A quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw

Abstract

This utility model discloses a quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw. The structure includes a mounting base, a locking pin, and a lead screw sleeve. One end of the mounting base is fixed to the motor, and the other end is a clamp-shaped lever arm structure with a through hole. The through hole has a lateral opening and a stepped hole with a spiral involute profile on its inner wall. The locking pin includes a pin shaft body, a radially protruding locking structure, and a wrench. The locking structure mates with the stepped hole profile. The outer side of the lead screw sleeve mates with the inner plane of the clamp-shaped lever arm. By rotating the locking pin, and utilizing the locking structure's engagement with the spiral involute profile, the mounting base and the lead screw sleeve can be quickly locked and separated. This utility model offers quick assembly and disassembly, reliable structure, and is suitable for medical equipment, precision instruments, and automated equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical connection and fastening. Specifically, it relates to a structure for quickly installing and disassembling a drive motor to a lead screw transmission device, which is particularly suitable for occasions that require frequent disassembly and assembly of motors, such as medical equipment (e.g., orthopedic external fixators), precision instruments, and automated equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing motor-driven lead screw transmission mechanisms, the connection between the drive motor (usually including a gearbox) and the lead screw assembly is generally achieved by bolt fastening. For example, in orthopedic electric intelligent external fixators, precise reduction and fixation of fracture ends are achieved by the extension and retraction of multiple lead screws (screws) driven by a motor. In these applications, the motor is typically fixed to a base or sleeve associated with the lead screw using 2 to 3 bolts. This traditional connection method has the following significant drawbacks:

[0003] The disassembly and assembly process is cumbersome: Each time the motor is installed or disassembled, tools (such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) are needed to loosen or tighten the bolts one by one. The operation is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient.

[0004] Inconvenient operation: Especially in certain specific application scenarios, such as in medical applications, when orthopedic external fixators are installed on a patient's body, the installation and removal of the motor not only has limited operating space, but may also cause pain and discomfort to the patient due to the need to adjust the patient's position, increasing the patient's suffering and the operational difficulty and workload of medical staff. During surgery or rehabilitation, the motor may need to be installed and removed multiple times according to adjustments in the treatment plan, which further amplifies the above problems.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a structure that enables quick and convenient assembly and disassembly between the motor and the lead screw assembly, in order to simplify the operation process, improve work efficiency, and enhance the user experience (especially for patients). Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to solve the problems caused by the bolt-fixed method for motor and lead screw assemblies in the prior art, which results in inconvenient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive assembly and disassembly, especially in specific applications such as medical settings, causing operational difficulties and potential pain for users (such as patients and medical staff). Therefore, this invention provides a quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw to achieve rapid installation and disassembly of the drive motor.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw, comprising:

[0008] Mounting base (1): One end of the mounting base (1) is provided with a mounting interface (e.g., one or more screw holes) for fixing the motor (2) and optional gearbox (3) by bolts or similar fasteners. The other end of the mounting base (1) is formed as a clamp-shaped lever structure for engaging with the lead screw sleeve (8). The inner side of the clamp-shaped lever has a plane adapted to the shape of the outer side of the lead screw sleeve (8) for positioning and preventing relative rotation. The front end of the clamp-shaped lever structure (i.e., the end away from the motor mounting end) is provided with a substantially through hole with a lateral opening (e.g., a fan-shaped opening of about 90 degrees) for receiving and laterally inserting / removing the locking pin (4). Above the through hole (or at a specific location along the axis of the through hole), at least one stepped hole is provided, the inner wall of which is formed with a spiral involute profile having a maximum radius and a minimum radius, for example, a spiral involute profile, serving as the assembly guide surface and final locking action surface for the locking structure (5) (such as the locking pin half-ring) on ​​the locking pin (4). The height of the lateral opening is designed to be equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the locking pin (4) shaft body, to ensure that the locking pin (4) can be easily inserted into or removed from the through hole from the opening. The spiral involute profile of the stepped hole has a maximum radius (usually corresponding to the opening introduction area) and a minimum radius (usually corresponding to the locking area).

[0009] Locking pin (4): includes a pin body, at least one (usually two symmetrically arranged) locking structure (5) protruding radially from the pin body (e.g., a locking pin half-ring or a protrusion less than 180 degrees), and a locking pin wrench (6) for the operator to manually rotate the locking pin (4). The locking structure (5) typically has one or more planes that allow the locking pin (4) to be smoothly inserted into or removed from the lateral opening when these planes are adjusted to be parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole on the mounting base (1).

[0010] Screw sleeve (8): Sleeves on the appropriate position of the screw (7), and its outer side has a plane that matches the inner plane of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting seat (1) to ensure stable fit and correct positioning between the two.

