Patent Application
20250083846
The present disclosure relates to a tool for dispensing a material about a bundle of elongate articles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a drive assembly and a motor assembly for a tool for dispensing the material about the bundle of elongate articles.
Generally, a tool can be used for automatically bundling elongate articles such as wires, cables, or the like. For example, such a tool can feed a material, such as a tape, about the bundled articles until the material overlaps itself, tensioning the material about the bundle of articles, and thereafter welding the material at the location of the overlap to provide a tensioned loop which secures the bundle of articles. The tensioned loop can then be cut free from the remaining stock of material so that the tool can be removed from the first bundle of articles and moved to a second location to secure a second portion of material about a second bundle of articles.
In some embodiments, a drive apparatus for a tool to bundle a plurality of elongate articles using a tape includes a drive assembly and a motor assembly. The drive assembly includes a guide block, a drive block, and a drive pin. The motor assembly includes a motor connected to the guide block of the drive assembly and a gear train connected to the motor and extending through the guide block of the drive assembly. The gear train includes a drive axle, a first gear, a second gear oriented to rotate around the drive axle, wherein the second gear is positioned to engage with the first gear, and a compliant member coupled to the second gear and oriented along the drive axle. The drive block of the drive assembly is driven by the second gear of the motor assembly via the drive pin to engage and move the tape through the tool in a first direction. The drive block of the drive assembly is driven by the second gear of the motor assembly via the compliant member to engage and move the tape through the tool in a second direction opposite the first direction.
In some embodiments, a drive apparatus for a tool to bundle a plurality of elongate articles using a tape includes a drive assembly and a motor assembly. The drive assembly includes a guide block, a drive block, and a drive pin. The motor assembly includes a motor connected to the guide block of the drive assembly and a gear train connected to the motor and extending through the guide block of the drive assembly. The gear train includes a drive axle, a first gear, a second gear oriented to rotate around the drive axle, wherein the second gear is positioned to engage with the first gear, a compliant member coupled to the second gear and oriented along the drive axle, and an output nut coupled to the second gear and oriented to rotate around the drive axle. The drive block of the drive assembly is driven by the second gear of the motor assembly via the drive pin to engage and move the tape through the tool in a first direction. The drive block of the drive assembly is driven by at least one of the second gear and the output nut of the motor assembly via the compliant member to engage and move the tape through the tool in a second direction opposite the first direction.
In some embodiments, a tool for bundling a plurality of elongate articles using a tape includes a drive assembly in communicable connection with a trigger and a motor assembly. The motor assembly can include a motor and a gear train including a drive axle, a first gear, a second gear oriented to rotate around the drive axle, wherein the second gear is positioned to engage with the first gear, and a compliant member coupled to the second gear and oriented along the drive axle. The drive block of the drive assembly can be driven by the second gear of the motor assembly via the drive pin to engage and move the tape through the tool in a first direction. The drive block of the drive assembly can be driven by the second gear of the motor assembly via the compliant member to engage and move the tape through the tool in a second direction opposite the first direction.
Some embodiments of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the embodiments shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.
Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.
The drive assembly 200 includes the guide block 202. The guide block 202 can be defined by a body and configured to receive the first motor assembly 204 and the drive block 206 onto the body. In some embodiments, the guide block 202 can include any of a plurality of sizes and shapes to connect to the first motor assembly 204, the drive block 206, and other components of the drive assembly 200 and/or the tool 100. In the illustrated embodiments, the geometry of the guide block 202 is shaped to conform to the housing 102 and/or to accommodate other components of the tool 100 including the first motor assembly 204 and the drive block 206. It is to be appreciated that other geometries for the guide block 202 are possible and that the illustrated shape is exemplary. Additional geometries are possible in accordance with the remaining disclosure.
The drive assembly 200 includes the first motor assembly 204. The first motor assembly 204 can be configured to drive the drive block 206 to move the tape through the drive assembly 200 and the tool 100. In some embodiments, the first motor assembly 204 can cause a rotation of the drive block 206 in response to an operation of the trigger 108 by a user. In some embodiments, the tool 100 can include a controller, the controller providing a control signal to the first motor assembly 204 to drive the drive block 206 and to move the tape through the drive assembly 200 and the tool 100.
