Machine element or mechanism – Elements – Gear casings
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-05-08
Hannon, Thomas R. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Elements
Gear casings
C074S413000, C074S42100R, C403S014000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227073
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the priority of German Patent Applications, Serial Nos. 198 17 937.5, filed Apr. 17, 1998 and 198 24 670.6, filed May 26, 1998, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to a drive system, and more particularly to a modular drive system including a plurality of assemblies which can be mounted with their cases to one another in series and have at least one rotatably supported driveshaft.
It is generally known to provide in particular a two-step main transmission with subtransmissions in order to attain the desired power transmission path. The main transmission and the subtransmissions are oftentimes accommodated in separate cases. Before installation of both assemblies, the output shaft and the overhung mounted output pinion are disposed in a respective opening of the main transmission, and both cases are securely fixed to one another. Once installed, the output pinion is in mesh with the input gear wheel of the main transmission.
Conventional drive systems have the drawback that a precise distancing between the gear shafts is difficult to maintain, i.e. these systems require the provision of case fittings which are placed in concentric disposition to the shafts, or the provision of several centering pins. For example, German Pat. No. DE 24 035 04 A1 describes the securement of the cases by means of at least two centering pins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved drive system, obviating the afore-stated drawbacks.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved drive system which is of modular configuration to allow easy joining of assemblies such that their cases can be connected to one another by screw fasteners while maintaining a precise spacing between the shafts for the meshing gear wheels.
These objects, and others which will become apparent hereinafter, are attained in accordance with the present invention by providing a modular drive system comprised of a plurality of assemblies connectable to one another in series, wherein immediately adjoining two assemblies forming, in the direction of flow of power, a leading assembly having a case and a rotatably supported driving shaft set within the case, and a trailing assembly having a case and an driven shaft in operative communication with the driving shaft, whereby the case of the leading assembly and the case of the trailing assembly are aligned with one another by a centering pin which is received in form-fitting engagement in a single centering opening formed by complementary aligned bores provided in confronting walls of the case of the leading assembly and the case of the trailing assembly, whereby the centering opening extends parallel to the driving shaft of the leading assembly and the driven shaft of the trailing assembly and defines a longitudinal axis which is oriented in a common plane with the driving shaft of the leading assembly and the driven shaft of the trailing assembly.
As a consequence of disposing the centering pin in a common plane with the driven shaft and the driving shaft, the shafts are spaced from one another at the exact, intended location when joining successive assemblies so that the gear wheels mounted on the shafts mesh with one another. Only a single, cost-efficient centering pin is required to realize the precise positioning of successive assemblies, while still permitting the cases of the assemblies to be securely fastened to one another by conventional fastening means, in particular screws.
The capability to combine assemblies can be further enhanced by allowing selective attachment of a subtransmission or a motor unit to each assembly, whereby the output pinions of the subtransmission and the motor unit are of same size and disposed at a same location in the trailing assembly when being installed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2540973 (1951-02-01), Wallace
patent: 3246538 (1966-04-01), Easton
patent: 4951527 (1990-08-01), Klazura
patent: 5404772 (1995-04-01), Jester
patent: 5570605 (1996-11-01), Kitagawara et al.
patent: OS 20 19 434 (1971-11-01), None
patent: 24 03 504 U (1975-07-01), None
patent: 1-210232 (1999-08-01), None
German publication VDI-Z, vol. 114 (1972), No. 2, pp. 122-129, entitled: “State and Tendencies in Development Relating to the Construction and Application of Geared Motors”.
Feiereisen Henry M.
Hannon Thomas R.
Joyce William C
Mannesmann AG
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