U.S. patent application number 14/271935 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket and a second helically geared sprocket to form a transmission.
This patent application is currently assigned to IMS GEAR GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is IMS GEAR GMBH. Invention is credited to Marcel Broghammer, Martin Obergfoell.
Application Number | 20170216978 14/271935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48795513 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170216978 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Broghammer; Marcel ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
Method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket and a
second helically geared sprocket to form a transmission
Abstract
A method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket,
particularly a worm gear and a second sprocket arranged on an axis,
particularly a worm, to form a transmission, particularly a worm
drive, in which the first sprocket is positioned coaxially in
reference to an axis of assembly of the first sprocket, aligned at
a 90.degree. position in reference to the axis via an assembly
device.
Inventors: |
Broghammer; Marcel;
(Schramberg, DE) ; Obergfoell; Martin;
(Donaueschingen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IMS GEAR GMBH |
Donaueschingen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
IMS GEAR GMBH
Donaueschingen
DE
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150020387 A1 |
January 22, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
48795513 |
Appl. No.: |
14/271935 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 57/023 20130101;
F16H 57/038 20130101; F16H 57/039 20130101; Y10T 29/49464 20150115;
B23P 15/14 20130101; Y10T 29/53691 20150115; F16H 2057/0062
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B23P 15/14 20060101
B23P015/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 19, 2013 |
EP |
13177298 |
Claims
1. A method for assembling a helically geared first sprocket, and a
second sprocket, arranged on an axis, in order to form a
transmission, in which via an assembly device the first sprocket is
positioned coaxially in reference to an axis of assembly of the
first sprocket, positioned at a 90.degree. position in reference to
the axis, wherein a) the first sprocket is moved in the axial
direction of assembly via the assembly device until contacting the
second sprocket, b) in case of missing gears between the first
sprocket and the second sprocket the first sprocket is lifted off
the second sprocket via the assembly device, opposite the direction
of assembly, and the first sprocket is rotated by a predetermined
rotary angle around its own axis, c) the processing steps a) and b)
are repeated as many times as necessary until the first sprocket
can be brought into engagement with the second sprocket, and d) the
first sprocket can be completely engaged with the second sprocket
via the assembly device by way of executing an axial compensation
motion in the direction of assembly and by a compensating rotary
motion caused by the helical teeth of the first sprocket.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the helically geared first
sprocket is a worm gear, the second sprocket is a worm and the
transmission is a worm drive.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined
rotary angle according to the processing step b) is smaller than
the degree allocated to the arc of the division of the first
sprocket.
4. An assembly device for assembling a helically geared worm gear
and a worm arranged on a worm axis in order to form a worm drive,
with the worm gear being positioned coaxially in reference to an
axis of assembly of the worm gear, aligned at a 90.degree. position
in reference to the worm axis, via an assembly device, particularly
to execute the method according to claim 2, wherein the assembly
device comprises a motion unit and a compensation unit, the
compensation unit is connected in a torque-proof fashion to the
motion unit, the motion unit is embodied to axially and
rotationally move the worm gear, and the compensation unit is
embodied to move the worm gear independent from the motion unit
with a compensating rotary motion and a compensating axial
motion.
5. The assembly device according to claim 4, wherein in a position
of the worm gear, at which it can engage the teeth of the worm,
particularly a position reached via the processing step c), the
compensation unit is embodied to execute the compensating rotary
motion and the compensating axial motion for a complete engagement
of the worm gear with the worm.
6. The assembly device of claim 4, wherein the compensation unit
comprises a grasping module with grasping digits for receiving the
worm gear.
7. The assembly device of claim 4, wherein the compensation unit
comprises a bolted flange for a torque-proof connection to the
motion unit.
8. The assembly device of claim 4, wherein the worm gear is placed
by a first helically geared sprocket, particularly a first
helically geared spur gear, and the worm by a second helically
geared sprocket, particularly a second helically geared spur gear.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority European Patent
Application 13 177 298.0-1752, filed on Jul. 19, 2013.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] No federal government funds were used in researching or
developing this invention.
NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING INCLUDED AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN
[0004] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to a method for assembling a
helically geared first sprocket and a second helically geared
sprocket to form a transmission. Further, the invention relates to
an assembly device for executing the method according to the
invention.
[0007] 2. Background of the Invention
[0008] The current state of knowledge is as follows.
[0009] In order to assemble a helically geared worm gear and a worm
to form a worm drive, it is known to use for this purpose a
so-called assembly device with a pneumatic axis. For the assembly
process, the worm gear is positioned by this assembly device such
that the axis of assembly and the worm gear are aligned coaxially
in reference to each other. The worm gear then axially approaches
the worm until contacting it. An engagement with the worm is not
possible when in this position of the worm gear, i.e. the teeth are
not located such that engagement is possible, the worm gear is
rotated until the teeth are rotated into the correct position of
assembly via the rotation of adjusting lateral cylinders of the
pneumatic axis, and thus the teeth of the worm gear and the worm
can engage each other. In this process, however, canting of the
worm gear is possible, potentially damaging the components
involved. In particular when using a sintered worm gear instead of
a worm gear produced from steel there is an increased risk of
damage, because sharp edges develop at the bonding sections of the
worm wheel due to the sintering process.
[0010] Based on this prior art, the objective of the invention is
to provide a method of the type stated at the outset in which the
above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided, particularly any canting
of the worm gear to be assembled being prevented. Further, the
objective of the invention includes providing an assembly device
for executing the method according to the invention. In doing so,
the invention shall not be limited to the assembly of the worm gear
and a worm. Rather, the assembly shall also be suitable for a pair
of helically geared sprockets and particularly helically geared
spur gears.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a method for assembling a
helically geared first sprocket, and a second sprocket, arranged on
an axis, in order to form a transmission, in which via an assembly
device the first sprocket is positioned coaxially in reference to
an axis of assembly of the first sprocket, positioned at a
90.degree. position in reference to the axis, wherein
[0012] a) the first sprocket is moved in the axial direction of
assembly via the assembly device until contacting the second
sprocket,
[0013] b) in case of missing gears between the first sprocket and
the second sprocket the first sprocket is lifted off the second
sprocket via the assembly device, opposite the direction of
assembly, and the first sprocket is rotated by a predetermined
rotary angle around its own axis,
[0014] c) the processing steps a) and b) are repeated as many times
as necessary until the first sprocket can be brought into
engagement with the second sprocket, and
[0015] d) the first sprocket can be completely engaged with the
second sprocket via the assembly device by way of executing an
axial compensation motion in the direction of assembly and by a
compensating rotary motion caused by the helical teeth of the first
sprocket.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the method as described
herein, wherein the helically geared first sprocket is a worm gear,
the second sprocket is a worm and the transmission is a worm
drive.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the method as described
herein, wherein the predetermined rotary angle according to the
processing step b) is smaller than the degree allocated to the arc
of the division of the first sprocket.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, an assembly device for
assembling a helically geared worm gear and a worm arranged on a
worm axis in order to form a worm drive, with the worm gear being
positioned coaxially in reference to an axis of assembly of the
worm gear, aligned at a 90.degree. position in reference to the
worm axis, via an assembly device, particularly to execute the
method according to claim 2, wherein
[0019] the assembly device comprises a motion unit and a
compensation unit,
[0020] the compensation unit is connected in a torque-proof fashion
to the motion unit,
[0021] the motion unit is embodied to axially and rotationally move
the worm gear, and
[0022] the compensation unit is embodied to move the worm gear
independent from the motion unit with a compensating rotary motion
and a compensating axial motion.
[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the assembly device as
described herein, wherein in a position of the worm gear, at which
it can engage the teeth of the worm, particularly a position
reached via the processing step c), the compensation unit is
embodied to execute the compensating rotary motion and the
compensating axial motion for a complete engagement of the worm
gear with the worm.
