Axially mounted multi-disk escapement buffer

Abstract

This invention discloses an axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism, relating to the field of precision mechanics. It includes a drive shaft system, a drive end turntable, at least one drive end pin assembly, at least one drive end elastic element assembly, a drive escape disc, and an axial displacement generating device. The escapement buffer structure of this invention is coaxially arranged with the drive shaft system, making it suitable for scenarios with limited radial space. The escapement buffer structure has a circular symmetrical layout, so during operation, it is only subjected to torque, avoiding the vibration experienced by conventional lateral escapement structures. The operating speed of the escapement mechanism can be precisely controlled by adjusting the elastic coefficient or effective length of the elastic element, or by adjusting the axial position of the escape disc; the operating frequency of the escapement mechanism can be precisely controlled by adjusting the evenly distributed number of slots in the escape disc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of precision machinery technology, and in particular to an axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of precision machinery, the escapement mechanism has expanded its applications from traditional timing to high-end manufacturing, automated industries, and intelligent robotics. Traditional lateral escapement structures are prone to vibration during operation and occupy a large radial space, making them unsuitable for installation in confined or irregularly shaped spaces. Furthermore, conventional escapement mechanisms have limited methods for adjusting operating speed and frequency, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-precision and highly adaptable scenarios.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an escapement buffer mechanism that is compact, has low vibration, allows for flexible adjustment of operating parameters, and is highly adaptable to space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism to solve the problems of large radial space occupation, easy vibration during operation, inconvenient adjustment, and poor space adaptability of existing escapement mechanisms.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides an axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism, comprising a drive shaft system, a drive end turntable, at least one drive end pin assembly, at least one drive end elastic element assembly, an active escapement disc, and an axial displacement generating device; the drive end turntable is coaxially mounted with the drive shaft system, and has grooves arranged in a circumferential array on the drive end turntable; the drive end pin assembly is disposed within the grooves; the drive end elastic element assembly is disposed on the drive end turntable, one end of the drive end elastic element assembly is connected to the tail end of the drive end pin assembly, and the other end is connected to the central region of the drive end turntable; the active escapement disc is disposed radially outward of the drive end turntable and coaxial with the drive end turntable, and has a slot on its radially inner side for engaging or disengaging with the top end of the drive end pin assembly, the slot being inclined; the axial displacement generating device is connected to the active escapement disc and is used to drive the active escapement disc to move axially to adjust the distance between the slot of the active escapement disc and the top end of the drive end pin assembly.

[0006] Preferably, the top end of the active end pin assembly is either a pointed cone or a spherical cone.

[0007] Preferably, a roller is mounted on the top of the active end pin assembly.

[0008] Preferably, the top end of the active end pin assembly is provided with a first magnetic element, and the slot of the active escapement disk is provided with a second magnetic element; when the active end pin assembly and the active escapement disk are facing each other, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element generate a repulsive force on each other.

[0009] Preferably, the inner sidewall of the slot of the active escapement disc has a first draft slope, and the top end of the active end pin assembly has a second draft slope that matches the first draft slope.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes an auxiliary shaft system and a connecting assembly; the auxiliary shaft system is arranged parallel to the active shaft system; there are two escapement buffer mechanisms; one escapement buffer mechanism is installed on the active shaft system; the other escapement buffer mechanism is installed on the auxiliary shaft system; the connecting assembly connects the active escapement disc on the active shaft system and the active escapement disc on the auxiliary shaft system, and the connecting assembly is a rigid connector or an elastic connector.

[0011] Preferably, the drive shaft system and the auxiliary shaft system are driven by gear meshing, and the drive shaft system and the auxiliary shaft system rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions.

[0012] Preferably, at least two active end turntables are stacked along the axial direction of the active shaft system, and each active end turntable is equipped with an active end pin assembly, an active end elastic element assembly, and an active escapement disk; the active escapement disks can extend or stack along the axial direction, and the active escapement disks have multiple sets of slots along the axial direction corresponding to the positions of each active end pin assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the grooves on the multiple active end turntables stacked along the axial direction are in the same position in the circumferential direction.

[0014] Preferably, the grooves on the multiple active end turntables stacked along the axial direction are staggered in the circumferential direction.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. The escapement buffer structure is coaxial with the drive shaft, making it suitable for scenarios with limited radial space. The escapement buffer structure has a circular symmetrical layout, so it is only subjected to torque during operation, avoiding the vibration that occurs with conventional lateral escapement structures.

