A z-axis lifting device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a Z-axis lifting device, including a Z-axis support base, a lifting platform, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a position detection mechanism. The Z-axis support base has a Z-axis assembly box. The drive mechanism includes a motor and is located inside or outside the assembly box. The transmission mechanism includes a pulley driven by the motor, a belt meshing with it, a lead screw nut, and a lead screw coaxially connected to the pulley. The lifting platform is connected to the lead screw via the lead screw nut, converting rotational motion into Z-axis linear motion. The position detection mechanism is used to detect the travel of the lifting platform. The device also includes auxiliary structures such as an idler wheel, pulley clamp, slider, sensor plate, and sensor, which effectively tension the belt, ensure coaxiality, enhance motion stability, and achieve precise position control. This device adopts a highly integrated and modular design, with a compact structure, high precision, easy installation and debugging, and low maintenance costs. It is suitable for applications requiring precise Z-axis control, such as printing, precision testing, and automated assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of workpiece assembly technology, and in particular to a Z-axis lifting device for printing equipment, specifically applicable to occasions where precise control of lifting motion is required. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automation equipment, the Z-axis lifting device is a core component for realizing the vertical movement of parts, and its accuracy, size, and ease of maintenance directly affect the overall performance of the equipment. Existing technologies, traditional Z-axis lifting devices suffer from the following key problems:

[0003] Insufficient precision: Most of them use gear transmission or cylinder drive. The tooth backlash of gear transmission can easily lead to positioning errors (usually greater than 0.1mm). Cylinder drive is affected by air pressure fluctuations and cannot achieve micron-level stable control, making it difficult to meet the needs of precision scenarios such as 3D printing and semiconductor testing.

[0004] Loose structure: The drive mechanism (motor), transmission mechanism (gear / lead screw), and detection mechanism (limit switch) are installed separately in the main body of the equipment. The coaxiality and parallelism of each component need to be adjusted separately. The assembly time is as long as 4-6 hours per unit, and it occupies a large internal space (the volume usually exceeds 400mm×300mm×600mm).

[0005] Maintenance difficulties: The components are highly integrated with the main body of the equipment. When replacing a damaged lead screw or motor, it is necessary to disassemble multiple components such as the equipment shell and pipelines. The maintenance cycle exceeds 2 hours, which seriously affects the utilization rate of the equipment.

[0006] Higher cost: Distributed design requires additional auxiliary components such as motor brackets and guide rail mounting bases, with more than 25% more parts than integrated design, significantly increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated, modular, and high-precision Z-axis lifting device to solve the problems of the aforementioned traditional devices. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a Z-axis lifting device that is compact in structure, highly accurate in positioning, easy to install and maintain, and low in cost, thereby solving the problems of low accuracy, large size, and difficult maintenance of traditional devices.

[0009] The Z-axis lifting device provided by this utility model includes a Z-axis support base, a lifting platform, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a position detection mechanism. The Z-axis support base is equipped with a Z-axis assembly box. The drive mechanism includes a motor installed inside the Z-axis assembly box. The transmission mechanism includes a pulley driven by the motor, a belt meshing with the pulley, a lead screw nut, and a lead screw coaxially connected to the pulley. The lifting platform is connected to the lead screw nut, realizing the conversion of lead screw rotation into linear motion of the lifting platform in the Z-axis direction. The position detection mechanism is used to detect the travel position of the lifting platform.

[0010] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism also includes an idler wheel, which is adjustablely mounted in the Z-axis assembly box for tensioning the belt.

[0011] Furthermore, the pulley is fixedly installed in the Z-axis assembly box by a pulley clamp, which clamps and fixes the pulley and keeps it coaxially connected to the lead screw.

[0012] Furthermore, the position detection mechanism includes a Z-axis sensor plate installed on the lifting platform and a sensor installed on the Z-axis assembly box. The sensor and the Z-axis sensor plate cooperate to detect the preset position of the lifting platform.

[0013] Furthermore, the lifting platform is equipped with clamps or connecting holes for installing clamps, and the bottom of the lifting platform is also equipped with a slider, which cooperates with the linear guide rail to provide auxiliary support and guidance for the lifting platform in the Y-axis direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the Z-axis assembly box is equipped with a cover plate, and a belt pressure plate and a Y-axis belt clamp are provided on one side of the belt to regulate and fix the path of the belt in the Y-axis direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the motor is a stepper motor or a servo motor, and the entire Z-axis lifting device is installed on the main body of the equipment as an independent modular unit via a Z-axis support.