[0011] Working principle:

[0012] Installation process:

[0013] First, secure the motor (2) (and, if present, the gearbox (3)) to the mounting interface of the mounting base (1) using bolts or similar means. Align the clamp arm of the mounting base (1) with the motor (2) and gearbox (3) and fit it onto the mating plane of the screw sleeve (8) located on the screw (7). Rotate the locking pin (4) so ​​that the plane of its locking structure (5) (e.g., the locking pin half-ring) is parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole at the front end of the clamp arm of the mounting base (1). Insert the locking pin (4) laterally into the through hole from the lateral opening at the front end of the clamp arm until it is fully in the predetermined position. Hold the locking pin wrench (6) and rotate the locking pin (4) clockwise (or counterclockwise, depending on the design) (e.g., rotate about 90 degrees or reach a specific locking angle). As the locking pin (4) rotates, its locking structure (5) (such as the protruding part or end of the locking pin half-ring) enters the spiral involute profile of the stepped hole on the mounting base (1) and moves along the spiral involute profile. When the locking structure (5) moves to the area where the radius of the spiral involute profile decreases (usually the minimum radius or a specific locking position), it will be effectively locked or wedged at a specific position on the profile. This action not only stably fixes the locking pin (4) in the mounting base (1) axially and radially to prevent it from accidentally coming out, but also fastens the mounting base (1) to the screw sleeve (8) through the clamping action of the clamping arm, thereby completing the quick installation and locking of the entire motor assembly.

[0014] Disassembly process:

[0015] Rotate the locking pin wrench (6) in the opposite direction to the installation direction to rotate the locking pin (4). As the locking pin (4) rotates, the locking structure (5) on it moves along the spiral involute contour from the locking position with a smaller radius to the releasing position with a larger radius until the plane of the locking structure (5) is again parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole at the front end of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting base (1). At this time, the locking structure (5) is completely freed from the constraint of the spiral involute stepped hole, and the entire locking pin (4) can be smoothly removed laterally from the lateral opening. After the locking pin (4) is removed, the mounting base (1) (along with the motor (2) and gearbox (3) fixed on it) can be easily separated from the lead screw sleeve (8). Beneficial effects

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] Quick and convenient: No additional tools (such as wrenches or screwdrivers) are required. The motor assembly can be installed and disassembled in seconds simply by rotating the locking pin wrench, which greatly shortens the operation time and improves work efficiency.

[0018] Simplified operation: The operation process is intuitive and simple, requiring less skill from operators, thus reducing the number of steps and workload.

[0019] Improved experience: Especially in medical applications (such as orthopedic external fixators), quick assembly and disassembly can significantly reduce the discomfort and pain caused to patients by equipment adjustments, improving the patient's medical experience and the convenience of medical staff.

[0020] Reliable structure: Locking is achieved using a spiral involute structure (or other similar cam or eccentric profile). This structure usually has self-locking or stable locking characteristics after being rotated into place, which can ensure the stability and reliability of the connection and prevent accidental loosening.

[0021] Wide applicability: This quick-release structure has a compact design and ingenious principle, and can be widely used in various fields that require motor-driven lead screws and quick assembly and disassembly, such as medical devices, precision measuring instruments, and equipment modules on automated production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a motor-driven lead screw quick-release structure according to this utility model from another angle;

[0025] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the angle at which the locking pin of the quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw of this utility model is installed or removed. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the angle at which the locking pin of the quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw of this utility model is installed or removed. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the angle between the locking pin and the mounting base when the quick-release structure of the motor drive screw of this utility model is fixed.

