Position detection method, position detection system and electric adjusting equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a position detection method, a position detection system and electric adjusting equipment. The position detection method is applied to the position detection system. The position detection system comprises an electric actuating mechanism, a position sensor and a controller, the electric actuating mechanism and the position sensor are both connected with the controller, and the position sensor is arranged at the initial position of the electric actuating mechanism. The position detection method comprises the following steps: controlling the electric actuating mechanism to perform reset motion through the controller; the position of the electric actuating mechanism is detected through the position sensor, and when the electric actuating mechanism moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a preset position change signal to the controller; and when the controller receives the preset position change signal, it is judged that the electric actuating mechanism moves to the initial position. Therefore, whether the electric actuating mechanism moves to the initial position or not can be accurately judged, and the reliability of position detection of the electric actuating mechanism is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electric equipment, and in particular to a position detection method, a position detection system and an electric regulating device. Background Art

[0002] In smart chairs, electric push rods are used to adjust the position of the waist, head, back, and reclining angle. By installing dual Hall sensors on the motor, the position of the push rod can be determined by counting the number of motor revolutions. However, when the controller of the device suddenly loses power, the controller cannot save the number of motor revolutions, resulting in the inability to determine the current position of the push rod. At this time, the push rod needs to be reset. Currently, during the reset process of the push rod, the current mutation caused by the motor stall is used to determine whether the push rod has been reset, which has poor reliability. Summary of the invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a position detection method, a position detection system and an electric adjustment device to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] The position detection method of the embodiment of the present application is applied to a position detection system, wherein the position detection system includes an electric actuator, a position sensor and a controller, wherein the electric actuator and the position sensor are both connected to the controller, and the position sensor is arranged at an initial position of the electric actuator. The position detection method includes:

[0005] Controlling the electric actuator to perform a reset movement through the controller;

[0006] The position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller;

[0007] When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes a Hall sensor, the position detection system further includes a magnet, the magnet is arranged on a side of the electric actuator opposite to the position sensor, the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including:

[0009] The position of the electric actuator is detected by the Hall sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the magnet approaches the Hall sensor, so that the Hall sensor outputs a predetermined magnetic field change signal to the controller;

[0010] When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes:

[0011] When the controller receives the predetermined magnetic field change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes a photoelectric sensor, and the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including:

[0013] The position of the electric actuator is detected by the photoelectric sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the photoelectric sensor outputs a predetermined photoelectric change signal to the controller;

[0014] When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes:

[0015] When the controller receives the predetermined photoelectric change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor, and the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including:

[0017] The position of the electric actuator is detected by the ultrasonic sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the ultrasonic sensor outputs a predetermined ultrasonic change signal to the controller;

[0018] When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes:

[0019] When the controller receives the predetermined ultrasonic change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the position detection system further comprises a motor and a current sensor, the motor being connected to the electric actuator and the controller respectively, and the current sensor being connected to the motor and the controller respectively;

[0021] The step of controlling the electric actuator to perform a reset movement by the controller includes:

[0022] The controller controls the motor to operate so as to drive the electric actuator to perform a reset movement;

[0023] The position detection method further comprises:

[0024] Detecting a current signal of the motor by means of the current sensor;

[0025] When the current signal received by the controller increases and the predetermined position change signal is not received, it is determined that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object.

[0026] In certain embodiments, when determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position; and / or when determining that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object, the position detection method further includes:

[0027] The electric actuator is controlled by the controller to stop moving.

[0028] The position detection system of the embodiment of the present application comprises an electric actuator, a position sensor and a controller, wherein the electric actuator and the position sensor are both connected to the controller, and the position sensor is arranged at an initial position of the electric actuator;

[0029] The controller is used to control the electric actuator to perform a reset movement;

[0030] The position sensor is used to detect the position of the electric actuator. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller.

[0031] The controller is also used to determine that the electric actuator moves to the initial position according to the received position change signal.

[0032] In some embodiments, the position sensor includes any one of a Hall sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0033] In some embodiments, the position detection system further includes a motor and a current sensor.

