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US-51983483-A | Electrode tool storage magazine
ABSTRACT
A tool changer for an EDM apparatus provided with a reciprocable machining head having a tool holder mounted on the end of the machining head. The tool changer comprises a rotatable indexable turret supporting a plurality of electrode tools each integrally provided with a support member for attachment of the electrode tool/support member assembly to the turret. Successive machining operations are effected by the machining head carrying an appropriate electrode tool, and at the end of each machining operation the electrode tool/support member assembly is attached to the turret.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to EDM apparatus provided with several electrode tools capable of being used in sequence.
It is known to provide EDM apparatus with an automatic tool changing mechanism, whereby the diverse electrode tools are stored in a magazine and a tool conveyor is provided between the magazine and the tool holder for carrying the electrode tools between the magazine and the tool holder and for returning the electrode tools to the magazine. For example, with the tools stored in a magazine such as a rotatable table, the tool conveyor system comprises, in general, a moving arm arranged such as to take a tool from the rotatable table and carry it to the tool holder of the machining head. After the tool has been installed on the tool holder, the moving arm must be retracted such as to clear the machining head to enable the electrode tool to be displaced to a position proximite the workpiece.
Tool conveyor systems and moving arms take much room and are a hindrance to designing a compact tool changer. In addition, known tool changers and conveyors must achieve motion of the tool along the three axes, which is a requirement that results in complex and costly devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for principal object to eliminate the inconveniences of the prior art and to provide a very compact tool changer which may be placed proximate to the machining head of a machine tool such as an EDM apparatus.
One of the objects of the invention is to provide an EDM apparatus having a support member for a workpiece to be machined and a machining head, provided with an electrode tool, axially displaceable relative to the workpiece, the EDM apparatus comprising a rotatable table or turret for storing a variety of electrode tools, which requires no separate conveyor means for carrying the electrode tools from their stored position to the machining head and for returning the electrode tools from the machining head to the storage turret.
The apparatus of the invention is further characterized in that each electrode tool includes an integral support member in the form of a removable portion of the storage turret which remains attached to the electrode tool. The peripheral surface of the rotating turret to which is removably attached the electrode tool support member is located outside of the geometric projection of the machining head during reciprocation of the machining head, once the electrode tool is mounted on the tool holder on the machining head.
The many objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of an example of structure of apparatus according to the present invention, given for illustrative purpose only, is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein like numerals refer to like or equivalent parts and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation view of an EDM apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of a portion of FIG. 1 shown at a larger scale and with portions cut away for illustrating the internal structure; and
FIG. 3 is a top plan view, partly in section, from line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIG. 1, an EDM apparatus according to the present invention comprises a frame 1 integral with, or attached to, a base 2 supporting a table 3 on which is mounted a workpiece 4. The workpiece 4, which is made of electrically conductive material, is immersed in a tank 5 filled with a machining fluid which is generally a dielectric liquid. The frame 1 carries at its top a machining head 6 which is reciprocable along a vertical axis 7 by appropriate servo control means, not shown. An electrode tool 8 is arranged to be removably mounted in a holder 6a affixed to the bottom of the machining head 6 for displacement by the machining head to a position proximate to the workpiece 4 prior to machining the workpiece 4 by electrical discharges, and for feeding the electrode tool into the workpiece by relative motion between the electrode tool 8 and the workpiece 4 during machining of the workpiece.
The machining current pulses are supplied by a generator 9 which is connected across the machining head 6 and the workpiece 4, as is well known in the EDM art.
The EDM apparatus has several electrode tools which are carried by a rotatable storage magazine or turret 10, supported in rotation around an axis 11 substantially parallel to the axis 7 of displacement of the machining head 6. The rotatable turret 10 is supported from the bottom of the frame 1 and is disposed proximate to the machining head 6.
As shown in more details at FIG. 2, the turret 10 comprises a central portion or spindle 12, generally bell-shaped, carrying on its periphery a plurality of generally vertically disposed clamping levers 13 pivotable around a pivot point 14 and biased to a clamping position by a spring 15. Each of the clamping levers 13 permits to hold, on the peripheral surface of the bell-shaped spindle 12 of the turret 10 a generally L-shaped support member 16 carrying an electrode tool 8. In the structure illustrated, there are eight electrode tools, 8a through 8h, mounted on the periphery of the turret bell-shaped spindle 12, each by way of a support member, 16a through 16h, integral with or fixedly attached to its corresponding electrode tool.
The turret bell-shaped spindle 12 is mounted on a shaft 18 journalled, via the intermediary of bearings 19, through a block 20 attached to the frame 1 of the EDM apparatus. The shaft 18 carries at its top a toothed wheel 21 for driving the shaft 18 in rotation and for angularly positioning the shaft 18 by means of a stepping electric motor 22, which drives the toothed wheel 21 keyed on the shaft 18 through a cog belt 23. A disk 24 is mounted on the end of the shaft 18. The disk 24 is provided with peripheral teeth or slits 24a angularly spaced such as to correspond each to the position of one of the support members 16a through 16h. The disk 24 co-operates with a reading transducer 25 detecting the driverse angular positions taken by the disk 24 when rotated and angularly positioned by the shaft 18.
FIG. 2 illustrates the machining head 6 in its raised position enabling tool changing. In the raised position of the machining head 6, an appropriate electrode tool 8, such as electrode tool 8a for example, is brought in register with the machining head 6 through appropriate indexing of the rotating turret 10. The machining head 6 is subsequently displaced downwardly such that the tool holder 6a carried at the bottom of the machining head 6, provided with tool holding means 6b in the form of a conical recess, not shown in detail but well known in the art, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,071 for EDM Apparatus with Tool Changer, engages the mounting shank 26 of the electrode tool 8a. The mounting shank 26 is provided with a conical portion, a locking groove 27 co-operating with a locking member in the holding means 6b, and an angular position indexing finger 28 which, as a result of engaging a conforming keyway in the tool holder means 6b, enables the electrode tool 8a to be accurately indexed angularly relative to the tool holder 6a.
After the preselected electrode tool 8a has been affixed in the tool holder 6a at the bottom of a machining head 6, the lever clamp 13 maintaining the tool support member 16a attached to the turret spindle 12 is released. For that purpose, the top end portion of each clamping lever 13 is bent over as shown at 29 to enable the clamping lever 13 to pivot around its pivot point 14 under the action of a fluid actuated plunger 30 reciprocably mounted in the block 20 proximate the machining head 6, and located such as to act upon the bent over portion 29 of the appropriate clamping lever 13 when an appropriate tool has been brought to its working position. The end of each clamping lever 13, opposite to its bent over end portion 29, is provided with appropriate interlocking pawl means 31 normally engaged with conforming interlocking means 32, in the form of a recess or groove for example, disposed on the surface of the upright portion 33 of each tool support member 16, proximate its upper edge, under the action of the spring 15. The upright portion 33 of the tool support member 16 has a surface 34 engaged with a mounting surface 35 on the periphery of the turret spindle 12. After the appropriate tool support member, 16a in the example of FIG. 2, is no longer attached to the spindle 12, the machining head 6 may be advanced to its working position, as shown in dashed line, carrying to the working position the electrode tool 8a and its attached support member 16a. It is to be noted that such a displacement is made possible as a result of the peripheral surface of the spindle 12, and more particularly the mounting surfaces 35, being situated outside of the geometric projection of the machining head 6 or, in other words, volume generated by the machining head 6 when it is displaced downwardly for bringing it in its working position, FIGS. 2 and 3.
After machining of the workpiece 4 with an appropriate electrode tool 8, such as electrode tool 8a, is concluded, the machining head 6 is retracted such as to bring the tool holder 6a to an appropriate position proximate to the rotatable turret 10 which, in the example of operation described, presents a vacant space on the spindle 12 corresponding to the tool support member 16a. In the course of the upward displacement of the machining head 6, the upright portion 33 of the tool support member 16a, provided at its edge with the interlocking means 32 is automatically engaged below the end of the clamp lever 13 which is provided with the interlocking pawl means 31 in the example of structure illustrated, such that the electrode tool 8a and its support member 16a are again attached to the spindle 12 as shown at FIG. 2, while the tool shank 26 is simultaneously freed and unlocked from the tool holder 6a. The rotatable turret 10 can thus be rotated to index any appropriate electrode tool 8 relative to the machining head 6 and the tool holder 6a, so as to enable the appropriate electrode tool to be mounted in the tool holder 6a for effecting another machining operation on the workpiece 4.
It will be appreciated that diverse means may be used for attaching the electrode tools 8 to the spindle 12, such as for example, pincers or electro-magnetic chucks. It will also be appreciated that the present invention has many applications to machine-tools, other than EDM apparatus, provided with automatic tool changers.
Having thus described the present invention by way of a structural example thereof, modification whereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art, what is claimed as new is as follows:
1. In an EDM apparatus for effecting a machining operation on a workpiece, said EDM apparatus being provided with an automatic tool changer, said tool changer comprising a rotatable and indexable turret for supporting a plurality of electrode tools, and said EDM apparatus having a reciprocable machining head having a tool holder mounted on the end thereof, the improvement comprising a support member permanently attached to each of said electrode tools, said tool support member having a portion adapted to be removably attached to said turret, means for removably attaching said tool support member to said turret and for individually holding each said tool support member on said turret, said turret having a mounting surface for said tool support member portion, said mounting surface being located outside of the space occupied by said tool support member during reciprocation of said machining head with said electrode tool and tool support member attached to said tool holder, wherein said attaching and holding means comprise a clamping lever for each said tool support member, said clamping lever having pawl means co-operating with engaging means disposed on said tool support member portion for attaching said tool support member portion to said turret mounting surface during a retraction of said machining head from the workpiece causing engagement of said tool support member portion under said pawl means.
