Electric microscope stage with limiting structure

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of precision displacement control technology, specifically to an electric microscope stage with a limiting structure, comprising a drive motor, a lead screw, a slide, and an overload floating protection component. The overload floating protection component is connected between the lead screw and the slide, and includes a floating sleeve, a threaded seat, and a preload elastic component. The threaded seat is threadedly connected to the lead screw and is axially supported within the floating sleeve by the preload elastic component. During normal operation of the slide, the preload force provided by the preload elastic component ensures the transmission rigidity between the threaded seat and the slide. When the slide collides and is obstructed, the resistance overcomes the preload force, causing the threaded seat to undergo axial displacement, providing physical buffering for the slide. Simultaneously, an inductive switch monitors this relative displacement to immediately cut off the drive power. This invention changes the traditional rigid transmission mode, effectively avoiding damage to the mechanism and external equipment caused by continuous high loads from collisions through physical buffering and active feedback mechanisms, thus improving operational safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of precision displacement control technology, specifically to an electric microscope stage with a limiting structure. Background Technology

[0002] The motorized microscope stage is a key transmission component in a microscopic imaging system, used to carry samples and achieve precise displacement adjustment. Existing motorized stages typically use a motor to drive a lead screw, which in turn drives the slide to translate via a rigid transmission between the lead screw and a threaded seat. However, in practical applications, this type of structure has the following significant drawbacks:

[0003] During automated operation, the slide stage is highly susceptible to accidental collisions with surrounding experimental equipment or high-magnification microscope lenses. Because existing transmission systems often employ completely rigid connections, once the slide stage's movement is obstructed, the powerful load output by the drive motor acts directly and continuously on the obstacle and the transmission mechanism. This continuous rigid contact not only generates enormous instantaneous impact forces, but also, due to the lack of sensitive overload sensing and feedback mechanisms in the power source, causes the motor to continue attempting to drive even when obstructed, leading to a rapid accumulation of the powerful load in the mechanical chain. This often results in deformation of the precision transmission mechanism, and may even cause damage to expensive optical lenses or a shortened mechanical lifespan of the stage.

[0004] Therefore, how to design a platform that can provide effective buffering when the slide is obstructed by a collision and can instantly sense changes in resistance to cut off the power source is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric microscope stage with a limiting structure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure, comprising a fixed base and at least one slide stage disposed on the fixed base, and further comprising:

[0007] The lead screw assembly includes at least one, which is configured to correspond one-to-one with the slide table and is used to drive the corresponding slide table to translate. Each lead screw assembly includes a drive lead screw and a threaded seat sleeved on the drive lead screw. The outer wall of the threaded seat is provided with an annular flange.

[0008] An overload floating protection component is provided, and is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the lead screw assembly. Each overload floating protection component includes:

[0009] A floating sleeve is fitted over the corresponding threaded seat and is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide.

[0010] A pre-tightened elastic component is disposed inside the floating sleeve and abuts against both sides of the annular flange along the axial direction of the drive screw, so that the threaded seat remains relatively fixed to the floating sleeve within a preset thrust range;

[0011] An inductive switch is disposed on the threaded seat and the corresponding slide or floating sleeve. When the slide is obstructed and the resistance exceeds the preload of the preload elastic component, the inductive switch senses the axial displacement of the threaded seat relative to the floating sleeve and triggers it to cut off the power source driving the lead screw assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the floating sleeve is coaxially formed with an inner retaining ring, the inner retaining ring having the same axial thickness as the annular flange, and under the pressure of the pre-tightening elastic component, the end face of the annular flange and the end face of the inner retaining ring are in the same plane.

[0013] Furthermore, the overload floating protection assembly also includes a first pressure ring and a second pressure ring respectively disposed on both sides of the annular flange along the axial direction, and both the first pressure ring and the second pressure ring are sleeved outside the threaded seat. The first pressure ring is simultaneously attached to the end face of one side of the inner retaining ring and the annular flange, and the second pressure ring is simultaneously attached to the end face of the other side of the inner retaining ring and the annular flange.

[0014] Furthermore, the pre-tightening elastic component includes a first disc spring group and a second disc spring group respectively disposed on both sides of the annular flange along the axial direction, and both the first disc spring group and the second disc spring group are sleeved outside the threaded seat. The two ends of the floating sleeve are respectively fixedly provided with a first end cap and a second end cap. The first disc spring group abuts axially between the first end cap and the first pressure ring, and the second disc spring group abuts axially between the second end cap and the second pressure ring.

