Electric push rod and dual-function assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanism

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric push rod and a dual-function assembly with a strain sensing and buffering mechanism, the dual-function assembly comprises a load body, a strain gauge, a cable connector and an impact absorption assembly, the load body comprises a cylinder and a flange formed by extending from the cylinder, the cylinder is provided with an open hole, and the strain gauge is arranged in the open hole. Detected surfaces are formed on two opposite sides of the opening; the strain gauge is arranged on the detected surface and is used for detecting the deformation of the detected surface; the cable connector comprises a connector and a cable, the connector is connected with the column body, and the cable penetrates through the connector and is electrically connected to the strain gauge; the impact absorption assembly is arranged on the end face of the flange and used for absorbing the impact acting force borne by the load body. Therefore, the dual-function assembly not only has a stress detection function, but also can avoid damage to equipment caused by sudden impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technology of an electric linear actuator, and more particularly to an electric linear actuator and its dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms. Background Technology

[0002] Electric linear actuators are widely used in industrial, medical, and residential applications such as beds, massage chairs, fitness equipment, rehabilitation equipment, door openers, window openers, and lifting mechanisms. They are used to push objects weighing tens or even thousands of kilograms to achieve lifting or angle changes. Most existing electric linear actuators use an electric motor with a transmission and reduction mechanism to drive a lead screw to rotate. The lead screw then drives a screwed-in actuator to extend or retract linearly.

[0003] However, electric linear actuators have a maximum load capacity. Most electric linear actuators cannot measure the weight of the load, especially industrial or agricultural electric linear actuators, which bear heavier loads. During use, this may exceed the maximum load capacity, easily causing deformation and damage to the actuator or other mechanisms. Therefore, to avoid this situation, current technology involves installing strain gauges on the electric linear actuator to measure the load weight. However, the strain gauge signal lines are routed internally within the actuator, making installation and removal inconvenient. Furthermore, users cannot replace the strain gauges as needed or use software other than those specified by the designer for testing.

[0004] In view of this, the creator has devoted himself to researching and applying theoretical principles to address the shortcomings of the existing technology, and has made every effort to solve the above-mentioned problems, which has become the creator's goal for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide an electric actuator and a dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms. This component not only detects force but also prevents damage to the equipment from sudden impacts.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms, including a load-bearing body, a pair of strain gauges, a cable connector, and an impact absorption component. The load-bearing body includes a column and a flange extending from the column. The column has an opening, and a pair of detection surfaces are formed on two opposite sides of the opening. Each strain gauge is disposed on its respective detection surface to detect the deformation of each detection surface. The cable connector includes a connector and a cable. The connector is connected to the column, and the cable passes through the connector and is electrically connected to each strain gauge. The impact absorption component is disposed on the end face of the flange to absorb the impact force on the load-bearing body.

[0007] As another embodiment of the present invention, the dual-function component further includes another impact absorption component, which is disposed on the end face of the flange opposite to the impact absorption component, and is also used to absorb the impact force on the load body.

[0008] In another embodiment of this utility model, both the impact absorption component and the other impact absorption component are disc-shaped springs.

[0009] In another embodiment of this utility model, the number of both the impact absorption component and the other impact absorption component is several.

[0010] As another embodiment of the present invention, the dual-function component further includes an outer cover that covers the load-bearing body, the impact-absorbing component and the other impact-absorbing component. The outer cover includes a top plate and a surrounding plate extending from the top plate. The other impact-absorbing component is disposed between the top plate and the flange.

[0011] In another embodiment of this utility model, the dual-function component further includes an adapter ring connected between the connector and the outer cover. The connector has a first external thread segment, the enclosure has a first internal thread, the adapter ring has a second internal thread and a second external thread, the second external thread and the first internal thread are screwed together and locked, and the second internal thread and the first external thread segment are screwed together and locked, and the impact absorption component is disposed between the adapter ring and the flange.

[0012] As another embodiment of the present invention, the dual-function component further includes a self-lubricating bushing, the load-bearing body is provided with a circular hole, the connector has a circular shaft section, and the self-lubricating bushing is sleeved on the circular shaft section and formed in the circular hole.

[0013] As another embodiment of this utility model, the load-bearing body is provided with a polygonal slot, and the connector has a polygonal body that mates with the polygonal slot.

[0014] In another embodiment of this utility model, the load body is provided with a connecting hole, and the connector includes a circular shaft segment, a polygonal body extending from the circular shaft segment, a first external thread segment extending from the polygonal body, a polygonal segment extending from the first external thread segment, and a circular cylinder extending from the polygonal segment. A central hole is provided at the center of the connector, and a through hole is provided in the polygonal segment to communicate with the central hole. The cable passes through the through hole into the interior of the connector and out through the central hole, and then passes through the connecting hole to be electrically connected to each strain gauge.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an electric actuator, comprising: a gearbox, a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a dual-function component integrating strain sensing and buffering mechanisms. The motor is connected to the gearbox; the transmission mechanism is connected to the gearbox and formed on one side of the motor, and is driven by the motor; the dual-function component integrating strain sensing and buffering mechanisms is disposed on the side of the gearbox opposite to the transmission mechanism, and includes a load-bearing body, a pair of strain gauges, a cable connector, and an impact absorption component. The load-bearing body includes a column and a flange extending from the column. The column has an opening, and a pair of detection surfaces are formed on two opposite sides of the opening; each strain gauge is disposed on each of the detection surfaces to detect the deformation of each detection surface; the cable connector includes a connector and a cable. The connector is connected to the column, and the cable passes through the connector and is electrically connected to each strain gauge; the impact absorption component is disposed on the end face of the flange to absorb the impact force on the load-bearing body.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the gearbox includes a base and a cover corresponding to the base. The cover has a stepped hole, and the connector passes through the stepped hole to connect to the load-bearing body.

[0017] In another embodiment of this utility model, the transmission mechanism includes a lead screw, and the dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanism is configured to be aligned with the lead screw.

[0018] This invention also has the following advantages: it can effectively reduce vibrations generated during external forces or operation, thereby extending service life and improving stability. By using strain gauges, the weight applied to the push rod can be detected, and force changes during actuation can be sensed in real time, enabling the system to control force more accurately and thus improving operational safety. When excessive external force is detected, the system can adjust, stop operation, or even reverse in real time to avoid accidents. The combination of polygonal slots in the load body and polygonal segments in the connector allows only axial movement between the load body and the connector. The self-lubricating bushing provides lubrication for the axial movement of the load body and connector, ensuring smooth operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the electric actuator of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the dual-function component with both strain sensing and buffering mechanisms and the gearbox of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the dual-function component of this utility model that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the electric actuator of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the electric actuator of this utility model when it is used for thrust.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the electric actuator of this utility model when it is used in a tensile application.

[0025] Explanation of symbols in the attached diagram:

[0026] 1: A dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms;

[0027] 10: Load body;

[0028] 11: Column;

[0029] 111: Opening;

[0030] 112: The surface being inspected;

[0031] 113: Perforation;

[0032] 114: Polygonal slot;

[0033] 115: Circular hole;

[0034] 116: Connecting hole;

[0035] 12: Flange;

[0036] 20: Strain gauge;

[0037] 30: Cable connector;

[0038] 31: Connector;

[0039] 311: Circular shaft segment;

[0040] 312: Polygonal body;

[0041] 313: First external thread section;

[0042] 314: Polygonal segment;

[0043] 315: Circular cylinder;

[0044] 316: Center hole;

[0045] 317: Through hole;

[0046] 32: Cable;

[0047] 40: Impact absorption components;

[0048] 50: Another shock absorption component;

[0049] 60: Outer cover;

[0050] 61: Top plate;

[0051] 62: Enclosure panels;

[0052] 621: First internal thread;

[0053] 70: Adapter ring;

[0054] 71: Second internal thread;

[0055] 72: Second external thread;

[0056] 80: Self-lubricating bushing;

[0057] 9: Electric linear actuator;

[0058] 91: Gearbox;

[0059] 911: base;

[0060] 912: Cover;

[0061] 913: Stepped hole;

[0062] 92: Electric motor;

[0063] 93: Reduction mechanism;

[0064] 94: Transmission mechanism;

[0065] 941: Lead screw;

[0066] 942: Putter. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The detailed description and technical content of this utility model are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0068] Please refer to the following first. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model provides an electric linear actuator and its dual-function component that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms. The electric linear actuator 9 mainly includes a gearbox 91, a motor 92, and a reduction mechanism 93 (e.g., Figure 4 (as shown), a transmission mechanism 94, a dual-function component 1 that combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms, and other related components or devices.

[0069] The gearbox 91 mainly includes a base 911 and a cover 912 corresponding to the base 911. The cover 912 is provided with a stepped hole 913 (e.g., ...). Figure 4As shown), the reduction mechanism 93 is housed within the gearbox 91 and includes several spur gears of different sizes. The motor 92 and the transmission mechanism 94 are mounted on the base 911 and are driven by the reduction mechanism 93. The transmission mechanism 94 has a lead screw 941 (as shown). Figure 4 As shown), a push rod 942 (as shown) is screwed to the lead screw 941 for transmission. Figure 1 (as shown) and other related components. Since all of the aforementioned components or mechanisms are existing technologies, they will not be described in detail one by one.

[0070] The dual-function component 1 of this utility model, which combines strain sensing and buffering mechanism, is located on the side of the gearbox 91 facing away from the transmission mechanism 94, specifically on the cover 912, and mainly includes a load body 10, a pair of strain gauges 20, a cable connector 30 and an impact absorption component 40.

[0071] The load-bearing body 10 is a component made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or their alloys, which has a certain mechanical strength and mainly includes a column 11 and a flange 12. The column 11 has an opening 111 in the middle section, wherein the opening 111 is a rectangular groove, and a pair of detection surfaces 112 are formed on its two opposite sides.

[0072] A through hole 113 is provided above the opening 111 of the column 11 for use in fixing equipment, pins, or bolts. Below the opening 111 of the column 11, a polygonal slot 114 and a circular hole 115 are provided (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown), the circular hole 115 is located inside the polygonal slot 114. Furthermore, a connecting hole 116 is provided between the circular hole 115 and the opening 111 (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). Flange 12 extends from the lower section of column 11 in an expanded manner.

[0073] Each strain gauge 20 is respectively installed on each tested surface 112 (e.g. Figure 4As shown, the strain gauge 20 is used to detect the deformation of each tested surface 112. It mainly includes an insulating substrate (not shown) and a metal sensing grid (not shown). The strain gauge 20 measures the strain of an object. When the object is deformed by an external force, the metal sensing grid also deforms, causing a corresponding change in its resistance value. Each strain gauge 20 is disposed on the tested surface 112 through an opening 111, thereby enabling the measurement of the deformation of each tested surface 112. Specifically, it may also include a pair of circuit boards (not shown). Each circuit board is disposed on two opposite walls through the opening 111 and located between the strain gauges 20, that is, the strain gauges 20 and the circuit boards are arranged perpendicularly to each other. One circuit board is electrically connected in series with one strain gauge 20 to form a first half-bridge, and the other circuit board is electrically connected in series with another strain gauge 20 to form a second half-bridge. The first half-bridge and the second half-bridge are electrically connected in parallel to form a Wheatstone bridge. The change in resistance value generated when an object is deformed by an external force can be measured through the Wheatstone bridge, and then converted into the strain value of the actual object.

[0074] The cable connector 30 includes a connector 31 and a cable 32. The connector 31 passes through the aforementioned stepped hole 913 and connects to the post 11. The cable 32 passes through the connector 31 and is electrically connected to each strain gauge 20. The connector 31 is a component made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or their alloys. It mainly includes a circular shaft section 311, a polygonal body 312 extending downward from the circular shaft section 311, a first external thread section 313 extending downward from the polygonal body 312, a polygonal section 314 extending downward from the first external thread section 313, and a circular post 315 extending downward from the polygonal section 314. A central hole 316 is provided at the axis of the connector 31 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown), a through hole 317 is provided in the polygonal segment 314 to connect the central hole 316.

[0075] The cable 32 is inserted into the connector 31 through the through hole 317, then out through the center hole 316, and then through the aforementioned connecting hole 116 to be electrically connected to each strain gauge 20.

[0076] The polygonal body 312 of the connector 31 is matched with the polygonal slot 114 of the aforementioned load body 10, so that the cable connector 30 and the load body 10 can only move axially.

[0077] The impact absorbing component 40, also known as the first impact absorbing component, is disposed on the lower end face of the flange 12 to absorb the impact force on the load-bearing body 10. The impact absorbing component 40 can be a disc-shaped spring, and there can be several of them, with each impact absorbing component 40 stacked on top of each other.

[0078] In one embodiment, the dual-function component 1 of the present invention, which combines strain sensing and buffering mechanism, further includes another impact absorption component 50, which is disposed on the upper end face of the flange 12 to absorb the impact force on the load body 10; wherein the other impact absorption component 50 can also be called a second impact absorption component, which can be a disc-shaped spring, and there can be several of them, with each of the other impact absorption components 50 stacked on top of each other.

[0079] In one embodiment, the dual-function component 1 of the present invention, which combines strain sensing and buffering mechanism, further includes an outer cover 60, which covers the load body 10, each impact absorption component 40 and each other impact absorption component 50. The outer cover 60 includes a top plate 61 and a surrounding plate 62 extending downward from the top plate 61, wherein each other impact absorption component 50 is disposed between the top plate 61 and the flange 12.

