U.S. patent application number 14/486677 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for synchronized dual drive gear assemblies and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Illinois Tool Works Inc.. Invention is credited to Shawn M. Green.
Application Number | 20150075325 14/486677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52666743 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150075325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Shawn M. |
March 19, 2015 |
SYNCHRONIZED DUAL DRIVE GEAR ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS
Abstract
A gear assembly includes an actuation gear and plural separate
pinion bodies. The actuation gear has first gear teeth on one or
more surfaces of the gear and is configured to rotate around an
actuation axis of rotation. The pinion bodies have second gear
teeth configured to mesh with the first gear teeth of the actuation
gear in plural separate mesh zones of the actuation gear. Each of
the plural separate pinion bodies are configured to be rotated
about respective pinion axes of rotation to cause rotation of the
actuation gear around the actuation axis of rotation.
Inventors: |
Green; Shawn M.;
(Alexandria, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Illinois Tool Works Inc. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52666743 |
Appl. No.: |
14/486677 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61878892 |
Sep 17, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/664 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 1/222 20130101;
F16H 1/22 20130101; Y10T 74/19019 20150115; F16H 1/206
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/664 |
International
Class: |
F16H 1/22 20060101
F16H001/22; F16H 1/20 20060101 F16H001/20 |
Claims
1. A gear assembly comprising: an actuation gear having first gear
teeth on one or more surfaces of the gear, the actuation gear
configured to rotate around an actuation axis of rotation; and
plural separate pinion bodies having second gear teeth configured
to mesh with the first gear teeth of the actuation gear in plural
separate mesh zones of the actuation gear, wherein each of the
plural separate pinion bodies are configured to be rotated about
respective pinion axes of rotation to cause rotation of the
actuation gear around the actuation axis of rotation.
2. The gear assembly of claim 1, wherein the pinion axes of
rotation of the plural separate pinion bodies are oriented
perpendicular to the actuation axis of rotation of the actuation
gear.
3. The gear assembly of claim 1, wherein the plural separate pinion
bodies are configured to be coupled with one or more drive gears
connected with a torque generating device that generates torque to
rotate the plural separate pinion bodies such that rotation of the
plural separate pinion bodies is synchronized by rotation of the
one or more drive gears by the torque generating device.
4. The gear assembly of claim 3, wherein the rotation of the plural
separate pinion bodies is synchronized when the plural separate
pinion bodies rotate at a common speed.
5. The gear assembly of claim 3, wherein the torque generating
device is a single motor.
6. The gear assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation gear
includes the first gear teeth on opposite first surfaces of the
actuation gear and the plural separate pinion bodies are laterally
offset from each other such that the second gear teeth of the
plural separate pinion bodies engage the first gear teeth of the
actuation gear on the opposite surfaces of the actuation gear.
7. The gear assembly of claim 6, wherein the actuation gear is
formed from plural gear bodies each having one of the first
surfaces and an opposite second surface, wherein the second
surfaces of the plural gear bodies face each other.
8. The gear assembly of claim 7, wherein the plural gear bodies are
offset from each other such that the second surfaces of the plural
gear bodies are spaced apart from each other.
9. The gear assembly of claim 1, wherein the plural separate pinion
bodies are configured to be coupled with plural separate torque
generating devices so the plural separate torque generating devices
separately rotate the plural separate pinion bodies.
10. The gear assembly of claim 9, wherein the actuation gear
includes the first gear teeth on opposite surfaces of the actuation
gear and the plural separate pinion bodies are laterally offset
from each other such that the second gear teeth of the plural
separate pinion bodies engage the first gear teeth of the actuation
gear on the opposite surfaces of the actuation gear.
11. The gear assembly of claim 9, wherein the plural separate
pinion bodies are configured to be separately rotated by the plural
separate torque generating devices at a common speed.
12. The gear assembly of claim 1, wherein the pinion axes of
rotation are coplanar in a plane that is disposed on one side of
the actuation gear such that the actuation gear and the plane are
parallel to each other.
13. A gear assembly comprising: an actuation gear having first gear
teeth on one or more surfaces of the gear; and plural separate
pinion bodies having second gear teeth configured to mesh with the
first gear teeth of the actuation gear in plural separate mesh
zones of the actuation gear, the plural separate pinion bodies are
configured to be rotated about respective parallel pinion axes of
rotation to cause rotation of the actuation gear around an
actuation axis of rotation of the actuation gear, wherein the
pinion axes of rotation are oriented perpendicular to the actuation
axis of rotation.
14. The gear assembly of claim 13, wherein the plural separate
pinion bodies are configured to be coupled with one or more drive
gears connected with a torque generating device that generates
torque to rotate the plural separate pinion bodies such that
rotation of the plural separate pinion bodies is synchronized by
rotation of the one or more drive gears by the torque generating
device.
15. The gear assembly of claim 14, wherein the rotation of the
plural separate pinion bodies is synchronized when the plural
separate pinion bodies rotate at a common speed.
16. The gear assembly of claim 14, wherein the torque generating
device is a single motor.
17. The gear assembly of claim 13, wherein the actuation gear
includes the first gear teeth on opposite first surfaces of the
actuation gear and the plural separate pinion bodies are laterally
offset from each other such that the second gear teeth of the
plural separate pinion bodies engage the first gear teeth of the
actuation gear on the opposite surfaces of the actuation gear.