[0017] 2. The working speed of the escapement mechanism can be precisely controlled by adjusting the elastic coefficient or effective length of the elastic element, or by adjusting the axial position of the escapement disc; the working frequency of the escapement mechanism can be precisely controlled by adjusting the evenly distributed number of slots in the escapement disc.

[0018] 3. An auxiliary drive shaft can be adapted to the active shaft system, and two sets of this escapement buffer mechanism can be symmetrically mounted on the active shaft system and the auxiliary drive shaft system, respectively. The escape discs of the two mechanisms are connected or fixed using elastic elements. If the rotational speeds of the active shaft system and the auxiliary drive shaft system are the same and opposite in direction, the torques of the active shaft system and the auxiliary drive shaft system cancel each other out. If the rotational speeds of the active shaft system and the auxiliary drive shaft system are different, the torques of the active shaft system and the auxiliary drive shaft system partially cancel each other out. In this case, the operating frequencies of the two escapement mechanisms can alternately and independently take effect, increasing the overall operating frequency. This structural design method can be reused, and multiple shaft systems can further increase the operating frequency.

[0019] 4. The active end dial can be axially stacked as needed to further increase the operating frequency of the escapement mechanism. By adapting the auxiliary shaft system radially and stacking the active end dial axially, the escapement mechanism gains strong spatial adaptability and can be installed in confined or irregularly shaped spaces. Both the active end dial and the escapement dial are somewhat replaceable and can be standardized. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall longitudinal section structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the turntable of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Seven of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 8 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment Nine of the present invention.

[0032] The following are the labeling elements in the diagram: 1. Active end turntable; 2. Active end pin assembly; 3. Active end elastic element assembly; 4. Active escapement disc; 5. Axial displacement generating device; 6. Connecting assembly; 11. Slide groove; 21. Roller; 22. First magnetic component; 23. Second draft angle; 311. Spring seat; 312. Helical spring; 41. Groove; 411. First draft angle; 42. Second magnetic component; A. Active shaft system; B. Auxiliary shaft system; 1'. Auxiliary end turntable; 2'. Auxiliary end pin assembly; 4'. Auxiliary escapement disc; 5'. Auxiliary axial displacement generating device. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The above-mentioned and other technical features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a basic axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism. The mechanism includes an active end turntable 1, multiple active end pin assemblies 2, multiple active end elastic element assemblies 3, an active escapement disc 4, and an axial displacement generating device 5.

[0036] The drive-end turntable 1 is coaxially fixed to the drive shaft system A via a key connection or other means. Multiple radial grooves 11 are machined on the drive-end turntable 1, evenly distributed along its circumference. An drive-end pin assembly 2 is installed within each groove 11, and the drive-end pin assembly 2 can slide freely radially within the groove 11. In this embodiment, the drive-end pin assembly 2 is an independent rod-shaped structure with its top end machined into a pointed cone shape.

[0037] The active end elastic element assembly 3 consists of a helical spring 312 and a spring seat 311. The helical spring 312 is disposed in the slide groove 11, and the spring seat 311 is mounted on the active end turntable 1. One end of the helical spring 312 is hooked into the hole at the tail end of the active end pin assembly 2, and the other end of the helical spring 312 is fixed to the spring seat 311.

[0038] The active escapement disc 4 is loosely fitted onto the drive shaft A via a bearing or other support structure (not shown in the figure) and is located radially outward of the drive end turntable 1. The radially inner surface of the active escapement disc 4 is machined with a number of slots 41 equal to the number of slots 41 in the drive end pin assembly 2, and these slots 41 are inclined. The cross-sectional shape of the slots 41 matches the pointed tip of the drive end pin assembly 2. The axial displacement generating device 5 can be a screw and nut mechanism, a linear motor, or a piezoelectric ceramic actuator, etc. Its fixed end is mounted on a frame (not shown), and its output end is connected to the active escapement disc 4. It can precisely drive the active escapement disc 4 to move axially along the drive shaft A, thereby controlling the distance between the slots 41 and the pointed tip of the drive end pin assembly 2.

