Actuator with wiring path configuration

Abstract

To provide an actuator that moves in a reciprocating fashion between retracted and extended positions.SOLUTION: An actuator comprises a first portion and a second portion that are movable linearly with respect to each other between retracted and extended positions. At least one electronic component is carried by the first portion. A wiring support structure is carried by the second portion such that the first portion and the support structure will be close to each other in the retracted position and distant from each other in the extended position. A wiring pathway carries electrical wiring in electrical communication with the at least one electronic component, the wiring pathway extending from the first portion to the support structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 468,708, filed on May 24, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to an actuator that moves back and forth between a contracted position and an extended position.

Background Art

[0003] Actuators having reciprocating movement are used in various applications. For example, a screw or ball screw mechanism in which a nut having an internal thread (or ball track) is disposed around a shaft having an external thread (or ball track) is well known. When the nut is axially movable while being fixed against rotation, rotation of the shaft causes axial movement of the nut. Similarly, when the shaft is fixed against rotation, rotation of the nut can move the shaft axially.

[0004] Often, it is desirable to mount one or more sensors on the nut to detect various operating states. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20220128136 (A1) shows a strain sensor attached to the outer surface of a ball screw nut for detecting preload.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems of prior art configurations and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides an actuator comprising a first part and a second part that are linearly movable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position. At least one electronic component (such as one or more sensors) is supported by the first part. A wiring support structure is supported by the second part such that the first part and the wiring support structure are close to each other in the retracted position and far apart in the extended position. A wiring path supports electrical wiring that is electrically conductive with at least one electronic component, and the wiring path extends from the first part to the support structure. In some exemplary embodiments, the wiring path may have a helical shape and be semi-rigid.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the second part rotates relative to the first part. For example, the first part may be a ball screw nut and the second part may be a ball screw shaft. At least one electronic component may be mounted on the surface of the second part.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the wiring path may have a helical shape and may preferably be semi-rigid. In some exemplary embodiments, the wiring path may include a polymer spring supporting a plurality of conductors. In such embodiments, the polymer spring may define a channel in which the conductors are placed. In some exemplary embodiments, the wiring path may include a semi-rigid ribbon cable formed in a helical shape. In such embodiments, at least one additional electrical component may be mounted on the surface of the ribbon cable. In some exemplary embodiments, the wiring path may have a moldable spline extending along a plurality of conductors.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the support structure may include a collar mounted on a second portion at a selected axial position, the second portion being rotatable relative to the collar. In such embodiments, a connector may be mounted on the collar for connection of external wiring. In such embodiments, electrical wiring of a wiring path may be attached to and extend through the collar.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one electronic component may include a sensor, such as at least one of a strain gauge, accelerometer, thermocouple, and gyroscope.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides an actuator comprising a first part and a second part that are linearly movable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position. A wiring support structure is supported by the second part such that the first part and the support structure are close to each other in the retracted position and far apart in the extended position. A wiring path supports electrical wiring that is electrically conductive to at least one electronic component placed on the wiring path, and the wiring path extends from the first part to the support structure.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention provides an actuator comprising a nut and a shaft that are rotatable relative to each other such that one of the nut and the shaft moves axially relative to the other. At least one electronic component is supported by the nut. A wiring support structure is supported by the shaft such that the nut and the support structure are close to each other in a retracted position and far apart in an extended position, and the support structure includes a collar mounted on the shaft in a selected axial position. A wiring path is also provided for supporting electrical wiring that is electrically conductive with at least one electronic component. The wiring path according to this aspect has a helical shape and extends from a first portion to the support structure.

[0014] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part of this specification illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, contribute to explaining the principles of the present invention.

[0015] A complete and effective disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of the present invention for those skilled in the art, is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1A] It is a view showing an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention in a contracted position. [Figure 1B] It is a view showing an actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. [Figure 2] It is a view showing an exemplary wiring path configuration that can be used in the actuators of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a pair of conductors having semi-rigid splines that can be used in an exemplary wiring path configuration according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a view showing a semi-rigid ribbon cable that can be used in an exemplary wiring path configuration according to the present invention. [Figure 4A] It is a view showing electronic components and / or measurement components on a ribbon cable as shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 5] It is a view showing a stationary support structure for path tethering according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] It is a view showing an alternative embodiment of a path configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] It is a view showing an alternative embodiment of a path configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] It is a view showing an alternative embodiment of a path configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] It is a view showing an alternative embodiment of a path configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Next, the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, in which one or more examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings, will be discussed in detail. Each example is given for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment and may result in yet another embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an actuator 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Actuator 10 includes a "nut" portion 12 that is fixed against rotation by an engagement component that receives the "nut" portion 12. Nut 12 includes one or more electronic components 13, and the one or more electronic components 13 typically include one or more sensors that collect data regarding the operating environment. Such electronic components can include, for example, one or more strain gauges, accelerometers, thermocouples, gyroscopes, wireless transmitters, etc., and / or signal processing electronics associated therewith.

