A weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of push rod technology, specifically disclosing a weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod, including a housing, a lead screw rotatably connected to the output end of the housing, a worm gear sleeved on the part of the lead screw inside the housing, a worm rotatably connected inside the housing, the worm meshing with the worm gear, an inner tube and an outer tube sequentially sleeved on the lead screw from the inside to the outside, the lead screw being connected to the inner tube through a slide block, the inner tube passing through a fixed seat at the top of the outer tube and dynamically sealed to the fixed seat, an anti-loosening component and a bushing assembly sequentially fixedly sleeved on the lead screw along the extension direction of the inner tube, the bushing assembly being stacked on the anti-loosening component, a bearing seat threadedly fixedly connected to the outer tube at a position opposite to the bushing assembly, the bearing seat being sleeved outside the bushing assembly and its two ends being rotatably connected to the bushing assembly through thrust bearings respectively. This utility model uses a worm gear to drive the lead screw to rotate, combined with a dynamic sealing structure and a load force distribution structure, improving the motion accuracy, reliability and service life of the push rod in harsh environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of push rod technology, and in particular relates to a weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod. Background Technology

[0002] In numerous fields such as industrial automation, aerospace, construction engineering, and transportation, linear actuators play an indispensable role as key actuating elements for achieving linear motion and force transmission. Hydraulic linear actuators, in particular, have long held a significant market position. Using hydraulic oil as the working medium and powered by a hydraulic pump, they utilize the pressure energy of the fluid to drive a piston in linear motion. They offer advantages such as high output force, smooth transmission, and easy stepless speed regulation, making them widely used in applications requiring large thrust and precise control, such as lifting large machinery and handling heavy goods.

[0003] However, in scenarios with stringent requirements for reliability and fine-tuning, such as concentrated solar power generation and solar tracking, the limitations of hydraulic actuators are becoming increasingly apparent.

[0004] Poor adaptability to harsh environments: Hydraulic systems have high requirements for the working environment, and hydraulic oil is easily affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, and dust. At high temperatures, the viscosity of the hydraulic oil decreases, leading to increased system leakage and pressure loss, thus reducing the accuracy of the push rod's movement. At low temperatures, the hydraulic oil thickens, reducing its fluidity and affecting the push rod's starting and running speed. Furthermore, dust and impurities entering the hydraulic system will wear down hydraulic components, shortening the equipment's lifespan.

[0005] Precision control is difficult: Hydraulic systems are susceptible to factors such as fluid compressibility and leakage, which can cause lag and errors in the movement of the actuator, making it difficult to achieve high-precision micro-adjustments. In concentrated solar power (CSP) and solar tracking systems, the actuator needs to precisely adjust the angle of the reflector or solar panel to achieve efficient capture and utilization of sunlight, but the insufficient precision of hydraulic actuators cannot meet this requirement.

[0006] Complex and costly to maintain: Hydraulic systems consist of multiple complex components, such as hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, valves, and pipelines. These components require regular maintenance and upkeep, including changing hydraulic oil, cleaning filters, and inspecting seals. If a component malfunctions, the cost of repair and replacement is high, and the repair process requires specialized technicians and equipment, resulting in long maintenance cycles that can disrupt the normal operation of the system.

[0007] Therefore, the inventors dedicated themselves to designing a push rod to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a weather-resistant precision solar thermal actuator, which improves the actuator's motion accuracy, reliability, and service life in harsh environments, while simplifying the maintenance process and reducing maintenance costs, thus meeting the needs of application scenarios such as solar thermal power generation and solar tracking that have stringent requirements for reliability and fine adjustment.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0010] A weather-resistant precision photothermal actuator includes a housing. A lead screw is rotatably connected to the output end of the housing via a rolling bearing. A worm gear is fitted onto the portion of the lead screw inside the housing. A worm is rotatably connected inside the housing, meshing with the worm gear. An inner tube and an outer tube are sequentially fitted onto the portion of the lead screw outside the housing from the inside out. The lead screw is connected to the inner tube via a slide block to control the axial extension and retraction of the inner tube along the outer tube. The outer tube is fixed to the output end face of the housing, and a fixing device is fixed at the end of the outer tube away from the housing. The inner tube passes through the fixed seat and forms a dynamic sealing connection with the fixed seat in sequence through a lip seal and a Y-shaped seal along its extension direction. The lead screw is located outside the housing and is fixedly fitted with an anti-loosening component and a bushing assembly in sequence along the extension direction of the inner tube near the housing. The bushing assembly is stacked on the anti-loosening component. A bearing seat is threadedly fixedly connected to the inner tube at a position opposite to the bushing assembly. The bearing seat is sleeved outside the bushing assembly and its two ends are rotatably connected to the bushing assembly through thrust bearings.