[0039] Working process: The drive shaft A drives the drive end turntable 1 to rotate. As the speed increases, centrifugal force causes the drive end pin assembly 2 to move outward against the spring force of the helical spring 312. When the speed reaches the set value, the tip of the drive end pin assembly 2 engages with the slot 41 of the drive escape disk 4, generating a resistance torque that slows down or stops the speed. The decrease in speed leads to a reduction in centrifugal force, and the spring force pulls the drive end pin assembly 2 back, disengaging it from the slot 41. The drive end turntable 1 resumes rotation, and this cycle repeats. By adjusting the position of the drive escape disk 4 through the axial displacement generating device 5, the radial displacement (i.e., the required centrifugal force) required for the tip of the drive end pin assembly 2 to engage with the slot 41 can be changed, thereby finely adjusting the speed threshold for activating the escapement.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment optimizes the structure of the active end pin assembly 2. To reduce the frictional resistance when the active end pin assembly 2 contacts and separates from the slot 41, and to improve the smoothness of the operation, a small roller 21 is installed at the top of the active end pin assembly 2. The axis of the roller 21 is parallel to the axis of the active shaft system A. When the active end pin assembly 2 moves outward, the roller 21 can roll along the inner side of the active escapement disk 4 until it falls into the slot 41, significantly reducing sliding friction.

[0042] Example 3

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment introduces magnetically assisted springback. A first magnetic element 22 is embedded at the top of the active end pin assembly 2, and a second magnetic element 42 is embedded at a corresponding position in the slot 41 area of ​​the active escapement disk 4. The arrangement of the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 42 ensures that their adjacent magnetic poles are the same (e.g., both are N poles), thereby generating a repulsive force. When the rotational speed of the active end turntable 1 decreases and the centrifugal force decreases, this magnetic repulsive force can assist the spring force, enabling the active end pin assembly 2 to retract faster and more reliably, separating from the active escapement disk 4, thus improving the mechanism's response speed and reliability.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment further optimizes the meshing surface between the active escapement disk 4 and the active end pin assembly 2. The inner wall of the slot 41 on the active escapement disk 4 is machined into a first draft slope 411 with a certain angle. At the same time, the top end of the active end pin assembly 2 is machined into a matching second draft slope 23. When the top end of the active end pin assembly 2 meshes with the slot 41, the interaction of the slopes can generate an axial component force, which helps the active escapement disk 4 maintain a stable axial position and makes the engagement and disengagement process smoother.

[0046] Example 5

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a dual-shaft structure with torque cancellation function. In addition to a first escapement buffer mechanism (part markings same as in Embodiment 1) mounted on the drive shaft A, this mechanism also includes an auxiliary shaft B and a second escapement buffer mechanism mounted on the auxiliary shaft B (part markings are marked with an ' for distinction, such as auxiliary escapement disc 4'). The drive shaft A and auxiliary shaft B are driven by a pair of gears with the same number of teeth meshing externally, ensuring that their rotational speeds are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. The drive escapement disc 4 and the auxiliary escapement disc 4' are rigidly connected by a connecting component 6 (e.g., a connecting rod), making the drive escapement disc 4 and the auxiliary escapement disc 4' a single unit.

[0048] When both mechanisms operate simultaneously, because the drive shaft A and auxiliary shaft B rotate in opposite directions, the torques they exert on the escapement plate via connecting component 6 also act in opposite directions. This allows them to cancel each other out or significantly reduce the torque acting on the escapement plate, thereby reducing vibration and wear and improving the overall system stability. When there is a speed difference between the drive shaft A and auxiliary shaft B, the escapement actions of the two escapement buffer mechanisms can occur alternately, doubling the frequency of motion interruption at the overall output end.

[0049] Example 6

[0050] like Figure 9 As shown, based on Embodiment 5, the connecting component 6 connecting the active escapement plate 4 and the auxiliary escapement plate 4' is replaced with an elastic connector, such as a spring or elastic rod with suitable stiffness. This elastic connection can absorb some impact, allow for a small speed difference or phase difference between the two shaft systems, and make the working connection between the two escapement mechanisms smoother, making it suitable for occasions with higher requirements for motion smoothness.

[0051] Example 7

[0052] like Figure 10 As shown, based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides an axially stacked multi-disc structure to improve the working frequency or working intensity. Three active end discs 1 (labeled 1a, 1b, and 1c) are coaxially mounted sequentially along the axial direction of the drive shaft system A. The structure of each active end disc 1 is the same as that of the active end disc 1 in Embodiment 1, and each is equipped with a corresponding active end pin assembly 2 and an active end elastic element assembly 3. The active escapement disc 4 is axially extended or multiple discs are stacked and fixed together. At different axial height positions on the inner side of the active escapement disc 4, three sets of slots 41 (labeled 41a, 41b, and 41c) corresponding to the positions of the active end pin assemblies 2 are machined.