[0016] This invention achieves higher precision platform lifting control through optimized transmission structure and detection mechanism. The integrated design of sensors and other devices effectively reduces equipment cost, size, and assembly difficulty. This device can work closely with equipment nozzles, through-jet printers, and other components to improve printing quality. It is also easy to debug and maintain, solving problems such as dimensional deviations and angular offsets. Replacement only requires disassembling individual modules, achieving modular assembly and simplifying the assembly process. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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.

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 An exploded view diagram provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 A descent diagram provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the upward movement provided for an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] The following are the labeling elements in the figure:

[0023] 1. Lifting platform; 2. Clamp; 3. Lead screw; 4. Z-axis sensor plate; 5. Z-axis support base; 6. Y-axis belt clamp; 7. Belt pressure plate; 8. Cover plate; 11. Slider; 12. Z-axis assembly box; 13. Pulley; 14. Pulley clamp; 15. Lead screw nut; 16. Sensor; 17. Motor; 18. Belt; 19. Idler pulley.

[0024] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of the present invention, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] To make the technical solution and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] This invention provides a Z-axis lifting device, mainly used in printing equipment to achieve precise vertical lifting and lowering of the printhead or platform. The device adopts a modular design, integrating drive, transmission, and detection functions into a compact unit. It connects to the main body of the equipment via a Z-axis support, enabling rapid installation, debugging, and maintenance.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 4 The Z-axis lifting device mainly includes a Z-axis support base 5, a Z-axis assembly box 12, a lifting platform 1, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a position detection mechanism, and several auxiliary structures.

[0029] The Z-axis support 5 serves as the mounting base for the entire device, used to fix it to the main body of the equipment. It is typically made of aluminum alloy or steel, providing good rigidity and stability. It has mounting holes, allowing direct bolt fixation to the Y-axis moving parts or frame of the main body of the equipment. The upper part of the support 5 is connected to the Z-axis assembly box 12 with screws, ensuring the rigidity and precision of the overall structure.

[0030] The Z-axis assembly box 12 is the core component of the entire device. It is a sealed or semi-sealed box structure that integrates multiple functional units. Its material is typically aluminum alloy, which is both lightweight and possesses sufficient strength. The assembly box contains a motor mounting position, a pulley clamp mounting slot, an idler gear adjustment slot, and sensor mounting holes. The motor mounting position is used to fix the motor 17, and the motor output shaft is connected to the pulley 13 via a keyway or set screw. The pulley clamp mounting slot is used to install the pulley clamp 14, which is secured with screws to fix the pulley 13 in a preset position and ensure that it is coaxial with the lead screw 3. The idler gear adjustment slot allows the idler gear 19 to be mounted inside the assembly box via an adjustable bracket. The user can change the position of the idler gear by adjusting the screws, thereby tightening or loosening the belt 18. The sensor mounting holes are used to install the sensor 16, typically a photoelectric sensor or a Hall sensor, used to detect the position of the lifting platform 1. The cover plate 8 is fixed to the side of the assembly box with screws, facilitating the maintenance and adjustment of the internal structure. In this embodiment, the motor 17 is installed above the Z-axis assembly box 12, driving the four lead screws 3 to rise and fall.

[0031] The drive mechanism consists of a motor 17, preferably a stepper motor or a servo motor, due to its high precision, high response speed, and good position control capabilities. The motor 17 is directly mounted on the Z-axis assembly box 12 via a flange or bracket, and its output shaft is connected to the pulley 13. The motor control signal is provided by the equipment's main control system, enabling precise start / stop, speed adjustment, and position control.

[0032] The transmission mechanism is the key component that converts the rotary motion of the motor into the linear motion of the lifting platform 1. It mainly includes a pulley 13, a belt 18, a lead screw 3, a lead screw nut 15, and an idler pulley 19. The pulley 13 is coaxially mounted with the motor output shaft and secured by a key or set screw. The belt 18 is typically a synchronous belt, meshing with the pulley 13 to transmit power. The lead screw 3 is connected to the pulley 13 via a coupling or directly coaxially, rotating with the pulley. The lead screw nut 15 is fixed to the lifting platform 1, converting the rotary motion of the lead screw 3 into the linear motion of the platform 1. The idler pulley 19 is used to tension the belt 18, preventing slippage or tooth skipping, and ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the transmission.

[0033] The lifting platform 1 is the part that directly supports the nozzle, clamp 2, or other actuators. Its upper part has multiple threaded holes or T-slots for mounting the clamp 2 or other functional modules. A lead screw nut 15 is fixed to the bottom of the platform with screws, cooperating with the lead screw 3 to achieve lifting movement. In addition, a slider 11 is installed at the bottom of the platform, cooperating with the Y-axis linear guide rail on the main body of the equipment.

