Single-drive linear actuator system with multiple independently driven stages
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026512711
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-30
Smart Images
Figure 2026532591000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[[Technical Field]]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a novel and advantageous linear actuator system for moving a plurality of independent stages with a single drive member. [[Background Art]]
[0002] The description of the background art provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this Background Art section, the study of the inventors is neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure, nor is any described aspect that would not be identified as prior art at the time of filing.
[0003] Linear actuator systems have problems in terms of flexibility for moving various stages and also in terms of maintenance of the actuator system. Many actuator systems only allow one drive to move one platform in one direction, or also in the opposite direction. However, in many manufacturing environments, it is often desirable to have greater flexibility to move various stages into and out of position along an assembly line. Furthermore, it is often difficult to have to repair an actuator system independently when other parts of the actuator system may still be able to function.
[0004] There is a need in the art for a linear actuator system that uses a single drive motor to move multiple platforms or stages, enabling flexibility and modularity for assembly lines and other applications. There is also a need for easy access to the motor assembly for repair or replacement thereof. [[Summary of Invention]]
[0005] The following provides a brief overview of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure to give a basic understanding of such embodiments. This overview is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all embodiments contemplated, nor is it intended to identify the main or important elements of all embodiments, nor to detail the scope of any or all embodiments.
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the linear actuator system comprises a guide member defining a path, a first driven platform, a second driven platform, and a drive platform engaged with the guide member. The drive platform has positions that engage independently with each of the first and second driven platforms, and also has positions that disengage independently with each of the first and second driven platforms. The drive platform is mounted to a drive assembly for moving the drive platform along the path in the path direction. The first and second driven platforms can each be moved along the path by the drive platform. When the drive platform is in a position engaged independently with the first driven platform and disengaged independently with the second driven platform, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction to move the first driven platform in the path direction without moving the second driven platform. When the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the second driven platform and independently disengaged with the first driven platform, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction to move the second driven platform in the path direction without moving the first driven platform. When the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with both the first and second driven platforms, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction to move both the first and second driven platforms in the path direction. When the drive platform is in a position independently disengaged with both the first and second driven platforms, the drive assembly can move the drive platform without moving either the first or second driven platform.
[0007] In some embodiments, the drive assembly comprises a rack parallel to a guide member and a rotatably driven pinion that engages with the rack for the movement of a drive platform, wherein when the pinion engages with the rack and the pinion is driven rotatably in a first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a first path direction relative to the rack, and when the pinion is driven rotatably in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a second path direction relative to the rack. In some embodiments, a pinion mounting bracket is connected to the drive platform, and the pinion is in a preloaded position on the pinion mounting bracket relative to the rack for engagement of the pinion with the rack.
[0008] In some embodiments, the drive platform has a surface, and the first driven platform has a surface, and when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the first driven platform, the surface of the drive platform is connected to the surface of the first driven platform. There may also be at least one drive mating connector on the drive platform and at least one driven mating connector on the first driven platform for connecting the surface of the drive platform to the surface of the first driven platform.
[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the drive platform, the first driven platform, and the second driven platform has at least one of a sliding member such as a bushing, or a rolling member engaged with a guide member.
[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the first driven platform and the second driven platform has a stopping device engaged with a guide member. In at least one embodiment, a method for independently moving multiple platforms using a linear actuator system provides a drive platform and multiple driven platforms, wherein the drive platform is movably engaged with a guide member, the guide member defines a path, and the drive platform is mounted to a drive assembly that allows the drive platform to move in the path direction along the path defined by the guide member, and the drive platform is releasably connected to at least a first engaged platform, the first engaged platform being one of the driven platforms. The method includes moving the drive platform and the first engaged platform along a guide member to a first selected position in a first path direction, disengaging the drive platform from the first engaged platform when the first engaged platform is at the first selected position, and moving the drive platform away from the first selected position in a second path direction.
