Lead screw and clamping mechanism having the same

Abstract

The application provides a lead screw and a clamping mechanism with the same. The lead screw is used to drive a plurality of clamping parts to move. The lead screw comprises a lead screw body, a plurality of helical segments which are arranged along a central axis of the lead screw body, and the plurality of helical segments are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of clamping parts. Each helical segment cooperates with the corresponding clamping part to drive the clamping part to move along the central axis of the lead screw body. Each helical segment is an equal-pitch helical segment, and the pitches of at least two helical segments are different. The application effectively solves the problem that the structure of the air cylinder used to realize the variable-pitch function of the clamping jaw in the prior art is relatively complex and the processing cost is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lead screw technology, and more specifically, to a lead screw and a clamping mechanism having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, after the grippers hold the workpiece, the problem of adjusting the spacing between the workpieces is often encountered according to the process requirements. For example, in the production process of lithium-ion single cells, there are many occasions where the spacing between the cells needs to be adjusted.

[0003] In existing technologies, cylinders are typically used to drive the gripper to change its pitch. However, the cylinders that achieve this function have a complex structure, which not only increases the difficulty of disassembly and assembly but also the difficulty of control for workers, thus affecting production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a lead screw and a clamping mechanism thereon, so as to solve the problem that the structure of the cylinder used to realize the clamp pitch function in the prior art is relatively complex, which increases the processing cost.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a lead screw is provided for driving a plurality of clamping parts to move. The lead screw includes: a lead screw body; a plurality of helical segments spaced apart along the central axis of the lead screw body, wherein the plurality of helical segments are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of clamping parts, and each helical segment cooperates with its corresponding clamping part to drive the clamping part to move along the central axis of the lead screw body; wherein each helical segment is a helical segment with equal pitch, and at least two helical segments have different pitches.

[0006] Furthermore, the helical angle of each helical segment is greater than 0° and less than 360°.

[0007] Furthermore, the line L1 connecting the starting positions of two adjacent helical segments is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body; and / or, the line L2 connecting the ending positions of two adjacent helical segments is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body.

[0008] Furthermore, the multiple helical segments include two groups of helical segments. The two groups of helical segments are symmetrical about the center plane CS of the screw body. Each group of helical segments includes multiple helical segments spaced apart along the direction from the middle to the end of the screw body. The pitch P of any two helical segments symmetrical about the center plane CS in the two groups of helical segments is the same and satisfies: θ / 360*P=(S2) / 2-(S1) / 2; where θ is the helical angle of each helical segment, S1 is the distance between the starting positions of the two helical segments, and S2 is the distance between the ending positions of the two helical segments.

[0009] Furthermore, along the direction from the middle to the end of the screw body, the pitch of at least two helical segments gradually increases; and / or, the pitch difference between each two adjacent helical segments is consistent.

[0010] Furthermore, the multiple helical segments include two helical segment groups, which are symmetrically arranged about the center plane CS of the screw body. Each helical segment group includes a first helical segment, a second helical segment, and a third helical segment arranged sequentially along the direction from the middle to the end of the screw body. The starting position of the first helical segment has a preset distance from the center plane CS. The pitch of the second helical segment is greater than the pitch of the first helical segment and the pitch difference is △P1. The pitch of the third helical segment is greater than the pitch of the second helical segment and the pitch difference is △P2, and satisfies: △P1=△P2.

[0011] Furthermore, the spiral segment is a spiral groove, and the spiral protrusion provided on the clamping part extends into the spiral groove and is matched with the spiral groove for limiting; or, the spiral segment is a spiral protrusion, and the spiral protrusion extends into the spiral groove provided on the clamping part to be matched with the spiral groove for limiting.

[0012] Furthermore, the spiral segment is a spiral groove, which is at least one of a V-shaped groove, a U-shaped groove, a semi-circular groove, and a polygonal groove.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a clamping mechanism is provided, including a driving device, a lead screw, and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes a plurality of clamping parts, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of helical segments of the lead screw. The driving device is driven to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to move the plurality of clamping parts along a first direction or a second direction, thereby adjusting the clamping range of the clamping assembly. The lead screw is the aforementioned lead screw.

