Expansible chamber devices – Sealed opening in longitudinal wall of chamber for receiving...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2001-07-10
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Expansible chamber devices
Sealed opening in longitudinal wall of chamber for receiving...
C092S140000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257123
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a rodless slide structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to rodless slide assemblies and improvements thereto.
BACKGROUND ART
A typical rodless cylinder assembly includes an elongate cylinder having an axially extending slot therein and a piston assembly which moves reciprocally within the elongated cylinder under fluid pressure. The assembly is “rodless” in that rather than including a piston rod which is joined to a piston, the piston assembly is coupled to a motion transmitting element which extends through the slot. The motion transmitting element is coupled externally to a carriage or saddle which reciprocates with the piston assembly and to which a workpiece support, tool, tool support, etc. can be mounted or secured.
The axially extending slot is sealed by means of a sealing strip or band which is pressed against the axially extending slot by internal fluid pressures. The sealing strip or band is pulled away from the axially extending slot at the center of the piston assembly whereat the motion transmitting element extends through the slot.
Because of the complexity of the components of rodless cylinder assemblies and particularly the interaction and cooperation of various component elements, there are many features of rodless cylinder assemblies which have been the focus of improvement over the years. Improvements for rodless cylinder assemblies have focused on such elements as the sealing strip or band structures, the carriage assemblies, carriage guide means, piston brake assemblies, etc.
Rodless slides are similar in structure to rodless cylinders in that they include elongated cylinders which contain motion transmitting elements that extend through slots in the elongate cylinders. In rodless slides, the motion transmitting elements are driven in a reciprocating manner by threaded drive rods which are typically driven by stepper motors or servo motors.
The present invention is directed to improvements to rodless cylinder and rodless slide assemblies which have not been proposed or considered here-to-date.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In addition to other features of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides a rodless slide which includes:
a cylinder having opposed ends and a longitudinal slot;
a threaded drive member within the cylinder and extending between the opposed ends; and
a drive assembly which comprises:
a transmission bracket having cylindrical portions located in the cylinder, the cylindrical portions including bearing slots formed therein which bearing slots include inclined surfaces; and
internal bearing members which are positioned on the inclined surfaces of the bearing slots so as to freely slide thereon.
The present invention also provides a linear actuator which includes:
an elongate chamber housing having an axis, a slot formed in a first side thereof, an internal bore, and a threaded drive member which extends through the internal bore;
a transmission bracket which is positioned partially in the internal bore of the elongate chamber and which includes a mounting bracket that extends through the slot and a collar which receives the threaded drive member, the collar including a bearing slot therein; and
internal bearing members which are positioned in the bearing slot for exerting a radial force on the mounting bracket.
The present invention further provides a method of coupling a saddle to a linear actuator assembly which involves:
providing a linear actuator assembly which includes:
an elongate chamber housing having an axis, a longitudinal slot formed in a first side thereof, an internal bore, and a threaded drive member which extends through the internal bore; and
a transmission bracket which is positioned partially in the internal bore of the elongate chamber and which includes a mounting bracket that extends through the slot, and a collar which receives the threaded drive member, the collar including a bearing slot therein;
positioning an internal bearing member assembly in the bearing slot;
operably coupling the internal bearing member to the transmission bracket so that radial forces are exerted on the mounting bracket when the internal bearing member moves axially with respect to the transmission bracket; and
coupling a saddle to the mounting bracket.
The present invention further provides an external bearing assembly for a linear actuator which includes:
a body portion having opposed side walls for straddling a linear actuator; and
a gib system provided in at least one of the opposed side walls,
the gib system including a pair of tapered gib elements which are biased to move apart from one another.
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Lamle Michael E.
Morr Glen A.
Barnes & Thornburg
Lazo Thomas E.
Look Edward K.
PHD, Inc.
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