Schaeffler has been granted a patent for a harmonic drive that includes an anti-twist mechanism. The drive consists of an input element, an output element, and an adjusting element, with the anti-twist mechanism preventing rotation of the adjusting element relative to the input element. The mechanism includes a securing ring that interlocks with the adjusting element and frictionally cooperates with the input element. GlobalData’s report on Schaeffler gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Schaeffler, crankshaft ball bearings was a key innovation area identified from patents. Schaeffler's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A harmonic drive with an anti-rotation device
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11686225B2) describes a new design for a harmonic drive. The harmonic drive includes an input element, an output element, an adjusting element, and an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation device consists of a securing ring that interlocks with the adjusting element and frictionally cooperates with the input element to prevent rotation of the adjusting element relative to the input element.
The adjusting element includes a wave generator with an inner ring and at least one bolt secured to the inner ring, forming a first interlocking anti-rotation contour. The securing ring has a U-shaped profile, with a corrugated inner portion forming a second interlocking anti-rotation contour. The U-shaped profile is further defined by a smooth outer portion that frictionally cooperates with the input element. A flange on the U-shaped profile engages the input element, and the securing ring can be manually removed from the harmonic drive using a tab extending from the flange.
The patent also describes a method for rotationally locking the harmonic drive. The method involves providing the harmonic drive with a rotatable housing and a wave generator including an adjusting element. A securing ring is inserted between the adjusting element and the housing, creating frictional cooperation between the securing ring and the housing, and interlocking cooperation between the securing ring and the adjusting element to prevent rotation of the adjusting element relative to the housing. The securing ring can be removed from the harmonic drive, and an electric motor can be attached to the adjusting element.
The harmonic drive further includes a housing, a wave generator with an outer ring and an inner ring forming a raceway, a plurality of balls arranged between the inner and outer rings, an externally toothed flex ring, an output gear, and a removable securing ring. The securing ring interlocks with the inner ring and frictionally engages the housing to prevent rotation of the inner ring relative to the housing. The securing ring can be removed from the harmonic drive using a tab. The raceway is described as an elliptical raceway, and the securing ring interlocks with the inner ring via a corrugated portion that engages at least one bolt on the inner ring. The securing ring has an outer annular portion that frictionally engages the inner circumferential surface of the housing and a corrugated portion that interlocks with the inner ring. The outer annular portion and the corrugated portion define a U-shaped profile of the securing ring.
Overall, this patent presents a new design for a harmonic drive that includes an anti-rotation device and a removable securing ring, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the drive.
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