[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the assembly device as
described herein, wherein the compensation unit comprises a
grasping module with grasping digits for receiving the worm
gear.
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the assembly device as
described herein, wherein the compensation unit comprises a bolted
flange for a torque-proof connection to the motion unit.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the assembly device as
described herein, wherein the worm gear is placed by a first
helically geared sprocket, particularly a first helically geared
spur gear, and the worm by a second helically geared sprocket,
particularly a second helically geared spur gear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing evidencing a cross-section of
an assembly device for executing the method according to the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing evidencing a processing step
to assemble a worm gear with a worm using the assembly device
according to FIG. 1.
[0029] Each of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is a schematic drawing
evidencing another processing step subsequent to the processing
step according to FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing evidencing another processing
step subsequent to the processing step according to FIG. 3.
[0031] Each of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is a schematic drawing
evidencing another processing step subsequent to the processing
step according to FIG. 4, and
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing evidencing the last processing
step, leading to the complete assembly of the worm gear with the
worm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] According to the invention, avoiding the canting of a worm
gear is accomplished by a method for assembling a first helically
geared sprocket, particularly a worm gear, and a second helically
geared sprocket, arranged on an axis of this first sprocket,
particularly a worm, to form a transmission, particularly a worm
drive, in which the first sprocket is positioned coaxially in
reference to a position of an axis of assembly, off-set by
90.degree. in reference to the axis of the first sprocket via an
assembly device, is characterized according to the invention such
that
[0034] a) the assembly device moves the first sprocket in the axial
direction of assembly until it contacts the second sprocket,
[0035] b) in case of a missing gearing between the first sprocket
and the second sprocket, the second sprocket is lifted via the
assembly device opposite the direction of assembly off the second
sprocket and the first sprocket is rotated by a predetermined angle
of rotation about its axis,
[0036] c) the processing steps a) and b) are repeated until the
first sprocket can be made to engage the second sprocket, and
[0037] d) via the assembly device, the first sprocket completely
engages the second sprocket via executing an axial motion in the
direction of assembly and a compensating rotary motion by the
helical gearing of the first sprocket.
[0038] Canting of the worm gear to be assembled is securely
prevented by the worm gear reversing in the axial direction of
assembly in case of a mismatched position for engagement of the
gears of the worm gear to be made to engage and the worm and the
subsequent twisting of the worm gear by a predetermined rotary
angle (processing step b). The worm gear is completely assembled
with the worm only when the worm gear shows a position in which the
gears of the worm gear and the worm allow engagement, thus the worm
gear is made to engage the gears of the worm.
[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the predetermined rotary angle according to the processing step b)
is smaller than the degree according to the arc of the division of
the worm gear. This way it is ensured that after a repetition of
the processing step b) the relative position of the teeth of the
gears of the worm gear and the gears of the worm has
[0040] The method disclosed herein above may further be
accomplished with an assembly device for assembling a helically
geared worm gear and a worm arranged on a worm axis to form a worm
drive, with the worm gear being positioned via a positioning device
coaxially in reference to an axis of assembly of the worm gear,
positioned at an angle of 90.degree. in reference to the worm axis,
is characterized according to the invention such that
[0041] the assembly device comprises a compensation unit and a
motion unit,
[0042] the compensation unit is connected in a torque-proof fashion
to the motion unit,
[0043] the motion unit is embodied to move the worm gear axially
and rotationally, and
[0044] the compensation unit is embodied to move the worm gear
independently from the motion unit with a compensating rotary
motion and an axial compensation motion.
[0045] With this assembly device according to the invention,
different processes of the assembly of the worm gear with the worm
are executed by various components of the assembly device. Here,
the processing steps a) and b), which relate to the axial
displacement of the worm gear in the direction of assembly as well
as perhaps its distortion about the predetermined angle of
rotation, are executed by the motion unit, while the axial and
rotary motion is initiated by the compensation unit for the
complete assembly during the correct position of the teeth of the
worm gear of the worm.