18. The gear assembly of claim 17, wherein the actuation gear is
formed from plural gear bodies each having one of the first
surfaces and an opposite second surface, wherein the second
surfaces of the plural gear bodies face each other.
19. The gear assembly of claim 17, wherein the plural gear bodies
are offset from each other such that the second surfaces of the
plural gear bodies are spaced apart from each other.
20. The gear assembly of claim 13, wherein the plural separate
pinion bodies are configured to be coupled with plural separate
torque generating devices so the plural separate torque generating
devices separately rotate the plural separate pinion bodies.
21. The gear assembly of claim 20, wherein the actuation gear
includes the first gear teeth on opposite surfaces of the actuation
gear and the plural separate pinion bodies are laterally offset
from each other such that the second gear teeth of the plural
separate pinion bodies engage the first gear teeth of the actuation
gear on the opposite surfaces of the actuation gear.
22. The gear assembly of claim 20, wherein the plural separate
pinion bodies are configured to be separately rotated by the plural
separate torque generating devices at a common speed.
23. The gear assembly of claim 13, wherein the pinion axes of
rotation are coplanar in a plane that is disposed on one side of
the actuation gear such that the actuation gear and the plane are
parallel to each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/878,892, which was filed on 17 Sep. 2013, and
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gears are used to, among other things, transmit power from
one device to another and/or change a direction of an applied
force. Many types of gears are known, such as straight gears, angle
gears, bevel gears, worm gears, combinations of these gears, and
others. Also known are SPIROID brand gears that use a curved gear
tooth. Such a configuration of gears permits larger loads to be
transferred due to the increased surface area of gear tooth
relative to a straight gear formed on a similar blank.
[0003] Certain applications may require gears that withstand high
loads (e.g., forces). Generally, the ability to withstand such
forces is accomplished by using larger gears to increase the area
on the gear teeth over which the forces are exerted. The ability to
withstand forces is balanced against size requirements, or
conversely size limitations, of the gear assembly. While the
SPIROID gear accomplishes this, at times, even smaller size
limitations may apply. Accordingly, there is a need for a gear
system that can withstand high loads/forces in a limited or small
size application that can overcome the inherent assembly
limitations described. Concurrently there is also a need for a gear
system that can also operate synchronously to mitigate the
mechanical limitations of torque transfer described.
[0004] Specifically, there is a need for an electromechanical
actuation system that can withstand high loads/forces in a limited
size application to operate (for example) industrial or military
grade pipeline and pipe system control valves. One such application
includes, but is not limited to, submersible vehicle pipe control
valve systems. Other useful applications may include oil and gas
pipeline valve controls; industrial systems valves in various types
of electrical power generation, steam turbine systems, and refinery
or processing systems.
[0005] Some known gear assemblies include enveloping gear
arrangements that include an enveloping gear arrangement having two
or more surfaces with curved gear teeth that mesh with teeth of a
single pinion. The single pinion engages the enveloping gear in
multiple locations for the purpose of increasing power and torque
output without substantially increased space claim or size. Such
gear assemblies, however, have been found to have deficiencies. For
example, in order for the elongated pinion to simultaneously engage
the multiple surfaces of the enveloping gear, the pinion and
enveloping gear may need to be arranged such that the pinion and
gear rotate around non-orthogonal axes and non-parallel axes with
respect to each other. For example, the axis around which the
pinion rotates may not be parallel to or perpendicular to the axis
around which the enveloping gear rotates. This arrangement can be
referred to as a skew-axis arrangement.
[0006] A skew-axis gear arrangement can often preclude ready
incorporation of the gear assembly into an actuator design due to
added complexities of bearing arrangements and support, atypical
housing and mounting features that increase machining, fabrication,
and assembly complexities; and general reluctance by potential
end-users to adopt the technology due to added complexities with
incorporating atypical mounting and motor connection features into
their systems. For these reasons, a need exists for gear assemblies
which may help to obviate the problems listed above.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] In an embodiment, a gear assembly includes an actuation gear
and plural separate pinion bodies. The actuation gear has first
gear teeth on one or more surfaces of the gear and is configured to
rotate around an actuation axis of rotation. The pinion bodies have
second gear teeth configured to mesh with the first gear teeth of
the actuation gear in plural separate mesh zones of the actuation
gear. Each of the plural separate pinion bodies are configured to
be rotated about respective pinion axes of rotation to cause
rotation of the actuation gear around the actuation axis of
rotation.
[0008] In an embodiment, a gear assembly includes an actuation gear
and plural separate pinion bodies. The actuation gear has first
gear teeth on one or more surfaces of the gear. The pinion bodies
have second gear teeth configured to mesh with the first gear teeth
of the actuation gear in plural separate mesh zones of the
actuation gear. The plural separate pinion bodies are configured to
be rotated about respective parallel pinion axes of rotation to
cause rotation of the actuation gear around an actuation axis of
rotation of the actuation gear. The pinion axes of rotation are
oriented perpendicular to the actuation axis of rotation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The benefits and advantages of the presently described
inventive subject matter will become more readily apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gear
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
5;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
5;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
9;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
9;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a top view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
13;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a side view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
13; and
[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of the gear assembly shown in FIG.