[0011] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the lead screw is fixedly sleeved with an anti-loosening component at a position outside the housing and close to the housing. The anti-loosening component and the bushing assembly are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the inner tube. The bushing assembly is stacked on the anti-loosening component. The anti-loosening component includes an anti-loosening nut and an anti-loosening washer. The anti-loosening nut is limited and stacked on the anti-loosening washer. The lead screw passes through the anti-loosening nut and the anti-loosening washer.

[0012] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the lead screw is provided with rotating threads and telescopic threads at intervals along the extension direction of the inner tube on the side wall outside the housing. The lead screw is movably connected to the slide block through its telescopic threads, and the lead screw is fixedly connected to the bushing assembly and the anti-loosening assembly through its rotating threads.

[0013] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the lead screw is fixedly connected to the anti-loosening nut by its rotating thread, the anti-loosening pad is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded step of the lead screw, the bottom end face of the anti-loosening nut is provided with a plurality of bosses spaced apart along its circumference, and the outer wall of the anti-loosening pad is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves spaced apart along its circumference, and all the bosses and all the limiting grooves are matched one-to-one.

[0014] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the bushing assembly includes a T-shaped upper bushing and a T-shaped lower bushing. The upper bushing is stacked on the lower bushing to form an I-shape. The upper bushing is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded part of the lead screw. The lead screw passes through the lower bushing and is threadedly fixedly connected to the lower bushing through its rotational thread.

[0015] As an improvement to the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the dynamic contact surfaces of the lip seal and the Y-shaped seal with the inner tube, as well as the area on the outer wall of the inner tube corresponding to the sealing section of the oil seal, are all coated with a fluororubber coating.

[0016] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, the inner wall of the fixed seat is provided with a lower waterproof groove and an upper waterproof groove in sequence along the extension direction of the inner tube. The lip-shaped oil seal is installed in the upper waterproof groove, and the Y-shaped oil seal is installed in the lower waterproof groove. The inner wall of the fixed seat is provided with an annular upper groove at one end away from the lower waterproof groove, and the upper groove is connected to the upper waterproof groove.

[0017] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, a magnet is fixedly installed on the slide, and a protective cover is provided on the outer wall of the outer tube along its axial direction to form an installation cavity. Two magnetic induction switches are installed in the installation cavity. The two magnetic induction switches are distributed at both ends of the outer tube along its axial direction to sense the position of the magnet.

[0018] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, two slots are provided on the outer wall of the outer tube at intervals opposite to the protective cover. The mounting cavity is located between the two slots. Two buckles are provided on the side of the protective cover facing the outer tube at intervals. The two buckles and the two slots are sealed and engaged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0019] As an improvement of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model, a connector is fixedly connected to the top of the extended end of the inner tube. The connector is located outside the outer tube. A self-aligning ball bearing is provided in the connection hole of the connector. The gap between the self-aligning ball bearing and the connector is filled with injection molding compound. The self-aligning ball bearing is connected to the connector through injection molding process. The injection molding compound is arranged in a circle around the middle of the self-aligning ball bearing and the two corresponding ends extend outward to one end face of the connector.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the weather-resistant precision solar thermal push rod of this utility model uses a worm gear mechanical transmission to drive the lead screw to rotate, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the inner tube. The inner tube forms a dynamic seal with the fixed seat on the outer tube through a lip seal and a Y-shaped seal, ensuring internal cleanliness, reducing wear, and improving the motion accuracy and service life of the push rod in harsh environments. By utilizing the bearing seats at both ends of the outer tube to rotately connect with the bushing assembly on the lead screw through thrust bearings, the load force is distributed to the inner wall of the outer tube, reducing local stress concentration, enhancing structural strength, and improving reliability. At the same time, the entire push rod structure simplifies the maintenance process and reduces maintenance costs, meeting the needs of application scenarios such as solar thermal power generation and solar tracking that have stringent requirements for reliability and fine adjustment. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the worm gear, worm, and lead screw of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the lead screw and its upper slide, bearing seat, and anti-loosening component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the slide in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the anti-loosening component in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional exploded and enlarged view of the anti-loosening component in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the bearing housing, bushing assembly, and thrust bearing in this utility model.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional exploded and enlarged view of the bearing housing, bushing assembly, and thrust bearing in this utility model;

[0032] Figure 12 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model at the slider.

