Patent GB-490809-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in mechanism for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice-versa
IPC: F01B1/06
Filed: 1937-02-17
Abstract: 490,809. Converting reciprocating into rotary motion ; engine and pump driving- gear. KINETIC CYCLE RESEARCH CORPORATION. Feb. 17, 1937, No. 4768. Convention date, March 2, 1936. [Class 80 (iii)] [Also in Groups XXVI and XXVII] A " masterless connecting-rod " mechanism for converting reciprocating into rotary motion and vice versa comprises the combination of a crank-case, a crank-shaft and pin, a knucklepin receiver on the crank-pin and a plurality of compensating links each pivotally connected to the crank-case and to the knucklepin receiver, the arrangement being such that the points of contact of the link with the crank-case and the receiver can move relatively to each other in the direction of the axis of the link which is prevented from moving laterally to its axis at the said points of contact. A crank shaft 13 has a crank-pin 14 on which is journalled a knuckle-pin receiver 21 having a bearing liner 22. The receiver has flanges 21b to provide bearings for knucklepins 20 on which connecting-rods 19 are journalled. Arms on the receiver have pins 23 and the crank-case has corresponding pins 24 and these corresponding pairs of pins are connected by compensating links 25 which may move longitudinally between the pins or allow relative movement of said pins. In Fig. 2 the links have forked ends, but one end only may be forked or the links may comprise relatively movable members 32, 33, Fig. 4, confining a pressure chamber to which oil may be conducted through a vent 33a. The relatively movable members may have a spring between them. In Fig. 7, the link is journalled on each pin P8, P9, and comprises a resilient member 50 normally having the clearance C to permit of relative movement of the pins. In a further modification, the link is journalled on one pin and has a closed slot connection with the other. The clearance C is provided to accommodate variations due to the necessary manufacturing tolerances in all, and particularly in critical, dimensions. The parts are shown in Fig. 2B, in the position when a load is applied, e.g. by a connecting- rod 19a. This turns the receiver 21 clockwise until the pin 23a touches the bottom of the slot 25b in link 25c. This link will then transmit the torque to the crank-case and will rotate in unison with the crank-pin. With four links, each link transmits torque for about 90‹, but other numbers of links may be employed with three as a minimum. During normal conditions, and in the event of expansion of the crank-case, the pins 24 may move radially outward without affecting the operation ; further, the load deflections on the crank-shaft which tend to shift the centre of the crank-pin radially is possible without subjecting the links to additional loads. Diagrams are given showing the mechanism in various positions and showing also that the receiver oscillates about the crank-pin to an extent depending on the clearance provided. The pins may be anchored in the link and journalled in the receiver or vice versa. Either end of the link may be forked and the clearances provided in the end of the link. The links may be reversed and the clearance embodied in the link itself. Any of the links is effective for clockwise or counterclockwise direction of rotation.