13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] While the presently described inventive subject matter is
susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the
drawings and will hereinafter be described example embodiments of
the inventive subject matter with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the
inventive subject matter and is not intended to limit the scope of
the inventive subject matter to the specific illustrated
embodiments. It should be understood that the title of this section
of this specification, namely, "Detailed Description," relates to a
requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply,
nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gear
assembly 100. FIG. 2 is a top view of the gear assembly 100 shown
in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the gear assembly 100 shown in
FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view of the gear assembly 100 shown in
FIG. 1. The gear assembly 100 includes an actuation gear 102 formed
from plural (e.g., two) separate and separable single piece gear
bodies 104, 106. Optionally, the gear 102 may be formed as a
single, continuous, and/or homogenous body and not plural separate
gear bodies 104, 106 that are joined together. The gear bodies 104,
106 and gear 102 each include a common actuation axis of rotation
108 such that the gear 102 rotates about the axis of rotation 108
along the illustrated direction 110 (or an opposite direction).
Each of the gear bodies 104, 106 include opposite first and second
surfaces 112, 114, with the first surface 112 having gear teeth 116
formed therein. Although only the surfaces 112, 114 of the gear
body 104 are labeled in FIG. 1, the gear body 106 may include
similar or identical surfaces 112, 114. The gear teeth 116 may be
SPIROID curved gear teeth or other gear teeth. The first surfaces
112 may be referred to as teeth surfaces as these surfaces 112,
include the gear teeth 116.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the first surfaces 112 of the gear
bodies 104, 106 may face away from each other and the second
surfaces 114 of the gear bodies 104, 106 may face and/or engage
each other when the gear bodies 104, 106 are joined together to
form the gear 102. Consequently, the gear teeth 116 are disposed on
opposite sides of the gear 102 and face away from each other. For
example, the gear teeth 116 may radially extend outward from the
axis of rotation 108 and away from the second surface 114 for each
of the gear bodies 104, 106. The gear bodies 104, 106 can be
co-axially arranged such that the second surfaces 114 are facing
and contacting each other while the first surfaces 112 that include
the gear teeth 116 are in opposition to each other, such that the
gear teeth 116 face outward.
[0029] The gear assembly 100 may also include plural separate and
separable pinion bodies 118, 120. The pinion bodies 118, 120 rotate
about (e.g., around) separate pinion axes of rotation 122, 124. In
the illustrated embodiment, the axes of rotation 122, 124 of the
pinion bodies 118, 120 are parallel to each other and are
perpendicular to the axis of rotation 108 of the gear 102. The axes
of rotation 122, 124 are laterally offset (e.g., spaced apart) from
each other such that the axes of rotation 122, 124 are not in-line
(e.g., collinear) with each other in the illustrated example. For
example, the illustrated pinion bodies 118, 120 are arranged in
parallel and offset positions in a co-planar arrangement on the
outside and adjacent to the first surfaces 112 of the gear 102. The
pinion bodies 118, 120 are disposed on opposite sides of the gear
102. The pinion bodies 118, 120 shown in FIG. 1 are elongated in
directions along the axes of rotation 122, 124, which are oriented
parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of rotation
108 of the gear 102. The pinion bodies 118, 120 are co-planar with
respect to each other such that the axes of rotation 122, 124 may
be disposed in the same common plane. With respect to the terms
"parallel" and "perpendicular," the axes that are parallel or
perpendicular to each other may be slightly off from being exactly
parallel or exactly perpendicular. For example, due to
manufacturing tolerances, two axes described herein may be parallel
to each other when the axes are substantially parallel (e.g.,
within a few angular degrees) and may be perpendicular to each
other when the axes are substantially perpendicular (e.g., within a
few angular degrees).
[0030] The pinion bodies 118, 120 may be single piece bodies or
formed from multiple parts joined together. The pinion bodies 118,
120 include gear teeth 126 shaped to engage (e.g., mesh with) the
gear teeth 116 of the gear 102. For example, the gear teeth 126 may
be SPIROID gear teeth formed co-axially on or in the pinion bodies
118, 120. Optionally, the gear teeth 126 may be another type of
gear teeth. The pinion bodies 118, 120 are laterally offset from
each other such that the gear teeth 126 for the pinion body 118
engage (e.g., mesh with) the gear teeth 116 on the opposite
surfaces 112 of the gear 102 at the same time (e.g., concurrently
or simultaneously). This engagement between the teeth 126 of the
pinion bodies 118, 120 and the teeth 116 of the gear 102 translates
rotation of the pinion bodies 118, 120 into rotation of the gear
102 (and/or translation rotation of the gear 102 into translation
of the pinion bodies 118, 120). For example, rotation of the pinion
body 118 around the axis 122 in the direction 128 and/or rotation
of the pinion body 120 around the axis 124 in the direction 130 may
cause rotation of the gear 102 about the axis 108 in the direction
110. Conversely, the pinion bodies 118, 120 and gear 102 may be
rotated in opposite directions.
