Automatic screw-down combination equipment of screw thread conduction type
Technical Field
The invention belongs to the field of assembly, and particularly relates to a thread conduction type automatic tightening and combining device.
Background
In the existing thread conduction tightening combination procedure, a clamping tool is used for clamping threads for facilitating manual operation, the lever principle is utilized to increase the force arm, manual force is applied until a workpiece cannot rotate and whether tightening torque is achieved or not is judged through experience, and the problems that the clamping tool damages the threads of the workpiece or the tightening torque is insufficient, the workpiece is not fully tightened and combined and the like often occur.
So along with the continuous development of assembly automation and related technologies, automation equipment gradually replaces manual work, and the existing manual assembly mode cannot meet production requirements, so that equipment capable of reducing manpower and improving production efficiency and yield is urgently needed.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention aims to provide a screw thread combined automatic tightening device with functions of automatic fastening, automatic tightening, automatic resetting, torque monitoring and the like, so that the labor cost is reduced, and the productivity and the yield are improved.
The technical solution for realizing the purpose of the invention is as follows: the device comprises a power mechanism, a tightening execution mechanism, a pressing mechanism, an auxiliary fastening mechanism and a welding bracket; the auxiliary buckle-fastening mechanism is arranged on the welding bracket and can slide along the surface of the welding bracket, and the power mechanism, the tightening execution mechanism and the pressing mechanism are arranged on the auxiliary buckle-fastening mechanism;
the power mechanism is used for providing power for equipment and transmitting the power to the tightening executing mechanism;
the tightening execution mechanism is used for realizing automatic tightening of the workpiece;
the pressing mechanism is used for pressing the end face of the workpiece;
the auxiliary buckle identifying mechanism provides pressure for the power mechanism, the tightening executing mechanism and the pressing mechanism above to move towards the workpiece, and the automatic buckle identifying function is realized in an auxiliary mode.
Further, the power mechanism comprises a servo motor, a speed reducer mounting seat, a tensioning block, a first synchronous pulley, a second synchronous pulley, a first pressing plate, a second pressing plate, a synchronous belt, a first transmission shaft, a second transmission shaft, a first belt seat bearing, a second belt seat bearing, a third belt seat bearing, a fourth belt seat bearing, a first mounting seat, a second mounting seat, a first coupling, a second coupling, a torque sensor, a sensor mounting seat and a pinion;
the speed reducer, the tensioning block and the first synchronous belt wheel are arranged on the speed reducer mounting seat, the servo motor is arranged on the speed reducer, the first belt seat bearing and the second belt seat bearing are arranged on the first mounting seat, the first transmission shaft is arranged between the first belt seat bearing and the second belt seat bearing, the first synchronous belt wheel is arranged on the speed reducer, the second synchronous belt wheel is arranged on the first transmission shaft, the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate are respectively used for fixing the first synchronous belt wheel and the second synchronous belt wheel, and the synchronous belt is arranged on the first synchronous belt wheel and the second synchronous belt wheel; the torque sensor is arranged on the sensor mounting seat, the first coupler is arranged between the torque sensor and the first transmission shaft, the third bearing with seat and the fourth bearing with seat are arranged on the second mounting seat, the second transmission shaft is arranged between the third bearing with seat and the fourth bearing with seat, the pinion is arranged on the second transmission shaft, and the second coupler is arranged between the torque sensor and the second transmission shaft;
under the drive of servo motor, pass through speed reducer, first synchronous pulley, hold-in range, second synchronous pulley, first transmission shaft, second transmission shaft and pinion in proper order and give the power transmission and screw up actuating mechanism to guarantee the moment of torsion monitoring function of equipment.
