Linear actuator

Abstract

This utility model discloses a linear actuator, which has a drive assembly, a connecting assembly, an output shaft, and a guide assembly arranged in its housing. The connecting assembly is movably installed in the housing and connected to the drive assembly. The output shaft is installed in the connecting assembly. The output shaft and the connecting assembly can be driven by the drive assembly to move back and forth in a straight line. At the same time, the guide assembly is installed in the housing and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting assembly. During the movement of the connecting assembly, the guide assembly extends into the connecting assembly at least partially along the moving direction of the connecting assembly, thereby reducing the space occupied by the guide assembly and the connecting assembly as a whole, and reducing the overall volume of the linear actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drive equipment, and in particular to a linear actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Linear actuators are power-driven devices widely used in automated manufacturing processes such as semiconductor chip processing, electronic equipment manufacturing, and machining. Existing linear actuators typically include a sliding component between the outer surface of the connecting assembly and the inner wall of the housing. Different arrangements of the sliding component and the connecting assembly can result in a larger size for the linear actuator. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a linear actuator is provided, comprising a housing, a drive assembly, a connecting assembly, an output shaft, and a guide assembly; wherein, the drive assembly is installed inside the housing; the connecting assembly is movably installed inside the housing and connected to the drive assembly, and the connecting assembly can be driven by the drive assembly to reciprocate along a straight line; the output shaft is installed on the connecting assembly, and the output shaft can reciprocate along a straight line under the drive of the connecting assembly; the guide assembly is installed on the housing and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting assembly, and the guide assembly extends at least partially into the connecting assembly along the moving direction of the connecting assembly during the movement of the connecting assembly.

[0004] Preferably, the guiding assembly includes a guide shaft mounted on the housing and extending along the moving direction of the connecting assembly. A sliding hole is provided within the connecting assembly, and the guide shaft, during the movement of the connecting assembly, extends at least partially into the sliding hole along the moving direction of the connecting assembly. This nested design of the guide shaft and the connecting assembly reduces the overall thickness of both components, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the linear actuator.

[0005] Preferably, the guide assembly further includes a first guide member that slides with the guide shaft, the first guide member being disposed within the sliding hole.

[0006] Preferably, the first guide is located between the output shaft and the drive assembly in the radial direction of the output shaft, thereby reducing the lateral width of the connecting assembly and the guide assembly, and thus reducing the overall width of the linear actuator.

[0007] Preferably, the first guide is located at one end of the connecting assembly where the output shaft is mounted, thereby providing space for the installation and movement of the electrical connection structure at the end of the connecting assembly opposite to the output shaft.

[0008] Preferably, the guide assembly further includes a second guide member, which is mounted on the housing and slidably engages with the output shaft. The cooperation of the first guide member and the second guide member improves the accuracy and stability of the guidance.

[0009] Preferably, the linear actuator further includes a displacement detection assembly, which includes a detection element and a measured element, one of which is mounted on the connection assembly, and the other of which is mounted on the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the end of the connecting component away from the output shaft has a protruding extension, the top surface of the extension has a recessed receiving groove, the test piece is installed in the receiving groove, and the detection piece is installed in the housing and located above the test piece, which is beneficial for a compact structure and reduced overall thickness, while saving material for the connecting component.

[0011] Preferably, the measured component is a magnetic scale, the detection component is a magnetic braided plate, the magnetic scale is installed on the connecting assembly, and the magnetic braided plate is installed on the housing and arranged vertically. The displacement detection of the connecting assembly is achieved through the cooperation of the two, and the position setting of the two makes the structure compact and facilitates circuit connection.

[0012] Preferably, the linear actuator further includes a position detection component, which includes a sensor and a sensed element, one of which is mounted on the connection component and the other of which is mounted on the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the extension has a receiving hole on the side wall adjacent to the housing, the sensing element is received in the receiving hole, and the sensing element is mounted on the side wall of the housing and arranged at left and right intervals with the sensing element, which is beneficial to the compact structure and the reduction of the overall width, while saving the material of the connecting components.

[0014] Preferably, the sensed element is a sensing magnet, and the sensing element is a Hall element. The sensing magnet is installed at the end of the connecting assembly away from the output shaft, and the Hall element is installed in the housing and arranged at left and right intervals with the sensing magnet. The starting position of the connecting assembly is determined by the cooperation of the two, and the position setting of the two makes the structure compact and facilitates circuit connection.

