Test device for linear actuators

Abstract

The utility model belongs to robot spare part test technical field, concretely relates to a testing arrangement of linear actuator. The mounting seat (11) of testing arrangement is fixed in one end of operation table (1), is connected with the pull pressure sensor (2) that has first connector (12) on mounting seat (11), to connect the first connecting end of linear actuator (100). The moving platform (31) of linear drive mechanism (3) is equipped with second connector (13), to connect the second connecting end of linear actuator (100). The signal connection of test and control instrument (4) and linear drive mechanism (3), pull pressure sensor (2) and linear actuator (100) to be measured. Through linear drive mechanism (3) simulation load, can accurately measure the performance parameter of linear actuator (100) under different load, has structure stable, testing precision height, compatibility is strong and so on advantage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of robot component testing technology, specifically relating to a testing device for a linear actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Linear actuators (such as electric linear actuators and servo cylinders) are key components that convert rotary motion into linear motion and are widely used in aerospace, medical devices, precision machine tools, and automated production lines. To ensure the reliability and performance of linear actuators under actual working conditions, their push-pull force, displacement accuracy, response speed, and power loss must be rigorously tested before leaving the factory.

[0003] With the development of technology, some testing devices have introduced hydraulic or pneumatic pressurization systems. However, traditional hydraulic or pneumatic loading methods have slow response speeds, making it difficult to simulate complex dynamic load conditions. Furthermore, their control accuracy is poor in the small force range, which cannot meet the testing requirements of high-precision actuators. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a testing device for linear actuators, which aims to improve the efficiency of testing linear actuators and the accuracy of test results.

[0005] The testing device for linear actuators provided by this utility model includes an operating table, a mounting base, a tension / compression sensor, a linear drive mechanism, and a measuring and controlling instrument. The mounting base is fixed to one end of the operating table; the tension / compression sensor is connected to the mounting base, and its axial portion is provided with a first connector, which is adapted to connect to a first connection end of the linear actuator; the linear drive mechanism is disposed on the operating table, and its movable stage is provided with a second connector, which is adapted to connect to a second connection end of the linear actuator; the linear drive mechanism is configured to apply axial tension / compression to the linear actuator through the second connector; the measuring and controlling instrument is signal-connected to the linear drive mechanism and the tension / compression sensor, and is provided with an interface for connecting to the linear actuator to be tested.

[0006] This enables automated integrated testing of linear actuator performance. By combining the linear drive mechanism with tension / compression sensors, the axial load environment of the linear actuator in actual operation can be accurately simulated. Centralized control by the measurement and control instrument ensures synchronous acquisition of drive and feedback signals, improving testing efficiency and data accuracy.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the testing device further includes a power analyzer, which is configured to collect the power signal of the linear actuator and communicate with the measurement and control instrument.

[0008] In this way, the input voltage, current and power changes of the linear actuator under different loads can be monitored in real time. Combined with the output data of the mechanical end, an in-depth analysis of the actuator's "electrical energy to mechanical energy" conversion efficiency is realized, providing data support for energy efficiency assessment.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the linear drive mechanism further includes a set of linear guide rails, a stator plate, and a mover plate. The linear guide rails are arranged parallel to the axial direction of the linear actuator on the operating table, allowing the moving stage to slide on them via a slider. The stator plate is laid parallel to the linear guide rails on the operating table and is located between the set of linear guide rails. The mover plate is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the moving stage and faces the stator plate.

[0010] Thus, by using stator and mover plates for driving, the backlash and friction interference of traditional ball screw drives are eliminated; combined with linear guides, the response speed, positioning accuracy and running stability of the moving table are significantly improved, enabling the simulation of higher frequency or more complex load conditions.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the testing device further includes a cable drag chain, one end of which is fixed to the operating table, and the other end is fixed to the moving table via a mounting plate. The cable in the cable drag chain is electrically connected to the linear drive mechanism.

