Harmonic drive bearing arrangement

Abstract

The present invention comprises a novel harmonic drive transmission arrangement having an input member and an output member, and its method of manufcature. The transmission comprises a generally cylindrically-shaped housing including a circular spline gear arranged therein, and a cup-shaped flexspline with an array of radially outwardly directed gear teeth on a first end thereof, engaged with the circular spline teeth. A wave generator is rotatably supported on the input member radially inwardly of the gear on the flexspline. An annular diaphragm is arranged at a second end of the cup-shaped flexspline, and a flange is attached or integral to the diaphragm to permit the cup-shaped flexspline to be securely attached to the output member, the flange having a annular outmost surface thereon. An outer bearing race is attached to a second end of the housing, and an arrangement of bearing members are arranged between the outer bearing race and the radially outermost surface of the flange, the bearing members between rotatable radially about said radially outer surface of the flange, in a structurally supportive manner therewith.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.