Split Intermediate Flange Joint for Easier Motor Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching and detaching motors from speed reducers in industrial robots are inefficient and require significant workspace, as they involve aligning tools through tool insertion holes, which limits work efficiency and increases the required workspace.
Innovation Solution
A joint and speed reducer configuration featuring a motor flange, intermediate flange with split pieces that can be disassembled radially, allowing easier access and reducing the need for tool alignment through the speed reducer cover, thereby improving work efficiency and reducing workspace requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tool insertion holes are provided 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 work efficiency is low due to the need for precise alignment of tool insertion holes and threaded holes in the circumferential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate flange is divided into a first flange portion and a second flange portion that can be separated from each other. This segmentation allows the maintenance space to be opened without requiring tool insertion holes through the speed reducer cover, eliminating the need for circumferential alignment and reducing work space requirements while improving work efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing members are positioned at locations that overlap with the intermediate flange in the radial direction, rather than requiring access through the circumferential direction via tool insertion holes. This dimensional change in access path allows for more efficient maintenance operations
2Ease of operation
If tool insertion holes are provided in the cover of the speed reducer to access setscrews, then the motor can be attached and detached, but the required work space is large
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate flange is divided into separable first and second flange portions, creating an opening in the maintenance space that provides direct access to fixing members. This eliminates the need for tool insertion holes through the speed reducer cover, significantly reducing the required work space while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The separable intermediate flange acts as an intermediary structure that provides access to the maintenance space without requiring tools to pass through the speed reducer cover. This intermediary mechanism reduces the external work space needed while maintaining operational ease
Data Source
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AI summary
A joint (33) according to one aspect of the disclosure includes: a joint body (52) having an input gear (72) meshing with a speed reduction mechanism (32), the joint body (52) receiving an output shaft (101) of a motor (12) detachably coupled to the joint body (52); a motor flange (51) disposed between the speed reduction mechanism (32) and the motor (12) and rotatably supporting the joint body (52); and an intermediate flange (53) connecting between the motor flange (51) and the motor (12). At least one fixing member (111) for fixing the joint body (52) and the output shaft (101) to each other is provided at at least one position in the joint body (52) that overlaps with the intermediate flange (53) as viewed from a radial direction. The intermediate flange (53) is formed as an annulus surrounding the joint body (52) by a plurality of split pieces (81, 82) that can be split in a circumferential direction.