 64, which in this embodiment is along the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 and extends out of the moving part 30 to connect with a signal processor 65. The signal processor 65 is further connected with a terminal processor 66 (e.g. a computer) for analyzing the sensing result of the sensor 60 and subsequent monitoring.

[0075] On the other hand, the structure of the present application can be varied. Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second embodiment of the present application is substantially the same as the above-mentioned first embodiment in structure, and the main difference is that the accommodating groove 36 is recessed from the end surface of the flange 32 opposite to the body 31 along the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 and from the outer periphery of the flange 32 along the radial direction of the threaded hole 33, the sensor 60 is arranged in the accommodating groove 36 and covered by a cover plate 67, the size of the cover plate 67 needs to be matched with the size of the accommodating groove 36 so that the cover plate 67 can firmly fix the sensor 60 in the accommodating groove 36. It is worth mentioning that the present application can also be applied to small size nuts, in which case the moving part 30 (nut) does not have the structure of flange, and the accommodating groove 36 is recessed from the end surface of the nut along the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 and from the outer periphery of the nut along the radial direction of the threaded hole 33. In addition, the signal line 64 connected with the sensor 60 in this embodiment is along the radial direction of the threaded hole 33 and extends out of the moving part 30 to connect with the signal processor 65. Again as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is further provided with a vibration sensing chip 62, which is located in a ring-shaped signal sensitive area M, for sensing the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation. The signal sensitive area M is defined by a circle with the center C of the threaded hole 33 as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius R and the radius r of the threaded hole 33 as the radius, wherein the signal source radius R is the line between the farthest point of the return flow element 40 from the center C of the threaded hole 33 and the center C of the threaded hole 33. Such arrangement can achieve the most accurate sensing result. Again as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is connected with a signal line 64, which in this embodiment is along the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 and extends out of the moving part 30 to connect with a signal processor 65. The signal processor 65 is further connected with a terminal processor 66 (e.g. a computer) for analyzing the sensing result of the sensor 60 and subsequent monitoring. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is further provided with a vibration sensing chip 62, which is located in a ring-shaped signal sensitive area M, for sensing the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation. The signal sensitive area M is defined by a circle with the center C of the threaded hole 33 as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius R and the radius r of the threaded hole 33 as the radius, wherein the signal source radius R is the line between the farthest point of the return flow element 40 from the center C of the threaded hole 33 and the center C of the threaded hole 33. Such arrangement can achieve the most accurate sensing result. Again as shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 60 is connected with a signal line 64, which in this embodiment is along the axial direction of the threaded hole 33 and extends out of the moving part 30 to connect with a signal processor 65. The signal processor 65 is further connected with a terminal processor 66 (e.g. a computer) for analyzing the sensing result of the sensor 60 and subsequent monitoring.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11The third embodiment of the present application is substantially the same as the second embodiment in structure, the main difference is that the fourth embodiment of the present application provides four backflow elements 70, four backflow elements 70 embedded in the body 31 of the moving part 30 and arranged in a spiral along the axial direction of the screw hole 33, so that the balls 50 form an internal circulation operation. As shown in Figure 12 In the third embodiment of the present application, the vibration sensing chip 62 of the sensor 60 is also located in the annular signal sensitive area M, which is used to accurately sense the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The fourth embodiment of the present application is substantially the same as the third embodiment in structure, the main difference is that the fourth embodiment of the present application provides a backflow element 72 in the form of a bent pipe and only one in number, the backflow element 72 penetrates out of the body 31 of the moving part 30, so that the balls 50 form an external circulation operation. As shown in Figure 15 In the fourth embodiment of the present application, the vibration sensing chip 62 of the sensor 60 is also located in the annular signal sensitive area M, which is used to accurately sense the vibration of the moving part 30 during operation.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The fifth embodiment of the present application provides a moving part 80 different from the moving part 30 of each of the above embodiments. In the fifth embodiment of the present application, the moving part 80 is a slide with a screw hole 81, a containing groove 82 is recessed from one end face of the slide along the axial direction of the screw hole 81, and each end face of the moving part 80 is provided with a cover plate 83, one of which covers the containing groove 82, so that the sensor 60 is kept in the containing groove 82, and the number of backflow elements 84 is one and is arranged on the bottom surface of the moving part 80. As shown in Figure 17 The signal line 64 connected with the sensor 60 in this embodiment is connected with the signal processor 65 by penetrating out of the moving part 80 along the radial direction of the screw hole 81. As shown in Figure 18 In the fifth embodiment of the present application, the temperature sensing chip 61 of the sensor 60 is also attached to the moving part 80, which is used to sense the temperature change of the moving part 80 during operation, and the vibration sensing chip 62 of the sensor 60 is also located in the annular signal sensitive area M, which is used to accurately sense the vibration of the moving part 80 during operation.

[0079] In summary, the sensor 60 is embedded in the accommodation groove 36, so that the sensor 60 does not protrude from the moving member 30, and does not affect the arrangement of the surrounding space and the stroke of the moving member 30. Even more, the size of the moving member 30 can be properly reduced to meet different use requirements, and the sensor 60 can be applied to different types of moving members 30 (screw nut) or moving members 80 (slide). In addition, since the accommodation groove 36 is connected to the ineffective tooth area 35 and located in the non-load area, the operation of the balls 50 will not be affected after the sensor 60 is assembled, and the moving members 30, 80 can maintain good structural rigidity.

Claims

1. A linear transmission device, characterized by, The screw rod has an outer thread groove on its outer surface. The moving member has a threaded hole, and is axially movably sleeved on the screw rod. The threaded hole has an inner thread groove, and the inner thread groove of the moving member and the outer thread groove of the screw rod correspondingly match to form a load path. The inner thread groove has an ineffective tooth area. One end of the moving member has a receiving groove, and the receiving groove is adjacent to the ineffective tooth area of the inner thread groove. The backflow element is arranged on the moving member and has a backflow path. The backflow path connects the load path and forms a circulation path with the load path. A plurality of balls are arranged in the circulation path. A sensor is arranged in the receiving groove of the moving member. The sensor has a vibration sensing chip, and the vibration sensing chip is located in a ring-shaped signal sensitive area. The signal sensitive area is defined by the center of the threaded hole as the center and the length difference between the signal source radius and the radius of the threaded hole as the radius of the circle. The sensor has a temperature sensing chip, and the temperature sensing chip is attached to the moving member.

2. Linear transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that The moving member is a screw cap, and the receiving groove is recessed from an end surface of the screw cap along the axial direction of the threaded hole or radially.

3. Linear transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that The moving member is a screw cap, and the receiving groove is recessed from an end surface of the screw cap along the axial direction of the threaded hole and from the outer periphery of the screw cap along the radial direction of the threaded hole.

4. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The moving member is a slide, and the receiving groove is recessed from an end surface of the slide along the axial direction of the threaded hole.

5. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The sensor is connected to a signal line, and the signal line penetrates out of the screw cap along the axial direction of the threaded hole.

6. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The sensor is connected to a signal line, and the signal line penetrates out of the screw cap along the radial direction of the threaded hole.

7. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The sensor is fixed to the moving member in an adhesive manner.

8. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, ​ 9. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, ​

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