Single-shaft double-face-driven variable-pitch module

Abstract

A driving main shaft is connected to the interior of a square base through a bearing, the square base is provided with a rail piece, the driving main shaft is provided with a left plane station piece set and a right plane station piece set, and the side face of the driving main shaft is provided with a first set of driving guide grooves and a second set of driving guide grooves; two linear sliding blocks and a cam bearing are fixed to the side wall of the left plane station piece set and the side wall of the right plane station piece set, the left plane station piece set is driven by the first guide groove set through the cam bearing, and the right plane station piece set is driven by the second guide groove set through the cam bearing. The structure arrangement is reasonable, and the width of the working plane is reduced through staggered arrangement of the two L-shaped station assemblies on the symmetrical side faces of the driving main shaft. The single shaft has the remarkable advantages that smaller space is used, the weight of the module is reduced, the narrow end of the variable pitch range is made to be extremely small, and the multi-station synchronous grabbing device can have super multiple stations and is suitable for synchronous grabbing, placing and assembling work of small-size precise parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of variable pitch module technology, specifically relating to a single-axis dual-sided drive variable pitch module. Background Technology

[0002] In the synchronous gripping and placement assembly of small-sized precision parts, a pitch-changing mechanism is required. Existing technologies mostly employ cam-based pitch-changing modules for equal-division pitch changing. This article summarizes this type as a single-sided driven pitch-changing module, which primarily relies on camshaft rotation to achieve equal-division pitch changing. Specifically, a spiral guide groove is machined on the main shaft to change the distance of the transport slide. Its characteristic is that the starting points of all guide groove trajectories on the drive shaft are on the same straight line, while the ending points are on another straight line. Although it can achieve pitch adjustment, the center distance at the narrow end is relatively large. A common practice is to install a set of lightning-shaped turning strips on the working plane of the slide to reduce the center distance. As the distance difference between each slide accumulates, the span of the lightning-shaped turning strips becomes very large. Pitch changing can be achieved for a small number of workstations, but for a large number of workstations, such as 16 or more, the turning strips cannot achieve this. This pitch-changing module cannot meet the needs of handling, picking up, and assembling small-sized precision parts in a very large number of workstations, thus limiting its applicability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a single-axis, double-sided driven variable pitch module with a reasonable structural design that can meet the requirements of synchronous gripping and placement assembly of small-sized precision parts.

[0004] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this invention is a single-axis dual-sided drive variable pitch module, including a hollow square base, a drive spindle is provided inside the square base, and the two ends of the spindle are respectively fixed to the front baffle and the rear baffle by bearings. The front baffle has a power source, and the rear baffle has a sensor switch for protection and limit. The square base has several parallel track components on its symmetrical sides, and the track components are in the same axial direction as the drive spindle. The symmetrical side of the drive spindle is provided with several left plane station component groups and right plane station component groups with the same structure, and the left plane station component groups and right plane station component groups are arranged alternately in sequence; The symmetrical sides of the drive spindle are provided with a first set of drive guide grooves and a second set of drive guide grooves. Two linear sliders and a cam bearing are fixed on the side walls of the left and right plane workstation assembly, with the cam bearing positioned between the two linear sliders. The linear slider can be translatably mounted on the track component; The cam bearings of the left plane station component group are movably disposed in the first group of drive guide grooves, and the cam bearings of the right plane station component group are movably disposed in the second group of drive guide grooves.

[0005] A further preferred embodiment is that the first group of drive guide grooves includes a plurality of first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; The second group of drive guide grooves includes a plurality of second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; The first guide groove and the second guide groove have the same fan-shaped direction.

[0006] A further preferred embodiment is that the center distance between the narrow ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape and the center distance between the narrow ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape are the same; The center-to-center distance between the wide ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape is the same as the center-to-center distance between the wide ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape. The narrow ends of the first guide groove and the second guide groove are offset, and the offset distance is half of the center distance of the narrow ends.

[0007] A further preferred embodiment is that the center distance between the narrowest ends of adjacent first guide grooves and second guide grooves is less than or equal to the diameter of the cam bearing.