[0046] In an advantageous fashion, it is therefore provided in a
further development that at a position of the worm gear in which
the worm can be engaged by the gears, particularly a position
achieved by the processing step c), the compensation unit is
embodied to execute the rotary compensation motion and the axial
compensation motion in order to ensure a complete engagement of the
teeth of the worm gear with the worm.
[0047] Further, according to another advantageous embodiment, the
compensation unit comprises a grasping module with grasping digits
for receiving the worm gear.
[0048] Finally, according to a further development the compensation
unit comprises a bolted flange for a torque-proof connection to the
motion unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0049] Although in the following exemplary embodiment it is
repeatedly discussed that a worm and a worm gear shall be assembled
to each other, the present invention shall not be limited to this.
Rather, helically geared sprockets, particularly spur gears with
helical gears, can be assembled to each other, as described in the
following for a worm and a worm gear.
[0050] The process of assembling a worm gear 1 and a worm 2 to form
a worm drive 3 via an assembly device 10 is described and explained
based on FIGS. 2 to 6. Accordingly, first the assembly device 10 is
described which is shown in FIG. 1.
[0051] This assembly device 10 comprises a motion unit 11 and a
compensation unit 12 connected to it. This compensation unit 12 is
coupled in a torque-proof fashion with one end via a bolted flange
13 to the motion unit 11 and at the opposite end comprises grasping
digits 16.1 for receiving the worm gear 1.
[0052] The motion unit 11 serves to move the compensation unit 12,
receiving the worm gear 1, both in the axial direction, i.e. in the
axial direction of assembly R in reference to the worm drive 3 to
be assembled (cf. FIG. 3), as well as independently of the motion
to execute a rotary motion in the axial direction in reference to
this axial direction of assembly R.
[0053] The compensation unit 12 comprises, in addition to the
bolted flange 13, a component 14 for an axial compensation as well
as a component 15 for a rotary compensation. For this purpose, the
component 14 comprises elastic parts which allow a flexible axial
stroke. The components 15 for a rotary compensation are also
realized via elastic parts, so that a rotary compensation is
possible independent of the axial compensation via the component
14.
[0054] Finally, this compensation unit 12 also allows a grasping
module 16, which receives the worm gear 1 to be assembled via the
above-mentioned grasping digits 16.1. The assembly process for
assembling a worm gear 1 and a corresponding worm 2 to form a worm
drive 3 begins with the motion unit 11 of the assembly device 10
positioning the compensation unit 12, which has accepted the worm
gear 1, according to FIG. 2, such that the worm gear 1 and its axis
of assembly 1.1 are aligned coaxially in reference to each
other.
[0055] In a first processing step (processing step a) the
compensation unit 12 is moved via the motion unit 11 in the axial
direction of assembly R until the worm gear 1 contacts the worm 2.
This situation is shown in FIG. 3a) in a side view, illustrating
the arrangement comprising the worm gear 1 and the worm 2, as well
as in FIG. 3b) in a top view. In particular, it is discernible from
this FIG. 3b) that the teeth of the gears 1.2 and 2.2 of the worm
gear 1 and/or the worm 2 are not facing recesses but face each
other directly so that any engagement of the teeth of the worm gear
1 with the worm 2 is impossible from this position of the worm gear
1.
[0056] When an engagement of teeth is impossible, the axial
compensation prevents any damage of the worm gear and/or the
worm.
[0057] The activation of the axial compensation is detected via a
sensor.
[0058] In a second subsequent processing step (processing step b)
the compensation unit 12 is lifted via the motion unit 11 off the
worm 2 opposite the direction of assembly R and subsequently the
worm gear 1 is rotated by a predetermined rotary angle about the
axis of the worm gear (cf. FIG. 4). This rotary angle amounts to
only a few degrees and is smaller than degree equivalent to the arc
of the division of the worm gear 1. This way it is ensured that
this rotary angle is smaller than the division p of the gears 1.2
of the worm gear 1, and thus it is ensured that after this rotation
of the worm gear 1 a changed relative position is given between the
teeth of the gears 1.2 and 2.2 of the worm gear 1 and/or the worm
2.
