Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16H—GEARING
  • F16H37/00—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00
  • F16H37/02—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00 comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings
  • F16H37/06—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00 comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shafts; with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
  • F16H37/08—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00 comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shafts; with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H37/0806—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00 comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shafts; with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing with a plurality of driving or driven shafts
  • F16H37/0813—Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups F16H1/00 - F16H35/00 comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shafts; with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing with a plurality of driving or driven shafts with only one input shaft
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
  • F16D41/00—Freewheels or freewheel clutches
  • F16D41/24—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles
  • F16D41/30—Freewheels or freewheel clutches specially adapted for cycles with hinged pawl co-operating with teeth, cogs, or the like

Definitions

• Certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to a gear mechanism to sequentially drive multiple input/output systems. More specifically, certain embodiments of the disclosure relate to a gear mechanism that includes a cam and locking mechanism for each of a first and second actuator, the gear mechanism operable to sequentially drive the first and second actuators.
• the gear mechanism is operable by manual and electric inputs.
• a gear mechanism to sequential drive multiple outputs.
• a gear mechanism includes an input to receive mechanical torque.
• a primary ring gear including first and second cam features along an interior of the primary ring gear, the primary ring gear to receive the rotational timing from the input.
• First and second locking pawls are operable to engage and disengage in response to a position of the first and second cam features along the interior of the primary ring gear.
• First and second sprockets operable to lock and unlock based on a position of the first and second cam features relative to the first and second locking pawls.
• First and second outputs mechanically connected to the first and second sprockets, the first and second outputs operable to be driven by rotation of the primary input based on engagement of the first and second locking pawls.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second outputs that are mechanically connected to the first and second locking plates, respectively, and the first and second outputs are operable to be driven by rotation of the input based on disengagement of the first and second locking pawls with the first and second locking plates, respectively.
• the first and second pawls may be positioned on opposite sides of the primary ring gear.
• the first and second pawls may be rotatably mounted to one or more rods extending from the housing toward the primary ring gear.
• the first and second pawls may include first and second locking tips, respectively, that are configured to lockingly engage the first and second locking plates, respectively.
• the first and second pawls may engage the first and second locking plates, respectively, in a sequence.
• the primary ring gear may rotate to a first point where the first cam feature engages the first pawl, causing the first pawl to disengage from the first locking plate such that the first locking plate can rotate and drive the first output.
• the primary ring gear may rotate to a second point where the first cam feature no longer engages the first pawl, causing the first pawl to rotate toward the first locking wheel and lockingly engage the first locking wheel such that the first output is locked.
• the first and second pawls may include first and second rollers, respectively, that follow an interior rim of the primary ring gear and that engage the first and second cam features, respectively.
• the first and second locking plates may each have at least one step for engaging the first and second pawl, respectively.
• the first and second locking plates may be sprockets.
• the primary ring gear may be driven by a timing spur gear train that is driven by the input.
• Certain embodiments of the present technology include a gear mechanism having an input to receive mechanical torque and a primary ring gear including first and second cam features along first and second interior rims of the primary ring gear.
• the primary ring gear is driven to rotate by the input.
• the first and second locking plates are on opposite sides of the primary ring gear and are configured to rotate with respect to the primary ring gear.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second locking pawls on opposite sides of the primary ring gear that are operable to engage and disengage the first and second locking plates, respectively, in response to a position of the first and second cam features along the first and second interior rims, respectively, of the primary ring gear.
• the first and second pawls are configured to rotate toward and engage the first and second locking plates, respectively, when the first and second pawls engage the first and second interior rims, respectively, and the first and second pawls are configured to rotate away and disengage from the first and second locking plates, respectively, when the first and second pawls engage the first and second cam features, respectively.
• the first and second locking plates are operable to lock when engaged by the first and second pawls, respectively, and unlock when disengaged from the first and second locking pawls, respectively.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second outputs that are mechanically connected to the first and second locking plates, respectively, and the first and second outputs are operable to be driven by rotation of the input based on disengagement of the first and second locking pawls with the first and second locking plates, respectively.
• the first and second pawls may engage the first and second locking plates, respectively, in a sequence.
• the first and second pawls may include locking tips, and when the first locking tip of the first pawl engages the first lacking plate, the first output is locked, and when the second locking tip of the second pawl engages the second locking plate, the second output is locked.
• the primary ring gear may rotate to a first point where the first cam feature engages the first pawl, causing the first pawl to disengage from the first locking plate such that the first locking plate can rotate and drive the first output.
