Compact force-applying device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for applying force in a compact form factor. The force application device includes a worm gear, a worm wheel gear engaged with the worm gear, a gear shaft coaxial with the worm gear and rotatably coupled to the worm wheel gear, a first threaded bore near a first end of the gear shaft, a second threaded bore near a second end of the gear shaft opposite the first end, a first threaded shaft received by the first threaded bore, and a second threaded shaft received by the second threaded bore, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft configured to move toward or away from each other in response to rotation of the worm gear.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and devices for applying force in a compact form factor, particularly systems and devices for a compact gearbox configured to be positioned between two angular objects so as to pull two objects towards each other or push two objects apart.

[0002] 〔Citation of Related Applications〕 This application is a claim for priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 649,427, filed on January 31, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Devices for applying force (in this specification, applying force may sometimes be referred to as "applying a load") are useful in a variety of fields. Applications using load-applying devices include, for example, jacks for lifting vehicles for tire replacement, automatic door opening devices, and other applications where movement is transmitted by a mechanical device. Hydrodynamically driven devices are often used in applications where a pump moves hydraulic oil from one chamber to another to drive, for example, a piston to create movement. The transfer of hydraulic oil can be accomplished, for example, by mechanical means in the case of a bottle jack or by an electric pump used to drive a hydraulic cylinder used when lifting the bed of a dump truck, which is an example of an electric means. Electric load-applying devices may employ a motor that rotates a shaft to drive gears and transmits movement, for example, by a rack and pinion. The form factors of different load-applying devices vary depending on the application, and typically, relatively large devices have the ability to apply a relatively large force over a relatively long distance.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to systems and devices for applying force in a compact form factor, and more particularly to systems and devices for compact gearboxes configured to be positioned between two angular objects to pull two objects together or push two objects apart. Embodiments provided herein include a force-applying device comprising: a worm gear; a worm wheel gear engaged with the worm gear; a gear shaft coaxial with the worm wheel gear and rotatably coupled to the worm wheel gear; a first threaded hole provided near a first end of the gear shaft; a second threaded hole provided near a second end of the gear shaft opposite to the first end; a first threaded shaft received by the first threaded hole; and a second threaded shaft received by the second threaded hole, wherein the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are configured to move closer to or further away from each other in response to the rotation of the worm gear and the worm gear that rotates the gear shaft relative to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft.

[0005] According to the exemplary embodiment, the second threaded shaft has a cavity, and in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft moving closer to each other, the first threaded shaft is received within the cavity of the second threaded shaft. In the exemplary embodiment, in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft moving closer to or further away from each other, the first threaded shaft exerts a first force on a first object coupled to the first threaded shaft, and the second threaded shaft exerts a second force on a second object coupled to the second threaded shaft, the first and second forces being equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. In some embodiments, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are coaxial. In some embodiments, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are held in a rotatably fixed position.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, the worm wheel gear is a first worm wheel gear, the gear shaft is a first gear shaft, the device includes a second worm wheel gear engaged with the worm gear, a second gear shaft coaxial with the second worm wheel gear and rotatably coupled to the second worm wheel gear, a third threaded hole provided near the first end of the second gear shaft, a fourth threaded hole provided near the second end of the second gear shaft, a third threaded shaft received by the third threaded hole, and a fourth threaded shaft received by the fourth threaded hole, wherein the third threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft are configured to move closer to or further away from each other with respect to the rotation of the second worm wheel gear and the worm gear that thus rotates the second gear shaft relative to the third threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gearbox housing a worm gear, a first worm wheel gear, a first gear shaft, a second worm wheel gear, and a second gear shaft, wherein the first threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft are located on the first side of the gearbox, and the second threaded shaft and the third threaded shaft are located on the second side of the gearbox. According to some embodiments, the first threaded shaft, the second threaded shaft, the third threaded shaft, and the fourth threaded shaft each move simultaneously towards or away from the gearbox at the same speed in response to the rotation of the worm gear. According to some embodiments, a first object is attached to a first threaded shaft and a fourth threaded shaft, and a second object is attached to a second threaded shaft and a third threaded shaft, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft apply a first force between the first and second objects in response to a first rotation of the worm gear, and the third and fourth threaded shaft apply a second force between the first and second objects in response to a second rotation of the worm gear, the first force being different from the second force. According to some embodiments, a first threaded hole has a first thread pitch and a first diameter, a second threaded hole has a second thread pitch and a second diameter, the first thread pitch is the same as the second thread pitch, and the first diameter is different from the second diameter. According to some embodiments, the second threaded shaft is provided with a cavity, the cavity having a larger diameter than the first diameter. According to some embodiments, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are coaxial and extend along a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the rotation axis of the worm gear.

