Multi-stage linear actuator and multi-stage linear actuator system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-stage linear actuator and a multi-stage linear actuation system, and more specifically, comprises a housing including a predetermined internal space, a plurality of links connected to the housing, a block-shaped chain wound around the internal space of the housing and having one end connected to one end of the innermost link among the plurality of links, and a sprocket provided within the internal space of the housing and positioned to engage with the block-shaped chain to transmit rotational force of an axis to the block-shaped chain, wherein the sprocket controls the movement of the block-shaped chain wound around the internal space of the housing by means of a driving force supplied from the outside.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-stage linear actuator and a multi-stage linear actuation system using a block chain. Background Technology

[0002] Telescopic masts are widely used in industrial sites for applications such as transmitting and receiving antennas, observation cameras, lighting, and aerial work platforms, where a short length is required for storage and a long length is required for functional use. Meanwhile, conventional pneumatic or hydraulic telescopic masts have problems such as being expensive, heavy, and prone to frequent failures in the seal packing parts. Additionally, telescopic masts using electric motors and internal tendon structures have complex internal structures, require significant power to extend because the internal links move up and down simultaneously, and generate thrust only up to the allowable tension of the tendons, which can withstand less force than the sturdy links. Furthermore, although there are electric multi-stage linear actuators that create a precise and powerful extension function by forming screws on the outer surface of the links, they also have the problems of high manufacturing costs and weight.

[0003] Vehicle automatic antennas are examples of telescopic masts that are simple in form and relatively easy to manufacture. As critical components driving the antenna's lifting and lowering, they utilize steel wires or flexible racks that can be wound up for storage. However, due to their inherent flexibility, steel wires and flexible racks can bend inside the cylinder, resulting in reduced linearity, difficulty in accurately controlling the lifting position, and reduced thrust. Prior art literature

[0004] Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0004316 "Structure of an Antenna for Vehicles" (July 1, 1997) The problem to be solved

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a multi-stage linear actuator and a multi-stage linear actuation system that utilizes a block-type chain to enable simple and easier identification of lifting positions and improved thrust. means of solving the problem

[0006] A multi-stage linear actuator according to various embodiments of the present invention for solving the problems described above comprises a housing including a predetermined internal space, a plurality of links connected to the housing, a block-type chain wound in the internal space of the housing and having one end connected to one end of the innermost link among the plurality of links, and a sprocket provided in the internal space of the housing and positioned to engage with the block-type chain to transmit rotational force of an axis to the block-type chain, wherein the sprocket controls the movement of the block-type chain wound in the internal space of the housing by means of a driving force supplied from the outside.

[0007] In addition, it is characterized by further including a motor that is coupled to the housing and shares a shaft with the sprocket to provide driving force to the sprocket.

[0008] In addition, the block-type chain comprises a plurality of blocks formed integrally, and the gap between blocks on the other side of the block-type chain is smaller than the gap between blocks on one side of the block-type chain, and when unfolded into a straight line, the gap on the smaller side is less than or equal to a predetermined standard, thereby maintaining a straight line.

[0009] In addition, the plurality of links have a larger diameter for the link closer to the housing, and the block-shaped chain has a uniform thickness over its entire length, while including a width corresponding to the diameter of each end of the plurality of links where the block-shaped chain is located.

[0010] In addition, the plurality of links are each characterized by further including a guide groove on the inner surface for the movement of the block-type chain.

[0011] In addition, it is characterized by further including a bearing provided inside the housing and positioned at a location corresponding to the sprocket centered on the block-type chain.

[0012] In addition, it is characterized by further including a fixing part provided at the center of the internal space of the housing where the block-shaped chain is provided, and a spiral spring having one end fixed to the fixing part and the other end fixed to the other end of the block-shaped chain.

[0013] In addition, it is characterized by further including a winding motor that generates rotational force for winding or unwinding the block-shaped chain, wherein the rotation axis is fixed to the shaft and the body is fixed to the housing, and the shaft is provided at the center of the internal space of the housing where the block-shaped chain is provided.

[0014] In addition, it is characterized by further including a fixing rod inserted into and coupled to one end of the innermost link.

[0015] In addition, the innermost link includes a predetermined hole formed in a mutually facing direction at one end, and the fixed rod includes a fixing jaw formed in a mutually facing direction at a predetermined position from the other end, and the multi-stage linear actuator further includes a sliding block having an uneven surface formed on its inner surface that is inserted and coupled to each of the hole and the fixing jaw.

