阅读说明：本技术 压电制动装置 (Piezoelectric braking device ) 是由 J·S·布鲁克 S·巴顿 M·赛汗席梅格 于 2020-01-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种制动装置,包括：压电元件；和制动部分。所述制动部分配置成当所述压电元件处于第一状态时固定至构件,并且当所述压电元件处于第二状态时沿着所述构件为可滑动的。所述压电元件在施加电压时从一种状态改变至另一种状态。(A brake apparatus comprising: a piezoelectric element; and a braking portion. The brake portion is configured to be fixed to a member when the piezoelectric element is in a first state and slidable along the member when the piezoelectric element is in a second state. The piezoelectric element changes from one state to another upon application of a voltage.)

1. A braking device (130) comprising:

a piezoelectric element (133); and

a detent portion (131), the detent portion (131) configured to be fixed to a member (110) when the piezoelectric element (133) is in a first state, and to release the member (110) when the piezoelectric element (133) is in a second state.

2. The braking device of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric element changes from the first state to the second state when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element.

3. The braking device of claim 1, wherein the braking portion of the braking device is configured to surround the member to clamp the member.

4. The braking device of claim 3, further comprising a forcing element (135), the forcing element (135) configured to provide a clamping force.

5. The braking device according to claim 1, wherein the braking portion comprises two ends (131A,131B) facing each other and is provided with a gap (131G), the gap (131G) being located between the two ends (131A,131B), and

the distance (D1) between the two ends of the detent portion changes when the piezoelectric element (133) changes from one state to the other.

6. The braking device of claim 3, wherein a gap between the braking portion and the member is adjustable.

7. The brake of claim 1, wherein the member is circular in cross-sectional shape, and the brake is further configured to prevent rotation of the member when the piezoelectric element is in the first state.

8. An adjustable optical mount comprising a detent according to claim 1, the optical mount being configured to move along the length of a post or rotate about the axis of the post such that adjustment of the position or orientation of the optical mount can be made when the detent releases the post, and the optical mount can then be locked in place when the detent is secured to the post.

9. A universal joint comprising one or more of a plurality of pivots and a brake device according to claim 1, the brake device being configured to secure and release one or more pins of the plurality of pivots.

10. A positioning system comprising at least one mast assembly comprising the brake apparatus of claim 1.

11. The positioning system of claim 10, further comprising a base plate and a platform, wherein a first end of each of the at least one strut assemblies is connected to a predetermined location on a top surface of the base plate and a second end of each of the at least one strut assemblies is connected to a corresponding predetermined location on a bottom surface of the platform.

12. The positioning system of claim 10, wherein the at least one strut assembly comprises:

a linear actuator configured to vary a distance between the two ends of the strut assembly along a length of the strut assembly;

the at least one strut assembly is locked in place when the piezoelectric element is in the first state and unlocked from the shaft when the piezoelectric element is in the second state.

13. The positioning system of claim 11, wherein the at least one mast assembly comprises six mast assemblies arranged in a hexapod configuration to provide six degrees of freedom of movement of the platform.

14. The positioning system of claim 10, wherein the at least one strut assembly comprises: three strut assemblies arranged in a tripod configuration.

15. The positioning system of claim 10, wherein the at least one mast assembly comprises one mast assembly arranged in a monopod configuration.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one strut assembly comprises a cylinder and the cylinder comprises the member of the brake device.

17. A system comprising first and second braking devices according to claim 1 and a processor configured to control the first and second braking devices such that when the first braking device is in the first state, the second braking device is in the second state; and when the first brake device is in the second state, the second brake device is in the first state.

18. A linear actuator comprising the system of claim 17, wherein the first and second brakes are connected by a rod that expands and contracts in synchronization with a change in state of the first and second brakes.

19. The braking device of claim 1, wherein the braking portion of the braking device comprises a first ring (196) and a second ring (198), a portion of the first ring and a portion of the second ring being connected via a flexure (191);

wherein the piezoelectric element (133a) is configured to move the first ring (196) relative to the second ring (198);

wherein when the piezoelectric element (133a) is in the second state, the axes of the first and second rings (196, 198) are aligned with the axis of the member (193);

wherein at least one of the axes of the first ring (196) and the second ring (198) is misaligned with the axis of the member (193) when the piezoelectric element (133a) is in the first state.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a brake device, and more particularly, to a piezoelectric brake device.