Further, the tightening execution mechanism comprises a tightening tool sleeve, a tightening tool, a first fixing pin, a second fixing pin, a pressing cover plate, a ball bearing, a thrust needle bearing, a tightening sleeve, a gear bearing, a flange integrated oil-free bushing, a gear mounting seat, a sheet metal limiting block, a connecting seat, a needle bearing and a pin shaft;
the gear mounting seat is arranged on the auxiliary fastening mechanism, the gear bearing, the flange integrated oil-free bushing and the sheet metal limiting block are arranged on the gear mounting seat, the tightening tool sleeve is arranged on the gear bearing, the tightening tool is arranged on the tightening tool sleeve, and the gear bearing is meshed with the pinion; the jacking sleeve penetrates through the flange integrated oil-free bushing, the connecting seat is sleeved on one end of the jacking sleeve and penetrates through a groove above the sheet metal limiting block, a clamping groove is formed in the connecting seat, and a needle bearing is arranged in the clamping groove and is fixed through a pin shaft; a boss is arranged at a position, which is away from the end face, of the other end of the jacking sleeve, a thrust needle bearing is sleeved on the boss, a ball bearing is sleeved at the other end of the jacking sleeve, and a pressing cover plate is sleeved on the ball bearing; the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin are arranged between the tightening tool and the tightening tool sleeve and are used for realizing the fixation of the tightening tool and the quick replacement of the tightening tool sleeve, and the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin are compatible with a workpiece in a threaded combination mode; the pressing mechanism presses the end face of the workpiece by pressing the cover plate against the needle bearing, and when the power of the power mechanism is transmitted to the gear bearing of the screwing execution mechanism, the gear bearing, the screwing tool sleeve, the screwing tool and the pressing cover plate rotate with each other, the sleeve, the connecting seat, the needle bearing and the pin shaft are tightly propped against each other, and therefore the automatic screwing function is achieved.
Further, the tightening execution mechanism further comprises a first O-shaped ring and a second O-shaped ring which are arranged on the tightening tool and used for realizing that after the external threads of the non-combined end face of the workpiece are combined with the tightening tool, the position of the workpiece has a certain floating amount in the circumferential direction.
Further, the actuating mechanism further comprises a C-shaped hole snap ring which is sleeved on a boss of the jacking sleeve and used for fixing the end face of the thrust needle bearing.
Further, the pressing mechanism comprises a wedge block, a first cylinder, a first guide rail, a first sliding block and a wedge block mounting seat;
the first cylinder and the first guide rail are arranged on the wedge block mounting seat, the first sliding block is arranged on the first guide rail, the wedge block is arranged on the first sliding block and is connected with the tail end of the first cylinder, the first cylinder pushes out the wedge block before the device screws up a workpiece, and the protruding part of the wedge block props against the needle bearing, so that the pressing cover plate is ensured to press the end face of the workpiece.
Further, the auxiliary button-attaching mechanism comprises a mechanism mounting bottom plate, a hydraulic buffer, a buffer mounting block, a second cylinder, a cylinder mounting block, a second guide rail, a second slide block, a third guide rail, a fourth slide block and a fifth slide block;
the second guide rail and the third guide rail are arranged on the welding bracket in parallel, the second slide block and the third slide block are arranged on the second guide rail, the fourth slide block and the fifth slide block are arranged on the third guide rail, and the mechanism installation bottom plate is arranged on the slide blocks on the second guide rail and the third guide rail and can slide along the guide rail; the second cylinder is arranged on the mechanism mounting bottom plate through a cylinder mounting block, and the driving mechanism mounting bottom plate slides along the guide rail; the oil buffer is arranged on the welding bracket through a buffer mounting block and is used for providing buffer force for the movement of the mechanism mounting bottom plate and limiting; the speed reducer mounting seat, the first mounting seat, the second mounting seat, the sensor mounting seat, the gear mounting seat and the wedge block mounting seat are arranged on the mechanism mounting bottom plate, and the mechanism mounting bottom plate moves to a power mechanism above the mechanism mounting bottom plate, the screwing executing mechanism and the pressing mechanism to provide pressure for moving towards the workpiece direction, so that the automatic buckle identifying function is realized in an auxiliary mode.