[0014] Furthermore, the driving device is a motor, and the motor shaft is connected to the lead screw. The clamping mechanism also includes: a detection device for obtaining the clamping range of the clamping component; and a control module electrically connected to both the motor and the detection device. The control module controls the rotation angle of the motor shaft according to the detection value of the detection device to adjust the clamping range.

[0015] Applying the technical solution of this invention, a lead screw is used to drive the movement of multiple clamping parts. The lead screw includes a lead screw body and multiple helical segments spaced apart along the central axis of the lead screw body. Each helical segment corresponds to one of the clamping parts, and each helical segment cooperates with its corresponding clamping part to drive the clamping part to move along the central axis of the lead screw body. Thus, since each helical segment is a helical segment with a constant pitch, and at least two helical segments have different pitches, the distance between the clamping parts corresponding to the at least two helical segments can be adjusted to achieve the variable pitch function of the clamping parts. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the lead screw can be controlled according to the clamping range requirements of the clamping parts, thereby precisely controlling the clamping range of the clamping parts.

[0016] Compared with the existing technology that uses a relatively complex cylinder to drive the gripper to achieve the pitch change function, this application only needs to improve the structure of the lead screw, that is, adjust the parameters of the helical section, to achieve the pitch change function of the gripper. This makes the pitch change function easier and simpler to achieve, thereby solving the problem that the cylinder used to achieve the gripper pitch change function in the prior art has a relatively complex structure, which increases the processing cost, and reducing the processing cost and processing difficulty. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A front view of an embodiment of the lead screw according to the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the lead screw in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Rear view of the lead screw in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the clamping mechanism according to the present invention at its maximum clamping range is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The front view when the clamping range of the clamping mechanism is at its maximum;

[0023] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram showing the clamping range of the clamping mechanism in the middle at its minimum.

[0024] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The front view when the clamping range of the clamping mechanism is at its minimum;

[0025] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism.

[0026] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0027] 10. Clamping part; 11. Helical protrusion; 20. Lead screw body; 30. Helical segment; 31. First helical segment; 32. Second helical segment; 33. Third helical segment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up" and "down" are generally used in relation to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings, or in relation to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "left" and "right" are generally used in relation to the left and right shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not intended to limit this invention.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lead screw drives multiple clamping parts 10 to move. The lead screw includes a lead screw body 20 and multiple helical segments 30. The multiple helical segments 30 are spaced apart along the central axis of the lead screw body 20. Each helical segment 30 is correspondingly arranged with one clamping part 10, and each helical segment 30 cooperates with its corresponding clamping part 10 to drive the clamping part 10 to move along the central axis of the lead screw body 20. Each helical segment 30 is a helical segment with a constant pitch, and at least two helical segments 30 have different pitches.

[0032] By applying the technical solution of this embodiment, since each helical segment 30 is a helical segment with equal pitch, and at least two helical segments 30 have different pitches, the spacing between the clamping portions 10 corresponding to the at least two helical segments 30 can be adjusted to realize the variable pitch function of the clamping portion 10. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the lead screw can be controlled according to the clamping range requirements of the clamping portion 10, so as to accurately control the clamping range of the clamping portion 10.

[0033] Compared with the existing technology that uses a relatively complex cylinder to drive the gripper to achieve the variable pitch function, this embodiment only needs to improve the structure of the lead screw, that is, adjust the parameters of the helical section 30, to achieve the variable pitch function of the clamping part 10, making the variable pitch function easier and simpler to achieve. This solves the problem that the cylinder used to achieve the variable pitch function of the gripper in the existing technology has a relatively complex structure, which increases the processing cost, and reduces the processing cost and processing difficulty.

[0034] Optionally, the helix angle of each helical segment 30 is greater than 0° and less than 360°. In this way, the above-mentioned setting of the helix angle not only ensures that there is no overlap between the helical segments 30, but also allows the lead screw to complete the pitch change function of multiple clamping parts 10 within a 360° rotation angle, ensuring the reliability of pitch change.

[0035] In this embodiment, the helix angle of each helical segment 30 is 315°. This helix angle setting ensures sufficient contact area between the lead screw and the clamping part 10, thereby improving transmission efficiency and stability, and preventing unnecessary displacement of the clamping part 10 during lead screw rotation, which could affect the workpiece's machining accuracy and product quality.

