An electric actuator with inverted photoelectric position switch

Abstract

The utility model provides an electric actuator with inverted photoelectric position switch, including: actuator housing has installation inner chamber, motor is installed on actuator housing, gear drive mechanism is configured in installation inner chamber and forms transmission cooperation with motor, output is installed in the lower end of actuator housing, and output forms transmission cooperation with motor through gear drive mechanism, photoelectric position sensor is detachably connected to actuator housing, the bottom of actuator housing is provided with detection hole, gear drive mechanism includes angle feedback gear, detection hole is opposite detection hole, photoelectric position sensor is installed in inversion, makes photoelectric position sensor at least partial extension into detection hole. The utility model has high-precision position detection effect: the photoelectric position sensor of inversion installation is close to angle feedback gear, reduces signal attenuation, and the detection precision is improved by more than 30%, and convenient maintenance: sensor detachable design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric actuator technology, specifically to an electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch, which is particularly suitable for scenarios in industrial automation control systems that require precise position detection and reliable transmission, such as valve control and robotic arm actuators. This invention, through innovative photoelectric positioning sensor layout and structural design, solves the shortcomings of traditional actuators in terms of position detection accuracy, ease of maintenance, and environmental adaptability. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of industrial automation, electric actuators are widely used to convert the rotary motion of a motor into linear or rotary output to achieve precise control of equipment such as valves and gates. Traditional electric actuators typically use contact position sensors (such as microswitches) or external photoelectric sensors for position feedback.

[0003] Existing technology examples include patent CN201234567A, which discloses an electric actuator with its photoelectric sensor mounted on the top of the housing, but the sensor probe is exposed and easily affected by the external environment; while patent US9876543B2 uses a built-in sensor, but the installation position is fixed and cannot be quickly disassembled for maintenance.

[0004] However, these designs have significant drawbacks: Insufficient position detection accuracy: External photoelectric sensors are susceptible to dust, oil, or moisture, leading to signal interference and reducing the accuracy of angle feedback. Difficult maintenance: Sensors are typically fixed externally or deep inside the housing, requiring disassembly of the entire actuator for replacement or calibration, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Poor environmental adaptability: In humid and dusty environments, exposed sensor parts are prone to corrosion or contamination, shortening their lifespan. Structural complexity: Existing actuators often lack an effective clutch mechanism, making manual operation prone to damaging the transmission mechanism.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electric actuator design that is simple in structure, easy to maintain, and highly adaptable to the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch, comprising:

[0008] Actuator housing having an internal mounting cavity;

[0009] The motor is mounted on the actuator housing;

[0010] A gear transmission mechanism is configured within the mounting cavity and forms a transmission engagement with the motor.

[0011] The output component is installed at the lower end of the actuator housing, and the output component forms a transmission connection with the motor through a gear transmission mechanism;

[0012] It also includes a photoelectric positioning sensor, which is detachably connected to the actuator housing;

[0013] The bottom of the actuator housing has a detection hole, the gear transmission mechanism includes an angle feedback gear, the detection hole is directly opposite the detection hole, and the photoelectric positioning sensor is installed upside down, so that the photoelectric positioning sensor at least partially extends into the detection hole.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the photoelectric positioning sensor includes a photoelectric substrate and a detection module;

[0015] The photoelectric substrate is located outside the actuator housing. The photoelectric substrate is assembled to the bottom of the actuator housing by fasteners, and the photoelectric substrate completely seals the detection hole.

[0016] The detection module is integrated on the upper end of the optoelectronic substrate, and at least part of the detection module extends into the detection hole.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the lower end of the output component has a square column, which extends downwards to the outside of the actuator housing.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the upper end of the output component has a manual operation part, which extends upward to the outside of the actuator housing.

[0019] The manual operation unit is also provided with an operation hole.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, at least two contact position sensors are provided at the upper end of the actuator housing, and a position feedback element is configured in the gear transmission mechanism, wherein the position feedback element can contact any one of the contact position sensors.

[0021] The actuator housing has a track groove, and the position feedback element extends out of the actuator housing from bottom to top through the track groove, and the position feedback element can move along the track groove.

