Machine element or mechanism – Gearing – Directly cooperating gears
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-07
2001-09-18
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Gearing
Directly cooperating gears
C074S416000, C074S409000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289759
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an actuator assembly for a valve assembly used in HVAC systems, and more specifically, the invention relates to a cradle and attachment members for aligning the actuator assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Actuator assemblies are used to open and close valve assemblies in HVAC systems, such as a film or flap valve, to regulate the flow of air through the ducts of a vehicle. The actuator assemblies include an electric motor and gear set enclosed by a plastic case. Typically, the gear set includes a driven gear that is coupled to a shaft in the valve assembly. A drive gear is secured to the electric motor and is coupled to the driven gear to actuate the valve. The case has two-halves that are held together by snaps or threaded fasteners which cooperate to align the gears and actuator relative to one another to ensure proper operation with the actuator assembly. Prior art actuator assemblies utilize many components to support the actuator and gears and align them with one another. Therefore what is needed is a low cost actuator assembly that reduces the number of components without compromising the function of the actuator assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an actuator assembly for actuating a valve assembly having a shaft. The actuator assembly includes a mounting member having a hole therethrough and a first attachment member. A first gear has a portion that extends through the hole for actuating the valve assembly. The actuator assembly also includes an actuator for driving the first gear. A second gear is interposed between the actuator and the first gear with the second gear coupled to the first gear. A carrier has a second attachment member for slidably engaging the first attachment member and securing the carrier to the mounting member. The carrier includes a cradle portion that supports the actuator and a bearing portion that supports the first gear when the carrier and mounting member are in an assembled position. In the assembled position, the cradle aligns the first and second gears with one another.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a low cost actuator assembly that reduces the number of components without compromising the function of the actuator assembly.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5613402 (1997-03-01), Gauger et al.
patent: 5777411 (1998-07-01), Nakajima et al.
patent: 6085368 (2000-07-01), Robert et al.
patent: 61-211558 (1986-09-01), None
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Fenstermacher David
Griffin Patrick M.
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