[0036] It should be noted that the value of the helix angle of each helical segment 30 is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to working conditions and usage requirements. Optionally, the helix angle of each helical segment 30 can be 345°, 350°, or 355°.

[0037] Optionally, the line L1 connecting the starting positions of two adjacent helical segments 30 is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body 20; and / or, the line L2 connecting the ending positions of two adjacent helical segments 30 is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body. This parallel arrangement of lines L1 and L2 helps maintain the straightness of the movement of the clamping part 10, avoids deviation during movement, and improves the clamping stability of the clamping part 10 on the workpiece.

[0038] Optionally, the plurality of helical segments 30 includes two groups of helical segments. The two groups of helical segments are symmetrical about the center plane CS of the screw body 20. Each group of helical segments includes a plurality of helical segments 30 spaced apart along the direction from the middle to the end of the screw body 20. The pitch P of any two helical segments 30 that are symmetrical about the center plane CS in the two groups of helical segments is the same and satisfies: θ / 360*P=(S2) / 2-(S1) / 2; where θ is the helical angle (termination angle) of each helical segment 30, the distance S1 is the distance between the starting positions of the two helical segments, and S2 is the distance between the termination positions of the two helical segments.

[0039] In this embodiment, distance S2 > distance S1, and the pitch P, distance S1, distance S2, helix start angle, and helix angle of the helical segment satisfy the relationship in Table 1:

[0040] Table 1

[0041]

[0042] In practical applications, to ensure the installation space of the actual clamping part and the structural strength of the lead screw, the distance S1 can be selected to be S1≥25mm. Thus, the aforementioned settings of distances S1 and S2 enable rapid positioning of the clamping part 10 while ensuring the structural strength of the lead screw, improving the pitch flexibility of the clamping part 10. Simultaneously, these settings allow for a more rational distribution of the multiple helical segments 30 on the lead screw, increasing the number of clamping parts 10 while maintaining the structural strength of the lead screw, thereby expanding the clamping range of the clamping part 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the distance S1 between the starting positions of every two adjacent spiral segments 30 is 30mm, and the distance S2 between the ending positions of every two adjacent spiral segments 30 is 100mm.

[0044] It should be noted that the value of the distance S1 between the starting positions of at least two adjacent spiral segments 30 is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to working conditions and usage requirements. Optionally, the distance S1 between the starting positions of at least two adjacent spiral segments 30 is 28mm or 32mm.

[0045] It should be noted that the value of the distance S2 between the termination positions of at least two adjacent spiral segments 30 is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to working conditions and usage requirements. Optionally, the distance S2 between the termination positions of at least two adjacent spiral segments 30 can be 95mm, 98mm, 105mm, or 108mm.

[0046] Optionally, along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body 20, the pitch of at least two helical segments 30 gradually increases; and / or, the pitch difference between every two adjacent helical segments 30 is consistent. This pitch variation pattern allows the lead screw to flexibly adjust the clamping range according to changes in workpiece size when driving the clamping part 10, thus achieving the pitch-variable function of the clamping part 10. Simultaneously, the gradual increase in pitch or the consistent pitch difference design ensures uniform clamping force distribution when adjusting the clamping range, preventing damage to parts or impact on machining results due to excessive or insufficient clamping force.

[0047] In this embodiment, along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body 20, the pitch of all helical segments 30 gradually increases and the pitch difference is consistent.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the multiple helical segments 30 include two helical segment groups, which are symmetrically arranged about the center plane CS of the lead screw body 20. Each helical segment group includes a first helical segment 31, a second helical segment 32, and a third helical segment 33 arranged sequentially along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body 20. The starting position of the first helical segment 31 has a preset distance from the center plane CS. The pitch of the second helical segment 32 is greater than the pitch of the first helical segment 31, and the pitch difference is ΔP1. The pitch of the third helical segment 33 is greater than the pitch of the second helical segment 32, and the pitch difference is ΔP2, satisfying: ΔP1=ΔP2. In this way, the above-mentioned symmetrical design and pitch difference control ensure the balance of the lead screw when driving the clamping part 10 to move, avoid vibration during the movement, and ensure the clamping stability and clamping accuracy of the clamping part 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pitch of the first helical segment 31 is smaller than the pitch of the second helical segment 32, and the pitch of the second helical segment 32 is smaller than the pitch of the third helical segment 33. This ensures that the clamping range of the clamping part 10 can be significantly adjusted within a limited stroke, thus improving the adaptability of the clamping mechanism. Specifically, the pitches of the three helical segments in each helical segment group increase proportionally.