[0034] The motor is connected to the electric actuator and the controller respectively, and the controller is used to control the operation of the motor to drive the electric actuator to perform a reset movement;

[0035] The current sensor is connected to the motor and the controller respectively, and the current sensor is used to detect the current signal of the motor;

[0036] The controller is also used to determine that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object when the received current signal increases and the position change signal is not received.

[0037] The electric adjustment device according to the embodiment of the present application includes the position detection system of any one of the above embodiments.

[0038] In the position detection method, position detection system and electric adjustment device of the embodiment of the present application, a position sensor is set at the initial position of the electric actuator, and the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal. When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, it determines that the electric actuator moves to the initial position. In this way, it can be accurately determined whether the electric actuator moves to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become apparent from the description below, or will be learned through the practice of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a position detection method of certain embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric adjustment device according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a module of a position detection system in certain embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a position detection method of certain embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric adjustment device according to certain embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 6is a flow chart of a position detection method of certain embodiments of the present application;

[0047] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a position detection method of certain embodiments of the present application;

[0048] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a position detection method of certain embodiments of the present application;

[0049] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a module of a position detection system in certain embodiments of the present application;

[0050] Fig.10 It is a flowchart of a position detection method according to certain embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following is a further description of the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions from beginning to end. In addition, the embodiments of the present application described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0052] See also Figures 1 to 3 , the embodiment of the present application provides a position detection method. The position detection method is applied to a position detection system 100. The position detection system 100 includes an electric actuator 10, a position sensor 20 and a controller 30. The electric actuator 10 and the position sensor 20 are both connected to the controller 30, and the position sensor 20 is set at the initial position of the electric actuator 10. The position detection method includes:

[0053] 010: Control the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement through the controller 30;

[0054] 020: The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller 30;

[0055] 030: When the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position.

[0056] In the position detection method of the embodiment of the present application, a position sensor 20 is set at the initial position of the electric actuator 10, and the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal, and when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0057] Specifically, the position detection system 100 can be set on any electrically adjustable device, such as Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the position detection system 100 provided on the electric lift table as an example. The electric actuator 10 can be a push rod for adjusting the height of the electric lift table. The electric actuator 10 can be made of durable and fast-responding metal or alloy. The position sensor 20 uses a miniaturized component, which is convenient for being set at the initial position of the motion path of the electric actuator 10. The initial position of the motion path of the electric actuator 10 is close to the foot of the electric lift table.

[0058] The electric actuator 10 is connected to the controller 30, and the controller 30 can control the electric actuator 10 to move along the motion path toward the initial position (that is, along the Figure 2 The position sensor 20 can detect the position of the electric actuator 10. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 can detect and obtain a predetermined position change signal. The position sensor 20 is connected to the controller 30 to output the predetermined position change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined position change signal.

[0059] After the electric actuator 10 is reset to the initial position, the electric lift table returns to its initial state, so that the electric lift table can be restarted from a known and stable state, ensuring that subsequent lifting and positioning operations are accurate.

[0060] In the related art, when the push rod reaches the initial position, the push rod cannot continue to move, the motor is blocked, and a current mutation occurs. Therefore, the push rod is judged whether it has reached the initial position by detecting the current mutation, and the current mutation may be affected by many factors, such as power supply voltage fluctuation, motor internal fault or external load change, etc. These factors may cause the current to fluctuate or the characteristics of the current mutation are not obvious, making it difficult to accurately judge whether the push rod is reset, and the reliability of position detection is poor.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, an additional position sensor 20 is provided at the initial position of the electric actuator 10 to detect the position of the electric actuator 10. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to determine that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position. In this way, there is no need to rely on the sudden change in current caused by the stall of the motor 40 to detect whether the electric actuator 10 has reached the initial position, and it is not easily affected by current fluctuations or other external factors. It can accurately determine whether the electric actuator 10 has moved to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0062] In some embodiments, the position sensor 20 includes any one of a Hall sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. For example, a Hall sensor can be used as the position sensor 20; or a photoelectric sensor can be used as the position sensor 20; or an ultrasonic sensor can be used as the position sensor 20. In this way, different position sensors 20 can be selected according to different application environments and requirements, thereby improving the reliability of position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0063] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the position sensor 20 includes a Hall sensor. The position detection system 100 also includes a magnet 60, which is disposed on a side of the electric actuator 10 opposite to the position sensor 20. The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller 30 (i.e., 020), including:

[0064] 021: The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the Hall sensor. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the magnet 60 approaches the Hall sensor, so that the Hall sensor outputs a predetermined magnetic field change signal to the controller 30;

[0065] At this time, when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position (ie, 030), including:

[0066] 031: When the controller 30 receives a predetermined magnetic field change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position.

[0067] Specifically, when a Hall sensor is used as the position sensor 20, the position detection system 100 further includes a magnet 60, which is used to cooperate with the Hall sensor to detect the position of the electric actuator 10. The magnet 60 is disposed on the electric actuator 10, and is located on a side of the electric actuator 10 opposite to the position sensor 20, such as Figure 5As shown, the magnet 60 is disposed at the bottom of the electric actuator 10 , opposite to the position sensor 20 .

[0068] During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the Hall sensor. As the distance between the electric actuator 10 and the Hall sensor changes, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 60 will also change accordingly, and the magnetic field strength, direction and other characteristics generated by the magnet 60 will be captured by the Hall sensor. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the magnet 60 approaches the Hall sensor, and the relative position relationship between the magnet 60 and the Hall sensor reaches a preset state. At this time, the Hall sensor detects a predetermined magnetic field change, for example, the magnetic field strength reaches a maximum value, the magnetic field direction deflects by a predetermined angle, etc.

[0069] The Hall sensor can convert the detected predetermined magnetic field change into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined magnetic field change signal, so that the Hall sensor can output the predetermined magnetic field change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined magnetic field change signal and determines whether the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined magnetic field change signal.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, a Hall sensor is used as the position sensor 20. The Hall sensor has high sensitivity and high stability and can quickly respond to changes in the magnetic field. In this way, the accuracy and reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10 can be further improved.

[0071] See also Figure 2 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the position sensor 20 includes a photoelectric sensor. The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller 30 (ie, 020), including:

[0072] 022: The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by a photoelectric sensor. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the photoelectric sensor outputs a predetermined photoelectric change signal to the controller 30;

[0073] At this time, when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position (ie, 030), including:

[0074] 032: When the controller 30 receives a predetermined photoelectric change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position.

[0075] Specifically, a photoelectric sensor can be used as the position sensor 20. There is no restriction on the type of the photoelectric sensor used, and a suitable photoelectric sensor can be selected according to the actual application scenario. For example, a reflective photoelectric sensor can be selected, which includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a detection circuit.

[0076] During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the photoelectric sensor, the transmitter continuously or periodically emits a light beam toward the electric actuator 10, and the receiver receives the reflected light signal. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the photoelectric sensor detects a predetermined photoelectric change, for example, the light is blocked by the electric actuator 10 or reflected by the electric actuator 10, so that the received light signal changes.

[0077] The detection circuit processes the received optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined photoelectric change signal, so that the photoelectric sensor can output the predetermined photoelectric change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined photoelectric change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined photoelectric change signal.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present application, a photoelectric sensor is used as the position sensor 20, which has a fast reaction speed, sensitive response, simple structure, and is easy to install and maintain. In this way, the accuracy and reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10 can be further improved.

[0079] See also Figure 2 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the position sensor 20 includes an ultrasonic sensor. The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller 30 (ie, 020), including:

[0080] 023: The position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by an ultrasonic sensor. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the ultrasonic sensor outputs a predetermined ultrasonic change signal to the controller 30;

[0081] At this time, when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position (ie, 030), including:

[0082] 033: When the controller 30 receives a predetermined ultrasonic change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position.