[0008] A further preferred embodiment is that both the first and second station components are L-shaped station components, with a slider and a cam bearing mounted on their upright surfaces, and their turning surfaces being the station working surfaces.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment is that the track component includes a first track component, a second track component, a third track component, and a fourth track component arranged in parallel with each other; Both the left-plane workstation assembly and the right-plane workstation assembly include a first workstation component and a second workstation component. Each first station component and each second station component have two linear sliders and one cam bearing; The first workstation component and the second workstation component are arranged alternately and close to each other. The two linear sliders of the first workstation component can be moved and arranged on the first track component and the third track component. The two linear sliders of the second workstation component can be moved and arranged on the second track component and the fourth track component. Each cam bearing of the left workstation component is respectively installed in the first guide groove; Each cam bearing of the right workstation is respectively set in the second guide groove.

[0010] A further preferred embodiment is that the power source is a servo motor, and a reducer is fixed on the main shaft of the servo motor, and the output end of the reducer is connected to the drive main shaft through a transmission structure.

[0011] A further preferred embodiment is that the transmission structure is a coupling that rotates coaxially, a transmission gear, or a transmission toothed belt.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment is that the power source is a hand crank, and the hand crank is connected to the drive shaft through a transmission structure.

[0013] A further preferred embodiment is that: one side of the square base is fixed with a module mounting bracket for fixing the module to the device by screws, and a rear cover box is provided on the rear baffle by screws.

[0014] This invention has positive effects: Its structure is rationally designed, featuring a drive spindle with several track components, and staggered left and right workstation components. These components are mounted on the drive spindle via cam bearings within the first and second sets of drive guide grooves. When the drive spindle rotates, the left and right workstation components can retract or extend. Furthermore, the first and second sets of drive guide grooves on the symmetrical sides of the drive spindle provide a significant advantage: using a single axis. This reduces module weight and minimizes the narrow end of the pitch range, allowing for a large number of workstations. It is suitable for the synchronous gripping and placement assembly of small, precision parts, and is applicable to dense, ultra-small workstation pitch changes. It also avoids asynchrony and allows for a large number of workstations, thus expanding its applicability.

[0015] Moreover, the first set of drive guide grooves includes several first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; the second set of drive guide grooves includes several second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape. When the drive spindle rotates, the cam bearings of the left and right workpieces retract or expand in a fan-shaped direction, which improves the effectiveness of center distance control and can also meet the needs of different center distance adjustments, expand its applicability, and make the adjustment operation more convenient. Meanwhile, the track components include a first track component, a second track component, a third track component, and a fourth track component arranged in parallel. The first station component and the second station component are arranged alternately and close to each other. The two linear sliders of the first station component can be moved and positioned on the first and third track components, and the two linear sliders of the second station component can be moved and positioned on the second and fourth track components. This staggered movement ensures the effectiveness of the movement without causing mutual interference, thus guaranteeing the effectiveness of the center distance adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the left workstation component, the right workstation component, and the track component in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the drive spindle in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolded first guide groove and second guide groove on the drive spindle in this invention; Figure 6 This is a planar schematic diagram of the first set of drive guide grooves in this invention, which unfolds into a fan shape from the middle to both sides. Figure 7 This is a planar schematic diagram of the first set of drive guide grooves in the present invention, which unfolds into a fan shape from one end to the other. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the left workstation component combined with the drive spindle in this invention. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the right workstation component combined with the drive spindle in this invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second stationary components in the left stationary component of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second station components in the right station component of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the center distance between the first and second station components in this invention. Figure 13 This is an unfolded view of the drive spindle in this invention, showing its misalignment by half the center distance. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the cam bearing is at its narrowest end in this invention.

[0017] Reference numerals: 1. Front baffle; 2. Square base; 3. Drive spindle; 4. Track component; 41. First track component; 42. Second track component; 43. Third track component; 44. Fourth track component; 5. Left plane station component group; 6. Right plane station component group; 7. First group of drive guide grooves; 8. Second group of drive guide grooves; 9. Linear slider; 10. Cam bearing; 11. First station component; 12. Second station component; 13. Servo motor; 14. Reducer; 15. Mounting base; 16. Rear baffle; 17. Rear cover box. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0019] See Figures 1 to 14 As shown, a single-axis dual-sided drive variable pitch module includes a hollow square base 2. The square base is equipped with a drive spindle 3. The two ends of the spindle are fixed by bearings. In this embodiment, the drive spindle and the track component are in the same direction. Therefore, the drive spindle can be driven. The track component can ensure the effectiveness and stability of the center distance adjustment.

[0020] The front baffle 1 and the rear baffle 16 are equipped with a power source on the front baffle and a sensor switch for protection and limit on the rear baffle; a front hood box is fixed to the front baffle by a screw.