The drive assembly 200 includes the drive block 206 (
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 can include a second motor assembly 226. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 can include a cam 210. The second motor assembly 226 can be configured to rotate the cam 210 about an axis. The cam 210 can be configured to be in rolling engagement with the clamping assembly 400 of the tool 100 to cause an operation of the clamping assembly 400.
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 can include the trigger 108. In some embodiments, the trigger 108 can be utilized by a user to operate the tool 100. Squeezing of the trigger 108 operates a switch (not shown) electrically communicating with a control mechanism (not shown). As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the control mechanism may, for example, include a programmed microchip contained internally within the tool 100 or external to the tool 100 (e.g., the microchip and power supply can be combined together into one unit). The control mechanism provides power and instructions to the components of the tool at appropriate points during the bundling operation.
The drive assembly 200 can include the first motor assembly 204. The first motor assembly 204 can be mounted to the guide block 202. The first motor assembly 204 cooperates with the drive block 206 for feeding the tape through the drive block 206 and the tool 100. In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 feeds the tape from the tape cartridge to the clamping assembly 400 of the tool 100.
In some embodiments, the first motor assembly 204 can include a first motor 212. The first motor 212 rotates a drive end of the motor in a first direction and a second direction based on a control signal. In some embodiments, the first motor 212 can include a DC motor. In some embodiments, a skilled person would appreciate that the motor can include other types of motors suitable to rotatably drive the components of the drive assembly 200. In some embodiments, the first motor assembly 204 can include a gear train 214. The gear train 214 can mechanically couple the first motor 212 to the drive block 206. Consequently, in some embodiments, the rotation of the drive end of the first motor 212 can cause a rotation of the components of the drive block 206 through the gear train 214.
In some embodiments, the gear train 214 can include a first gear 216, such as, but not limited to, a worm. In some embodiments, the first gear 216 can be connected to the drive end of the first motor 212 and rotate in a first direction and a second direction based on a rotation of the first motor 212. In some embodiments, the first gear 216 can be a member having a thread on an outer surface of the member. In some embodiments, the gear train 214 can include a second gear 228, such as, but not limited to, a worm gear. In some embodiments, an outer circumference of the second gear 228 can include a plurality of teeth to engage the helical threads of the first gear 216. In some embodiments, the gear train 214 can include a drive axle 232. The drive axle 232 can be connected to the second gear 228 at the first end. The drive axle 232 can be configured to rotate about its axis relative to the guide block 202 based on a rotation of the second gear 228 being driven by the first motor 212.
In some embodiments, the drive axle 232 can engage the drive block 206 to cause the drive block 206 to move the tape through the tool 100 in a first direction (such as to feed the tape) and to tension the tape during the bundling operation by moving the tape through the tool 100 in a second direction opposite the first direction (such as to retract the tape). In some embodiments, the drive axle 232 can be a cylindrical member. In some embodiments, the drive axle 232 can include a tab 234 (
In some embodiments, the tool 100 can include a controller. In some embodiments, the controller can include a motor controller. In some embodiments, the controller can be located in the housing 102 of the tool 100. In some embodiments, the controller can be located external to the tool 100 and connected to the tool 100 by a connector. In some embodiments, the controller can provide, at least in part, control signals to the first motor 212 of the first motor assembly 204 to control the motor torque. In some embodiments, the controller can control the first motor 212 to control the torque applied by the drive block 206 to the tape. In some embodiments, the motor torque can be electronically set to apply a desired tension to the tape by the drive block 206.
In some embodiments, the drive assembly 200 can include the second motor assembly 226 (
The first bracket 238 can be defined by a body and can include a guide channel 250, a first wheel slot 280, and a first axle bore 252. In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include a first portion 262 and a second portion 264. In some embodiments, the first portion 262 can form the main body of the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the second portion 264 can protrude from the rear end of the first portion 262. In some embodiments, the first portion 262 and the second portion 264 can integrally form the first bracket 238.
