Hydraulic actuator

This invention is a bi-directional hydraulic actuator comprising a piston assembly positioned within a housing. The piston assembly is configured to move linearly within the housing. A gland is operatively connected to the piston assembly. The gland is configured as a rigid longitudinally annular member with a first end, a second end, a sidewall and is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end which forms an inside and an outside of the annular member. The gland is further configured with a lip extending from around the outside of the first end of the gland. A pressurizing fluid exerts pressure on the inside of the gland to move the piston assembly a first direction, then, a fluid exerts pressure on the outside of the gland and the lip of the gland to move the piston assembly opposite the first direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hydraulic actuators. Specifically, this invention relates to a bi-directional hydraulic actuator.

Hydraulic actuators are commonly used on equipment today. Hydraulic actuators work because a force or pressure in a closed fluid system that is applied to one point is transferred to another point in the same closed system. This is typically accomplished by using an incompressible or nearly incompressible fluid. The force that is applied at one point in the system can be multiplied at another point in the system to create a very powerful force which can be used for moving mechanical devices.

One such bi-directional hydraulic actuator is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,055. In this patent the two pressure chambers receive a pressurizing fluid in either of the pressure chambers which causes the rack to move in the direction away from the pressure of the pressurizing fluid. As the rack moves, the teeth engage the teeth of a pinion gear. Thus, the linear movement of the rack creates a rotational movement of a pinion which rotates around a point in the center of the pinion.

One problem with this type of hydraulic actuator is that in order to have bi-directional motion of the rack, the pistons must be located at opposite ends of one another and thus creating a relatively long actuator assembly. Therefore, it is desirable to have a hydraulic actuator which creates bi-directional motion by having a shorter rack assembly for the same relative amount of rotational movement.

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved hydraulic actuator.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an actuator which is enclosed within a housing and thus increases the life of the actuator.

A further objective of the present invention is to create an actuator which uses rack and pinion gearing to create rotational movement on one or more mechanical arms.

A still further objective of the present invention is to create a hydraulic actuator in which greater force can be created in one direction than is created using the actuator in the opposite direction.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a hydraulic actuator which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.

A still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method of creating bi directional linear motion in a hydraulic actuator using a shorter piston assembly within an enclosed housing.

One or more of these or other objects of the invention will be apparent from the specification and claims that follow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects may be achieved by a hydraulic actuator comprising a rack assembly positioned within a housing. The rack assembly is configured to move linearly within the housing. The rack assembly comprises at least one set of gear teeth. The rack assembly further comprises a rack gland operatively connected to a rack assembly. The rack gland is configured as a rigid longitudinal annular member with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The annular member is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end forming an inside and an outside of the annular member. The annular member is further configured with a lip extending from the annular member around the outside of the first end. At least one pinion gear is rotatably situated within the housing so that the pinion gear contacts a set of gear teeth and rotates as the rack assembly moves linearly within the housing.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator configured so that a rack assembly moves within a housing by force of oil exerting pressure on a rack gland.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator wherein a portion of a pinion gear extends outside of the housing.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator comprising at least one arm operatively connected to a pinion gear.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator wherein a rack assembly and a rack gland are encased within a housing.

A further feature of the present invention is a hydraulic actuator wherein a rack gland is configured so that a surface area inside an end of an annular member is less than the surface area outside of the same end of the same annular member.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator configured so that a fluid exerts pressures on an inside of a second end of an annular member to move a rack assembly a first direction. The actuator is further configured so that the fluid exerts pressure on the outside end of a second end of an annular member and a lip to move the rack assembly opposite the first direction.

A further feature of the present invention involves a hydraulic actuator with a second end of an annular member and a lip which are located apart from one another on the annular member.

The foregoing objects may also be achieved by a bi-directional hydraulic actuator comprising a piston assembly positioned within a housing. The piston assembly is configured to move linearly within the housing. The piston assembly comprises a gland operatively connected to the piston assembly. The gland is configured as a rigid longitudinal annular member with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The annular member is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end forming an inside and an outside of the annular member. The annular member is further configured with a lip extending from the annular member around the outside of the first end.

A further feature of the present invention involves a bi-directional hydraulic actuator configured so that a fluid exerts pressure on the inside of a second end of an annular member to move a piston assembly a first direction. The actuator is further configured so that a fluid exerts pressure on the outside end of the second end of the annular member and a lip on the first end to move the piston assembly opposite the first direction.