[0008] Embodiments provided herein relate to a force-applying system, wherein the force-applying system includes a gear shaft having a first threaded hole near a first end and a second threaded hole near a second end, the force-applying system further includes a first threaded shaft received in the first threaded hole, the first threaded shaft having a first diameter, the force-applying system further includes a second threaded shaft received in the second threaded hole, the first threaded shaft having a cavity, the cavity having a cavity diameter larger than the first diameter, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft move closer to each other in response to the rotation of the gear shaft relative to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft in a first direction, and the first threaded shaft is received in the cavity as the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft continue to move closer to each other.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the system further includes a worm wheel gear mounted on a gear shaft and a worm gear engaged with the worm wheel gear, the worm gear being configured to rotate the worm wheel gear in response to the rotation of the worm gear. According to some embodiments, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are coaxial and extend along a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the rotation axis of the worm gear. According to some embodiments, rotation of the worm gear in a first direction causes the first threaded shaft to move closer to the second threaded shaft. According to some embodiments, rotation of the worm gear in a second direction causes the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft to move further apart from each other.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the system further includes a first object mounted on a first threaded shaft and a second object mounted on a second threaded shaft, wherein the rotation of a worm gear in a first direction pulls the first object toward the second object, and the rotation of a worm gear in a second direction pushes the first object toward the second object. According to some embodiments, the force exerted on the first object by the first threaded shaft is of the same magnitude and opposite direction as the force exerted on the second object by the second threaded shaft. According to some embodiments, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft have the same thread pitch. According to some embodiments, the maximum stroke distance is defined as the maximum distance the first threaded shaft moves relative to the second threaded shaft, and the maximum stroke distance is longer than the length of the gear shaft along the axis of the gear shaft.

[0011] Thus, the present invention has been described in general terms, and now we will refer to the attached drawings, but please note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of a prior art semi-continuous casting mold. [Figure 2] This figure shows an ingot (casting) formed by the prior art semi-continuous casting method. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a semi-continuous casting mold having a side portion that can be bent into a non-curved state, as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a semi-continuous casting mold having a side portion that can be bent into a curved state, as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a pair of semi-continuous casting mold assemblies positioned to enable semi-continuous casting operations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a compact force-applying device positioned between these mold assemblies. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of a pair of semi-continuous casting mold assemblies positioned to enable semi-continuous casting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a compact force-applying device positioned between these mold assemblies and applying curvature (degree of bending) to the mold sidewall assemblies. [Figure 7] This figure shows a compact force-applying device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-section of the internal components of a compact force-loading device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the internal components of a compact force-loading device as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal components of a compact force-loading device in an extended position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal components of a compact force-loading device in a retracted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 7 shows a compact force-applying device in a retracted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a system comprising several compact load-bearing devices actuated by two different drive shafts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of a controller for controlling one or more compact force-applying devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart of a process using a compact force-applying device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some embodiments rather than all embodiments of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather these embodiments are provided to satisfy the applicable legal requirements of this disclosure. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to mechanisms for attracting or pushing two objects together. Such mechanisms exist in various form factors using various means of applying force, but embodiments described herein include a compact device for applying force between two objects. Embodiments of the present invention employ a gearbox configured to minimize the space enclosed by the force-applying device located between the two objects.

[0015] The embodiments described herein are suitable for use in a variety of applications, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. While the embodiments of the present invention have diverse applications, the exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a direct chill casting method in which the compact force-applying device described herein can be used between adjacent objects. For thorough understanding, the exemplary embodiments are described below.

[0016] The vertical direct chill casting process is a process used to make ingots that have a large cross-section and can be used in various manufacturing applications. The process of vertical direct chill casting begins with a horizontal table having one or more vertically oriented mold cavities. Each of the mold cavities is initially sealed at its bottom with a starting block or starting plug to seal the bottom of the mold cavity. Molten metal (melt) is introduced from a metal distribution system into each mold cavity to fill the mold cavity. When the molten metal near the bottom of the mold located adjacent to the starting block solidifies, the starting block is moved vertically downward along a linear path. It is preferable to move the starting block by lowering the platform to which the starting block is attached by the action of a fluid. As the starting block moves vertically downward, solidified metal is withdrawn from the mold cavity while additional molten metal is introduced into the mold cavity. Once started, this process proceeds in a relatively steady state, and the semi-continuous casting process forms a metal ingot having a height determined by the contour shape defined by the mold cavity and the depth of movement of the platform and the starting block.

[0017] During the semi-continuous casting process, the mold itself is cooled, thereby promoting the solidification of the metal while advancing the starting block downward prior to the metal exiting the mold cavity, introducing a cooling fluid to the surface of the metal located near the exit of the mold cavity while the metal is being cast, thereby drawing heat away from the cast metal ingot and solidifying the molten metal within the solidified skin of the ingot at that point. While advancing the starting block downward, it is preferable to spray the cooling fluid directly onto the ingot, thereby cooling the surface and drawing heat from within the core of the ingot.

[0018] By means of the semi - continuous casting method, ingots can be cast in various dimensions and shapes with various contours. Rectangular ingots are the most common, but other contour shapes are possible. Circular billets benefit from a uniform shape, in which case the distance from the outer surface around the billet to the core is uniformly circular along the perimeter. However, rectangular ingots lack this uniformity of surface - to - core depth and thus present additional challenges to be considered during the semi - continuous casting process.

[0019] The mold for semi - continuous casting for making an ingot with a rectangular contour does not have a completely rectangular mold cavity due to the deformation of the ingot when it cools after exiting the mold cavity. The part of the ingot that is exiting the mold cavity as the platform and starting block are descending retains a molten or at least partially molten core within its skin. When the core cools and solidifies, the outer contour of the ingot changes, and as a result, the mold cavity contour, which defines the shape of the final cooled ingot, does not have the same shape or contour as the final cooled ingot.

