U.S. patent application number 16/107412 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-13 for linear actuator.
This patent application is currently assigned to Limoss US, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Limoss US, LLC. Invention is credited to Martin Kristen.
Application Number | 20180355960 16/107412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50670602 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180355960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kristen; Martin |
December 13, 2018 |
LINEAR ACTUATOR
Abstract
A linear actuator is configured to provide the moving force for
adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs, or tables. The linear
actuator includes a drive assembly, rigid arm, and linkage
assembly. The rigid arm includes a pusher block with one or more
attachment projections where the linkage assembly is attached.
Inventors: |
Kristen; Martin; (Wetter,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Limoss US, LLC |
Baldwyn |
MS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Limoss US, LLC
Baldwyn
MS
|
Family ID: |
50670602 |
Appl. No.: |
16/107412 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15639307 |
Jun 30, 2017 |
10066717 |
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16107412 |
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14445432 |
Jul 29, 2014 |
9732832 |
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15639307 |
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61862409 |
Aug 5, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/0246 20130101;
A47C 1/0242 20130101; F16H 2025/204 20130101; F16H 2025/2043
20130101; F16H 25/16 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A47C 20/041
20130101; F16H 25/24 20130101; F16H 25/20 20130101; F16H 25/18
20130101; F16H 2025/2031 20130101; A47C 20/042 20130101; F16H
2025/2481 20130101; Y10T 74/18576 20150115 |
International
Class: |
F16H 25/24 20060101
F16H025/24; F16H 25/16 20060101 F16H025/16; A47C 1/024 20060101
A47C001/024; A47C 20/04 20060101 A47C020/04; F16H 25/18 20060101
F16H025/18; F16H 25/20 20060101 F16H025/20 |
Claims
1. An arm assembly for a linear actuator for adjustable furniture,
the arm assembly comprising: a rigid arm; a threaded spindle
extending along a threaded spindle axis; and a pusher block
comprising: a pusher block body comprising: a rigid arm passage,
wherein the rigid arm extends through the rigid arm passage such
that the pusher block is movable along the rigid arm; and a spindle
passage vertically offset, and physically separated, from the rigid
arm passage, wherein the threaded spindle extends through the
spindle passage; and two attachment arms extending from the pusher
block body, the attachment arms defining a linkage channel
therebetween and at least one securing aperture, wherein the at
least one securing aperture extends along a securing aperture axis,
wherein the securing aperture axis extends transversely to the
threaded spindle axis and is vertically offset from the threaded
spindle axis such that the securing aperture axis does not
intersect the threaded spindle axis, and wherein the linkage
channel is configured to receive an end of a linkage.
2. The arm assembly of claim 1, further comprising: the linkage
comprising the end, wherein the linkage is pivotally connected to
the pusher block at a position that is vertically offset from the
threaded spindle axis; and a drive assembly configured to rotate
the threaded spindle such that the pusher block moves along the
rigid arm.
3. The arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the pusher block body
comprises a top surface and at least one side surface extending
downwardly from the top surface and wherein each of the two
attachment arms extends from at least one of the top surface and
the at least one side surface of the pusher block body.
4. The arm assembly of claim 1, further comprising a single
fastener removably positioned within the at least one securing
aperture and configured to engage the end of the linkage to
pivotally connect the linkage to the pusher block.
5. The arm assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one securing
aperture comprises two securing apertures, each extending along the
securing aperture axis and wherein the single fastener extends
through the two securing apertures.
6. The arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing aperture axis
is vertically offset above the threaded spindle axis.
7. The arm assembly of claim 1, wherein the pusher block body and
the two attachment arms are formed integrally.
8. An arm assembly for a linear actuator for adjustable furniture,
the arm assembly comprising: a rigid arm; a threaded spindle
extending along a threaded spindle axis; a pusher block comprising:
a pusher block body comprising: a rigid arm passage, wherein the
rigid arm extends through the rigid arm passage such that the
pusher block is movable along the rigid arm; and a spindle passage
vertically offset, and physically separated, from the rigid arm
passage, wherein the threaded spindle extends through the spindle
passage; and two attachment arms extending from the pusher block
body, the attachment arms defining a linkage channel therebetween
and two securing apertures extending along a securing aperture
axis, wherein the securing aperture axis extends transversely to
the threaded spindle axis and is vertically offset from the
threaded spindle axis such that the securing aperture axis and the
threaded spindle axis do not intersect; and a single fastener
extending through the two securing apertures and configured to
engage an end of a linkage such that the end of the linkage is
pivotally connected to the pusher block solely through the single
fastener and such that a connection between the end of the linkage
and the pusher block is vertically offset from the threaded spindle
axis.