[0011] The method further includes releasably connecting a drive platform to a second engaged platform selected from a driven platform, and moving the drive platform and the second engaged platform along a guide member to a second selected position in one of a first path direction and a second path direction. In some embodiments, the first engaged platform and the second engaged platform may be connected to the drive platform simultaneously, and the first engaged platform and the second engaged platform may be moved to a first desired position, then the first engaged platform may be detached from the drive platform at a first selected position, and then the second engaged platform may be moved in a second path direction away from the first selected position to a second selected position. In some embodiments, the drive assembly comprises a rack along a guide member and a rotatably driven pinion engaged with the rack and rotatably driven by a motor, wherein rotating the pinion in a first rotational direction moves it in a first path direction, and rotating the pinion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction moves the drive platform in a second path direction. In some embodiments, one face of the drive platform is releasably locked to one face of the first engaged platform. One face of the first engaged platform may overlap with at least a portion of one face of the drive platform. In some embodiments, the method further includes locking a stop device of the first engaged platform to hold the first engaged platform in a first selected position to prevent further movement of the first engaged platform after the first engaged platform has been detached from the drive platform.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the linear actuator system described herein comprises a guide member for defining a path, a drive platform engaged with the guide member and comprising a plate, and a drive assembly for moving the drive platform along the path in the path direction. The drive assembly comprises a rack, a rotatably driven pinion, and a pinion mounting bracket connected to the drive platform, wherein the pinion is in a preloaded position on the pinion mounting bracket relative to the rack for engagement of the pinion with the rack.
[0013] In some embodiments, with respect to a preloaded pinion, there is a preload screw inserted into a hole in a plate of the drive platform, and a preload plate engaged with the mounting bracket and pinion. When the preload screw is raised or lowered in the hole, a desired amount of preload force is applied, and the preload plate is raised or lowered, respectively, to engage and disengage the pinion with the rack. The hole in the plate for receiving the preload screw may be on any surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the hole in the plate extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. In other embodiments, the hole in the plate is on the side of the plate. In yet another embodiment, the hole in the plate is on the end face of the plate.
[0014] When the pinion engages with the rack and the pinion is driven to rotate in a first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a first path direction relative to the rack, and when the pinion is driven to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a second path direction opposite to the first path direction relative to the rack. The linear actuator is connected to the first driven platform, The drive assembly may further include a second driven platform, and when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the first driven platform and independently disengaged from the second driven platform, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in one of the first and second path directions in order to move the first driven platform without moving the second driven platform; when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with both the first and second driven platforms, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in one of the first and second path directions in order to move the first and second driven platforms. When the drive platform is in a position independently disengaged from both the first and second driven platforms, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction without moving either the first or second driven platform.
[0015] In some embodiments, the plate is removable from the drive platform to allow access to the drive assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly further comprises a motor and a gearbox.
[0016] In at least one embodiment, a method for operating a linear actuator system having a drive platform comprises providing a drive platform having a removable plate having at least one hole; providing a rack mounted on a guide member, the guide member defining a path for the drive platform; and providing a pinion assembly comprising a rotatably driven pinion, a pinion mounting bracket connected to the drive platform, and a preload plate engaged with the pinion mounting bracket and the pinion, wherein the pinion is initially in a position not engaged with the preload plate, and in the unengaged position, the pinion is not engaged with the rack; adjusting a preload screw in the hole of the plate of the drive platform to increase the preload force and raise the pinion to a position engaged with the preload plate, in the engaged position, the pinion is engaged with the rack; and rotating the pinion engaged with the rack to move the drive platform in the path direction along the path. The method may further include removing the removable plate to provide access to the pinion assembly. The method may also include adjusting a preload screw to reduce the preload force and lower the pinion from an engaged position to an unengaged position. The pinion assembly may further include a motor and a gearbox.
[0017] While several embodiments are disclosed, further embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” which illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the Disclosure. As will be understood, all the various embodiments of the Disclosure can be modified in various obvious ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the Disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” should be considered as illustrative and not limiting in nature.