[0020] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a conventional semi-continuous casting mold 100, which is housed within a table or frame assembly of a semi-continuous casting system. As shown, the mold 100 has opposite first side walls 110 and second side walls 120 extending between the first end wall 130 and the second end wall 140 of the mold cavity. The first and second opposite side walls 110, 120 and the first and second end walls 130, 140 combine to form a mold cavity 150 having a rectangular contour shape as a whole. The first and second opposite side walls 110, 120 are arc-shaped or have at least some curvature relative to the wall contour shape. This shape allows the cast ingot to have substantially flat opposite sides during steady-state casting operations of the semi-continuous casting method. The end walls 130, 140 can also take on specified shapes, such as curvature (curved sections), a series of flat sides arranged in an arc shape, composite curvature (curved sections), or straight sides. The “steady state” portion of the casting process described herein is the portion of the casting process after the initial start-up stage or start-up casting stage and before the end of the casting process or the final casting stage. Steady state casting occurs when the temperature distribution of the portion of the ingot exiting the mold cavity remains constant or nearly constant. Depending on the type of material being cast, different casting control parameters may be desirable at each stage from the start-up stage to the steady state stage and the end stage.

[0021] While semi-continuous casting dies are designed and developed to produce ingots with substantially flat sides for the rectangular contour of the ingot portion created during the steady-state portion of the casting process, the initiation process of semi-continuous casting presents the challenge of distinguishing the initial portion of the ingot formed during the initiation casting phase from the portion of the ingot formed during the steady-state phase of the casting process and during steady-state casting.

[0022] During the initial phase of semi-continuous casting, a high thermal gradient causes thermal stress that leads to ingot deformation in a manner distinct from that occurring during the steady-state phase of casting. The changes in thermal gradient and stress between the initial and steady-state phases result in a non-uniform contour shape of the ingot cast during the initial phase, also known as the butt, as a result of a mold cavity with a constant contour shape, and the ingot cast during the steady-state casting phase. Since the portion formed during steady-state casting constitutes the majority of the ingot, the mold contour shape may be designed so that the sides and opposite ends of the ingot are substantially flat. This can result in a butt of the ingot lacking the substantially flat sides formed during the initial phase, as shown in the cross-section of the cast ingot in Figure 2. The illustrated embodiment in Figure 2 shows a basic cross-section of an ingot mold during the casting process. As shown in the figure, molten metal is received into the mold cavity between the mold side walls 110, 120, and the molten metal then transitions to solid metal near the sump, indicated by the dashed line 163. The starting block 157 in the position shown in the figure is already descending with the platform 159 in the direction of the arrow 162, and the casting is currently in the steady-state phase, with the sides 165 of the ingot 160 being substantially flat. The portion of the ingot 160 made during the starting phase is shown adjacent to the starting block 157 with a contour shape 170 that is bulging compared to the desired flat sides 175 of the steady-state casting phase.

[0023] The deformed portion 170 of the ingot created during the start-up phase may be unusable depending on the final use of the ingot, and therefore, the portion of the ingot formed during the start-up period may be sacrificed (i.e., cut from the ingot and used / recast for another purpose). This sacrificed butt portion of the ingot may be considerably large in size, especially in semi-continuous casting molds with relatively large contour shapes, and although the butt can be recast and therefore no material is lost, the high-temperature rate of the semi-continuous casting method decreases as a result of the loss of ingot portion and the time loss, reheating / remelting costs and labor associated with the reduced maximum size availability of one ingot. A similar problem may occur at the end of casting when forming the "head" of the ingot or billet, in which case the casting is no longer steady state and may require certain control parameters to maximize the usable portion of the ingot and reduce waste.

[0024] To solve or improve upon the above-mentioned problems, semi-continuous casting dies may employ flexible, opposite sidewalls that can be dynamically moved during the casting process to eliminate butt swelling of conventional semi-continuous ingot casting dies, thereby reducing waste and increasing the casting efficiency of the ingot. The semi-continuous casting dies described herein preferably have a pair of opposite casting surfaces on the flexible sidewalls of the die, allowing the sidewalls to change shape while the die is casting the ingot. Each of the opposite sidewalls preferably includes two or more contact portions or force-receiving elements, each configured to receive forces that dynamically move and change the shape of the opposite sidewall of the die during the casting process. The forces applied to the two or more contact areas preferably include forces in opposite directions, as will be further described below. The contact areas preferably be repositionable along the length of the opposite sidewalls to allow for greater control over the shape of the sidewalls resulting from the applied forces.

[0025] Figure 3 is a plan view of a semi-continuous casting mold assembly 200 as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the mold assembly 200 includes first and second opposite side wall assemblies 210, 220 and first and second end wall assemblies 230, 240. Each of the opposite side wall assemblies 210, 220 includes a side wall of the mold assembly 250, which cooperates with the end walls of the end wall assemblies 230, 240 to form the contour shape of the mold cavity, which is the shape around the mold cavity. Figure 4 is a plan view of the semi-continuous casting mold assembly 200 of Figure 3, with curvature given to the side wall assemblies 210, 220.

[0026] Various mechanisms are used to impart curvature to the sidewall assemblies of semi-continuous casting dies. However, in practice, semi-continuous casting dies are often arranged as a pair of dies positioned adjacent to each other above the casting pit. The size of the casting pit and the frame located above the casting pit that supports the semi-continuous casting dies limits the number of semi-continuous casting dies that can be used during a single casting use. Positioning the semi-continuous casting dies as close to each other as possible improves the capacity of the casting pit and system, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the casting operation.