The first bracket 238 includes the guide channel 250. The guide channel 250 can extend through from the front end to the rear end of the first bracket 238. The guide channel 250 can be sized to accommodate passage of the tape through the first bracket 238. Consequently, the guide channel 250 can include dimensions sufficient to allow passage of the tape through the drive block 206 while preventing buckling of the tape as it advances through the drive block 206. In some embodiments, the guide channel 250 can extend through the first portion 262 and the second portion 264 of the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include an opening disposed at a bottom of the first bracket 238 to expose at least part of the guide channel 250. In some embodiments, the opening can include dimensions to allow the second wheel assembly 244 to extend, at least in part, into a bottom of the guide channel 250 to engage a bottom surface of the tape disposed in the guide channel 250.
The first bracket 238 includes the first wheel slot 280. The first wheel slot 280 can extend from a top of the guide channel 250 and at least partly into the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the first wheel slot 280 can include dimensions adequate to accommodate components of the first wheel assembly 242. In some embodiments, the first wheel slot 280 can include dimensions to allow the components of the first wheel assembly 242 to freely rotate in the first wheel slot 280.
In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include the first axle bore 252. The first axle bore 252 extends through the first bracket 238 from the first side to the second side. In some embodiments, the first axle bore 252 can include dimensions to accommodate components of the first wheel assembly 242. In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include a pin bore 266. The pin bore 266 extends from the first side to the second side of the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the pin bore 266 can be located on the second portion 264. In some embodiments, the pin bore 266 can be configured to receive a pin assembly to rotatably connect the second bracket 240 to the first bracket 238.
In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include a boss. In some embodiments, the boss can protrude from the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the boss can include a shape to allow the spring element 248 to be positioned around the boss. In some embodiments, the shape of the boss can include a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the boss can be configured to retain the spring element 248 disposed about the boss in a centered position relative to the boss on the first bracket 238.
In some embodiments, the first bracket 238 can include a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member can be configured to form a first side and a second side of the first body, respectively. In some embodiments, each of the first member and the second member can include a plurality of bores, the plurality of bores of the first member can align with the plurality of bores of the second member to receive a plurality of fasteners to couple the first member to the second member. In some embodiments, the plurality of bores can include a threaded inner surface to threadingly engage a threaded fastener. In the illustrated embodiments, the geometry of the first bracket 238 can be shaped to conform to the guide block 202 and to cooperate with the second bracket 240 to engage the tape of the tool 100. It is to be appreciated that other geometries for the first bracket 238 are possible and that the illustrated shape is exemplary. Additional geometries are possible in accordance with the remaining disclosure.
The second bracket 240 can be defined by a body and include a bracket channel 270 and a second axle bore 254. In some embodiments, the second bracket 240 can include a third portion 284 and a fourth portion 286. The third portion 284 can form a bottom portion of the second bracket 240. The fourth portion 286 can vertically extend upwards from the rear end of the third portion 284 to form a tab. In some embodiments, the third portion 284 can include a receptacle disposed near an upper end of the fourth portion 286. In some embodiments, the receptacle can be configured to receive a retaining nut, as will be further discussed below. In some embodiments, the third portion 284 and the fourth portion 286 can be integrally formed to form the second bracket 240.
The second bracket 240 can include the bracket channel 270. The bracket channel 270 can be sized to allow the second portion 264 of the first bracket 238 to extend at least partly therethrough to the rear end of the drive block 206. The second bracket 240 can include a second wheel slot 288. The second wheel slot 288 can include dimensions adequate to allow components of the second wheel assembly 244 to freely rotate in the second bracket 240 as will be further discussed below.
The second bracket 240 can include the second axle bore 254. The second axle bore 254 can extend through the second bracket 240 from the first side to the second side of the second bracket 240. The second axle bore 254 can accommodate the second wheel assembly 244 to allow the second wheel assembly 244 to rotate relative to the second bracket 240 and the drive block 206. In some embodiments, the second axle bore 254 can extend through the third portion 284. In some embodiments, the second axle bore 254 can include a first and second bore that extend through the second bracket 240 on opposing sides of the second wheel slot 288.