[0020] The actuator 10 includes a rotatable portion (shaft) 14 having a cylindrical thread 16 that is received by a nut 12. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, an axial extension 18 having a spline end 20 extends from the thread 16. An integrated flange 22 indicates the position where the thread 16 transitions to the extension 18 and acts as a stopper to limit the pulling of the nut 12 onto the thread 16. A disc-shaped collar 24 is positioned on the extension 18 adjacent to the flange 22. The collar 24 can be held in place axially by any suitable retaining mechanism, such as a C-clip. In the illustrated embodiment, a grommet 26 is positioned on the extension 18 to hold the collar 24.

[0021] In this case, the actuator 10 moves between the retracted position and the extended position by the rotation of the rotatable portion 14. Specifically, the spline portion 20 is received by the output of the drive unit (such as a small electric motor), which in turn rotates the extension portion 18 and the screw 16. As a result, relative linear movement occurs between the nut 12 and the rotatable portion 14. In other embodiments, the nut may be rotatably driven by a shaft that is fixed axially but fixed to rotation. In such embodiments, when the nut is rotated, the shaft itself moves axially.

[0022] The actuator 10 can be configured, for example, as a sliding screw, where the internal threads of the nut engage with the external threads of the shaft. Alternatively, the actuator 10 can be configured as a ball screw, where the nut and shaft define inner and outer helical ball tracks, respectively. In this case, multiple rolling elements are arranged within the opposing ball tracks. The rolling elements may or may not recirculate, depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, although the actuator 10 is shown as having a rotatable device to provide linear motion, those skilled in the art will recognize that a suitable non-rotating linear actuator may also be used.

[0023] The collar 24 is mounted on the extension 18 so as to allow relative rotation between the collar 24 and the extension 18. Preferably, the collar 24 is fixed to an adjacent structure with respect to rotation, thereby allowing the extension 18 to rotate within the collar 24. In this example, the collar 24 includes an axial tab 28 that is received in a keyway defined in an adjacent structure to prevent rotation of the collar 24.

[0024] The actuator 10 further includes a wiring path configuration ("path") 30 extending between the nut 12 and the collar 24. The path 30 can provide power and signal wiring to the electronic components 13 of the nut 12, as needed or desired, while enabling linear movement of the actuator 10 between the retracted and extended positions as described above. In this embodiment, the path 30 has a semi-rigid structure that extends at least partially helically around the axis of the screw 16 between a position 32 on the nut 12 and a position 34 on the collar 24. (As used herein, the term "semi-rigid" refers to a structure that normally maintains and / or returns to a stationary state, but is flexible enough to allow movement between the nut 12 and the collar 24 as described above.) As the actuator 10 moves between the retracted and extended positions, the axial length of the path 30 changes accordingly, similar to the compression and extension of a coil spring. The path 30 may have a connector at position 34, where an external application is electrically connected to the electronic components of the nut 12. Alternatively, a suitable grommet may be placed at position 34 to fix the path 30 to collar 34 while allowing the wiring to continue to another location for connection to the application.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means can be used to attach the path 30 to the nut 12 and / or collar 24, including, for example, threaded fasteners, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners such as clips, tabs, and hooks that provide sufficient interference between parts to hold them in place.

[0026] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the path 30 in the form of a polymer spring 36. As shown, the spring 36 has a spring member 38 in the form of a partial circle that defines a channel into which the wiring 40 is received. As shown, in this embodiment, the spring 36 has integrated tabs 42 and 44 for attachment to nuts 12 and collars 24, respectively. The wiring 40 has an outer sheath in which individual conductors 46 are housed. A connector 48 allows connection of the conductors to the application.

[0027] In this embodiment, the spring 36 is considered to be formed by overmolding a section of the wiring 40 such that the spring 36 and the wiring 40 form an inseparable unit. A flexible metal wire can be placed along the wiring 40 before such overmolding to become part of the final overmolded assembly. In this embodiment, the flexible wire can be used not for conductivity, but solely to provide rigidity and "memory" to the path 30.