2. The improvement of claim 1 further comprising a fluid actuated plunger disposed in a fixed position proximate said machining head for actuating said clamping lever for detaching said tool support member from said turret after mounting said electrode tool on said tool holder.
3. In an apparatus for effecting a machining operation on a workpiece, said apparatus being provided with an automatic tool changer, said tool changer comprising a rotatable and indexable turret for supporting a plurality of tools, and said apparatus having a reciprocable machining head having a tool holder mounted on the end thereof, the improvement comprising a support member permanently attached to each of said tools, said tool support member having a portion adapted to be removably attached to said turret, means for removably attaching said tool support member to said turret and for individually holding each tool support member on said turret having a mounting surface for said tool support member portion, said mounting surface being located outside of the space occupied by said tool support member during reciprocation of said machining head with said tool and tool support member attached to said tool holder, wherein said attaching and holding means comprise a clamping lever for each said tool support member, said clamping lever having pawl means co-operating with engaging means disposed on said tool support member portion for attaching said tool support member portion to said turret mounting surface during a retraction of said machining head from the workpiece causing engagement of said tool support member portion under said pawl means.
4. The improvement of claim 3 further comprising a fluid actuated plunger disposed in a fixed position proximate said machining head for actuating said clamping lever for detaching said tool support member from said turret after mounting said tool on said tool holder.
| 1983-08-03 | en | 1986-01-14 |
US-22871794-A | Video reproducing apparatus with non-repetitive selecting function
ABSTRACT
A video reproducing apparatus includes a video data memory for storing video data and a video data table for storing information about whether or not given items of the video data in the video data memory have been reproduced. A backup power supply unit backs up the information in the video data table when power is removed. A song category designation input unit is provided for inputting the song category designated, a video reproducing unit is provided for reproducing video data, and a background video control unit is provided for controlling the component units configured. On the basis of the information held in the video data table, the background video control unit determines whether or not any unreproduced video data remains in the video data belonging to the song category designated by the song category designation input unit. If unreproduced video data is found to exist, the control unit instructs the video reproducing unit to reproduce that unreproduced video data.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video reproducing apparatus for reading video data from a video data storage medium on which a plurality of video data are stored, the read-out video data being reproduced when output.
2. Description of Related Art
Commonly known karaoke apparatuses that reproduce background music sound tracks for do-it-yourself vocals can be equipped to play back recorded background music while reproducing corresponding video data. Most of the apparatuses of this kind are operated by superimposing song text (lyrics) on the background video. The storage medium for storing background video data thereon is illustratively a video disc that is played back for a total of one to two hours. The trend today is toward prolonging the total playback time of the storage medium so that customers will better enjoy singing songs accompanied by the increased amount of stored video data.
Some apparatuses are designed to more or less match the reproduced video data with the superimposed song text. For that purpose, the video data is divided into groups that go with different categories of songs: for example, enka music (ballads combining lyrics and melodies that express typical Japanese feelings with Western music) or pop music.
Whether the background video data is grouped or not by song category, generally the apparatus retrieves the video data of a single group (if the video data is not grouped by song category) or of a plurality of groups (where the video data is grouped by song category) in the order in which the video data of each group is stored on the storage medium. The purpose of this scheme is to average the frequencies at which the stored video data is retrieved and output.
Under the above scheme, however, every time the video reproducing apparatus (more specifically, the video disc drive) is turned on, video data retrieval always starts from the beginning. Thus, the video reproduction always commences with the same image.
Even when the video data is grouped by song category, the first image to be reproduced for a given category is always the same. Where the total playback time of the reproducing apparatus is relatively short, the same cycle of a series of video data is output repeatedly from beginning to end during a day's use. Thus, it matters little from which image the retrieval of stored video data starts. On the other hand, suppose that the total playback time is longer than the entire day's business hours and that the apparatus is turned on at the start of the business hours and turned off at the end of each day's work. In that case, the images located toward the end of the sequential order of storage are seldom, if ever, retrieved and output. This has been a considerable impediment to averaging the reproducing frequencies of the stored video data.
With the above conventional scheme in place, customers of karaoke entertainment are more likely to sing songs with the same background video, with a sizable amount of video data left unused. This is a waste of data resources that deprives the customers of the entertainment they could otherwise enjoy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above and other deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a video reproducing apparatus that prevents a limited number of images from being reproduced more frequently than other images. Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a video reproducing apparatus that allows the stored image data to be reproduced randomly and not sequentially for a given song category so that customers will not become bored with repetitive video reproduction.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects of the present invention, according to one aspect thereof, the video reproducing apparatus comprises: input means for inputting information for selecting a given group of video data from a video data storage medium and storage means for storing at least one of two sets of video data, one set having been reproduced and the other set currently being reproduced, in the group of video data selected according to the selection information input through the input means. Determining means determines whether all video data in the selected group of video data has been reproduced on the basis of the contents of the storage means and selecting means selects the unreproduced video data if the determining means finds any video data not yet reproduced. A reproduction designating means designates the reproduction of the video data selected by the selecting means.
In a preferred structure according to the invention, the selecting means may be arranged to select the unreproduced video data in one of two manners, randomly and in a desired sequence.
In another preferred structure according to the invention, the selecting means may be arranged to enter one of two states, one state for randomly selecting the unreproduced video data and the other state for selecting the video data in a desired sequence. The selecting means further includes switching means for switching from one state to the other.
In a further preferred structure according to the invention, the video reproducing apparatus may further comprise second storage means for storing the reproducing sequence selected by the selecting means. Then, the selecting means selects the video data in the sequence stored in the second storing means when the determining means determines that all video data in the currently selected group has been reproduced.
In any of the preferred structures above, the storage means may include data retaining means for retaining the data held in the storage means whenever the video reproducing apparatus is turned off.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following description and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical karaoke system to which the invention is applied;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a background video reproducing apparatus in the system;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a video data memory in the karaoke system;
FIG. 4 is a memory structure of a video data table provided as part of the system;
FIG. 5A is a flowchart of steps in which a background video control unit of the system operates;
FIG. 5B is a table listing the steps of the flowchart of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A is another flowchart of steps in which the background video control unit operates; and
FIG. 6B is a table listing the steps of the flowchart of FIG. 6A.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A video reproducing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and incorporated into a karaoke system for illustrative purposes is outlined referring to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The karaoke system to which the invention is applied comprises a karaoke control unit 1, a background video reproducing apparatus 5, a television set 8, an amplifier 10, a microphone 11 and speakers 13. The karaoke control unit 1 has a composition memory 1A that stores a plurality of karaoke data coded as per the MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) standards. In operation, the control unit 1 starts orchestral background music for a singer's accompaniment in accordance with the song designated by the singer. The karaoke control unit 1 obtains new-song data 28 by communicating over communication channels with a host computer 27 having a song data-base including the data on newly accommodated songs. When starting the accompaniment of a song, the karaoke control unit 1 outputs song category designating data 4 instructing the background video reproducing apparatus 5 to reproduce the video data relevant to the song. In addition, the karaoke control unit 1 superimposes on a video signal 6, described later, a song text signal generated internally and supplies the television set 8 with a karaoke video signal 7 comprising the song text. The karaoke control unit 1 also outputs an accompaniment signal 9 to the amplifier 10. This assembly is equivalent to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,233,438, 5,252,775 and 5,131,311, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
The background video reproducing apparatus 5 receives the song category designating data 4 from the karaoke control unit 1. In turn, the background video reproducing apparatus 5 sends the video signal 6 of the song category corresponding to the song category designating data 4 to the karaoke control unit 1.
The amplifier 10 receives the accompaniment signal 9 from the karaoke control unit 1 and a vocal signal 12 entered from the microphone 11. The two signals are mixed by the amplifier 10 before being output to the speakers 13.
The background video reproducing apparatus 5, the key component of this invention, is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 4.
The background video reproducing apparatus 5 comprises a background video control unit 20, a song category designation input unit 21, a video reproducing unit 22, a video data table 23, a backup power supply unit 24, a video data memory 25, a reproduction designation changeover switch 26 and a song category variable memory 29.
The background video control unit 20 controls the video reproducing apparatus 5 as a whole using a CPU 20A. The song category designation input unit 21 admits the song category designation data 4 coming from the karaoke control unit 1.
The video data memory 25, as shown in FIG. 3, is a video data storage medium that has a plurality of blocks of video data grouped by song category and stored on video discs. Under control of the background video control unit 20, the video data memory 25 outputs video data to the video reproducing unit 22. In the memory structure of FIG. 3, there are four video blocks grouped by song category. That is, a pops block 40 comprises m video data (1 to m); an enka block 41 comprises n video data (1 to n); an animation song block 42 comprises j video data (1 to j); and a martial song block 43 comprises k video data (1 to k).
The video reproducing unit 22 converts the video data coming from the video data memory 25 into a video signal 6. The video playback time of each video block is preferably around five minutes so as to comply with the playing time of a single song.
