Continuously Variable Transmission by High-speed Path Switching of Linear Electro-hydrostatic Actuator

Abstract

In robotic systems, reduction drives are utilized to increase actuators' force. Actuators with a constant reduction ratio can not achieve characteristics of both high velocity driving and high force driving. In order to perform various tasks, high force drive and high velocity drive are required for robotic actuators since required driving characteristics are different among tasks. Therefore, a mechanism which can change a reduction ratio continuously is needed. This paper proposes a mechanism that can change a reduction ratio with a linear electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA). The proposed mechanism switches between two discrete reduction ratios by switching two oil paths with solenoid valves. Furthermore, this paper realizes a continuously variable reduction ratio by switching the solenoid valves quickly. This paper confirms that the reduction ratio changes continuously and widely by simulations.