[0031] In operation, the pinion bodies 118, 120 may be rotated by a
torque generating device 132. The torque generating device 132 can
include or represent one or more different systems, machines,
assemblies, persons, or the like, that rotate one or more of the
pinion bodies 118, 120 about the axes of rotation 122, 124. For
example, the device 132 may include or represent one or more of a
manual hand crank or hand wheel device, an electrically powered
motor (e.g., alternating or direct current drive or servomotor),
hydraulic motor, or the like. In the illustrated example, the
device 132 is a motor, such as an electric motor, that concurrently
or simultaneously rotates the pinion bodies 118, 120. The device
132 may include or be coupled with an input drive gear 134 having
teeth that engage (e.g., mesh with) teeth of drive gears 136, 138
connected or included in the pinion bodies 118, 120.
[0032] The input drive gear 134 synchronizes the movement (e.g.,
rotation) of the pinion bodies 118, 120 with the rotation of the
input drive gear 134 by the device 132. For example, the device 132
can generate torque to rotate the input drive gear 134, which then
transfers this torque to the pinion bodies 118, 120 via the
engagement between the teeth of the gear 134 and the teeth of the
pinion bodies 118, 120. As a result, the speed of rotation of the
pinion bodies 118, 120 by the single device 132 is the same or
substantially the same.
[0033] The gear 102 may be coupled with one or more other
components, such as a shaft, rod, or other device, such that
rotation of the pinion bodies 118, 120 by the device 132 causes the
gear 102 to rotate the one or more other components. For example, a
shaft 200 (represented by phantom lines in FIG. 2) may be disposed
through the opening in the gear 102 such that the shaft is oriented
(e.g., elongated) along the axis of rotation 108). The shaft 200
may be an actuation device or coupled with an actuation device that
causes the opening or closing of a valve or other component to move
when the shaft 200 is rotated. As a result, rotation of the pinion
bodies 118, 120 by the device 132 is translated by the gear
assembly 100 into actuation of the device to which the gear
assembly 100 is joined, such as by the shaft 200. In the
illustrated example, the pinion bodies 118, 120 rotate around the
respective axes of rotation without linearly moving. For example,
the pinion bodies 118, 120 may not move along the axes of rotation,
such as in left or right directions in the view of FIG. 2. In
contrast to a rack and pinion arrangement, where a gear engages a
rack that linearly moves relative to the gear, the pinion bodies
118, 120 and/or gear 102 may rotate, but not linearly move, in one
embodiment.
[0034] Connecting plural pinion bodies 118, 120 with the device 132
and with the gear 102 can increase a torque capacity of the gear
102. The torque capacity represents a limit on the amount of torque
or other force that can be transferred from the device 132 to the
gear 102 via the pinion bodies 118, 120. For example, a torque
capacity may represent the maximum amount of force that may be
exchanged between the teeth 126 of the pinion bodies 118, 120 and
the teeth 116 of the gear 102. The torque capacity of the gear 102
is increased by dividing the total torque provided by the device
132 between the plural pinion bodies 118, 120. For example,
approximately one half of the total torque generated by the device
132 may be transferred the pinion body 118 and approximately the
other half of this total torque generated by the device 132 may be
transferred to the pinion body 120. These two approximate halves of
the total torque are then transferred from the pinion bodies 118,
120 to the gear 102 by the plural mesh zones or areas between the
pinion bodies 118, 120 and the gear 102. The term "mesh zone" or
"mesh area" refers to the locations or regions where the pinion
bodies 118, 120 (e.g., the teeth 126) engage the gear 102 (e.g.,
the teeth 116). The gear 102 receives all or a substantial portion
of the total torque generated by the device 132 via these plural
mesh zones or areas, without the entire or substantial portion of
this torque being directly transferred to the gear 102 via a single
mesh zone or area. Consequently, a larger amount of torque may be
able to be transferred to the gear 102 from the device 132 without
damaging the gear 102 (e.g., stripping the teeth 116).
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly 500. FIG. 6 is a top view of the gear assembly 500
shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a side view of the gear assembly 500
shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a front view of the gear assembly 500
shown in FIG. 5. The gear assembly 500 includes an actuation gear
502 formed from plural (e.g., two) separate and separable single
piece gear bodies 504, 506. Optionally, the gear 502 may be formed
as a single, continuous, and/or homogenous body and not plural
separate gear bodies 504, 506 that are joined together. As shown in
FIG. 5, the gear bodies 504, 506 are spaced apart from each other
such that the gear bodies 504, 506 do not engage or otherwise touch
each other, and are not connected with each other by another
body.
[0036] The gear bodies 504, 506 and gear 502 each include a common
actuation axis of rotation 508 such that the gear 502 rotates about
the axis of rotation 508 along the illustrated direction 510 (or an
opposite direction). Similar to the gear bodies 104, 106 shown in
FIG. 1, each of the gear bodies 504, 506 include opposite first and
second surfaces, with the first surfaces having gear teeth and the
second surfaces facing each other. In the illustrated example, the
gear bodies 504, 506 are separated from each other (e.g., offset or
laterally spaced apart) such that the second surfaces of the gear
bodies 504, 506 face, but do not engage or otherwise touch each
other. Optionally, the gear bodies 504, 506 may engage each other
similar to the gear bodies 104, 106.
