US 2014/0371028 A1 · MODULAR GEARBOX ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Modular gearbox assemblies, modular gearbox kits, and methods for assembling and for using a modular gearbox assembly are disclosed. A modular gearbox assembly is disclosed which includes one or more gear modules each comprising a gear train encased by a module housing. The gear train includes intermeshed gear elements that provide a predetermined gear ratio. The module housing has one or more coupling elements projecting radially outward therefrom. A gearbox housing stows therein the gear module(s). The gearbox housing has an input coupler for attaching to a driving mechanism and transmitting power output therefrom to the gear module(s). The gearbox housing also has an output coupler for attaching to a driven mechanism and transmitting thereto modified power output from the gear module(s). The gearbox housing has one or more protrusions projecting radially inward therefrom that mate with the coupling element(s) to thereby attach the gearbox housing to the gear module(s).

Claims20

Dependent claims

A modular gearbox assembly for transmitting the power output of a driving mechanism to a driven mechanism, the modular gearbox assembly comprising:

one or more gear modules each comprising a module housing with a gear train encased by the module housing, the gear train including a plurality of intermeshed gear elements providing a predetermined gear ratio, the module housing having one or more coupling elements projecting radially outward therefrom;
and
a gearbox housing stowing therein the one or more gear modules, the gearbox housing having an input coupler configured to attach to the driving mechanism and transmit the power output therefrom to the one or more gear modules such that the power output is modified by the one or more gear modules, the gearbox housing also having an output coupler configured to attach to the driven mechanism and transmit thereto the modified power output from the one or more gear modules, the gearbox housing having an inner surface with one or more protrusions projecting radially inward therefrom, the one or more protrusions mating with the one or more coupling elements to thereby retain the one or more gear modules in the gearbox housing.

A method for assembling a gearbox assembly operable to receive power output from a driving mechanism, modify the power output, and transmit the modified power output to a driven mechanism, the method comprising:

identifying a desired gearbox gear ratio;
selecting one or more gear modules from a plurality of preassembled, self-contained gear modules determined to provide the desired gearbox gear ratio, each of the self-contained gear modules comprising a module housing with a gear train encased by the module housing, the gear train including two or more intermeshed gear elements providing a predetermined gear ratio, the module housing having one or more coupling elements projecting radially outward therefrom;
selecting a gearbox housing from a plurality of gearbox housings which is determined to be configured to stow therein the selected one or more self-contained gear modules, the gearbox housing having an inner surface with one or more protrusions projecting radially inward therefrom, the one or more protrusions being configured to mate with the one or more coupling elements to thereby retain the one or more gear modules in the gearbox housing;
inserting the selected one or more self-contained gear modules into the gearbox housing such that the gear modules successively mechanically couple with one another and such that the one or more coupling elements mate with the one or more protrusions;
and
attaching at least one lid to at least one end of the gearbox housing.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular gearbox assembly

Life of this patent

Modular gearbox assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20