Detection method, alignment platform, and detection system

Abstract

A detection method is provided, including the following steps: activating a servo motor; using the servo motor to drive a platform to a predetermined position; activating a braking mechanism and disabling an excitation state of the servo motor; and detecting an object to be detected that is placed on the platform. An alignment platform is further provided, including: a base having a rail; a platform slidably disposed on the rail; a driving mechanism including a servo motor, capable of driving the platform to slide relative to the rail via the servo motor; and a braking mechanism disposed on either the base or the platform, which includes a brake unit and a brake pad, wherein the brake unit corresponds to the brake pad. A detection system is provided, including: an alignment platform; a detection unit; and a control unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to alignment and detection, and in particular to a technical improvement of a detection method, alignment platform and detection system. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Alignment platforms have been widely used in many industrial fields. These alignment platforms typically consist of a moving platform and corresponding tracks to achieve the functions of movement and alignment correction.

[0003] The conventional alignment platform is driven by a drive mechanism to slide the mobile platform relative to the track; however, after the platform completes the position adjustment, the position of the platform is locked by power failure protection. When the power is cut off, the power needs to be turned on again when the platform needs to be corrected, which results in the need for recalibration and takes a long time.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and progressive detection method, alignment platform and detection system to solve the above problems. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a detection method, alignment platform and detection system, which enables the platform to be stably positioned when it is moved to a predetermined position, so as to make the positioning position accurate.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a detection method, comprising the following steps: starting a servo motor; using the servo motor to move a platform along a track to a predetermined position; simultaneously or sequentially starting a braking mechanism and interrupting the current input to the servo motor to release the excitation state of the servo motor in any order; and detecting an object to be detected placed on the platform.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention further provides an alignment platform, comprising: a base having a track; a platform slidably disposed on the track; a drive mechanism including a servo motor, the drive mechanism being able to drive the platform to slide relative to the track by means of the servo motor, the servo motor including a moving sub-unit and a stationary sub-track, the moving sub-unit being movably disposed on the stationary sub-track, the moving sub-unit having a coil; and a braking mechanism disposed on one of the base and the platform, the braking mechanism including a braking unit and a brake pad, the braking unit corresponding to the brake pad.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides a detection system, comprising: a positioning platform, which includes a base, a platform, a drive mechanism, and a braking mechanism. The base has a track, and the platform is slidably disposed on the track. The drive mechanism includes a servo motor, which includes a moving sub-unit and a stationary sub-track. The moving sub-unit is movably disposed on the stationary sub-track and has a coil. The braking mechanism is disposed on one of the base and the platform, and includes a braking unit and a brake pad, the braking unit corresponding to the brake pad; a detection unit; and a control unit connected to the braking mechanism, the servo motor, and the detection unit. When the platform is in a predetermined position, the control unit simultaneously or sequentially activates the braking mechanism and interrupts the current input to the coil of the servo motor to release the servo motor from its excitation state. The control unit activates the detection unit to detect an object to be detected placed on the platform.

Implementation Method

[0009] The following are merely examples illustrating possible implementations of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The prefixes "a" or "at least one" before the terms mentioned herein are not intended to limit the quantity, and may also be "multiple" depending on the requirements. Such variations in quantity are also within the scope of protection, and are therefore stated in advance.

[0010] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6, which show a first embodiment of the present invention. A detection method of the present invention includes the following steps: Step S1: Start a servo motor 31; Step S2: Use the servo motor 31 to drive a platform 20 to move along a track 11 to a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the platform 20 moves linearly, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, it can also be raised, lowered, rotated, etc.; Step S3: Sequentially start a brake mechanism 40 and interrupt the current input to a coil 35 of the servo motor 31 to release the excitation state of the servo motor 31 (stop generating a magnetic field). In this embodiment, the brake mechanism 40 is started first, and then the excitation state of the servo motor 31 is released (Servo Off). In other embodiments, the order can also be reversed; and Step S4: Detect an object to be detected placed on the platform 20. To further explain, when the braking mechanism 40 is activated, it can prevent the platform 20 from moving along the track 11; wherein, when the servo motor 31 is in the predetermined position, a driver 80 and an encoder 34 are in an open state and can communicate with each other, and the driver 80 interrupts the current input to the servo motor 31 to prevent the platform 20 from moving arbitrarily.