[0021] The symmetrical sides of the square base are provided with several parallel track components 4, which are in the same axial direction as the drive spindle. The symmetrical sides of the drive spindle are provided with several structurally identical left-plane workstation component groups 5 and right-plane workstation component groups 6. The two-group structure allows them to gradually overlap when retracted, thus occupying less space, reducing the weight of the module, and increasing the number of workstations within a certain range, which is beneficial for cost savings and can also avoid the phenomenon of asynchronous drive spindles. The directional terms such as left and right are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the functionality of the module.

[0022] The left and right plane workstation components are arranged alternately in sequence; the symmetrical sides of the drive spindle are provided with a first set of drive guide grooves 7 and a second set of drive guide grooves 8; two linear sliders 9 and a cam bearing 10 are fixed on the side walls of the left and right plane workstation components, and the cam bearing is located between the two linear sliders; the linear sliders are translatably mounted on the track component; the cam bearings of the left and right workstation components are respectively located on the first and second sets of drive guide grooves, so that when the drive spindle rotates, the left and right plane workstation components will synchronously retract or expand, ensuring the effectiveness of the center distance adjustment.

[0023] In this embodiment, the linear slider can be translatably mounted on the track component; the cam bearings of the left plane station component group are respectively movably mounted in the first group of drive guide grooves, and the cam bearings of the right plane station component group are respectively movably mounted in the second group of drive guide grooves.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first group of drive guide grooves includes several first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; the second group of drive guide grooves includes several second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; the fan-shaped directions of the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves are consistent, the first group of drive guide grooves and the second group of drive guide grooves are arranged in a fan shape, and in actual application, the fan shape refers to the shape formed after the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves are unfolded from the drive spindle. The fan shape can be formed by unfolding from the middle to both sides, or by unfolding from one side to the other side, that is, one side of the middle or one end of the fan shape is similar to or the same as the radial direction of the drive spindle.

[0025] In this embodiment, the center distance between the narrow ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape and the center distance between the narrow ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape are the same; the center distance between the wide ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape and the center distance between the wide ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape are the same; the narrow ends of the first guide groove and the second guide groove are staggered, and the staggered distance is half of the center distance between the narrow ends.

[0026] The center distance between the narrowest ends of adjacent first and second guide grooves is less than or equal to the diameter of the cam bearing; since the drive spindle is equipped with two sets of staggered guide grooves, the pitch range can be minimized.

[0027] The narrow ends of the first and second guide grooves are axially offset, and their narrow ends are distributed at a 180-degree angle on the cross-sectional circle of the main shaft. This ensures sufficient wall thickness between two adjacent guide grooves in the first or second group, preventing damage to adjacent guide grooves in the same starting direction. The transition trajectory of the first and second guide grooves from their narrow ends to their wide ends is in a rotational direction on the cross-sectional circle of the main shaft, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0028] Furthermore, both the first and second station components are L-shaped. Slider and cam bearings are mounted on their upright surfaces, and their turning surfaces form the working surfaces. The width of the working plane is reduced by staggering the two sets of L-shaped station components on the symmetrical sides of the drive spindle. The left and right plane station component groups are not originally on the same plane, but through the L-shaped transition, they become the same bearing plane, which is the working plane required by the pitch-changing mechanism. Typically, miniature cylinders, electric grippers, and suction nozzles are installed on this plane for material handling mechanisms.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by setting a first guide groove and a second guide groove on both sides of a drive spindle, the center distance of the narrow ends of the guide grooves is indirectly widened. Based on this, the number of variable pitch module stations can be increased by using a single drive spindle, thereby improving production efficiency. The structure of a single-axis double-sided drive spindle saves space, reduces material and processing costs, and avoids the problems of asynchrony and complicated installation and debugging when using multiple axes, thus improving the stability and effectiveness of production.

[0030] Furthermore, the track components include a first track component 41, a second track component 42, a third track component 43, and a fourth track component 44 arranged in parallel. Since they are arranged on the symmetrical side of the square base, the plane width of the mounting slider of the workstation component is greater than the width of the L-shaped working plane, which enhances the load-bearing capacity of the workstation translation, thereby ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the translation of the left and right workstation components. Moreover, since it is arranged on both sides, it is equivalent to inserting more tracks in a limited width, increasing the capacity. In addition, the module is smaller in size and has a larger capacity, which expands its applicability.