[0027] Figure 5 shows how two semi-continuous casting mold assemblies 200 are positioned adjacent to each other when located within the mold frame 200 above the casting pit. The mold assemblies 200 can be supported in various ways by the mold frame, and the mold assembly supports are omitted from the drawing for ease of understanding. As shown, the mold side walls 210, 220 are separated from each other. If there is no movement of the side walls, the mold assemblies can come into contact with each other. However, in order to allow the bending of the side walls for the purposes described above, the mold assemblies must be separated to some extent. Furthermore, they must be adapted to a mechanism configured to cause the bending of the side walls. A compact force-bearing device 300 is shown between the mold side walls 210, 220. If one mold side wall is not adjacent to the other mold side wall, but instead is adjacent to the mold frame 205, a compact force-bearing device 305 can be employed that is substantially similar to the compact force-bearing device 300, but modified to be positioned, at least temporarily, between the mold side wall and the frame. These force-applying devices, in their compact forms, allow mold assemblies to be positioned relatively close to each other. Large force-applying devices require a considerably large space between mold assemblies, thereby increasing the separation distance, reducing casting capacity, and thus decreasing the efficiency of the casting operation. The embodiments described herein provide compact force-applying devices that can be positioned between mold sidewalls with substantially less separation space required between mold assemblies than conventional available devices. Embodiments of the compact force-applying devices described herein are, for example, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and have a stroke greater than 3 inches, for example, 4 inches (10.2 cm) or more (the length between the minimum and maximum extension of the threaded shaft described below). Embodiments of the present invention may be larger or smaller than these, and the above approximate dimensions are for relative scaling purposes. Furthermore, the force generated by the compact force-applying devices of the embodiments described herein may exceed 1,000 pounds (453.6 kg).

[0028] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of two adjacent semi-continuous casting die assemblies 200, with two compact force-applying devices 300 positioned between the two die assemblies and applying force to adjacent sidewall assemblies (210, 220), thereby imparting curvature to the die sidewall assemblies. Furthermore, a compact force-applying device 305, located between the die frame 205 and the die sidewalls (210, 220), applies bending to the corresponding die sidewalls. As described above, to improve casting efficiency, it is advantageous to minimize the space between adjacent die assemblies and maximize the usability of the casting pit. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are used in semi-continuous casting operations, the embodiments of the compact force-applying devices described herein can be used in a variety of applications, particularly when workspace is a design factor or consideration. For example, the embodiments can be used when separating objects, such as when separating objects that undergo interference fitting in relatively tight spaces, such as when separating a ball joint from a control arm in an automotive application.

[0029] The compact force-loading device of the embodiment is used to apply forces of equal magnitude and opposite direction to either side of the device. When positioned between two mold assemblies as described above, the forces applied to the device are balanced, and the device remains substantially stationary. The embodiment can be further supported in a form in which one side of the compact force-loading device is attached to a stationary object, and the force applied to the other side causes motion.

[0030] Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the compact force-loading device 300 of an exemplary embodiment. The illustrated embodiment includes a gearbox 305, with a first shaft 310 and a second opposite shaft 315 extending from the gearbox as a first pair, together with a third shaft 320 and a fourth opposite shaft 325 as a second pair. The illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of opposite shafts, but embodiments may have more or fewer pairs of shafts. Each pair of shafts, as a whole, is parallel to the other pair of shafts to allow for equal force distribution as described herein. The exemplary embodiment of Figure 7 further includes a first mounting plate 330 and a second mounting plate 335. However, the mounting plates are merely illustrative of the mounting mechanism, and the compact force-loading device 300 is preferably fixed between the objects being force-loaded via this mounting mechanism.

[0031] The mounting plates engage with the threaded shaft in such a manner that they hold the threaded shaft in a rotatably fixed position, and as a result, the mounting plates do not rotate around these axes. Although the mounting plates are illustrated to be substantially parallel to the plane passing through the center of the gearbox in the exemplary embodiment, this is not necessarily required. For example, when using a continuous casting die operation, a taper is often given to the die sidewall, and the top edge of the first mounting plate 330 is located closer to the top edge of the second mounting plate 335 than the distance between the bottoms of the first and second mounting plates. As will be further described below, if the thread pitch of the threaded shafts is equal in the number of threads per inch, the relative angle between the first mounting plate 330 and the second mounting plate 335 is maintained as these plates move. The opposite shafts of a pair can also exert different forces than the other opposite shafts of a pair. For example, in embodiments where a taper is applied to the mold sidewall, a pair of shafts that impart a large deflection to the mold sidewall (first shaft 310 and second shaft 315) can also exert a greater force than a pair of shafts on the lower side (e.g., third shaft 320 and fourth shaft 325), even when the opposite shafts of the pair are moving together.