Background

In various mechanical systems (such as optical systems with microscopes), the fixation of one component to another component may have to be rigid. However, such rigid fixation cannot be adequately achieved for many reasons. For example, in some applications, the position of a component may need to be changed frequently and quickly. In conventional fixing mechanisms, it is inconvenient to repeatedly fix and release a part, which needs to change its position frequently and quickly during operation and setup.

Therefore, there is a need for a mechanical system that allows components to be more rigidly secured to each other and that allows for frequent and rapid securing-releasing operations.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a brake device including a piezoelectric element and a brake portion configured to be fixed to a member when the piezoelectric element is in a first state and to release the member when the piezoelectric element is in a second state. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element changes from a first state to a second state.

In one embodiment, the braking portion of the braking device is configured to surround the member to grip the member. The force element may be used to provide a clamping force.

In one embodiment, the stopper portion includes two end portions facing each other, and the stopper portion is provided with a slit located between the two end portions, and a distance between the two end portions of the stopper portion changes when the piezoelectric element changes from one state to the other state. The gap between the stop portion and the member is adjustable. The brake also secures the member against rotation when the member is circular in cross-section.

In one embodiment, the detent can be used for mounting and releasing the optical element from the optical column. For example, the detents may be attached to the post holder or optical mount such that the position and angle of the optical element may be adjusted when the detents release the post and then locked in place when the detents secure the post.

In one embodiment, the brake device may be used in a universal joint having multiple pivot axes, wherein the brake device secures and releases one or more of the multiple pivot pins.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a positioning system comprising at least one strut assembly comprising a brake device comprising a piezoelectric element and a brake portion; the brake portion is configured to be fixed to the member when the piezoelectric element is in the first state and to release the member when the piezoelectric element is in the second state.

Some examples of the above embodiments may include: a hex stand with six post assemblies, a post assembly including one or more of the brakes, a tripod with three post assemblies, a post assembly including one or more of the brakes, or a monopod with one post assembly, a post assembly including one of the brakes.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a linear actuator comprising first and second piezoelectric actuators; a body connecting two brake devices at two ends along a length of the body; and a processor configured to control the first and second brakes and vary the length of the body between a first length and a second length such that when the first brake is secured to the member then the second brake releases the member and the length of the body is at the first length, and when the first brake releases the member then the second brake is secured to the member and the length of the body is at the second length.

Drawings

Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B shows a side view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B shows a side view of a structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an incident angle tracking microscope mounted on a hexagonal stand according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hex rack according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a strut assembly according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 and 7 show views of a braking structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only intended for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. Relative terms, such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.), should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present disclosure are illustrated by reference to the illustrated embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure should not be expressly limited to such exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may be present alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims appended hereto.

The present disclosure describes one or more best modes of practicing the disclosure as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense, but provides examples of the disclosure which are presented for purposes of illustration only and to suggest themselves to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure and the structure herein disclosed. Like reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Importantly, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed disclosures. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality.

A braking device according to one embodiment is shown in fig. 1A and 1B. Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B shows a side view of a structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The structure 100 shown in fig. 1A and 1B may include a member 110, a supporter 120, and a braking device 130. The member 110 may include a longitudinal axis OX. The member 110 may extend in the longitudinal axis direction Z. The member 110 may include a circular cross-section. The member 110 may be made of any kind of material, such as metal, plastic, and composite materials. It is noted that the cross-section of the member 110 is not limited to a circle, and any geometric shape is possible, as long as the detent 130 is configured to grip one or more surfaces of the rod member. The supporter 120 may slidably support the rod member 120 in the longitudinal axis direction Z of the member 110. The support 120 may surround a portion of the member 110. In one embodiment, the support 120 can include an aperture that can have a circular cross-section that can receive a portion of the member 110. The support 120 may be made of any kind of material, such as metal, plastic, and composite materials.

The brake 130 may be fixed to the supporter 120. The braking device 130 may be configured to brake the member 110. In one embodiment, the brake 130 may be slidable along the member 110. The brake 130 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. The braking device 130 may include a braking portion 131, a piezoelectric element 133, and a forcing element 135.