[0033] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional enlarged sectional view of the fixing seat, lip seal, and Y-shaped oil seal of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional exploded and enlarged view of the connector, glue injection, and self-aligning ball bearing of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional enlarged view of the connector, glue injection, and self-aligning ball bearing of this utility model.

[0037] Illustration:

[0038] 1. Inner tube; 11. Self-aligning ball bearing; 12. Glue injection; 13. Connector; 131. Connecting hole; 2. Outer tube; 21. Sliding bar; 22. Slot; 221. Slot platform; 222. Switch mounting slot; 23. Protective cover; 231. Snap-fit; 24. Magnetic induction switch; 25. Fixing base; 251. Lip seal; 252. Guide ring; 253. Y-shaped oil seal; 254. Sealing ring; 255. Trunnion; 256. Upper groove; 3. Lead screw; 31. Rotating thread; 32. Telescopic thread; 33. Rolling thread 34. Bearing; 4. Worm gear; 5. Slide; 6. Ball nut; 7. Slider; 8. Groove; 9. Retaining ring; 10. Magnet; 11. Bearing housing; 12. Bushing assembly; 13. Upper bushing; 14. Lower bushing; 15. Thrust bearing; 16. Bearing mounting groove; 17. Anti-loosening component; 18. Anti-loosening nut; 19. Boss; 10. Anti-loosening washer; 11. Limiting groove; 12. Washer; 13. Housing; 14. Housing base; 15. Side cover; 16. Bottom cover; 17. Motor; 18. Worm. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for reference and illustration only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of patent protection of this utility model.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 16A weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod includes a housing 7. A lead screw 3 is rotatably connected to the output end of the housing 7 via a rolling bearing 33. A worm gear 34 is fitted inside the housing 7. A worm 81 is rotatably connected inside the housing 7, meshing with the worm gear 34. An inner tube 1 and an outer tube 2 are sequentially fitted from the inside to the outside of the lead screw 3 outside the housing 7. The lead screw 3 is connected to the inner tube 1 via a slide 4 to control the axial extension and retraction of the inner tube 1 along the outer tube 2. The outer tube 2 is fixed to the output end face of the housing 7. 2. A fixed seat 25 is fixed at one end away from the housing 7. The inner tube 1 passes through the fixed seat 25 and forms a dynamic sealing connection with the fixed seat 25 by a lip seal 251 and a Y-shaped seal 253 in sequence along its extension direction. A bushing assembly 51 is fixedly sleeved on the screw 3 outside the housing 7 and close to the housing 7. A bearing seat 5 is threadedly fixedly connected to the inner tube 2 at the position opposite to the bushing assembly 51. The bearing seat 5 is sleeved outside the bushing assembly 51 and its two ends are rotatably connected to the bushing assembly 51 by thrust bearings 52 respectively.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The box body 7 includes a box base 71, a side cover 72 and a bottom cover 73. The top, side and bottom of the box base 71 are all open. The lower end of the outer tube 2 is vertically fixed to the opening formed by the top of the box base 71. The bottom cover 73 is fixedly covered at the bottom opening of the box base 71, and the side cover 72 is fixedly covered at the opening on the side of the box base 71.

