Guide rail device for linear motor device

Abstract

The present application relates to a guide rail device (1) for a linear motor device. The guide rail device comprises a sensor assembly (11) and a profile component (12). The profile component has a first side edge (121), a second side edge (122) and a bottom edge (123), wherein the first side edge (121) and the second side edge (122) are arranged opposite each other and are connected to each other by means of the bottom edge (123), and the first side edge (121) comprises a first stop portion (1211) protruding towards the second side edge (122); and the sensor assembly (11) is fixed at least by means of the bottom edge (123) and the first stop portion (1211), and a first groove (1212) opposite the sensor assembly (11) is provided in the first side edge (121).

Description

Guide rail arrangement for a linear motor device TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a guide rail arrangement for a linear motor device. Furthermore the present application relates to a linear motor device comprising such a guide rail arrangement. BACKGROUND

[0002] Linear motor devices, also commonly referred to as push rod motor devices, are widely used as a component for linear reciprocating motion. Conventional linear motor devices generally comprise a motor, a screw, a linear motion assembly, i.e. generally a linear moving part and a guide part. The motor drives the screw to rotate, and the linear moving part engaged with the screw thread can thus move linearly along the guide part. The movement of the linear moving part is generally limited by a travel sensor.

[0003] In the prior art design, the cable leading from the travel sensor is generally directly exposed without a dedicated wiring space, thus lacking protection for the cable and other electronic components of the travel sensor.

[0004] Furthermore, since the guide part is generally made of metal, when the strength of the guide part is insufficient and the design guide stroke is long, the guide part is prone to bending when subjected to load in the prior art guide part design, which makes the linear moving part unable to move accurately along a straight line, and this non-linear movement of the linear moving part leads to adverse fluctuations in motor current and movement jamming. SUMMARY

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a guide rail arrangement for a linear motor device and a linear motor device comprising such a guide rail arrangement, thereby overcoming the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art.

[0006] The above technical problem is solved by a guide rail arrangement for a linear motor device, according to the present application, the guide rail arrangement comprising a sensor assembly and a profile part, the profile part having a first side edge, a second side edge and a bottom edge, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge are oppositely arranged and connected to each other by the bottom edge, wherein the first side edge comprises a first stop portion protruding towards the second side edge, wherein the sensor assembly is clamped at least by the bottom edge and the first stop portion, and a first recess is provided in the first side edge opposite the sensor assembly.

[0007] According to the present application, the guide rail device comprises a sensor assembly and a profiled component having a first side, a second side and a bottom side, wherein the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other and are connected to each other by means of the bottom side. That is, the profiled component essentially has a U-shaped cross section. Such a profiled component has a good resistance to bending and torsion, which ensures the overall stability of the guide rail device and avoids deformation, which is very advantageous for the precise linear guide movement of the guide element on the guide rail device.

[0008] The first side comprises a first stop portion protruding towards the second side, wherein the sensor assembly is clamped at least by means of the bottom side and the first stop portion. By means of this design, the sensor assembly arranged inside the profiled component can be well protected, on the one hand, from being damaged by other components outside, and on the other hand, from being accidentally touched by other components outside, which can cause the linear motor device to malfunction.

[0009] A first recess opposite to the sensor assembly is provided in the first side, whereby the distance between the first side and the sensor assembly can be increased, which prevents the sensor assembly from being electrically leaked and thus ensures smooth operation. In addition, such a recess is also advantageous for forming an accommodation space for the cabling and wiring of the cables led out from the sensor assembly, whereby the cables arranged in such an accommodation space and other components of the sensor assembly can be better protected.

[0010] In some embodiments, the guide rail device can comprise at least one end cap, wherein the end cap is fixed on the longitudinal end of the profiled component by means of at least one fixing means. By fixing the end cap on the longitudinal end of the profiled component, the deformation resistance and stability of the profiled component can be enhanced, and in addition, the interior of the profiled component can be sealed to prevent foreign matter from entering, which is advantageous for prolonging the service life of the guide rail device. Advantageously, the profiled component comprises at least one accommodation portion for accommodating the fixing means.

[0011] In some embodiments, the accommodation portion can be at least partially defined by a protrusion protruding from the first side and / or from the second side. Thereby, the accommodation portion can be integrated with the profiled component itself, avoiding the use of additional components for accommodating the fixing means, which saves the installation cost.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusion can comprise a first protrusion, a second protrusion and a third protrusion, wherein the free end of the first side is bent towards the second side to form the first protrusion, and the second protrusion and the third protrusion are respectively configured to protrude from the second side into the profiled component. Thereby, the accommodation portion for accommodating the fixing means is realized in a simple way by means of the protrusions configured on the first side and the second side.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fixing means can comprise a screw. It is also conceivable to use a rivet, a pin or the like as fixing means.