[0015] Furthermore, the inductive switch includes a slotted photoelectric switch and a light-shielding plate. The slotted photoelectric switch is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide table, and the light-shielding plate is fixedly connected to the threaded seat. One end of the light-shielding plate extends into the sensing slot of the slotted photoelectric switch and has a notch for the sensing light of the slotted photoelectric switch to pass through.

[0016] Furthermore, one end of the drive screw is provided with a clutch manual drive mechanism, which includes a rotating sleeve, an elastic pusher, and a clutch. One end of the drive screw is coaxially fixed to a columnar head, the rotating sleeve is slidably sleeved on the columnar head, the elastic pusher is disposed inside the rotating sleeve and is used to push the rotating sleeve outward relative to the columnar head along the axial direction, and the clutch is disposed between the rotating sleeve and the columnar head and is used to enable the rotating sleeve to achieve a transmission connection with the drive screw when the rotating sleeve is pushed inward.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic pushing component is a helical spring, with both ends of the helical spring abutting against the end wall of the columnar head and the inner wall of the rotating sleeve, respectively. A limiting bolt that axially passes through the rotating sleeve is coaxially fixed inside the columnar head, and the cap end of the limiting bolt is located outside the rotating sleeve and abuts against the rotating sleeve.

[0018] Furthermore, the clutch includes two end-face jaw clutches, which are respectively fixedly connected to the end wall of the rotating sleeve and the outer wall of the cylindrical head.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the drive screws is provided with a micro switch located on the translation path of the rotating sleeve. The micro switch is used to turn on and off the power source driving the screw assembly. A collar is coaxially sleeved on the rotating sleeve. The outer wall of the rotating sleeve is provided with a retaining ring and a stepped portion. The collar is axially limited between the retaining ring and the stepped portion. An extension lug is fixedly provided on the collar. A protrusion is formed on the extension lug for triggering the micro switch by abutting. A limiting rod is fixedly provided on the side of the micro switch, penetrating the extension lug. Both the micro switch and the limiting rod are fixed relative to the position of the corresponding drive screw.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the slides is equipped with a grating ruler for real-time monitoring of the displacement of the slide and feeding it back to the control terminal.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0022] 1. This invention introduces an overload floating protection component between the lead screw assembly and the slide table. This component uses a pre-tightened elastic component to axially hold the threaded seat against the floating sleeve, ensuring the stage maintains transmission rigidity and stability under normal operating resistance. However, if the slide table collides and the resistance exceeds the pre-tightening force, the threaded seat can axially displace relative to the slide table. This structural design firstly provides a physical, flexible buffer space for the slide table, effectively absorbing the impact energy during a collision and preventing continuous rigid contact between the slide table and external instruments or microscope lenses.

[0023] 2. This invention uses an inductive switch to monitor the relative displacement between the threaded seat and the slide in real time. When a collision occurs and displacement is generated, the inductive switch can be triggered in time to cut off the power source, thereby stopping the continuous power output at the source. This effectively eliminates the drawback of the load continuously accumulating in the mechanical chain due to the forced drive of the motor. It not only greatly protects the precision optical lens from damage, but also prevents the transmission mechanism from deforming due to overload compression, significantly improving the safety of the electric stage operation and the service life of the entire machine. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the area indicated by A1 in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line AA;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The enlarged view of the area indicated by A2 in the diagram;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The enlarged view of the area indicated in A3;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the overload floating protection component in this invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the clutch manual drive mechanism in this invention.