In some embodiments, the second bracket 240 can include a pin bore 266. The pin bore 266 extends from the first side to the second side of the second bracket 240. The pin bore 266 can be configured to align with the pin bore 260 of the first bracket 238. The pin bore 260 and the pin bore 266 can receive a pin assembly 272. In some embodiments, the second bracket 240 can pivotably move about the pin assembly 272 relative to the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the pin bore 266 can be disposed on the third portion 284.
In some embodiments, the second bracket 240 can include a bore 268. In some embodiments, the bore 268 can be disposed on the fourth portion 286 of the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the bore 268 can extend through the fourth portion 286 to the receptacle of the fourth portion 286. In some embodiments, the bore 268 can be configured to allow a retaining assembly 246 to extend through the bore 268 when the second bracket 240 can be fixed relative to the first bracket 238 by the pin assembly 272.
In some embodiments, the second bracket 240 can include a third member and a fourth member. In some embodiments, the third member and the fourth member can be configured to form the first side and the fourth side of the second body, respectively. Further, in some embodiments, the third member and the fourth member can include a plurality of bores. The plurality of bores of the third member aligning with the plurality of bores of the fourth member and configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to couple the third member to the fourth member. In some embodiments, the plurality of bores can include a threaded inner surface to threadingly engage a threaded fastener. In the illustrated embodiments, the geometry of the second bracket 240 can be shaped to conform to the guide block 202 and to cooperate with the first bracket 238 to engage the tape of the tool 100. It is to be appreciated that other geometries for the second bracket 240 are possible and that the illustrated shape is exemplary. Additional geometries are possible in accordance with the remaining disclosure.
The drive block 206 includes the first wheel assembly 242. In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly 242 can include a first tape axle 274, a first tape gear 276, and a first tape wheel 278. The first wheel assembly 242 can be configured to rotate relative to the first bracket 238 in the first axle bore 252. In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly 242 can be configured to engage the drive axle 232 using a slot and tooth arrangement and rotate in response to a rotation of the first motor 212. In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly 242 can extend through the first axle bore 252. In some embodiments, the first tape axle 274 can include a first end and a second end and extend from the first side to the second side of the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the first tape axle 274 can be configured to engage the drive axle 232 at the first end of the first tape axle 274. In some embodiments, the first tape axle 274 can rotate the first tape gear 276 and the first tape wheel 278 in response to a rotation of the drive axle 232. In some embodiments, the first tape axle 274 can include the slot 236 disposed at the first end. The slot 236 can engage the tab 234 located on the drive axle 232 and can rotate the first tape axle 274 in response to the rotation of the tab 234 of the drive axle 232. In some embodiments, the first tape axle 274 can be a cylindrical member.
The first tape gear 276 can be fixedly mounted onto the first tape axle 274 at the second end. The first tape gear 276 can be configured to rotate relative to the first bracket 238 in response to a rotation of the first tape axle 274. In some embodiments, an outer circumference of the first tape gear 276 can include a plurality of teeth for engaging a face of the second wheel assembly 244 as will be further discussed below. In some embodiments, the first tape gear 276 can be configured to receive a fastener to connect the first tape gear 276 to the first tape axle 274. In some embodiments, the fastener can include a set screw, screw, clip, bolt, nut, other fasteners, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the circumference of the first tape axle 274 can include an eccentric shape. In some embodiments, the second end of the first tape axle 274 can include the eccentric shape. In some embodiments, the first tape gear 276 can include an inner bore having a profile corresponding to the eccentric shape of the second end of the first tape axle 274 to retain the position of the first tape gear 276 as the first tape axle 274 rotates about its axis.
The first tape wheel 278 can be fixedly mounted to the first tape axle 274 at the first wheel slot 280 of the first bracket 238. The first tape wheel 278 can be configured to rotate relative to the first bracket 238 in response to a rotation of the first tape axle 274. In some embodiments, the first tape wheel 278 can include a diameter sized to extend a portion of the first tape wheel 278 into the guide channel 250 to engage an upper surface of the tape located in the guide channel 250. The first tape wheel 278 includes an outer circumference having a surface that can contact the tape located in the guide channel 250. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first tape wheel 278 can be substantially smooth and can feed the tape through the guide channel 250 based on friction and the compression force. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first tape wheel 278 can include a plurality of ridges to engage a surface of the tape and feed the tape through the guide channel 250.