9. The arm assembly of claim 8, wherein the pusher block body and
the two attachment arms are formed integrally.
10. The arm assembly of claim 8, further comprising: the linkage,
wherein the linkage is configured to attach to a piece of
adjustable furniture and comprises a first end and a second end,
wherein the single fastener extends through the first end such that
the linkage is pivotally connected to the pusher block solely
through the single fastener; and a drive assembly configured to
rotate the threaded spindle such that the pusher block moves along
the rigid arm.
11. The linear actuator of claim 8, wherein the single fastener is
a clevis pin.
12. The arm assembly of claim 8, wherein the pusher block body and
the two attachment arms are formed integrally.
13. A pusher block for an arm assembly for a linear actuator for
adjustable furniture, the pusher block comprising: a pusher block
body comprising: a first end; a second end opposite the first end;
a rigid arm passage extending through the pusher block body from
the first end to the second end, wherein the rigid arm passage is
configured to receive a rigid arm of the linear actuator through
the rigid arm passage such that the pusher block is slidable along
the rigid arm; and a spindle passage extending through the pusher
block body from the first end to the second end, wherein the
spindle passage extends along a spindle axis and is configured to
receive a spindle of the linear actuator, and wherein the spindle
passage is vertically offset and physically separated from the
rigid arm passage; two attachment arms extending from the pusher
block body and defining at least one securing aperture extending
along a securing aperture axis, wherein the securing aperture axis
extends transversely to the spindle axis and is vertically offset
from the spindle axis such that the securing aperture axis and the
spindle axis do not intersect; and a fastener removably positioned
within the at least one securing aperture, wherein the fastener is
configured to pivotally connect the pusher block with a first end
of a linkage.
14. The pusher block of claim 13, wherein the pusher block body and
the two attachment arms are formed integrally.
15. The pusher block of claim 13, wherein the at least one securing
aperture comprises two securing apertures, each extending along the
securing aperture axis, and wherein the fastener comprises a single
fastener positioned within the two securing apertures.
16. An arm assembly for a linear actuator for adjustable furniture,
the arm assembly comprising: a rigid arm; a threaded spindle
extending along a threaded spindle axis; a pusher block comprising:
a pusher block body comprising: a spindle nut threadably engaged
with the threaded spindle; and a rigid arm passage, wherein the
rigid arm extends through the rigid arm passage such that the
pusher block body is slidable along the rigid arm; and two
attachment arms extending from the pusher block body and defining a
linkage channel and a securing aperture, wherein the securing
aperture extends transversely to the linkage channel and is in
communication with the linkage channel, wherein the securing
aperture extends along a securing aperture axis, wherein the
securing aperture axis is vertically offset from the threaded
spindle axis, and wherein the linkage channel is configured to
receive an end of a linkage within the linkage channel.
17. The arm assembly of claim 16, wherein an outer surface of the
pusher block body comprises a top surface and at least one side
surface extending downwardly from the top surface, and wherein the
two attachment arms extend outwardly from at least one of the top
surface and the at least one side surface of the pusher block
body.
18. The arm assembly of claim 16, wherein the pusher block body and
the two attachment arms are formed integrally.
19. The arm assembly of claim 16, further comprising: the linkage,
wherein the linkage is configured to attach to a piece of
adjustable furniture; and a fastener removably positioned within
the securing aperture, wherein the fastener is configured to engage
with the end of the linkage within the linkage channel.
20. The arm assembly of claim 16, wherein the spindle nut defines a
spindle passage in the pusher block body that is vertically offset
and physically separated from the rigid arm passage of the pusher
block body, and wherein the threaded spindle is received within the
spindle passage.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/639,307 ("the '307 Application"), filed on
Jun. 30, 2017 and entitled LINEAR ACTUATOR, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/445,432 ("the '432
Application"), filed on Jul. 29, 2014, entitled LINEAR ACTUATOR,
and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,732,832, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/862,409 ("the '409
Application"), filed Aug. 5, 2013 and entitled IMPROVED LINEAR
ACTUATOR. The '307 Application, the '432 Application, and the '409
Application are all hereby incorporated by this reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure reveals a new design for a linear
actuator that modifies the positioning in adjustable furniture
BACKGROUND
[0003] A linear actuator is an actuator that creates motion in a
straight line, in contrast to the circular motion of a conventional
electric motor. Linear actuators are widely used within the area of
adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs, or tables, where they
may be used for adjusting the position of adjustable furniture,
such as the lifting and reclining of motion chairs, the height of a
table, or the position of the mattress surface of a bed. The
actuator is typically comprised of an electric motor drive assembly
that drives a threaded spindle. The spindle is retained within a
rigid arm, and the electric motor drive assembly is attached to the
rigid arm with a plurality of threaded fasteners. A pusher block is
threaded onto the spindle and is secured in linear recesses within
the arm. As the electric motor drive assembly turns the spindle,
the pusher block moves from one end of the arm to the other end.
