US3797333A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary indexing mechanism
Assignee: Fibro GmbH
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Filing: 1972-07-21
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1992-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A rotary indexing mechanism comprising a support and a turntable mounted on the support for rotation about its axis. A first crown gear is fixedly mounted on the support coaxial with the axis of the turntable and a second crown gear concentric with the first crown gear is connected with the turntable for rotation therewith. Opposite the first and the second crown gears are two concentric crown gears which are connected by flexible means for simultaneous rotation about the aforementioned axis and slithgly shiftable relative to each other in axial direction. The opposite gears can be moved in axial direction relative to the first and the second gear to bring the teeth out of engagement, permitting turning of the turntable, or to engage the teeth for locking the turntable in its turned position.
Inventors
- 👤 H Maier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 14:58
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H31/00; B; B23; B23Q; B23Q16/00; B23Q16/02; B23Q16/08; B23Q16/10; B23Q2716/00; B23Q2716/08; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/14; Y10T74/1476; Y10T74/1494
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
312 words
In a rotary indexing mechanism, a combination comprising a stationary first unit defining an axis; a second unit arranged rotatable about said axis but axially immovable with respect to said first unit; a third unit movable in the direction of said axis relative to said first and said second unit but held against rotation about said axis; means for rotating said second unit about said axis; and means for locking said second unit in any angularly adjusted position, said locking means comprising a first crown gear having axially projecting teeth and being fixedly mounted on said stationary first unit coaxial with said axis, a second crown gear having axially projecting teeth and beiNg arranged concentric with said first crown gear and fixed to said second unit, the teeth of said first and said second gear having the same angular pitch and being respectively aligned in radial direction, a third and a fourth crown gear having axially projecting teeth of the same angular pitch as those of said first and said second crown gear, elastic connecting means connecting said third and said fourth crown gear to each other in concentric relationship elastically movable in axial direction with respect to each other and with the teeth thereof respectively aligned in radial direction, one of said third and fourth crown gears being connected to said third unit, said third and said fourth crown gear being respectively arranged opposite said first and said second gear, and means for moving said third unit and said one crown gear connected thereto as well as the gear connected by said elastic means to said one crown gear in axial direction toward and away from said first and said second crown gear for alternatingly brining the teeth of said third and said fourth crown gear in and out of engagement with those of said first and said second crown gear.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
312 words
In a rotary indexing mechanism, a combination comprising a stationary first unit defining an axis; a second unit arranged rotatable about said axis but axially immovable with respect to said first unit; a third unit movable in the direction of said axis relative to said first and said second unit but held against rotation about said axis; means for rotating said second unit about said axis; and means for locking said second unit in any angularly adjusted position, said locking means comprising a first crown gear having axially projecting teeth and being fixedly mounted on said stationary first unit coaxial with said axis, a second crown gear having axially projecting teeth and beiNg arranged concentric with said first crown gear and fixed to said second unit, the teeth of said first and said second gear having the same angular pitch and being respectively aligned in radial direction, a third and a fourth crown gear having axially projecting teeth of the same angular pitch as those of said first and said second crown gear, elastic connecting means connecting said third and said fourth crown gear to each other in concentric relationship elastically movable in axial direction with respect to each other and with the teeth thereof respectively aligned in radial direction, one of said third and fourth crown gears being connected to said third unit, said third and said fourth crown gear being respectively arranged opposite said first and said second gear, and means for moving said third unit and said one crown gear connected thereto as well as the gear connected by said elastic means to said one crown gear in axial direction toward and away from said first and said second crown gear for alternatingly brining the teeth of said third and said fourth crown gear in and out of engagement with those of said first and said second crown gear.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said elastic connecting means comprise an elastic disc arranged in a plane substantially normal to said axis and means for clamping said disc at the inner peripheral region thereof to one of said third and fourth crown gears and at the outer peripheral region to the other of said two crown gears.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, and including coupling means for connecting and disconnecting said rotating means to and from said second unit, said coupling means having an axially movable portion connected to said third unit in such a manner that when the teeth of said first and said second crown gear are brought in engagement with those of said third and fourth crown gear, said coupling means disconnects said rotating means from said second unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for axially moving said third unit comprise a cylinder formed by said first unit and a piston axially slidable in said cylinder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A combination as defined in claim 4, wherein said elastic connecting means comprise an elastic disc arranged substantially in a plane normal to said axis and wherein said third and said fourth crown gear together with the disc form part of said piston, and including means for feeding pressure fluid to opposite sides of said piston.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said axis extends in substantially vertical direction, and wherein said first unit comprises a wall extending transverse to said axis and bearing means for mounting said second unit turnable about said axis, and wherein said means for rotating said second unit are arranged beneath said wall and said means for axially moving said third unit are substantially arranged above said wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
