Linear module

CN224229089UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12NINGBO LIMON ROBOT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGBO LIMON ROBOT CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-20
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional linear modules are prone to problems such as vibration and screw runout under long stroke, high speed or high load environments, which affect the stability of operation and repeatability of positioning accuracy. In addition, the integrated guide rail design makes them difficult to maintain.

Method used

The design features a modular system with a sliding bar as an independent functional component that can be detachably installed inside the base. The sliding bar is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, which has a low coefficient of friction and high rigidity. A protective strip covers the sliding opening to prevent foreign objects from entering. The transmission connection uses flexible materials and a tension block design to improve maintainability.

Benefits of technology

It improves the flexibility and maintainability of the structure, reduces maintenance costs, extends the service life of the sliding strip, prevents foreign objects from entering and affecting normal operation, and improves the reliability and sustainability of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a linear module, which belongs to the technical field of transmission devices, and comprises a base, a moving seat and a transmission component, the base is provided with an accommodating cavity, a sliding strip is arranged on the inner wall of the accommodating cavity, the moving seat is accommodated in the accommodating cavity and is connected with the base in a sliding manner, and the transmission component can drive the moving seat to slide relative to the base. Compared with the conventional design adopting a guide rail, the arrangement of the sliding strip in the structure not only retains the traditional guiding function, but also further improves the flexibility and maintainability of the structural design, and in the structure, the sliding strip is used as an independent functional part and is detachably mounted in the sliding cavity in the base, so that the sliding strip is convenient to use. The sliding strip is arranged in the sliding cavity and is stably connected with the inner wall of the sliding cavity, and due to the modular design, the sliding strip has high replaceability and adjustability while having good guiding performance.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of transmission device technology and relates to a linear module. Background Technology

[0002] Linear modules are precision transmission devices that enable linear reciprocating motion in automated equipment. They are widely used in industrial robots, CNC machine tools, packaging machinery, electronic assembly equipment and other fields. However, in practical applications, especially in working environments with long strokes, high speeds or high loads, traditional linear modules still face many technical challenges.

[0003] For example, excessively long strokes can easily lead to problems such as vibration and screw runout during operation, affecting the stability and repeatability of the module.

[0004] In summary, although some existing technical solutions have solved the stability problem of linear modules, there is still considerable room for improvement in maintainability due to the integrated guide rail design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to address the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art by proposing a linear module, comprising:

[0006] The base has a sliding cavity, and the top of the base has a sliding opening connecting the sliding cavity to the outside. It also includes a sliding strip, which is accommodated in the sliding cavity and connected to the inner wall of the sliding cavity.

[0007] A movable seat is accommodated in the sliding cavity, and the top of the movable seat protrudes from the sliding opening. The movable seat is slidably connected to the base via the sliding strip.

[0008] A transmission assembly includes a transmission drive element and a transmission connector. The transmission drive element is connected to the base, the transmission connector is connected to the transmission drive element, and the transmission connector is connected to the movable seat. The transmission drive element can drive the movable seat to slide relative to the base through the transmission connector.

[0009] In the aforementioned linear module, there are two sliding bars, which are respectively disposed on the inner walls of the two sides of the sliding cavity.

[0010] In one of the linear modules described above, a first contact surface is provided on both sides of the movable seat, and the first contact surface contacts the sliding bar.

[0011] In one of the linear modules described above, a second contact surface is provided on both sides of the movable seat, and the second contact surface contacts the sliding bar.

[0012] In the aforementioned linear module, the base is provided with a third contact surface, the number of sliding bars is set to four, and two sliding bars are provided at both ends of the movable seat. Both sliding bars are in contact with the third contact surface, one of the sliding bars is in contact with the first contact surface, and the other sliding bar is in contact with the second contact surface.

[0013] In one of the linear modules described above, the sliding bar is a hydrolysis-resistant component.

[0014] In one of the linear modules described above, a protective belt is also included. One end of the protective belt is connected to one end of the base and passes through the movable seat. The other end of the protective belt is connected to the other end of the base, and the protective belt completely covers the sliding opening.

[0015] In the aforementioned linear module, the movable base further includes two movable end covers, which are located on both sides of the top of the movable base. Each movable end cover is provided with an end cover groove, and the protective belt passes sequentially through the end cover groove on one side, the movable base, and the end cover groove on the other side.

[0016] In the aforementioned linear module, the transmission drive element is configured as an active drive wheel, and the transmission assembly further includes a driven wheel. The active drive wheel and the driven wheel are rotatably connected to both ends of the base, and one end of the transmission connector is connected to one end of the movable seat. After the transmission connector surrounds the active drive wheel and the driven wheel, the other end of the transmission connector is connected to the other side of the movable seat.

[0017] In the aforementioned linear module, a tensioning block is also included. The tensioning block is disposed on the movable seat and is provided with a clamping groove and a threaded hole. Fasteners are also included. One end of the transmission connector is connected to the movable seat by being accommodated in the clamping groove, and the fastener is threadedly connected to the threaded hole.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Compared with the conventional design using guide rails, the sliding bar in this structure not only retains the traditional guiding function, but also further improves the flexibility and maintainability of the structural design. In this structure, the sliding bar, as an independent functional component, is detachably installed in the sliding cavity inside the base and stably connected to the inner wall of the sliding cavity. This modular design allows the sliding bar to have good guiding performance while also having higher replaceability and adjustability. Since the two types of sliding bars bear different load directions and magnitudes during operation, their wear levels also differ. If the two are integrated into a single structure, the entire sliding assembly must be replaced when a certain area is severely worn, which is not only costly but also inefficient in maintenance. With the design of separate sliding bars, when a sliding bar reaches the replacement standard due to wear, damage, or aging, it only needs to be removed from the base and replaced with a new sliding bar, eliminating the need for separate installation. This design minimizes disruption to the normal operation of other components, significantly reducing maintenance costs and improving the maintainability and sustainable operation of the equipment. The sliding strip is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a material with a low coefficient of friction, self-lubricating properties, high strength, high rigidity, and good fatigue resistance, extending its service life. Furthermore, PEEK maintains good performance even in high-temperature, high-pressure water or steam environments, and is not prone to hydrolysis or degradation, allowing the linear module to be used in wet environments. The protective strip passes through the movable seat and is fixedly connected to both ends of the base, forming a flexible covering structure that slides synchronously with the movable seat. This protective strip is positioned above the sliding opening, its main function being to effectively seal the sliding cavity without affecting the free sliding of the movable seat, preventing external dust, debris, or other foreign objects from entering the sliding cavity through the sliding opening, thus avoiding malfunctions such as poor sliding, increased wear, or mechanical jamming caused by the accumulation of foreign objects. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the movable base and the base of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable base of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional view of the movable base of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the tensioning block of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Base; 11. Sliding cavity; 12. Sliding opening; 13. Sliding strip; 14. Third contact surface; 2. Moving seat; 21. First contact surface; 22. Second contact surface; 23. Moving end cover; 231. End cover groove; 3. Transmission assembly; 31. Transmission drive element; 32. Transmission connector; 33. Driven wheel; 4. Protective belt; 5. Tensioning block; 51. Clamping groove; 52. Threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0027] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "a" is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0031] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples of this utility model patent. Those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or adopt similar methods to replace them, but without departing from the patent of this utility model or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0032] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a linear module includes: a base 1, a movable base 2, and a transmission assembly 3.

[0033] The base 1 is provided with a sliding cavity 11, and the top of the base 1 is provided with a sliding opening 12 connecting the sliding cavity 11 to the outside. It also includes a sliding strip 13, which is accommodated in the sliding cavity 11 and connected to the inner wall of the sliding cavity 11.

[0034] The movable seat 2 is housed in the sliding cavity 11, and the top of the movable seat 2 protrudes from the sliding opening 12. The movable seat 2 is slidably connected to the base 1 via the sliding strip 13.

[0035] The transmission assembly 3 includes a transmission drive element 31 and a transmission connector 32. The transmission drive element 31 is connected to the base 1, the transmission connector 32 is connected to the transmission drive element 31, and the transmission connector 32 is connected to the movable seat 2. The transmission drive element 31 can drive the movable seat 2 to slide relative to the base 1 through the transmission connector 32.

[0036] In this embodiment, compared with the conventional design using guide rails, the sliding bar 13 in this structure not only retains the traditional guiding function, but also further improves the flexibility and maintainability of the structural design. In this structure, the sliding bar 13 is an independent functional component, which is detachably installed in the sliding cavity 11 inside the base 1 and stably connected to the inner wall of the sliding cavity 11. This modular design enables the sliding bar 13 to have good guiding performance, as well as higher replaceability and adjustability.

[0037] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the number of sliding bars 13 is two, and the two sliding bars 13 are respectively disposed on the inner walls of the two sides of the sliding cavity 11.

[0038] Specifically, two sliding bars 13 are symmetrically arranged on the inner walls of the two sides of the sliding cavity 11 to form a left-right symmetrical double-sided guide support structure. This arrangement allows the movable seat 2 to be simultaneously clamped and guided by the sliding bars 13 on both sides during the sliding process.

[0039] In this embodiment, conventional structures typically use a single bottom guide rail or slide rail to support and guide the moving parts. In contrast, this linear module, by setting two sliding bars 13 on both sides of the sliding cavity 11, not only achieves multi-point support for the moving seat 2, but also effectively enhances the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the overall structure.

[0040] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the movable seat 2 is provided with a first contact surface 21 on both sides, and the first contact surface 21 contacts the sliding bar 13.

[0041] Specifically, the first contact surface 21 is located on the upper side of the slider 13, and the first contact surface 21 is always in contact with the slider 13 under the action of gravity.

[0042] In this embodiment, by setting the first contact surface 21 on the upper side of the sliding bar 13 and using gravity to achieve automatic pressing contact, the sliding connection part can be kept stably fitted without the need for additional elastic elements or pre-tightening mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0043] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the movable seat 2 is provided with a second contact surface 22 on both sides, and the second contact surface 22 contacts the sliding bar 13.

[0044] Specifically, the second contact surface 22 is located on the lower side of the sliding bar 13. During the reciprocating movement of the moving seat 2 along the sliding cavity 11, unstable phenomena such as shaking, jumping or deflection may occur due to external vibration or impact. If only the guiding support of the first contact surface 21 is relied upon, there may be a risk of temporary disengagement.

[0045] In this embodiment, by adding a second contact surface 22 located on the lower side of the sliding bar 13, it can quickly play an auxiliary support and limiting role when the above-mentioned abnormal situation occurs. Even if the moving seat 2 has an upward jumping tendency during the movement, the second contact surface 22 can contact the lower part of the sliding bar 13 in time and apply a reverse constraint force to prevent it from excessively deviating or becoming unstable, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of vibration and shaking phenomena and maintaining the continuity and reliability of system operation.

[0046] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the base 1 is provided with a third contact surface 14, the number of sliding bars 13 is set to four, and two sliding bars 13 are provided at both ends of the movable seat 2. Both sliding bars 13 are in contact with the third contact surface 14, one of the sliding bars 13 is in contact with the first contact surface 21, and the other sliding bar 13 is in contact with the second contact surface 22.

[0047] Specifically, since the sliding bar 13 contacts the base 1 through the third contact surface 14, the sliding bar 13 can be replaced at any time. The two sliding bars 13 on each side of the movable seat 2 contact the first contact surface 21 and the second contact surface 22 respectively. The upper sliding bar 13 contacts the first contact surface 21 of the movable seat 2 and mainly bears the downward pressure caused by the weight of the movable seat 2 itself and the external load. The lower sliding bar 13 contacts the second contact surface 22 of the movable seat 2 and is used to resist the force caused by the upward jumping or vibration that the movable seat 2 may generate during the movement.