[0015] Preferably, a wire channel is recessed on the side of the extension away from the receiving hole, and a pressure plate is detachably connected above the wire channel. The wire channel and the pressure plate cooperate to accommodate the wire for connection with the drive assembly, which is beneficial for a compact structure and reduced overall thickness.

[0016] Preferably, the linear actuator further includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board is mounted on the connection assembly and adjacent to the drive assembly, and the second circuit board is mounted on the housing. The first circuit board is electrically connected to the drive assembly and the second circuit board, respectively. The second circuit board is used for electrical connection with the outside. The arrangement of the two circuit boards is conducive to a compact structure and a reduction in overall thickness.

[0017] Preferably, a clearance hole is provided through one side wall of the housing. The clearance hole is used to install an air passage adapter connected to the connecting assembly. The air passage adapter is directly connected to the interior of the output shaft, or the air passage adapter is connected to the interior of the output shaft through the connecting assembly.

[0018] Preferably, an anti-collision member is also installed between the connecting component and the housing. The anti-collision member has an elastic structure and is used to limit the connection component.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, since the linear actuator of this utility model has a guide component installed in the housing and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting component, and the guide component extends into the connecting component at least partially along the moving direction of the connecting component to guide the connecting component, the guide component and connecting component of this application can reduce the space occupied compared with the traditional combination of slider and rail, thus reducing the overall volume of the linear actuator. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the linear actuator of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the component under test and the second circuit board after removal.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A structural diagram from another angle.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connecting components and output shaft in the diagram.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A sectional view.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Another sectional view.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar element reference numerals represent similar elements. It should be noted that the directional descriptions involved in the present invention, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the technical solutions of this application or / and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "first," "second," etc., described are only used to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the sequential relationship of the indicated technical features.

[0031] First combine Figures 1-10 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the provided linear actuator 100 includes a housing 110, a drive assembly 120, a connecting assembly 130, an output shaft 140, and a guide assembly 150. The drive assembly 120 is installed within the housing 110. The connecting assembly 130 is movably installed within the housing 110 and connected to the drive assembly 120, and the connecting assembly 130 can be driven by the drive assembly 120 to reciprocate linearly. The output shaft 140 is installed on the connecting assembly 130, and one end of the output shaft 140 away from the connecting assembly 130 extends outside the housing 110, and the output shaft 140 can reciprocate linearly under the drive of the connecting assembly 130. The guide assembly 150 is installed on the housing 110 and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130. During the movement of the connecting assembly 130, the guide assembly 150 extends at least partially into the connecting assembly 130 along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130, and the guide assembly 150 guides the movement of the connecting assembly 130. In this application, the space occupied by the guide component 150 and the connecting component 130 is reduced by the nested design of the guide component 150 and the connecting component 130, thereby reducing the overall volume of the linear actuator 100.

[0032] Preferably, the drive assembly 120 is a linear motor, and the mover of the linear motor is connected to one side of the connecting assembly 130. When the linear motor drives its mover to move, it drives the connecting assembly 130 to reciprocate along a straight line. Understandably, the drive assembly 120 may use other drive components.

[0033] The following is combined with Figure 2-4 , Figure 7-8 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the guide assembly 150 includes a guide shaft 151 and a first guide member 152. The first guide member 152 is disposed inside the connecting assembly 130. The guide shaft 151 is mounted on the housing 110 and extends along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130. During the movement of the connecting assembly 130, the guide shaft 151 extends at least partially into the first guide member 152 along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130, and the guide shaft 151 and the first guide member 152 are in sliding engagement. Through the nested design of the guide shaft 151 and the first guide member 152, not only is the connecting assembly 130 guided, but the overall volume of the guide assembly 150 and the connecting assembly 130 is also reduced, thereby reducing the overall volume of the linear actuator 100. Specifically, as... Figure 7-8 As shown, the first guide member 152 is a linear bearing, but is not limited to this.