[0083] Specifically, an ultrasonic sensor can be used as the position sensor 20. During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor continuously emits ultrasonic pulses and receives reflected waves reflected by the electric actuator 10, and tracks the position of the electric actuator 10 in real time. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the electric actuator 10 reaches a preset state, and the ultrasonic sensor detects a predetermined ultrasonic change. For example, when the electric actuator 10 reaches the initial position, the time interval from the emission to the reception of the ultrasonic pulse reaches a preset threshold.

[0084] The ultrasonic sensor can convert the detected predetermined ultrasonic change into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined ultrasonic signal, so that the ultrasonic sensor can output the predetermined ultrasonic change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined ultrasonic change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined photoelectric change signal.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the position sensor 20. The detection performance of the ultrasonic sensor is almost unaffected by any environmental conditions, has strong anti-interference ability, and has a large measurement range, which can cover distances from a few millimeters to tens of meters. In this way, the accuracy and reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10 can be further improved, and it can adapt to different application environments and requirements.

[0086] See also Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In some embodiments, the position detection system 100 further includes a motor 40 and a current sensor 50. The motor 40 is connected to the electric actuator 10 and the controller 30, respectively. The current sensor 50 is connected to the motor 40 and the controller 30, respectively.

[0087] The controller 30 controls the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement, including:

[0088] 011: The controller 30 controls the motor 40 to operate, so as to drive the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement;

[0089] At this time, the position detection method further includes:

[0090] 040: Detecting the current signal of the motor 40 through the current sensor 50;

[0091] 050: When the current signal received by the controller 30 increases and the predetermined position change signal is not received, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by a foreign object.

[0092] Specifically, the motor 40 is connected to the electric actuator 10 and the controller 30 respectively, and the motor 40 can be controlled to operate by the controller 30, so that the motor 40 can drive the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement along the motion path toward the initial position. The current sensor 50 is connected to the motor 40 and the controller 30 respectively, and the current sensor 50 is used to detect the current signal of the motor 40 and output the current signal to the controller 30.

[0093] When the current signal received by the controller 30 increases and no predetermined position change signal is received, it indicates that the electric actuator 10 has not moved to the initial position, but the motor 40 is stalled, and it can be determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by foreign matter.

[0094] In the related art, whether the push rod has been reset is judged by the sudden change in current caused by motor stalling. When the push rod is blocked by foreign objects, it will also cause a sudden change in current, and mistakenly judge that the motor has reached the initial position. Foreign objects on the push rod's movement path cannot be detected, causing safety hazards.

[0095] In the embodiment of the present application, on the basis of detecting the position of the electric actuator 10 by setting the position sensor 20, the current of the motor 40 is detected by the current sensor 50, and the current signal and the predetermined position change signal are combined. When the current signal received by the controller 30 increases and the predetermined position change signal is not received, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by foreign matter. In this way, foreign matter on the motion path of the electric actuator 10 can be detected, and the misjudgment of the initial position of the electric actuator 10 can be prevented, and the safety hazard caused by the obstruction of foreign matter can be avoided, thereby improving the safety of the position detection system 100.

[0096] See also Figure 3 and Fig.10 In some embodiments, when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position (i.e., 030); and / or when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by a foreign object (i.e., 050), the position detection method further includes:

[0097] 060: The controller 30 controls the electric actuator 10 to stop moving.

[0098] Specifically, it can be understood that when the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position and / or is blocked by foreign objects, the electric actuator 10 cannot continue to move, and the motor 40 is blocked, which is easy to cause damage to the motor 40. Therefore, when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position and / or is blocked by foreign objects, the controller 30 controls the motor 40 to stop running, so that the motor 40 stops driving the electric actuator 10, and the electric actuator 10 stops moving. In this way, the motor 40 is prevented from being blocked. Compared with judging whether the push rod has been reset by the sudden change of current caused by the motor 40 being blocked, the damage to the motor 40 can be reduced and the service life of the motor 40 can be extended.

[0099] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a position detection system 100. The position detection system 100 includes an electric actuator 10, a position sensor 20 and a controller 30. The electric actuator 10 and the position sensor 20 are both connected to the controller 30, and the position sensor 20 is set at the initial position of the electric actuator 10. The controller 30 is used to control the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement. The position sensor 20 is used to detect the position of the electric actuator 10, and when the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 is also used to determine that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position based on the received position change signal.