• the primary ring gear may rotate to a second point where the first cam feature no longer engages the first pawl, causing the first pawl to rotate toward the first locking wheel and lockingly engage the first locking wheel such that the first output is locked.
• the first and second pawls may include first and second rollers, respectively, that roll along the first and second interior rims, respectively, and that roll ingly engage the first and second cam features, respectively.
• the first and second locking plates may each have at least one step for engaging the first and second pawls, respectively.
• Certain embodiments of the present technology include a gear mechanism having an input to receive mechanical torque and a primary ring gear including first and second cam features along first and second interior rims of the primary ring gear.
• the primary ring gear is driven to rotate by the input.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second locking plates on opposite sides of the primary ring gear that are configured to rotate with respect to the primary ring gear.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second locking pawls on opposite sides of the primary ring gear that are configured to rotate with respect to the primary ring gear and the first and second locking plates and that include first and second rollers, respectively.
• the primary ring gear rotates to (i) a first point where the first roller of the first locking pawl rolls along the first cam feature, which causes the first locking pawl to be disengaged from the first locking wheel, and the second roller of the second locking pawl rolls along the second interior rim, which causes the second locking pawl to be positioned to lockingly engage the second locking wheel, and (ii) a second point where the first roller of the first locking pawl rolls along the first rim, which causes the first locking pawl to be positioned to lockingly engage the first locking wheel, and the second roller of the second locking pawl rolls along the second cam feature, which causes the second locking pawl to be disengaged from the second locking wheel.
• the gear mechanism includes first and second outputs that are mechanically connected to the first and second locking plates, respectively.
• the first and second outputs are operable to be driven by rotation of the input based on disengagement of the first and second locking pawls with the first and second locking plates, respectively.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a gear mechanism for multiple output systems, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the gear mechanism for multiple output systems of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the gear mechanism for multiple output systems of FIG. 1 with the housing removed, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a partial, front perspective view of the gear mechanism of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a partial, rear perspective view of the gear mechanism of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view and multiple perspective views of a gear mechanism for multiple output systems, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 9 illustrates another perspective view of the several gears of the gear mechanism for multiple output systems of FIG. 7, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic of the gear mechanism for multiple output systems connected to one or more control systems and configured to drive first and second actuators, in accordance with example embodiments of the disclosure.
• FIGS. 11A to 11 C illustrate an example sequence of operation for the gear mechanism embodiments of the disclosure.
• gear mechanisms with multiple outputs In some example applications, the multiple outputs, and/or actuators driven by those outputs, have different desired output travel lengths (e.g., amount of time the output/actuator is to be driven).
• the gear mechanisms may be used to open and close an airplane door, with the first output being connected to a latching device for locking and unlocking the door, and the second output being connected to a lifting device for opening and closing the door.
• Engagement of a pawl with a locking plate locks the locking plate, and, thus, stops motion or travel of the actuator (e.g., rotational, linear, etc.).
• the actuator e.g., rotational, linear, etc.
• the locking pawl corresponding to the second actuator is engaged and grounded such that travel only occurs in the first actuator.
• the torque output transitions from one output to the other when the first actuator reaches its hard stop, providing a grounding point (e.g., typically occurring in a system outside of this gear mechanism).
• a grounding point e.g., typically occurring in a system outside of this gear mechanism.
• ratchet pawl and sprocket plate can be added to each output of the differential, or alternate grounding features can be built into the disclosed gear mechanism. Additional outputs (beyond first and second outputs) may be added to the disclosed gear mechanism as particular system requirements dictate. Such features and/or components may be externally located and operable to contact and control movement of the actuators, e.g., through the various gears disclosed herein.
• x and/or y means any element of the three-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (x, y) ⁇ .
• x, y, and/or z means any element of the seven-element set ⁇ (x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z) ⁇ .
• module refers to functions that can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination of one or more thereof.
• exemplary means serving as a nonlimiting example, instance, or illustration.
• Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a multi-branch epicyclic differential output mechanism 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosure.
• Figure 1 shows the output side of the mechanism 100
• Figure 2 shows the input side of the mechanism 100.
• the gear mechanism 100 includes an input 102 that can be manually driven (e.g., via a crank) and/or electrically driven (e.g., via a motor, gear, or actuator) and outputs 104, 106.
• the gear mechanism 100 sequentially drives the first and second outputs 104 and 106 and allows for engagement of a grounding feature.
• the grounding feature can selectively engage or disengage an actuator connected to the outputs 104 and 106.
• the second output 106 extends from a shaft to which is mounted a sixth input gear 132.
