Actuator abuse resistant device and corresponding actuator

Abstract

The invention discloses an abuse-resistant device of an actuator, the actuator comprises an output gear and an output shaft which are coaxially arranged, and the abuse-resistant device of the actuator comprises an elastic mechanism located between the output gear and the output shaft. The elastic mechanism is configured to enable the output gear and the output shaft to be locked in the circumferential direction and enable the output gear and the output shaft to rotate together when the relative torque between the output gear and the output shaft is smaller than a preset value. And when the relative torque is larger than or equal to the preset value, the output gear and the output shaft are temporarily unlocked in the circumferential direction, the output shaft is allowed to rotate by a certain angle relative to the output gear, and when the relative torque is smaller than the preset value, the state of allowing circumferential locking is returned again. A corresponding actuator is also disclosed. According to some embodiments, the actuator can be prevented from being abused, the structure is simple, and an intelligent application scene is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an abuse-resistant structural device, and more particularly to an abuse-resistant device arranged inside an actuator and a corresponding actuator. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of motion control, whether it is linear or rotary motion, only a few scenarios are direct drive, which means there is no mechanical amplification structure (such as gears, worm gears, screws, etc., hereinafter referred to as reduction structure). Most of them are used in conjunction with reduction mechanisms, which can utilize high-speed motors to configure appropriate reduction ratios to achieve a balance between output speed and torque or displacement speed and thrust. Rotary reduction mechanisms most commonly use gear sets or worm gears. In practical applications, reverse rotation is frequently encountered, where the output end is subjected to a load that drives the reduction mechanism and motor in the opposite direction. In this case, the worm gear is usually designed to be self-locking and cannot move, or even if it can move, the reverse driving force is very large. When the load transmitted from the output end to the worm gear is less than the driving force required to rotate the worm gear, the reverse load is entirely borne by the output end and often exceeds the design load capacity of the output end. When such a static load reaches the material limit, or when subjected to a sudden high-speed load impact, it can easily lead to damage to the output end structure (such as the last stage output gear). Even gear sets without a worm gear structure can allow reverse rotation under a certain load, but when the load accelerates too quickly, such as with a sudden impact load, the load transmission of the gear set cannot respond quickly enough, causing a huge transient load to accumulate at the output end and exceed the material limit, which will also lead to damage to the output end structure.

[0003] In modern automotive applications, there are many unavoidable over-dragging and abuse scenarios. These scenarios involve being subjected to over-dragging and impacts exceeding the design load. For example, the active air intake grille in automotive exterior parts is installed at a low position, and when driving through puddles, splashing water can impact the grille blades, resulting in a large instantaneous impact load. Or, due to unfamiliarity with the function, it may be used in a way that does not meet the design requirements, commonly known as abuse. For example, the electric charging port cover is not switched by an electric switch but by a manual quick-pull switch, or functional components equipped with deceleration actuators may be quickly pried open by humans during assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is, based on the above background, to propose an abusive actuator device and a corresponding actuator.

[0005] According to one aspect, an actuator abuse-resistant device is provided, wherein the actuator includes an output gear and an output shaft arranged coaxially, the actuator abuse-resistant device including an elastic mechanism located between the output gear and the output shaft, the elastic mechanism being configured to: circumferentially lock the output gear and the output shaft when the relative torque between the output gear and the output shaft is less than a predetermined value, allowing the output gear and the output shaft to rotate together; temporarily release the circumferential lock between the output gear and the output shaft when the relative torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, allowing the output shaft to rotate relative to the output gear by a certain angle, until the relative torque is less than the predetermined value, returning to the state of allowing circumferential locking.