[0016] Additionally, the device further includes a handle fixing part formed on the housing, on the side opposite to the side to which the link is connected, wherein the handle fixing part is characterized by having a predetermined space formed inside the housing.

[0017] In addition, it is characterized by further including a handle that is fitted and coupled to the handle fixing part.

[0018] Additionally, the multi-stage linear actuator comprises a housing including a predetermined internal space, a plurality of links connected to the housing, a block-shaped chain wound within the internal space of the housing with one end connected to the innermost link among the plurality of links, and a sprocket provided within the internal space of the housing and positioned to engage with the block-shaped chain to transmit rotational force of an axis to the block-shaped chain, wherein the sprocket controls the movement of the block-shaped chain wound within the internal space of the housing by means of a driving force supplied from the outside, and a control device connected to the multi-stage linear actuator to control the position of the link included in the multi-stage linear actuator in real time. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to the multi-stage linear actuator and multi-stage linear actuation system of the present invention, there is an advantage of being easy to manufacture with a simple structure.

[0020] In addition, it has the advantages of improved thrust, strong fixing power, and resistance to vertical and bending loads.

[0021] In addition, it can be controlled remotely, allowing it to be applied in various places requiring a large extension length. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-stage linear actuator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a housing according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an extended multi-stage linear actuator according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the interior of the housing according to the present invention and the blockchain and link. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the combination of the link and the fixed rod of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a block-type chain according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a conventional link and a blockchain. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a link and a block-type chain according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a guide groove of a block-type chain according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a housing according to an embodiment other than FIG. 2 according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] In order to explain the present invention, the operational advantages of the present invention, and the objectives achieved by the implementation of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below and examined with reference thereto.

[0024] First, the terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention; singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-stage linear actuator according to the present invention, and

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a housing according to the present invention, and

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the extended form of a multi-stage linear actuator according to the present invention.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the multistage linear actuator (1000) according to the present invention may include a housing (100), a link (200), a block chain (300), and a sprocket (400).

[0030] The housing (100) may include a predetermined internal space.

[0031] The links (200) may include a plurality of links (210, 220, 230, 240) and may be connected to the housing (100). Specifically, the links (200) may overlap each other as shown in FIG. 1, and the innermost and outermost links (210) are connected to the housing (100) and may each unfold due to supplied power to extend the total length.

[0032] The chain (300) may be wound in the internal space of the housing (100), and one end may be connected to one end of the innermost link (2140) among the plurality of links (210, 220, 230, 240).

[0033] The sprocket (400) may be provided in the internal space of the housing (100), and specifically, it is preferable to be provided in a position that engages with the block-type chain (300). Here, the internal space may refer to an internal space different from the space where the block-type chain (300) is provided. Additionally, the sprocket (400) rotates to transmit rotational force of the shaft to the block-type chain (300), causing the block-type chain (300) to rise or fall, and accordingly, some or all of the links (200) among the plurality of links (200) may rise or fall by means of a link (200) connected to one end of the block-type chain (300).

[0034] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, assuming there are four links (210, 220, 230, 240), and as shown in FIG. 3, assuming the link furthest from the housing (100) is the fourth link (240), the sprocket (400) rotates by the driving force supplied to the sprocket (400) from the outside, and by this rotational force, the block-shaped chain (300) wound in the internal space of the housing (100) is unwound, causing the second to fourth links (220, 230, 240) to extend, thereby extending the total length of the multi-stage linear actuator (1000). In other words, the total extension length of the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) can be adjusted by controlling the amount of rotation of the sprocket (400) through an external control means or a driving means provided in the multi-stage linear actuator (1000). In addition, the total extension length, i.e., the height, of the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) can be easily determined through the amount of rotation of the sprocket (400).

[0035] Looking again at FIG. 2, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention may further include a motor (motor, 500).

[0036] The motor (500) can be coupled to the housing (100) and can share an axis with the sprocket (400) to provide driving force to the sprocket (400), and specifically, it may be a motor including a brake.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the interior of the housing according to the present invention and the blockchain and link, and

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the combination of the link and the fixed rod of Figure 4.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) according to the present invention may further include a fixed rod (800).

[0040] The fixed rod (800) can be inserted into and coupled to one end of the fourth link (240), and can be fixed with a standard screw, but the present invention proposes a method including the following configuration.

[0041] Specifically, the fourth link (240) may include a hole (not shown) of a predetermined size formed in a direction facing each other at one end.

[0042] Additionally, the fixed rod (800) may include a fixing jaw (810) formed in a direction facing each other at a position a predetermined distance from the other end.