The video data table 23 serves as storage means and is a writable memory structured as shown in FIG. 4. The starting address of the video data table 23 accommodates information as to whether or not video data 1 of the pops block has been reproduced; the end address of the video data table 23 contains information as to whether or not video data k of the martial song block has been reproduced. If video data is already reproduced, "1" is written to the corresponding address location; if the video data has yet to be reproduced, "0" is set to the corresponding address location. In the example of FIG. 4, pops data 2 and 5 as well as martial song data 3 have been reproduced. The video data table 23 is backed up by the backup power supply unit 24 that works as data retaining means for retaining the stored data while power is removed.
The reproduction designation changeover switch 26 acting as switching means is used to select one of two options: to reproduce video data randomly within the song category block designated with reference to the video data table 23 or to reproduce video data sequentially from video data 1 onward within a given song category stored in the video data memory 25. Turning on the reproduction designation changeover switch 26 selects the first option, and turning it off selects the second option.
The song category variable memory 29 stores a song category variable corresponding to the song category designating data 4 output from the karaoke control unit 1 to the song category designation input unit 21.
The foregoing description has centered on the composition of the apparatus embodying the invention. Below is a description of how the background video control unit 20 operates referring to FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B.
When the background video reproducing apparatus 5 is turned on, the CPU 20A checks the reproduction designation changeover switch 26 (step S501) for its status. If the switch 26 is found to be on, the process of randomly reproducing video data is selected; if the switch 26 is found to be off, the process of sequentially reproducing video data of a given song category block is selected.
More specifically, when the reproduction designation changeover switch 26 is turned on, the CPU 20A checks to see if the song category designating data 4 is input from the karaoke control unit 1 to the song category designation input unit 21 (step S502). If the song category designating data 4 has yet to be input to the song category designation input unit 21, a check is made to see if the currently reproducing video data is nearing its end (step S510). The determination of the check at step S510 is executed by reading flag data previously written near the end of the video data or by comparing a total reproducing time of the video data with an elapsed time of the same. If the currently reproducing video data is not close to its end, step S502 is reached again. If the currently reproducing video data is nearing its end, step S503 is reached. The video reproducing status held in the video data table 23 is examined by use of the song category variable stored in the song category variable memory 29 at step S503. The song category variable stored in the song category variable memory 29 remains the same as that of the song being currently reproduced. Therefore, the processing for designating a reproduction of the next video data to be reproduced for the currently reproducing song starts if it is determined that the currently reproducing video data is nearing its end at step S510.
If the song category designating data 4 is found to be input in step S502, the designated song category is set in a song category variable memory 29 as the song category variable and the song category designation input unit 21 (step S509) is cleared. Step S509 is followed by step S503 in which the video reproducing status held in the video data table 23 is examined by use of the song category variable stored in the song category variable memory 29. Upon examination, a check is made to see if there still exists unreproduced video data (step S504). If all video data in the designated song category block is found to be reproduced, the reproducing status of that song category block is initialized in the video data table 23 (step S505), and step S506 (described later) is reached. The process of step S504 serves as the determining means for determining whether all relevant video data has been reproduced on the basis of the contents of the video data table 23.
When the CPU 20A finds in step S504 that there exists unreproduced video data, or when the CPU 20A has completed the process of step S505, the CPU 20A using a random function incorporated therein randomly selects some of the unreproduced video data of the currently selected song category (step S506). The video data to be reproduced is set where appropriate in the video data table 23 (step S507). Thereafter, the CPU 20A sends a reproduction command to the video data memory 25 ordering it to reproduce the randomly selected video data (step S508). When the video reproducing unit 22 outputs the video signal to the karaoke control unit 1 for reproduction, step S502 is reached. The process of step S506 serves as the selecting means for selecting the unreproduced video data. The process of step S508 serves as the reproduction designating means for designating the video data selected in step S506 to be reproduced.
The video data of the song category designated by the karaoke control unit 1 is reproduced continuously in the manner described until another song category is designated. If the karaoke control unit 1 outputs an end-of-accompaniment signal, the reproduction process may be interrupted and a standby state may be entered.
If the reproduction designation changeover switch 26 is found to be off, the CPU 20A carries out the following steps shown in FIG. 6A and listed in FIG. 6B. The CPU 20A first initializes the counter of each song category to 1 (step S600). The CPU 20A then checks to see if the song category designating data 4 is input from the karaoke control unit 1 to the song category designation input unit 21 (step S601). If the song category designating data 4 has yet to be input, a check is made to see if the currently reproducing video data is nearing its end (step S602). If the currently reproducing video data is not close to its end, step S601 is reached again. If the currently reproducing video data is found to be close to its end, step S604 (described later) is reached.
If the song category designating data 4 is found to be input in step S601, the designated song category is set in the song category variable memory 29, and the song category designation input unit 21 is cleared like the process of step S509 (step S603). After step S603, or after step S602 wherein the end of the currently reproducing video data is found to be near, the song category counter pointed to by the song category variable is incremented by 1 (step S604). A check is then made (step S605) to see if the counter has exceeded its highest possible count (m for pops block 40, n for enka block 41, j for animation song block 42, k for martial song block 43). If the highest possible count of the counter is found to be exceeded, the counter is reset to 1 (step S606). If the counter value has yet to exceed the highest possible count for the currently selected song category, or if the process of step S606 is terminated, the video data memory 25 is ordered to reproduce the video data pointed to by the counter (step S607). In that case, the video signal is output via the video reproducing unit 22 to the karaoke control unit 1. Then, the CPU 20A checks the reproduction designation changeover switch 26 for its status (step S608). If the switch 26 is found to be on, the process of reproducing video data is changed to the randomly reproducing process and step S608 is followed by step S502. If the switch 26 is found to be off, the process returns to step S601. If, as in the foregoing processing, the karaoke control unit 1 outputs an end-of-accompaniment signal, the reproducing process may be interrupted, and a standby state may be entered.
As described, the background video reproducing apparatus of the invention retains information about the video data already reproduced so as not to reproduce the same images repeatedly. This allows customers of the do-it-yourself vocals to enjoy background video accompaniment without feeling bored watching the repeated video reproduction.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred embodiment of this invention. For example, whereas the storage means of the above embodiment is arranged to store the current status of video data reproduction, an additional memory unit may be provided as a second storage means for storing the sequence in which the video data has been reproduced. The second storage means allows the video data to be again reproduced later in the order in which it was reproduced. With the same video data reproduced at regular intervals, customers are less likely to see the same images repeatedly and are therefore less likely to be bored thereby.
Whereas the storage means of the above embodiment stores information about the selected video data as already reproduced data even before actual reproduction, the storage means may alternatively be arranged to store information about the selected video data as reproduced data only after it is actually reproduced. If the currently selected video data is interrupted during reproduction for some external reason, the control unit when resuming reproduction considers the interrupted video data to be unreproduced and proceeds to select the same data. This makes it possible to better average the reproduction frequencies of the stored video data.
The storage means may alternatively comprise two areas: one area for storing information about the selected video data as currently reproducing data even before actual reproduction, and the other area for storing information about the video data as reproduced data after actual reproduction. The arrangement distinguishes two states: one in which the selected video data is currently reproducing, and the other in which the selected video data has all been reproduced. If the selected video data is interrupted during reproduction for some external reason, the control unit when resuming reproduction selects and reproduces the video data whose status as currently reproducing data was retained by the storage means. This allows customers to enjoy background video accompaniment without feeling awkward as a result of watching different images while singing the previously selected same song.
Whereas the selecting means of the above embodiment is designed to select randomly or in a predetermined sequence the video data of a given song category block stored in the video data memory 25, there may be cases where there are a plurality of video blocks of the same song category. In such cases, the multiple video blocks may be subsumed under a single greater video block from which the blocks may be selected randomly or in a predetermined sequence of these video blocks. When all video data of a given video block has been reproduced, the video data of another block in the same song category may be selected randomly or in a predetermined sequence of that video block.
Whereas the retaining means of the above embodiment is the memory backed up by the backup power supply unit 24 for keeping the stored data retained when power is removed, the backup power supply unit 24 may alternatively be replaced by an EEPROM, a flash EPROM, a magnetic storage unit or some other memory capable of retaining the stored data while power is off. The alternative arrangement makes the circuit constitution simpler than that proposed illustratively above.
As another alternative, the backup power supply unit 24 may be a capacitor arrangement for retaining the stored data in the memory. This arrangement is inexpensive to implement.
Whereas the video data memory 25 of the background video reproducing apparatus 5 is generally an analog type video disc or the like, recent advances in digital animation data compression technology makes it possible to utilize a mass digital data storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disc or a digital audio tape (DAT). Where the storage medium is of an interchangeable type such as the CD-ROM, a plurality of media of this type may be incorporated in the storage unit and changed one after another by an auto changer or the like. The arrangement helps constitute a system that reproduces greater quantities of background video data for longer periods of time than ever before.
One of the benefits of the invention is that the selecting means for selecting the video data permits random video selection. That is, customers cannot predict the background images they will get when singing songs. This prevents the customers from getting bored with the predictable video data reproduction.
The selecting means for selecting the video data may be set to reproduce video data of a given song category block in a desired sequence. This allows the video data to be tested easily for reproduction.
The selecting means may be set selectively either for random video data selection or for specific video data sequence selection of the image data in a given song category block. In this manner, the advantages derived from either option are obtained inexpensively.
With the separate memory provided to store the sequence in which the video data has been reproduced, the video data may again be produced using the memory in the same sequence in which the data was reproduced. This allows the same video data to be reproduced at regular intervals, so that customers are less likely to watch the same images repeatedly and are therefore less likely to be bored thereby.