[0006] According to an alternative embodiment, the resilient mechanism is configured as a purely mechanical mechanism.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment, the elastic mechanism is configured to release the circumferential lock by the radial force generated by the relative torque when the relative torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment, the elastic mechanism includes a telescopic mechanism, which includes an elastic telescopic structure and serrations radially elastically supported by the elastic telescopic structure.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment, the output shaft is provided with 2N circumferentially evenly distributed output shaft grooves extending axially, where N is a natural number with a minimum of 1. The elastic mechanism includes 2M telescopic mechanisms, where M is a natural number with a minimum of 1 and less than or equal to N. The protruding teeth cooperate with the output shaft grooves and are connected and positioned with the output gear through the elastic telescopic structure.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment, the elastic telescopic structure is configured as a linear elastic structure, such as a spring or telescopic leaf spring.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment, the output gear has 2M blind holes with axially unilateral openings for receiving the telescopic mechanism, allowing axial insertion of the telescopic mechanism and enabling axial unilateral constraint of the telescopic mechanism.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment, the output shaft is provided with a fixing structure that extends radially outward in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the output shaft. When the output shaft is inserted into the output gear and assembled with the elastic mechanism, the fixing structure covers the opening side of the blind hole of the output gear, thereby constraining the axial movement of the telescopic mechanism.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment, the fixing structure is an embedded part directly embedded in the output shaft through injection molding or a structural component fixed to the output shaft.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment, the fixing structure includes a signal transmitter and a receiver fixed relative to the actuator at a predetermined distance axially spaced from the signal transmitter. Preferably, the receiver is an electromagnetic signal detector.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment, the signal transmitter is an axially multi-stage magnetized transmitting magnet.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment, the relevant parameters of the rotation of the output shaft relative to the output gear can be determined by the signal transmitter and the receiver.

[0017] According to another aspect, an actuator is provided, the actuator comprising: an actuator abusive device according to any of the above embodiments; a motor; and a reduction mechanism, wherein an output gear is the last stage gear of the reduction mechanism, and the motor drives the reduction mechanism to rotate.

[0018] The beneficial effects of certain embodiments of this application are as follows: the actuator abusive device can effectively withstand the abusive conditions of reverse dragging without damaging the internal structural components, such as the impact of external instantaneous loads or improper use by humans. Moreover, within the strength bearing range of the internal structure, the buffer load size can be configured as needed by configuring the elastic mechanism. The invention makes full use of the original space of the output gear and output shaft, requiring almost no additional arrangement space. In addition, the arrangement of the transmitter and detector can further effectively detect the relative rotation of the output shaft relative to the output gear during overload, thereby realizing functions such as diagnosis and reset. It has high value for intelligent application scenarios. The elastic mechanism has a simple structure and low cost, making it particularly suitable for large-scale industrial applications, such as the automotive industry. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 The actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of AA in the diagram.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention (the cover, printed circuit board assembly and transmitter have been removed for ease of explanation).

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention (the cover has been removed for ease of explanation).

[0024] Figure 6 This is a top view of the actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention (for ease of explanation, only the output gear, elastic mechanism and output shaft are shown).

[0025] Figure 7 The actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of BB in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a top view of the actuator of the second embodiment of the present invention (the cover and the emitter have been removed for ease of explanation).