[0011] Further explanation: the braking mechanism may be provided on the servo motor 31, the platform 20, or the platform 20 may be movably provided on the base 10 above it.

[0012] In this way, the platform 20 can be stably positioned after moving to the predetermined position, avoiding shaking or movement, thereby providing high-precision alignment and measurement, and making the positioning accurate.

[0013] After detecting the object to be detected placed on the platform 20, step S5: simultaneously or sequentially close the brake mechanism 40 and input current to the coil 35 of the servo motor 31 in any order to start the servo motor 31 into an energized state (servo on) (generating a magnetic field), so as to re-stabilize the displacement and perform position correction; preferably, start the servo motor 31 into an energized state first, and then close the brake mechanism 40; in other embodiments, the order can also be reversed; to prevent the platform 20 from shifting instantaneously, causing positioning errors or collisions.

[0014] The present invention also relates to an alignment platform 1, including the base 10, a platform 20, a drive mechanism 30 and a braking mechanism 40.

[0015] The base 10 has a track 11; the platform 20 is slidably disposed on the track 11; the drive mechanism 30 includes the servo motor 31, which drives the platform 20 to slide relative to the track 11. The servo motor 31 includes a moving sub-unit 32 and a stationary sub-track 33. The moving sub-unit 32 is movably disposed on the stationary sub-track 33, and the moving sub-unit 32 has the coil 35; the braking mechanism 40 is disposed on one of the base 10 and the platform 20. The braking mechanism 40 includes a braking unit 41 and a brake pad 42, and the braking unit 41 corresponds to the brake pad 42. Specifically, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a driver 80 and an encoder 34. The driver 80 is connected to the coil 35 and the encoder 34, and the encoder 34 is disposed on the moving sub-unit 32. The moving sub-unit 32 is disposed on the platform 20, and the stationary sub-track 33 is disposed on the base 10. One of the pressure-applying parts 411 of the braking unit 41 is disposed at a distance from the brake pad 42 in normal operation (as shown in Figure 7). The pressure-applying part 411 of the braking unit 41 can move relative to the brake pad 41, and the pressure-applying part 411 can press against the brake pad 42.

[0016] Specifically, by inputting current to the coil 35, and through the change in current of the coil 35, the magnet in the stator track 33 and the coil 35 can interact with each other to generate a propulsive force, so that the moving unit 32 can move relative to the stator track 33, that is, the servo motor 31 is in an excited state; conversely, if the current input to the coil 35 is interrupted to eliminate the magnetic field, the moving unit 32 will not move relative to the stator track 33, that is, the servo motor 31 is in a de-excited state.

[0017] One of the base 10 and the platform 20 is provided with a brake part 50, and the other is provided with a brake mechanism 40. The brake mechanism 40 corresponds to the brake part 50, and the brake unit 41 can apply force to the brake pad 42, causing the brake pad 42 to press against the brake part 50. In this embodiment, the brake mechanism 40 is provided on the platform 20, and the brake part 50 is provided on the base 10. In another embodiment, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the brake mechanism 40 corresponding to the platform 1a is provided on the base 10a, and the brake part 50 is provided on the platform 20a.

[0018] In this way, the platform 20 can be stably positioned after it moves to the predetermined position, avoiding shaking or movement, thereby providing high-precision alignment and measurement. In addition, the brake pad 42 can provide stable braking with good braking effect, thus extending the service life of the braking mechanism 40.

[0019] Preferably, the brake pad 42 is a deformable sheet body, which can fit tightly against the brake part 50 when braking is applied, resulting in good braking effect. Further, the brake pad 42 can be made of a highly wear-resistant and heat-resistant material, and can be replaced after wear. Moreover, the brake pad 42 has a pressing part 421, the extending dimension D1 of which extends along a third direction L3 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of a pressing part 411 of the brake unit 41. The pressing part 411 can press against the pressing part 421. The third direction L3 is perpendicular to the second direction L2 and the first direction L1, which can prevent the pressing part 411 from contacting the brake part 50, allowing the brake pad 42 to contact the brake part 50 over a large area, resulting in strong braking force. Further, the brake unit 41 is driven by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or hydraulic cylinder to drive the pressing part 411 (such as a piston), but is not limited to these methods.