[0033] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Fixed base; 2. Slide table; 3. Drive screw; 4. Threaded seat; 5. Annular flange; 6. Overload floating protection assembly; 7. Floating sleeve; 8. Inductive switch; 9. Inner retaining ring; 10. First pressure ring; 11. Second pressure ring; 12. First disc spring assembly; 13. Second disc spring assembly; 14. First end cap; 15. Second end cap; 16. Slotted photoelectric switch; 17. Light shield; 18. Notch; 19. Clutch hand drive mechanism; 20. Rotating sleeve; 21. Columnar head; 22. Helical spring; 23. Limit bolt; 24. End face jaw clutch; 25. Micro switch; 26. Collar ring; 27. Snap ring; 28. Stepped part; 29. ​​Extension ear; 30. Protrusion; 31. Limit rod; 32. Grating ruler. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 9The diagram illustrates a motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure. The stage includes a fixed base 1 and at least one slide 2 mounted on the fixed base 1. The fixed base 1 serves as the load-bearing reference for the entire device, and the slide 2 is supported for translational movement via guide rails or a similar guiding structure. To achieve automated power transmission, the stage also includes at least one lead screw assembly, which is configured one-to-one with each slide 2 to drive the corresponding slide 2 to translate along a predetermined axis. Each lead screw assembly includes a drive lead screw 3 and a threaded seat 4 sleeved on the drive lead screw 3. The drive lead screw 3 is driven to rotate by a motor, thereby driving the threaded seat 4 to generate axial thrust. An annular flange 5 is integrally formed on the outer wall of the threaded seat 4. This annular flange 5 serves as a key force reference for the subsequent overload protection structure. In order to ensure that the rotational motion of the drive lead screw 3 can be accurately converted into the linear displacement of the threaded seat 4, the lead screw assembly also includes a guide rod set parallel to the drive lead screw 3. The guide rod passes through the threaded seat 4 and slides with it. The core function of the guide rod is to provide a limiting and guiding function, and to prevent the threaded seat 4 from rotating synchronously with the drive lead screw 3 through physical damping, thereby ensuring the high efficiency and stability of the transmission.

[0036] To address the issue of potential equipment damage caused by the stage colliding with external instruments or microscope lenses during electrically driven translation, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment configures an overload floating protection component 6 on the basis of the lead screw assembly, and each lead screw assembly is configured with one overload floating protection component 6. Each overload floating protection component 6 includes a floating sleeve 7 sleeved on the outer periphery of the corresponding threaded seat 4. The floating sleeve 7 is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide 2 by screws or pins, thereby transmitting the power of the lead screw to the slide 2. A preload elastic component is provided inside the floating sleeve 7. The preload elastic component abuts against both sides of the annular flange 5 along the axial direction of the drive lead screw 3. Its core function is to provide a preset axial preload force, so that within the normal working resistance range, the threaded seat 4 is kept relatively fixed to the floating sleeve 7 by the clamping force of the preload elastic component, thereby ensuring transmission accuracy. Once the slide 2 is obstructed and the resistance exceeds the preload force of the preload elastic component, the threaded seat 4 will overcome the elastic force and generate axial floating within the floating sleeve 7, avoiding continuous rigid contact that could damage the precision optical components.

[0037] In actual assembly and precision control processes, to ensure zero-position accuracy after overload reset, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the inner wall of the floating sleeve 7 is coaxially formed with an inner retaining ring 9, and the axial thickness of the inner retaining ring 9 and the annular flange 5 are machined to be completely consistent. A first pressure ring 10 and a second pressure ring 11 are fitted on both sides of the annular flange 5 along its axial direction. The first pressure ring 10 simultaneously adheres to the end face of one side of the inner retaining ring 9 and the annular flange 5, and the second pressure ring 11 simultaneously adheres to the end face of the other side of the inner retaining ring 9 and the annular flange 5. Under the pressure of the pre-tightened elastic component, the first pressure ring 10 and the second pressure ring 11 simultaneously clamp the annular flange 5 and the inner retaining ring 9, ensuring that the end face of the annular flange 5 and the end face of the inner retaining ring 9 are always in the same plane. The function of this structure is that when the overload external force disappears and the drive screw 3 reverses and resets, the threaded seat 4 can accurately return to its initial center position under the action of the elastic force, eliminating the mechanical lag caused by spring deformation. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the pre-tightening elastic component specifically adopts a first disc spring group 12 and a second disc spring group 13. By adjusting the compression of the pre-tightening elastic component or selecting disc springs with different stiffness coefficients, the trigger threshold for overload protection can be flexibly set. The first disc spring group 12 and the second disc spring group 13 are constrained at both ends of the floating sleeve 7 by the first end cap 14 and the second end cap 15, respectively, thereby achieving a stable load preset.

[0038] To address the automated response logic for the aforementioned overload floating process, this embodiment incorporates a sensor switch 8 on the threaded seat 4 and the corresponding slide 2 or floating sleeve 7. Specifically, as follows... Figure 2 As shown, the inductive switch 8 includes a slotted photoelectric switch 16 and a light-shielding plate 17. The slotted photoelectric switch 16 is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide table 2, while the light-shielding plate 17 is fixedly connected to the threaded seat 4 and moves accordingly. One end of the light-shielding plate 17 extends into the sensing slot of the slotted photoelectric switch 16, and a notch 18 is provided on it for the sensing light of the slotted photoelectric switch 16 to pass through. When the slide table 2 collides, causing the threaded seat 4 to undergo axial displacement relative to the floating sleeve 7, the light-shielding plate 17 moves accordingly and blocks or conducts the signal of the slotted photoelectric switch 16, thereby triggering the controller to immediately cut off the power supply to the drive screw 3 assembly.