Because the information about the video data having been reproduced is retained after power is removed, it is possible to exclude the possibility of reproducing the same images until after all stored images have been reproduced and the reproduction-related information is cleared. This averages the reproduction frequencies of the video data and eliminates the cases where specific images are reproduced repeatedly or where certain images are reproduced rarely if ever.
What is claimed is:
1. A video reproducing apparatus for controlling reproduction of video data comprising:a video data storage means for storing video data in groups; a historical storage means for storing at least one of two sets of historical data, one set of historical data corresponding to video data that have been reproduced and the other set of historical data corresponding to video data that is currently being reproduced; a determining means coupled to the video data storage means and the historical storage means for determining whether any video data in a group of the video data stored in the video data storage means has not yet been reproduced based on a comparison between the video data stored in the video storage means and the historical data stored in the historical storage means; a selecting means coupled to the determining means for selecting video data from any of the remaining video data yet to be reproduced in the group of the video data stored in the video data storage means when the determining means determines that any video data remains yet to be reproduced; and a reproduction designating means coupled to the selecting means for designating the reproduction of the video data selected by the selecting means, wherein the comparison between the video data in the video data storage means and the historical data in the historical storage means prevents video data that has already been produced during a session from being produced again unless all video data in the corresponding group has been reproduced, wherein the video data is adapted to be reproduced simultaneously with audio data, the reproduction of the video data being independent of the order in which the audio data is reproduced.
2. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an input means coupled to the determining means for inputting selection information for selecting a group of video data, wherein the determining means determines whether any video data in the group selected by the selection information remains yet to be reproduced.
3. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selecting means includes switching means for switching between one of two states, one state for randomly selecting the video data and the other state for selecting the video data in a predetermined sequence.
4. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising an input means coupled to the determining means for inputting selection information for selecting a group of video data, whereinthe determining means determines whether any video data in the group selected by the selection information remains yet to be reproduced and the selecting means selects the video data from the group selected by the selection information of video data.
5. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a clearing means coupled to the historical storage means for clearing the historical storage means when the determining means determines that no video data remains yet to be reproduced.
6. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an input means coupled to the determining means for inputting selection information for selecting a group of video data, whereinthe determining means determines whether any video data in the group selected by the selection information of video data remains yet to be reproduced, and the clearing means clears the historical data corresponding to the video data in the group selected by the selection information.
7. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the historical storage means includes data retaining means for retaining the historical data held in the historical storage means whenever the video reproducing controlling apparatus is turned off.
8. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a reproducing means for reproducing a video by reading out from the video data storage means the video data designated by the reproduction designating means.
9. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the input means inputs selection information for selecting a group of video data according to a category of a song indicating data entered into the input means.
10. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising an audio reproducing means for reproducing an audible signal according to the song indicating data.
11. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selecting means is automatic and automatically selects the video data in a predetermined sequence when the determining means determines that no video data remains yet to be reproduced.
12. A video reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising an input means coupled to the determining means for inputting selection information for selecting a group of video data, whereinthe determining means determines whether any video data in the group selected by the selection information remains yet to be reproduced and the automatic selecting means automatically enters the state for selecting the video data from the group selected by the selection information in the predetermined sequence when the determining means determines that no video data remains yet to be reproduced.
13. A reproducing apparatus that reproduces an output signal, comprising:an input that receives output selection data; a storage memory that stores a plurality of output data; an output data table that stores output signal reproduction data; a reproducing unit that reproduces the output signal by converting stored output data into the output signal; a controller coupled to said input, said storage memory, said output data table and said reproducing unit that selects stored output data from said storage memory based on said output selection data from said input and said output signal reproduction data stored in said output data table so that the selected output data is not repeated during a session unless all other output data has been reproduced, and instructs said reproducing unit to reproduce the output signal; and a reproduction designation changeover switch coupled to said controller that selects a mode of retrieving output data from said storage memory, wherein the output signal is adapted to be reproduced simultaneously with a second output signal, the reproduction of the output signal being independent of the order in which the second output signal is reproduced.
14. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein said output signal is a video signal.
15. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein said output data table comprises a writable memory that stores current and past reproduction output signal data.
16. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein said storage memory includes output data stored in groups based on categories of output signals.
17. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, wherein said reproduction designation changeover switch selects a mode of random or sequential retrieval.
18. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a back-up power supply unit coupled to said output data table that supplies power to maintain the data stored in said output data table when power is removed from the reproduction apparatus.
19. The reproduction apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a category variable memory coupled to said controller and said input that stores category variables corresponding to input selection data that said controller uses to select stored output data from said storage memory.
20. A method of reproducing output signals comprising the steps of:storing output data in groups; storing historical output data regarding output signals that have been reproduced and are currently being reproduced; inputting selection data corresponding to a group of data; determining output data based on the stored historical data and the input selection data to determine which data in the selected group of data have not been reproduced; selecting output data from only any of the determined output data determined to have not yet been reproduced; and reproducing the selected output data, wherein the selected output data is simultaneously reproduced with a selected one of a plurality of stored second output data, the second output data being reproduced independently of the order in which the second output data is reproduced.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of reproducing the selected output data comprises reproducing video data.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of selecting output data includes randomly selecting output data that has not yet been reproduced from a group of stored data.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of selecting output data includes sequentially selecting output data from a group that has not yet been reproduced.
| 1994-04-18 | en | 1998-07-14 |
US-3656012D-A | Method of generating unipolar and bipolar pulses
ABSTRACT
The method for generating bipolar and unipolar mechanical pulses is described. The unipolar pulses can be in a form of a single unipolar pulse or pairs of unipolar pulses of opposite polarity.
United States Patent Dixon [45] Apr. 11, 1972 [54] METHOD OF GENERATING UNIPOLAR 2,562,450 7/1951 DeLano, Jr. ..3l0/8.1 x AND BIPOLAR PULSES 2,398,701 4/1946 Firestone .1 X 2,920,192 1/1960 Peck .l X 1 Invent Norman DIXOII, Pam, Wash- 3,114,058 12/1963 Lyth [73] Assignee: The United States of America as 3,202,868 8/1965 Blank represented by the United states Atomic 3,004,424 10/1961 Henry Energy Commission Primary Examiner-J. D. Miller [22] Wed: 1971 Assistant Examiner-Mark O. Budd 2 App] 111,957 AttorneyRoland A. Anderson [57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl ..3l0/8.l [51] Int. Cl. ,H01 7/00 The method for generatmg blpolar and unipolar mechanical [58] Field of Search ..310/8.1; 340/8; 73/67.8 R; pulses is described- The unipolar Pulses can be in a form of a 333/30 single unipolar pulse or pairs of unipolar pulses of opposite polarity. [56] References Cited 9 C 15 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,949,028 8/1960 Joy ...310/8.l Q; l
Patented April 11, 1972 3,656,012
6 Sheets-Sheet l Fig- PRES S URE EI-Z1 25 METHOD OF GENERATING UNIPOLAR AND BIPOLAR PULSES CONTRACTUAL ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein relates to the generation of mechanical pulses in the form of unipolar and bipolar pulses. In the field of nondestructive testing much effort has gone into improving range resolution, broad band spectral content, penetration capabilities and eliminating near field effects. Innovations such as destructive lenses, matched damping members, single surface operation of very thick transducer elements, broad band amplifiers, frequency diffraction gratings and electronic enhancement of the rising slope of received signals have been developed for obtaining improved resolution response. However, relatively little work has been done to optimize the transmitter pulse for improved response.
Various types of ultrasound pulses have been generated for nondestructive testing. For example, output pulses having a rise time faster or slower than the transducer element half period resonance with exponential decay times have been used. For the faster rise time the transducer rings with a decay rate proportional to the ratio of the transmitter rise time to the transducer half period and the transducer mechanical damping or backing member. For the slower case a low-frequency component is imposed on the leading portion of the pulse and the transducer element resonates with a decay rate similar to that of the fast rise time pulse. These pulses have relatively poor range resolution and low or high spectral band width depending on whether the band width is evaluated from the viewpoint of narrow or broad spectral band width application. These pulse techniques also have relatively poor flaw separation resolution and can miss significant flaws because of interference, orientation and ultrasonic beam field effects.
A brute force fast rise transmitter pulse applied to a highly damped destructivelens transducer element produces an output pulse which is nearly a sinusoidal single cycle with very little resonance ringout. Using a pulse of this nature, resolution down to 0.010 inch longitudinal range resolution in steel has been obtained. This pulse technique has the advantage of high range resolution, relatively broad spectral range and minimization of near field effects. It has disadvantage in that the pulse is difficult to reproduce, particularly with different transducers and pulse systems. The equipment using this system is expensive and this system will not develop unipolar pulses. The receive response characteristics are also not ideal for varying signal types.
Variable length sinusoidal transmitter pulse trains tuned to transducer resonance are also used. This type of pulse is used primarily for attenuation measurement at a single frequency or may also be used for thickness measurements employing destructive resonance. Stable variable-frequency transmitters which are relatively expensive are required for this pulse type. This type wave propagation can be up to continuous and transmitters and transducers can be frequency modulated to cover relatively narrow frequency bands of spectral information. There is, however, very little range resolution using this pulse and the spectral power density is very narrow.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an excitation signal for developing a single unipolar pulse from a transducer.
Another object of this invention is to provide an excitation signal for developing a single bipolar pulse from a transducer.
Another object of this invention is to provide an excitation signal for developing a pair of unipolar pulses of opposite polarity from a transducer.
Another object of this invention is to provide signals for developing mechanical pulses having improved range resolution.