A further feature of the present invention involves a bi-directional hydraulic actuator wherein at least one shaft or linkage is operatively connected to a piston assembly.

A further feature of the present invention involves a bi directional hydraulic actuator wherein a shaft extends outside of a housing.

The foregoing objects may also be achieved by a hydraulic clamping vehicle comprising a vehicle. The vehicle is configured with an apparatus for clamping items. The apparatus for clamping items comprises a rack assembly positioned within a housing. The rack assembly configured to move linearly within the housing. The rack assembly comprises at least two sets of gear teeth. The rack assembly further comprises a rack gland operatively connected to the rack assembly. The rack gland configured as a rigid longitudinal annular member with a first end, a second, and a sidewall. The annular member is open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end forming an inside and an outside of the annular member. The annular member further configured with a lip extending from the annular member around the outside of the first end. At least two pinion gears are rotatably situated within the housing so that the pinion gears contact the set of gear teeth and rotate as the rack assembly moves linearly within the housing. At least one arm is operatively connected to each of the pinion gears which move in a clamping motion.

The foregoing objects may also be achieved by a method of creating bi-directional hydraulic motion within a housing comprising the steps of: providing a housing, a piston assembly, a gland and a fluid; configuring the housing so that the piston assembly moves linearly within the housing; configuring the gland as a rigid longitudinal annular member with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall; further configuring the annular member as open on the first end and substantially closed on the second end, forming an inside and an outside of the annular member; further configuring the annular member with a lip extending from the annular member around the outside of the first end operatively connecting the gland to the piston; exerting fluid under pressure on the inside of the second end of the annular member to move the piston assembly a first direction; and, exerting fluid under pressure on the outside end of the second end of the annular member and the lip to move the piston assembly opposite the first direction.

A term that needs to be defined for this invention is a gland. A gland for the purpose of this invention is a sliding machine part designed to slide when a greater fluid force is exerted on one side of the gland than is exerted on the other side of the gland.

This invention discusses a rack assembly operatively connected to a gland. In addition, this invention discusses a piston operatively connected to a gland. The two devices work the same. The difference is that a rack assembly has gear teeth on one or more sides of the assembly whereas the piston does not. Both the rack assembly and the piston can be configured as one piece with the gland or assembled together from multiple parts.

The term equipment for the purposes of this invention means any equipment, stationary or mobile, which utilizes fluid power. Fluid power encompasses hydraulics as well as pneumatics. The preferred embodiment of this invention utilizes hydraulics, however pneumatics are also considered by this invention even though the pneumatic fluid is easily compressible. Additionally, the terms fluid, oil or hydraulic refer to any fluid, liquid or gas.

Additionally, the term vehicle as contemplated for this invention can be on road, off road, land, sea, air, or space vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The hydraulic actuator of the current invention is best used for grabbing or grappling objects. However, it can be used for numerous other purposes. The preferred embodiment of the current invention works like a rack and pinion rotary actuator where there is a pinion on each side of a double-sided rack. This makes the pinions rotate in opposite directions.

A unique feature of this invention is how the rack is translated with fluid in a very compact space. Inside the rack, is essentially a double displacement linear actuator that nests inside itself to reduce the working space required. As fluid is displaced into the chamber on one side or the other of the nesting diameters internal to the rack, the rack displaces in that direction when used as a grabber assembly, this causes the gears to rotate and either grip or open up a grabber.

The current invention is shown inFIGS. 1–6and8–9as a two-sided device. However it is also contemplated that the current invention could be three-sided, four-sided or any number of sides which are necessitated. For example, a three or four-sided arm grapple could be used on devices such as those on cranes or logging equipment (seeFIG. 7) to pick up debris, logs, or etc.

FIGS. 1 and 2show one embodiment of the hydraulic actuator assembly10.FIG. 1shows a three-dimensional view of the hydraulic actuator10, whereasFIG. 2shows a top view of the same actuator10. In this embodiment, the housing12encloses the device with the aid of a front end cap14and a back end cap16. It is preferred that the housing12and the front end cap14and the back end cap16be constructed from any rigid material which can be cast, molded, milled, or other manufacturing process which can put the device in proper form.

This embodiment of the hydraulic actuator assembly10shows two arms18extending out beyond the housing12. When the hydraulic actuator assembly10is operated, the arms18pivot in a back and forth motion. The actuator assembly10can be configured with one or more of the arms18. When two or more arms18are used on a single actuator10, the device can be used for grabbing or grappling items.