[0053] In one configuration of this embodiment, the slots 41 on the three active end turntables 1 are all identical in circumferential position. This allows the three sets of active end pin assemblies 2 to operate synchronously, engaging or disengaging with the corresponding slots 41 on the active escapement disc 4. This effectively triples the escapement force of a single disc, significantly enhancing the escapement strength or torque capacity of the mechanism, making it suitable for applications with heavy loads.

[0054] Example 8

[0055] like Figure 11 As shown, based on the axial superposition structure of Embodiment 7, the circumferential distribution of the grooves 11 or slots 41 on the three active end turntables 1 is changed. For example, if each group of active escapement discs 4 has four evenly distributed slots 41, and the included angle between adjacent slots 41 is 90 degrees, then the slots 41 on the active end turntable 1 located at 1b are shifted 30 degrees circumferentially relative to the slots 41 on the active end turntable 1 located at 1a, and the slots 41 on the active end turntable 1 located at 1c are shifted another 30 degrees. At this time, although the distribution of each group of slots 41 on the active escapement discs 4 remains unchanged, the active end pin assemblies 2 on the three turntables will trigger the escape action sequentially at different times. This is equivalent to increasing the operating frequency of a single disc by three times, making the motion interruption of the output shaft more frequent, the motion curve more refined, and suitable for occasions requiring high-frequency intermittent motion.

[0056] Example 9

[0057] like Figure 12 As shown in Examples 5 and 7, a compact composite structure of planar multi-axis and axial multi-layer can be formed by arranging auxiliary shaft system B in the radial plane and superimposing the active end turntable 1 in the axial direction. This design can make full use of irregular or narrow installation spaces. Both the active end turntable 1 and the active escapement plate 4 can be designed as standard modules. By replacing different springs (changing the elastic coefficient), the number of active escapement plates 4 with different slots 41, or adjusting the axial / radial combination, different speeds, frequencies, torques, and space requirements can be flexibly adapted.

[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism, characterized in that, include: The drive shaft system, the drive end turntable, at least one drive end pin assembly, at least one drive end elastic element assembly, the drive escapement disc, and the axial displacement generating device; The active end turntable is coaxially mounted with the active shaft system, and has grooves arranged in a circumferential array on it. The active end pin assembly is disposed within the grooves. The active end elastic element assembly is disposed on the active end turntable, with one end connected to the tail end of the active end pin assembly and the other end connected to the central region of the active end turntable. The active escapement disc is disposed radially outward of the active end turntable and coaxial with it. The radially inner side of the active escapement disc has a slot for engaging or disengaging with the top end of the active end pin assembly, and the slot is inclined. The axial displacement generating device is connected to the active escapement disc and drives it to move axially to adjust the distance between the slot of the active escapement disc and the top end of the active end pin assembly. It also includes an auxiliary shaft system and a connecting assembly; the auxiliary shaft system is arranged parallel to the active shaft system; there are two escapement buffer mechanisms; one escapement buffer mechanism is installed on the active shaft system; the other escapement buffer mechanism is installed on the auxiliary shaft system; the connecting assembly connects the active escapement disc on the active shaft system and the active escapement disc on the auxiliary shaft system, and the connecting assembly is a rigid connector or an elastic connector; The active shaft system and the auxiliary shaft system are driven by gear meshing, and the active shaft system and the auxiliary shaft system rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions. At least two active end turntables are stacked along the axial direction of the active shaft system. Each active end turntable is equipped with an active end pin assembly, an active end elastic element assembly, and an active escapement disk. The active escapement disks can extend or stack along the axial direction, and multiple sets of slots corresponding to the positions of each active end pin assembly are opened on the active escapement disks along the axial direction.

2. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top end of the active end pin assembly is either a pointed cone or a spherical cone.

3. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A roller is mounted on the top of the active end pin assembly.

4. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the active end pin assembly is provided with a first magnetic element, and the slot of the active escapement disk is provided with a second magnetic element; when the active end pin assembly and the active escapement disk are facing each other, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element generate a repulsive force on each other.

5. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the slot of the active escapement disc has a first draft slope, and the top of the active end pin assembly has a second draft slope that matches the first draft slope.

6. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves on the multiple active end turntables stacked along the axial direction are in the same position in the circumferential direction.

7. The axially mounted multi-disc escapement buffer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves on the multiple active end turntables stacked along the axial direction are staggered in the circumferential direction.

Images