[0018] This specification concludes by the claims that specifically point out and expressly claim subject matter that is deemed to form various embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure may be better understood by the following description, which is to be interpreted in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0019] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the drive platform is engaged only with a first driven platform. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of a linear actuator system shown in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the drive platform is disengaged from each of the driven platforms. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a plan view of a linear actuator system shown in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the drive platform is engaged only with a second driven platform. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the linear actuator system shown in Figure 1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a drive platform is engaged with a second driven platform, and the driven platform is moved from its first position to the second position in Figure 3. [Figure 5] A plan view of the linear actuator system shown in Figure 1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the drive platform is engaged with a first driven platform and disengaged from a second driven platform, and the second driven platform is still in its second position in Figure 4. [Figure 6] A plan view of the linear actuator system shown in Figure 1, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the drive platform is engaged with both a first driven platform located in a different position than that in Figure 5 and a second driven platform still located in the second position in Figure 4. [Figure 7A]It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 7B] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 8A] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 8B] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 9A] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 9B] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 10A] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 10B] It is a schematic diagram of a linear actuator system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a first side view of a drive platform and a drive assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the drive platform and the drive assembly shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a top view of the drive platform and the drive assembly shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a second side view of the drive platform and the drive assembly shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view of the drive platform and the drive assembly shown in FIG. 11, with the pinion disengaged from the rack. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view of the drive platform and the drive assembly shown in FIG. 15, with the pinion engaged with the rack. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] This disclosure describes a novel and advantageous linear actuator system that can independently operate or move multiple driven platforms by using a single driver. Furthermore, this disclosure describes a method for applying preloads to drive assemblies within the system to assist in the maintenance, repair, or replacement of the drive assemblies.
[0021] In the embodiments for carrying out the following inventions, numerous specific details are provided to give a complete understanding of several embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that some embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, and / or components are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. Furthermore, it will be understood that elements in the figures having similar reference numerals (e.g., 108 and 708) may have any or all of the features described above for such elements unless otherwise specified.
[0022] Figures 1 to 6 show one embodiment of a linear actuator system 100, which comprises a guide member 102, a profile member 104, a drive platform 106, a first driven platform 108, and a second driven platform 110. Although the embodiments shown in the figures may only show one drive platform and two driven platforms, it should be understood that the linear actuator systems disclosed herein may have three or more driven platforms, or multiple drive platforms and multiple driven platforms in any arrangement or combination. Any embodiment of the linear actuator system 100 may have any number of driven platforms and drive platforms.
[0023] The guide member 102 defines the path 112 as a whole. In some embodiments, the guide member may be a rail, rod, rib, or other structural member. In some embodiments, the guide member may be one or more rollers, V-rollers, or other guide rollers. The guide member 102 may be linear, curved, or angled, or a combination thereof, resulting in a path 112 that may be linear, elliptical, curved, circular, angled, or a combination thereof, respectively. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the guide member 102 is linear and the path 112 is linear. In some embodiments, the profile member 104 may be separated from the guide member 102, and the path 112 extends between the profile member 104 and the guide member 102. In some embodiments, the profile member 104 may extend in a direction parallel to the guide member 102. In some embodiments, support rails 114, 116 may extend perpendicularly to the guide member 102 between the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, connecting the guide member 102 to the profile member 104, which can assist in structural support for the guide member 102. In some embodiments, outer walls 118, 119 may extend parallel to the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, respectively. The inner surfaces of the outer walls 118, 119 and the support rails 114, 116 may define a cavity 115. In some embodiments, the outer walls 118, 119 may be supported by one or more feet 117 to ground the linear actuator system.
[0024] The drive platform 106 is engaged with the drive assembly 120 to move the drive platform 106 along the path direction. If there are multiple drive platforms in a single linear actuator system, there may be one or more drive assemblies. In at least one embodiment, each drive platform has its own independent drive assembly. The drive platform 106 may be directly or indirectly engaged with at least the guide member 102, and in some embodiments, it may also be engaged with the profile member 104. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 120 is directly or indirectly engaged with the guide member 102. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the drive assembly 120 comprises a rack 121 and a rotatably driven pinion (not shown). The rack 121 may be directly or indirectly attached to either the guide member 102 or the outer wall 118. In at least one embodiment, the rack 121 is parallel to the guide member 102 and extends along the path 112. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1 to 6, the drive assembly 120 includes a motor 122 and a gear reducer 124 that rotatably drives the pinion to move the pinion along the rack 121. In the embodiments shown, the drive assembly 120 may be located inside the cavity 115 and may traverse the length of the cavity 115 along the path 112. In other embodiments, the drive assembly 120 may be located outside the cavity 115, in part or even entirely, and may remain engaged with the drive platform 106 to move the drive platform 106 along the path.