FIGS. 3,4and5show a cut-away version of one embodiment of the hydraulic actuator assembly.FIG. 3shows the arms18in a not-rotated position.FIG. 4shows the arms18fully rotated.FIG. 5shows the arms18half way through the rotation.FIG. 5Ashows an enlarged view of the oil channel40.

The rack32is operatively connected or otherwise affixed to the rack gland34. This assembly moves in a linear motion within the housing12.

The motion of the rack32and rack gland34assembly is created when a pressurizing fluid, such as hydraulic fluid, is pushed through the oil tube20which is located through the back end cap16. Once the pressurizing fluid flows through the oil tube20it enters the small area oil chamber24and applies a pressure against the small gland surface36. The force of the pressurizing fluid flowing into the small area oil chamber24is greater than the force of a fluid in the large area oil chamber26. This pressure causes the rack32and rack gland34to move away from the pressure created in the small area oil chamber24. This movement displaces the existing fluid in the large oil chamber26out through the oil tube22in the front end cap14. The pressure fluid within the small area oil chamber24and the large area oil chamber26is contained within these chambers24and26by the use of seals30, and28and O-ring88. Additional seals may be necessary if parts are made in multiple pieces. For example, the front cap14and the back cap16can be created from multiple pieces instead of a single piece. Therefore seals are needed between the pieces to prevent leakage where the multiple parts join together.

When the rack32and rack gland34move linearly within the housing12, teeth on the rack32engage teeth on the gears50. The farther the rack32moves the more the gears50are rotated about an axis created by bearings52. This, in turn, causes the arms18, which are connected to the gears50, to rotate.

The rack32and rack gland assembly34move in an opposite direction within the housing12when pressurizing fluid which is of a greater force flows through the oil tube22and into the large area oil chamber26and applies pressure against the large gland surface38. This displaces the rack32and rack gland34assembly to push the fluid which is applying pressure to the small gland surface36in the small area oil chamber24out through the oil tube20. The displacement of the rack32again causes the gears50to rotate in an opposite direction. This, in turn, causes the arms18to rotate in an opposite direction.

The preferred shape of the rack gland34for this embodiment of the invention can be seen in the expanded view drawing ofFIG. 6. It is preferred that the rack gland34be a hollow cylindrical tube closed on one end and open on the other with a rack gland lip42extending from the cylinder around the outside of the open end of the rack gland34. However, any shape which creates a longitudinal annular member is acceptable. Additionally, the rack gland34can be made from multiple pieces.

The shape of the rack gland34allows the rack assembly60to nest inside of the front end cap14and the back end cap16. In addition, the pressurizing fluid can flow in the oil channel40between the front end cap14and the rack gland34thereby also creating pressure on the rack gland lip42at the large gland surface area38.

It is commonly known in hydraulics that the larger the surface area the larger the force which can be created by a pressurizing fluid exerting pressure on the surface area. Thus, with the rack gland34of the current invention which has a small gland surface area36and a large gland surface area38nested within one another a smaller force can be created forcing the rack gland34in one direction using the small gland surface area36and a larger force can be developed using pressurizing fluid against the large gland surface38. The surface areas of the two surfaces36,38are different. It is a greater force caused by the pressure acting on the working area which causes a net force in one direction or the other. For example, the working surface area for the large gland surface38can be 9.621 in2(based on 3.5″ diameter) and the working surface area for the small gland surface36can be 2.405 in2(based on 1.75″ diameter). This is an area ratio of 4:1. Therefore, a pressure of 1000 psi on the large gland surface38is a force of 9621 lb., but a pressure of 1500 psi on the small gland surface36is 3608 lb. The pressure is higher on the small size, but more force on the large side creates a net force in that direction. However, any dimensions can be used to vary forces.

This hydraulic actuator assembly10can be created within a considerably smaller axial length than prior hydraulic actuators creating bi-directional motion because the pressure surface areas36and38nest within one another. In addition, this embodiment of the current invention allows for all of the hydraulic moving parts to be located within the housing12, with the one exception being a portion of the gear50extending beyond the housing12. This creates a much more durable product which can be used in harsh environments. In addition, the enclosed housing design of the current invention allows for lubricating fluid to be within the housing. This lubricates the gears, bearings and etc. which prolongs the life of the actuator.