[0042] Refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A motor 8 is fixed inside the housing 71 and the side cover 72. A worm 81 is provided on the output shaft of the motor 8. The free end of the worm 81 is rotatably connected to the inside of the housing 71. The lower end of the lead screw 3 is inserted into the housing 7 and is rotatably connected to the bottom cover 73 of the housing 7 through two rolling bearings 33. The worm wheel 34 is located in the housing 71. The worm wheel 34 is sleeved on the lower end of the lead screw 3 (i.e., the part inserted into the housing 7) and cross-meshes with the worm 81. The worm wheel 34 is located between the two rolling bearings 33. The motor 8 drives the worm 81 to rotate, the worm 81 drives the worm wheel 34 to rotate, and the worm wheel 34 drives the lead screw 3 to rotate.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The lead screw 3 is a long screw. The lower end of the lead screw 3 is located inside the housing 7, and the upper end of the lead screw 3 is located outside the housing 7. On the side wall of the lead screw 3 outside the housing 7, along the extension direction of the inner tube 1, there is a short section of rotating thread 31 and a long section of telescopic thread 32 spaced apart. The part of the lead screw 3 between the rotating thread 31 and the telescopic thread 32 is not threaded. The part of the lead screw 3 outside the housing 7 is threadedly connected to the slide block 4 through its telescopic thread 32. The part of the lead screw 3 outside the housing 7 is threadedly fixedly connected to the bushing assembly 51 and the anti-loosening assembly 6 through its rotating thread 31. There is a step between the rotating thread 31 of the lead screw 3 and the unthreaded part of the lead screw 3 inserted into the housing 7.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner tube 1 is located inside the outer tube 2, and the lead screw 3 is located inside the inner tube 1. The lead screw 3, the inner tube 1, and the outer tube 2 are coaxially arranged. The lower end of the outer tube 2 is inserted into the end face of the top of the box 7 and is fixedly connected to the box 7 by multiple screws.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The lead screw 3 is located outside the housing 7 and close to the housing 7, and a locking component 6 is fixedly sleeved on it. The locking component 6 and the bushing assembly 51 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the inner tube 1. The locking component 6 is sleeved on the lead screw 3 and stacked on the inner ring of the rolling bearing 33 at the top opening of the housing 7 through a washer 63. The washer 63 is sleeved on the lead screw 3. The locking component 6 includes a locking nut 61 and a locking washer 62. The locking nut 61 is annular and has internal threads on its inner wall. The limiting device is superimposed on the anti-loosening pad 62. The lead screw 3 passes through the anti-loosening nut 61 and the anti-loosening pad 62. The lead screw 3 is threadedly fixed to the anti-loosening nut 61 through the lower end of its rotating thread 31. The anti-loosening pad 62 is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded step outside the housing 7 of the lead screw 3. Multiple bosses 611 are provided at intervals along the circumference on the bottom end face of the anti-loosening nut 61. Multiple limiting grooves 621 are provided at intervals along the circumference on the outer side wall of the anti-loosening pad 62. All bosses 611 and all limiting grooves 621 are matched one by one.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11The bushing assembly 51 is sleeved on the lead screw 3. The bushing assembly 51 includes an upper bushing 511 and a lower bushing 512. Both the upper bushing 511 and the lower bushing 512 are T-shaped and fixedly sleeved on the lead screw 3. The lower bushing 512 is stacked on the anti-loosening nut 61. The upper bushing 511 is stacked on the lower bushing 512 to form an I-shape. Specifically, the inner wall of the lower bushing 512 is provided with an internal thread. The lead screw 3 passes through the lower bushing 512 and is threadedly fixedly connected to the lower bushing 512 through the upper end of its rotating thread 31. The upper bushing 511 is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded part of the lead screw 3 (i.e., the part between the telescopic thread 32 and the rotating thread 31 on the lead screw 3).