[0037] The gear assembly 500 may also include plural separate and
separable pinion bodies 518, 520. The pinion bodies 518, 520 may be
similar to the pinion bodies 118, 120 shown in FIG. 1, and may
rotate about (e.g., around) separate pinion axes of rotation 522,
524, which are similar to the axes 122, 124 shown in FIG. 1. The
pinion bodies 518, 520 include gear teeth 526, which may be similar
to the gear teeth 126 shown in FIG. 1. The axes of rotation 522,
524 of the pinion bodies 518, 520 may be oriented perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 508 of the gear
502. Optionally, the axes of rotation 522, 524 may be oriented in
another direction with respect to the axis of rotation 508.
[0038] The pinion bodies 518, 520 are laterally offset from each
other such that the gear teeth 526 of the pinion body 518 engage
(e.g., mesh with) the gear teeth on the gear body 504 and the gear
teeth 526 of the pinion body 520 engage the gear teeth on the gear
body 506. This engagement translates rotation of the pinion bodies
518, 520 into rotation of the gear 502, similar to as described
above with respect to the gear assembly 100.
[0039] The pinion bodies 518, 520 may be rotated by two or more
torque generating devices 532, 534. Each of the devices 532, 534
may be similar to the device 132 shown in FIG. 1. Optionally, the
devices 532, 534 may be different from each other, such as in the
amount of torque generated by each device 532, 534. The devices
532, 534 can be synchronized with each other so that the pinion
bodies 518, 520 are rotated at the same speed. The gear 502 may be
coupled with one or more other components, such as a shaft, rod, or
other device, such that rotation of the pinion bodies 518, 520 by
the devices 532, 534 causes the gear 502 to rotate the one or more
other components. For example, a shaft 800 (represented by phantom
lines in FIG. 8 and which may be similar to the shaft 200 shown in
FIG. 2) may be disposed through the opening in the gear 502 such
that the shaft is oriented (e.g., elongated) along the axis of
rotation 508). The shaft 800 may be an actuation device or coupled
with an actuation device that causes the opening or closing of a
valve or other component to move when the shaft 800 is rotated. As
a result, rotation of the pinion bodies 518, 520 by the devices
532, 534 is translated by the gear assembly 500 into actuation of
the device to which the gear assembly 500 is joined.
[0040] As described above, connecting plural pinion bodies 518, 520
with the gear 502 can increase a torque capacity of the gear 502.
Additionally or alternatively, using plural torque generating
devices 532, 534 to drive (e.g., rotate) the pinion bodies 518, 520
can increase the total amount of torque that can be transferred
from the devices 532, 534 to the gear 502. For example, the devices
532, 534 may collectively double the torque that can be provided to
the pinion bodies 520 compared to only one of the devices 532, 534.
In one aspect, one of the devices 532 or 534 may be a primary
torque generating device and the other device 534 or 532 may be a
secondary torque generating device. The primary torque generating
device can rotate the corresponding pinion body 518 or 520 to
rotate the gear 502 when the torque needed to rotate the shaft 800
is less than an upper limit or other threshold on the torque that
can be provided by the primary torque generating device. The
secondary torque generating device may not provide torque to the
other pinion body 520 or 518. When the torque needed to rotate the
shaft 800 or gear 502 exceeds this limit or threshold, the
secondary torque generating device may provide additional torque to
rotate the corresponding pinion body 518 or 520. As a result, the
total torque provided by both devices 532, 534 may be increased
above the limit or threshold.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly 900. FIG. 10 is a top view of the gear assembly 900
shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a side view of the gear assembly 900
shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a front view of the gear assembly 900
shown in FIG. 9. The gear assembly 900 includes an actuation gear
902 formed from a single piece gear body 904. For example, in
contrast to the gear assemblies 100, 500 shown in FIGS. 1 through
8, the gear 902 may be formed from only one gear body 904, which
may be similar to the gear body 104, 504 shown in FIGS. 1 through
8. Optionally, the gear 902 may be formed from the gear body 106 or
506.
[0042] The gear body 904 and gear 902 each include a common
actuation axis of rotation 908 such that the gear 902 rotates about
the axis of rotation 908 along the illustrated direction 910 (or an
opposite direction). Similar to the gear bodies 104, 504, the gear
body 904 includes a first surface having gear teeth.
[0043] The gear assembly 900 may also include plural separate and
separable pinion bodies 918, 920. Similar to the pinion bodies 118,
120, the pinion bodies 918, 920 rotate about separate pinion axes
of rotation 922, 924. The axes of rotation 922, 924 are vertically
offset (e.g., spaced apart) from each other such that the axes of
rotation 922, 924 are not in-line (e.g., collinear) with each other
in the illustrated example. For example, the illustrated pinion
bodies 918, 920 are arranged in parallel and offset positions in a
co-planar arrangement on the outside and adjacent to the same first
surface of the gear 902 (as opposed to being on opposite sides of
the gear as in the gear assemblies 100, 500). The axes of rotation
922, 924 of the pinion bodies 918, 920 may be perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 908 of the gear
902. Optionally, the axes of rotation 922, 924 may be oriented in a
different direction with respect to the axis of rotation 908.