The direction of movement is determined by the direction of the
spindle's rotation.
[0004] One end of the prior art actuators may be secured to the
adjustable furniture by a rear mounting bracket. The actuators are
also attached to the furniture by a pair of levers or linkages. One
end of the respective linkages is secured to the pusher block with
a plurality of threaded fasteners. The other end of the respective
linkages communicates with the furniture. Movement of the pusher
block moves the linkages and adjusts the position of the
furniture.
[0005] The prior art linear actuators are costly to manufacture.
Connection of the electric motor drive assembly to the rigid arm
using threaded fasteners is disadvantageous because it is a
time-consuming and complicated method of assembling the actuators.
The prior art actuators are also difficult to mount on adjustable
furniture. Use of threaded fasteners on the pusher block makes it
difficult for assembly line workers to align the furniture so that
the levers line up with threaded apertures in the pusher block.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a linear actuator that can
be quickly assembled and mounted onto adjustable furniture.
SUMMARY
[0007] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" and
"the present invention" used in this patent are intended to refer
broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent
claims below. Statements containing these terms should be
understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to
limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments
of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims
below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of
various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the
concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description
section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the
claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by
reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of
this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.
[0008] The present invention relates to an improved linear
actuator. The improved linear actuator is designed to provide the
moving force for adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs, or
tables. The improved linear actuator overcomes problems with the
prior art by reducing the number of necessary parts and simplifying
assembly to save production costs.
[0009] While the improved linear actuator is directed at use of the
actuator in adjustable furniture, the improved linear actuator may
be adapted for use in machine tools and industrial machinery, in
computer peripherals such as disk drives and printers, in valves
and dampers, and in many other places where linear motion is
required.
[0010] Various implementations described in the present disclosure
can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages,
which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is
intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages
be included within the present disclosure and protected by the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features and components of the following figures are
illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present
disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the
figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the
sake of consistency and clarity.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
linear actuator.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a linear actuator.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the linear actuator of FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the linear actuator of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a linear actuator.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the linear actuator of FIG.
5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the linear actuator of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the dis-assembled rigid arm
and drive motor of the linear actuator of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the dis-assembled rigid arm
and holder of the linear actuator of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of the linear actuator
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention
is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements,
but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope
of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other
ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in
conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This
description should not be interpreted as implying any particular
order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements
except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of
elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as
"up," "down," "top," "left," "right," "front," "back," and
"corners," among others are intended to refer to the orientation as
illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the
components and directions are referencing.
[0023] FIGS. 1, 4, and 7 illustrate an embodiment of a linear
actuator 16 according to the present disclosure. An electric drive
motor assembly 2 is connected to a rigid arm 3. The rigid arm 3 is
formed of stainless steel or other suitable material, and also
includes a plastic cover 17. A threaded spindle 5 is retained
inside the arm. A spindle nut 6 is threaded onto the spindle 5, and
a pusher block 7 is attached to the spindle nut 6. The pusher block
7 straddles the rigid arm 3 and slides up and down the arm 3 as the
electric drive motor assembly 2 turns the spindle 5. A holder 4 is
attached to the other end of the rigid arm 3 to retain one end of
the spindle 5 and to provide mounting points for the actuator.
[0024] The pusher block 7 provides a connection point for
communicating force generated by the improved linear actuator 16 to
the adjustable furniture. To simplify assembly of the actuator 16
with adjustable furniture, the top of the pusher block 7
incorporates a clevis 18. Apertures in the clevis 18 are adapted to
receive a clevis pin 19 or other suitable fastener. A single
linkage 8 connects the pusher block 7 to a torque tube assembly 14.
An aperture at the lower end of the single linkage 8 is adapted to
receive the clevis pin 19. A cotter pin 20 may be used to secure
the clevis pin 19. Use of a clevis pin 19 to attach the linkage 8
and pusher block 7 eliminates the need for additional brackets and
threaded fasteners to facilitate the attachment. The pin 19 also
eliminates the need to mold threaded screw-receiving apertures into
the pusher block 7.