[0080] In one embodiment, the dual-function component 1 of this invention, which combines strain sensing and buffering mechanisms, further includes an adapter ring 70 connected between the connector 31 and the outer cover 60. The outer cover 60 has a first internal thread 621 on its surrounding plate 62, and the adapter ring 70 has a second internal thread 71 and a second external thread 72. The second external thread 72 is screwed and locked to the first internal thread 621 of the outer cover 60, and the second internal thread 71 is screwed and locked to the first external thread segment 313 of the connector 31. Each impact absorption component 40 is disposed between the adapter ring 70 and the flange 12.

[0081] In one embodiment, the dual-function component 1 of the present invention, which combines strain sensing and buffering mechanism, further includes a self-lubricating bushing 80, which is sleeved on the round shaft section 311 of the connector 31 and formed in the round hole 115 of the load body 10, thereby providing lubrication when the load body 10 and the connector 31 move axially, and ensuring smooth operation.

[0082] Please continue reading. Figure 5 As shown, during a thrust application, the load-bearing body 10 experiences axial displacement due to external thrust, and its flange 12 presses against each impact-absorbing component 40, thus providing a buffering effect. When only the impact-absorbing components 40 are present, they can be applied to a push-but-pull electric actuator.

[0083] Please continue reading. Figure 6 As shown, during a tensile application, the load-bearing body 10 is subjected to an external thrust, resulting in axial displacement. This displacement is then compressed by its flange 12 against each of the other impact-absorbing components 50, thus providing a buffering effect. When both the impact-absorbing component 40 and the other impact-absorbing component 50 are present, the device can be applied to various types of electric actuators.

[0084] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Other equivalent changes that utilize the patent spirit of the present utility model should all fall within the patent scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanism, characterized in that, The load body comprises a column and a flange extending from the column, the column is provided with an opening, a pair of detection surfaces are formed on the opposite sides of the opening; A pair of strain gauges are respectively arranged on each of the detection surfaces to detect the deformation of each of the detection surfaces; A cable connector comprises a connecting head connected to the column and a cable passing through the connecting head and electrically connected to each of the strain gauges; and An impact absorbing assembly is arranged on the end face of the flange to absorb the impact force acting on the load body. Another impact absorbing assembly is arranged on the end face of the flange away from the impact absorbing assembly to also absorb the impact force acting on the load body.

2. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The impact absorbing assembly and the other impact absorbing assembly are both disc-shaped elastic pieces.

3. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 2, wherein, The number of the impact absorbing assembly and the other impact absorbing assembly is several.

4. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 2, wherein, An outer cover is arranged outside the load body, the impact absorbing assembly and the other impact absorbing assembly, the outer cover comprises a top plate and a surrounding plate extending from the top plate, and the other impact absorbing assembly is arranged between the top plate and the flange.

5. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 2, wherein, An adapter ring is connected between the connecting head and the outer cover, the connecting head has a first external thread section, the surrounding plate is provided with a first internal thread, the adapter ring has a second internal thread and a second external thread, the second external thread and the first internal thread are screwed and locked with each other, the second internal thread and the first external thread section are screwed and locked with each other, and the impact absorbing assembly is arranged between the adapter ring and the flange.

6. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 5, wherein, A self-lubricating bushing is sleeved on a circular shaft section of the connecting head and formed in a circular hole of the load body.

7. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 1, wherein, The load body is provided with a polygonal slot, and the connecting head has a polygonal body matched with the polygonal slot.

8. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 1, wherein, The load body is provided with a communication hole, the connecting head comprises a circular shaft section, a polygonal body extending from the circular shaft section, a first external thread section extending from the polygonal body, a polygonal section extending from the first external thread section, and a circular column extending from the polygonal section, a center hole is arranged on the axis of the connecting head, a through hole communicating with the center hole is arranged on the polygonal section, the cable passes into the interior of the connecting head from the through hole and passes out of the center hole, and then passes through the communication hole to be electrically connected to each of the strain gauges.

9. The dual functional assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanisms according to claim 1, wherein, The gear box comprises a seat body and a cover body corresponding to the seat body, the cover body is provided with a stepped hole, and the connecting head passes through the stepped hole to connect the load body.

10. An electric push rod characterized by, The transmission mechanism comprises a lead screw, and the dual-function assembly with strain sensing and buffering mechanism is arranged opposite to the lead screw. ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. The motorized push rod of claim 10, wherein, ​ 12. The motorized push rod of claim 10, wherein, ​

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