A thread conduction type automatic tightening combination method based on the equipment, which comprises the following steps:
step 1, pushing out a wedge block by a first cylinder of a pressing mechanism, and propping a protruding part of the wedge block against a needle bearing to fix a pressing cover plate in a screwing execution mechanism;
step 2, pushing out the power mechanism, the tightening executing mechanism and the pressing mechanism above by the auxiliary fastening mechanism, so that a tightening tool of the tightening executing mechanism is in contact with external threads at the tail end of the workpiece;
step 3, the power mechanism provides power to enable the gear bearing of the tightening execution mechanism to rotate, the gear bearing drives the tightening tool to be in buckling and screwing with the external threads at the tail end of the workpiece, and the end face of the workpiece is in contact with the compression cover plate in the tightening execution mechanism;
step 4, when the torque sensor of the power mechanism monitors that the torque reaches the set torque, the tightening work is judged to be completed, and the first cylinder of the pressing mechanism drives the wedge block to retract, so that the pressing cover plate in the tightening executing mechanism is separated from contact with the end face of the workpiece;
and 5, the auxiliary fastening mechanism pulls back the power mechanism, the tightening actuating mechanism and the pressing mechanism above, so that the tightening tool of the tightening actuating mechanism is separated from contact with the tail end of the workpiece, and equipment resetting is completed.
Compared with the prior art, the invention has the remarkable advantages that:
(1) Through the mode of thread combination conduction, the effect that not only guarantees the effective conduction of power but also can not damage the thread of the workpiece is achieved by utilizing the mode that the thread of the tightening tool is combined with the thread of the workpiece.
(2) The torque sensor is connected with the transmission mechanism to achieve the purpose of torque detection, so that the effect of controllable and known torque is achieved.
(3) The power mechanism composed of the motor, the speed reducer, the gear set and the like achieves the effect of quickly generating large tightening torque, thereby reducing manpower.
(4) The screw thread that possesses automatic recognition knot, automatic tightening, automatic reset, torque monitoring function combines automatic equipment of screwing up, can effectively reduce the human cost, improve productivity and yields.
The invention is described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Drawings
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a right rear isometric view of the apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a structural view of the auxiliary button mechanism.
Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a screw down actuator.
Reference numerals in the drawings: 1. a power mechanism; 2. tightening the executing mechanism; 3. a compressing mechanism; 4. an auxiliary buckle-identifying mechanism; 5. welding a bracket; 1.1, including a servo motor; 1.2, a speed reducer; 1.3, a speed reducer mounting seat; 1.4, a tensioning block; 1.5, a first synchronous belt pulley; 1.6, a second synchronous pulley; 1.7, a first pressing plate; 1.8, a second pressing plate; 1.9, a synchronous belt; 1.10, a first transmission shaft; 1.11, a second transmission shaft; 1.12, a first belt seat bearing; 1.13, a second bearing with a seat; 1.14, a third bearing with a seat; 1.15, a fourth bearing with a seat; 1.16, a first mounting seat; 1.17, a second mounting seat; 1.18, a first coupling; 1.19, second coupling; 1.20, a torque sensor; 1.21, a sensor mounting base; 1.22, pinion gear; 2.1, tightening the tool sleeve; 2.2, screwing the tool; 2.3, a first fixing pin; 2.4, a second fixing pin; 2.5, a first O-shaped ring; 2.6, a second O-shaped ring; 2.7, compacting the cover plate; 2.8, ball bearings; 2.9, a clasp for C-shaped holes; 2.10, thrust needle roller bearings; 2.11, tightly pushing the sleeve; 2.12, gear bearings; 2.13, a flange integrated oil-free bushing; 2.14, a gear mounting seat; 2.15, a sheet metal limiting block; 2.16, connecting seat; 2.17, needle bearings; 2.18, a pin shaft; 3.1, including wedges; 3.2, a first cylinder; 3.3, a first guide rail; 3.4, a first sliding block; 3.4, wedge mounting seats; 4.1, including the mechanism mounting base plate; 4.2, an oil pressure buffer; 4.3, buffering the installation block; 4.4, a second cylinder; 4.5, a cylinder mounting block; 4.6, a second guide rail; 4.7, a second sliding block; 4.8, a third slide block; 4.9, a third guide rail; 4.10, a fourth sliding block; 4.11, fifth slider.
Detailed Description
In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more apparent, the present application will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the present application.