[0012] This achieves standardized cable management for the mobile station's power and signal lines. During the mobile station's reciprocating motion, it effectively prevents cables from becoming tangled, worn, or fatigued due to frequent bending, ensuring the stability of electrical connections during testing.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the cable drag chain includes multiple hinged links, each link having two side plates, both ends of which are arc-shaped; wherein, a first rotating engagement portion is provided on the opposite side of one side of each of the two side plates, and a second rotating engagement portion is provided on the opposite back side of the other side of each of the two side plates, and the first rotating engagement portion of one link in two adjacent links is hinged to the second rotating engagement portion of the other link.

[0014] Thus, the use of a specific rotating interlocking part and arc-shaped side plate design makes the rotation between chain links smoother and reduces the mechanical noise during the operation of the cable chain; at the same time, it enhances the torsional resistance and structural strength of the cable chain and extends the service life of the moving components.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the testing device further includes a grating ruler, a reading head, a baffle, and multiple photoelectric sensors. The grating ruler is disposed on one side of the moving stage; the reading head is disposed on the operating table and faces the grating ruler, and the reading head is also connected to the measuring and controlling instrument via signal connection; the baffle is connected to one side of the moving stage; multiple photoelectric sensors are disposed on the operating table and configured to trigger a detection signal when the baffle moves to a position corresponding to the photoelectric sensor under the drive of the linear drive mechanism, and the photoelectric sensors are also connected to the measuring and controlling instrument via signal connection.

[0016] In this way, the grating ruler and reading head provide high-precision closed-loop position feedback, ensuring micron-level accuracy of travel measurement; the baffle and photoelectric sensor realize hard limit protection and origin zeroing function, preventing the moving stage from overtravel and impact, and greatly improving the operational safety of the system.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the mounting base is provided with a vertical plate, a bottom plate and an inclined plate. The vertical plate is provided with a mounting part suitable for mounting the tension and compression sensor. The bottom plate is perpendicular to the vertical plate and connected to one end of the vertical plate. The inclined plate is connected between the vertical plate and the bottom plate.

[0018] Thus, the triangular stabilizing structure formed by the upright plate, the base plate, and the inclined plate significantly enhances the axial stiffness of the mounting base; when subjected to large-tonnage push-pull force tests, it can effectively suppress the deformation of the mounting base, ensuring that the tension and compression sensors are always in a horizontal force state, reducing measurement errors.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the testing device further includes a protective cover, which is detachably connected to the operating table or the moving table and is configured to cover the linear actuator inside it during the testing process.

[0020] This provides physical isolation and protection, preventing damage to operators from overload, breakage, or splashing debris during testing of the linear actuator; it also provides some dust protection, protecting internal precision components from external environmental interference.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the testing device further includes a collision protection block, which is installed at the end of the operating table away from the mounting base.

[0022] Thus, as a safety redundancy design at the end, it provides a final physical barrier in case the software and electrical limits fail, absorbing the impact energy of the moving platform and protecting the expensive linear drive mechanism and operating platform from damage.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the testing device provided by this utility model, the first connector in the testing device is a hinge rod, and the second connector is a hinge seat.

[0024] In this way, the cooperation between the hinge rod and the hinge seat can automatically compensate for the slight coaxiality deviation of the linear actuator during the installation process, avoid generating non-axial lateral forces or bending moments during testing, and ensure that the data collected by the tension and compression sensors are pure axial forces, making the test results closer to the real working conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the above and other features and advantages of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the test device in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the test device from a second perspective in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the test device and the linear actuator in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signal connection system of the test device in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the two links of the cable drag chain of the test device in this embodiment.

[0031] The accompanying figure is labeled as follows:

[0032] 100-Linear Actuator;

[0033] 1-Control panel;

[0034] 11-Mounting base; 111-Upright plate; 112-Base plate; 113-Sloping plate;

[0035] 12-First connector; 13-Second connector; 14-Anti-collision block;

[0036] 2-Tension / Compression Sensor;

[0037] 3-Linear drive mechanism; 31-Moving stage; 32-Linear guide rail; 33-Stator plate; 34-Moving plate;

[0038] 35-Cable drag chain; 351-Chain link; 3511-Side plate; 35111-First rotating coupling part; 35112-Second rotating coupling part;

[0039] 4-Measurement and control instrument;

[0040] 5-Power Analyzer;

[0041] 61-Raster ruler; 62-Reading head; 63-Baffle; 64-Photoelectric sensor;

[0042] 7-Protective shield. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0044] It should be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "setup" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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.