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The outer wall of the bearing housing 5 is provided with external threads so that the external threads of the bearing housing 5 and the internal threads of the outer tube 2 are fixedly connected by threaded connection. The top and bottom end faces of the bearing housing 5 are respectively provided with bearing mounting grooves 521. The radial cross section of the bearing housing 5 is T-shaped. Two thrust bearings 52 are respectively located in the two bearing mounting grooves 521. The lower bushing 512 is rotatably connected to the bearing housing 5 through the lower thrust bearing 52. The bearing housing 5 is sleeved on the upper bushing 511. The upper bushing 511 is rotatably connected to the bearing housing 5 through the upper thrust bearing 52.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 13The inner tube 1 and the slide block 4 are sequentially sleeved on the lead screw 3 from top to bottom. The entire slide block 4 is located inside the outer tube 2 and is positioned directly above the bushing assembly 51. Both the slide block 4 and the inner tube 1 are located inside the outer tube 2. The slide block 4 is slidably connected to the outer tube 2. A groove 421 is provided on the outer wall of the slide block 4 along its axial direction. A slide bar 21 is provided on the inner wall of the outer tube 2 along its axial direction. The slide bar 21 is slidably engaged with the groove 421. Specifically, the slide block 4 includes a slider 42 and a ball nut 41. The ball nut 41 is sleeved on the lead screw 3 and is threadedly connected to the lead screw 3. The upper end of the ball nut 41 is inserted into the outer tube 2 and is threadedly fixedly connected to the outer tube 2. The lower outer wall of the nut 41 is polygonal, the slider 42 is annular and sleeved on the lower end of the ball nut 41, the inner wall of the slider 42 is also polygonal and cooperates with the lower end of the ball nut 41 to prevent the slider 42 from rotating relative to the ball nut 41. The lower end of the ball nut 41 is engaged with an annular retaining ring 43, and the slider 42 is located on the retaining ring 43. The sliding groove 421 is arranged on the outer wall of the slider 42 along the axial direction of the slider 42. There are two sliding grooves 421, which are respectively arranged on the slider 42. The slider 42 is slidably connected to the slide bar 21 on the inner wall of the outer tube 2 through the sliding groove 421. The magnet 44 is fixed in the outer groove of the slider 42.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 A connector 13 is fixedly connected to the top of the inner tube 1. The entire connector 13 is located outside the outer tube 2. The lower end of the connector 13 is inserted into the top of the inner tube 1 and is threadedly fixed to the inner wall of the inner tube 1. The upper end of the connector 13 is located outside the inner tube 1 and is provided with a connecting hole 131 to form a ring. A self-aligning ball bearing 11 is provided in the connecting hole 131 of the connector 13. The gap between the self-aligning ball bearing 11 and the connector 13 is filled with injection adhesive 12. The self-aligning ball bearing 11 is connected to the connector 13 by injection molding. The injection adhesive 12 is arranged in a circle around the middle of the self-aligning ball bearing 11 and the two corresponding ends extend outward to one end face of the connector 13. The injection adhesive 12 is made of polymer material, which can not only ensure the axial pressure of the self-aligning ball bearing 11, but also reduce the gap of the self-aligning ball bearing 11.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 14The lower end of the fixing seat 25 is inserted into the outer tube 2 and sealed to the outer tube 2 through an annular sealing ring 254. The fixing seat 25 is fixed to the top end face of the outer tube 2 by multiple screws. The telescopic end of the inner tube 1 passes through the fixing seat 25 and extends out of the fixing seat 25. The inner wall of the fixing seat 25 is provided with a lower waterproof groove and an upper waterproof groove in sequence along the extension direction of the inner tube 1 (i.e., from bottom to top). The inner wall of the fixing seat 25 is provided with an annular upper groove 256 at the end away from the lower waterproof groove. The upper groove 256 communicates with the upper waterproof groove. Both the upper and lower waterproof grooves are annular. The inner wall of the fixing seat 25 is also provided with a ring. The groove is shaped and located between the upper and lower waterproof grooves. The lip seal 251 is installed in the upper waterproof groove, and the Y-shaped seal 253 is installed in the lower waterproof groove. The fixing seat 25 forms a dynamic sealing connection with the inner tube 1 through the lip seal 251 and the Y-shaped seal 253. The dynamic contact surfaces of the lip seal 251 and the Y-shaped seal 253 with the inner tube 1, as well as the areas on the outer wall of the inner tube 1 corresponding to the sealing section of the seal, are coated with fluororubber. An annular anti-sway ring is provided at one end of the outer tube 2 near the fixing seat 25. The anti-sway ring is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 1. Trunnions 255 are inserted into the two corresponding sides of the fixing seat 25.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 14 The Y-shaped oil seal 253 is generally annular, and the top surface of the Y-shaped oil seal 253 is provided with an annular top groove along its circumference, so that the radial cross section of the Y-shaped oil seal 253 is Y-shaped.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 14 An annular guide ring 252 is installed in the groove on the inner wall of the fixed seat 25. The guide ring 252 is sleeved on the inner tube 1 and located between the lip seal 251 and the Y-shaped seal 253. The guide ring 252 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene and the thickness of the guide ring 252 is greater than the depth of the groove.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 14 The lip seal 251 is generally annular, and the inner wall of the lip seal 251 is provided with an annular side groove along its circumference, thereby forming a lip edge with a radial cross section of Y-shape, which presses against the inner tube 1.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 and Figure 13A magnet 44 is fixedly installed on the side wall of the slider 42 of the slide block 4. A protective cover 23 is sealed along the axial direction of the outer tube 2 to form an installation cavity. Two magnetic induction switches 24 are installed in the installation cavity. The two magnetic induction switches 24 are distributed at both ends of the outer tube 2 along its axial direction to sense the position of the magnet 44. The lower ends of the outer tube 2 and the protective cover 23 are inserted into the housing 7. The protective cover 23 is made of PVC material and is sealed and snapped into the outer tube 2. A switch mounting groove 222 is provided along the axial direction of the outer tube 2. The protective cover 23 covers the switch mounting groove 222 to form an installation cavity. The two ends of the switch mounting groove 222 are... The side wall is disconnected to form a break opening, which is located between the two magnetic induction switches 24. Two slots 22 are provided on the outer wall of the outer tube 2 at intervals opposite to the protective cover 23. The mounting cavity is located between the two slots 22. Two buckles 231 are provided on the side of the protective cover 23 facing the outer tube 2 at intervals. The slots 22 and buckles 231 are both arranged along the axial direction of the outer tube 2. Each buckle 231 is hook-shaped and its elastic end engages with the corresponding slot 221 on the inner wall of the slot 22, so that the two buckles 231 and the two slots 22 are sealed and engaged one-to-one to prevent external water from entering the mounting cavity and damaging the magnetic induction switches 24.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 16 The working principle of this weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod is as follows:

[0056] Motor 8 drives worm 81 to rotate, worm 81 drives worm wheel 34 to rotate, worm wheel 34 drives lead screw 3 to rotate, and anti-loosening component 6 and bushing component 51 rotate with lead screw 3. Since slider 42 is slidably connected to outer tube 2, ball nut 41 is restricted from rotating. According to the helical motion principle of thread, ball nut 41 is forced to make linear motion along the axis of lead screw 3. The linear motion of ball nut 41 is transmitted to inner tube 1, causing inner tube 1 to extend (push) or retract (pull) from the top of outer tube 2, thereby generating a linear force of pushing or pulling. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of motor 8, the extension and retraction of push rod can be realized.

[0057] The weather-resistant precision photothermal push rod of this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0058] (1) Mechanical transmission structure: The three-stage drive combination of "stepper motor + worm gear reduction + ball screw transmission" is adopted. Through precision gear meshing and screw lead optimization, the displacement control of the push rod is realized. The cumulative error of the transmission chain is controlled within 0.02mm, and the repeatability accuracy is below 0.05mm. Compared with traditional hydraulic or pneumatic push rods, the dynamic response speed is increased by 3 times, which is suitable for the micron-level adjustment requirements of the condenser lens angle of the photothermal equipment.

[0059] (2) External magnetic induction layout: The magnetic induction switch 24 is designed outside the outer tube 2. The magnet 44 fixed on the slide 4 is non-contactly coupled with the magnetic induction switch 24 on the outside of the outer tube 2 to achieve non-contact stroke adjustment and installation distance adaptation. This breaks through the space limitation of traditional built-in switches, allowing the installation position of the magnetic induction switch 24 to be flexibly adjusted along the axis of the outer tube 2 to adapt to different stroke requirements. The external switch is a waterproof magnetic switch, and the screw locking structure enables quick disassembly and fine-tuning of the position. The switch is covered with an inverted protective cover 23 made of PVC, forming a double waterproof barrier. While improving the waterproof rating (IPX7 and above), the adjustment efficiency is increased by more than 50%.

[0060] (3) Waterproof barrier of protective cover 23: The protective cover 23 is sealed on the outer wall of the outer tube 2, forming an independent installation cavity together with the outer tube 2. This not only prevents rainwater and dust from directly corroding the sensor, but also improves the waterproof rating to IP67.

[0061] (4) No disassembly adjustment mechanism: Users do not need to disassemble the push rod housing. They only need to slide the magnetic induction switch 24 in the installation cavity to the target position. The stroke parameters can be calibrated in real time by the change of magnetic induction intensity. The adjustment efficiency is more than 50% higher than that of the traditional solution, while avoiding the risk of sealing failure caused by disassembly.