Again looking toFIG. 6, we see the expanded view of one embodiment of the current invention. The rack assembly60is shown with the above-mentioned parts plus an O-ring88which is used to prevent leakage of the pressurizing fluid. Depending on the pressures to be developed, an additional back-up ring86can be used with the current invention.

This embodiment of the invention shows two arm assemblies62which attach to the gears50. However, any type of mechanical device can be connected to the gears50for rotating. The jam nut70holds the arm18firmly to the gear50. Additionally, a bearing72and tang74mount to the arm18and give strength to the arm assembly62for rotating on the bearings72and the gear bearings52. Furthermore, the bearing cap76and locking cap82function to hold in the bearings50within the housing12and allow the bearings50to rotate or pivot within the housing12. The O-rings84and the O-ring78and pin seal80are used to keep the invention from leaking lubricating fluid outside of the housing12.

The hydraulic actuator of the current invention can be used for creating both linear motion along the same plane as the piston/gland assembly60, extending outside of the housing through the housing12and/or front cap14, and/or the back cap16, or rotational motion about the bearings52. This suits the hydraulic actuator of the current invention well for many applications.

A few examples of applications for the current invention are shown inFIGS. 7,8and9. However, numerous other applications of the current invention are available and should not be limited in any way by the given examples. For example, hydraulic actuator assembly10is shown configured with both two arm110and four arm100assembly configurations. However, any number of armed assemblies62can be used with the current invention. Additionally, the hydraulic actuator assembly10of the current invention can be used on any type of application. The hydraulic actuator assembly10is shown being used on vehicles, however, the hydraulic actuator assembly10can be used on apparatuses other than vehicles. As an example, the hydraulic actuator assembly10can be used on parts handling equipment, waste crushing equipment, or any other type of equipment.

FIGS. 7A through 7Eshow exemplary four-arm grabber assemblies100. These assemblies100have grabber arms102which connect to the arm assembly62of the hydraulic actuator assembly10. The four-arm grabber assembly100can then be connected to the vehicle or machine with connecting structure arms104.

FIG. 7Ashows a four-arm grabber assembly100in an open position.FIG. 7Bshows the same four-arm grabber assembly100in a closed position.FIG. 7Cshows an exemplary four-arm grabber vehicle106utilizing the four-arm grabber assembly100. Similarly,FIG. 7Dshows a four-arm grabber assembly100in a closed position which can be attached to a four-arm grabber vehicle106.

Another example of a four-arm grabber vehicle108is shown inFIG. 7E.

Embodiments of the two-arm grabber assembly110are shown inFIGS. 8Athrough8C. For the two-arm grabber assembly110two grabber arms112are operatively connected to the arm assemblies62of the hydraulic actuator assembly10. The two-arm grabber assembly110can then be connected to a machine or vehicle by the use of the connecting structure arms104.

FIGS. 8B and 8Cshow a side and top view respectively of one embodiment of a vehicle114utilizing the two-arm grabber assembly110.

One embodiment of a clam shell grabber assembly120is shown inFIG. 9A. Here, the clam shell grabber assembly120comprises two clam shell bucket halves122operatively connected to the arm assemblies62of the hydraulic actuator assembly10. The clam shell grabber assembly120can then be connected to a machine or vehicle by connecting structure arms104.

FIG. 9Bshows one embodiment of an exemplary clam shell bucket vehicle124utilizing the clam shell grabber assembly120. The clam shell grabber assembly120for use on the exemplary clam shell bucket vehicle124is shown inFIG. 9Cin the closed position.

The hydraulic actuator assembly10of the current invention as shown and discussed above can be used in many different applications. The hydraulic actuator assembly10can be incorporated into stationary equipment, mobile equipment, vehicles, or any other application.

The benefits of the current invention over the prior art are many. However, a couple of noteworthy benefits are the fact that dual motion hydraulics can be created in a much smaller linear distance over the prior art.

Another major benefit of the current invention over the prior art is the fact that the hydraulic moving parts are contained within a housing. This significantly reduces opportunities for dust, dirt, grease, and etc. from damaging the operation of the hydraulic actuator assembly.

Another benefit of the current invention is that when used for grabbing or grappling applications it creates relatively constant torque throughout the range of motion. Other typical grabbing mechanisms use cylinders to push and pull the arms in and out and the torque is not constant through the motion. This more constant torque feature allows for more precise control during grabbing functions.