98 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said means for rotating said second unit comprise a spur gear turnable about said axis but axially immovable with respect thereto, a rotary transfer member connected to said second unit for rotation therewith and axially movable with respect thereto, said rotary transfer member being provided with means for coupling and uncoupling said transfer member and said spur gear by axially moving the transfer member in one and the other direction along said axis, and means connecting said transfer member to said means for moving said third unit in axial direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for coupling and uncoupling said rotary transfer member and said spur gear comprise axially projecting teeth on said transfer member and said spur gear arranged opposite each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A combination as defined in claim 7, and including rolling elements between said connecting means and said rotary transfer member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A combination as defined in claim 8, and including anti-friction thrust bearing means between sAid spur gear and said stationary unit arranged for taking up any axial thrust imparted to said spur gear during coupling the latter with said rotary transfer member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said second crown gear has opposite said axially projecting teeth a face engaging a corresponding face of said stationary unit and including means for feeding a lubricant between said engaging faces.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
208 words
In a rotary indexing mechanism, a combination comprising, a first crown gear having axially projecting teeth; a second crown gear having axially projecting teeth and being coaxially with said first crown gear and turnable about its axis relative to said first crown gear; a third crown gear having axially projecting teeth facing the teeth of said first crown gear and being arranged coaxial therewith and axially movable with respect thereto so that the teeth of said first and said third crown gear may be brought in and out of engagement with each other; a fourth crown gear having axially projecting teeth facing the teeth of said second crown gear and being arranged coaxially therewith and movable in axial direction relative thereto, so that the teeth of said fourth crown gear may be brought in and out of engagement with those of said second crown gear at least the teeth of said first and said third crown gear, on the one hand, and the teeth of said second and fourth crown gear, on the other hand,having the same angular pitch; and elastic connecting means between said third and said fourth crown gear for connecting the same for simultaneous rotation while permitting a small axial movement relative to each other.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
208 words
In a rotary indexing mechanism, a combination comprising, a first crown gear having axially projecting teeth; a second crown gear having axially projecting teeth and being coaxially with said first crown gear and turnable about its axis relative to said first crown gear; a third crown gear having axially projecting teeth facing the teeth of said first crown gear and being arranged coaxial therewith and axially movable with respect thereto so that the teeth of said first and said third crown gear may be brought in and out of engagement with each other; a fourth crown gear having axially projecting teeth facing the teeth of said second crown gear and being arranged coaxially therewith and movable in axial direction relative thereto, so that the teeth of said fourth crown gear may be brought in and out of engagement with those of said second crown gear at least the teeth of said first and said third crown gear, on the one hand, and the teeth of said second and fourth crown gear, on the other hand,having the same angular pitch; and elastic connecting means between said third and said fourth crown gear for connecting the same for simultaneous rotation while permitting a small axial movement relative to each other.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
A combination as defined in claim 12, wherein all of said crown gears have the same angular pitch, and wherein the teeth of said first and said second crown gear are arranged substantially in one plane normal to said axis and the teeth of said third and said fourth crown gear are arranged substantially in a plane parallel to said one plane.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A combination as defined in claim 12, and including means mounting said first crown gear in stationary position, means mounting said second crown gear turnable about its axis, and means for moving said third and said fourth crown gear simultaneously in axial direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A combination as defined in claim 13, and including means mounting said first crown gear in stationary position, means mounting said second crown gear turnable about its axis, and means for moving said third and fourth crown gear simultaneously in axial direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
A combination as defined in claim 13, wherein said elastic connecting means comprises an elastic disc arranged substantially in a plane normal to the common axis of said gears, and means for clamping said disc at the inner peripheral region thereof to one of said third and fourth crown gears and at the outer peripheral region to the other of said two gears.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |