Segmented Speed Reducer Casing for Easier Large-Scale Machining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-sized speed reducers pose manufacturing challenges due to dimensions exceeding current processing machine capabilities, and dividing casings into smaller parts complicates coupling alignment during assembly.

Innovation Solution

Divide the casing body into parts arranged next to each other in the main axis direction, with main bearings facilitating easy alignment and processing, allowing existing machines to handle the manufacturing of large-sized speed reducers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the casing body is kept as a single large part, then the speed reducer maintains structural integrity, but existing processing machines cannot manufacture it due to size limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability with existing processing machinesVSAvoidcasing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The casing body is divided into multiple parts (first casing part, second casing part, etc.) arranged in the axial direction of the shaft. Each part can be manufactured separately using existing processing machines with limited travel, avoiding the need for large-capacity equipment while maintaining the overall structural function of the speed reducer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the casing body is divided into smaller parts, then existing processing machines can manufacture the parts, but coupling alignment between parts becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturability with existing processing machinesVSAvoidcoupling alignment during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Main bearings serve as intermediary components that facilitate coupling alignment between the divided casing parts. The bearings are positioned at the division interfaces and provide precise positioning references, enabling accurate alignment of the first casing part, second casing part, and other segments during assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The casing parts are designed with pre-established positioning features (such as steps on the shaft and corresponding seating surfaces on the casing parts) that prepare the assembly interfaces in advance. This preliminary configuration of alignment features ensures that when the parts are assembled, the coupling alignment can be achieved quickly and accurately using the main bearings as references, rather than requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4286710A1Casing, speed reducer and robot

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 NABTESCO CORP

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AI summary

One aspect of the present invention provides a casing (210) constituted by two or more parts (21 0A, 21 0B and 210C) that are separate and arranged next to each other in a main axis (F0) direction.