Torque transfer device

Details Torque transfer device Torque transfer device

1999-08-16

2001-02-27

Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)

Endless belt power transmission systems or components

Positive drive belt

Drive surfaces on belt formed by spherical or hemispherical...

C081S057430, C074S216300

Reexamination Certificate

active

06193624

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for transferring torque.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many devices which transfer torque, or rotational velocity, from one point to another. Chains, belts and similar direct drive means transfer rotational movement from one gear or pulley or similar drive means to a second or subsequent gear or pulley or similar driven means.
In some applications, it is desirable to transfer relatively high torque from one point to another point, or from one device to another device. In such applications, space limitations may be a factor. The relatively high torque to be transferred may preclude the use of torque transfer devices which cannot handle heavy duty loads, while space does not permit the use of large devices. An example of such space limitations are torque transfer devices which are placed within enclosures. Examples of devices which transfer relatively high torque are tools which are used to tighten fasteners by the application of torque. Engines and motors use torque transfer devices both operationally, such as camshaft drives, and as power take off devices, such as chain drives on motorcycles. High torque and limited space is a factor in such devices.
Various wrenches, extensions, ratchets, adapters and power transfer tools and devices are disclosed in the prior art. Similarly, camshafts and similar devices are driven by the application of relatively high torque where space for the application of the drive means is limited. Problems are encountered with such devices where the devices are enclosed in relatively small housings, or are otherwise required to be relatively compact in comparison to the torque to be transferred. Common problems experienced with the devices of the prior art include friction and wear between the housing of the device and the drive means, inadequate strength of the drive means or gears, and inadequate or improper engagement of the drive means and the gears due to space limitations.
An additional problem which is experienced relates to stretching of the drive means. The drive means is subjected to substantial forces as power is transferred from one drive gear to the other drive gear. Over time, the drive means will stretch, causing problems in the operation of the device.
Other drive means jam or bind due to bunching of the drive means at the points of entry or exit to the drive sprockets. The path travelled by the drive means or the structure of the drive means causes such jamming or binding.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is a device which transfers torque from one point to a second remote point of the device. A drive means or drive tool inputs torque into the device at a first point, and the rotational movement, and torque, is taken, or harvested, from the second remote point. Typically, the transfer of the rotation by the tool will be along a path of travel which is not on the same axis as the rotation of the drive tool.
The invention incorporates a direct drive means which connects a first drive sprocket to a second drive sprocket. The first sprocket rotates as torque is applied to the first sprocket, and as the direct drive means is engaged by the first, sprocket, the direct drive means engages the second drive sprocket, causing it to rotate.
The direct drive means is comprised of a plurality of pins, which form a continuous loop. The pins engage the drive sprockets as the pins are advanced. The pins are not connected to each other. Except when the pins are engaging the drive sprockets, each pin contacts two other pins, with each pin being pushed by an adjoining pin, and each pin pushing an adjoining pin. Forming the direct drive means from a series of pins which contact each other, but which are not connected, eliminates problems which are associated with wear when chains or belts are used as the drive means. The pins will not stretch or break, and are able to handle high torque loads. The pins inherently have an arcuate surface which acts as a bearing surface with regard to the other pins and the sprockets.
The pins are formed to have a reduced center dimension, and are shaped like a dumb bell. The space between the teeth of the drive sprocket is enlarged at the outside, and the space is of reduced size nearest the hub of the sprocket. The interaction of pins, the housing, the shedder and the drive sprockets according to the invention prevents jamming of the pins.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2530553 (1950-11-01), Strobell
patent: 2817256 (1957-12-01), Malone et al.
patent: 4561703 (1985-12-01), Dabringhaus
patent: 4869708 (1989-09-01), Hoffmann et al.
patent: 4940449 (1990-07-01), Unuma
patent: 5320582 (1994-06-01), Takeda
patent: 5346429 (1994-09-01), Farley
patent: 5967922 (1999-10-01), Ullein et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Torque transfer device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Torque transfer device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Torque transfer device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2564511