[0027] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Housing, 1-1 Connector terminal, 1-2 Housing output shaft positioning hole, 1-3 Housing output shaft axial limit, 2. Cover, 2-1 Cover output shaft positioning hole, 2-2 Cover output shaft axial limit, 3. Motor stator, 3-1 Iron core, 3-2 Frame, 3-3 Stator terminal, 4. Motor rotor, 4-1 Rotor body, 4-2 Rotor magnet, 4-3 Rotor gear, 5-1 Rotor shaft, 5-2 First gear shaft, 5-3 Second gear shaft, 5-4 Third gear shaft, 6-1 First gear, 6-2 Second gear, 6-3 Third gear, 7. Printed circuit board assembly, 7-1 Receiver, 8-1 Output gear, 8-1-1 Output gear blind hole, 8-2 Output shaft, 8-2-1 Output shaft groove, 8-3 Transmitter, 8-4 Compression spring, 8-5 Protruding tooth. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To provide a detailed description of the abus-resistant actuator device and the corresponding actuator of the present invention, and to facilitate better understanding, the embodiments of the abus-resistant actuator device of the present invention will first be described. Figure 1 , Figure 2 These are, respectively, an isometric view and a top view of the actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of AA in the diagram. Figure 4This is a top view of the actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the cover, printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and transmitter removed. The specific implementation is as follows: The actuator generally includes: a housing 1; a cover 2; a motor stator 3; a motor rotor 4; and a gear set, which includes a rotor gear 4-3, a first gear 6-1, a second gear 6-2, a third gear 6-3, and an output gear 8-1 that can rotate with the rotor shaft 5-1; and rotor shafts 5-1, first gear shaft 5-2, second gear shaft 5-3, and third gear shaft 5-4 for positioning the motor rotor 4 and gears 4-3. The motor stator 3 is fixed to the housing 1, and the cover 2 is fixed relative to the housing 1. The specific fixing method is not part of the core of this invention. The details are not elaborated here. The rotor 4, rotor gear 4-3, and the first gear 6-1, second gear 6-2, and third gear 6-3 of the gear set are respectively positioned within the cavity enclosed by the housing 1 and the cover 2 via rotor shaft 5-1, first gear shaft 5-2, second gear shaft 5-3, and third gear shaft 5-4. The actuator's motor drives the rotor 4 to rotate, thereby driving the rotor gears of the gear set to rotate. Then, through the first gear 6-1, second gear 6-2, and third gear 6-3, the rotation is transmitted step by step to the output gear 8-1 of the last stage, causing it to rotate. Obviously, the gear set here is only exemplary. The output shaft 8-2 of the actuator, which outputs power outward, is provided with 2N circumferentially evenly distributed grooves extending axially, where N is a natural number with a minimum of 1. The output shaft 8-2 is radially rotated and positioned by the housing output shaft positioning hole 1-2 of the housing 1 and the cover output shaft positioning hole 2-1 of the cover 2, and axially positioned by the housing output shaft axial limit 1-3 of the housing 1 and the cover output shaft axial limit 2-2 of the cover 2. Through these positioning methods, the output shaft 8-2 can reliably rotate under the drive of the output gear 8-1.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a top view of the actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention when the cover is removed but the printed circuit board assembly is retained. Figure 6 The actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention only retains the top view of the output gear 8-1, the elastic mechanism, and the output shaft. Figure 7 The actuator of the first embodiment of the present invention is along Figure 6The cross-sectional view of BB in the figure shows that the output gear 8-1 has 2M (M is a natural number with a minimum of 1) output gear blind holes 8-1-1, of which 8 are shown in the figure. Several pairs of elastic mechanisms are arranged corresponding to the output gear blind holes 8-1-1, of which 4 pairs (8 in total) are shown in the figure. The elastic mechanism includes a pre-compression spring 8-4 and a corresponding tooth 8-5. The tooth 8-5 of the several pairs of elastic mechanisms cooperates with the corresponding tooth shape of the output shaft groove 8-2-1 of the output shaft 8-2. Since the spring 8-4 has a pre-designed pre-compression force, there is a corresponding pre-tightening force in the radial direction between the tooth 8-5 and the output shaft groove 8-2-1. At the same time, the tooth 8-5 has a trapezoidal tooth shape, or it can be other non-linear special type tooth shape. The output shaft groove 8-2-1 is a trapezoidal groove that cooperates with the tooth 8-5, or it can be a groove of other shapes that cooperates with the tooth 8-5. When the output shaft 8-2 is subjected to a rotational torque within the design range, the elastic mechanism consisting of the output gear blind hole of the output gear 8-1, the compression spring 8-4, and the convex tooth 8-5 is a relatively fixed whole with the output shaft 8-2. The actuator can drive rotational motion in normal working mode. When the output shaft 8-2 is subjected to a rotational torque exceeding the design range, the trapezoidal surface of the output shaft groove 8-2-1 will drive the corresponding trapezoidal surface of the convex tooth 8-5, causing the convex tooth 8-5 to move radially relative to the others, thereby compressing the compression spring 8-4. 4. Until the convex tooth 8-5 unlocks radially from the output shaft groove 8-2-1, allowing the output shaft 8-2 and output gear 8-1 to slide relative to each other circumferentially, after sliding to a certain position, the convex tooth 8-5 is pushed into an adjacent output shaft groove 8-2-1 under the elastic force of the compression spring 8-4, and so on. This process is defined as clutch rotation, until the rotational torque on the output shaft 8-2 returns to the design range, and the elastic mechanism composed of the compression spring 8-4 and the convex tooth 8-5 returns to a fixed whole with the output shaft 8-2. It must be pointed out that the elastic mechanism including the compression spring 8-4 and the convex tooth 8-5 is only an example. Those skilled in the art will fully understand that as long as the excessive rotational torque can cause the elastic mechanism to temporarily release the radial engagement between the output shaft 8-2 and the output gear 8-1 and then re-engage, it is sufficient.

