Actuator with dual operating outputs

Details Actuator with dual operating outputs Actuator with dual operating outputs

1999-05-06

2001-10-09

Estremsky, Sherry (Department: 3681)

Machine element or mechanism

Gearing

Directly cooperating gears

C074S6650GA

Reexamination Certificate

active

06298741

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a motor-driven actuator, and, more particularly, to an actuator with dual operating outputs to control two different functions with a single drive motor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In prior art actuator designs each output actuation is powered by a separate driving electric motor. The need for separate driving motors directly affects the cost of such designs and the space required for installation of such designs. In addition, where multiple elements in a system must be driven, means for switching power between separately driven actuators must be incorporated into the system.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a single, low-cost motor that can provide two output actuating forces to two different elements, sequentially, without switching power or using other powering devices such as coils or magnets. The device of the present invention automatically disconnects the driving element from one gear train while continuing to drive the driving element of a second gear train to cycle completion using a single drive motor.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator having a single motor which provides two actuating forces to two different elements sequentially, without switching power or using other powering devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an actuator which reduces the cost of systems requiring two actuating forces.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the description provided below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is organized about the concept of providing an actuator which can drive two separate gear trains having separate loads. In particular, the actuator includes: a drive motor; a drive gear attached to an output shaft of the drive motor; and first and second mating gears in meshing engagement with the drive gear. The first mating gear is axially fixed relative to the drive gear and adapted for driving the first gear train. The second mating gear is axially movable relative to the drive gear and adapted for driving the second gear train. Upon application of power to the drive motor, the first mating gear drives the first gear train, and the second mating gear drives the second drive train. The second mating gear is adapted to travel axially relative to the second gear train for disengaging therefrom when a load causes the second gear train to stall. Meanwhile, the first mating gear may continue to drive the first gear train to stall. The actuator according to the invention may, therefore, be used to drive two gear trains using a single motor. For example, the actuator may be used to drive a “lock-unlock” gear train and a “release” gear train in the locking mechanism of an automotive door, e.g., a minivan side door.
In one embodiment, the drive gear is a 12-tooth high helix angel pinion gear, and the first and second mating gears are 15-tooth gears driven at 180 degrees to the drive gear on a common center line, parallel axis, and common center-to-center distance. Also, the actuator may be rotatable about an axis common to the drive motor to engage the first and second mating gears with the first and second drive trains, respectively, when power is applied to the motor. A spring, e.g., a torsion spring, may be provided for rotating the actuator and disengaging the first and second mating gears from the first and second drive trains when power is removed from the motor. There is also provided a method of driving first and second separate gear trains which includes providing an actuator according to the invention and applying power to the drive motor.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4628764 (1986-12-01), Chisaka et al.
patent: 4754660 (1988-07-01), Kobayashi et al.
patent: 5213010 (1993-05-01), Hayafusa et al.
patent: 5463914 (1995-11-01), Tyan
patent: 5740696 (1998-04-01), Jean et al.
patent: 3-10861 (1991-01-01), None
patent: 5-188450 (1993-07-01), None

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