[0034] The position detection mechanism consists of a Z-axis sensor plate 4 and a sensor 16. The sensor plate 4 is typically a metal plate or a reflective sheet, and is mounted on the lifting platform 1. The sensor 16 is fixed on the Z-axis assembly box 12. When the platform moves to a preset position, the sensor plate 4 enters the sensing area, triggering a signal feedback to the control system, thereby achieving precise position control or limit protection.

[0035] The auxiliary structure includes a slider 11, a clamp 2, a pulley clamp 14, a belt pressure plate 7, a Y-axis belt clamp 6, and a cover plate 8. The slider 11 is typically a linear guide slider, which works with the guide rails on the main body of the equipment to enhance the stability and motion accuracy of the platform. The clamp 2 can be replaced with different types of clamps according to actual needs, suitable for various operating scenarios. The pulley clamp 14 is used to clamp the pulley 13, ensuring it is coaxial with the lead screw 3, avoiding vibration and noise caused by eccentricity. The belt pressure plate 7 and the Y-axis belt clamp 6 are used to regulate the path of the belt 18, preventing the belt from falling off or shifting. The cover plate 8 protects the internal structure, preventing dust and impact, and also facilitates maintenance.

[0036] The working principle of the Z-axis lifting device of this utility model is as follows: The motor 17 receives a control signal and starts to rotate, driving the pulley 13 to rotate; the pulley 13 transmits power to the pulley coaxial with the lead screw 3 through the belt 18; the four lead screws 3 rotate accordingly, and the rotational motion is converted into the linear motion of the lifting platform 1 through the lead screw nut 15; the platform 1 rises or falls along the Z-axis direction, and the slider 11 cooperates with the guide rail to ensure smooth movement; when the platform moves to the preset position, the Z-axis sensor plate 4 triggers the sensor 16, and the control system can stop the motor or execute the next action after receiving the signal, thereby realizing high-precision position control.

[0037] This device, through its highly integrated and modular design, significantly reduces the number of parts and assembly time, lowering manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty. Simultaneously, its compact structure makes it easy to install in space-constrained equipment, suitable for applications requiring high precision, such as 3D printing, precision testing, and automated assembly. This invention truly achieves the goals of high precision, easy installation, convenient maintenance, and low cost for Z-axis lifting devices, possessing broad application prospects and practical value.

[0038] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the foregoing claims.

[0039] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations. The terms "upper end," "lower end," "left side," "right side," "front end," "rear end," and similar expressions used herein refer to the positional relationship with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A Z-axis lifting device, characterized in that, include: Z-axis support (5), lifting platform (1), drive mechanism, transmission mechanism and position detection mechanism; The Z-axis support base (5) is provided with a Z-axis assembly box (12); The drive mechanism includes a motor (17) mounted on the Z-axis assembly box (12); The transmission mechanism includes a pulley (13) driven by the motor (17), a belt (18) meshing with the pulley (13), a lead screw nut (15), and a lead screw (3) coaxially connected to the pulley (13) and rotating therewith; The lifting platform (1) is connected to the lead screw (3) through the lead screw nut (15), so that the rotation of the lead screw (3) is converted into the linear motion of the lifting platform (1) in the Z-axis direction; The position detection mechanism is used to detect the travel position of the lifting platform (1).

2. The Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism also includes an idler wheel (19), which is adjustablely installed in the Z-axis assembly box (12) for tensioning the belt (18).

3. The Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pulley (13) is fixedly installed in the Z-axis assembly box (12) by the pulley clamp (14). The pulley clamp (14) clamps and fixes the pulley (13) and keeps it coaxially connected to the lead screw (3).

4. The Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position detection mechanism includes a Z-axis sensor plate (4) installed on the lifting platform (1) and a sensor (16) installed on the Z-axis assembly box (12). The sensor (16) cooperates with the Z-axis sensor plate (4) to detect the preset position of the lifting platform (1).

5. A Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting platform (1) is provided with a clamp (2) or a connection hole for installing the clamp. The bottom of the lifting platform (1) is also provided with a slider (11). The slider (11) cooperates with the linear guide rail to provide auxiliary support and guidance for the lifting platform (1).

6. A Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-axis assembly box (12) is equipped with a cover plate (8), and a belt pressure plate (7) and a Y-axis belt clamp (6) are provided on one side of the belt (18) for regulating and fixing the belt path.

7. A Z-axis lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor (17) is a stepper motor or a servo motor. The entire Z-axis lifting device is installed on the main body of the equipment as an independent modular unit through the Z-axis support (5).

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