[0062] (5) Multi-layer composite waterproof structure: Through the triple protection mechanism of "physical barrier + fluid damping + material corrosion resistance", the sealing life and corrosion resistance are significantly improved (the waterproof life is increased to more than 100,000 cycles under the working conditions of -40℃ to 120℃, which is suitable for the high temperature and high humidity environment of solar thermal power plants, and the corrosion rate of inner tube 1 is reduced by 90%).

[0063] Physical barrier layer: A combination sealing structure of lip seal 251 and Y-shaped seal 253 is adopted. The flexible lip of lip seal 251 forms a dynamic fit with the inner tube 1, and the two work together to block the water vapor penetration path.

[0064] Fluid damping layer: A waterproof groove is set on the inner wall of the fixed seat 25. By changing the direction of fluid flow, the permeation resistance is increased. Combined with the low surface energy characteristics of the fluororubber coating, water film adhesion is reduced, forming a fluid dynamic damping effect.

[0065] Corrosion-resistant material: A fluororubber coating is applied to the dynamic contact surface between the inner tube 1 and the oil seal, as well as the corresponding sealing section area. This material has excellent high temperature resistance (can withstand 260℃ for a long time), chemical corrosion resistance (resistant to acids, alkalis, and salt spray), and low coefficient of friction (μ≤0.2), which reduces the corrosion rate of the inner tube 1 by more than 90%.

[0066] (6) Anti-loosening and anti-vibration structure: To address the issue of precision drift caused by vibration during long-term outdoor operation of solar thermal equipment, an anti-loosening component 6 is installed at the key connection points of the electric actuator. This anti-loosening component 6 can effectively offset vibration stress and reduce the probability of fasteners loosening under vibration. Actual testing showed that, under vibration, the probability of fastener loosening in the electric actuator using the anti-loosening component 6 of this invention was reduced to below 0.1%, solving the precision drift problem caused by vibration during long-term outdoor operation of solar thermal equipment. This improvement significantly enhances the stability and reliability of the electric actuator under vibration, ensuring that the solar thermal equipment can always maintain a precise light-gathering angle, improving energy conversion efficiency, and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0067] (7) Lightweight and High-Strength Structure: The bearing housing 5 and the outer tube 2 are nested to achieve radial and axial bidirectional positioning of the bearing, distributing the load force to the inner wall of the outer tube 2 and reducing the cantilever beam effect. Under this design, the force can be distributed more evenly when the outer tube 2 is under load, reducing local stress concentration. Thus, while ensuring a 20% increase in the overall strength of the push rod, the material thickness of the outer tube 2 can be reduced by 15%, and the weight by 12%. This improvement not only reduces the weight of the push rod and reduces transportation and installation costs, but also broadens the application range of electric push rods, enabling them to be used in more weight-sensitive fields, and solving the contradiction of "high strength and lightweight cannot be achieved simultaneously" in traditional electric push rods.

[0068] (8) Integrated design of inner tube 1 anti-rotation and rigid connection: the front and rear ends of the inner tube 1 are rigidly connected to the outer tube 2 by radial riveting process. The inner wall of the outer tube 2 is equipped with a slide bar 21, which works with the slide groove 421 on the slider 42 to achieve circumferential limit. The rotation of the inner tube 1 is controlled within 5° by mechanical hard limit. At the same time, the riveting structure increases the connection strength by 30% and avoids the stress concentration problem of traditional keyway connection.

[0069] The electric actuator of this invention has a waterproof lifespan of over 100,000 cycles under operating conditions ranging from -40℃ to 120℃, which is five times longer than that of traditional structures. It is especially suitable for high-temperature and high-humidity environments such as the concentrator tracking system of solar thermal power plants, and significantly reduces equipment maintenance costs and downtime risks.

[0070] This utility model solves the problems of insufficient precision, complex maintenance, and short lifespan of traditional push rods in harsh environments through six major innovations: external magnetic control adjustment, high-precision transmission, lightweight structure, multi-layer waterproofing, anti-loosening and shock resistance, and anti-rotation limit. It is especially suitable for scenarios with stringent requirements for reliability and fine adjustment, such as solar thermal power generation and solar tracking.