[0034] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 7-8 As shown, in one specific embodiment, a sliding hole 131 is provided in the connecting assembly 130. The sliding hole 131 is located at the front end of the connecting assembly 130, that is, at one end of the mounting output shaft 140 of the connecting assembly 130. A first guide member 152 is installed in the sliding hole 131, and a guide shaft 151 is installed at one end of the mounting output shaft 140 of the housing 110, with the guide shaft 151 at least partially extending into the first guide member 152 and slidingly engaging with the first guide member 152. Through the relative sliding of the first guide member 152 and the guide shaft 151, the connecting assembly 130 moves linearly along the guide shaft 151. This structural arrangement, with the positions of the first guide member 152 and the guide shaft 151, leaves space for the installation and movement of the electrical connection structure at the rear end of the connecting assembly 130, that is, leaving space for the installation and movement of the electrical connection structure at the end of the connecting assembly 130 away from the output shaft 140.

[0035] Combination Figure 2-4As shown, in this specific embodiment, in the radial direction of the output shaft 140, the guide shaft 151 and the first guide member 152 are located between the output shaft 140 and the drive assembly 120. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the connecting assembly 130, the slidingly engaged guide shaft 151 and the first guide member 152 are located between the drive assembly 120 and the output shaft 140. This positioning reduces the lateral width of the connecting assembly 130 and the guide assembly 150, thereby reducing the overall width of the linear actuator 100.

[0036] The following is combined with Figure 2-4 , Figure 9-10 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the guide assembly 150 further includes a second guide member 153, which is mounted on the housing 110 and slidably engaged with the output shaft 140. Furthermore, the first guide member 152 and the second guide member 153 are arranged at intervals in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130. In other words, the first guide member 152 and the second guide member 153 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the connecting assembly 130. The intervald cooperation of the first guide member 152 and the second guide member 153 not only improves the accuracy and stability of the guidance but also further reduces the space occupied by the guide assembly 150 in the width direction, thereby further reducing the overall width of the linear actuator 100. Specifically, as... Figure 9-10 As shown, the second guide member 153 is a linear bearing, but is not limited to this.

[0037] The following is combined with Figures 2-4 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the linear actuator 100 further includes a displacement detection component 160 for accurately detecting the displacement of the connecting component 130. Specifically, the displacement detection component 160 includes a detection element 161 and a measured element 162. One of the detection element 161 and the measured element 162 is installed in the connecting component 130, and the other of the detection element 161 and the measured element 162 is installed in the housing 110. The detection element 161 and the measured element 162 are arranged vertically to reduce the space occupied in the thickness direction, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the linear actuator 100.

[0038] Continue reading Figure 2In a preferred embodiment, the detection element 161 is a magnetic braided plate, and the measured element 162 is a magnetic scale. The magnetic scale is mounted on the connecting assembly 130, specifically at the end of the connecting assembly 130 furthest from the output shaft 140, or at the tail end of the connecting assembly 130. The magnetic braided plate is mounted on the housing 110 and arranged vertically above the magnetic scale, with the magnetic braided plate positioned above the magnetic scale. As the magnetic scale moves with the connecting assembly 130, the magnetic braided plate reads the data from the magnetic scale, thereby detecting the displacement of the connecting assembly 130. The vertically aligned positions of the two elements result in a compact structure, facilitate circuit connection, and reduce the overall thickness of the linear actuator 100.

[0039] Understandably, the detection component 161 and the measured component 162 are not limited to magnetic braided plates and magnetic scales. It is equally feasible to use other detection components to detect the displacement of the connecting assembly 130.

[0040] The following is combined with Figures 3-5 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the linear actuator 100 further includes a position detection component 170, used to determine the starting position of the connecting component 130, that is, to zero out the moving position of the connecting component 130. Specifically, the position detection component 170 includes a sensing element 171 and a sensed element 172. One of the sensing element 171 and the sensed element 172 is mounted on the connecting component 130, and the other of the sensing element 171 and the sensed element 172 is mounted on the housing 110. Furthermore, the sensing element 171 and the sensed element 172 are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the linear actuator 100, thereby making the structure compact and reducing the overall width of the linear actuator 100.

[0041] Combination Figures 4-5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the sensing element 171 is a Hall element, and the sensed element 172 is a sensing magnet. The sensing magnet is mounted at the end of the connecting assembly 130 away from the output shaft 140, i.e., at the tail end of the connecting assembly 130. The Hall element is mounted on the housing 110 and is spaced apart from the sensing magnet along the width direction of the linear actuator 100. The cooperation of the two determines the starting position of the connecting assembly 130, and the positioning of the two makes the structure compact, facilitates circuit connection, and reduces the overall width of the linear actuator 100.