The detent portion 131 may be configured to be fixed to the member 110 and slidable along the member 110. The braking portion 131 may be fixed to the member 110 by clamping the member 110. The braking portion 131 may surround the member 110. In the example shown, braking portion 131 may include a split ring 1311, and parts 1313 and 1315. A split ring 1311 can surround the member 110 to clamp the member 110. The split ring 1311 of the braking portion 131 may include two ends 131A and 131B. The two ends 131A and 131B may face each other. The stopper portion 131 may be provided with a gap 131G, and the gap 131G is located between the two end portions 131A and 131B. Part 1313 may be connected to split ring 1311 at the side of end 131A. Piece 1315 may be connected to split ring 1311 at the side of end 131B. Section 1315 may be spaced apart from section 1313.

The piezoelectric element 133 may engage the braking portion 131. In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the piezoelectric element 133 may be provided in the stopper portion 131. Specifically, in fig. 1A and 1B, the piezoelectric element 133 may be disposed in a space formed by parts 1313 and 1315 of the stopper portion 131. The piezoelectric element 133 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Z of the member 110. In fig. 1A and 1B, the piezoelectric element 133 is disposed in a direction in which the two end portions 131A and 131B are spaced apart from each other. In the example shown, the piezoelectric element 133 may comprise a linear shape.

The piezoelectric element 133 may be in a first state and a second state. When the piezoelectric element 133 is in the first state, the stopper portion 131 may be fixed to the member 110. When the piezoelectric element 133 is in the second state, the stopper portion 131 may not be fixed to the member 110, and may be slidable along the member 110. When the braking portion 131 is not fixed to the member 110, the member 110 may be adjusted to the supporter 120 in the longitudinal direction Z. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the state of the piezoelectric element 133 may change from one state to another. For example, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 133, the piezoelectric element 133 may expand in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 133. In this example, the first state of the piezoelectric element 133 may be an expanded state, and the second state of the piezoelectric element 133 may be a non-expanded state. Alternatively, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 133, the piezoelectric element 133 may contract in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element 133. In this example, the first state of the piezoelectric element 133 may be a contracted state, and the second state of the piezoelectric element 133 may be a non-contracted state.

In the example shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the distance D1 between the two ends 131A and 131B of the stopper portion 131 may change as the piezoelectric element 133 expands or contracts.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the structure 100 may further include a forcing element 135. The forcing element 135 may provide a force to the braking portion 131 by which the braking portion 131 clamps the member 110. Examples of the forcing member 135 include a screw, a combination of a bolt and a nut, and a spring. In the example of fig. 1A and 1B, forcing element 135 may secure one of parts 1313 and 1315 of braking portion 131 to the other of parts 1313 and 1315 of braking portion 131.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the piezoelectric element 133 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the two end portions 131A and 131B are spaced apart from each other. In the example of fig. 2A and 2B, the piezoelectric element 133 may include a wedge-shaped tip, and the wedge-shaped tip of the piezoelectric element 133 may push the two ends 131A and 131B to expand the distance D1 when the piezoelectric element 133 is changed. Therefore, the distance D1 between the two ends 131A and 131B of the stopper portion 131 can be changed when the piezoelectric element 133 expands or contracts.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A and 1B and fig. 2A and 2B, when the braking portion 131 of the braking device 130 is fixed to the member 110, the member 110 may be rigidly fixed to the supporter 120. This may enhance the reliability of the fixation of the member 110 to the support 120. In particular, the detent 130 may lock the rotational and longitudinal movement of the member 110 to the detent portion 130. Further, the first state and the second state of the piezoelectric element 133 can be switched at a higher speed by switching the application of voltage to the piezoelectric element 133. Additionally, the brake 130 is configured to adjust for tolerances between the brake portion 131 and the member 110.

The braking device discussed with reference to fig. 1A to 2B may be applied to various systems. One example application of the brake device includes an adjustable stage for an optical element. In one embodiment, the table is a hex rack. This allows a virtual pivot point about which the platform can rotate. In other embodiments, the table may include three strut assemblies arranged in a tripod configuration to provide three degrees of freedom of movement of the platform, or one strut assembly arranged in a monopod configuration to provide one degree of freedom of movement of the platform. In these embodiments, one or more of the braking devices are mounted to the strut assembly and configured to brake the shaft from extending, retracting, or rotating.