The drive block 206 includes the second wheel assembly 244. The second wheel assembly 244 can be configured to rotate relative to the second bracket 240 in the second axle bore 254. In some embodiments, the second wheel assembly 244 can extend through the second axle bore 254. In some embodiments, the second wheel assembly 244 can include a second tape axle 290, a second tape gear 292, and a second tape wheel 294. In some embodiments, the second tape axle 290 can include a first end and a second end and extend from the first side to the second side of the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the second tape axle 290 can rotate the second tape wheel 294 in response to a rotation of the second tape gear 292. In some embodiments, the second tape axle 290 can include the slot 236 disposed at the first end. In some embodiments, the slot 236 can engage the tab 234 located on the drive axle 232 and can rotate the first tape axle 274 in response to the rotation of the tab 234 of the drive axle 232. In some embodiments, the second tape axle 290 can be a cylindrical member.
The second tape gear 292 can be fixedly mounted onto the second tape axle 290 at the second end. In some embodiments, an outer circumference of the second tape gear 292 can include a plurality of teeth for engaging a face of the first tape gear 276. Consequently, in some embodiments, the first tape gear 276 can be configured to rotate relative to the first bracket 238 in response to a rotation of the first tape gear 276. In some embodiments, the second tape gear 292 can be configured to receive a fastener to connect the second tape gear 292 to the second tape axle 290. In some embodiments, the fastener can include a set screw, screw, clip, bolt, nut, other fasteners, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the circumference of the second tape axle 290 can include an eccentric shape. In some embodiments, the second end of the second tape axle 290 can include the eccentric shape. In some embodiments, the second tape gear 292 can include an inner bore having a profile corresponding to the eccentric shape of the second end of the second tape axle 290 to retain the second tape gear 292 in a fixed position relative to the second tape axle 290 as the second tape axle 290 rotates about its axis.
The second tape wheel 294 can be fixedly mounted to the first tape axle 274 at the second wheel slot 288 of the second bracket 240. The second tape wheel 294 can be configured to rotate relative to the second bracket 240 in response to a rotation of the first tape axle 274. In some embodiments, the second tape wheel 294 can include a diameter sized to extend a portion of the second tape wheel 294 into the guide channel 250 to engage a bottom surface of the tape located in the guide channel 250. The second tape wheel 294 can include an outer circumference having a surface that can contact the tape located in the guide channel 250. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the second tape wheel 294 can be substantially smooth and can feed the tape through the guide channel 250 based on friction and compression forces. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second tape wheel 294 can include a plurality of ridges to engage a surface of the tape and feed the tape through the guide channel 250.
In some embodiments, the drive block 206 can include the retaining assembly 246. The retaining assembly 246 can be configured to be disposed opposite the spring element 248 from the boss on the first bracket 238. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly 246 can be disposed at the receptable of the second bracket 240 and configured retain a position of the spring element 248 relative to an axis of the boss based on the position of the first bracket 238 and the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly 246 can include a retaining member having a retaining nut and a boss member. In some embodiments, the boss member and the retaining nut can be integrally formed, the boss member protruding from an end of the retaining nut. In some embodiments, the retaining nut can be configured to be disposed in the receptacle of the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the retaining nut can include a threaded bore opposite the boss member. In some embodiments, the threaded bore extends at least partly through the retaining member. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly 246 can include a screw element configured to threadingly engage the threaded bore. In some embodiments, the screw element can extend through the bore 268 of the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the screw element can include a screw, set screw, bolt, nut, clip, rivet, clamp, other elements, and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the screw element can be configured to extend through the bore 268 when the second bracket 240 is fixed relative to the first bracket 238 by the pin assembly 272. In some embodiments, the distance the screw element protrudes from the retaining assembly 246 can be adjusted to adjust the compression force of the spring element 248. Consequently, in some embodiments, the compression force of the spring element 248 can be adjusted by screwing the screw element in or out of the threaded bore. For example, unscrewing the screw element further out from the retaining nut can decrease the compression force. In some embodiments, the retaining nut can include any of a plurality of shapes to be disposed in a receptacle and to prevent a rotation of the retaining assembly 246. In some embodiments, the retaining nut can include a square nut. In some embodiments, the retaining nut can include at least three sides.