[0032] A drive socket 340 is also shown, which is configured to rotate such that a pair of opposite shafts extend or retract depending on the rotational direction of the drive socket 340. The drive socket 340 in the exemplary embodiment has a keyway, for example, a hexagonal keyway, although the keyway may have any contour shape that can provide a reliable rotational force by a key shaft engaging with the keyway. The keyway preferably passes through a worm gear, so that the compact force-loading device 300 can be laterally moved along the key shaft in a positionable manner while the drive socket 340 can be rotated together with the rotation of the key shaft while the key shaft remains engaged with the keyway. The embodiment of the compact force-loading device optionally further includes a through hole 342, the function of which is described further below. The mechanism for retracting and extending the pair of shafts is described in more detail below.

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the compact load-bearing device of Figure 7, with the housing of the gearbox 305 omitted for ease of understanding. As shown, each of the shafts belonging to the pair of shafts is supported by bearings, for example, bearing 316 for the second shaft 315 and bearing 321 for the third shaft 320, as seen in Figure 8. The worm gear 345 is driven by the drive socket 340. The worm gear 345 engages with the first worm wheel gear 350 and the second worm wheel gear 355. The teeth of the worm wheel gears are not shown appropriately but will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The rotation of the drive socket 340 causes each of the first worm wheel gear 350 and the second worm wheel gear 355 to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other.

[0034] Figure 9 shows cross-sections of the worm gear 345, the first worm wheel gear 350, and the second worm wheel gear 355 as they are positioned within the gearbox. The first gear shaft 400 and the second gear shaft 430 are also shown. The first end 410 of the first gear shaft 400 has a relatively small diameter threaded hole 410. The second end 415 of the first gear shaft has a relatively large diameter threaded hole 415. Similarly, the first end 420 of the second gear shaft 430 has a relatively small diameter threaded hole, and the second end 425 of the second gear shaft has a relatively large diameter threaded hole. The first gear shaft 400 is fixed to the first worm wheel gear 350, and the second gear shaft 430 is fixed to the second worm wheel gear 355. When the worm wheel gear 355 rotates, the first worm wheel gear 350 and the second worm wheel gear 355 are driven. The worm wheel gears, each fixed to the gear shaft, then drive the gear shaft.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a cross-section of Figure 9, including the shaft pair and engaged with the gear shaft. Each of the shafts in the shaft pair has a male thread. The first shaft 310 has a relatively small diameter, equivalent to the diameter of the threaded hole 410, and a male thread complementary to the threaded hole 410. As shown in Figure 10, the first shaft 310 is screwed into the threaded hole 410. Similarly, the third shaft 320 has a relatively small diameter, equivalent to the diameter of the threaded hole 420, and a male thread complementary to the threaded hole 420. The second shaft 315 has a relatively large diameter, equivalent to the diameter of the threaded hole 415, and a male thread complementary to the threaded hole 415. Similarly, the fourth shaft 325 has a relatively large diameter, equivalent to the diameter of the threaded hole 425, and a male thread complementary to the threaded hole 425. Figure 10 shows the first shaft 310 screwed into the threaded hole 410, the second shaft 315 screwed into the threaded hole 415, the third shaft 320 screwed into the threaded hole 420, and the fourth shaft screwed into the threaded hole 425.

[0036] As the worm gear 345 rotates and drives the first worm wheel gear 350 and the second worm wheel gear 355 in opposite directions of rotation, each of the shafts remains rotatably fixed, while the first gear shaft 400 and the second gear shaft 430 rotate together with these respective worm wheel gears. With the threaded shaft held rotatably fixed and the gear shafts rotating, the threaded shaft moves along the threaded hole. Next, referring to the first gear shaft 400, in response to the first gear shaft rotating in the first direction, the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 are attracted to each other as the threads in the threaded holes of the gear shafts rotate around the rotatably fixed first and second shafts. In response to the first gear shaft rotating in the second direction, the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 are driven to move away from each other together as the threads of the threaded holes in the gear shafts rotate around the first and second shafts, to which they are rotatably fixed.

[0037] The second gear shaft 430 is rotated relative to the first gear shaft 400, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. This results in the same motion of the third shaft 320 and the fourth shaft 325 relative to the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 as a result of the second gear shaft 430 rotating in the opposite direction to the first gear shaft 400. Thus, when the worm gear 345 is rotating, the first shaft 310 moves closer to or away from the second shaft 315 in the same direction as the third shaft 320 moves closer to or away from the fourth shaft 325. Furthermore, the thread pitch of the shafts and their respective threaded holes are equal, so that a single rotation of the gear shaft causes the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 to move the same distance closer to or away from each other. The same applies to the third shaft 320 and the fourth shaft 325 and their threads. This causes the first mounting plate 330 and the second mounting plate 335 shown in Figure 8 to move toward and away from each other at a consistent speed, while the shafts on the same side of the gearbox (e.g., the first shaft 310 and the fourth shaft 325) remain at equal displacement relative to the gearbox 305.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first shaft 310 and the third shaft 320 are preferably located on the same side of the gearbox. In such embodiments, with relatively small diameter threaded shafts located on the same side, the first shaft 310 and the third shaft 320 are not interchangeable parts because they are identical in the embodiments described above, since the first gear shaft 400 and the second shaft 430 rotate in opposite directions. In contrast, when the first shaft 310 and the third shaft 320 are located on the same side of the gearbox, the threads on the shafts must be opposite to each other, so that the reverse rotation of the gear shaft on which the first and third shafts move subsequently drives the first and third shafts in the same direction. The same applies to the second shaft 315 and the fourth shaft 325, which are located on the same side of the gearbox but are not interchangeable. The gear shaft also requires threads to accommodate the unique threaded shaft of such exemplary embodiment. Although such a configuration is possible, according to the illustrated embodiment, there are fewer unique parts in the compact load-bearing device, because the first shaft 310 and the third shaft 320 are interchangeable, as are the second shaft 315 and the fourth shaft 325.

