Linear actuator motor

Abstract

A motor includes a pair of linear actuators having a rack connected to their actuation elements. The linear actuators are powered in a manner which causes them to oscillate. A pair of sector gears which mesh with the rack are rotatably mounted on individual shafts to rotate clockwise when the rack moves in one direction and counterclockwise when the rack moves in the opposite direction. One of the sector gears is coupled to its associated shaft through a counterclockwise one-way clutch and the other sector gear is coupled to its shaft through a clockwise one-way clutch. The shafts have intermeshing drive gears mounted on them and thereby rotate counter to one another. An output gear can be coupled to either drive gear through an idler gear which is engaged with the appropriate drive gear by a solenoid-operated carriage. When the rack is moving in a first direction one of the sector gears is coupled to its shaft through its one-way clutch to rotate the drive gears. When the rack is moved in the opposite direction the other sector gear is coupled to its shaft through its one-way clutch to rotate drive the drive gears. Since the drive gears counterrotate and each is driven only when its associated sector gear is rotated in the proper direction, the drive gears continue to rotate in the same direction when the rack oscillates. Typically, a motor comprises several stages each having a pair of linear actuators, sector gears and a rack.