[0028] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Mounting base; 2. Motor; 3. Gearbox; 4. Locking pin; 5. Locking structure (e.g., locking pin half ring); 6. Locking pin wrench; 7. Screw (lead screw); 8. Lead screw sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0030] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] Referring to the attached drawings, the quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw provided by this utility model mainly consists of a mounting base (1), a motor (2), a gearbox (3), a locking pin (4), a locking structure (5) (as an example of a locking structure, specifically a locking pin half-ring in this embodiment), a locking pin wrench (6), a screw (7), and a lead screw sleeve (8). The motor (2) and the gearbox (3) are pre-assembled together (the gearbox (3) is an optional component, configured according to actual application requirements), and then fixed to one end face of the mounting base (1) by fasteners such as bolts not shown in detail in the attached drawings. The end face is provided with corresponding screw holes or other forms of mounting interfaces to ensure a firm connection between the motor (2) and the gearbox (3) and the mounting base (1). The other end of the mounting base (1) is designed as a clamp-shaped lever arm structure, which is used to clamp or hold the lead screw sleeve (8). The inner side of the clamp-shaped lever arm is machined with a flat surface, which cooperates with the flat surface of the lead screw sleeve (8) at the corresponding position. This planar fit design not only helps to accurately position the relative positions of the mounting base (1) and the lead screw sleeve (8), but also effectively prevents unnecessary relative rotation between the two during operation, ensuring the stability of the transmission. At the end of the clamp-shaped lever arm structure (i.e., the end away from the fixed end of the motor (2), there is a basically through hole for accommodating and installing the locking pin (4). The through hole is not a completely closed circular hole, but a lateral opening with a specific angle (e.g., about 90 degrees). This lateral opening design is an important feature of this utility model, and its height (or opening width, depending on the viewing direction) is designed to be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the pin body of the locking pin (4). This design allows the entire locking pin (4) to be conveniently and quickly inserted into or removed from the through hole from the side without the need for complex axial alignment and insertion operations. Above the through hole (or, depending on the specific structural design, in a certain axial section of the through hole), there is a stepped hole that mates with the locking structure (5) on the locking pin (4). The most critical feature of this stepped hole is that its inner wall profile is carefully designed as a helical involute shape (or it could be another similar cam profile or eccentric profile capable of rotational locking). When the locking pin (4) is inserted into the through hole and subsequently rotated, the radially protruding locking structure (5) interacts with this helical involute profile. The helical involute profile smoothly transitions from one end near the lateral opening (usually the largest radius, facilitating the initial entry of the locking structure (5)) to the other end (usually the smallest radius, used for final locking and clamping). When the locking structure (5) moves to the area with a smaller radius of the helical involute profile as the locking pin (4) rotates, it is effectively locked or clamped due to interference or wedging with the profile surface.This locking action not only firmly fixes the locking pin (4) itself inside the mounting base (1), preventing accidental loosening or dislodgement in the axial or radial direction, but also applies clamping force to the lead screw sleeve (8) through the clamp-like lever arm, thereby reliably fixing the entire mounting base (1) (and its fixed motor assembly) onto the lead screw sleeve (8). The locking pin (4) itself has one or preferably two symmetrically distributed locking structures (5) (specifically, locking pin half-rings in this embodiment). These locking structures (5) are the key structures for realizing the locking function (of course, other forms of radially protruding, less than 180-degree protrusion structures can also be used to achieve similar functions). The locking pin (4) also integrates an ergonomic locking pin wrench (6), which allows the user to directly rotate it by hand without the aid of any external tools. The locking structures (5) usually have flat parts, which can be easily inserted or removed when these flat parts are rotated to align with the lateral opening of the through hole of the mounting base (1). The lead screw sleeve (8) is an intermediate transition piece connecting the mounting base (1) and the screw (7). Its interior is typically connected to the screw (7) via a threaded connection (such as an internal thread engaging with the external thread of the screw (7)) or other suitable connection methods (the specific connection method depends on the actual application requirements and is not the core innovation of this utility model). The outer side of the lead screw sleeve (8) has a plane that mates with the inner plane of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting base (1) to achieve precise positioning and stable connection between the two.

[0032] Detailed description of the installation process:

[0033] Component pre-installation: Confirm that the motor (2) and gearbox (3) (if any) are securely fixed to the designated mounting interface of the mounting base (1) by bolts or other fasteners.

[0034] Alignment and Fitting: Align the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting base (1) with the pre-installed motor assembly with the outer mating plane of the screw sleeve (8) located on the screw (7), and fit the clamp-shaped lever arm onto the screw sleeve (8) to ensure that the two planes fit tightly together.

[0035] Locking pin preparation: Manually rotate the locking pin (4) so ​​that the flat part of the locking structure (5) on it is roughly parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole at the front end of the clamp arm of the mounting base (1) (i.e., aligned with the opening at about 90 degrees).

[0036] Insertion of locking pin: Push the adjusted locking pin (4) laterally into the through hole of the mounting base (1) from the side opening at the front end of the clamping arm until it is fully in the predetermined position. Usually, the locking structure (5) will be located in the starting area of ​​the spiral involute profile of the stepped hole (near the maximum radius).

[0037] Rotary locking: Hold the locking pin wrench (6) and apply torque to rotate the locking pin (4) around its own axis (e.g., rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about 90 degrees, or until you feel significant locking resistance or reach the preset locking angle). During this rotation, the protruding part or end of the locking structure (5) will enter the stepped hole and slide along the surface of the helical involute profile. As the rotation continues, the locking structure (5) is gradually guided to the area with a smaller radius of the helical involute profile, and is finally effectively locked or wedged into the locking position of the profile. This rotary locking action completes the secure clamping of the mounting base (1) onto the lead screw sleeve (8), and also ensures the stable fixation of the locking pin (4) itself, preventing it from accidentally falling off.