Another object of this invention is to provide signals for developing mechanical pulses which have a predictable broad spectral power density distribution.
Another object of this invention is to provide signals for developing mechanical pulses which have little or no transducer beam field effects.
Another object of this invention is to provide signals for developing mechanical pulses which can be approximated by straight lines so that they can easily be used in computer analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In practicing this invention, a method is provided for generating mechanical pulses. An excitation voltage is applied to a transducer to charge the transducer. The amplitude of the voltage increases from an initial value to a predetermined value at a time rate of change which inhibits measurable mechanical pulse generation by the transducer. After the excitation voltage has reached the predetermined value, the voltage is decreased linearly to the initial value during a specific time period to develop a single pulse having a period equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of the transducer. This excitation method develops a single unipolar pulse which is used for nondestructive testing of materials.
The time period required to develop the unipolar pulse is dependent on the backing impedance of the transducer. If the backing impedance is matched, the period of the excitation voltage is one-half the resonant sinusoidal period of the transducer. If the backing impedance is zero or unmatched, the period of the excitation voltage is equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of the transducer. Where the backing impedance is not zero and is unmatched, a dual slope excitation voltage is used.
A bipolar pulse having similar characteristics can also be developed by using an excitation voltage which increases in amplitude from the initial value to the predetermined value in the required time period and then decreases to the initial value in the same period. A pair of unipolar pulses can be developed by increasing the amplitude of the excitation voltage from the initial value to the predetermined value in the required time period to produce the first pulse. The excitation voltage is maintained at the predetermined value for a time period sufficiently long to permit ultrasound generated by the transducer to be reduced below a particular magnitude. The excitation voltage is then reduced to the initial value in the required time period. In this manner, a pair of unipolar pulses of opposite polarity are developed. In the time period between the unipolar or bipolar pulses generated in this manner, a receiver may be connected to the transducer for receiving reflected energy for analysis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated in'the drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a curve showing the unipolar pulse;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the equivalent circuit of a transducer;
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the output forces developed by excitation of the transducer equivalent circuit of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 shows the construction of a unipolar pulse in an air backed transducer;
FIG. 7 shows the unipolar response of a transducer with matched backing impedance;
FIG. 8 shows the dual slope ramp excitation required to develop unipolar pulses from a transducer with unmatched backing impedance other than zero;
FIGS. 9, 10 and 12 show the voltage applied to a transducer to develop desired mechanical pulses;
FIGS. 11 and 13 show the output pulses from a transducer as a result of the voltages shown in FIGS. 10 and 12;
FIG. 14 is a curve showing the power spectral density resulting from the mechanical pulses of FIGS. 1 and 11; and
FIG. 15 is a curve showing the power spectral density resulting from the mechanical pulse of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the waveform of a unipolar pulse which is a single triangular pressure wave radiated from a properly excited transducer. The width, T, of the pulse is equal to one period of the transducers natural resonant frequency. The pressure amplitude of this pulse will be of the same order of magnitude as the maximum half-cycle of an exponentially damped oscillatory burst resulting from rapid excitation of the same transducer.
To explain the generation of the unipolar pulse, reference is made to an equivalent circuit of a piezoelectric plate transducer, FIG. 2. The body of the transducer is represented by a three terminal delay line whose time delay is equal to one-half the transducers period at resonance. The velocity of propagation of a mechanical wave in the delay line is v. The lens and backing member impedances are represented respectively by Z and Z Z, is the source impedance and V is the electrode voltage. C, is the electrical capacitance at the terminals and Z, is the characteristic impedance of the delay line (analog of piezoelectric materials acoustic impedance). X is the thickness of the transducer and z is a transfonnation ratio. The voltage appearing at Z is the analog of ultrasonic force (pressure 1: surface area) radiated into the lens, while that appearing at Z is the analog of force radiated into the backing member.
At ultrasonic frequencies a piezoelectric transducer is effectively damped by its mass with the exception of areas immediately adjacent to the electrodes. Therefore the only sources of acoustic waves are at the front and back surfaces. Each surface will radiate waves in both the positive and negative X directions. The initial response to a positive Dirac voltage impulse applied at t= is shown in FIG. 3 with forces (F) labeled. Upon application of the voltage a positive and negative force will be generated at each surface.
The complete impulse response, FIG. 4, of the transducer can be derived through a transmission line treatment of succeeding reflections and radiations in the delay line. Referring back to the circuit of FIG. 2, the reflection coefficient at the front face is 0 =(Z1" Z0)/(ZI Z0) while that at the rear face is After the initial front face radiation F at t 0, no signal leaves the transducer until the force F originally generated at the rear face reaches the front face. A portion of this wave will leave the front face with magnitude (1 7 F That portion of the wave not radiated will be reflected back into the transducer with magnitude T F By subjecting all signals generated to a similar transmission line treatment, the complete train of impulses leaving the front face can be drawn. This impulse train is shown in FIG. 5.
The simplest case for unipolar pulse generation employs an air backed transducer with a water or other low impedance lens medium at the front face. Practical values for this case in an actual transducer are Z 1/20 2,, and Z 0. The driving function required to generate a unipolar pulse in an air backed transducer is a linear voltage ramp. The ramp starts at t O and at t= 2X /v. The duration of the ramp is critical if a clean baseline after t= 2X/v is to be obtained. The amplitude of the unipolar pulse will be directly proportional to the slope of the ramp.
The combination of force pulses responsible for generation of the unipolar pulse in this special case is shown in FIG. 6. Ramp waves of force are radiated from the front face with amplitudes as predicted by the impulse diagram of FIG. 6. At t 0 a positive force or compression ram is radiated in phase with the driving voltage. Its amplitude is established by the values of Z, and Z, to be =(hC, V/20) where V is the time function of voltage describing the input ramp and h is the piezoelectric constant. At t= X/v, the rarefaction force wave F generated at the rear face reaches the front face and will be radiated with amplitude =(2hC V/20). At t 3X/v, force F will have made a round trip in the transducer and will be radiated with approximate amplitude 2hC V/20. The complete series of radiated pulses can be derived in this manner. The algebraic sum of all these is the total force radiated with time from the front face. As can be seen from FIG. 6, this summation of forces is a unipolar pulse with nearly total cancellation of all radiated signals after t= 2X/v.
FIG. 7 shows the models response for matched backing, i.e., Z Z In this case the required ramp length is only X/v. This correlates with theory since the unipolar pulse will be the algebraic sum of only two pressure ramps, F and (l 1- F,,, which are equal and out of phase for any value of Z,. If they are to generate a unipolar pulse the ramp must terminate at t= X/v.
The equivalent circuit of FIG. 2 with linear ramp excitation provides a unipolar output for only the two cases 2 very small, Z 0 and Z any value, Z Z In practice, many transducers have epoxy backing of nonzero impedance and cannot be excited in the unipolar mode with a single linear ramp.
It has been found that a transducer can generate unipolar pulses where the nonmatched backing impedance is not matched or zero if certain conditions are met. These are: (A') that the ramp has a dual slope with a breakpoint at t X/v; (B) the two ramp slopes are of a specific ratio determined by transducer constants; and (C) the impedances Z and Z are equal. Such an excitation ramp is shown in FIG. 11.
By requiring that the time derivative of radiated signals occurring in both even and odd time intervals after t 2X/v is zero, the following relationships hold:
For odd intervals of X/v K2 Z0) k 0 and for even intervals 2 2 ZO/ZI 0) 1 0 where k, and k are the ramp slope coefficients as shown in FIG. 8, and a is the attenuation factor for one trip across the transducer in percent x 100. For both of these relationships to be true simultaneously, Z must equal Z The ramp ratio can then be determined to be 2/ l 0 2/ o 2)- Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown the waveform of a voltage pulse which can be applied to a transducer to develop a unipolar mechanical pulse therefrom. The transducer is charged by a linear ramp voltage 10 which gradually increases from an initial value to a final value 11. The time period over which this increase takes place A is long enough so that the transducer is charged without exciting the transducer to develop mechanical output pulses. After the transducer is charged, the voltage applied to the transducer is reduced to the initial value as shown by the linear ramp voltage 12. This reduction takes place over time period C which is equal to the time period required to develop a full single-cycle sinusoidal output pulse from the transducer.
Time C is variable depending upon the construction of the transducer. For example, an air backed transducer time period C is equal to the full single-cycle sinusoidal period of the transducer 2X/v. With a matched back transducer, the time period C is one-half the full single-cycle sinusoidal period X/v. Where the backing is neither matched nor zero (air, for example), the dual slope signal of FIG. 8 may be used. In either example, time period C is of the proper length to develop the single-cycle sinusoidal output pulse from the transducer. Time period B is arbitrary in length and may be zero, so that the output pulse is developed as soon as the transducer is charged. During the time period E the transducer is connected to a receiver to receive the reflected pulses for analysis. FIG. 1 shows the shape of the transmitted mechanical pulse. The time period T is equal to the full single-cycle sinusoidal period of the transducer.
Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a waveform which will excite the transducer to develop two unipolar pulses. A linear ramp voltage (or dual linear ramps as required) 15 is applied to the transducer for a period F. When the ramp voltage 15 reaches a predetermined voltage level 16, it is maintained at this level for a time period G. At the end of time period G the voltage applied to the transducer is reduced to the initial value during a time period F at the rate shown by linear ramp voltage 17. (Linear ramp voltage 17 may be a dual linear ramp.) Periods F are of the proper duration to develop the normal full single-cycle sinusoidal pulses from the transducer. Period G is an arbitrary time period during which the initial pulse developed by the linear ramp voltage is transmitted and received. It should also be sufficiently long so that the transducer is quiescent prior to applying ramp 17.
Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown the transmitted pulses from the transducer for the excitation signal shown in FIG. 10. Each of the pulses has a time period T which is equal to the full single-cycle sinusoidal period of the transducer.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown the required excitation voltage to develop a single bipolar pulse. The linear ramp voltage 20 rises from the initial value to the predetermined value during a time period I and is immediately reduced to the initial value according to ramp voltage 21 in a time period I. (Ramps 20 and 21 may be dual linear ramps as required.) Time periods I are of the proper time duration to develop a full single-cycle sinusoidal output pulse from the transducer. Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown the output pulse from the transducer. In this example, the time period T is equal tothe full single-cycle sinusoidal period of the transducer.
FIG. 14 illustrates the spectral power density for a 15 MHz unipolar pulse of the kind shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. It can be seen that the power density covers a broad range. In FIG. 15 there is shown the spectral power density for the bipolar pulse of FIG. 13.
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A method of generating mechanical pulses from a transducer coupled to a load including the steps of:
a. applying to said transducer an excitation voltage changing in amplitude from an initial value to a predetermined value during a first time period,
b. maintaining said excitation voltage at said predetermined value during a second time period, and
c. changing said excitation voltage across said transducer to a value proximate said initial value during a third time period, said excitation voltage during said third time period being formed of at least one and no more than two linear ramps, said third time period and said ramps being such that the amplitude of the signal from the transducer rear face reaching the load is substantially equal to the magnitude of the second and subsequent cycles of the signal from the transducer front face reaching the load and further is 180 out of phase with said second and subsequent cycles.
2. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim ll wherein:
a. the characteristic impedance of the backing material of said transducer is substantially zero,
b. said excitation voltage is applied to said transducer during said first time period to change the amplitude from said initial value to said predetermined value at a time rate of change to inhibit generation of mechanical pulses from said transducer, and
c. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer.
3. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 2 wherein:
a. said second time period is zero.
4. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer. of claim 1 wherein:
a. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said first time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer, and
b. said second time period during which said excitation transducer of is maintained at said predetermined value is sufficiently long to permit mechanical pulses thereby generated to be reduced below a particular magnitude.
5. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 4 wherein:
a. said second time period is zero.
6. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 1 wherein:
a. The characteristic impedance of the backing material of said transducer is substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of said transducer,
b. said excitation voltage is applied to said transducer during said first time period to change the amplitude from said initial value to said predetermined value at a time rate of change to inhibit generation of mechanical pulses from said transducer, and
c. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to one-half the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer.
7. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 6 wherein:
a. said second time period is zero.
8. The method of generating mechanical pulses of claim 1 wherein:
a. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is formed of two linear ramps with the duration of each of said ramps being equal to one-half the resonant sinsuoidal period of said transducer, and
b. the ramp ratio k /k is found by the formula 2/ 1 0 Z2/Z0'I'Z2), where k and k are the ramp slope coefficients of each of the two linear ramps, 0- is the attenuation factor for one trip of a pressure wave across the transducer, Z is the characteristic impedance of the transducer and Z is the impedance of the transistor backing material.
9. The method of generating mechanical pulses of claim 8 wherein:
a. said second time period is zero,
b. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said first time period is formed of two linear ramps with the duration of each of said ramps being equal to one-half the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer, and
c. the ramp ratio K lk is found by the formula 2/ l o 2/ 0 2) where k, and k are the ramp slope coefficients, 0' is the attenuation factor for one trip of a pressure wave across the transducer, 2 is the characteristic impedance of the transducer, Z is the impedance of the transistor backing material.
1. A method of generating mechanical pulses from a transducer coupled to a load including the steps of: a. applying to said transducer an excitation voltage changing in amplitude from an initial value to a predetermined value during a first time period, b. maintaining said excitation voltage at said predetermined value during a second time period, and c. changing said excitation voltage across said transducer to a value proximate said initial value during a third time period, said excitation voltage during said third time period being formed of at least one and no more than two linear ramps, said third time period and said ramps being such that the amplitude of the signal from the transducer rear face reaching the load is substantially equal to the magnitude of the second and subsequent cycles of the signal from the transducer front face reaching the load and further is 180* out of phase with said second and subsequent cycles.
2. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 1 wherein: a. the characteristic impedance of the backing material of said transducer is substantially zero, b. said excitation voltage is applied to said transducer during said first time period to change the amplitude from said initial value to said predetermined value at a time rate of change to inhibit generation of mechanical pulses from said transducer, and c. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer.
3. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 2 wherein: a. said second time period is zero.
4. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 1 wherein: a. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said first time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer, and b. said second time period during which said excitation transducer of is maintained at said predetermined value is sufficiently long to permit mechanical pulses thereby generated to be reduced below a particular magnitude.
5. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 4 wherein: a. said second time period is zero.
6. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 1 wherein: a. The characteristic impedance of the backing material of said transducer is substantially equal to the characteristic impedance of said transducer, b. said excitation voltage is applied to said transducer during said first time period to change the amplitude from said initial value to said predetermined value at a time rate of change to inhibit generation of mechanical pulses from said transducer, and c. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is a single linear ramp with a duration equal to one-half the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer.
7. The method of generating mechanical pulses from the transducer of claim 6 wherein: a. said second time period is zero.
8. The method of generating mechanical pulses of claim 1 wherein: a. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said third time period is formed of two linear ramps with the duration of each of said ramps being equal to one-half the resonant sinsuoidal period of said transducer, and b. the ramp ratio k2/k1 is found by the formula k2/k1 sigma (Z0 - Z2/Z0 + Z2), where k1 and k2 are the ramp slope coefficients of each of the two linear ramps, sigma is the attenuation factor for one trip of a pressure wave across the transducer, Z0 is the characteristic impedance of the transducer and Z2 is the Impedance of the transistor backing material.
9. The method of generating mechanical pulses of claim 8 wherein: a. said second time period is zero, b. said excitation voltage across said transducer during said first time period is formed of two linear ramps with the duration of each of said ramps being equal to one-half the resonant sinusoidal period of said transducer, and c. the ramp ratio K2/k1 is found by the formula K2/k1 sigma (Z0 - Z2/Z0 +Z2), where k1 and k2 are the ramp slope coefficients, sigma is the attenuation factor for one trip of a pressure wave across the transducer, Z0 is the characteristic impedance of the transducer, Z2 is the impedance of the transistor backing material.
| 1971-02-02 | en | 1972-04-11 |
US-19802388-A | Triple axis thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle
ABSTRACT
A variable area, convergent-divergent (10) nozzle for directing the flow of exhaust gas from an aircraft turbine engine to achieve thrust vectoring about yaw, pitch and roll axes includes a convergent section (16) and a divergent section (18) each comprised of hingedly connected planar members (201-214, 301-322) selectively positioned by actuators (101-114) for defining deformable gas directing flow ducts.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for an aircraft gas turbine engine.
BACKGROUND
The control and maneuvering of modern high speed aircraft remains a technical area in which designers continue to press for ever-increasing effectiveness. Such increased control response may require a balancing with increased airframe drag as control surfaces become larger, while in certain flight regimes, such as in supersonic or low-speed flight, the effectiveness of even large surfaces is diminished for certain angles of attack, etc.
One effective method for imparting additional maneuvering force is the use of a thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle. Such nozzles divert the flow of exhaust gas from the aircraft propelling gas turbine engine at an angle from the normal exhaust flow, thereby developing asymmetric thrust (and hence moment) with respect to the airframe center of gravity. Simpler versions of such thrust vectoring nozzles are able to impart thrust vectoring with respect to a single axis, for example the pitch axis. Such simpler versions still require several cooperating gas directing surfaces, especially convergent-divergent thrust vectoring nozzles used in conjunction with gas turbine engines equipped with an afterburner. The convergent section of such nozzles must be adapted to provide a variable throat area for optimization of the engine thrust, while the divergent section directs the exhaust gas selectably in the vertical plane for pitch thrust vectoring.
Yaw and pitch thrust vectoring exhaust nozzles are also known in the art, and are able to divert the exhaust gases in both the horizontal and vertical plane, thus achieving two axis thrust vectoring. Such two axis nozzles require additional structure and complexity over the one axis designs, requiring the advantages of increased maneuverability to be balanced against the additional weight and complexity required.
One advantage which thrust vectoring designs achieve with respect to prior art unvectored engine exhaust systems is the reduced control surface requirement for normal and even emergency maneuvering. The use of thrust vectoring exhaust nozzles in conjunction with automatic attitude control systems can achieve stable aircraft operation and control with reduced external control surfaces. Hence, an airframe having even a pitch thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle may operate with reduced size elevators providing benefits in external drag reduction, weight, etc. Likewise, a nozzle having yaw thrust vectoring capability can provide the necessary yaw maneuvering and stability to the airframe while permitting a reduction in rudder size.
A third axis of control remains which has no been adequately addressed by the prior art nozzle designs. The roll axis, traditionally controlled by ailerons on the aircraft wings, has thus far not been practically addressed by prior art thrust vectoring nozzles. What is needed is a thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle able to provide complete three axis thrust vectoring to an airframe, thereby achieving satisfactory control and stability with a reduced requirement for external control surface action.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for an aircraft gas turbine engine.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a thrust vectoring nozzle capable of selectably providing yaw, pitch, and roll thrust vectoring.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a variable flow area, convergent exhaust duct upstream of the thrust vectoring outlet, for optimizing nozzle performance under a range of engine power levels.