[0014] In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the profiled part can be provided with at least one guide protrusion and / or guide groove on the surface facing the interior of the profiled part and on the surface facing away from the interior of the profiled part, respectively. By providing at least one guide protrusion and / or guide groove on both surfaces of the bottom edge of the profiled part, i.e. on the surface facing the interior of the profiled part and on the surface facing away from the interior of the profiled part, not only a linear movement of the slide guided by the guide rail arrangement can be guided in a stable manner, but also a reinforcement of the profiled part itself can be achieved.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the first side edge in the first recess can be between 2.1 mm and 3.6 mm. In comparison to prior designs, a wall thickness of the profiled part of between 2.1 mm and 3.6 mm enables a more stable structure, which makes the profiled part or the guide rail arrangement less prone to bending under external loads, further ensures a smooth linear movement of the slide and also enables a more stable operation current. Here, the applicant has found that a wall thickness of 2.6 mm for the first side edge in the first recess is advantageous, on the one hand because this wall thickness enables a reinforcement effect and on the other hand because it does not lead to an excessively large weight of the profiled part or the guide rail arrangement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the profiled part is of one piece. A one-piece design enables an increased structural strength and also avoids disadvantages of an assembly of individual parts, such as a reduced precision due to tolerances.

[0017] In some embodiments, the profiled part can be configured as an extruded part. Thereby, a lower production cost can be achieved and a complex cross section of the profiled part can be realized.

[0018] In some embodiments, the profiled part can be made of an aluminum alloy or aluminum.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first stop can have a second recess. By designing a second recess in the first stop, the sensor assembly can be more easily positioned and more stably fixed by engaging the sensor assembly in the second recess when installing the sensor assembly. Furthermore, for the stop itself, a certain degree of flexibility can be achieved in the structure by such a recess, which facilitates the adaptation and securement of sensor assemblies of different sizes. In this case, it is advantageous if the bottom edge can have a third recess opposite the second recess, wherein the sensor assembly is secured by means of the second recess and the second recess. Thus, the sensor assembly can be easily inserted into the second recess in the first stop and the third recess opposite the second recess in the bottom edge, which enables very simple installation. And thus a stable securement of the sensor assembly in both directions can be achieved.

[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom edge of the profiled component can have a fifth protrusion projecting into the interior of the profiled component, which is configured as a stop for the sensor assembly. By designing a fourth protrusion on the bottom edge of the profiled component, a simple stop of the sensor assembly on the bottom edge can be achieved.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can comprise a travel sensor and a sensor holder, wherein the travel sensor is mounted on the side of the sensor holder facing away from the first recess and the sensor holder is spaced apart from the bottom of the first recess. By the travel sensor and the sensor holder forming a travel sensor, it is possible, firstly, to facilitate the installation of the travel sensor and, secondly, to facilitate the replacement of a damaged sensor. Mounting the travel sensor on the side of the sensor holder facing away from the first recess facilitates the detection of the travel of the slider. Spacing the sensor holder from the bottom of the first recess ensures a safe distance of the live parts of the sensor from the profiled structure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor holder can be configured as a plastic part. Thus, a reliable insulation of the live parts of the sensor can be achieved.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensor holder can have an I-shaped cross-section. An I-shaped cross-section of the sensor holder is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and also facilitates installation in the profiled component according to the application.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sensor holder can have a C-shaped cross-section and, in accordance with this cross-sectional shape, have a crossbeam and a first side leg and a second side leg bent from both ends of the crossbeam, the sensor assembly is clamped between the first side leg and the fifth protrusion, and is clamped between the first protrusion and the bottom edge by the outer side surfaces of the first side leg and the second side leg. In this way, the sensor holder is designed to have a C-shaped cross-section and is clamped between the first side leg and the fifth protrusion in the horizontal direction, i.e. parallel to the direction of the bottom edge of the profile structure, and is clamped between the first protrusion and the bottom edge in the up-down direction, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of the bottom edge of the profile structure. This not only achieves stable positioning and retention of the sensor holder and the sensor assembly, but also forms an accommodation space by the C-shaped cross-section of the sensor holder and the side wall of the profile part, which not only further ensures a safe distance between the live parts of the sensor and the side wall of the profile part, but also allows the lead connector of the travel sensor and the cable, such as a signal line or a power supply line, etc. leading out of the travel sensor to be arranged in the accommodation space, thereby achieving better protection for them.