[0039] The thread pitch of the threaded shaft (and complementary threaded hole) is preferably configured, together with the thread pitch of the worm wheel gear, to impart a specific degree of force. A finer thread pitch allows for greater force to be applied to the threaded shaft, while a higher rotation results in a smaller degree of motion. The thread pitches of the threaded shaft, threaded hole, worm gear, and worm wheel gear are preferably configured to impart a specific magnitude to the threaded shaft for the force and rotation input at the worm gear. Optionally, the embodiments described above include the same thread pitch for each threaded shaft when the number of threads per inch is the same, but embodiments described herein may use different thread pitches between different threaded shafts to impart different degrees of motion to each other. For example, in the continuous casting die operation described above, the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may have a thread pitch with fewer threads per inch than the third shaft 320 and the fourth shaft 325. Such embodiments alter the taper of the die sidewall when a compact force-applying device acts against the die sidewall, causing the first and second shafts to generate greater motion per revolution than the third and fourth shafts.

[0040] Figure 11 shows a cross-section similar to that of Figure 10, in which the first shaft 310, the second shaft 315, the third shaft 320, and the fourth shaft 325 are depicted together. As shown in the figure, the second shaft 315 has a cavity 515, and the fourth shaft 325 also has a cavity 525. When the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 are attracted to each other, the first shaft 310 is received within the cavity 515 of the second shaft 315. Similarly, when the third shaft 320 and the fourth shaft 325 are attracted to each other, the third shaft 320 is received within the cavity 525 of the fourth shaft 325. This configuration allows the forces applied by the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 to be coaxial, while also allowing the strokes of the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 to be greater than when the shafts are not configured to be nested together as shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows a compact force-applying device 305 having a gearbox 300, in which the first shaft 310 is retracted into the gearbox and received within the second shaft 315 (as shown in Figure 11), and the second shaft 320 is retracted into the gearbox and received within the fourth shaft 325.

[0041] To ensure that the magnitudes of the forces exerted by the load-bearing device are equal and their directions are opposite, pairs of shafts (e.g., the first shaft 310 / second shaft 315, and the third shaft 320 / fourth shaft 325) are coaxial. The coaxial forces exerted by the compact load-bearing device as described herein are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and balanced across the gearbox of the exemplary embodiment. This balance allows the compact load-bearing device described herein to float between the mold sidewalls, eliminating the need for load-bearing structures to fix the load-bearing device in place. This further reduces the complexity of the mold assembly and allows the mold assembly to be positioned relatively close to larger load-bearing devices or load-bearing devices that require rigid superstructures to maintain the load-bearing device in place.

[0042] The illustrated embodiment includes two pairs of opposite shafts, but it may include one pair, three pairs, or any number of pairs of shafts, without departing from the basic principles of the compact loading device described herein. Furthermore, although the above-described exemplary embodiment is used in semi-continuous casting operations, the embodiments of the compact loading device described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. The exemplary use cases described herein should be understood as not limiting the compact loading device to the exemplary use cases.

[0043] The compact force-applying device of the exemplary embodiment described above can be used between objects to which forces of equal magnitude and opposite direction are applied by shafts on opposite sides. However, in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the compact force-applying device 305 is provided between a substantially rigid mold frame 205 and the mold side wall. In such exemplary embodiment, the shafts on one side of the compact force-applying device (e.g., the second shaft 315 and the third shaft 320) can be removed. Removal can be achieved by removing the first mounting plate 330 shown in Figure 8 and then detaching the second shaft 315 and the third shaft 320 from their respective gear shafts. Next, it is preferable to fix the compact force-applying device to the mold frame 205 with the first shaft 310 and the fourth shaft 325 attached to the mold side wall. In this way, the stroke is half the stroke that the compact force-applying device can perform, but the mold frame remains stationary, and as a result, the full stroke is not necessarily required.

[0044] In some embodiments, the driving force behind the compact load-bearing device is preferably the manual rotation of a worm gear, for example, using a drive socket 340. Optionally, the drive socket may be automatically driven by an electric motor controlled, for example, by a controller, which determines the degree of motion and / or force required from the compact load-bearing device. Two or more compact load-bearing devices may be mechanically coupled to drive at the same speed, providing an equal degree of motion and force between them. According to some embodiments, feedback may be provided to a controller that controls the drive of the worm gear. The feedback may take the form of the motion provided by the compact load-bearing device, for example, the degree of motion of the mold sidewall in the above example. Optionally, the feedback may take the form of the applied force, for example, a force measured by a stress / strain gauge. The feedback may be used to indicate when the worm gear should be driven in a first direction or the opposite direction, or when it should hold a particular position.