[0028] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the wiring 140 having a moldable spline 142 can be formed into a desired helical shape and used as the path 30. Similarly, the path 30 can be formed from a hollow metal or plastic tube that is helically configured with the wiring 40 positioned inside the tube.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment in which the semi-rigid ribbon cable 240 is formed in a spiral shape for use as a path 30. As shown in Figure 4A, various electronic components 242 can be placed on the surface of the ribbon cable 240 as needed or desired.

[0030] Referring now to Figure 5, it will be recognized that the collar 24 acts as a stationary support structure for anchoring the path 30. In this case, the connector 48' is appropriately mounted (for example, by clipping or by other means) within the notch 50 defined on the periphery of the collar 24.

[0031] Figures 6A–6D illustrate other embodiments for providing conductivity between the nut 12 and an external application. In this regard, Figure 6A shows a “cable tray,” where the conductor is mounted in, or within, a foldable semi-rigid path device that folds / unfolds with the extension / contraction of the actuator. Figure 6B shows an embodiment of a “tunnel / telephone cord,” where the conductor is formed into a spiral / coil through an overmolding, or passes through a spiral / coil that extends / contracts with the actuator. Figure 6C shows a “winch / spool,” where the conductor is capable of extending / contracting relative to a spool / bobbin structure, which may or may not be assisted by a spring. Figure 6D shows an embodiment of a “clock spring,” where the conductor is formed into a coil, or is formed in another labyrinthine shape containing a conductor of sufficient length to extend / contract over the entire range of the actuator. (Various alternative examples of Figures 6A–6D are shown in a ball screw embodiment, where balls are visible between ball tracks.)

[0032] While one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should recognize that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A first part and a second part that are linearly movable relative to each other between a contracted position and an extended position, At least one electronic component supported by the first part, A wiring support structure, wherein the first part and the support structure are supported by the second part such that they are close to each other in the contracted position and separate from each other in the extended position, A wiring path that carries electrical wiring that is electrically conductive to at least one electronic component, wherein the wiring path extends from the first portion to the support structure, An actuator equipped with the following features.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second part rotates relative to the first part.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein the first part is a ball screw nut and the second part is a ball screw shaft.

4. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein at least one electronic component is mounted on the surface of the first portion.

5. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the wiring path has a spiral shape.

6. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein the wiring path is semi-rigid.

7. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein the wiring path comprises a polymer spring supporting a plurality of conductors.

8. The actuator according to claim 7, wherein the polymer spring defines a channel in which the conductor is disposed.

9. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein the wiring path includes a semi-rigid ribbon cable formed in a spiral shape.

10. The actuator according to claim 9, wherein at least one additional electrical component is mounted on the surface of the ribbon cable.

11. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein the wiring path has a moldable spline extending along a plurality of conductors.

12. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein the support structure includes a collar placed on the second portion at a selected axial position, and the second portion is rotatable relative to the collar.

13. The actuator according to claim 12, wherein a connector is mounted on the collar for connecting external wiring.

14. The actuator according to claim 12, wherein the electrical wiring of the wiring path is attached to the collar and extends through the collar.

15. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic component comprises a sensor.

16. The actuator according to claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a strain gauge, an accelerometer, a thermocouple, and a gyroscope.

17. A first part and a second part that are linearly movable relative to each other between a contracted position and an extended position, A wiring support structure, wherein the first part and the support structure are supported by the second part such that they are close to each other in the contracted position and separate from each other in the extended position, A wiring path, which carries electrical wiring that is electrically conductive to at least one electronic component placed on the wiring path, wherein the wiring path extends from the first portion to the support structure, An actuator equipped with the following features.

18. The actuator according to claim 17, wherein the wiring path comprises a semi-rigid ribbon cable formed in a spiral shape.

19. The actuator according to claim 18, wherein the support structure comprises a collar placed on the second portion at a selected axial position, and the second portion is rotatable relative to the collar.

20. A nut and a shaft, wherein one of the nut and the shaft is rotatable relative to the other such that it moves axially relative to the other, At least one electronic component supported by the nut, A wiring support structure, wherein the nut and the wiring support structure are supported by the shaft such that they are close to each other in a retracted position and far apart in an extended position, the wiring support structure includes a collar placed on the shaft at a selected axial position, A wiring path for carrying electrical wiring that is electrically conductive to at least one electronic component, wherein the wiring path has a spiral shape and extends from the nut to the support structure, An actuator equipped with the following features.

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