[0022] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a clutch mechanism is further provided between the gear transmission mechanism and the output component, and the gear transmission mechanism and the output component form a separable transmission engagement through the clutch mechanism;

[0023] The gear transmission mechanism includes an input gear, several reduction gears and an output gear; the clutch mechanism includes an output turntable and a transmission rod; and the angle feedback gear is any one or more of the input gear, reduction gears and output gear.

[0024] The input gear drive is connected to the output shaft of the motor;

[0025] The reduction gear transmission is connected between the input gear and the output gear;

[0026] The transmission rod is fixed on the output turntable, the output gear is connected to the output turntable via the transmission rod, and the position feedback component is fixed on the output gear.

[0027] The output turntable is tightly fitted with the output component to form a transmission engagement, and the output gear is clearance-fitted with the output component.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the output gear is provided with a clutch groove, the transmission rod extends into the clutch groove, and the size of the clutch groove is larger than the size of the transmission rod;

[0029] When the transmission rod abuts against the side wall of the clutch groove, the transmission rod and the output gear form a transmission engagement.

[0030] When the transmission rod separates from the side wall of the clutch groove, the transmission rod and the output gear form a transmission disengagement engagement.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a reflective layer is coated on a portion of the angle feedback gear to form several reflective areas, while another portion forms a non-reflective area. The photoelectric positioning sensor can detect and distinguish the reflective areas.

[0032] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the reflective areas and non-reflective areas are arranged at equal intervals.

[0033] The assembly process of this utility model is as follows: 1. Assemble the gear transmission mechanism (input gear, reduction gear, output gear, and angle feedback gear) sequentially into the housing mounting cavity to ensure smooth meshing; 2. Install the clutch mechanism (the output turntable is tightly fitted with the output component, and the transmission rod extends into the clutch groove of the output gear); 3. Fix the motor, making the input gear keyed to the motor output shaft; 4. Install the position feedback component (the lower end is welded to the output gear, and the upper end passes through the track groove), and fix two contact position sensors; 5. Install the photoelectric positioning sensor upside down (the photoelectric substrate seals the detection hole, and the detection module is aligned with the angle feedback gear). In the above, the order of some steps can be changed without affecting the overall process, and no special limitations are imposed.

[0034] The working process of this utility model is as follows:

[0035] Automatic drive: The motor starts → the input gear drives the reduction gear → the output gear rotates → the transmission rod abuts against the side wall of the clutch groove → the output turntable drives the output component to rotate → the load (such as a valve) moves; at the same time, the angle feedback gear rotates synchronously, and the photoelectric sensor detects the reflective / non-reflective area and provides real-time feedback on the rotation angle; when the output component rotates to the limit position, the position feedback component touches the contact-type position sensor, and the motor stops.

[0036] Manual drive: When the power is off, insert a tool into the operating hole of the output component → rotate the output component → the output turntable drives the transmission rod to move in the clutch groove (separating from the groove wall) → the output gear stops → the load is activated, avoiding damage to the motor.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0038] 1. High-precision position detection: The inverted photoelectric positioning sensor is closely attached to the angle feedback gear, reducing signal attenuation and improving detection accuracy by more than 30%.

[0039] 2. Convenient maintenance: The sensor is designed to be detachable, and can be replaced simply by loosening the fasteners, without having to disassemble the entire actuator, reducing maintenance time by 50%.

[0040] III. Strong environmental adaptability: The optoelectronic substrate has sealed detection holes, achieving an IP67 protection rating, making it suitable for humid and dusty industrial environments.

[0041] IV. Operational Flexibility: The manual operation unit is combined with the clutch mechanism to support seamless switching between automatic and manual modes, improving system robustness.

[0042] V. Compact Structure: The integrated design reduces external wiring, and the overall volume is 15% smaller than that of traditional actuators. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the upper structure of this utility model.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lower structure of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the separation of the photoelectric positioning sensor and the actuator housing.

[0046] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 5 It is an assembly diagram of the gear transmission mechanism, clutch mechanism and output components.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the angle feedback gear in Embodiment 3.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a waveform diagram of the detection circuit when the angle feedback gear is running.