• the sixth input gear 132 is configured to engage and be rotated by a seventh input gear 136.
• a first locking plate or sprocket 144 is located on a first side of the primary ring gear 128, and a second locking plate or sprocket 148 is located on a second side of the primary ring gear 128.
• the locking plates 144 and 148 are configured to be driven (rotated) by the torque applied to the input 102.
• the first locking plate 144 is fixed to the first output 104, and the second locking plate 148 is fixed to the seventh input gear 136. Accordingly, rotation of the first locking plate 144 causes the first input 104 to rotate, and rotation of the second locking plate 148 causes the second input 106 to rotate (via rotation of the sixth and seventh input gears 132 and 136).
• Figures 5 and 6 show partial, perspective views of the gear mechanism 100.
• Figure 5 shows a first, or outward-facing, side of the primary ring gear 128, and
• Figure 6 shows a second, or inward-facing, side of the primary ring gear 128.
• the primary ring gear 128 defines an interior rim 150 that includes first and second cam features 152 and 156 on opposite sides of the primary ring gear 128,
• the cam features 152 and 156 each include and are defined by first and second transitions 158 and 162.
• Each cam feature and/or its transitions can be integral with the primary ring gear 128 or may be separately machined and nested within the rim 150 of the ring gear 128 such that the cam transitions can be rotated and repositioned within the ring gear 128 as desired.
• the ring gear 128 includes first and second pawls 160 and 164 on the first and second sides thereof, respectively.
• the pawls 160 and 164 are each mounted on a rod or rods 168.
• each pawl can be mounted to a respective rod that extends from a fixture, such as the surrounding housing, and toward the ring gear 128.
• the rods do not extend to contact the ring gear 128, allowing the ring gear and each pawl to rotate independently of the other.
• the relative radial arrangement of the rods (and therefore the pawls) and the cams can be adjusted.
• engagement of the pawls with the cam, and a corresponding locking plate can be independently selected.
• opposing rods e.g., that support pawls 160 and 164) can extend toward the ring gear 128 at any radial position, which may or may not mirror the position of the opposing rod).
• Each pawl 160 and 164 is configured to rotate about their respective rod 168 and is configured to be secured to the rods 168 by, for example, a bushing or other suitable device.
• a spring 177 or other biasing element can be employed to force the pawls toward the locking plate.
• the pawls 160 and 164 each include a roller 172 configured to engage the rim 150 and a cam feature 152, 156, and a locking tip 176 configured to engage a step 180 on a locking plate 144, 148.
• the first and second pawls 160 and 164 may be configured to be spring loaded to rotate counterclockwise so that the rollers 172 are pushed toward the rim 150.
• the lacking plates 144 and 148 are driven by a gear shaft 184 that is driven, directly or indirectly, by the input 102 ( Figures 1-4).
• the gear shaft 184 has a two-piece design, each piece being driven by one or more of gears 185A and 185B, each of which can be driven by one or more gears 109A and 109B (as shown in the example of Figure 3).
• Gears 109A and 109B selectively drive gears 185A and 185B in response to torque applied at the input 102, as disclosed herein.
• the gear shaft 184 is configured to rotate with respect to the seventh input gear 136 through which the gear shaft 184 extends.
• the gear mechanism 100 is configured to sequentially drive the two outputs 104 and 106 (which are connected to and drive first and second actuators, respectively) through a single input 102 (via the two-piece shaft 184, illustrated in example Figures 1 -4).
• torque is applied to the input 102 (manually or electrically) which causes the input 102 to rotate.
• Rotation of the input 102 causes the first and second locking plates 144 and 148 to move or rotate sequentially via the two-piece gear shaft 184 (which may connected to the input 102 through a variety of mechanical/gear connections).
• the input 102 is driving the locking plates 144 and 148
• the input 102 is driving the primary ring gear 128 via the timing spur gear train made up of input gears 108, 112, 116, 120, and 124 ( Figures 3-4).
• the primary ring gear 128 rotates at a reduced speed vis a vis the first and second locking plates 144 and 148.
• the primary ring gear 128 is rotating counterclockwise, and the first locking plate 144 is rotating clockwise, and the first pawl 160 is fixed with respect to the ring gear 128 and the first locking plate 144.
• the ring gear 128 rotates with the roller 172 of the first pawl 160 engaging the first cam feature 152, the locking tip 176 of the first pawl 160 does not engage the first locking plate 144. This allows the first locking plate 144, and thus, the first output 104, to rotate and drive the first actuator along a range of motion, e.g., extending it.