[0039] Considering the need for real-time position monitoring in precision microscopy operations, such as Figure 3As shown, each slide 2 is equipped with a grating ruler 32 for real-time monitoring of the slide 2's displacement and feedback to the control terminal. The grating ruler 32's function is not only for closed-loop control in electric drive mode, but more importantly, when the user switches to manual mode and drives the slide 2 to translate, the grating ruler 32 continuously records the displacement changes caused by manual operation, even though the control terminal stops outputting power but continues data monitoring. In this way, when the stage switches back to electric drive mode, the control terminal can know the current accurate position of the slide 2, effectively preventing the slide 2 from moving beyond its physical limits due to loss of position information, thus providing dual protection through a combination of electronic and physical limits.

[0040] In the switching logic between electric drive mode and manual mode, one end of the drive screw 3 is equipped with a clutch manual drive mechanism 19, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the clutch manual drive mechanism 19 includes a cylindrical head 21 coaxially fixed to the end of the drive screw 3, and a rotating sleeve 20 slidably sleeved on the cylindrical head 21. Inside the rotating sleeve 20 is a helical spring 22 serving as an elastic pushing element. The function of the helical spring 22 is to push the rotating sleeve 20 outward axially under normal conditions, disengaging it from the drive screw 3. At this time, the rotating sleeve 20 will not rotate with the drive screw 3, avoiding the safety hazard to the operator caused by externally rotating the handle during high-speed electric drive. A limit bolt 23 is coaxially fixed inside the cylindrical head 21, its cap end used to limit the maximum position of the rotating sleeve 20 being pushed out. When manual adjustment is required, the operator presses the rotating sleeve 20 inward, and the clutch components located between them engage, thereby achieving power coupling between the rotating sleeve 20 and the drive screw 3. In this embodiment, two end-face jaw clutches 24 are used to achieve the transmission connection between the rotating sleeve 20 and the drive screw.

[0041] To ensure smooth manual operation and prevent conflicts between manual adjustment and motor torque, this embodiment cleverly incorporates an electrical signal control structure along the movement path of the rotating sleeve 20. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, a micro switch 25 is provided beside the drive screw 3, and both the micro switch 25 and the limit rod 31 are fixed in position relative to the corresponding drive screw 3, i.e., they are installed on a mounting chamber or support frame that does not move with the screw. A collar 26 is axially limited on the rotating sleeve 20 by a retaining ring 27 and a step portion 28. The collar 26 has an extension ear 29 with a fixed protrusion 30. When the rotating sleeve 20 is pushed inward to engage the clutch, the extension ear 29 moves accordingly and causes the protrusion 30 to abut against and trigger the micro switch 25. After the micro switch 25 is triggered, its electrical signal is fed back to the control terminal to cut off the excitation current of the motor or to put it in a free rotation state. This principle utilizes the motor drive control logic in the prior art, so that the manual drive of the drive screw 3 is no longer affected by the motor rotor resistance, thereby greatly improving the sensitivity and feel of manual adjustment.

[0042] This embodiment, through the design of the limiting rod 31 passing through the extension lug 29, not only restricts the rotation of the collar 26 with the rotating sleeve 20, but also ensures that the extension lug 29 is always aligned with the micro switch 25. This multi-dimensional structural cooperation gives the motorized microscope stage extremely high safety protection capabilities and convenient human-machine interaction. In actual work, whether it is automatic path planning in electric drive mode, instant stop protection in the event of a collision, or seamless intervention in manual mode, all rely on the rigorous mechanical logic and electronic control feedback between the above-mentioned components, fully meeting the stringent requirements of high-precision optical experiments for the stability and reliability of the stage.

[0043] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric microscope stage with a limiting structure, comprising a fixed base (1) and at least one slide table (2) arranged on the fixed base (1), characterized in that: Also includes: The lead screw assembly is provided with at least one, which is configured one-to-one with the slide (2) and is used to drive the corresponding slide (2) to translate. Each lead screw assembly includes a drive lead screw (3) and a threaded seat (4) sleeved on the drive lead screw (3). The outer wall of the threaded seat (4) is provided with an annular flange (5). An overload floating protection component (6) is provided, and is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the lead screw assembly. Each overload floating protection component (6) includes: A floating sleeve (7) is fitted over the corresponding threaded seat (4) and is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide (2); The pre-tightened elastic component is located inside the floating sleeve (7) and abuts against both sides of the annular flange (5) along the axial direction of the drive screw (3) so that the threaded seat (4) remains relatively fixed to the floating sleeve (7) within the preset thrust range; An inductive switch (8) is provided on the threaded seat (4) and the corresponding slide (2) or floating sleeve (7) to sense the axial displacement of the threaded seat (4) relative to the floating sleeve (7) and trigger it when the slide (2) is blocked and the resistance exceeds the preload of the preload elastic component, so as to cut off the power source driving the screw assembly.

2. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the floating sleeve (7) is coaxially formed with an inner retaining ring (9). The inner retaining ring (9) has the same axial thickness as the annular flange (5). Under the pressure of the pre-tightening elastic component, the end face of the annular flange (5) and the end face of the inner retaining ring (9) are in the same plane.

3. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The overload floating protection assembly (6) further includes a first pressure ring (10) and a second pressure ring (11) respectively disposed on both sides of the axial direction of the annular flange (5), and the first pressure ring (10) and the second pressure ring (11) are both sleeved on the outside of the threaded seat (4). The first pressure ring (10) is simultaneously attached to the end face of one side of the inner retaining ring (9) and the annular flange (5), and the second pressure ring (11) is simultaneously attached to the end face of the other side of the inner retaining ring (9) and the annular flange (5).

4. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pre-tightening elastic component includes a first disc spring group (12) and a second disc spring group (13) respectively disposed on both sides of the axial direction of the annular flange (5), and the first disc spring group (12) and the second disc spring group (13) are both sleeved on the outside of the threaded seat (4). The two ends of the floating sleeve (7) are respectively fixed with a first end cap (14) and a second end cap (15). The first disc spring group (12) abuts axially between the first end cap (14) and the first pressure ring (10), and the second disc spring group (13) abuts axially between the second end cap (15) and the second pressure ring (11).

5. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inductive switch (8) includes a slotted photoelectric switch (16) and a light shield (17). The slotted photoelectric switch (16) is fixedly connected to the corresponding slide (2), and the light shield (17) is fixedly connected to the threaded seat (4). One end of the light shield (17) extends into the sensing slot of the slotted photoelectric switch (16) and has a notch (18) for the sensing light of the slotted photoelectric switch (16) to pass through.

6. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the drive screw (3) is provided with a clutch drive mechanism (19). The clutch drive mechanism (19) includes a rotating sleeve (20), an elastic pusher and a clutch. One end of the drive screw (3) is coaxially fixed to a columnar head (21). The rotating sleeve (20) is slidably sleeved on the columnar head (21). The elastic pusher is located inside the rotating sleeve (20) and is used to push the rotating sleeve (20) outward relative to the columnar head (21) along the axial direction. The clutch is located between the rotating sleeve (20) and the columnar head (21) and is used to make the rotating sleeve (20) and the drive screw (3) achieve a transmission connection when the rotating sleeve (20) is pushed inward.

7. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic pusher is a helical spring (22). The two ends of the helical spring (22) abut against the end wall of the columnar head (21) and the inner wall of the rotating sleeve (20), respectively. A limiting bolt (23) is coaxially fixed inside the columnar head (21) and passes through the rotating sleeve (20). The cap of the limiting bolt (23) is located outside the rotating sleeve (20) and abuts against the rotating sleeve (20).

8. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The clutch includes two end-face toothed clutches (24), which are respectively fixed to the end wall of the rotating sleeve (20) and the outer wall of the columnar head (21).

9. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the drive screws (3) is provided with a micro switch (25) located on the translation path of the rotating sleeve (20) on its side. The micro switch (25) is used to turn on and off the power source driving the screw assembly. A collar (26) is coaxially sleeved on the rotating sleeve (20). The outer wall of the rotating sleeve (20) is provided with a retaining ring (27) and a step portion (28). The collar (26) is axially limited between the retaining ring (27) and the step portion (28). An extension ear (29) is fixedly provided on the collar (26). A protrusion (30) is formed on the extension ear (29) for triggering the micro switch (25) by abutting. A limiting rod (31) is fixedly provided on the side of the micro switch (25) and passes through the extension ear (29). The micro switch (25) and the limiting rod (31) are both fixed in position relative to the corresponding drive screw (3).

10. The motorized microscope stage with a limiting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the slides (2) is equipped with a grating ruler (32) for real-time monitoring of the displacement of the slide (2) and feedback to the control terminal.

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