[0045] Embodiments of compact loaders described herein can be further embodied in a system that provides motion to two or more compact loaders while also allowing for the use of a driving force to enable the repositioning of the compact loaders. Figure 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of three compact loaders, which include a first loader 550, a second loader 560, and a third loader 570. The configuration shown in Figure 13 may include configurations between two adjacent side walls of a mold similar to the exemplary embodiment described above. As shown, the drive socket 340 includes a keyway through the worm gear of each compact loader. The second loader 560 is shown rotated 180° relative to the first loader 550 and the third loader 570. The first drive shaft 555 is shown passing through the drive socket 340 of the first loader and the drive socket 340 of the third loader. However, the first drive shaft 555 passes through the through-hole 342 of the second device 560. In response to the rotation of the first drive shaft 555, the worm gear of the first device 550 and the worm gear of the third device 570 are driven and impart motion to the shafts of their respective devices. However, when the first drive shaft passes through the through-hole 342 of the second device 560, it does not engage with the worm gear, and the shaft of the second device does not move in response to the rotation of the first drive shaft. The second drive shaft 565 passes through the through-hole 342 of both the first device 550 and the third device 570, but is shown engaged in the drive socket 540 of the second device 560. Thus, in response to the rotation of the second drive shaft 565, the worm gear of the second device 560 rotates, imparting motion to the shaft of the second device, while the worm gears of the first device 550 and the third device 570 do not engage with the second drive shaft 565. In this way, the motion of the shafts of the first device 550 and the third device 570 is kept coordinated and driven by the first drive shaft 555, while the second device 560 moves separately and independently based on the second drive shaft 565. This configuration allows for the application of different forces closer to the center of the mold sidewall than further away from the center.Furthermore, the movement can be provided by a motor controlled by a controller during the continuous casting mold operation.

[0046] The controller of the exemplary embodiment can receive, for example, instructions for motion or force to be given using the compact force-applying device of the exemplary embodiment from a user or a separate computing device. The controller of the exemplary embodiment is shown in a schematic diagram in Figure 14. As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, the controller 400 may include a processing circuit 610, and in some embodiments, it may further include a memory 620. The processing circuit may be in communication with, include, or be controlled in a different manner by a user interface 630 and / or a communication interface 640. The processing circuit may therefore be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software) to perform the operations described herein.

[0047] The processing circuit 610 can be embodied in a wide variety of ways. For example, the processor can be embodied as various processing means, such as a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller, or other computing or processing device including an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Although illustrated as a single processor, as can be understood, the processor may consist of multiple processors. The multiple processors may be in operational communication with one another, and these processors may be collectively configured to perform one or more functions of a system that handles, stores, carries, or distributes various types of information as described herein. The multiple processors may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed and arranged across multiple computing devices. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor may be configured to execute instructions that are stored in memory or are otherwise accessible to the processor. Therefore, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, a processor can perform tasks according to embodiments of the present invention, while representing entities configured accordingly (e.g., a circuit state—physically embodied in the form of a processing circuit). Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA, etc., the processor is preferably specially configured hardware that performs the tasks described herein. As a variation, in another embodiment, when the processor is embodied as a software instruction executor, the instructions may specially configure the processor to perform one or more tasks described herein.

[0048] In some exemplary implementations, memory 620 may include one or more non-temporary memory devices, such as volatile and / or non-volatile memory, which may be fixed or removable. In this regard, memory 620 may consist of a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. As can be understood, although memory 620 is shown as a single memory, memory may include multiple memories. Multiple memories may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed and arranged across multiple computing devices. Memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions and / or other information so that embodiments of the present invention can perform various functions according to one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, memory may be configured to buffer input data in a processor-processable manner. Additionally or alternatively, memory may be configured to store processor-executable instructions. As yet another alternative, memory may include one or more databases that can store various files, contents, or datasets. Among the contents of memory, applications may be stored in a processor-executable manner so that each corresponding application can perform a function associated with it.

[0049] The user interface 630 in the exemplary embodiment is preferably in contact with processing circuits to receive user input instructions at the user interface and / or provide the user with audible, visual, mechanical, or other outputs. Therefore, the user interface may include, for example, a user input interface 630, such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, display, touchscreen display, microphone, speaker, and / or other input / output mechanisms. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the user interface serves as a means to enable user control of embodiments of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more aspects of the user interface can be realized on a user terminal. Therefore, regardless of implementation, the user interface can serve as input and output means to facilitate the movement of a compact force-bearing device as described herein.

[0050] The communication interface 640 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and / or networks. In some cases, the communication interface may be embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software and be any means, such as a device or circuit, configured to receive data from and / or send data to a network and / or any other device or module in contact with the processing circuit. Thus, examples of communication interfaces include supporting hardware and / or software to enable communication by cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or other means.

[0051] The controller 600 in the exemplary embodiment is preferably configured to control various aspects of the compact force-applying device as described herein. In the above embodiment in a semi-continuous casting process, the controller can control the movement of the compact force-applying device to impart a specific curvature to the sidewalls of the mold assembly based on various inputs. For example, the alloy being cast, the casting speed, the temperature of the casting material, etc., may be inputs that determine the curvature and movement of the mold during the casting operation, in which case the curvature and movement of the curvature are provided by the compact force-applying device so as to be controlled by the controller 400 described herein.