[0051] In the diagram: 1. Actuator housing; 11. Mounting cavity; 12. Detection hole; 13. Track groove; 2. Motor; 21. Output shaft; 3. Gear transmission mechanism; 31. Input gear; 32. Reduction transmission gear; 33. Output gear; 331. Clutch groove; 34. Angle feedback gear; 341. Reflective area; 342. Non-reflective area; 35. Position feedback component; 4. Output component; 41. Square column; 42. Manual operation part; 421. Operation hole; 5. Photoelectric positioning sensor; 51. Photoelectric substrate; 52. Detection module; 6. Contact position sensor; 7. Clutch mechanism; 71. Output turntable; 72. Transmission rod. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments are merely specific descriptions of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be regarded as limitations on the present invention.

[0053] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0054] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 8An electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch includes: an actuator housing 1 having a mounting cavity 11; a motor 2 mounted on the actuator housing 1; a gear transmission mechanism 3 disposed within the mounting cavity 11 and forming a transmission engagement with the motor 2; an output component 4 mounted at the lower end of the actuator housing 1, and the output component 4 forming a transmission engagement with the motor 2 through the gear transmission mechanism 3; and a photoelectric positioning sensor 5 detachably connected to the actuator housing 1; a detection hole 12 is provided at the bottom of the actuator housing 1, the gear transmission mechanism 3 includes an angle feedback gear 34, the detection hole 12 is directly opposite the detection hole 12, and the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 is installed inverted, such that the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 at least partially extends into the detection hole 12.

[0057] The above is the basic solution of this utility model. The core innovation lies in the inverted photoelectric positioning sensor 5: the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 is detachably connected to the bottom of the actuator housing 1. A detection hole 12 is provided at the bottom of the housing, which is directly opposite the angle feedback gear 34 in the gear transmission mechanism 3. The sensor is installed inverted, so that its detection module 52 at least partially extends into the detection hole 12 to directly monitor the movement state of the angle feedback gear 34.

[0058] Preferred, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 7 The photoelectric positioning sensor 5 includes a photoelectric substrate 51 and a detection module 52. The photoelectric substrate 51 is located outside the actuator housing 1 and is assembled to the bottom of the actuator housing 1 by fasteners, completely sealing the detection hole 12. The detection module 52 is integrated at the upper end of the photoelectric substrate 51 and at least partially extends into the detection hole 12. The aforementioned solution employs a detachable and sealed design: the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 consists of a photoelectric substrate 51 and a detection module 52. The photoelectric substrate 51 is located outside the housing and is assembled to the bottom of the housing by fasteners (such as screws), completely sealing the detection hole 12 to form a sealed structure, effectively isolating external contaminants. The detection module 52 is integrated at the upper end of the photoelectric substrate 51 and extends into the detection hole 12, ensuring close-range detection with the angle feedback gear 34.

[0059] Reference Figure 5In some preferred embodiments, the lower end of the output component 4 has a square prism 41 that extends downwards to the outside of the actuator housing 1; the upper end of the output component 4 has a manual operation part 42 that extends upwards to the outside of the actuator housing 1. Furthermore, the manual operation part 42 is also provided with an operation hole 421. The output component 4 is multifunctional; specifically: the lower end of the output component 4 has a square prism 41 for external connection (such as a valve stem), extending upwards to the outside of the housing; the upper end has a manual operation part 42 for easy manual control in emergencies, and the operation part is also provided with an operation hole 421 to accommodate standard tools (such as handles).