[0071] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent changes made in accordance with the scope of the patent application of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A weather resistant precision optical heat push rod comprising a box, characterized in that, The output end of the housing is rotatably connected to a lead screw via a rolling bearing. A worm gear is fitted onto the portion of the lead screw inside the housing. A worm is rotatably connected inside the housing, meshing with the worm gear. An inner tube and an outer tube are sequentially fitted onto the portion of the lead screw outside the housing from the inside out. The lead screw is connected to the inner tube via a slide block to control the axial extension and retraction of the inner tube along the outer tube. The outer tube is fixed to the output end face of the housing. A fixing seat is fixed to the end of the outer tube away from the housing. The inner tube passes through the fixing seat and, along its extension direction, forms a dynamic sealing connection with the fixing seat via a lip seal and a Y-shaped seal. The lead screw is located outside the housing and close to the housing, and is sequentially fitted with an anti-loosening component and a bushing assembly along the extension direction of the inner tube. The bushing assembly is stacked on the anti-loosening component. A bearing seat is threadedly fixedly connected inside the outer tube at a position opposite to the bushing assembly. The bearing seat is fitted outside the bushing assembly, and its two ends are rotatably connected to the bushing assembly through thrust bearings.

2. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 1, wherein, The anti-loosening component includes an anti-loosening nut and an anti-loosening washer. The anti-loosening nut is stacked on the anti-loosening washer for limiting, and the lead screw passes through the anti-loosening nut and the anti-loosening washer.

3. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 2, wherein, The lead screw is provided with rotating threads and telescopic threads at intervals along the extension direction of the inner tube on the side wall outside the housing. The lead screw is movably connected to the slide block through its telescopic threads, and the lead screw is fixedly connected to the bushing assembly and the anti-loosening assembly through its rotating threads.

4. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 3, wherein, The lead screw is fixedly connected to the anti-loosening nut by its rotating thread. The anti-loosening washer is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded step of the lead screw. The bottom end face of the anti-loosening nut is provided with multiple bosses spaced apart along its circumference. The outer wall of the anti-loosening washer is provided with multiple limiting grooves spaced apart along its circumference. All the bosses and all the limiting grooves are matched one-to-one.

5. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 3, wherein, The bushing assembly includes a T-shaped upper bushing and a T-shaped lower bushing. The upper bushing is stacked on the lower bushing to form an I-shape. The upper bushing is fixedly sleeved on the unthreaded part of the lead screw. The lead screw passes through the lower bushing and is threadedly fixedly connected to the lower bushing through its rotating thread.

6. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 1, wherein, The dynamic contact surfaces of the lip seal and the Y-shaped seal with the inner tube, as well as the area on the outer wall of the inner tube corresponding to the sealing section of the seal, are all coated with a fluororubber coating.

7. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 6, wherein, The inner wall of the fixing seat is provided with a lower waterproof groove and an upper waterproof groove in sequence along the extension direction of the inner tube. The lip seal is installed in the upper waterproof groove and the Y-shaped oil seal is installed in the lower waterproof groove. The inner wall of the fixing seat is provided with an annular upper groove at one end away from the lower waterproof groove. The upper groove is connected to the upper waterproof groove.

8. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 1, wherein, A magnet is fixedly installed on the slide block. A protective cover is sealed along the axial direction of the outer wall of the outer tube to form an installation cavity. Two magnetic induction switches are installed in the installation cavity. The two magnetic induction switches are distributed at both ends of the outer tube along its axial direction to sense the position of the magnet.

9. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 8, wherein, The outer wall of the outer tube is provided with two slots at intervals opposite to the protective cover. The mounting cavity is located between the two slots. The protective cover is provided with two buckles at intervals on the side facing the outer tube. The two buckles and the two slots are sealed and engaged in a one-to-one correspondence.

10. The weatherable precision photothermal pushrod of claim 1, wherein, A connector is fixedly connected to the top of the protruding end of the inner tube. The connector is located outside the outer tube. A self-aligning ball bearing is provided in the connection hole of the connector. The gap between the self-aligning ball bearing and the connector is filled with injection molding compound. The self-aligning ball bearing is connected to the connector through injection molding. The injection molding compound is arranged in a circle around the middle of the self-aligning ball bearing and extends outward to one end face of the connector at its two corresponding ends.

Images