[0038] Detailed description of the disassembly process:

[0039] Rotate to release: Hold the locking pin wrench (6) and apply torque in the opposite direction to that applied during installation, causing the locking pin (4) to rotate in the opposite direction about its own axis.

[0040] Locking structure disengagement: During the reverse rotation, the locking structure (5) will slide along the spiral involute profile from the locking position with a smaller radius to the release position with a larger radius, gradually disengaging from the locking constraint of the spiral involute profile. Continue rotating until the planar part of the locking structure (5) returns to the initial position parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole at the front end of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting base (1).

[0041] Locking pin removal: Once the plane of the locking structure (5) is aligned with the side opening, the entire locking pin (4) can be easily pulled out from the side opening along its axial direction (or more accurately, laterally).

[0042] Component separation: Once the locking pin (4) is completely removed, the locking connection between the mounting base (1) (along with the motor (2) and gearbox (3) fixed thereon) and the lead screw sleeve (8) is released. At this time, the mounting base (1) can be easily removed from the lead screw sleeve (8) to complete the quick disassembly of the entire motor assembly.

[0043] The scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the structure and working method described in the above specific embodiments. Its core technical feature is that: the locking pin (4) is provided with at least one radially protruding locking structure (e.g., locking pin half ring (5) or other shaped protrusions). The mounting base (1) is provided with a through hole with a lateral opening (e.g., an opening of about 90 degrees), which is used to accommodate and conveniently insert / remove the locking pin (4) laterally; and, at a specific position of the through hole (e.g., above or in the axial section), there is a stepped hole or groove with a spiral involute profile (e.g., spiral involute, cam surface or eccentric surface) that cooperates with the locking structure on the locking pin. By rotating the locking pin by the operator, the locking structure interacts with the spiral involute profile, thereby realizing the function of fast locking and unlocking. The mounting base (1) and the connected part (e.g., lead screw sleeve (8)) achieve precise positioning and stable connection through a mating surface of a specific shape (e.g., mating of planes), and prevent unnecessary relative rotation. Any equivalent substitutions, improvements, or modifications made using the above-described core concept, such as changing the specific angle of the lateral opening, changing the specific form of the spiral involute profile of the stepped hole (as long as the rotational locking function can be achieved), or changing the specific shape and number of the locking structure on the locking pin, should be considered within the protection scope of this utility model, provided that its essential purpose and effect are the same as or similar to this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above specific description of this utility model is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw, characterized in that, include: Mounting base (1), one end of which is provided with a mounting interface for fixing motor (2) and gearbox (3), the other end of which is formed into a clamp-shaped lever arm structure, the inner side of which has a plane for cooperating with the outer side of lead screw sleeve (8), the front end of which is provided with a through hole with a lateral opening, the inner wall of which or above is provided with at least one stepped hole, the inner wall of which is formed into a spiral involute profile with a maximum radius and a minimum radius; Locking pin (4), the locking pin (4) includes a pin body, at least one radially projecting locking structure (5) and a locking pin wrench (6) for operating rotation, the locking structure (5) being adapted to selectively engage with the helical involute profile of the stepped hole; The lead screw sleeve (8) is sleeved on the screw (7), and its outer side has a plane that matches the inner plane of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting seat (1); The locking pin (4) is inserted into or removed from the through hole through the lateral opening, and the locking structure (5) is engaged or disengaged from the spiral involute contour of the stepped hole by rotating the locking pin wrench (6), thereby realizing the locking or separation of the mounting base (1) and the lead screw sleeve (8).

2. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral opening angle of the through hole is approximately 90 degrees.

3. A quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spiral involute profile of the inner wall of the stepped hole smoothly transitions from one end of the lateral opening to the other.

4. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure (5) is at least one locking pin half ring, which has a plane. When the plane of the locking pin half ring is parallel or substantially parallel to the lateral opening direction of the through hole, the locking pin (4) can be inserted into or removed from the lateral opening.

5. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking structure (5) consists of two symmetrically arranged locking pin half-rings.

6. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the lateral opening is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the pin body of the locking pin (4).

7. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting interface of the mounting base (1) is a screw hole, which is used to fix the motor (2) and the gearbox (3) by bolts.

8. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure (5) is a protrusion structure with an angle of less than 180 degrees.

9. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the locking pin wrench (6) is rotated, the locking structure (5) moves along the spiral involute profile, and locks when it moves from the point of maximum radius of the spiral involute profile to the point of minimum radius.

10. The quick-release structure for a motor-driven lead screw according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner plane of the clamp-shaped lever arm of the mounting base (1) mates with the outer plane of the lead screw sleeve (8) for positioning and preventing relative rotation.

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