[0025] The drive platform 106 has a plate 132 having a first end 133 and a second end 134, and the plate 132 may be configured to mount various devices or fixtures. The plate 132 may extend between the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, or between the outer wall 118 and the outer wall 119. In some embodiments, the drive platform may have a first flange 135 connected to the plate 132 at the first end 133, and a second flange 136 connected to the plate 132 at the second end 134. The first flange 135 and the second flange 136 may function as protective parts and, in some embodiments, overlap the outer walls 118, 119. The plate 132 may have an upper surface 137, a lower surface 138, a first side surface 139, and a second side surface 140. In some embodiments, plate 122 may be removable from drive platform 106 to expose part or all of drive assembly 120 for maintenance, repair, or replacement of drive assembly 120. In some embodiments, drive platform may have rolling members or bearings (not shown) engaged with guide member 102 or profile member 104. In some embodiments, drive platform may have sliding members or bushings (not shown) engaged with guide member 102 or profile member 104.
[0026] Multiple driven platforms 108, 110 may be directly or indirectly engaged with at least the guide member 102, and in some embodiments, they may also be engaged with the profile member 104. In other embodiments, driven platforms 108, 110 may be engaged only with the profile member 104 and not with the guide member 102. In yet another embodiment, driven platforms 108, 110 may be engaged with only one of the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, and driven platform 106 may be engaged with only the other of the guide member 102 and the profile member 104. In other words, driven platforms may be engaged with different path members or rails than the driven platforms. Furthermore, driven platform 108 may be engaged with only one of the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, and driven platform 110 may be engaged with only the other of the guide member 102 and the profile member 104. In other words, any or all driven platforms may be engaged with different path members or rails than the other driven platforms.
[0027] The first driven member 108 has a plate 142 having a first end 143 and a second end 144, the plate 142 may be configured to mount various devices or fixtures. The plate 142 may extend between the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, or between the outer wall 118 and the outer wall 119. In some embodiments, the drive platform may have a first flange 145 connected to the plate 142 at the first end 143 and a second flange 146 connected to the plate 142 at the second end 144. The first flange 145 and the second flange 146 may function as protective parts and, in some embodiments, overlap the outer walls 118, 119. In some embodiments, the drive platform may have a first flange 145 connected to the plate 142 at the first end 143 and a second flange 146 connected to the plate 142 at the second end 144. The plate 142 has an upper surface 157, a lower surface 158, a first side surface 159, and a second side surface 160. In some embodiments, the plate 142 may be removable. The first driven member 108 may have at least one rolling member or stopping device 161 engaged with the guide member 102 or the profile member 104. The stopping device may be a brake, a clamp, or any other device that prevents the movement of the first driven member 108 when engaged.
[0028] The second driven member 110 has a plate 162 having a first end 163 and a second end 164, the plate 162 may be configured to mount various devices or fixtures. The plate 162 may extend between the guide member 102 and the profile member 104, or between the outer wall 118 and the outer wall 119. In some embodiments, the driven platform may have a first flange 165 connected to the plate 162 at the first end 163 and a second flange 166 connected to the plate 162 at the second end 164. The first flange 165 and the second flange 166 may function as protective parts and, in some embodiments, overlap the outer walls 118, 119. In some embodiments, the driven platform may have a first flange 165 connected to the plate 162 at the first end 163 and a second flange 166 connected to the plate 162 at the second end 164. The plate 162 has an upper surface 177, a lower surface 178, a first side surface 179, and a second side surface 180. In some embodiments, the plate 162 may be removable. The second driven member 110 may have at least one rolling member, bearing, or stopping device 181 engaged with the guide member 102 or the profile member 104. The stopping device may be a brake, a clamp, or any other device that prevents the movement of the second driven member 110 when engaged.
[0029] The driving member 106 has at least one driving mating connector 182, and each driven member has at least one driven mating connector 184. The driving mating connector 182 can be releasably engaged with or releasably locked with each driven mating connector 184. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the driving mating connector is a pin, and the driven mating connector is a slot or cylinder, which in some embodiments may be an actuating slot or cylinder. In some other embodiments, the arrangement can be reversed, with the driving mating connector being a slot and the driven mating connector being a pin. The cross-section of the pin can be circular, square, rectangular, or any other configuration. Other releasably engaging or releasably locking connection pairs, such as by magnet or friction, may be used.