According to the present invention, a plurality of hinged triangular segments define a deformable divergent duct for receiving a flow of exhaust gas from a gas turbine engine and discharging such exhaust gas from the downstream end thereof. The hinged segments are generally planar and elongated with respect to the exhaust gas flow direction. Adjacent segments are hingedly joined longitudinally, forming a gas tight circumferential barrier for directing the exhaust flow.
The present invention further provides a plurality of actuators, each disposed between a fixed frame and the plurality of segments, for selectably positioning the segments and thereby influencing the discharge direction of the exhaust flow from the divergent duct. By properly positioning the individual segments, the exhaust flow can be configured to impart a resultant thrust on the nozzle structure and airframe which is asymmetric with respect to an unvectored, central axis. The deformable divergent duct according to the present invention is thus able not only to develop lateral and vertical thrust in the yaw and pitch directions, but can also achieve a torsional moment about the aircraft central axis, thereby achieving roll thrust vectoring as desired.
The nozzle according to the present invention further provides an upstream, convergent duct defined by a plurality of triangular and rectangular flaps hingedly joined together. The convergent flaps are positioned to define a converging gas flow passage having a variable throat area for discharging the exhaust gases into the downstream divergent duct.
The advantages of the variable area, triple axis thrust vectoring nozzle according to the present invention include enhanced aircraft maneuverability and stability as well as lower aerodynamic drag resulting from a reduced demand for external maneuvering control surfaces. Both these and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following specification and the appended claims and drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a convergent-divergent three axis thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view looking forward or upstream as indicated in FIG. 1. The nozzle is in the full flow configuration for providing unvectored, afterburning thrust.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view as indicated in FIG. 1 taken through the divergent section showing the orientation of the flaps. The nozzle is positioned for full, unvectored thrust.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken at the throat of the nozzle according to the present invention between the convergent and divergent sections. The throat is shown in a partial thrust configuration.
FIG. 5 shows the geometrically developed divergent flaps and convergent segments laid out in a plane.
FIG. 6 shows an upstream looking perspective view with the nozzle according to the present invention configured to provide normal, unvectored thrust.
FIG. 7 shows the nozzle configured to provide vectored pitch thrust.
FIG. 8 shows the nozzle according to the present invention configured to provide vectored yaw thrust.
FIG. 9 shows the nozzle according to the present invention configured to provide vectored roll thrust.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawing figures, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the nozzle 10 according to the present invention is seen in a side elevation. Engine exhaust gas (not shown) flowing aftward in a cylindrical afterburner duct 12 enters a transition section 14 wherein the flow cross section is changed from cylindrical to hexagonal.
The exhaust nozzle 10 includes a convergent section 16 and a divergent section 18, with a restricted throat 20 located therebetween. A first circumferential static frame 22 and a second circumferential static frame 24 are shown disposed respectively about the nozzle throat 20 and midway along the divergent section 18 as shown. A central axis 26 represents the unvectored thrust direction and is generally coincident with the center axis of the cylindrical afterburner duct 12.
The nozzle 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is configured as to deliver full thrust during full afterburning operation of the gas turbine engine (not shown). The throat section 20 is opened to the widest flow area and the divergent duct 18 defines a gas tight conduit for directing the exhaust gases rearwardly generally coincident with the central axis 26. The details and individual components of the convergent and divergent sections 16, 18 will be explained in detail hereinbelow.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the nozzle according to the present invention looking generally forwardly from a point aftward of the nozzle outlet 28. The nozzle in FIG. 2 is shown configured for full flow, afterburning operation in which the nozzle throat 20 is positioned to define a maximum area, and wherein the nozzle outlet 28 is fully opened as shown. The interior 30 of the transition section 14 may be viewed through the outlet opening 28.
FIG. 2 also shows the second static frame 24 surrounding the divergent section 18, as well as a plurality of linear actuators 101-110. The actuators 101-110 are positioned between the static frame 24 and the hinged divergent flap segments for selectively positioning the segments as discussed below.
It should be noted that the divergent duct 18 defined by the divergent segments moves independently from the convergent section 16 defined by the convergent flaps, with each section 16, 18 moving to accommodate its particular function in providing an efficient thrust vectoring nozzle.
The operation of the convergent section 16 is best appreciated by reviewing the forward looking cross section taken in the nozzle throat plane as shown in FIG. 4. The convergent section is defined by a plurality of triangular and rectangular flaps 201-214 disposed adjacent each other circumferentially about the gas flow path. Rectangular flaps 201, 208 are located on opposite lateral sides of the centerline 26 and are hingedly secured 221, 218 at opposite sides of the hexagonal transition duct opening.
The remainder of the convergent section 16 consists of triangular flaps 202-207 and 209-214 which are disposed on vertically opposite sides of the central axis 26 and hingedly secured for forming a gas tight convergent duct 16 as shown. Of the triangular flaps 202-207 and 209-214, flaps 203, 206, 210 and 213 are isosceles shaped, while 202, 204, 205, 207, 209, 211, 212, and 214 are right triangular shaped. Isosceles segments 203, 206, 210 and 213 are oriented with the base side forward and hingedly secured to one side of the hexagonal shaped outlet opening of the transition duct 14 while the remaining right triangular shaped flaps, each including a hypotenuse, a long leg, and a short leg, are hingedly secured together such that the hypotenuse of each is hingedly joined to one equal length leg of the adjacent isosceles shaped flap, with the short leg of each segment defining the convergent nozzle throat 20 and the long leg of each being secured either to the adjacent rectangular flap or the adjacent right triangular flap, as shown.
The collected convergent flaps 201-214 are positioned by four linear actuators 111-114 disposed between the first static frame 22 (not shown in FIG. 4) and the downstream edge of the first and eighth rectangular convergent flaps 201, 208 and the downstream end of the hingedly joined right triangular flaps 204, 205 and 211, 212. The four linear actuators 111-114 secured as shown and described above, operate in unison to vary the area of the nozzle throat 20 by moving the flaps 201-214 collectively inward and outward with respect to the central axis 26.
The convergent section 16 of the nozzle according to the present invention moves in response to the current engine power level, afterburner heat output, exhaust gas flow, and other parameters to provide a properly sized throat 20 for efficient engine thrust operation. The scheduling of nozzle outlet area to engine power output is well known and will therefore not be discussed further herein.
FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the divergent section 18 of the nozzle 10 according to the present invention looking forwardly as indicated in FIG. 1. The divergent duct 18 comprises 22 triangular shaped flap segments 301-322 hingedly secured and distributed circumferentially so as to define the divergent duct 18 as shown. The divergent triangular segments comprise two isosceles shaped triangular segments 301, 312 hingedly secured at the base thereof to the downstream edge of corresponding rectangular convergent flaps 201, 208. The remaining right triangular shaped segments are disposed adjacently about the circumference of the gas flow path with each segment having a hypotenuse and a long leg extending generally in the direction of the gas stream and secured to a corresponding hypotenuse or long leg of the next adjacent right triangular segment. The short legs of the right triangular segments located at the entrance or upstream end of the divergent section 18 are coincident with the short legs of the right triangular convergent flaps and include sliding, gas tight seals disposed therebetween.
Thus, the eight right triangular convergent flaps 202, 204, 205, 207, 209, 211, 212, and 214 each include a downstream short leg side which lies axially adjacent the short leg side of respective divergent right triangular segments 303, 306, 307, 310, 314, 317, 318, and 321. The sliding seals (not shown) disposed between the right triangular convergent flaps and divergent segments need only accommodate axial displacement as the flaps and segments are positioned and may therefore include simple tongue and groove or bellows type seals.
FIG. 5 shows the convergent and divergent duct sections 16, 18 of the nozzle according to the present invention separated along the circumference and laid out flat for the purpose of illustrating the relative placement and shape of the individual elements. The nozzle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be visualized in three dimensions by matching ends A and B of FIG. 5 together so as to define convergent and divergent ducts 16, 18 about the gas stream as shown generally in FIG. 1.
With regard to the divergent section 18, FIG. 3 shows an upstream facing cross section taken as indicated in FIG. 1 and perpendicular to the central axis 26. Divergent flap sections 301-322 are indicated as visible.
Also shown is the second static frame 24 circumferentially disposed about the divergent duct 18 and having linear actuators 101-110 secured thereto. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each divergent actuator 101-110 is operatively connected to the divergent duct 18 at a corresponding hinge joint disposed along the long leg of two adjacent right triangular segments. Hence, divergent actuators 101-110 are disposed at the hinge lines between respective segment pairs 302 and 303, 304 and 305, 306 and 307, 308 and 309, 310 and 311, 313 and 314, 315 and 316, 317 and 318, 319 and 320, 321 and 322.
The nozzle according to the present invention defines a gas directing divergent duct 18 responsive to the position of the divergent segments 301-322 as selected by the action of divergent actuators 101-110. A variety of configurations in addition to the full flow configuration of FIG. 2 may be selected to achieve thrust vectoring about the yaw, pitch, and roll axes as desired.