[0044] The pinion bodies 918, 920 include gear teeth 926 that may
be similar to the gear teeth 126, 526. The pinion bodies 918, 920
are vertically offset from each other such that the gear teeth 926
for the pinion bodies 918, 920 engage (e.g., mesh with) the gear
teeth of the gear 902 on the same surface at the same time. This
engagement between the teeth 926 of the pinion bodies 918, 920 and
the teeth of the gear 902 translates rotation of the pinion bodies
918, 920 into rotation of the gear 902.
[0045] In operation, the pinion bodies 918, 920 may be rotated by a
torque generating device 932. The torque generating device 932 may
be similar to one or more of the devices 132, 532, 534 shown in
FIGS. 1 through 8. In the illustrated example, the pinion bodies
918, 920 are rotated by a single torque generating device 932.
Optionally, plural devices 932 may be used. The device 932 includes
or is coupled to a primary input drive gear 934. The device 934 can
rotate the gear 934 around an axis of rotation that is coextensive
with, collinear with, or the same as the axis of rotation 922 of
the pinion body 918. The pinion body 918 may be coupled with the
gear 934 and/or include the gear 934, such that rotation of the
gear 934 causes rotation of the pinion body 918 around the axis of
rotation 922.
[0046] One or more drive gears 936 are connected with the input
drive gear 934 such that rotation of the drive gear 934 is
translated into rotation of the drive gears 936. While two drive
gears 936 are shown, alternatively, a single drive gear 936 or more
than two drive gears 936 may be used. The other pinion body 920
includes or is coupled with an additional drive gear 938. The teeth
of the drive gears 934, 936, 938 mesh with each other such that
rotation of the drive gear 934 and the pinion body 918 by the
device 932 is translated into rotation of the other pinion body
920. The drive gears 934, 936, and/or 938 synchronize the rotations
of the pinion bodies 918, 920 such that the pinion bodies 918, 920
rotate at the same or substantially the same speed.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, the teeth 926 of the pinion bodies 918,
920 are located on opposite ends of the pinion bodies 918, 920. The
teeth 926 of the pinion body 918 are located at or closer to an end
of the pinion body 918 that is closer to the torque generating
device 932 than the opposite end of the pinion body 918, and the
teeth 926 of the pinion body 920 are located at or closer to an end
of the pinion body 920 that is farther from the torque generating
device 932 than the opposite end of the pinion body 920. Also as
shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the pinion bodies 918, 920 may be
coplanar with each other. For example, the pinion axes of rotation
922, 924 of the pinion bodies 928, 920 may be disposed in the same
plane such that the axes of rotation 922, 924 are coplanar. The
plane in which the axes of rotation 922, 924 are located can be
parallel to the gear 902. For example, the plane in which the axes
of rotation 922, 924 are located may not be intersected by the gear
902.
[0048] Similar to as described above with respect to the gears 102,
502 shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the gear 902 may be coupled with
one or more other components, such as a shaft, rod, or other device
(e.g., the shaft 1000 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 10), such that
rotation of the pinion bodies 918, 920 by the device 932 causes the
gear 902 to rotate the one or more other components. The shaft 1000
may be an actuation device or coupled with an actuation device that
causes the opening or closing of a valve or other component to move
when the shaft 1000 is rotated. As a result, rotation of the pinion
bodies 918, 920 by the device 932 is translated by the gear
assembly 900 into actuation of the device to which the gear
assembly 900 is joined, such as by the shaft 900. In the
illustrated example, the pinion bodies 918, 920 rotate around the
respective axes of rotation without linearly moving. For example,
the pinion bodies 918, 920 may not move along the axes of rotation,
such as in left or right directions in the view of FIG. 10. In
contrast to a rack and pinion arrangement, where a gear engages a
rack that linearly moves relative to the gear, the pinion bodies
918, 920 and/or gear 902 may rotate, but not linearly move, in one
embodiment.
[0049] As described above, connecting plural pinion bodies 918, 920
with the device 932 and with the gear 902 can increase a torque
capacity of the gear 902. Additionally or alternatively, coupling
the plural pinion bodies 918, 920 with the same side of the gear
902 can reduce the size, weight, and/or complexity of the gear 902
(e.g., because fewer gear bodies may be used to form the gear
902).
[0050] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another
gear assembly 1300. FIG. 14 is a top view of the gear assembly 1300
shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a side view of the gear assembly 1300
shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a front view of the gear assembly 1300
shown in FIG. 13. The gear assembly 1300 includes an actuation gear
1302 formed from a single piece gear body 1304, similar to the gear
902 and gear body 904 shown in FIG. 9. Optionally, the gear 1302
may be formed from another gear body, such as the gear body 106 or
506, or a combination of gear bodies, such as the gear bodies 104,
106 or 504, 506.
[0051] The gear body 1304 and gear 1302 each include a common
actuation axis of rotation 1308 such that the gear 1302 rotates
about the axis of rotation 1308 along the illustrated direction
1310 (or an opposite direction). Similar to the gear bodies 104,
504, 904 shown in FIGS. 1 through 12, the gear body 1304 includes a
first surface having gear teeth. The gear assembly 1300 may also
include plural separate and separable pinion bodies 1318, 1320.