[0025] In some embodiments, the travel sensor can be configured as a microswitch.

[0026] In addition, the above technical problems are also solved by a linear motor device according to the present application, wherein the linear motor device can comprise a guide rail device according to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The present application will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0028] In the drawings:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a linear motor device according to one embodiment of the present application,

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a side view of an end cap of a guide rail device according to one embodiment of the present application,

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a profile part of a guide rail device according to one embodiment of the present application,

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a perspective partial view of the profile part shown in Fig. 3,

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a profile part of a guide rail device according to one embodiment of the present application,

[0034] Fig. 6 shows two different designs of a sensor assembly according to the present application,

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a guide rail device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Identical or similar elements in the figures are denoted by the same reference signs. Embodiments of the application

[0037] The linear motor device shown in Fig. 1 mainly comprises a guide rail device 1, a motor 2 and a slide 3. Along the longitudinal direction A of the guide rail device 1, the motor 2 is mounted on one end thereof. The guide rail device 1 has an end cap 4 on the other end. The slide 3 is arranged on the guide rail device 1 and guided along the guide rail device 1. The linear motor device further comprises a screw rod accommodated inside the guide rail device. The motor 2 drives the screw rod to rotate so that the slide 3 engaged with the screw rod makes a linear reciprocating motion on the guide rail device 1 along the longitudinal direction A of the guide rail device 1. The motion of the slide 3 on the guide rail device 1 is detected and controlled by a travel sensor or travel switch of the guide rail device.

[0038] The guide rail device 1 comprises a sensor assembly 11 and a profiled part 12 having a first side edge 121, a second side edge 122 and a bottom edge 123, wherein the first side edge 121 and the second side edge 122 are oppositely arranged and connected to each other by the bottom edge 123, wherein the first side edge 121 comprises a first stop portion 1211 protruding towards the second side edge 122, wherein the sensor assembly 11 is clamped by at least the bottom edge 123 and the first stop portion 1211, and a first groove 1212 is arranged in the first side edge 121 opposite to the sensor assembly 11.

[0039] The guide rail device 1 comprises an end cap 4, wherein the end cap 4 is fixed on the longitudinal end of the profiled part 12 by means of at least one fixing device (not shown in the figure). The end cap 4 can at least partially enclose the profiled part, thereby avoiding external factors from affecting the structure inside the profiled part, such as foreign matter entering and hindering the operation of the screw rod or the slide. In this embodiment, the end cap 4 has three through holes 41, 42 and 43 for fixing devices. Of course, a person skilled in the art can also arrange other numbers of fixing devices as needed. In addition, an opening 44 for leading out the cable of the sensor assembly 11 is also arranged on the end cap 4, and the opening 44 can be closed by a cover adapted to the cable.

[0040] The profiled part 12 comprises at least one receiving portion for receiving the fixing means. In the present case, three receiving portions are provided, although a person skilled in the art will also envisage other numbers of receiving portions as required. As shown, the receiving portions are at least partially defined by protrusions protruding from the first side edge 121 and / or from the second side edge 122. Here, the protrusions exemplarily comprise a first protrusion 1213, a second protrusion 1221, a third protrusion 1222 and a fourth protrusion 1223, wherein the free end of the first side edge 121 is bent in the direction of the second side edge 122 to form the first protrusion 1213, the free end of the second side edge 122 is bent in the direction of the first side edge 121 to form the second protrusion 1221, and the third protrusion 1222 and the fourth protrusion 1223 are configured to protrude from the second side edge 122 into the profiled part 12 at a mutual distance. As shown, the first protrusion 1213, together with a portion of the first side edge 121 adjacent thereto and a portion of the first stop 1211, forms a first receiving portion; the second protrusion 1221, together with a portion of the second side edge 122 adjacent thereto and the third protrusion 1222, forms a second receiving portion; and the fourth protrusion 1223, together with a portion of the second side edge 122 adjacent thereto and a portion of the bottom edge 123, forms a third receiving portion. Of course, in an embodiment not shown, instead of the third protrusion 1222 and the fourth protrusion 1223, only one auxiliary protrusion can be envisaged, which protrudes from the second side edge 122 into the profiled part 12, thereby forming, on one side, the second receiving portion with the second protrusion 1221, and, on the other side, the third receiving portion with a portion of the second side edge 122 adjacent thereto and a portion of the bottom edge 123.