It should be noted that, if directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear … …) are included in the embodiments of the present invention, the directional indications are merely used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement conditions, etc. between the components in a specific posture (as shown in the drawings), and if the specific posture is changed, the directional indications are correspondingly changed.
In addition, if there is a description of "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the description of "first", "second", etc. is for descriptive purposes only and is not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, the technical solutions of the embodiments may be combined with each other, but it is necessary to base that the technical solutions can be realized by those skilled in the art, and when the technical solutions are contradictory or cannot be realized, the combination of the technical solutions should be considered to be absent and not within the scope of protection claimed in the present invention.
In one embodiment, in connection with fig. 1, there is provided a thread conduction type automatic tightening combination device comprising a power mechanism 1, a tightening actuator 2, a pressing mechanism 3, an auxiliary button mechanism 4, and a welding bracket 5; the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4 is arranged on the welding bracket 5 and can slide along the surface of the welding bracket 5, and the power mechanism 1, the tightening executing mechanism 2 and the pressing mechanism 3 are arranged on the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4;
the power mechanism 1 is used for providing power for equipment and transmitting the power to the tightening execution mechanism 2;
the screwing execution mechanism 2 is used for realizing automatic screwing of workpieces;
the pressing mechanism 3 is used for pressing the end face of the workpiece;
the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4 provides pressure for the power mechanism 1, the screwing executing mechanism 2 and the pressing mechanism 3 above to move towards the workpiece, and assists in realizing an automatic button-fixing function.
Further, in one embodiment, referring to fig. 2 to 6, the power mechanism 1 includes a servo motor 1.1, a speed reducer 1.2, a speed reducer mounting seat 1.3, a tensioning block 1.4, a first synchronous pulley 1.5, a second synchronous pulley 1.6, a first pressing plate 1.7, a second pressing plate 1.8, a synchronous belt 1.9, a first transmission shaft 1.10, a second transmission shaft 1.11, a first belt seat bearing 1.12, a second belt seat bearing 1.13, a third belt seat bearing 1.14, a fourth belt seat bearing 1.15, a first mounting seat 1.16, a second mounting seat 1.17, a first coupling 1.18, a second coupling 1.19, a torque sensor 1.20, a sensor mounting seat 1.21, and a pinion gear 1.22;
the speed reducer mounting seat 1.3, the first mounting seat 1.16, the second mounting seat 1.17 and the sensor mounting seat 1.21 are mounted on the auxiliary buckle mechanism 4, the speed reducer 1.2, the tensioning block 1.4 and the first synchronous belt pulley 1.5 are mounted on the speed reducer mounting seat 1.3, the servo motor 1.1 is mounted on the speed reducer 1.2, the first belt seat bearing 1.12 and the second belt seat bearing 1.13 are mounted on the first mounting seat 1.16, the first transmission shaft 1.10 is mounted between the first belt seat bearing 1.12 and the second belt seat bearing 1.13, the first synchronous belt pulley 1.5 is mounted on the speed reducer 1.2, the second synchronous belt pulley 1.6 is mounted on the first transmission shaft 1.10, the first pressing plate 1.7 and the second pressing plate 1.8 are respectively used for fixing the first synchronous belt pulley 1.5 and the second synchronous belt pulley 1.6, and the synchronous belt 1.9 is mounted on the first synchronous belt pulley 1.5 and the second synchronous belt pulley 1.6; the torque sensor 1.20 is installed on the sensor installation seat 1.21, the first coupler 1.18 is installed between the torque sensor 1.20 and the first transmission shaft 1.10, the third seat bearing 1.14 and the fourth seat bearing 1.15 are installed on the second installation seat 1.17, the second transmission shaft 1.11 is installed between the third seat bearing 1.14 and the fourth seat bearing 1.15, the pinion gear 1.22 is installed on the second transmission shaft 1.11, and the second coupler 1.19 is installed between the torque sensor 1.20 and the second transmission shaft 1.11;
under the drive of the servo motor 1.1, power is transmitted to the tightening execution mechanism 2 through the speed reducer 1.2, the first synchronous belt pulley 1.5, the synchronous belt 1.9, the second synchronous belt pulley 1.6, the first transmission shaft 1.10, the second transmission shaft 1.11 and the pinion 1.22 in sequence, and the torque monitoring function of the equipment is ensured.