[0050] Specifically, the pitch of the first helical segment 31 is 40 mm, the pitch of the second helical segment 32 is 120 mm, and the pitch of the third helical segment 33 is 200 mm.

[0051] Optionally, the helical segment 30 is a helical groove, and the helical protrusion 11 provided on the clamping part 10 extends into the helical groove and engages with the helical groove for a limiting fit; or, the helical segment 30 is a helical protrusion 11, which extends into the helical groove provided on the clamping part 10 to engage with the helical groove for a limiting fit. In this way, the above-mentioned limiting fit design ensures precise synchronous movement between the clamping part 10 and the lead screw, avoiding assembly errors caused by sliding and displacement, and greatly improving the smoothness of movement of the clamping part 10. At the same time, the above-mentioned design allows for more flexible selection of the structure of the helical segment 30 to meet different usage requirements and working conditions, and also improves the processing flexibility of the operator.

[0052] In this embodiment, the helical segment 30 is a helical groove. The helical protrusion 11 provided on the clamping part 10 extends into the helical groove and is matched with the helical groove for limiting, thereby increasing the mating area between the lead screw and the clamping part 10, thereby improving the motion stability of the clamping part 10 and realizing the stepless pitch change of the clamping part 10.

[0053] Optionally, the helical segment 30 is a helical groove, which is at least one of a V-shaped groove, a U-shaped groove, a semi-circular groove, and a polygonal groove. This configuration allows for greater flexibility in the shape selection of the helical segment 30 to meet different usage requirements and working conditions, and also improves the processing flexibility of the operator.

[0054] In this embodiment, the spiral segment 30 is a trapezoidal groove.

[0055] In this embodiment, the spiral groove is designed using an Archimedean spiral, which ensures the stability and accuracy of the lead screw when driving the clamping part 10.

[0056] like Figures 4 to 8 As shown, this application also provides a clamping mechanism, including a driving device, a lead screw, and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes multiple clamping parts 10, which are arranged one-to-one with multiple helical segments 30 of the lead screw. The driving device is driven by the lead screw to drive the lead screw to move the multiple clamping parts 10 along a first direction or a second direction, thereby adjusting the clamping range of the clamping assembly. The lead screw is the lead screw described above.

[0057] Specifically, since each helical segment 30 on the lead screw is a helical segment with equal pitch, and at least two helical segments 30 have different pitches, the distance between the clamping parts 10 corresponding to the at least two helical segments 30 can be adjusted to realize the variable pitch function of the clamping mechanism. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the lead screw can be controlled according to the clamping range requirements of the clamping mechanism to accurately control the clamping range of the clamping mechanism.

[0058] Compared with the existing technology that uses a relatively complex cylinder to drive the gripper to achieve the variable pitch function, this embodiment only needs to improve the structure of the lead screw, that is, adjust the parameters of the helical section, to achieve the variable pitch function of the clamping mechanism, making the variable pitch function easier and simpler to achieve. This solves the problem that the cylinder used to achieve the variable pitch function of the gripper in the existing technology has a relatively complex structure, which increases the processing cost, and reduces the processing cost and processing difficulty.

[0059] Optionally, the drive device is a motor, with the motor shaft connected to a lead screw. The clamping mechanism also includes a detection device and a control module. The detection device is used to obtain the clamping range of the clamping assembly, and the control module is electrically connected to both the motor and the detection device. The control module controls the rotation angle of the motor shaft based on the detection value from the detection device to adjust the clamping range. Thus, by using a motor as the drive device, in conjunction with the detection device and control module, closed-loop control of the clamping range is achieved, ensuring that the clamping mechanism maintains high-precision clamping range adjustment under any working conditions, enabling the clamping mechanism to achieve precise pitch adjustment.