[0046] The testing apparatus for the linear actuator 100 provided in this embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this device is mainly used to test the comprehensive performance of various electric or hydraulic linear actuators 100, including tensile and compressive strength, stroke accuracy, working efficiency, and fatigue strength. The components of the testing device and their implementation details will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] The overall layout of this testing device is based on a high-rigidity operating platform 1. The operating platform 1 serves as the basic load-bearing component of the entire system and is mounted on the ground using anchor bolts or vibration damping pads to ensure stability during high-frequency or high-load testing.

[0048] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 A mounting base 11 is fixed at one end of the operating table 1 to support the tension / compression sensor 2. The tension / compression sensor 2 is the core component for testing the load, and a first connector 12 is mounted on its axial end. A linear drive mechanism 3 is provided on the other side of the operating table 1, and a second connector 13 is mounted on the moving stage 31 of this mechanism.

[0049] During the test, the two ends of the linear actuator 100 under test are connected to the first connector 12 and the second connector 13, respectively. The control and measurement instrument 4 is connected to the linear drive mechanism 3, the tension / compression sensor 2, and the linear actuator 100 under test. The control and measurement instrument 4 sends a command to the linear drive mechanism 3 to drive the moving stage 31 to move axially, thereby applying a predetermined tension or compression force to the linear actuator 100. At the same time, the tension / compression sensor 2 feeds back the real-time force data to the control and measurement instrument 4. The control and measurement instrument 4 combines the displacement data of the linear actuator 100 to plot the force-displacement curve. This configuration can simulate the load changes of the linear actuator 100 under actual working conditions, achieving precise loading under closed-loop control.

[0050] Combination Figure 4 To further analyze the power conversion efficiency of the linear actuator 100, this device is also equipped with a power analyzer 5. The power analyzer 5 is connected to the power input terminal of the linear actuator 100 and collects signals such as current, voltage, phase, and instantaneous power in real time. The power analyzer 5 communicates with the measurement and control instrument 4 via an industrial bus (such as CAN or Ethernet).

[0051] Thus, by simultaneously acquiring the mechanical work output measured by the tension and compression sensor 2 and the electrical energy input measured by the power analyzer 5, the system can automatically calculate the energy conversion efficiency of the linear actuator 100 under different loads, providing data support for optimizing the motor performance of the actuator.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the linear drive mechanism 3 adopts a direct drive method using a linear motor to ensure high dynamic response and high positioning accuracy. The specific structure includes a linear guide rail 32, a stator plate 33, and a mover plate 34.

[0053] For example, a set of high-precision linear guides 32 can be mounted on the control table 1 parallel to the axial direction of the linear actuator 100. The moving stage 31 is slidably mounted on the linear guides 32 via a matching bottom slider, ensuring that the moving stage 31 has freedom only in the axial direction, thus eliminating radial runout.

[0054] The stator plate 33 (composed of permanent magnets) is laid flat on the operating table 1 between two linear guide rails 32, while the mover plate 34 is fixed to the bottom surface of the moving stage 31, maintaining a very small air gap with the stator plate 33. Utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction, the mover plate 34 generates controlled thrust after being energized. Compared to traditional lead screw drives, this structure has no backlash, minimal friction, and enables smoother micro-feeding and higher-speed cyclic testing.

[0055] Combination Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment of the testing apparatus of this example, since the moving stage 31 reciprocates frequently during the testing process, a cable drag chain 35 is provided to protect the power and signal cables. One end of the cable drag chain 35 is fixed to the middle or end of the operating table 1, and the other end is fixed to the moving stage 31 by a special mounting plate. The cable drag chain 35 houses the power line supplying the linear motor, the signal line of the grating ruler 61, etc.