[0030] like Figure 7As shown in the figure, reference numeral 8-3 is an axial limiter that at least constrains a part of the elastic mechanism, such as the compression spring 8-4 and the tooth 8-5. This axial limiter is preferably also a transmitter, which can be assembled and fixed to the output shaft 8-2 or integrally formed as an embedded part during the injection molding process of the output shaft 8-2. Preferably, the transmitter in this embodiment is a circular circumferential N / S alternating multi-pole magnet with 2P N / S magnetization poles, where P is a natural number with a minimum value of 1. A receiver 7-1 is arranged at a certain reasonable distance from the transmitter in the axial direction. The receiver 7-1 is usually arranged in a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and fixed in place. The actuator drives the motor rotor 4 to rotate. Whether it is through common Hall effect counting or step counting without sensor control, the rotation angle of the output shaft 8-2 can usually be calculated by combining the reduction ratio of the reduction mechanism. During normal rotation, the receiver 7-1 can detect the rotation switching signal of the transmitter and cross-check it with the angle calculated by the rotor rotation. When the rotor 4 is stationary, if the receiver 7-1 detects a change in the transmitter signal, it can infer that the output shaft 8-2 has moved relative to the output gear 8-1. Similarly, it can be inferred that the output shaft 8-2 is subjected to a rotational torque that exceeds the design range.

[0031] Given that the output shaft 8-2 has 2N output shaft grooves, when the aforementioned clutch rotation occurs, the minimum rotation angle of the output shaft 8-2 relative to the output gear 8-1 is determined by the number of output shaft grooves 2N. Therefore, the minimum rotation angle θ = 360° / 2 / N = 180° / N. The number of output shaft grooves 2N of the output shaft 8-2 is an integer multiple of the number of blind hole grooves 2M of the output gear, with a minimum multiple of 1. Preferably, the number of magnetic poles 2P of the transmitter is a multiple of the number of output shaft grooves 2N of the output shaft 8-2. Integer multiples, with a minimum multiple of 1, when the above-mentioned engagement and disengagement process occurs, the number of engagement and disengagement events can be calculated based on the number of magnetic pole switching signals received by the transmitter from the receiver 7-1 (the switching of one output shaft groove by the convex tooth 8-5 relative to the output shaft 8-2 is considered one engagement and disengagement). Assuming the number of switching signals is K, then the number of engagements and disengagements = K / (P / N). The relative rotation angle value = 180° / N*(K / (P / N)). Assuming P=N, then the number of engagements and disengagements is equal to the number of switching signals K, thereby allowing the calculation of the specific angle of rotation.

[0032] When clutch rotation is detected, the actuator needs to be reset (to its position before clutch rotation). Through the above calculations, combined with necessary unilateral or bilateral stroke self-learning, the actuator can be controlled by software to return to the initial angle before clutch engagement.