The drive block 206 includes the spring element 248. The spring element 248 can be configured to allow the force from a driving of the first motor assembly 204 to move the tape in the drive block 206 with minimal slippage to control a tension of the tape around the plurality of elongate articles during the bundling operation. The spring element 248 can be located between the first bracket 238 and the second bracket 240. In some embodiments, the spring element 248 can be disposed between the first portion 262 and the fourth portion 286. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly 246 can extend from the first bracket 238 to the second bracket 240 and through an interior of the spring element 248. In some embodiments, the spring element 248 provides a compression force against the first bracket 238 and the second bracket 240, the first bracket 238 being fixed relative to the guide block 202 and the second bracket 240 pivotably rotating about the pin assembly 272. In some embodiments, the compression force from the spring element 248 can be translated to the first tape wheel 278 and the second tape wheel 294 to engage a surface of the tape disposed in the guide channel 250 to allow the tape to be fed through the drive block 206. In some embodiments, the compression force of the spring element 248 can be adjusted by adjusting the retaining assembly 246. In some embodiments, the compression force can be adjusted by replacing the spring element 248. In some embodiments, the spring element 248 can include a spring. In some embodiments, the spring element 248 can include a compression spring. In some embodiments, the spring element 248 can include any of a plurality of members including, but not limited to, a leaf spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a clip, other spring elements, and combinations thereof.
When the drive axle 232 engages the drive block 206 to cause the drive block 206 to move the tape through the tool 100 in a first direction, such as, but not limited to, a direction to feed the tape through the tool 100, the compliant member 402 is not engaged. In some embodiments, the second gear 228 is coupled to an output nut 404 by a direct drive pin 406. The output nut 404 is fixed to the drive axle 232 to rotate with the drive axle 232. That is, a direct drive pathway via the direct drive pin 406 couples the drive axle 232 and the second gear 228 to the drive block 206 to move the tape through the tool 100 in the first direction. The direct drive pin 406 engages an output nut tab 408 to directly drive the output nut 404 when the tape is moved through the tool 100. After the tape is moved through the tool 100, the compliant member 402 is engaged to move the tape in a second direction opposite the first direction, such as, but not limited to, a direction to retract the tape through the tool 100 for the bundling operation.
In some embodiments, the compliant member 402 applies torque to the output nut 404. The output nut 404 can drive the drive axle 232, and thus the drive block 206. When moving the tape through the tool 100 to tension the tape, the compliant member 402 can facilitate preventing impact loading on the tape by deforming when the tape is fully tensioned and thus stops movement through the tool 100. In some embodiments, when the tape is fully tensioned and stops movement, the compliant member 402 allows the second gear 228 to turn up to nearly one additional turn (e.g., substantially one additional turn but less than 360° rotation). During the nearly one additional turn of the second gear 228, the deformation of the compliant member 402 can increase the torque required for the first motor assembly 204 to turn, thus decoupling the load experienced by the first motor 212 and the tension in the tape. That is, by increasing the torque, the first motor assembly 204 can require additional time to complete the nearly one additional turn of the second gear 228, allowing the controller time to control the first motor 212 in applying the desired tension to the tape by the drive block 206 to facilitate gradual ramping up of the torque tensioning the tape.
In some embodiments, the output nut 404 can be fastened to an end of the drive axle 232 using a hexagonal keyway. It is to be appreciated that the fastening of the output nut 404 to the end of the drive axle 232 using the hexagonal keyway is not intended to be limited, and in various other embodiments, other fastening means can be used in accordance with the disclosure.
The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.
It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.