[0056] For example, combining Figure 5 Each link 351 includes two special side plates 3511. The ends of the side plates 3511 are designed to be arc-shaped to facilitate smooth rotation between the links 351. One side of the side plate 3511 has a concave first rotating engagement portion 35111, and the other side has a convex second rotating engagement portion 35112. Adjacent links 351 are interlocked and hinged through these engagement portions. The advantage of this design is that it limits the minimum bending radius of the cable drag chain 35, preventing fatigue breakage of the cable due to excessive bending, while the arc-shaped side plates 3511 reduce frictional noise during operation.

[0057] To achieve accurate displacement measurement and stroke limitation, a multi-level detection system is also integrated in a preferred embodiment of the testing device:

[0058] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this multi-level detection system, to achieve precise measurement, a grating ruler 61 is mounted on the side of the moving stage 31, and a corresponding reading head 62 is fixed on the operating table 1. The reading head 62 is also connected to the measuring and control instrument 4. By reading the grating scale, the measuring and control instrument 4 can obtain the micron-level movement position.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4In this multi-level detection system, to achieve limit and zero-finding, a baffle 63 is installed on the side of the moving stage 31. Multiple photoelectric sensors 64 (such as origin sensors and positive / negative limit sensors) are arranged along the travel direction on the operating table 1. The photoelectric sensors 64 are also connected to the measurement and control instrument 4. During the operation of the testing device, when the moving stage 31 reaches its limit position, the baffle 63 blocks the light path of the photoelectric sensor 64, triggering a signal to stop the system urgently, preventing the moving stage 31 from impacting the mounting base 11 or sliding off the linear guide rail 32.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In the testing apparatus of this embodiment, the mounting base 11 is a key component that bears the reaction force. The mounting base 11 adopts a reinforced welded or cast structure and includes a vertical plate 111, a base plate 112, and an inclined plate 113. The vertical plate 111 has a circular hole or flange in the center as the mounting part for the tension / compression sensor 2. The base plate 112 is perpendicular to the vertical plate 111 and is locked to the operating table 1 by high-strength bolts. The inclined plate 113 serves as a reinforcing rib, connecting the back of the vertical plate 111 and the base plate 112 to form a stable triangular support structure.

[0061] The advantage of this design is that it greatly improves the longitudinal stiffness of the mounting base 11. Even when subjected to thrust of several tons, the upright plate 111 does not deform, ensuring the purity and accuracy of the measured values ​​of the tension and compression sensors 2.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 1 To achieve environmental protection and terminal security during the use of this testing device, the testing device in this embodiment also has the following preferred implementation:

[0063] First, to ensure operator safety and prevent fragments from flying when the linear actuator 100 breaks under overload, the device is equipped with a protective cover 7. The protective cover 7 is detachably placed over the test area and is typically made of transparent polycarbonate material, which is both easy to observe and has sufficient impact resistance.

[0064] Secondly, an elastic anti-collision block 14 is installed at the end of the operating table 1 furthest from the mounting base 11 (i.e., at the end of the travel). In this way, if the software protection and the photoelectric sensor 64 limit fail at the same time, the anti-collision block 14, as the last physical line of defense, can absorb the kinetic energy of the moving table 31 through elastic deformation, protecting the expensive linear motor and the precision linear guide 32 from being damaged.

[0065] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment of the testing device in this example, in order to adapt to linear actuators 100 of different specifications, the first connector 12 adopts a hinge rod structure, while the second connector 13 adopts a hinge seat structure (or they can be interchanged as needed).

[0066] Modified implementation: The connector can be replaced according to the end shape of the object being tested, such as a U-shaped fork, ball joint, or threaded sleeve.

[0067] Thus, the hinged connection can automatically compensate for the slight coaxiality error generated during the installation of the linear actuator 100, avoid lateral force, and protect the tension and compression sensor 2 from the axial force, thereby improving the test accuracy.