[0042] Understandably, the sensing element 171 and the sensed element 172 are not limited to Hall elements and sensing magnets. It is equally feasible to use other detection components to detect and determine the starting position of the connection assembly 130.

[0043] The following is combined with Figures 1-6As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, an extension portion 132 protrudes from one end of the connecting assembly 130 away from the output shaft 140, and a receiving groove 133 is recessed on the top surface of the extension portion 132. Furthermore, a receiving hole 134 is provided on the side wall of the extension portion 132 adjacent to the housing 110. When installing the displacement detection assembly 160 and the position detection assembly 170, the measured element 162 of the displacement detection assembly 160 is installed in the receiving groove 133, and the measured element 162 extends along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130. A detection element 161 is installed on the housing 110 and positioned above the measured element 162. Simultaneously, the sensed element 172 of the position detection assembly 170 is accommodated in the receiving hole 134, and the sensing element 171 is installed on the side wall of the housing 110 and spaced apart from the sensed element 172. This structural arrangement of the connecting component 130 helps to save materials, while the installation method of the displacement detection component 160 and the position detection component 170 helps to make the structure compact and reduce the overall thickness and width of the linear actuator 100.

[0044] Continue to combine Figures 1-6 As shown, in this embodiment, a wire channel 135 is recessed on the side of the extension 132 away from the receiving hole 134. The wire channel 135 extends along the moving direction of the connecting assembly 130 and communicates with the aforementioned receiving groove 133. In addition, a wire pressure plate 136 can be detachably connected above the wire channel 135. The wire channel 135 and the wire pressure plate 136 cooperate to accommodate the wires used for connecting with the drive assembly 120, which is beneficial for a compact structure and reduced overall thickness.

[0045] The following is combined with Figures 2-3 As shown, a shock absorber 113 is also installed between the connecting assembly 130 and the housing 110. The shock absorber 113 has an elastic structure and is used to limit the connection assembly 130. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 113 is installed at the end of the housing 110 where the output shaft 140 is installed. The shock absorber 113 has a columnar structure, is embedded in the inner wall of the housing 110 and protrudes from the inner wall of the housing 110, and can abut against the end of the connecting assembly 130 where the output shaft 140 is installed, thereby limiting the connection assembly 130. Of course, it is also feasible to also provide a shock absorber 113 between the end of the connecting assembly 130 away from the output shaft 140 and the housing 110 or other components.

[0046] Combined again Figure 2-4 , Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, the linear actuator 100 further includes a first circuit board 180 and a second circuit board 190. The first circuit board 180 is mounted on the connecting assembly 130 and adjacent to the driving assembly 120. Specifically, the first circuit board 180 is mounted on the side wall of the tail end of the extension 132, and is arranged perpendicular to the top and bottom plates of the housing 110. This minimizes the space occupied by the first circuit board 180 in the width direction of the housing 110, further reducing the overall width of the linear actuator 100. The second circuit board 190 is mounted on the top or bottom plate of the housing 110, and is located at the end away from the output shaft 140. The second circuit board 190 is parallel to the top and bottom plates of the housing 110, thus occupying less space in the thickness direction. The first circuit board 180 is electrically connected to both the driving assembly 120 and the second circuit board 190, and the second circuit board 190 is used for external electrical connections. The arrangement of the two circuit boards in this embodiment facilitates a compact structure and reduces the overall thickness and width.

[0047] Combined again Figures 1-4 As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, a clearance hole 111 is provided through one side wall of the housing 110. The clearance hole 111 is used to install and connect the air passage adapter 112 connected to the connecting assembly 130. The other end of the air passage adapter 112 protrudes outside the housing 110. Furthermore, an air passage is provided inside the connecting assembly 130, one end of which is connected to the air passage adapter 112 and the other end of which is connected to the output shaft 140, thereby allowing the air passage adapter 112 to connect to the interior of the output shaft 140 through the connecting assembly 130.

[0048] Understandably, the connection method between the air path adapter 112 and the output shaft 140 is not limited to that in this embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the air path adapter 112 may be directly connected to the interior of the output shaft 140 without affecting its function.

