Split Intermediate Flange Joint for Easier Motor Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching and detaching motors in industrial robots require inefficient tool alignment through small tool insertion holes, increasing work space requirements and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A joint and speed reducer design featuring a motor flange, intermediate flange with split pieces that can be disassembled radially, allowing easier access and reducing the need for tool alignment, and a seal member to maintain internal lubricant containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tool insertion holes are used in the cover of the speed reducer to access setscrews, then the motor can be attached and detached, but the work space is large and alignment is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate parts: the motor coupling part and the speed reducer coupling part. This segmentation allows the setscrews to be accessed directly from the motor side without needing tool insertion holes in the speed reducer cover, thereby reducing work space requirements and eliminating alignment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The setscrew access function is extracted from the speed reducer cover and relocated to the motor coupling structure. By providing tool insertion holes directly in the coupling body rather than in the speed reducer cover, the patent eliminates the need for complex alignment between the cover holes and setscrew holes.
2Ease of operation
If tool insertion holes are provided in the cover of the speed reducer, then setscrews can be accessed, but alignment of phases is required which reduces work efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into motor coupling and speed reducer coupling components. This allows setscrew access to be provided through the motor coupling structure rather than requiring alignment between the speed reducer cover and setscrew holes, thereby eliminating the alignment step and improving work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool insertion holes are pre-positioned in the coupling body at locations that automatically align with the setscrew holes when the motor is mounted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment during assembly, thereby improving work efficiency.
3Strength
If setscrews are retained in threaded holes of the coupling, then the output shaft is fixed, but access requires complex alignment through the speed reducer cover
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into motor coupling and speed reducer coupling parts. This segmentation allows the setscrew access structure to be simplified by providing tool insertion holes directly in the motor coupling structure, eliminating the complex cover-based access system while maintaining secure output shaft retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor coupling structure serves as an intermediary that provides direct access to the setscrews. By using the motor coupling as the access pathway rather than routing through the speed reducer cover, the patent simplifies the access structure while maintaining the strength of output shaft retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint according to one aspect of the disclosure includes: a joint body having an input gear meshing with a speed reduction mechanism, the joint body receiving an output shaft of a motor detachably coupled to the joint body; a motor flange disposed between the speed reduction mechanism and the motor and rotatably supporting the joint body; and an intermediate flange connecting between the motor flange and the motor. At least one fixing member for fixing the joint body and the output shaft to each other is provided at at least one position in the joint body that overlaps with the intermediate flange as viewed from a radial direction. The intermediate flange is formed as an annulus surrounding the joint body by a plurality of split pieces that can be split in a circumferential direction.