[0100] In the position detection system 100 of the embodiment of the present application, a position sensor 20 is set at the initial position of the electric actuator 10, and the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal, and when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position. In this way, it can be accurately determined whether the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0101] Specifically, the position detection system 100 can be set on any electrically adjustable device, such as Figure 2 As shown, the embodiment of the present application is described by taking a position detection system 100 provided on an electric lifting table as an example.

[0102] The electric actuator 10 is connected to the controller 30, and the controller 30 can control the electric actuator 10 to move along the motion path toward the initial position (that is, along the Figure 2The position sensor 20 can detect the position of the electric actuator 10. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 can detect and obtain a predetermined position change signal. The position sensor 20 is connected to the controller 30 to output the predetermined position change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined position change signal.

[0103] After the electric actuator 10 is reset to the initial position, the electric lift table returns to its initial state, so that the electric lift table can be restarted from a known and stable state, ensuring that subsequent lifting and positioning operations are accurate.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present application, an additional position sensor 20 is provided at the initial position of the electric actuator 10 to detect the position of the electric actuator 10. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal to determine that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position. In this way, there is no need to rely on the sudden change in current caused by the stall of the motor 40 to detect whether the electric actuator 10 has reached the initial position, and it is not easily affected by current fluctuations or other external factors. It can accurately determine whether the electric actuator 10 has moved to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0105] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the position sensor 20 includes any one of a Hall sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0106] For example, a Hall sensor may be used as the position sensor 20; or a photoelectric sensor may be used as the position sensor 20; or an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the position sensor 20. In this way, different position sensors 20 may be selected according to different application environments and requirements, thereby improving the reliability of position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0107] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a Hall sensor is used as the position sensor 20, the position detection system 100 further includes a magnet 60, which is used to cooperate with the Hall sensor to detect the position of the electric actuator 10. The magnet 60 is disposed on the electric actuator 10, and is located on the side of the electric actuator 10 opposite to the position sensor 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the magnet 60 is disposed at the bottom of the electric actuator 10 , opposite to the position sensor 20 .

[0108] During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the Hall sensor. As the distance between the electric actuator 10 and the Hall sensor changes, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 60 will also change accordingly, and the magnetic field strength, direction and other characteristics generated by the magnet 60 will be captured by the Hall sensor. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the magnet 60 approaches the Hall sensor, and the relative position relationship between the magnet 60 and the Hall sensor reaches a preset state. At this time, the Hall sensor detects a predetermined magnetic field change, for example, the magnetic field strength reaches a maximum value, the magnetic field direction deflects by a predetermined angle, etc.

[0109] The Hall sensor can convert the detected predetermined magnetic field change into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined magnetic field change signal, so that the Hall sensor can output the predetermined magnetic field change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined magnetic field change signal and determines whether the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined magnetic field change signal.

[0110] In some examples, a photoelectric sensor is used as the position sensor 20. The type of the photoelectric sensor is not limited, and a suitable photoelectric sensor can be selected according to the actual application scenario. For example, a reflective photoelectric sensor can be selected, and the reflective photoelectric sensor includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a detection circuit.

[0111] During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the photoelectric sensor, the transmitter continuously or periodically emits a light beam toward the electric actuator 10, and the receiver receives the reflected light signal. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the photoelectric sensor detects a predetermined photoelectric change, for example, the light is blocked by the electric actuator 10 or reflected by the electric actuator 10, so that the received light signal changes.

[0112] The detection circuit processes the received optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined photoelectric change signal, so that the photoelectric sensor can output the predetermined photoelectric change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined photoelectric change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined photoelectric change signal.

[0113] In some examples, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the position sensor 20. During the reset movement of the electric actuator 10, the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the ultrasonic sensor, which continuously emits ultrasonic pulses and receives reflected waves reflected by the electric actuator 10, and tracks the position of the electric actuator 10 in real time. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the electric actuator 10 reaches a preset state, and the ultrasonic sensor detects a predetermined ultrasonic change. For example, when the electric actuator 10 reaches the initial position, the time interval from the emission to the reception of the ultrasonic pulse reaches a preset threshold.