[0049] Combined again Figures 1-10 As shown, in use, the linear actuator 100 of this invention drives the connecting assembly 130 to reciprocate along a straight line via the drive assembly 120, thereby causing the output shaft 140 to reciprocate along a straight line. During the movement of the connecting assembly 130, the sliding engagement of the guide shaft 151 and the first guide member 152 of the guide assembly 150, as well as the sliding engagement of the second guide member 153 and the output shaft 140, achieves precise guidance of the connecting assembly 130 and improves the stability of the guidance.

[0050] During the movement of the output shaft 140 driven by the connecting assembly 130, the measured element 162 (magnetic scale) of the displacement detection assembly 160 and the sensed element 172 (inductive magnet) of the position detection assembly 170 both move synchronously with the connecting assembly 130. The moving measured element 162 (magnetic scale) cooperates with the detection element 161 (magnetic braiding plate), and the detection element 161 (magnetic braiding plate) reads the measured element 162 (magnetic scale) to accurately detect the displacement of the connecting assembly 130. The sensed element 172 (inductive magnet) cooperates with the sensing element 171 (Hall element) to determine the starting position of the connecting assembly 130.

[0051] In summary, the linear actuator 100 of this utility model has a guide component 150 installed on the housing 110 and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting component 130. During the movement of the connecting component 130, the guide component 150 extends into the connecting component 130 at least partially along the moving direction of the connecting component 130 to guide the connecting component 130. Therefore, compared with the traditional combination of slider and track, the guide component 150 and the connecting component 130 of this application can not only reduce the space occupied in the thickness direction, thus reducing the overall thickness of the linear actuator 100, but also reduce the space occupied in the width direction, thus reducing the overall width of the linear actuator 100, thereby reducing the overall volume of the linear actuator 100.

[0052] The structures of the other parts of the linear actuator 100 involved in this application are conventional structures well known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail.

[0053] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the scope of the present utility model application shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A linear actuator, characterized by include: case; The drive assembly is installed inside the housing; A connecting component is movably installed within the housing and connected to the driving component, the connecting component being driven by the driving component to reciprocate along a straight line; An output shaft is mounted on the connecting assembly, and the output shaft can reciprocate along a straight line under the drive of the connecting assembly; A guide assembly is mounted on the housing and arranged along the moving direction of the connecting assembly. During the movement of the connecting assembly, the guide assembly extends at least partially into the connecting assembly along the moving direction of the connecting assembly.

2. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The guiding assembly includes a guide shaft, which is mounted on the housing and extends along the moving direction of the connecting assembly. A sliding hole is provided in the connecting assembly, and the guide shaft extends into the sliding hole at least partially along the moving direction of the connecting assembly during the movement of the connecting assembly.

3. The linear actuator of claim 2, wherein, The guide assembly further includes a first guide member that slides with the guide shaft. The first guide member is disposed in the sliding hole and is located between the output shaft and the drive assembly along the radial direction of the output shaft.

4. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, The guide assembly further includes a second guide member, which is mounted on the housing and slides in cooperation with the output shaft.

5. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a displacement detection component, which includes a detection element and a measured element. One of the detection element and the measured element is installed in the connection component, and the other of the detection element and the measured element is installed in the housing.

6. The linear actuator of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a position detection component, which includes a sensor and a sensed component, one of which is mounted on the connection component and the other of which is mounted on the housing.

7. The linear actuator of claim 5, wherein, The connecting component has an extension protruding at one end away from the output shaft. The top surface of the extension has a receiving groove. The test piece is installed in the receiving groove, and the detection piece is installed on the housing and located above the test piece.

8. The linear actuator of claim 6, wherein, The connecting assembly has an extension protruding at one end away from the output shaft. The side wall of the extension adjacent to the housing has a receiving hole. The sensing element is housed in the receiving hole and is mounted on the side wall of the housing. A wire channel is recessed on the side of the extension away from the receiving hole. A pressure plate is detachably connected above the wire channel. The wire channel and the pressure plate cooperate to accommodate the wire for connection with the drive assembly.

9. Linear actuator according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that It also includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board is mounted on the connection assembly and adjacent to the drive assembly. The second circuit board is mounted on the housing. The first circuit board is electrically connected to the drive assembly and the second circuit board respectively. The second circuit board is used for electrical connection with the outside.

10. Linear actuator according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that A clearance hole is provided through one side wall of the housing for installing an air passage adapter connected to the connecting assembly; the air passage adapter is directly connected to the interior of the output shaft, or the air passage adapter is connected to the interior of the output shaft through the connecting assembly.

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