[0068] This utility model belongs to the field of mechanical testing technology, specifically relating to a testing device for a linear actuator. The mounting base 11 of the testing device is fixed to one end of the operating table 1. A tension / compression sensor 2 with a first connector 12 is connected to the mounting base 11 for connecting to the first connection end of the linear actuator 100. The moving stage 31 of the linear drive mechanism 3 is provided with a second connector 13 for connecting to the second connection end of the linear actuator 100. The measuring and control instrument 4 is connected to the linear drive mechanism 3, the tension / compression sensor 2, and the linear actuator 100 under test. By simulating a load through the linear drive mechanism 3, the performance parameters of the linear actuator 100 under different loads can be accurately measured, offering advantages such as structural stability, high testing accuracy, and strong compatibility.

[0069] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment or implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0070] The above descriptions are merely illustrative embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Any equivalent changes, modifications, and combinations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the embodiments of this application should fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A testing device for a linear actuator (100), characterized in that, include: Control panel (1); Mounting base (11), which is fixed to one end of the operating table (1); A tension / compression sensor (2) is connected to the mounting base (11), and its axial portion is provided with a first connector (12), which is configured to be suitable for connecting the first connection end of a linear actuator (100); A linear drive mechanism (3) is provided on the operating table (1), and a second connector (13) is provided on its moving table (31). The second connector (13) is configured to connect to the second connection end of the linear actuator (100). The linear drive mechanism (3) is configured to apply axial tension or compression to the linear actuator (100) through the second connector (13). The measuring and control instrument (4) is connected to the linear drive mechanism (3) and the tension and compression sensor (2) and is provided with an interface for connecting to the linear actuator (100) to be tested.

2. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The power analyzer (5) is configured to acquire the power signal of the linear actuator (100) and communicate with the control and measurement instrument (4).

3. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear drive mechanism (3) further includes: A set of linear guide rails (32) are arranged on the operating table (1) parallel to the axial direction of the linear actuator (100) so that the moving table (31) can be slidably mounted on it by a slider; The stator plate (33) is laid on the operating table (1) parallel to the linear guide rail (32) and located between a set of the linear guide rails (32); The moving plate (34) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the moving stage (31) and faces the stator plate (33).

4. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The cable drag chain (35) has one end fixed on the operating table (1) and the other end fixed on the moving table (31) by a mounting plate. The cable in the cable drag chain (35) is electrically connected to the linear drive mechanism (3).

5. The testing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cable drag chain (35) includes a plurality of hinged links (351), each link (351) having two side plates (3511), each side plate (3511) having arc-shaped ends. Among them, the opposite sides of one side of the two side plates (3511) are provided with a first rotating engagement part (35111), and the opposite sides of the other side of the two side plates (3511) are provided with a second rotating engagement part (35112). The first rotating engagement part (35111) of one link (351) of two adjacent links (351) is hinged to the second rotating engagement part (35112) of the other link (351).

6. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A grating ruler (61) is disposed on one side of the moving stage (31); The reading head (62) is set on the operating table (1) and faces the grating ruler (61), and the reading head (62) is also connected to the measuring and control instrument (4) for signal transmission. A baffle (63) is attached to one side of the movable platform (31); Multiple photoelectric sensors (64) are mounted on the operating table (1) and are configured to trigger a detection signal when the baffle (63) moves to the position corresponding to the photoelectric sensor (64) under the drive of the linear drive mechanism (3). The photoelectric sensor (64) is also connected to the measuring and control instrument (4).

7. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base (11) is provided with a vertical plate (111), a bottom plate (112) and an inclined plate (113). The vertical plate (111) is provided with a mounting part suitable for mounting the tension and compression sensor (2). The bottom plate (112) is perpendicular to the vertical plate (111) and connected to one end of the vertical plate (111). The inclined plate (113) is connected between the vertical plate (111) and the bottom plate (112).

8. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A protective cover (7) is detachably attached to the operating table (1) or the movable table (31) and is configured to enclose the linear actuator (100) inside it during testing.

9. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A collision avoidance block (14) is installed at the end of the operating table (1) away from the mounting base (11).

10. The testing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector (12) is a hinge rod, and the second connector (13) is a hinge seat.

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