[0025] The clevis 18 may also be incorporated onto one or more
sides of the pusher block 7 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6). FIG. 2
depicts an embodiment of the improved actuator 16 with the clevis
18 incorporated into the side of the pusher block 7. In this
embodiment, a clevis pin 19 is used to secure the linkage 8. FIG. 3
is a cross sectional view of this embodiment. FIG. 5 depicts an
embodiment of the improved actuator 16 with the clevis 18
incorporated into the side of the pusher block 7, with a threaded
bolt 11 securing the linkage 8. FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of
this embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a side view of the improved actuator 16. The
single linkage 8 has a unique lever shape that may be adapted to
fit specific requirements for different embodiments of adjustable
furniture. A single dual angle bracket 13 is moveably attached to
the upper end of the linkage 8 and may be attached to a torque tube
assembly 14 that transmits the force of the actuator 16 to the
adjustable furniture. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the improved linear
actuator 16. A bolt 12 (see FIG. 7) or similar fastener moveably
secures the upper end of the single linkage 8 to the dual angle
bracket 13. Threaded fasteners 15 secure the dual angle bracket to
the torque tube assembly 14. The torque tube assembly 14
communicates with the adjustable furniture (not shown). A clevis
pin 19 secures the lower end of the linkage 8 to the clevis 18 at
the top of the pusher block 7. A cotter pin 20 secures the clevis
pin 19. The improved linear actuator 16 simplifies the process of
attaching the actuator 16 to the furniture because the clevis 18
makes it easier for assembly workers to align the furniture, torque
tube assembly 14, linkage 8, and pusher block 7. Additionally,
assembly can be simplified through use of a single linkage 8.
[0027] The improved linear actuator 16 contains other improvements
that reduce time to assemble the actuator 16. FIG. 8 is a close up
view of a disassembled electric drive motor assembly 2 and rigid
arm 3. The end of the rigid arm 3 contains one or more slots 21.
The slots 21 are adapted to receive one or more prongs 22 molded
into the base of the drive motor assembly 2. The slots 21 and
prongs 22 allow the drive motor assembly 2 to be pressed onto the
rigid arm 3 when the improved linear actuator 16 is assembled. The
prongs 22 apply pressure to the arm 3 to securely hold the drive
assembly 2 and rigid arm 3 together. Use of the slots 21 and prongs
22 eliminates the use of threaded fasteners to secure the drive
assembly 2 and arm 3 together, decreasing manufacturing time.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a close up view of a disassembled rigid arm 3 and
holder 4. The rigid arm 3 incorporates one or more fastener
receiving channels 23. One or more fasteners 24 pass through one or
more apertures 25 in the holder 4. In this embodiment threaded
screws are used as fasteners 24, but other appropriate fasteners
may be used. During assembly, the holder 4 is positioned next to
the rigid arm 3 so the apertures 25 in the holder 4 align with the
fastener receiving channels 23 in the arm 3. The fasteners 24 are
then installed, securing the holder 4 to the rigid arm 3. The use
of one or more threaded screws to secure the holder 4 to the arm 3
simplifies assembly of the improved linear actuator 16 and leads to
faster production.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the disassembled improved
linear actuator 16 with the pusher block 7 already positioned on
the spindle 5. The electric drive motor assembly 2 is comprised of
an electric motor 26, lower assembly cover 27, and upper assembly
cover 28. One or more threaded screws 29 secure the electric motor
26 to the lower assembly cover 27 and a series of threaded screws
30 secures the upper assembly cover 28 to the lower assembly cover
27. A worm gear (not shown) is attached to the output shaft 31 of
the electric motor 26. The worm gear turns a worm wheel 32 attached
to the end of the threaded spindle 5. One end of the worm wheel 32
rests in a worm wheel bearing 33 to facilitate rotation of the
spindle 5.
[0030] The spindle 5 rests within the rigid arm 3. A plastic cover
17 shields the spindle 5. The spindle nut 6 is threaded onto the
spindle 5 and is attached to the pusher block 7. Switches 34 are
mounted within the rigid arm 3 using threaded screws 35. The
switches 34 sense the position of the pusher block 7 and are
connected to the controls (not shown) and power source (not shown)
for the improved linear actuator 16. When the pusher block 7
contacts a switch 34, power to the electric motor 26 is cut and
travel of the pusher block 7 is stopped.
[0031] The holder 4 is attached to the end of the rigid arm 3 using
threaded fasteners 24 that are screwed into fastener receiving
channels 23 in the rigid arm 3. The holder 4 may incorporate
apertures 36 for receiving fasteners 37 that can be used to attach
the actuator 16 to mounting points on the frame of a piece of
adjustable furniture.
[0032] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for the
improved linear actuator is presented for the purposes of
illustration and description. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an
effort to provide the best illustration of the principles of the
invention and its practical applications, and to thereby enable one
of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
[0033] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are
merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a
clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure.
Many variations and modifications can be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from
the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims
to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are
intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover,
although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the
claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive
sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described
invention, nor the claims that follow.
* * * * *