Patent GB-190120101-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Power Transmitting Mechanism, Chiefly Designed for use in connection with the Propulsion of Vehicles.
Inventor: ARNOLD BION JOSEPH
Filed: 1901-10-08
Granted: 1902-10-08
Abstract: 20,101. Arnold, B. J. Oct. 8. Electric locomotives and motor vehicles.-Relates to means for transmitting power from a motor in which the power, usually wasted in retarding and stopping the driven part, is stored up and applied to re-start the motor, or to assist it in starting, or in overcoming a load above the normal. The invention is described as acting by the agency of air or other fluid, and in connection with an electric traction system in which synchronous alternating- current motors running at a uniform speed are used. The armature of the motor y is secured to a hollow shaft a, free to rotate on the car axle b, and formed with a hollow shell carrying an internal wheel c which is geared to a pinion secured to the car axle by a set of epicyclic wheels g. The wheels g are fixed on the crank shafts of a set of engines x, the cylinders of which are united by a casing e which is capable of rotating on the axle. A similar set of engines z is mounted on the opposite side of the electromotor, the wheels g<1> of which gear with a pinion d on the axle ; the casing of these engines may be prevented from rotating by means of an electromagnetic clutch o secured to the field magnets of the electromotor which are tied to the frame of the vehicle. At the bottoms of the cylinders are ports n, adapted, in the relative rotation of the cylinders and axle, to move over ports r, r', s' formed in the axle and communicating by means of central passages therein and pipes F, G, H with a valve-box A, Figs. 5, 6, 7. and 8, which is also provided with a connection D to a reservoir E for compressed air, and with an exhaust pipe N'. The valve-box is fitted with a valve B, capable of rotation, and formed with ports L, M, N extending lengthways through it ; the port M opens into the port L by means of a spring valve O. In the position of the valve shown, the port N connects all the pipes F, G, H with the exhaust N', and the engines are idle. The valve may be turned to place G and H in connection with the reservoir, F still remaining open to the exhaust ; the engines z, will then remain inoperative, but the engine x will begin to work and the car axle being fixed, will drive the armature of the motor in the forward direction. When the armature has attained its full speed, the current may be switched on and the valve turned to allow the engine to run free so that the car will remain stationary. The valve is next turned to place the pipe F in connection with the port M, the pipes G, H remaining open to the exhaust ; the engines x will then pump air from the chambers u into the chambers t in the engine casing, and then through the valve 0 into the reservoir. If now the axle is allowed to rotate, the car will start slowly and will gain in speed as the increase of pressure in the reservoir impedes the movements of the pistons. The valve may then be turned to admit compressed air to the pipe G, this movement automatically switches the electromagnet o into circuit to lock the casing of the engines z the pistons of which then begin to drive, while the pistons of the engine x are tending to compress air into the reservoir. The car having attained full speed, the casing of the engines z is liberated, the pipes F, G, H are closed, and the engines act to pump the air from the chambers u, u<1>'of their casings to the chambers t, t<1>. The car is now running at full speed and driven by the electromotor through the epicyclic gearing which forms a flexible connection. By suitably shifting the valve, the engines z may be used to assist the motor or to absorb power. The valve may be set to drive the car backwards for short distances without changing the direction of rotation of the electromotor ; for greater distances the motor should be brought to rest and then started in the opposite direction. Fig. 11 shows the arrangement of the parts on a car, with provision for operating the valve from either end by means of a longitudinal shaft J<4> and upright spindles geared thereto ; the controlling-handle works over a dial, Figs. 9 and 10, and may be shifted from one end of the car to the other ; but it can be taken off the upright spindle only when in the zero position, as in all other positions it is locked by means of a lug which passes under the dial plate. In a modified arrangement, in which the electromotor g is mounted on one axle and the auxiliary engines x, z upon another, the two engines are combined in one casing and have common planet wheels g gearing with a single wheel d; the supply and exhaust passages are also modified, and a brake strap is used to prevent the casing from rotating.