[0114] The ultrasonic sensor can convert the detected predetermined ultrasonic change into an electrical signal, i.e., a predetermined ultrasonic signal, so that the ultrasonic sensor can output the predetermined ultrasonic change signal to the controller 30. The controller 30 receives the predetermined ultrasonic change signal and determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position according to the predetermined photoelectric change signal.

[0115] See also Fig. 9 In some embodiments, the position detection system 100 further includes a motor 40 and a current sensor 50. The motor 40 is connected to the electric actuator 10 and the controller 30, respectively. The controller 30 is used to control the operation of the motor 40 to drive the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement. The current sensor 50 is connected to the motor 40 and the controller 30, respectively, and the current sensor 50 is used to detect the current signal of the motor 40. The controller 30 is also used to determine that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by a foreign object when the received current signal increases and no position change signal is received.

[0116] Specifically, the motor 40 is connected to the electric actuator 10 and the controller 30 respectively, and the motor 40 can be controlled to operate by the controller 30, so that the motor 40 can drive the electric actuator 10 to perform a reset movement along the motion path toward the initial position. The current sensor 50 is connected to the motor 40 and the controller 30 respectively, and the current sensor 50 is used to detect the current signal of the motor 40 and output the current signal to the controller 30.

[0117] When the current signal received by the controller 30 increases and no predetermined position change signal is received, it indicates that the electric actuator 10 has not moved to the initial position, but the motor 40 is stalled, and it can be determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by foreign matter.

[0118] In the embodiment of the present application, on the basis of detecting the position of the electric actuator 10 by setting the position sensor 20, the current of the motor 40 is detected by the current sensor 50, and the current signal and the predetermined position change signal are combined. When the current signal received by the controller 30 increases and the predetermined position change signal is not received, it is determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by foreign matter. In this way, foreign matter on the motion path of the electric actuator 10 can be detected, and the misjudgment of the initial position of the electric actuator 10 can be prevented, and the safety hazard caused by the obstruction of foreign matter can be avoided, thereby improving the safety of the position detection system 100.

[0119] See also Figure 3 In some embodiments, when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position; and / or when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 is blocked by a foreign object, the controller 30 is used to control the electric actuator 10 to stop moving.

[0120] Specifically, it can be understood that when the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position and / or is blocked by foreign objects, the electric actuator 10 cannot continue to move, and the motor 40 is blocked, which is easy to cause damage to the motor 40. Therefore, when it is determined that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position and / or is blocked by foreign objects, the controller 30 controls the motor 40 to stop running, so that the motor 40 stops driving the electric actuator 10, and the electric actuator 10 stops moving. In this way, the motor 40 is prevented from being blocked. Compared with judging whether the push rod has been reset by the sudden change of current caused by the motor 40 being blocked, the damage to the motor 40 can be reduced and the service life of the motor 40 can be extended.

[0121] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the embodiment of the present application further provides an electric adjustment device 1000. The electric adjustment device 1000 includes the position detection system 100 of any of the above embodiments.

[0122] Specifically, the electric adjustment device 1000 may be electric furniture or medical equipment, such as electric lift tables, smart chairs, etc., and medical equipment such as smart dental cleaning equipment, electric nursing beds, etc. The electric adjustment device 1000 may include at least one position detection system 100, for example, one electric adjustment device 1000 may include 1, 2, 3 or more position detection systems 100.

[0123] Taking an electric lift table as an example, the electric lift table may include only one position detection system 100, and the position detection system 100 includes one electric actuator 10, which adjusts the height of the electric lift table; or, the electric lift table may include two position detection systems 100, each position detection system 100 includes one electric actuator 10, and the two electric actuators 10 operate synchronously to adjust the height of the electric lift table.

[0124] Taking a smart seat as an example, the smart seat may include four position detection systems 100, each of which includes an electric actuator 10, and the four electric actuators 10 are used to adjust the positions corresponding to the user's waist, head, and back, as well as the seat reclining angle.