[0020] The base 10 has two tracks 11, and the brake part 50 and the brake mechanism 40 are located between the two tracks 11. Each track 11 extends along a first direction L1. The brake part 50 is an elongated block extending along the first direction L1. The brake mechanism 40 is disposed on one side of the brake part 50 in a second direction L2, which is perpendicular to the first direction L1. The brake part 50 presses against the brake pad 42 in the second direction L2. Specifically, the platform 20 has two rail parts 21, which correspond to the two tracks 11. One of each rail part 21 and each track 11 is a rail groove extending along the first direction L1, and the other is a convex rail extending along the first direction L1 and engaging with the rail groove. One inner sidewall of the rail groove abuts against one outer sidewall of the convex rail. In this embodiment, each rail part 21 is a rail groove, and each track 11 is a convex rail. In this way, the stability and positioning accuracy of the platform 20 during movement can be ensured. At the same time, braking is performed on one side of the single braking mechanism 40 and the braking part 50, which can reduce the assembly and calibration procedures and provide stable locking during braking to prevent the platform 20 from lateral shaking or deviation.

[0021] In conjunction with FIG9, the present invention relates to a detection system 2, which includes the aforementioned alignment platform 1, and further includes: a detection unit 60 and a control unit 70.

[0022] In this embodiment, the detection unit 60 is an image detection system (such as a camera, etc.), or it can be a contact measurement probe, photoelectric sensor, etc.

[0023] The control unit 70 is connected to the braking mechanism 40, the servo motor 31 and the detection unit 60 (communicationally connected to each other via wired or wireless means). When the platform 20 is in the predetermined position, the control unit 70 sequentially activates the braking mechanism 40 and interrupts the current input to the coil 35 of the servo motor 31 to release the energized state of the servo motor 31. In this embodiment, the braking mechanism 40 is activated first, and then the energized state of the servo motor 31 is released (Servo Off). In other embodiments, the order can also be reversed. The control unit 70 activates the detection unit 60 to detect the object to be detected placed on the platform 20. In addition, after the detection is completed, the control unit 70 can simultaneously or sequentially close the brake mechanism 40 and input current to the coil 35 of the servo motor 31 to start the servo motor 31 into an energized state, so as to re-stabilize the displacement and perform position correction; preferably, the servo motor 31 is started into an energized state first, and then the brake mechanism 40 is closed to prevent the platform 20 from shifting instantly, causing positioning errors or collisions.

[0024] Specifically, one of the base 10 and the platform 20 is provided with the brake part 50, and the other is provided with the brake mechanism 40. The brake mechanism 40 corresponds to the brake part 50. When the brake mechanism 40 is activated, the brake unit 41 applies force to the brake pad 42, causing the brake pad 42 to press against the brake part 50. When the servo motor 31 is in the predetermined position, the driver 80 and the encoder 34 are in a (power) on state and can communicate with each other (i.e., the power is on, standby state). The driver 80 interrupts the current input to the coil 35 of the servo motor 31.

[0025] In detail, when the driver 80 and the encoder 34 are in the ON state, the driver 80 can receive control signals from the control unit 70, and the encoder 34 can feed back displacement data of the moving subunit 32 to the driver 80. Therefore, when the servo motor 31 moves the platform 20 to the predetermined position, the driver 80 and the encoder 34 are in a standby state, achieving a stable positioning effect without completely shutting off the power. At the same time, when it is necessary to adjust the platform 20, operation can be quickly resumed for rapid adjustment of the platform 20. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0026] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the detection method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is another exploded view of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a front view of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the starting brake mechanism of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a front view of the alignment platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the starting brake mechanism of the alignment platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a block diagram of the detection system of the alignment platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detection method, comprising the following steps: starting a servo motor; using the servo motor to move a platform along a track to a predetermined position; sequentially activating a braking mechanism and interrupting the current input to the servo motor to demagnetize the servo motor; and detecting an object to be detected placed on the platform.

2. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein after detecting the object to be detected placed on the platform, the braking mechanism is simultaneously or sequentially shut off and the servo motor is input current to start the servo motor into an excited state in any order.

3. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein when the braking mechanism is activated, the braking mechanism can prevent the platform from moving along the track; wherein, When the servo motor is in the predetermined position, a driver and an encoder are in an on state and can communicate with each other, and the driver interrupts the current input to the servo motor.

4. A positioning platform, comprising: A base having a track; a platform slidably disposed on the track; a drive mechanism including a servo motor capable of driving the platform to slide relative to the track, the servo motor including a moving sub-unit and a stationary sub-track, the moving sub-unit being movably disposed on the stationary sub-track, the moving sub-unit having a coil; and a braking mechanism disposed on one of the base and the platform, including a braking unit and a brake pad, the braking unit corresponding to the brake pad; wherein the brake pad is a deformable sheet; wherein, a pressure-applying part of the braking unit is spaced apart from the brake pad in normal operation, the pressure-applying part of the braking unit is movable relative to the brake pad, and the pressure-applying part can press against the brake pad.

5. The alignment platform as described in claim 4, wherein one of the base and the platform is provided with a braking part and the other is provided with a braking mechanism, the braking mechanism corresponding to the braking part, and the braking unit can apply force to the brake pad, causing the brake pad to press against the braking part.

6. The alignment platform as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base has two tracks, the brake portion and the brake mechanism are located between the two tracks, each track extends along a first direction, the brake portion is an elongated block extending along the first direction, the brake mechanism is disposed on one side of the brake portion in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and the brake portion presses against the brake pad in the second direction.

7. The alignment platform as described in claim 6, wherein the platform has two rail portions corresponding to two tracks, one of each rail portion and each track is a rail groove extending along the first direction, and the other is a convex rail extending along the first direction and engaging with the rail groove, one inner sidewall of the rail groove abutting against one outer sidewall of the convex rail; the brake pad is a deformable sheet; the brake pad has a pressing portion, the pressing portion extending along a third direction having an extension dimension larger than the outer diameter dimension of the pressure portion of the brake unit, the third direction being perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction; the drive mechanism further includes a driver and an encoder, the driver connecting the coil and the encoder, the encoder being disposed in the moving subunit.

8. A detection system, comprising: A positioning platform includes a base, a platform, a drive mechanism, and a braking mechanism. The base has a track, and the platform is slidably mounted on the track. The drive mechanism includes a servo motor, which includes a moving sub-unit and a stationary sub-track. The moving sub-unit is movably mounted on the stationary sub-track and has a coil. The braking mechanism is located on either the base or the platform and includes a braking unit and a brake pad, with the braking unit corresponding to the brake pad. A detection unit and a control unit are connected to the braking mechanism, the servo motor, and the detection unit. When the platform is in a predetermined position, the control unit sequentially activates the braking mechanism and interrupts the current input to the coil of the servo motor to demagnetize the servo motor. The control unit then activates the detection unit to detect an object placed on the platform. The moving sub-unit is located on the platform, and the stationary sub-track is located on the base.

9. The detection system as claimed in claim 8, wherein one of the base and the platform is provided with a braking part and the other is provided with a braking mechanism, the braking mechanism corresponding to the braking part, and when the braking mechanism is activated, the braking unit applies force to the brake pad, causing the brake pad to press against the braking part.

10. The detection system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base has two tracks, the brake part and the brake mechanism are located between the two tracks, each track extends along a first direction, the brake part is an elongated block extending along the first direction, the brake mechanism is disposed on one side of the brake part in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and the brake part presses against the brake pad in the second direction; the platform has two track parts corresponding to the two tracks, one of each track part and each track is a groove extending along the first direction, and the other is a convex rail extending along the first direction and engaging with the groove, one inner sidewall of the groove abutting against one outer sidewall of the convex rail; the brake pad has a pressing part, the pressing part extending along a third direction with an extension dimension larger than one pressing part of the brake unit, the pressing part pressing against the pressing part, the third direction being perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction; the brake pad is a deformable sheet.

11. The detection system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit can, after detection is completed, simultaneously or sequentially shut down the braking mechanism and input current to the coil of the servo motor to start the servo motor into an energized state; the drive mechanism further includes a driver and an encoder, the driver being connected to the coil and the encoder, the encoder being disposed in the drive unit; wherein, When the servo motor is at the predetermined position, the driver and the encoder are in the open state and can communicate with each other, and the driver interrupts the current input to the coil of the servo motor.

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