Linear drive comprising a controller housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly process for control housings in linear drives is time-consuming and costly due to the need for separate installation and cable connection to the furniture, particularly in applications like hospital beds.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system that simultaneously establishes both mechanical and electrical connections between the control housing and the drive housing, allowing for a translational movement during assembly, ensuring a robust and secure attachment without the need for separate cable installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control housing is mounted separately on the furniture and connected via cable to the linear actuator, then the electrical connection can be established, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical mounting function and electrical connection function into a single integrated control housing assembly. The control housing is directly mounted on the gear housing, and the electrical connection is established through integrated contact elements (contact plates or contact pins) that are part of the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connection
2Reliability
If a separate cable connection is made from the control housing to the gear housing, then the electrical connection can be established, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into the mechanical housing structure by integrating contact elements directly into the control housing and gear housing. This eliminates the need for separate cables and connectors, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the integrated contact plates or contact pins
Solution Approach 2:
The control housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the control electronics, provides mechanical mounting attachment to the gear housing, and establishes electrical connection through its integrated contact elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a linear drive comprising: a transmission housing (2) which extends along a longitudinal axis X and in which a spindle is rotatably mounted, said spindle having a worm gear connected thereto for conjoint rotation; and a spindle nut which runs on the spindle, can be adjusted on the spindle between a retracted position and an extended position, and acts on a lifting tube. When in the retracted position, the spindle nut lies in a guide tube (6) and is retracted in the region of a rear end of the guide tube (6), and consequently the lifting tube (815) is also retracted into the guide tube (6). When in the extended position, the spindle nut lies on a front end of the guide tube (6). An electric motor drives the worm which extends along a transverse axis Y extending transverse to the longitudinal axis X, the electric motor being accommodated in a motor housing (4) which is connected to the transmission housing (2). Furthermore, a controller is located in a controller housing (10). In order to simplify assembly of the controller housing, a connection is established between the controller housing (10) and the drive housing, said connection being designed such that it can simultaneously be electrically connected to the drive housing during the mechanical fastening process.