FIG. 3 shows one non-limiting example of a microscope mounted on an adjustable stage such that the position and orientation of the entire microscope is adjustable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a table that includes six strut assemblies arranged in a hexagonal frame configuration according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a strut assembly according to one embodiment. The shaft in the strut assembly may be extended or retracted. In one embodiment, the strut assembly includes an actuator to control extension and retraction of the shaft. In another embodiment, the shaft is free to extend and retract without an actuator.

The member 110 in fig. 1A-2B may be the shaft 510 in fig. 5. The support 120 in fig. 1A-2B may be a housing 520. Furthermore, the brake 130 in fig. 1A-2B may be located at an end of a housing through which the shaft extends or retracts. Furthermore, when the piezoelectric element 133 is in the first state, the flexure assembly may lock; and may be unlocked from the shaft 510 when the piezoelectric element is in the second state. In another example, the component 110 in fig. 1A-2B may be a cylinder of a strut assembly. In one example, the strut assembly may include two detents 130, and the two detents 130 may alternately perform the locking and unlocking functions.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, each strut assembly may be locked when the piezoelectric element 133 is in the first state; and each strut assembly may be unlocked for adjustment when the piezoelectric element 133 is in the second state.

In embodiments herein, the shaft 510 may be rigidly fixed to the housing 520 for the same reasons discussed above with respect to fig. 1A-2B. This may enhance the reliability of the fixation of the shaft 510 to the housing 520. Further, as discussed above, the first state and the second state of the piezoelectric element can be switched at a higher speed by switching the application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element. Thus, the position of the shaft 510 relative to the housing 520 may be conveniently adjusted.

Furthermore, the detent portion may be precisely milled into the shaft 510 to create a very tight tolerance between the shaft 510 and the detent portion, such that the piezoelectric element 133 may only need to expand or contract by about 10-20 microns to lock or unlock the detent.

Additionally, the platform of the apparatus may be a gimbaled platform. The table of the apparatus of fig. 3 may be held in a stable position by gravity when the lever member and/or pivot pin of the gimbal device is not clamped by the brake 130. The lever member and/or pivot pin may then be clamped by the brake device 130. This means that the table of the device can move like a gimbaled device. In such cases, the table of the apparatus is adjustable without the need for actuators in the mast assembly, and the user can adjust the table by unlocking the brakes and adjusting the table to a desired position and then locking the work in place.

Additionally, in one embodiment, multiple brake devices may be used together in a system, with individual brake devices controlled to either secure or release a member according to a programmable sequence. For example, in a system including first and second brake devices, the processor is configured to control the first and second brake devices such that when the first brake device is in the first state, the second brake device is in the second state, and when the first brake device is in the second state, the second brake device is in the first state. In linear actuator applications, the first and second brake devices are connected by an expandable and contractible rod. The processor may control the state of the two brakes and the lever sequentially such that when the first brake is secured to the member then the second brake releases the member and the length of the body is at the first length; and when the first brake releases the member then the second brake is secured to the member and the length of the body is at the second length. Such a sequence of actions will cause the driver to travel along the member.

It is contemplated that one or more of the braking devices may be used with or without other components of multiple systems that may require tight tolerances between moving components and have a fast and controllable braking action.

Fig. 6 and 7 show views of a braking structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 6 and 7, the piezoelectric element 133a is expandable along the axis of the shaft 193. In one embodiment, the detent structure shown in fig. 6 and 7 may include at least one flexure 191 (e.g., two flexures 191 in fig. 6 and 7) between portions 196 and 198. In another embodiment, portions 196 and 198 are connected via a hinge or equivalent movable linking means. In the example shown, when the piezoelectric element 133a expands, the portion 196 of the structure can move relative to 198 via flexure 191 to twist the shaft 193 and engage the shaft 193 to effect braking.

While the present disclosure has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is contemplated that the present disclosure should not be limited to any such details or embodiments or any specific embodiments, but should be construed with reference to the appended claims to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and therefore to effectively encompass the intended scope of the disclosure.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art; and are to be understood as not being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Further, it is contemplated that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.