[0043] Additionally, the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) of the present invention may further include a sliding block (900) having a protrusion that passes through a hole and engages with a fixed jaw (810).

[0044] In other words, a sliding block (900) can be inserted into one end of the fourth link (240) to facilitate sliding while reducing the gap with the 23rd link (2230). At this time, a protrusion formed on the inner surface of the sliding block (900) is caught by a fixing jaw (810) formed in a direction facing each other at a predetermined distance from the other end of the fixing rod (800), thereby preventing it from slipping out downwards and preventing it from being inserted further into the fourth link (240).

[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a block-type chain according to the present invention, and

[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a conventional link and a blockchain, and

[0047] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of a link and a block-type chain according to the present invention, and

[0048] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a guide groove of a block-type chain according to the present invention.

[0049] First, the block-type chain (300) is formed to bend well in one direction so that it can be wound and stored in a housing (100) as shown in FIG. 2, but since it does not bend well in the other direction, it can push out multiple links (200) well when driven by a sprocket (400). A general block-type chain (30) has a margin of error because there is play in the direction in which it does not bend well. However, it is preferable that the block-type chain (300) of the present invention has no play when the block-type chain (300) is straightened out in the other direction in which it does not bend well. Specifically, the chain (300) may include multiple blocks formed integrally, and in this case, it is preferable that the play between blocks on the other side (other direction) of the block-type chain (300) is smaller than the play between blocks on one side of the block-type chain (300). Accordingly, backlash error caused by bending during contraction or extension can be minimized.

[0050] In addition, unlike the conventional one illustrated in FIG. 7, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the block-type chain (300) according to the present invention preferably has a thickness that is uniform for the entire length, while having a width corresponding to the thickness of the end link (210, 220, 230, 240) located at each of the plurality of links (210, 220, 230, 240) as the block-type chain (300) moves. Here, since the plurality of links (210, 220, 230, 240) must be able to be inserted and accommodated together, it is natural that the diameter of the end link closer to the housing (100) is larger. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the block-type chain (300) from bending inside the link (200), and at the same time, it has the effect of resisting external forces or bending received from the outside by the link (200).

[0051] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of links (200, (210, 220, 230, 240)) according to the present invention may each include a guide groove (250) on an inner surface for the movement of a chain (300).

[0052] Specifically, when the thickness of the link (200) is thicker than a predetermined standard, a guide groove (250) is formed on the inner surface of the link (200) to reduce relative rotation caused by the clearance of each link (200), and the block-type chain (300) has the effect of preventing jamming caused by the relative rotation of the link (200).

[0053] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a housing according to FIG. 2 and another embodiment according to the present invention.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the housing (100) may further include a fixed part (110), and the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) may further include a spiral spring (700).

[0055] The fixed part (110) may be provided in the space within the internal space of the housing (100) where the block-shaped chain (300) is wound, and it is preferable that it be provided in the center.

[0056] One end of the spiral spring (700) is fixed to the fixed part (110), and the other end can be fixed to the other end of the block-type chain (300).

[0057] Thus, as previously explained, when the block-type chain (300) bends well in one direction but does not bend well in the other direction, and when multiple links (210, 220, 230, 240) are reduced, the spiral spring (700) can perform a guiding role in a situation where the chain (300) does not wrap well into the housing (100).

[0058] When the length of the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) increases, the number of blocks of the block-type chain (300) increases, and in a situation where it does not wind well even when using a spiral spring (700), a winding motor (not shown) is fixed to the fixed part (110) to wind or unwind the block-type chain (300).

[0059] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) according to the present invention may further include a bearing (600).

[0060] The bearing (600) is provided in the internal space of the housing (100) and can be provided at a position corresponding to the sprocket (400) centered on the block-type chain (300), thereby ensuring that the movement of the chain (300) is fixed without shaking by adhering closely to the chain (300), and thus enabling smooth movement of the block-type chain (300).

[0061] Also, looking again at FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may further include a handle fixing part (120).

[0062] The handle fixing part (120) may be formed in the housing (100). At this time, when the side of the housing (100) equipped with the link (200) is referred to as one side, it may be formed on the opposite side. Although the direction in which the handle fixing part (120) is formed is not limited to this, it is more preferable to form it on the side opposite to the link (200) and share the same axis, as this allows it to better withstand the weight of the link (200) and the block-type chain (300) and is therefore more stable. Additionally, it is preferable for the handle fixing part (120) to be formed within the housing (100) including a predetermined space. This may also be formed on the outside of the housing (100), but it is preferable to form a predetermined space within the housing to ensure more stable connection with other devices to be coupled to the handle fixing part (120) and to support the weight more effectively.