Further, in one embodiment, referring to fig. 2 to 6, the tightening actuator 2 includes a tightening tool sleeve 2.1, a tightening tool 2.2, a first fixing pin 2.3, a second fixing pin 2.4, a pressing cover plate 2.7, a ball bearing 2.8, a thrust needle bearing 2.10, a tightening sleeve 2.11, a gear bearing 2.12, a flange-integrated oil-free bushing 2.13, a gear mounting seat 2.14, a sheet metal limiting block 2.15, a connecting seat 2.16, a needle bearing 2.17 and a pin shaft 2.18;
the gear mounting seat 2.14 is arranged on the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4, the gear bearing 2.12, the flange integrated oil-free bushing 2.13 and the sheet metal limiting block 2.15 are arranged on the gear mounting seat 2.14, the tightening tool sleeve 2.1 is arranged on the gear bearing 2.12, the tightening tool 2.2 is arranged on the tightening tool sleeve 2.1, and the gear bearing 2.12 is meshed with the pinion 1.22; the jacking sleeve 2.11 passes through the flange integrated oil-free bushing 2.13, the connecting seat 2.16 is sleeved on one end of the jacking sleeve 2.11 and passes through a groove above the sheet metal limit 2.15, the connecting seat 2.16 is provided with a clamping groove, and the clamping groove is internally provided with a needle bearing 2.17 and is fixed through a pin shaft 2.18; a boss is arranged at a position, which is away from the end face, of the other end of the jacking sleeve 2.11, a thrust needle bearing 2.10 is sleeved on the boss, a ball bearing 2.8 is sleeved at the other end of the jacking sleeve 2.11, and a pressing cover plate 2.7 is sleeved on the ball bearing 2.8; the first fixing pin 2.3 and the second fixing pin 2.4 are arranged between the tightening tool 2.2 and the tightening tool sleeve 2.1 and are used for realizing the fixation of the tightening tool 2.2 and the quick replacement of the tightening tool sleeve 2.1, and are compatible with a workpiece in a threaded combination mode; the pressing mechanism 3 presses the end face of the workpiece by pressing the cover plate 2.7 against the needle bearing 2.17, and when the power of the power mechanism 1 is transmitted to the gear bearing 2.12 of the tightening actuating mechanism 2, the gear bearing 2.12, the tightening tool sleeve 2.1, the tightening tool 2.2 and the pressing cover plate 2.7 rotate along with each other, the jacking sleeve 2.11, the connecting seat 2.16, the needle bearing 2.17 and the pin shaft 2.18 do not rotate along with each other, so that the automatic tightening function is realized.
Further, in one embodiment, referring to fig. 2 to fig. 6, the tightening actuator 2 further includes a first O-ring 2.5 and a second O-ring 2.6 installed on the tightening tool 2.2, so as to achieve a certain floating amount of the workpiece position in the circumferential direction after the external thread of the non-combined end surface of the workpiece is combined with the tightening tool 2.2.
Here, the first O-ring 2.5 and the second O-ring 2.6 are installed in two grooves on the tightening tool 2.2, and are used for filling up a gap between the tightening tool 2.2 and the tightening tool sleeve 2.1.
Further, in one embodiment, the actuator 2 further includes a C-shaped hole snap ring 2.9, which is sleeved on a boss of the tightening sleeve 2.11, and is used for fixing the end face of the thrust needle bearing 2.10.
Further, in one embodiment, the pressing mechanism 3 includes a wedge 3.1, a first cylinder 3.2, a first guide rail 3.3, a first slider 3.4, and a wedge mount 3.5;
the first air cylinder 3.2 and the first guide rail 3.3 are arranged on the wedge block mounting seat 3.5, the first sliding block 3.4 is arranged on the first guide rail 3.3, the wedge block 3.1 is arranged on the first sliding block 3.4 and is connected with the tail end of the first air cylinder 3.2, the first air cylinder 3.2 pushes out the wedge block 3.1 before the device screws up a workpiece, and the protruding part of the wedge block 3.1 props against the needle bearing 2.17, so that the pressing cover plate 2.7 is ensured to press the end face of the workpiece.