Similar to the pinion bodies 118, 120, the pinion bodies 1318, 1320
rotate about separate pinion axes of rotation 1322, 1324. The axes
of rotation 1322, 1324 are vertically offset (e.g., spaced apart)
from each other such that the axes of rotation 1322, 1324 are not
in-line (e.g., collinear) with each other in the illustrated
example. For example, the illustrated pinion bodies 1318, 1320 are
arranged in parallel and offset positions in a co-planar
arrangement on the outside and adjacent to the same first surface
of the gear 1302 (as opposed to being on opposite sides of the
gear). The axes of rotation 1322, 1324 of the pinion bodies 1318,
1320 are oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to
the axis of rotation 1308 of the gear 1302. Optionally, the axes of
rotation 1322, 1324 may be oriented in another direction with
respect to the axis of rotation 1308.
[0052] The pinion bodies 1318, 1320 include gear teeth 1326 that
may be similar to the gear teeth 126, 526, 926 shown in FIGS. 1
through 12. The pinion bodies 1318, 1320 are vertically offset from
each other such that the gear teeth 1326 of the pinion bodies 1318,
1320 engage (e.g., mesh with) the gear teeth of the gear 1302 on
the same surface of the gear 1302 at the same time. This engagement
between the teeth 1326 of the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 and the
teeth of the gear 1302 translates rotation of the pinion bodies
1318, 1320 into rotation of the gear 1302.
[0053] The pinion bodies 1318, 1320 may be rotated by two or more
torque generating devices 1332, 1334, similar to the pinion bodies
518, 520 and the devices 532, 534 shown in FIGS. 5 through 8. Each
of the devices 1332, 1334 may be similar to the device 132 shown in
FIG. 1. Optionally, the devices 1332, 1334 may be different from
each other, such as in the amount of torque generated by each
device 1332, 1334. The devices 1332, 1334 can be synchronized with
each other so that the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 are rotated at the
same speed. The gear 1302 may be coupled with one or more other
components, such as a shaft, rod, or other device, such that
rotation of the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 by the devices 1332, 1334
causes the gear 1302 to rotate the one or more other components.
For example, a shaft 1400 (represented by phantom lines in FIG. 14
and which may be similar to the shaft 200 shown in FIG. 2) may be
disposed through the opening in the gear 1302 such that the shaft
is oriented (e.g., elongated) along the axis of rotation 1308). The
shaft 1400 may be an actuation device or coupled with an actuation
device that causes the opening or closing of a valve or other
component to move when the shaft 1400 is rotated. As a result,
rotation of the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 by the devices 1332, 1334
is translated by the gear assembly 1300 into actuation of the
device to which the gear assembly 1300 is joined.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 13, the teeth 1326 of the pinion bodies
1318, 1320 are located on opposite ends of the pinion bodies 1318,
1320. The teeth 1326 of the pinion body 1318 are located at or
closer to an end of the pinion body 1318 that is closer to the
torque generating device 1332 than the opposite end of the pinion
body 1318, and the teeth 1326 of the pinion body 1320 are located
at or closer to an end of the pinion body 1320 that is farther from
the torque generating device 1332 than the opposite end of the
pinion body 1320. Also as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the pinion
bodies 1318, 1320 may be coplanar with each other. For example, the
pinion axes of rotation 1322, 1324 of the pinion bodies 1318, 1320
may be disposed in the same plane such that the axes of rotation
1322, 1324 are coplanar. The plane in which the axes of rotation
1322, 1324 are located can be parallel to the gear 1302. For
example, the plane in which the axes of rotation 1322, 1324 are
located may not be intersected by the gear 1302.
[0055] In the illustrated example, the pinion bodies 1318, 1320
rotate around the respective axes of rotation without linearly
moving. For example, the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 may not move
along the axes of rotation, such as in left or right directions in
the view of FIG. 14. In contrast to a rack and pinion arrangement,
where a gear engages a rack that linearly moves relative to the
gear, the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 and/or gear 1302 may rotate, but
not linearly move, in one embodiment.
[0056] As described above, connecting plural pinion bodies 1318,
1320 with the gear 1302 can increase a torque capacity of the gear
1302. Additionally or alternatively, coupling the plural pinion
bodies 1318, 1320 with the same side of the gear 1302 can reduce
the size, weight, and/or complexity of the gear 1302 (e.g., because
fewer gear bodies may be used to form the gear 1302). Additionally
or alternatively, using plural torque generating devices 1332, 1334
to drive (e.g., rotate) the pinion bodies 1318, 1320 can increase
the total amount of torque that can be transferred from the devices
1332, 1334 to the gear 1302, also as described above.
[0057] In one or more of the embodiments of the inventive subject
matter set forth herein, a rotary input force supplied from a
torque generating device may be applied to the pinion bodies to
drive the gear assemblies in one or both directions. The rotary
input force can be generated by a number of methods, including but
not limited to, manual hand crank or hand wheel device,
electrically powered motors (such as AC or DC drive or
servomotors), hydraulic motors, or the like. The rotary input force
may be supplied to the pinion bodies through a common gear train
that includes one or more drive gears and which acts to synchronize
rotation of the pinion bodies with respect to each other and the
mating gear bodies (e.g., gears or gear teeth) of the pinion
bodies. Optionally, rotary input forces may be independently
supplied to each pinion body by separate torque generating devices
attached to each respective pinion body. These rotary input forces
may be synchronized with each other, such as by the separate torque
generating devices rotating the separate pinion bodies at the same
speed. The torque generating devices may be synchronized by
incorporating control software in combination with speed and/or
position sensing devices affixed to the pinion bodies and/or gear
bodies, or using other techniques and/or components. To further aid
in the synchronization of the pinion bodies with respect to their
associated gear bodies, supplemental mechanical components may also
be incorporated in either or both the pinion bodies and gear bodies
consisting of compression or torsion spring devices situated
axially within or around the shaft and hub features in such a
manner as to absorb or reduce the amount of radial and/or axial
play in the assemblies and permit balanced load sharing between the
various components of the gear assemblies.