[0048] In this embodiment, since the two types of sliding bars 13 bear different load directions and magnitudes during operation, their wear levels also differ. If the two are integrated into a single structure, the entire sliding assembly must be replaced when a certain area is severely worn, which is not only costly but also inefficient in maintenance. By designing the sliding bars 13 separately, when a sliding bar 13 reaches the replacement standard due to wear, damage, or aging, it can simply be removed from the base 1 and replaced with a new sliding bar 13 without affecting the normal use of other parts, thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs and improving the maintainability and sustainable operation of the equipment.

[0049] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the sliding strip 13 is a hydrolysis-resistant component.

[0050] Specifically, the sliding strip 13 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK material itself has a low coefficient of friction, certain self-lubricating properties, as well as high strength, high rigidity and good fatigue resistance, which extends the service life of the sliding strip 13. At the same time, PEEK can still maintain good performance in high temperature and high pressure water or steam environments and is not prone to hydrolysis and degradation, so that the linear module can be used in water environments.

[0051] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a protective belt 4 is also included. One end of the protective belt 4 is connected to one end of the base 1 and passes through the movable seat 2. The other end of the protective belt 4 is connected to the other end of the base 1, and the protective belt 4 completely covers the sliding opening 12.

[0052] In this embodiment, the protective strip 4 passes through the movable seat 2 and is fixedly connected to both ends of the base 1 to form a flexible covering structure that can slide synchronously with the movable seat 2. The protective strip 4 is arranged above the sliding opening 12. Its main function is to effectively seal the sliding cavity 11 without affecting the free sliding of the movable seat 2, so as to prevent external dust, debris or other foreign objects from entering the sliding cavity 11 through the sliding opening 12, thereby avoiding malfunctions such as poor sliding, increased wear or mechanical jamming caused by the accumulation of foreign objects.

[0053] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the movable seat 2 further includes a movable end cover 23. There are two movable end covers 23, which are located on both sides of the top of the movable seat 2. The movable end cover 23 is provided with an end cover groove 231. The protective belt 4 passes through the end cover groove 231 on one side, the movable seat 2, and the end cover groove 231 on the other side in sequence.

[0054] Specifically, the end cap groove 231 is an inclined transition channel whose shape matches the cross-section of the protective belt 4, allowing the protective belt 4 to smoothly pass between the movable end cap 23 and the movable seat 2 along the groove. This design not only avoids problems such as bending, jamming or excessive friction caused by sudden angle changes in the protective belt 4 during movement, but also effectively reduces fatigue damage to the protective belt 4 during repeated stretching and retraction, extending its service life.

[0055] In this embodiment, the end cap groove 231 also plays a role in precisely guiding the direction of the protective strip 4. When the moving seat 2 reciprocates along the direction of the sliding opening 12, the protective strip 4 will continuously adjust its tension as the position of the moving seat 2 changes. At this time, the end cap groove 231 can naturally guide the direction of the protective strip 4 to the top of the sliding opening 12 and make it fit more tightly in the area of ​​the sliding opening 12, thereby enhancing the sealing performance of the entire sliding cavity 11 and preventing dust, liquid or other foreign objects from entering the interior and affecting the normal cooperation between the sliding strip 13 and the moving seat 2.

[0056] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the transmission drive element 31 is configured as an active drive wheel, and the transmission assembly 3 further includes a driven wheel 33. The active drive wheel and the driven wheel 33 are rotatably connected to both ends of the base 1, one end of the transmission connector 32 is connected to one end of the movable seat 2, and after the transmission connector 32 surrounds the active drive wheel and the driven wheel 33, the other end of the transmission connector 32 is connected to the other side of the movable seat 2.