[0063] Also, looking again at FIG. 2, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention may further include a handle (130).

[0064] The handle (130) can be fitted into the handle fixing part (120). At this time, the handle (130) may be fitted into the internal space of the handle fixing part (120) by including a predetermined length, with a portion of the total length including the handle being fitted into the internal space of the handle fixing part (120).

[0065] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the multi-stage linear actuation system according to the present invention may include a multi-stage linear actuator (1000) and a control device (2000) having the features described above.

[0066] The control device (2000) is connected to the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) and can control the position of the link (200) included in the multi-stage linear actuator (1000) in real time.

[0067] Additionally, a button portion (121) may be further included on one side of the handle fixing portion (120).

[0068] When the button unit (121) is operated by the user, the button unit (121) can give an up-and-down driving command to the control device (2000) for the link (200), thereby allowing the position of the link (200) to be controlled in real time.

[0069] Specifically, the control device (2000) is connected to the sprocket (400) of the multi-stage linear actuator (1000), and by controlling the rotation of the sprocket (400), the position of the link (200) can be controlled in real time.

[0070] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. That is, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make numerous changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and all such appropriate changes and modifications should be deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention as equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 20 : Link (conventional) 30 : Chain (conventional) 1000 : Multistage linear actuator 100 : Housing 110 : Fixed part 120: Handle fixing part 121 : Button section 130 : Handle 200 : Link 210 : 1st link 220 : 2nd link 230 : 3rd link 240 : 4th link 250 : Guide Home 300 : Blockchain 400 : Sprocket 500 : Motor 600 : Bearing 700 : Spiral Spring 800 : Fixed rod 810 : Fixed jaw 900 : Sliding block 2000 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A multi-stage linear actuator comprising: a housing including a predetermined internal space; a plurality of links connected to the housing; a block chain wound around the internal space of the housing, with one end connected to the innermost link among the plurality of links; a sprocket provided within the internal space of the housing, positioned to engage with the block chain, and transmitting rotational force of an axis to the block chain; a fixed part provided at the center of the internal space of the housing where the block chain is provided; and a spiral spring with one end fixed to the fixed part and the other end fixed to the other end of the block chain; wherein the sprocket controls the movement of the block chain wound around the internal space of the housing by a driving force supplied from the outside. Claim 2 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a motor coupled to the housing and sharing a shaft with the sprocket to provide driving force to the sprocket. Claim 3 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, wherein the block-type chain comprises a plurality of blocks formed integrally, and the clearance between blocks on the other side of the block-type chain is smaller than the clearance between blocks on one side of the block-type chain, and when unfolded into a straight line, the clearance on the smaller side is less than or equal to a predetermined standard, thereby maintaining a straight line. Claim 4 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of links have a larger diameter the closer the link is to the housing, and the block-shaped chain has a uniform thickness over its entire length, and includes a width corresponding to the diameter of each of the plurality of links where the block-shaped chain is located. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the multistage linear actuator further comprises, wherein each of the plurality of links includes a guide groove on its inner surface for the movement of the block-type chain. Claim 6 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a bearing provided inside the housing and provided at a position corresponding to the sprocket centered on the block-type chain. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: a shaft provided at the center of the internal space of the housing in which the block-shaped chain is provided; and a winding motor that generates rotational force for winding or unwinding the block-shaped chain, the rotation shaft of which is fixed to the shaft and whose body is fixed to the housing. Claim 9 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed rod inserted and coupled to one end of the innermost link. Claim 10 In claim 9, the innermost link comprises a predetermined hole formed in a mutually facing direction at one end; the fixed rod comprises a fixing jaw formed in a mutually facing direction at a predetermined position from the other end and the other end, and the multistage linear actuator further comprises a sliding block having an uneven surface formed on its inner surface that is inserted and coupled to each of the hole and the fixing jaw. Claim 11 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 1, further comprising: a handle fixing part formed in the housing, on the side opposite to the side to which the link is connected; wherein the handle fixing part has a predetermined space formed inside the housing. Claim 12 A multi-stage linear actuator according to claim 11, further comprising a handle that is fitted and coupled to the handle fixing part. Claim 13 A multistage linear actuator comprising the features of claim 1; and a control device connected to the multistage linear actuator and controlling the position of the link included in the multistage linear actuator in real time; comprising a multistage linear actuator system.

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