[0031] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this diagram, 'a' represents the center distance at the narrow end of the pitch range, 'b' represents the center distance at the wide end of the pitch range, 'L' refers to the projected dimension of the first guide groove on the cylindrical cross-section, 'R' is the radius of the driving spindle, '∠α' is the rotation angle of the driving spindle when it closes and opens, and 't' is the distance between the narrow ends of the first guide grooves. As the number of pitch-changing workstations increases, the wall thickness between adjacent first guide grooves gradually decreases, and they may even intersect. Using a single-axis double-sided design allows for the creation of a second guide groove at a 180-degree angle on the opposite side of the spindle cross-section circle, effectively increasing the number of runways and workstations. Although the spindle rotation angle is halved accordingly, this is compensated for by the reducer at the front of the motor. This solves the problem of excessively many workstations and expands its applicability. Furthermore, both the left and right planar workstation groups include a first workstation 11 and a second workstation 12. Each first and second workstation has two linear sliders and one cam bearing. The first and second workstations are arranged alternately and close to each other. The two linear sliders of the first workstation can be translatably positioned on the first and third track components, and the two linear sliders of the second workstation can be translatably positioned on the second and fourth track components. Each cam bearing of the left workstation is respectively located in a first guide groove, and each cam bearing of the right workstation is respectively located in a second guide groove. The staggered arrangement of the first and second workstations, and their connection to different track components, ensures the effectiveness of translation and thus achieves the stability of the center distance.

[0032] In this embodiment, the power source is a servo motor 13, and a reducer 14 is fixed on the main shaft of the servo motor. The output end of the reducer is connected to the drive shaft through a transmission structure. The transmission structure is a coupling that rotates coaxially, a transmission gear, or a transmission belt. This ensures the smoothness and effectiveness of the drive shaft. The servo motor can be connected using a straight-edge mounting method or a rear-folding mounting method. The accompanying drawings of this embodiment show a rear-folding mounting method.

[0033] Furthermore, during processing, a module mounting base 15 for fixing the module to the equipment is fixed to one side of the square base with screws, and a rear cover box 17 is provided on the rear baffle with screws. This structure ensures the smoothness and effectiveness of the drive spindle connection and guarantees the center distance (…). Figure 6 Figure 7 The effectiveness and reliability of adjusting the 'a' value in the model are assessed; during installation, the module mounting base is fixed to the corresponding mechanical equipment.

[0034] The narrow ends of the first guide groove and the second guide groove are offset, and the offset distance is half the center distance of the narrow ends. Figure 13 The labels 'a' and '0.5a' shown in the diagram indicate that the narrow ends of the two sets of guide grooves are actually on a straight line with d=0. The starting points of the guide grooves are distributed on both sides of the shaft. Figure 13 To clearly illustrate its principle, this distance is deliberately widened. exist Figure 3 and Figure 12 As shown, the center distance between adjacent left workstations is Y1, the center distance between adjacent right workstations is X1, and the width of the linear slider is Wm, with the sum of its four equal parts being Wg; Wm≦Wg=4×Y1=4×X1, meaning that each smallest unit has four workstations, thus achieving the effect of equidistant changes in ultra-small center distance, saving space, supporting multi-workstation variable distance requirements, and also enabling the setting of a large number of workstations, thus expanding its applicability.

[0035] Two workstations on the same side are staggered by the first track 41, second track 42, third track 43, and fourth track 44 on the same side, while two workstations on the other side are staggered by the first track 41, second track 42, third track 43, and fourth track 44 on the other side. After the two sides are combined, the two sides are staggered again, so that the minimum size can be 1 / 4 of the slider length, that is, to make the center distance change of 4 workstations. This allows the center distance to be made extremely small, which is suitable for smaller products, and can also be set up with a large number of workstations, thus improving its applicability.

[0036] This invention has positive effects: Its structure is rationally designed, featuring a drive spindle with several track components, and staggered left and right workstation components. These components are mounted on the drive spindle via cam bearings within the first and second sets of drive guide grooves. When the drive spindle rotates, the left and right workstation components can retract or extend. Furthermore, the first and second sets of drive guide grooves on the symmetrical sides of the drive spindle provide a significant advantage: using a single axis. This reduces module weight and minimizes the narrow end of the pitch range, allowing for a large number of workstations. It is suitable for the synchronous gripping and placement assembly of small, precision parts, and is applicable to dense, ultra-small workstation pitch changes. It also avoids asynchrony and allows for a large number of workstations, thus expanding its applicability.