[0059] Now, the first processing step (processing step a) according
to FIG. 2 is repeated, thus the compensation unit 12 is approached
via the motion unit 11, again in the axial direction of assembly R
towards the worm 2, until the worm gear 1 once more contacts the
worm 2, as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5a) shows a side view of the
assembly device 10 and the worm 2, while FIG. 5b) shows a top view
of said arrangement. In particular, it is discernible from this top
view according to FIG. 5b) that the teeth of the gears 1.2 and 2.2
of the worm gear 1 and/or the worm 2 are now located over the tooth
gaps, i.e. the worm gear 1 can now engage the worm 2.
[0060] However, if the teeth of the gears 1.2 and 2.2 of the worm
gear 1 and/or the worm 2 are still not located over tooth gaps
after this repeated first processing step, the second processing
step (processing step b) is executed once more; thus, the
compensation unit 12 is moved back via the motion unit 11, a
predetermined rotary motion of the worm gear 1 is executed once
more, and the first processing step is executed once more.
[0061] The first and second processing step are repeated as many
times as necessary (processing step c) until the teeth of the gears
1.2 and 2.2 of the worm gear 1 and/or the worm 2 are located on
gaps.
[0062] If this condition has been reached with regards to the
placement of the teeth of the worm gear 1 and the worm 2, in the
last processing step (processing step d) the complete assembly of
the worm gear 1 and the worm 2 is executed. For this purpose,
according to FIG. 6, the gears 1.2 of the worm gear 1 are made to
completely engage the gears 2.2 of the worm 2 by a rotary
compensation motion being performed by the worm gear 1 around the
axis of assembly 1.1 of the worm gear 1. For this purpose, the
component 15 of the compensation unit 12 is activated for a rotary
compensation. These components 14 and 15 allow the axial
compensation motion and the rotary compensation motion of the worm
gear 1, which is necessary for the complete engagement of the teeth
due to the helical tooth geometry of both of the worm gear 1 as
well as the worm 2.
[0063] According to FIG. 6 the worm gear 1 and the worm 2 are
positioned in reference to each other such that they form the worm
drive 3 to be formed.
[0064] Based on the elastic parts of the components 14 and 15 of
the compensation unit 12, which allow the compensation motions, the
worm gear 1 and the worm 2 can be assembled floating, i.e. they
allow only a motion in the respective desired direction. The worm
gear 1 is flexible in the axial direction of assembly R around the
axis of assembly 1.1, and during the assembly process it is aligned
coaxially in reference to the position of assembly.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0065] 1 First helically geared sprocket, particularly [a] worm
gear
[0066] 1.1 Axis of assembly of the worm gear 1
[0067] 2 Second helically geared sprocket, particularly [a]
worm
[0068] 2.1 Axis of the worm 2
[0069] 3 Gear drive, particularly [a] worm drive
[0070] 10 Direction of assembly
[0071] 11 Motion unit of the assembly device 10
[0072] 12 Compensation unit of the assembly device 10
[0073] 13 Bolted flange of the compensation unit 12
[0074] 14 Component of the compensation unit 12 for an axial
compensation
[0075] 15 Component of the compensation unit 12 for a rotary
compensation
[0076] 16 Grasping module
[0077] 16.1 Grasping digit
[0078] The references recited herein are incorporated herein in
their entirety, particularly as they relate to teaching the level
of ordinary skill in this art and for any disclosure necessary for
the commoner understanding of the subject matter of the claimed
invention. It will be clear to a person of ordinary skill in the
art that the above embodiments may be altered or that insubstantial
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined by
the scope of the following claims and their equitable
Equivalents.
* * * * *