[0030] The linear actuator system of the present invention provides independent movement of driven members 108 and 110 by a drive member 106. Figure 1 shows the drive member 106 engaged with the first driven member 108 and disengaged from the second driven member 110. As shown at least in Figure 1, the first driven member 108 is positioned between the support rail 114 and the drive member 106, and may even be in contact with the support rail 114. The second driven member 110 is separated from the drive member 106 and the support rail 116. As shown in Figure 2, the drive member 106 is disengaged from the first driven member 108 and, as in Figure 1, is also disengaged from the second driven member 110. The drive member 106 may be freely movable along the path between the first driven member 108 and the second driven member 110. If it is desired to move the second driven member 110, the drive member 106 may be moved by the drive assembly along the guide member 102 in a first direction to engage with the second driven member 110. Figure 3 shows the drive member 106 engaged with the second driven member while remaining disengaged from the second driven member 110. Figure 4 shows the drive member 106 moving the second driven member 110 from its first position in Figure 3 along the path toward the first driven member 108 to a second position relative to the first position. Figure 5 shows the drive member 106 disengaged again from the second driven member 110 and engaged with the first driven member 108. Figure 6 shows the drive member 106 moving the first driven member 108 from its first position in Figures 1 to 5 along the path toward the second driven member 110 to a second position relative to the first position. As shown in Figure 6, a drive member 106 is shown that is engaged with both the first driven member 108 and the second driven member 110, and can move the first driven member 108 and the second driven member 110 simultaneously, and then disengage independently from one or both of the first driven member 108 and the second driven member 110.
[0031] The present invention intends that a drive member can engage with a driven member in multiple ways by any or all of the surfaces of the drive member's plate, or by the ends of the drive member. Figures 7 to 10 show schematic diagrams of multiple ways in which a drive platform can move one or more of the driven platforms.
[0032] Figures 7A and 7B show top and side views of the drive platform 706, the first driven platform 708, and the second driven platform 710, respectively. The drive platform 706 has a top surface 737, a bottom surface 738, a first side surface 739, and a second side surface 740. The first driven platform 708 has a top surface 757, a bottom surface 758, a first side surface 759, and a second side surface 760. The second driven platform 710 has a top surface 777, a bottom surface 778, a first side surface 779, and a second side surface 780. The second side surface 760 of the first driven platform 708 is adjacent to the first side surface 739 of the drive platform 706. The first side surface 779 of the second driven platform 710 is adjacent to the second side surface 740 of the drive platform 706. In some embodiments, the upper surface 737 of the drive platform 706 is aligned with the upper surfaces 757 and 777 of the first driven platform 708 and the second driven platform 710. In some embodiments, the lower surface 738 of the drive platform 706 is aligned with the lower surfaces 758 and 778 of the first driven platform 708 and the second driven platform 710. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the drive platform 706 can move either the first driven platform 708 or the second driven platform to one of the path directions D1 or D2 by engaging one of the sides 739 and 740 of the drive platform with each side 760 of the first driven platform 708 or each side 779 of the second driven platform 710.
[0033] Figures 8A and 8B show top and side views of the drive platform 806, the first driven platform 808, and the second driven platform 810, respectively. The drive platform 806 has a top surface 837, a bottom surface 838, a first side surface 839, and a second side surface 840. The first driven platform 808 has a top surface 857, a bottom surface 858, a first side surface 859, and a second side surface 860. The second driven platform 810 has a top surface 877, a bottom surface 878, a first side surface 879, and a second side surface 880. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the drive platform 806 can move either the first drive platform 808 or the second drive platform to one of the path directions D1 or D2, depending on which of the drive platforms is desired to be moved, by engaging the upper surface 837 of the drive platform with the lower surfaces 858 of each of the first drive platform 808, or the lower surfaces 878 of each of the second drive platform 810, or both.
[0034] Figures 9A and 9B show top and side views of the drive platform 906, the first driven platform 908, and the second driven platform 910, respectively. The drive platform 906 has a top surface 937, a bottom surface 938, a first side surface 939, and a second side surface 940. The first driven platform 908 has a top surface 957, a bottom surface 958, a first side surface 959, and a second side surface 960. The second driven platform 910 has a top surface 977, a bottom surface 978, a first side surface 979, and a second side surface 980. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the drive platform 906 can move either the first drive platform 908 or the second drive platform to one of the path directions D1 or D2, depending on which of the drive platforms is desired to be moved, by engaging the lower surface 938 of the drive platform with the upper surfaces 957 of the first drive platform 908, or the upper surfaces 977 of the second drive platform 810, or both.