Further, in one embodiment, the auxiliary button mechanism 4 includes a mechanism mounting base plate 4.1, a hydraulic buffer 4.2, a buffer mounting block 4.3, a second cylinder 4.4, a cylinder mounting block 4.5, a second rail 4.6, a second slider 4.7, a third slider 4.8, a third rail 4.9, a fourth slider 4.10, and a fifth slider 4.11;
the second guide rail 4.6 and the third guide rail 4.9 are arranged on the welding bracket 5 in parallel, the second slide block 4.7 and the third slide block 4.8 are arranged on the second guide rail 4.6, the fourth slide block 4.10 and the fifth slide block 4.11 are arranged on the third guide rail 4.9, and the mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1 is arranged on the slide blocks on the second guide rail 4.6 and the third guide rail 4.9 and can slide along the guide rails; the second air cylinder 4.4 is arranged on the mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1 through an air cylinder mounting block 4.5, and the driving mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1 slides along the guide rail; the oil buffer 4.2 is arranged on the welding bracket 5 through a buffer mounting block 4.3 and is used for providing buffer force for the movement of the mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1 and limiting; the speed reducer mounting seat 1.3, the first mounting seat 1.16, the second mounting seat 1.13, the sensor mounting seat 1.21, the gear mounting seat 2.14 and the wedge block mounting seat 3.5 are arranged on the mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1, the mechanism mounting bottom plate 4.1 moves to a power mechanism 1 above the mechanism mounting bottom plate, the tightening executing mechanism 2 and the pressing mechanism 3 provide pressure for moving towards the workpiece direction, and the automatic buckle identifying function is assisted.
In one embodiment, the thread-conduction-type automatic tightening coupling device of the present invention is further described, for example. In the example, the product is a tubular workpiece with an external thread at the tail end which is pre-screwed manually, and the specific operation is as follows:
and step 1, manually placing the workpiece at the same horizontal height as the tightening executing mechanism, and fixing one end of the external thread of the workpiece towards the tightening executing mechanism.
Step 2, manually starting the device, pushing out the wedge block 3.1 by the first cylinder 3.2 of the pressing mechanism 3, and propping the protruding part of the wedge block 3.1 against the needle bearing 2.17 to fix the pressing cover plate 2.7 in the screwing executing mechanism 2;
step 3, the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4 pushes out the power mechanism 1, the tightening actuating mechanism 2 and the pressing mechanism 3 above, so that the tightening tool 2.2 of the tightening actuating mechanism 2 is in contact with the external threads at the tail end of the workpiece;
step 4, the power mechanism 1 provides power to enable the gear bearing 2.12 of the tightening execution mechanism 2 to rotate, the gear bearing 2.12 drives the tightening tool 2.2 to be in fastening engagement with external threads at the tail end of a workpiece, and the end face of the workpiece is in contact with the compression cover plate 2.7 in the tightening execution mechanism 2;
step 5, when the torque sensor 1.20 of the power mechanism 2 detects that the torque reaches the set torque, the tightening work is judged to be completed, the first cylinder 3.2 of the pressing mechanism 3 drives the wedge block 3.1 to retract, so that the pressing cover plate 2.7 in the tightening executing mechanism is separated from contact with the end face of the workpiece;
and 6, the auxiliary button-fixing mechanism 4 pulls back the power mechanism 1, the tightening actuating mechanism 2 and the pressing mechanism 3 above, so that the tightening tool 2.2 of the tightening actuating mechanism 2 is separated from contact with the tail end of the workpiece, and equipment resetting is completed.
The thread conduction type automatic tightening combination equipment and method provided by the invention have the functions of automatic fastening, automatic tightening, automatic resetting, torque monitoring and the like, and can effectively reduce labor cost and improve productivity and yield.
The foregoing has outlined and described the basic principles, features, and advantages of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, and the above embodiments and descriptions are meant to be illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and that various modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.