[0058] The separate and separable gear bodies used to form one or
more of the gears described herein may be configured in multiple
ways to enable attachment to a hub or bearing mechanism, which may
be represented by the shafts shown in phantom lines in the Figures.
An operating load such as a valve control may be connected to the
gear assemblies such that rotation of the gears in one direction by
the pinion bodies and the torque generating devices opens a valve
and rotation of the gears in another direction by the pinion bodies
and the torque generating devices closes the valve.
[0059] One or more of the gear assemblies described herein may be
enclosed or housed in a casing, which acts to contain the gear and
pinion bodies along with their respective supporting elements such
as bearings and shafts. The casing may also be configured in
numerous manners to enable attachment to a valve or other device
that is actuated by the respective gear assembly.
[0060] In one aspect, one or more of the gear assemblies described
herein may be used to provide high density power transmission for
systems such as hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, other geared
mechanisms such as planetary or harmonic drives and worm gearing,
traction motors/drives, or the like. With respect to submersible
vehicles such as submarines, the gear assemblies may be used to
control hydraulic actuators of onboard mechanical actuation
systems. Some examples include, but are not limited to,
navigational or steering control surfaces such as bow planes or
rudders, propulsion control mechanisms, communication systems such
as retractable antennae or periscopes, actuation of control valves
incorporated in fluid or air transfer pipes and systems contained
within the pressure hull of the submarine, or the like.
[0061] In an embodiment, a gear assembly includes an actuation gear
and plural separate pinion bodies. The actuation gear has first
gear teeth on one or more surfaces of the gear and is configured to
rotate around an actuation axis of rotation. The pinion bodies have
second gear teeth configured to mesh with the first gear teeth of
the actuation gear in plural separate mesh zones of the actuation
gear. Each of the plural separate pinion bodies are configured to
be rotated about respective pinion axes of rotation to cause
rotation of the actuation gear around the actuation axis of
rotation.
[0062] In one aspect, the pinion axes of rotation of the plural
separate pinion bodies are oriented perpendicular to the actuation
axis of rotation of the actuation gear.
[0063] In one aspect, the plural separate pinion bodies are
configured to be coupled with one or more drive gears connected
with a torque generating device that generates torque to rotate the
plural separate pinion bodies such that rotation of the plural
separate pinion bodies is synchronized by rotation of the one or
more drive gears by the torque generating device.
[0064] In one aspect, the rotation of the plural separate pinion
bodies is synchronized when the plural separate pinion bodies
rotate at a common speed.
[0065] In one aspect, the torque generating device is a single
motor.
[0066] In one aspect, the actuation gear includes the first gear
teeth on opposite first surfaces of the actuation gear and the
plural separate pinion bodies are laterally offset from each other
such that the second gear teeth of the plural separate pinion
bodies engage the first gear teeth of the actuation gear on the
opposite surfaces of the actuation gear.
[0067] In one aspect, the actuation gear is formed from plural gear
bodies each having one of the first surfaces and an opposite second
surface. The second surfaces of the plural gear bodies can face
each other.
[0068] In one aspect, the plural gear bodies are offset from each
other such that the second surfaces of the plural gear bodies are
spaced apart from each other.
[0069] In one aspect, the plural separate pinion bodies are
configured to be coupled with plural separate torque generating
devices so the plural separate torque generating devices separately
rotate the plural separate pinion bodies.
[0070] In one aspect, the actuation gear includes the first gear
teeth on opposite surfaces of the actuation gear and the plural
separate pinion bodies are laterally offset from each other such
that the second gear teeth of the plural separate pinion bodies
engage the first gear teeth of the actuation gear on the opposite
surfaces of the actuation gear.
[0071] In one aspect, the plural separate pinion bodies are
configured to be separately rotated by the plural separate torque
generating devices at a common speed.
[0072] In one aspect, the pinion axes of rotation are coplanar in a
plane that is disposed on one side of the actuation gear such that
the actuation gear and the plane are parallel to each other.
[0073] In the disclosures, the words "a" or "an" are to be taken to
include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference
to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
[0074] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous
modification and variations can be effectuated without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the
presently described inventive subject matter. It is to be
understood that no limitation with respect to the specific
embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The
disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such
modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
[0075] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope.
While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are
intended to define the parameters of the inventive subject matter,
they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many
other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the
inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended
claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first,"
"second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not
intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in
means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted
based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f), unless and until such claim
limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a
statement of function void of further structure.
[0076] This written description uses examples to disclose several
embodiments of the inventive subject matter and also to enable one
of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of
inventive subject matter, including making and using any devices or
systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable
scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and
may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in
the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of
the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from
the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal
languages of the claims.
* * * * *