[0035] Figures 10A and 10B show top and side views, respectively, of the drive platform 1006, the first driven platform 1008, and the second driven platform 1010. The drive platform 1006 has a top surface 1037, a bottom surface 1038, a first side surface 1039, and a second side surface 1040. The first driven platform 1008 has a top surface 1057, a bottom surface 1058, a first side surface 1059, and a second side surface 1060. The second driven platform 1010 has a top surface 1077, a bottom surface 1078, a first side surface 1079, and a second side surface 1080. In some embodiments, the top surface 1037 of the drive platform 1006 is aligned with the top surfaces 1057 and 1077 of the first driven platform 1008 and the second driven platform 1010. Each of the drive platform 1006 and the driven platforms 1008 and 1010 has first ends 1033, 1053, 1073 and second ends 1034, 1054, 1074. In some embodiments, the first end 1033 of the drive platform 1006 is aligned with the second ends 1054, 1074 of the first driven platform 1008 and the second driven platform 1010. In some embodiments, the upper surface 1037 of the drive platform 1006 is aligned with the upper surfaces 1057, 1077 of the first driven platform 1008 and the second driven platform 1010. In some embodiments, the lower surface 1038 of the drive platform 1006 is aligned with the lower surfaces 1058, 1078 of the first driven platform 1008 and the second driven platform 1010. In the embodiments shown in Figures 10A to 10B, the drive platform 1006 can move either the first driven platform 1008 or the second driven platform 1010 to one of the path directions D1 or D2 by fitting the first end 1033 of the drive platform 1006 with each end 1054 of the first driven platform 1008 or each end 1074 of the second driven platform 1010.
[0036] Figures 11 to 16 show one embodiment of the drive platform 1106 and drive assembly 1120. Figures 11 to 16 show the drive platform 1106 having a drive plate 1132, which is engaged with a guide member 1102. The drive platform 1106 has an upper surface 1137, a lower surface 1138, a first side surface 1139, and a second side surface 1140. Figures 11 to 16 show a drive mating connector 1182 protruding from the first side surface 1139 and the second side surface 1140. The drive platform 1106 has at least one rolling member, bearing, or stopping device 1141 engaged with the guide member 1102. As shown in Figures 11 to 16, the drive assembly comprises a rack 1121 and pinion 1123, a motor 1122, a gearbox 1124, a drive platform 1106 and a mounting bracket 1125 engaged with the gearbox 1124, a preload plate 1126, and a preload screw 1127. As shown, the mounting bracket 1125 engages with the lower surface 1138 of the drive platform 1106. In at least one embodiment, the mounting bucket 1125 is removably engaged with the drive platform 1106. The preload plate 1126 is positioned between the gearbox 1124 and the mounting bracket 1125, and the preload plate 1129 has at least one slot 1128 and a pin 1129 engaged with the slot 1128. The slot is configured to receive the larger head of the pin and to allow the shaft of the pin to slide up and down within the slot. The preload plate 1126 also has a hole 1191 for receiving a preload screw 1127, which is inserted into a through hole in the drive platform 1106 that extends between the upper surface 1137 and the lower surface 1138. As shown in Figure 15, the pinion 1123 is not engaged with the rack 1121, and the preload screw 1127 is not engaged with the hole 1191 on the preload plate, but the pin 1129 is engaged with the slot 1128. This forms the preload position of the pinion.Adjusting the preload screw 1127 to engage with the hole 1191 allows the slot 1128 of the preload plate to move upward toward the lower surface 1138 of the drive platform, and the teeth of the pinion 1123 to engage with the rack 1121, as shown in Figure 16.
[0037] As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or near-complete range or extent of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object “substantially” or “generally” enclosed means that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact degree of acceptable deviation from absolute completeness may, in some cases, depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, near-complete means having generally the same result as if absolute and overall completeness were achieved. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative sense to refer to the complete or near-complete absence of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, embodiment, or composition that “substantially” or “generally” does not contain a certain component or element may still actually contain such item, unless its measurable effect is generally absent.
[0038] Where used herein, a reference to “one embodiment” or “a particular embodiment” means that the specific elements, features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. The phrase “in one embodiment” appearing in various parts of this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0039] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements alone, and may include other elements not expressly enumerated or that are specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, “or” means an inclusive “or” and not an exclusive “or.” For example, condition A or condition B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).
[0040] Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe the elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is merely for convenience and to give a general meaning to the description. This description should be read as including one or at least one, and the singular includes the plural unless it is clear that it means the other.
[0041] Furthermore, the drawings illustrate preferred embodiments for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from this description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein can be adopted without departing from the principles described herein.