[0033] Figure 8This is a top view of the actuator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, the cover and the emitter have been removed. The elastic mechanism is an elastic spring plate 8-6. The spring plate 8-6 has the same function and effect as the combination of the compression spring 8-4 and the tooth 8-5. For the purpose of effectively illustrating that the spring plate 8-6 has the features shown in the figure, the design shape of the spring plate 8-6 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the actuator's abusive resistance device can effectively withstand abusive conditions such as reverse dragging without damaging internal structural components, such as the impact of external instantaneous loads or improper human use. Moreover, within the strength bearing range of the internal structure, the buffer load size can be configured as needed by configuring the elastic mechanism. This invention makes full use of the original space of the output gear and output shaft, requiring almost no additional arrangement space. In addition, the arrangement of the transmitter and detector can further effectively detect the relative rotation angle of the output shaft relative to the output gear under overload, thereby realizing diagnosis, reset, etc., which has high value for intelligent application scenarios. The elastic mechanism has a simple structure and low cost, making it particularly suitable for large-scale industrial applications, such as the automotive industry.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The abusive actuator device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, nor does it limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any structural modifications made based on the above inventive concept and the description and drawings of the present invention, whether directly or indirectly applied to other technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An abusive actuator device, wherein, The actuator includes an output gear and an output shaft arranged coaxially. The abusive device of the actuator includes an elastic mechanism located between the output gear and the output shaft. The elastic mechanism is configured to: circumferentially lock the output gear and the output shaft when the relative torque between the output gear and the output shaft is less than a predetermined value, allowing the output gear and the output shaft to rotate together; and temporarily release the circumferential lock between the output gear and the output shaft when the relative torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, allowing the output shaft to rotate relative to the output gear by a certain angle, until the relative torque is less than the predetermined value, at which point the circumferential lock is returned to the allowed state.

2. The abusive actuator device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic mechanism is configured as a purely mechanical mechanism; and / or The elastic mechanism is configured to release the circumferential lock by the radial force generated by the relative torque when the relative torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

3. The actuator abuse-resistant device according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic mechanism includes a telescopic mechanism, which includes an elastic telescopic structure and convex teeth that are radially elastically supported by the elastic telescopic structure.

4. The abusive actuator device according to claim 3, wherein, The output shaft is provided with 2N circumferentially evenly distributed output shaft grooves extending along the axial direction, where N is a natural number with a minimum of 1. The elastic mechanism includes 2M telescopic mechanisms, where M is a natural number with a minimum of 1 and less than or equal to N. The convex teeth cooperate with the output shaft grooves and are connected and positioned with the output gear through the elastic telescopic structure.

5. The actuator abuse-resistant device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The elastic telescopic structure is configured as a linear elastic structure, such as a spring or telescopic leaf spring.

6. The actuator abuse-resistant device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein, The output gear has 2M blind holes with axially unilateral openings for accommodating the telescopic mechanism, allowing the telescopic mechanism to be axially inserted and axially constrained on one side.

7. The actuator abuse-resistant device according to claim 6, wherein, The output shaft is provided with a fixing structure that extends radially outward in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the output shaft. When the output shaft is inserted into the output gear and assembled with the elastic mechanism, the fixing structure covers the opening side of the blind hole of the output gear, thereby constraining the axial movement of the telescopic mechanism.

8. The abusive actuator device according to claim 7, wherein, The fixing structure is an embedded part directly embedded in the output shaft through injection molding or a structural component fixed to the output shaft.

9. The actuator abuse-resistant device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The fixed structure includes a signal transmitter and a receiver fixed relative to the actuator at a predetermined distance axially spaced from the signal transmitter. Preferably, the receiver is an electromagnetic signal detector.

10. The abusive actuator device according to claim 9, wherein, The signal transmitter is a transmitting magnet that can be axially magnetized in multiple stages; and / or The relevant parameters of the rotation of the output shaft relative to the output gear can be determined by the signal transmitter and the receiver.

11. An actuator, the actuator comprising: Actuator abus-resistant device according to any one of claims 1-10; Electric motor; and Speed ​​reduction mechanism The output gear is the last stage gear of the reduction mechanism, and the motor drives the reduction mechanism to rotate.

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