Patent GB-187026-A (GB)
Title: Relay action mechanism for multiplying forces
IPC: H01H53/015
Filed: 1921-07-13
Abstract: 187,026. Burgess, S., (Tekniske Forsogsaktieselskab). July 13, 1921. Machinery, utilizing inertia to obtain movements in.-Relay mechanism for obtaining considerable power from comparatively small energy, comprises a body oscillated by a source of power and so arranged that the centreline or point on each side of which the body swings is movable by the small energy to be relayed. The oscillating member may turn about a pivot or move in a straight line or on a surface. In an example, Fig. 1, applied to maintaining constant the voltage of an alternating current generator, the oscillating body comprises an armature D excited by the generator A and arranged to oscillate in the field of a fixed magnet B with broad pole shoes N, S. The armature D is preferably highly satur. ated. Fixed to the armature D is an arm F with springy extensions K, K, which oscillate between the stops H<1>, H<2> and J<1>, J<2> on the movable stop members H, J. The member H. is moved against the action of a spring by a. solenoid M excited by the generator A. Movement of this stop shifts the centre of oscillation of the armature D and causes the other end of the arm F to move the stop member J. The following modifications are describsd : - (1) The movable contact 0 is directly connected to the arm F. (2) The spring K is connected to the stop H by springs. (3) Two oscillating members are provided. Fig. 4, with a phase difference of 180‹. (4) The solenoid M is partly excited by a second winding included in the field circuit cf the generator. (5) The following arrangements are made whereby the stop member H is movable, only by the small power and not by the arm F. (a) The stop member moves on guides R, Fig. 5, and is fixed by a spring Q to a wedge member O.so that when the arm F strikes the stop the member P forces it into frictional engagement with the guides R to prevent its movement, whereas operation of the stop by the sole noid M is not interefered with. (b) The stop member is carried by and arranged to be moved by a screw rotated by the solenoid M. The oscillating member may receive its motion from the pendulum or balance wheel of electrically or mechanically controlled clocl:woi'k. for instance by means of a frictional connection so that movement of the stop at one end of the arm F shifts the central line of oscillation and causes the arm F to move the stop at the other end. In another form, Fig. 10, the pendulum carries an element W, against which is held in frictional engagement by springs, magnetism, or gravity, a movable member V. The position of the member V relatively to the member W depends on the primary stop H, displacement of which causes a corresponding displacement of the stop J. In further examples, the member V is rotatably mounted on the member W, and in one case the member V carries two buffer members which come each side of the stops H, J, instead of a single member coming between two buffers on the members H, J. The contacting surfaces of the members, V, W may be made corrugated. Another method of locking members, V, W together is shown, Fig. 14, in which the member W has ratchet teeth adapted to be engaged by pawls L when the member V is moving the stop T. In a further modification, Fig. 15, the whole clockwork S, is moved by the small force, in this case the solenoid M. In a further series of modifications two oscillatory bodies, one of which may be the source of power, oscillate against one another. In one case, Fig. 16, the clockwork S is counterweighted, and pivoted at Z, and carries an arm X which oscil. lates 180‹ out of phase with the pendulum T. The pendulum may be replaced by a balance wheel and the pivot Z be made vertical. In this case, the oscillating body can be turned through 360‹ without appreciable, effort. In another case, Fig. 17. two masses e', e<2>, slide in guides and are connected by cranks g, f. The crank f is rotated by the motor r. In another case the mass e<a> is fixed to the end of the crank f and rotates about a pivot in the mass e'. This arrangement is shown. Fig. 19, applied to a system similar to that shown in Fig. 15. In a further method of obtaining oscillation with a floating centre line of oscillation, Fig. 20, a shaft i carrying an eccentrically disposed weight e<2> is rotated by a source of power through a universal joint K. The shaft i is supported in a sleeve e<1> pivoted at h. In a modification the excentric weight may be made the shaft e'. In the application of the invention to amplifying sounds, telephonic currents &c., several oscillating members with suitable phase differences are employed. In an example, Fig. 22, for producing strong accoustic vibrations from weab telephone currents, two oscillating members F<1>, F' are employed and the centre line nf oscillation is shifted by movement of a diaphragm controlled by a magnet M. The stop J is thus moved and operates the diaphragm n. Instead of operating a diaphragm, the stop J may operate a microphone to produce .amplified variable currents or may oscillate a mass of iron or a coil in the field of an electromagnet with the same object; the effectiveness of such a relay may be increased, Fig. 24, by arranging the coils M, t, for the stops H, J, in series. In a further series of modifications, the primary stop H, is locked against movement by the arm F, by the operation of detents. In one arrangement. Fig. 28, the member H slides in guides R and is normally held against move. ment either way by pawls Z, Z<2>. Movement of the member Z by the magnet M or spring F<2> causes one of the pawls to be lifted and allows the member H to be moved in one or other direction by the arm F. The member Z may be mechanically moved for example by having one end mounted on a screw so as to be moved when the screw is rotated. In an application of these modifications to a regulating device, Fig. 29, similar to that shown in Fig. 1, the arm F carries an electromagnet Q excited by alternating cmrent from the generator to be controlled. The magnet Q vibrates an armature W connected to the arm F by a spring. Variations in the output voltage cause the solenoid M to free one of the detents Z'. Z<2> carried by the arm F, from the fixed disc R. The arm F is thus moved in one or other direction so as to cut more or less of the resistance T into the field circuit until the predetermined output voltage is restored. In a further development the invention is used as a means of power transmission in which the driven member can readily be controlled or have its direction reversed, and where it is desired to convert high into relatively low velocities. This form is applicable to the control of any form of machinery, but more particularly to cranes, hoists, marine driving and steering gear and locomotives. In an example of this construction, Fig. 30, a source: of power M such as an internal combustion .engine, steam engine or transmission gear gives continuous and rapid motion to a shaft C which drives gear wheels u fixed to eccentric weights e<1> e<2>, arranged to rotate round a cross-shaft F. The shaft F is mounted in a casing g which is preferably filled with lubricant and is mounted rotatably at g<2> on a sleeve b fixed to the prime mover M. The sleeve b also carries a fixed disc D and two rotatable discs E, K, the latter of which is formed as a belt pulley. Mounted on the disc E are two uprights H, and on the disc K, two similar uprights J, connected, Fig. 31, by springs X', X<2>, to the cross shaft F. On the disc E, are also mounted detents Z<1>, Z<2>, Fig. 32, and a disengag. ing lever Z connected by a bent arm a to a belt pulley L driven by a controlling motor m which may be very small. Movement of the arm a frees one of the detents from the fixed disc D, and the oscillation of the shaft F, due to rotation of the weights e<1>, e<2>, causes the disc E to rotate carrying with it the disc K, whose movements under power from the main motor M are thus controlled by the small motor m. The latter may be operated by the receiver of a ships telegraph or nr by the motor M, it may also 'be connected to the pulley L through friction gearing. As an alternative the arm a may be controlled manually. The construction may be modified by omitting the disc K. the disc E then carrying all the uprights and being formed as a belt pulley. In another alternative the cross shaft F is connected to those on the disc F only, and these uprights are connected to those on the disc K. The discs E, K may be rigidly connected together or the disc E may he rigidly connected to the shaft F, and resiliently to the disc E. The detents Z<1>, Z<2> may be of any kind and more than two in number. There may be more than two eccentric weights arranged to prevent undue straining of the cross shaft F. Specification 157,870 is referred to.