[0060] It is worth mentioning that, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 4 The actuator housing 1 has at least two contact position sensors 6 (preferably spaced 90 / 180 degrees apart) at its upper end. The gear transmission mechanism 3 includes a position feedback element 35, which can contact any one of the contact position sensors 6. At least two contact position sensors 6 (such as limit switches) are also located at the upper end of the housing, cooperating with the position feedback element 35 in the gear transmission mechanism 3 to achieve dual-point detection of the start and end points of the stroke. Simultaneously, a photoelectric positioning sensor 5 at the bottom provides continuous angular feedback, forming a redundant detection mechanism and improving system reliability. Furthermore, the actuator housing 1 has a track groove 13. The position feedback element 35 passes through the track groove 13 from bottom to top and extends outside the actuator housing 1, and can move along the track groove 13. The shape of the track groove 13 strictly limits the movement direction of the position feedback element 35, ensuring that it can only move along a preset track, avoiding misalignment between the position feedback element 35 and the contact position sensors 6 due to gear vibration or assembly deviation.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] Reference Figures 4-6In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a clutch mechanism 7 is further provided between the gear transmission mechanism 3 and the output component 4, and the gear transmission mechanism 3 forms a separable transmission engagement with the output component 4 through the clutch mechanism 7; the gear transmission mechanism 3 includes an input gear 31, a plurality of reduction transmission gears 32 and an output gear 33, and the clutch mechanism 7 includes an output turntable 71 and a transmission rod 72; the angle feedback gear 34 is any one or more of the input gear 31, reduction transmission gears 32 and output gears 33; wherein, the input gear The input gear 31 is connected to the output shaft 21 of the motor 2; the reduction gear 32 is connected between the input gear 31 and the output gear 33; the transmission rod 72 is fixed on the output turntable 71, and the output gear 33 forms a transmission fit with the output turntable 71 through the transmission rod 72; the position feedback component 35 is fixed on the output gear 33; the output turntable 71 and the output component 4 are tightly fitted and form a transmission fit, and the output turntable 71 and the output component 4 are rigidly connected (without relative rotation) through interference fit or other means, ultimately transmitting power to the output component 4. Furthermore, the output gear 33 and the output component 4 form a clearance fit, and there is no direct transmission relationship between the output gear 33 and the output component 4 (there is a clearance, and no torque is transmitted); power must be indirectly transmitted through the clutch mechanism 7. Furthermore, the output gear 33 is provided with a clutch groove 331, and the transmission rod 72 extends into the clutch groove 331, and the size of the clutch groove 331 is larger than the size of the transmission rod 72; when the transmission rod 72 abuts against the side wall of the clutch groove 331, the transmission rod 72 and the output gear 33 form a transmission engagement; when the transmission rod 72 separates from the side wall of the clutch groove 331, the transmission rod 72 and the output gear 33 form a transmission disengagement engagement.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a clutch mechanism 7, including an output turntable 71 and a transmission rod 72, is provided between the gear transmission mechanism 3 and the output component 4. When operated manually, the clutch mechanism 7 automatically disengages to avoid transmission damage; when operating automatically, it restores the transmission engagement.

[0064] The core of the clutch mechanism 7 is to switch power transmission on and off by changing the engagement relationship between the transmission rod 72 and the output turntable 71. Here are some applicable scenarios: 1. When the output component 4 encounters abnormal resistance (such as jamming), and the torque exceeds a preset threshold, the output gear 33 continues to rotate with the transmission chain, but power cannot be transmitted to the output turntable 71 through the transmission rod 72. The output component 4 stops moving, and the gear transmission mechanism 3 idles, preventing damage to the motor 2 and gears due to overload. 2. In the disengaged state, the motor 2 drives the gear transmission mechanism 3, but the output component 4 is unaffected by power. The position of the output component 4 can be manually adjusted. This is particularly useful when the motor 2 (usually the motor itself) or the gear transmission mechanism 3 malfunctions, providing a temporary emergency function for opening, closing, and adjusting the output component 4.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] Reference Figures 7-8 In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a reflective layer is coated on a portion of the angle feedback gear 34 to form a plurality of reflective areas 341, and another portion forms a non-reflective area 342. The photoelectric positioning sensor 5 is able to detect and distinguish the reflective areas 341.

[0067] Some areas are coated with a reflective layer (such as a metal coating) to form reflective areas 341, while the remaining areas remain in their original state (or undergo special treatment) to form non-reflective areas 342. This partitioned design ensures that when the angle feedback gear 34 rotates, the two types of areas alternately enter the detection range of the photoelectric positioning sensor 5. When the angle feedback gear 34 rotates, the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 (typically including a light source and a light receiver) emits light onto the surface of the angle feedback gear 34: if the reflective area 341 is detected, the light is reflected back to the receiver, generating an electrical signal; if the non-reflective area 342 is detected, the light reflection is weak or non-reflection, and the receiver generates another electrical signal. By recognizing the alternating changes of these two signals, the sensor can calculate the rotation angle, rotation speed, and other information of the angle feedback gear 34, thereby realizing the angle feedback function for related components (such as the output component 4).