[0042] While specific embodiments and uses have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed are not limited to the exact structures and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and alterations may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0043] The systems and methods described herein are described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, but these embodiments are not limiting and are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Certain features of various embodiments are intended to be omitted or combined for use with features of other embodiments, while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A linear actuator system, A guide member that defines the path, The first driven platform and The second driven platform, A drive platform engaged with the guide member, wherein the drive platform has a position that engages independently with each of the first driven platform and the second driven platform, and the drive platform has a position that disengages independently with each of the first driven platform and the second driven platform, and the drive platform is attached to a drive assembly for moving the drive platform along a path in the path direction, and Includes, Each of the first driven platform and the second driven platform is movable along a path by the drive platform, When the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the first driven platform and independently disengaged from the second driven platform, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction in order to move the first driven platform in the path direction without moving the second driven platform. A linear actuator system in which, when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the second driven platform and in a position independently disengaged from the first driven platform, the drive assembly is capable of moving the drive platform in the path direction to move the second driven platform in the path direction without moving the first driven platform.
2. The linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with both the first driven platform and the second driven platform, the drive assembly can move the drive platform in the path direction in order to move the first driven platform and the second driven platform in the path direction.
3. The linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein when the drive platform is in a position disengaged independently of both the first driven platform and the second driven platform, the drive assembly is able to move the drive platform without moving either the first driven platform or the second driven platform.
4. A linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein the drive assembly is A rack parallel to the guide member, A rotatably driven pinion that engages with the rack for the movement of the drive platform Equipped with, A linear actuator system wherein, when the pinion is engaged with the rack and the pinion is driven to rotate in a first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a first path direction relative to the rack, and when the pinion is driven to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the drive platform moves in a second path direction relative to the rack.
5. The linear actuator system according to claim 4 further comprises a pinion mounting bracket connected to the drive platform, wherein the pinion is in a preloaded position on the pinion mounting bracket relative to the rack for engagement of the pinion with the rack.
6. The linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein the drive platform has a surface, the first driven platform has a surface, and when the drive platform is in a position independently engaged with the first driven platform, the surface of the drive platform is connected to the surface of the first driven platform.
7. The linear actuator system according to claim 6 is The drive platform includes at least one drive mating connector, The first driven platform has at least one driven mating connector and A linear actuator system further equipped with [features / features].
8. The linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the drive platform, the first driven platform, and the second driven platform has at least one of a sliding member or a rolling member engaged with a guide member.
9. The linear actuator system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first driven platform and the second driven platform has a stop device engaged with the guide member.
10. A method for independently moving multiple platforms using a linear actuator system, To provide a drive platform and a plurality of drive platforms, wherein the drive platform is movably engaged with a guide member, the guide member defines a path, and the drive platform is mounted to a drive assembly capable of moving the drive platform in the path direction along the path defined by the guide member. The drive platform is releasably connected to at least a first engaged platform, wherein the first engaged platform is one of the plurality of driven platforms. Moving the drive platform and the first engaged platform along the guide member to a first selected position in the first path direction, When the first engaged platform is in the first selected position, the drive platform is disconnected from the first engaged platform, Moving the drive platform in a second path direction away from the first selected position A method that includes this.
11. The method according to claim 10 is, The drive platform is releasably connected to a second engaged platform selected from the plurality of driven platforms, Moving the drive platform and the second engaged platform along the guide member to a second selected position in one of the first and second path directions. It also includes.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the first engaged platform and the second engaged platform are simultaneously connected to the drive platform, the first engaged platform and the second engaged platform are moved to a first desired position, the first engaged platform is disconnected from the drive platform at a first selected position, and the second engaged platform is moved in a second path direction away from the first selected position to a second selected position.
13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the drive assembly comprises a rack along the guide member and a rotatably driven pinion engaged with the rack and rotatably driven by the motor, the method comprising: moving the pinion in a first rotational direction to move it in a first path direction; and moving the drive platform in a second path direction to move the pinion in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein one surface of the drive platform is releasably locked to one surface of the first engaged platform.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the one surface of the first engaged platform overlaps with at least a portion of the one surface of the drive platform.
16. A method according to claim 10, further comprising locking a stop device for the first engaged platform to prevent further movement of the first engaged platform after the first engaged platform has been disengaged from the drive platform, thereby holding the first engaged platform in the first selected position.