[0057] Specifically, the transmission connector 32 is made of a flexible material. One end of the transmission connector 32 is fixedly connected to one side of the movable seat 2, while the transmission connector 32 surrounds the active drive wheel and the driven wheel 33 and is then connected to the other side of the movable seat 2, forming a closed and tight tracked structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, this structure not only ensures that the transmission connector 32 maintains proper tension during operation, avoiding slippage or transmission misalignment due to loosening, but also evenly transmits the power output from the active drive wheel to both sides of the movable seat 2, thereby achieving a more stable and efficient transmission of driving force.

[0059] like Figures 1-6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, it also includes a tensioning block 5, which is disposed on the movable seat 2. The tensioning block 5 is provided with a clamping groove 51 and a threaded hole 52, and also includes a fastener (not shown in the figure). One end of the transmission connector 32 is connected to the movable seat 2 by being accommodated in the clamping groove 51, and the fastener is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 52.

[0060] Specifically, after the transmission connector 32 is accommodated in the clamping groove 51, the fastener abuts against the transmission connector 32 through the threaded hole 52, thereby fixing the transmission connector 32. When the transmission connector 32 is worn or damaged, it can be quickly removed from the clamping groove 51 and replaced with a new part simply by loosening the fastener, which greatly improves the maintainability and operating efficiency of the equipment.

[0061] In this embodiment, the clamping groove 51 on the tensioning block 5 not only achieves a reliable and stable connection between the transmission connector 32 and the moving seat 2, but also takes into account the ease of installation and the flexibility of maintenance.

Claims

1. A linear module, characterized in that, include: The base has a sliding cavity, and the top of the base has a sliding opening connecting the sliding cavity to the outside. It also includes a sliding strip, which is accommodated in the sliding cavity and connected to the inner wall of the sliding cavity. A movable seat is accommodated in the sliding cavity, and the top of the movable seat protrudes from the sliding opening. The movable seat is slidably connected to the base via the sliding strip. A transmission assembly includes a transmission drive element and a transmission connector. The transmission drive element is connected to the base, the transmission connector is connected to the transmission drive element, and the transmission connector is connected to the movable seat. The transmission drive element can drive the movable seat to slide relative to the base through the transmission connector.

2. A linear module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of sliding bars is two, and the two sliding bars are respectively disposed on the inner walls of the two sides of the sliding cavity.

3. A linear module as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both sides of the movable seat are provided with a first contact surface, which contacts the sliding bar.

4. A linear module as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The movable seat has a second contact surface on both sides, and the second contact surface contacts the sliding bar.

5. A linear module as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The base is provided with a third contact surface, and the number of sliding bars is set to four. Two sliding bars are provided at each end of the movable seat. Both sliding bars are in contact with the third contact surface. One sliding bar is in contact with the first contact surface, and the other sliding bar is in contact with the second contact surface.

6. A linear module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding strip is a hydrolysis-resistant component.

7. A linear module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a protective belt, one end of which is connected to one end of the base and passes through the movable seat, and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the base, and the protective belt completely covers the sliding opening.

8. A linear module as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The movable base also includes two movable end caps, which are located on the top of the movable base on both sides respectively. Each movable end cap is provided with an end cap groove, and the protective belt passes through the end cap groove on one side, the movable base and the end cap groove on the other side in sequence.

9. A linear module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission drive element is configured as an active drive wheel, and the transmission assembly also includes a driven wheel. The active drive wheel and the driven wheel are rotatably connected to both ends of the base, and one end of the transmission connector is connected to one end of the movable seat. After the transmission connector surrounds the active drive wheel and the driven wheel, the other end of the transmission connector is connected to the other side of the movable seat.

10. A linear module as described in claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a tensioning block disposed on the movable seat, the tensioning block having a clamping groove and a threaded hole, and a fastener, one end of the transmission connector being received in the clamping groove to be connected to the movable seat, and the fastener being threadedly connected to the threaded hole.