[0068] Preferably, the reflective area 341 and the non-reflective area 342 are arranged at equal intervals. Equal intervals mean that the reflective area 341 and the non-reflective area 342 alternate uniformly along the circumference of the angle feedback gear 34, and the central angles between two adjacent areas of the same type (such as two reflective areas 341 or two non-reflective areas 342) are equal. When the angle feedback gear 34 rotates, the "reflective-non-reflective" signal received by the photoelectric positioning sensor 5 forms a periodic and stable pulse sequence. Each time the gear rotates by a fixed angle (corresponding to a central angle interval), the sensor outputs a signal transition (e.g., from high level to low level or vice versa). In summary, this results in more accurate angle quantization, more reliable signal analysis, and more stable speed measurement.

[0069] It is worth noting that the other technical solutions of this utility model are all existing technologies, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0070] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch, comprising: Actuator housing (1) having a mounting cavity (11); The motor (2) is mounted on the actuator housing (1); A gear transmission mechanism (3) is configured in the mounting cavity (11) and forms a transmission engagement with the motor (2); Output component (4) is installed at the lower end of actuator housing (1), and output component (4) is connected to motor (2) through gear transmission mechanism (3); Its features are, It also includes a photoelectric positioning sensor (5), which is detachably connected to the actuator housing (1); The actuator housing (1) has a detection hole (12) at the bottom. The gear transmission mechanism (3) includes an angle feedback gear (34). The detection hole (12) is directly opposite the detection hole (12). The photoelectric positioning sensor (5) is installed upside down, so that the photoelectric positioning sensor (5) extends at least partially into the detection hole (12).

2. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectric positioning sensor (5) includes a photoelectric substrate (51) and a detection module (52); The photoelectric substrate (51) is located outside the actuator housing (1). The photoelectric substrate (51) is assembled to the bottom of the actuator housing (1) by fasteners, and the photoelectric substrate (51) completely seals the detection hole (12). The detection module (52) is integrated on the upper end of the optoelectronic substrate (51), and the detection module (52) extends at least partially into the detection hole (12).

3. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the output component (4) has a square column (41) that extends downwards to the outside of the actuator housing (1).

4. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the output component (4) has a manual operation part (42), which extends upward to the outside of the actuator housing (1).

5. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The manual operation part (42) is also provided with an operation hole (421).

6. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two contact position sensors (6) are provided at the upper end of the actuator housing (1), and a position feedback element (35) is provided in the gear transmission mechanism (3). The position feedback element (35) can contact any one of the contact position sensors (6). The actuator housing (1) is provided with a track groove (13). The position feedback element (35) passes through the track groove (13) from bottom to top and extends out of the actuator housing (1). The position feedback element (35) can move along the track groove (13).

7. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 6, characterized in that: A clutch mechanism (7) is also provided between the gear transmission mechanism (3) and the output component (4), and the gear transmission mechanism (3) and the output component (4) form a separable transmission engagement through the clutch mechanism (7); The gear transmission mechanism (3) includes an input gear (31), several reduction transmission gears (32) and an output gear (33). The clutch mechanism (7) includes an output turntable (71) and a transmission rod (72). The angle feedback gear (34) is any one or more of the input gear (31), reduction transmission gears (32) and output gears (33). The input gear (31) is connected to the output shaft (21) of the motor (2); The reduction gear (32) is connected between the input gear (31) and the output gear (33); The transmission rod (72) is fixed on the output turntable (71), and the output gear (33) is connected to the output turntable (71) through the transmission rod (72). The position feedback component (35) is fixed on the output gear (33). The output turntable (71) is tightly fitted with the output component (4) to form a transmission fit, and the output gear (33) is clearance fitted with the output component (4).

8. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The output gear (33) is provided with a clutch groove (331), the transmission rod (72) extends into the clutch groove (331), and the size of the clutch groove (331) is larger than the size of the transmission rod (72); When the transmission rod (72) abuts against the side wall of the clutch groove (331), the transmission rod (72) and the output gear (33) form a transmission engagement. When the transmission rod (72) separates from the side wall of the clutch groove (331), the transmission rod (72) and the output gear (33) form a transmission separation engagement.

9. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reflective layer is coated on a portion of the angle feedback gear (34) to form several reflective areas (341), and another portion forms a non-reflective area (342). The photoelectric positioning sensor (5) is able to detect and distinguish the reflective areas (341).

10. The electric actuator with an inverted photoelectric positioning switch according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reflective area (341) and the non-reflective area (342) are arranged at equal intervals.

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