• the second cam transition 162 goes past the roller 172, and the first pawl 160 rotates counterclockwise about the rod 168 such that the roller 172 engages the rim 150. This causes the locking tip 176 to engage the first locking plate 144.
• the step 180A engages the locking tip 176 of the first pawl 160, which prevents the first locking plate 144 from continuing to rotate. In this way, the first pawl 160 locks the first locking plate 144, and, thus, the first output 104, resulting in the locking of the first actuator in an extended state.
• the locking plate 148 starts rotating and driving the second output 106, which causes the second actuator to retract.
• the first pawl 160 engages the rim 150 and rotates to engage a step 180 on the first locking plate 144 such that the first actuator cannot move.
• the rim 150 then passes the second locking pawl 164, causing the second pawl 164 to rotate such that its locking tip 176 engages the step 180 on the second locking plate 148, locking the second locking plate 148 and stopping motion of the second actuator at a fully retracted state.
• the first cam feature 152 engages the first pawl 160, which causes the first pawl 160 to rotate away from the first locking plate 144 such that the locking tip 176 disengages from the first locking plate 144.
• the mechanism 100 uses spur gearing and cam features that are sized and positioned based on the travel requirements (or the stroke) of each actuator.
• the size, shape, and location of the cam features 152, 156, locking plates 144, 148, pawls 160, 164, gears 112, 116, 120, 124, 132, and 136, and primary ring gear 128, and the speeds that the primary ring gear 128 and locking plates 144, 148 are driven at, are selected to drive the first and second actuators sequentially along specific ranges of motion (full strokes of extension and retraction) for a specific amount of time.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-branch epicyclic differential output mechanism 200, in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosure.
• Figures 8 and 9 show perspective view of the mechanism 200 with its housing removed.
• the gear mechanism 200 shown in Figures 7-9 includes an input 202 and employs a series of connected gears to drive the first and second outputs 204, 206, and a peripheral gear train to drive a primary ring gear 210.
• the mechanism operates similarly to the mechanism 100 shown in Figures 1-6.
• the primary ring gear 210 may include one or more sprockets 218A, 218B that are configured to rotate like the locking plates 144, 148 of the mechanism 100, as well as a first cam feature 222A (and/or one or more additional or alternative cam features, not shown), positioned around and on either side of the primary ring gear 210.
• the sprocket 218B is connected to the output 204 such that rotation of the sprocket 218B causes the output 204 to rotate.
• the sprocket 218A is connected to a gear 242, which engages gear 244 of output 206 such that rotation of the sprocket 218A causes gear 244 and, thus, output 206 to rotate.
• One or more rods 223 extend from the housing (or other mount external to the gear mechanism) toward the primary ring gear 210.
• Ratcheted locking pawls 212A and 212B are mounted to the rods 223 on opposite sides of the primary ring gear 210 and have locking tips 214A and 214B that are configured to engage the sprockets 218A and 218B, respectively.
• the pawls 212A, 212B are biased by a spring 220A, 220B and operable to pivot about the rods 223.
• Each locking pawl may be equipped with a roller 216A, 216B, to follow the interior surface of the ring gear 210, to reduce friction on the locking pawl as it engages with the cam feature and rim.
• the location of the cam feature 222A corresponds to a time (within the sequence of operation) and a duration, such that, when the primary ring gear 210 is rotated with respect to the sprocket 218A (in a manner similar to that disclosed with respect to the embodiment in Figures 1-6), contact with the cam feature 122A causes the locking tip of the locking pawl 212A to disengage from the sprocket 218A, and contact with the rim 260 of the primary ring gear 210 causes the locking tip of the locking pawl 212A to engage the sprocket 218A,
• Another cam feature (not shown) can be located on the other side of the primary ring gear 210 and engage the locking pawl 222B in the way cam feature 122A engages locking pawl 212A.
• cam feature(s) are selected to force engagement and disengagement of the pawl(s) with the sprocket(s), wherein disengagement thereby drives rotation of a corresponding gear and/or output and engagement results in locking of the corresponding gear and/or output.
• the location and length of the first cam feature 222A may correspond to a void in the second cam feature, such that, when the first output 204 is being driven, the second output 206 is not, and vice versa.
• the cam features are spaced along opposite sides of the primary ring gear 210 to engage or disengage respective locking pawls with respect to a sprocket connected to each output 204, 206.

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• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Transmission Devices (AREA)

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• 2023
  • 2023-09-14 EP EP23786385.7A patent/EP4587736A1/de active Pending
  • 2023-09-14 WO PCT/US2023/032710 patent/WO2024059177A1/en not_active Ceased

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