[0052] Figure 15 is a flowchart of a process using a compact load-bearing device of an exemplary embodiment. As shown in the figure, the compact load-bearing device is positioned between the first mold sidewall of the first mold and the second mold sidewall of the second mold, as indicated by reference numeral 710. Rotational input is provided to the compact load-bearing device, as indicated by reference numeral 720. This rotational input may be manual (e.g., rotating a wheel, tool, leveler, etc.) or automatic (e.g., using an electric motor connected to a controller as described above). As indicated by reference numeral 730, the first mold sidewall is moved relative to the second mold sidewall in response to the rotational input. This movement is preferably controlled by a controller 600 that uses an input to be applied to the mold sidewall, for example, a desired curvature. Embodiments of this method may include a number of compact load-bearing devices between the mold sidewalls, each load-bearing device having an independent control scheme to establish a desired curvature, where it may be necessary for the displacements at different compact load-bearing devices to differ from each other.

[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings provided in the above description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are included within the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims. Certain terms are used herein, but such terms are used only in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended to limit the invention.

Claims

1. A device that applies force, It has a gearbox housing, and the gearbox housing is Worm gear and, A worm wheel gear engaged with the aforementioned worm gear, It houses a gear shaft that is coaxial with the worm wheel gear and integrally coupled to the worm wheel gear so as to rotate together with the worm wheel gear, and the gear shaft is A first threaded hole provided near the first end of the gear shaft, It has a second threaded hole located near the second end of the gear shaft opposite to the first end, It has a first threaded shaft that is received by the first threaded hole, the first threaded shaft extending outward from the gearbox housing, It has a second threaded shaft that is received by the second threaded hole, the second threaded shaft extending to the outside of the gearbox housing, The first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are configured to move closer to or further away from each other in response to the rotation of the worm gear and the gear shaft, which in turn rotates the worm gear relative to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft. The first threaded hole has a first thread pitch and a first diameter, the second threaded hole has a second thread pitch and a second diameter, the first thread pitch is equal to the second thread pitch, and the first diameter is different from the second diameter. The rotational force received at the worm gear is converted by the device into an axial force applied along the axis on which the gear shaft extends. The apparatus is configured such that the axial force is applied between adjacent side walls of a pair of semi-continuous casting dies.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gearbox housing has a through hole parallel to the axis of the worm gear, configured to receive a drive shaft for driving the worm gear.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are held in a rotatably fixed state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cavity is provided in the second threaded shaft, and the cavity has a diameter larger than the first diameter.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are coaxial.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second threaded shaft has a cavity, and in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft approaching each other, the first threaded shaft is received into the cavity of the second threaded shaft.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft moving closer to or further away from each other, the first threaded shaft exerts a first force on a first object coupled to the first threaded shaft, and the second threaded shaft exerts a second force on a second object coupled to the second threaded shaft, wherein the first force and the second force are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

8. A device that applies force, Worm gear and, A first worm wheel gear engaged with the worm gear, A second worm wheel gear engaged with the aforementioned worm gear, A first gear shaft is coaxial with the first worm wheel gear and integrally coupled to the first worm wheel gear so as to rotate together with the first worm wheel gear, A first threaded hole provided near the first end of the first gear shaft, A second threaded hole is provided near the second end of the first gear shaft opposite to the first end of the first gear shaft, The first threaded shaft received by the first threaded hole, The second threaded shaft, which is received by the second threaded hole, A second gear shaft is coaxial with the second worm wheel gear and integrally coupled to the second worm wheel gear so as to rotate together with the second worm wheel gear, A third threaded hole is provided near the first end of the second gear shaft, A fourth threaded hole is provided near the second end of the second gear shaft opposite to the first end of the second gear shaft, The third threaded shaft, which is received by the third threaded hole, It comprises a fourth threaded shaft received by the fourth threaded hole, The first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are configured to move closer to or further away from each other in response to the rotation of the first worm wheel gear and the worm gear that thus rotates the first gear shaft relative to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft. The apparatus is configured such that the third threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft move closer to or further away from each other in response to the rotation of the second worm wheel gear and the worm gear that thus rotates the second gear shaft relative to the third threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second threaded shaft has a cavity, and in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft approaching each other, the first threaded shaft is received into the cavity of the second threaded shaft.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, in response to the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft moving closer to or further away from each other, the first threaded shaft exerts a first force on a first object coupled to the first threaded shaft, and the second threaded shaft exerts a second force on a second object coupled to the second threaded shaft, wherein the first force and the second force are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are coaxial.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft are held in a rotatably fixed position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a gearbox housing the worm gear, the first worm wheel gear, the first gear shaft, the second worm wheel gear, and the second gear shaft, wherein the first threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft are provided on the first side of the gearbox, and the second threaded shaft and the third threaded shaft are provided on the second side of the gearbox.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first threaded shaft, the second threaded shaft, the third threaded shaft, and the fourth threaded shaft each move simultaneously towards or away from the gearbox at the same speed in response to the rotation of the worm gear.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a first object is attached to the first threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft, a second object is attached to the second threaded shaft and the third threaded shaft, the first threaded shaft and the second threaded shaft apply a first force between the first object and the second object in response to a first rotation of the worm gear, and the third threaded shaft and the fourth threaded shaft apply a second force between the first object and the second object in response to a first rotation of the worm gear, the first force being different from the second force.

16. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first threaded hole has a first thread pitch and a first diameter, and the second threaded hole has a second thread pitch and a second diameter, wherein the first thread pitch is equal to the second thread pitch and the first diameter is different from the second diameter.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a cavity is provided in the second threaded shaft, and the cavity has a diameter larger than the first diameter.

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