[0060] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0061] The lead screw drives multiple clamping parts to move. The lead screw includes a lead screw body and multiple helical segments spaced apart along the central axis of the lead screw body. Each helical segment corresponds to one of the clamping parts, and each helical segment cooperates with its corresponding clamping part to drive the clamping part to move along the central axis of the lead screw body. Since all helical segments are of equal pitch, with at least two helical segments having different pitches, the spacing between the clamping parts corresponding to these at least two helical segments can be adjusted to achieve a variable pitch function for the clamping parts. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the lead screw can be controlled according to the clamping range requirements of the clamping parts, allowing for precise control of the clamping range.

[0062] Compared with the existing technology that uses a relatively complex cylinder to drive the gripper to achieve the pitch change function, this application only needs to improve the structure of the lead screw, that is, adjust the parameters of the helical section, to achieve the pitch change function of the gripper. This makes the pitch change function easier and simpler to achieve, thereby solving the problem that the cylinder used to achieve the gripper pitch change function in the prior art has a relatively complex structure, which increases the processing cost, and reducing the processing cost and processing difficulty.

[0063] Obviously, the embodiments described above are merely some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0065] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0066] 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. A lead screw for driving the movement of multiple clamping parts (10), characterized in that, The lead screw includes: Lead screw body (20); Multiple helical segments (30) are spaced apart along the central axis of the lead screw body (20). Each helical segment (30) is correspondingly arranged with a multiple clamping part (10). Each helical segment (30) cooperates with its corresponding clamping part (10) to drive the clamping part (10) to move along the central axis of the lead screw body (20). Each of the spiral segments (30) is a spiral segment with equal pitch, and at least two spiral segments (30) have different pitches.

2. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The helical angle of each of the helical segments (30) is greater than 0° and less than 360°.

3. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The line L1 connecting the starting positions of two adjacent spiral segments (30) is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body (20); and / or, the line L2 connecting the ending positions of two adjacent spiral segments (30) is parallel to the central axis of the lead screw body.

4. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body (20), the pitch of at least two of the helical segments (30) gradually increases; and / or, the pitch difference between each two adjacent helical segments (30) is consistent.

5. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple helical segments (30) include two helical segment groups. The two helical segment groups are symmetrical about the center plane CS of the lead screw body (20). Each helical segment group includes multiple helical segments (30) spaced apart along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body (20). Any two helical segments (30) in the two helical segment groups that are symmetrical about the center plane CS have the same pitch P and satisfy: θ / 360*P=(S2) / 2-(S1) / 2; where θ is the helical angle of each helical segment (30), the distance S1 is the distance between the starting positions of the two helical segments, and S2 is the distance between the ending positions of the two helical segments.

6. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple helical segments (30) include two helical segment groups, which are symmetrically arranged about the center plane CS of the lead screw body (20). Each helical segment group includes a first helical segment (31), a second helical segment (32), and a third helical segment (33) arranged sequentially along the direction from the middle to the end of the lead screw body (20). The starting position of the first helical segment (31) has a preset distance from the center plane CS. The pitch of the second helical segment (32) is greater than the pitch of the first helical segment (31) and the pitch difference is ΔP1. The pitch of the third helical segment (33) is greater than the pitch of the second helical segment (32) and the pitch difference is ΔP2, and satisfies: △P1=△P2.

7. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral segment (30) is a spiral groove, and the spiral protrusion (11) provided on the clamping part (10) extends into the spiral groove and is limited to the spiral groove; or, the spiral segment (30) is a spiral protrusion (11), and the spiral protrusion (11) extends into the spiral groove provided on the clamping part (10) to be limited to the spiral groove.

8. The lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral segment (30) is a spiral groove, which is at least one of a V-shaped groove, a U-shaped groove, a semi-circular groove, and a polygonal groove.

9. A clamping mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a drive unit, a lead screw, and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly includes multiple clamping parts (10), which are arranged one-to-one with multiple helical segments (30) of the lead screw. The drive unit is driven to the lead screw to drive the lead screw to move the multiple clamping parts (10) along a first direction or a second direction, thereby adjusting the clamping range of the clamping assembly. The lead screw is the lead screw according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The clamping mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The driving device is a motor, and the motor shaft of the motor is drivenly connected to the lead screw. The clamping mechanism further includes: A detection device is used to obtain the clamping range of the clamping assembly; The control module is electrically connected to both the motor and the detection device; The control module controls the rotation angle of the motor shaft based on the detection value of the detection device to adjust the clamping range.

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