[0125] In summary, in the position detection method, position detection system and electric adjustment device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, a position sensor 20 is set at the initial position of the electric actuator 10, and the position of the electric actuator 10 is detected by the position sensor 20. When the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, the position sensor 20 outputs a predetermined position change signal, and when the controller 30 receives the predetermined position change signal, it determines that the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether the electric actuator 10 moves to the initial position, thereby improving the reliability of the position detection of the electric actuator 10.

[0126] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0127] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present application includes alternative implementations in which functions may not be performed in the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by technicians in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present application belong.

[0128] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable storage medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or in conjunction with such instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. For the purposes of this specification, a computer-readable storage medium can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus, or in conjunction with such instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses.

[0129] It should be understood that the various parts of the present application can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0130] A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that all or part of the steps carried by the method for implementing the above-mentioned embodiment can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiment. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned storage medium can be a read-only memory, a disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0131] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0132] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A position detection method, characterized in that: Applied to a position detection system, the position detection system comprises an electric actuator, a position sensor and a controller, the electric actuator and the position sensor are both connected to the controller, the position sensor is arranged at an initial position of the electric actuator, and the position detection method comprises: Controlling the electric actuator to perform a reset movement through the controller; The position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller; When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

2. The position detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position sensor includes a Hall sensor, and the position detection system also includes a magnet, which is arranged on a side of the electric actuator opposite to the position sensor. The position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including: The position of the electric actuator is detected by the Hall sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the magnet approaches the Hall sensor, so that the Hall sensor outputs a predetermined magnetic field change signal to the controller; When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes: When the controller receives the predetermined magnetic field change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

3. The position detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position sensor includes a photoelectric sensor, and the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including: The position of the electric actuator is detected by the photoelectric sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the photoelectric sensor outputs a predetermined photoelectric change signal to the controller; When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes: When the controller receives the predetermined photoelectric change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

4. The position detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor, and the position of the electric actuator is detected by the position sensor. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller, including: The position of the electric actuator is detected by the ultrasonic sensor, and when the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the ultrasonic sensor outputs a predetermined ultrasonic change signal to the controller; When the controller receives the predetermined position change signal, determining that the electric actuator moves to the initial position includes: When the controller receives the predetermined ultrasonic change signal, it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position.

5. The position detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position detection system further comprises a motor and a current sensor, wherein the motor is connected to the electric actuator and the controller respectively, and the current sensor is connected to the motor and the controller respectively; The step of controlling the electric actuator to perform a reset movement by the controller includes: The controller controls the motor to operate so as to drive the electric actuator to perform a reset movement; The position detection method further comprises: Detecting a current signal of the motor by means of the current sensor; When the current signal received by the controller increases and the predetermined position change signal is not received, it is determined that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object.

6. The position detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that: When it is determined that the electric actuator moves to the initial position; and / or when it is determined that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object, the position detection method further includes: The electric actuator is controlled by the controller to stop moving.

7. A position detection system, characterized in that: It includes an electric actuator, a position sensor and a controller, wherein the electric actuator and the position sensor are both connected to the controller, and the position sensor is arranged at an initial position of the electric actuator; The controller is used to control the electric actuator to perform a reset movement; The position sensor is used to detect the position of the electric actuator. When the electric actuator moves to the initial position, the position sensor outputs a predetermined position change signal to the controller. The controller is also used to determine that the electric actuator moves to the initial position according to the received position change signal.

8. The position detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The position sensor includes any one of a Hall sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

9. The position detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The position detection system also includes a motor and a current sensor; The motor is connected to the electric actuator and the controller respectively, and the controller is used to control the operation of the motor to drive the electric actuator to perform a reset movement; The current sensor is connected to the motor and the controller respectively, and the current sensor is used to detect the current signal of the motor; The controller is also used to determine that the electric actuator is blocked by a foreign object when the received current signal increases and the position change signal is not received.

10. An electric adjustment device, characterized in that: A position detection system comprising the position detection system described in any one of claims 7 to 9.

Images