[0041] The first receiving portion, the second receiving portion and the third receiving portion can be configured to be identical or different in size and shape as required. Here, a person skilled in the art will also envisage other shapes as long as they are suitable for mounting the fixing means for fixing the end cap 4.

[0042] The fixing means comprise a screw. In addition, a person skilled in the art will also envisage other suitable fixing means, such as a pin, a rivet, etc.

[0043] The bottom edge 123 of the profiled part 12 is provided with at least one guide protrusion 1231 and / or a guide groove 1232 on the surface facing the interior of the profiled part 12 (i.e. on the inner side) and on the surface facing away from the interior of the profiled part 12 (i.e. on the outer side), respectively. By providing the guide protrusion 1231 and / or the guide groove 1232 on both the inner and outer sides of the bottom edge 123, stable linear guidance of the slider 3 can be achieved, and the strength of the profiled part as a whole can also be enhanced.

[0044] In the first recess 1212, the wall thickness of the first side edge 121 is between 2.1 mm and 3.6 mm, and preferably 2.6 mm.

[0045] The profiled part 12 is configured as an extruded profile. As shown, the cross section of the profiled part 12 is rather complex, which can be easily achieved by configuring it as an extruded profile.

[0046] The profiled part 12 is made of an aluminum alloy or aluminum.

[0047] The first stop 1211 has a second recess 12111. The second recess 12111 can be used to fix the sensor assembly. Furthermore, the first stop 1211 itself can have a certain degree of elasticity by means of the second recess 12111, whereby the sensor assembly can be clamped and also different sizes of sensor assemblies can be accommodated.

[0048] The bottom edge 123 has a third recess 1234 opposite the second recess 12111, wherein the sensor assembly 11 is clamped by means of the second recess 12111 and the third recess 1234. This allows a reliable fixation of the sensor assembly 11 in all directions in the view.

[0049] The bottom edge 123 of the profiled part 12 has a fifth protrusion 1233 projecting into the interior of the profiled part 12, which is configured as a stop for the sensor assembly 11. In this design, the sensor assembly 11 can no longer be clamped by means of the second recess 12111 and the third recess 1234. However, the second recess 12111 and the third recess 1234 can still be retained in this case in order to save material.

[0050] In Figure 6, two different designs of the sensor assembly 11 according to the application are shown. In the view above Figure 6, a side view of the sensor assembly 11 with a C-shaped cross-section sensor holder is shown, as well as a cross-sectional view thereof, and in the view below Figure 6, a sensor assembly with an I-shaped cross-section sensor holder is shown.

[0051] The sensor assembly 11 comprises a travel sensor 111 which is mounted on the side of the sensor holder 112 facing away from the first groove 1212 and which is kept at a distance from the bottom of the first groove. In the example shown in the drawing, two travel sensors 111 are arranged on the sensor holder 112, the slider 3 being detectable by both travel sensors when it reaches the respective position, so that a control of the linear movement of the slider 3 is possible, for example a stopping of the linear movement of the slider 3 or a linear movement of the slider 3 in the opposite direction. The travel sensors can be designed, for example, as electrical, optical, mechanical or magnetic sensors. Furthermore, the sensor holder 112 can be configured as a plastic part. The travel sensors can be configured as micro switches or travel switches here.

[0052] The sensor holder 112 can have an I-shaped cross section. This sensor holder configuration is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0053] The sensor holder 112 can also have a C-shaped cross section and, in accordance with this cross-sectional shape, have a web 1123 and a first leg 1121 and a second leg 1122 which are bent from both ends of the web. The sensor assembly 11 is clamped between the first side edge 121 and the fifth protrusion 1233 and, by means of the outer side faces of the first leg 1121 and the second leg 1122, is clamped between the first stop 1211 and the bottom edge 123. In particular, the entire sensor assembly 11 is supported on the first side edge 121 of the profiled component 12 in a direction parallel to the bottom edge 123 of the profiled component 12 by means of the first leg 1121 and the second leg 1122, and, in contrast thereto, by means of the edge of the travel sensor 111 against the fifth protrusion 1233. In a direction perpendicular to the bottom edge 123 of the profiled component 12, the entire sensor assembly 11 is clamped between the first stop 1211 and the bottom edge 123 by means of the outer side faces of the first leg 1121 and the second leg 1122. By this design, a receiving space R is enclosed between the first side edge 121 and the sensor assembly 11 or the sensor holder 112, which not only achieves a spacing between the travel sensor 111 and the first side edge 121 of the profiled component 12 to constitute an electrical safety distance, but also the electrical connections E of the travel sensor and the cable leading from the travel sensor 111 can be arranged in this receiving space R, so that a better protection thereof is achieved.