[0037] Moreover, the first set of drive guide grooves includes several first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; the second set of drive guide grooves includes several second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape. When the drive spindle rotates, the cam bearings of the left and right workpieces retract or expand in a fan-shaped direction, which improves the effectiveness of center distance control and can also meet the needs of different center distance adjustments, expand its applicability, and make the adjustment operation more convenient. Meanwhile, the track components include a first track component, a second track component, a third track component, and a fourth track component arranged in parallel. The first station component and the second station component are arranged alternately and close to each other. The two linear sliders of the first station component can be moved and positioned on the first and third track components, and the two linear sliders of the second station component can be moved and positioned on the second and fourth track components. This staggered movement ensures the effectiveness of the movement without causing mutual interference, thus guaranteeing the effectiveness of the center distance adjustment. Example

[0038] This embodiment is basically the same as embodiment 1, except that this embodiment does not require frequent adjustment of the pitch range. The product assembly works within a specific fixed size range and does not require pitch adjustment. The center distance only needs to be adjusted once when the product specifications are changed on the production line. The power source for this pitch adjustment is a hand crank, which is connected to the drive spindle through a transmission structure.

[0039] The standard parts used in the above embodiments can be purchased directly from the market. The above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all embodiments here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived from the essential spirit of the present invention still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A uniaxial double-sided driving variable pitch module, comprising a hollow square base, a driving main shaft is arranged inside the square base, and the two ends of the main shaft are fixed on a front baffle and a rear baffle through bearings respectively, characterized in that: The front baffle is provided with a power source, and the rear baffle is provided with an inductive switch for protection and limiting; Symmetrical sides of the square base are provided with a plurality of parallel track pieces, which are in the same axial direction as the driving main shaft; Symmetrical sides of the driving main shaft are provided with a plurality of left and right plane workpiece groups which are arranged alternately; Symmetrical sides of the driving main shaft are provided with a first group of driving guide grooves and a second group of driving guide grooves; Two linear slides and a cam bearing are fixed on the side wall of the left and right plane workpiece groups, and the cam bearing is between the two linear slides; The linear slides are arranged on the track pieces in a translatable manner; The cam bearings of the left plane workpiece group are arranged in the first group of driving guide grooves in a movable manner, and the cam bearings of the right plane workpiece group are arranged in the second group of driving guide grooves in a movable manner.

2. The variable pitch module of claim 1, wherein: The first group of driving guide grooves comprises a plurality of first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; The second group of driving guide grooves comprises a plurality of second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape; The fan shapes of the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves are consistent.

3. The variable pitch module of claim 2, wherein: The center distance of the narrow ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape is the same as the center distance of the narrow ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape. The center distance of the wide ends of adjacent first guide grooves arranged in a fan shape is the same as the center distance of the wide ends of adjacent second guide grooves arranged in a fan shape. The narrow ends of the first guide grooves and the second guide grooves are arranged in a staggered manner, and the staggered distance is half of the center distance of the narrow ends.

4. The variable pitch module of claim 3, wherein: The center distance of the narrowest ends of adjacent first guide grooves and second guide grooves is less than or equal to the diameter of the cam bearing.

5. The variable pitch module of claim 3, wherein: The first workpiece and the second workpiece are both L-shaped workpieces.

6. The variable pitch module of claim 2, wherein: The track pieces comprise first, second, third and fourth track pieces arranged in parallel; The left and right plane workpiece groups each comprise a first workpiece and a second workpiece; Each first workpiece and each second workpiece has two linear slides and a cam bearing; The first workpiece and the second workpiece are arranged alternately, and the two linear slides of the first workpiece are arranged on the first and third track pieces in a translatable manner, and the two linear slides of the second workpiece are arranged on the second and fourth track pieces in a translatable manner; Each cam bearing of the left workpiece is arranged in a first guide groove; Each cam bearing of the right workpiece is arranged in a second guide groove.

7. The variable pitch module of claim 5, wherein: The power source is a servo motor, and a speed reducer is fixed on the main shaft of the servo motor, and the output end of the speed reducer is connected with the driving main shaft through a transmission structure.

8. The variable pitch module of claim 5, wherein: The transmission structure is a shaft coupling, a transmission gear or a transmission toothed belt.

9. The variable pitch module of claim 5, wherein: The power source is a hand wheel, and the hand wheel is connected with the driving main shaft through a transmission structure.

10. The variable pitch module of claim 1, wherein: One side of the square base is fixed with a mold mounting seat for fixing a mold group on the equipment through screws, and a rear cover box is arranged on the rear baffle through screws.

Images