[0054] Although the application has been described and illustrated in detail by preferred embodiments, the application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but other variations can be derived by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the application.

[0055] List of reference signs:

[0056] 1 guide rail arrangement

[0057] 11 sensor assembly

[0058] 111 travel sensor

[0059] 112 sensor holder

[0060] 1121 first leg

[0061] 1122 second leg

[0062] 1123 crossbar

[0063] 12 profile part

[0064] 121 first side edge

[0065] 1211 first stop

[0066] 12111 second recess

[0067] 1212 first recess

[0068] 1213 first protrusion

[0069] 122 second side edge

[0070] 1221 second protrusion

[0071] 1222 third protrusion

[0072] 1223 fourth protrusion

[0073] 123 bottom edge

[0074] 1231 guide protrusion

[0075] 1232 guide recess

[0076] 1233 fifth protrusion

[0077] 1234 third recess

[0078] 2 motor

[0079] 3 slider

[0080] 4 end cap

[0081] 41 through hole

[0082] 42 through hole

[0083] 43 through hole

[0084] 44 opening

[0085] A longitudinal direction

[0086] R receiving space

[0087] E electrical terminal

Claims

1. A guide rail device (1) for a linear motor device, the guide rail device comprising a sensor assembly (11) and a profile component (12), the profile component having a first side (121), a second side (122), and a bottom edge (123), wherein, The first side (121) and the second side (122) are arranged opposite to each other and connected to each other through the bottom edge (123). The first side (121) includes a first stop (1211) protruding toward the second side (122). The sensor assembly (11) is secured at least by the bottom edge (123) and the first stop (1211). A first groove (1212) opposite to the sensor assembly (11) is provided in the first side (121).

2. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The guide rail device (1) includes at least one end cap (4), wherein the end cap (4) is fixed to the longitudinal end of the profile component (12) by means of at least one fixing device.

3. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The profile component (12) includes at least one receiving portion for accommodating the fixing device.

4. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The receiving portion is defined at least partially by protrusions that extend from the first side (121) and / or from the second side (122).

5. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusions include a first protrusion (1213), a second protrusion (1221), a third protrusion (1222), and a fourth protrusion (1223). The free end of the first side (121) is bent toward the second side (122) to form the first protrusion (1213), and the free end of the second side (122) is bent toward the first side (121) to form the second protrusion (1221). The third protrusion (1222) and the fourth protrusion (1223) are respectively configured to protrude from the second side (122) into the profile component (12).

6. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The fixing device includes screws.

7. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom edge (123) of the profile component (12) is provided with at least one guide protrusion (1231) and / or guide groove (1232) on the surface facing the interior of the profile component (12) and on the surface facing away from the interior of the profile component (12).

8. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, In the first groove (1212), the wall thickness of the first side (121) is between 2.1 mm and 3.6 mm.

9. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, In the first groove (1212), the wall thickness of the first side (121) is 2.6 mm.

10. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The profile component (12) is constructed as an extruded part.

11. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The profile component (12) is made of aluminum alloy or aluminum.

12. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first stop (1211) has a second groove (12111).

13. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The bottom edge (123) has a third groove opposite to the second groove (12111), wherein the sensor assembly (11) is secured by means of the second groove and the third groove.

14. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom edge (123) of the profile component (12) has a fifth protrusion (1233) protruding into the profile component (12), the fifth protrusion (1233) being configured as a stop for the sensor assembly (11).

15. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor assembly (11) includes a stroke sensor (111) and a sensor bracket (112). The stroke sensor (111) is mounted on the side of the sensor bracket (112) facing away from the first groove (1212), and the sensor bracket maintains a distance from the bottom of the first groove.

16. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor bracket (112) is constructed of plastic.

17. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor bracket has an I-shaped cross-section.

18. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The sensor bracket (112) has a C-shaped cross section and a crossbeam (1123) and a first side leg (1121) and a second side leg (1122) formed by bending from both ends of the crossbeam. The sensor assembly (11) is secured between the first side leg (121) and the fifth protrusion (1233), and is secured between the first stop (1211) and the bottom edge (123) by the outer surfaces of the first side leg (1121) and the second side leg (1122).

19. The guide rail device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The travel sensor is configured as a micro switch.

20. A linear motor device, the linear motor device comprising the guide rail device according to any one of claims 1-19.

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