FIG. 6 shows a forward looking view of the divergent section of the nozzle according to the present invention configured so as to deliver normal, unvectored thrust during operation of the gas turbine engine in a non-afterburning mode. The segments of the divergent section 18 have been configured so as to distribute the exhaust gases in a generally lateral plane with the bulk of the gas exiting the nozzle adjacent the isosceles segments 301, 312. Although the preferred configuration for normal thrust as shown in FIG. 6 imparts an opposing lateral velocity vector to the exhaust gases exiting therefrom, it has been determined that such exhaust pattern enhances the stability of the airframe (not shown) especially during takeoff and/or low speed maneuvering. The important feature of the configuration and exhaust flow resulting from the configuration of FIG. 6 is that the thrust and exhaust mass flow is symmetric about both the vertical and lateral planes.
FIG. 7 shows the exhaust nozzle 10 according to the present invention with the divergent section 18 positioned by the actuators 101-110 so as to deliver asymmetric thrust about the pitch axis. As may be clearly seen in FIG. 7, the divergent flap segments 301-322 are oriented so as to divert substantially all of the flow to one side of a horizontal plane passing through the central axis 26, thereby resulting in either an upward or downward pitch moment being imparted to the airframe. Although shown as diverting the axis so as to deliver a downward pitch to the airframe, it will be appreciated that the divergent flap 18 according to the present invention may be similarly positioned so as to deliver a vertically upward pitch moment to the airframe.
Likewise, FIG. 8 shows the divergent duct 18 according to the present invention configured so as to provide yaw thrust to the airframe. The individual segments 301-322 have been positioned by the divergent actuators 101-110 so as to divert a major portion of the exhaust flow to one side of a vertical plane passing through the nozzle central axis. The asymmetric exhaust flow resulting from the configurations of FIGS. 7 and 8 thus enable the nozzle according to the present invention to provide thrust vectoring about the yaw and pitch axes of the airframe. The thrust vectoring illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 can be applied not only during normal thrust operation of the gas turbine engine, but also during full and/or afterburning thrust by similarly diverting the majority of the exhaust gases asymmetrically about the nozzle central axis.
Finally, FIG. 9 shows the divergent duct 18 of the nozzle according to the present invention configured so as to impart a roll moment to the associated airframe. The FIG. 9 configuration is somewhat similar to the unvectored, normal thrust configuration of FIG. 6, however it may be appreciated that the laterally outboard portions 401, 401 of the divergent duct adjacent the equilateral triangular segments 301,312 of the duct 18 are configured so as to discharge a greater portion of the exhaust gas flowing therethrough on opposite sides of a horizontal plane passing through the nozzle central axis 26. The result of these two skewed exhaust flows is to develop a counterclockwise moment about the central axis 26 when viewed in the forward looking direction as in FIG. 9. As with the previous vectored thrust configurations, the roll thrust configuration of FIG. 9 may be achieved both in the clockwise direction as well as in combination with the yaw and pitch thrust vectoring configurations at both normal and full thrust.
The nozzle according to the present invention is thus limited only by the sophistication of the actuator control system in developing a gas directing divergent duct configuration to deliver any individual roll, pitch or yaw thrust vector, or any simultaneous combination thereof.
Another feature of the nozzle according to the present invention is the ability to provide a lightweight, structurally rigid flow directing divergent section without excessive bracing or other weight increasing structure. As will be noted by reviewing FIGS. 2 and 6-9, the adjacent triangular segments of the divergent section 18 are disposed at an angle so as to provide a relatively high bending moment at each hinged connection therebetween, thereby achieving a structurally strong yet extremely flexible movable duct. The attachment of the divergent actuators 101-110 at the hinge connections between adjacent triangular segments thus provides the actuating force at the most structurally rigid points of the divergent duct.
Cooling of the convergent and divergent sections 16, 18 may be achieved by a variety of methods well known in the art, including for example routing of cooling air internally via hollow hinges, external impingement, internal cooling air routes within the individual flaps and/or segments, etc. Likewise, cooling air may be allocated among the various segments and flaps as required, depending on the local heat flux, etc.
Another feature of the nozzle design according to the present invention is the ability to accommodate impaired operation of one or more actuators. Again, based upon the sophistication of the actuator control system, a single actuator which becomes frozen or otherwise limited in mobility may not substantially impair the overall operation of the nozzle according to the present invention and the associated aircraft due to the ability of the remaining actuators and movable nozzle components to configure the exhaust gas stream so as to accommodate the impaired components. Thus, a failed actuator which creates an asymmetric exhaust gas flow could be accommodated by configuring the remaining actuators in such a fashion as to develop a symmetric exhaust gas flow thereby permitting normal and safe operation of the aircraft.
The present invention is thus well adapted to provide a three axis thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine powered aircraft or the like. It should further be noted that the nozzle according to the present invention, described herein with reference to the drawing figures which illustrate the preferred embodiment thereof, may be provided in a variety of equivalent embodiments, with the scope thereof being thus limited only by the claims appearing hereinbelow.
I claim:
1. A thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine, comprising:a deformable flow duct receiving a flow of engine exhaust gas at an upstream end thereof and discharging said exhaust gas at an open, downstream end thereof, wherein the deformable duct includes a plurality of generally planar triangular segments, each segment having one side thereof coefficient with one end of the deformable duct and the other two sides thereof extending the full length of the deformable duct, and wherein each of the other two sides of each planar triangular segment is hingedly joined the length thereof to one of the other two sides of a next circumferentially adjacent triangular segment, the plurality of hingedly joined triangular segments defining the deformable flow duct; a plurality of actuators, each actuator engaged between a static portion of the nozzle exterior to the deformable duct and at least one of the triangular segments, each actuator adapted to selectively position the triangular segment engaged therewith relative to the nozzle static portion for collectively defining one of a plurality of deformable duct configurations for directing the exhaust gases relative to a central nozzle axis.
2. The nozzle as recited in claim 1, further comprising:a convergent duct secured at an upstream end to a static transition duct and receiving said flow of exhaust gas therefrom, the convergent duct further defining a downstream, variable area throat end discharging said exhaust gas into the upstream end of the deformable duct, wherein the convergent duct includes, a plurality of generally planar flap members, each planar flap member having two sides extending the full length of the convergent duct and hingedly joined over the length thereof to one of the two full length extending sides of a next circumferentially adjacently disposed planar flap member, and wherein each planar flap member has a third side disposed coincident with one of the ends of the convergent duct; and a second plurality of actuators engaged between at least one of the planar flap members and the static portion of the nozzle, each actuator adapted to selectively position the planar flap member engaged therewith relative to the nozzle static portion, and wherein the plurality of positioned planar flap members collectively define the variable area nozzle throat.
3. A yaw, pitch, and roll thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine having a central axis, a forwardly disposed convergent section, and a rearwardly disposed divergent section, a flow of exhaust gases passing generally axially through the convergent section and into the divergent section, wherein the convergent section comprises a plurality of generally planar flap segments arranged adjacently and circumferentially to define a first movable convergent duct, the plurality of planar flap segments comprising, in circumferential sequence,a first rectangular shaped flap having a forward edge and a rearward edge, each forward and rearward edge lying in a corresponding radial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, and first and second lateral edges, the first and second lateral edges each lying in a corresponding axial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, a first right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the first lateral edge of the first rectangularly shaped convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed axially rearwardly, a third, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the second right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a fourth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the third isosceles convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fifth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fourth right shaped convergent flap and the base thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fifth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a seventh right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the sixth isosceles convergent flap, and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, an eighth, rectangular shaped convergent flap having a forward edge and a rearward edge, each forward edge and rearward edge lying in a corresponding radial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, and first and second lateral edges, each lying in a corresponding axial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, the first lateral edge thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the seventh right convergent flap, a ninth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the second lateral edge of the eighth rectangular convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a tenth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the ninth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, an eleventh, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the tenth isosceles convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twelfth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the eleventh right convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a thirteenth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the twelfth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a fourteenth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the thirteenth isosceles convergent flap, and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly and the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the second lateral edge of the first rectangular convergent flap, and wherein the forward edges of the first rectangular convergent flap and the eighth rectangular convergent flap are hingedly secured to a static frame, and the bases of the third, sixth, tenth, and thirteenth isosceles convergent flaps further comprise corresponding gas tight seals, disposed between each base and the static structure for sealing against any flow of exhaust gas therebetween; and wherein the divergent section comprises a plurality of generally planar triangular segments, each segment extending the full axial length of the divergent section, arranged adjacently and circumferentially to define a second movable duct receiving the flow of exhaust gas from the first movable convergent duct, the plurality of divergent planar triangular segments comprising, in sequence, a first, isosceles triangular shaped segment, the base thereof disposed forwardly and hingedly secured to the rearward edge of the first rectangular convergent flap, a second, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the first leg of the first isosceles triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a third, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the second right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a fourth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the third right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fifth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fourth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the fifth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a seventh, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the sixth right triangular segment, and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eighth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the seventh right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a ninth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the eighth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a tenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the ninth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eleventh, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the tenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twelfth, isosceles triangular shaped segment, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the eleventh right triangular segment and the base thereof disposed forwardly, and hingedly secured to the rearward edge of the eighth rectangular convergent flap, a thirteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the twelfth isosceles triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fourteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the thirteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a fifteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the fourteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fifteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a seventeenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the sixteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eighteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the seventeenth right triangular segment, a nineteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the eighteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twentieth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the nineteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twenty-first, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the twentieth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a twenty-second, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the twenty-first right triangular segment, the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly and the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the first isosceles triangular segment; and a plurality of seals, located between the downstream disposed short legs of the second, fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, twelfth, and fourteenth right triangular convergent flaps and the corresponding forwardly disposed short legs of the third, sixth, seventh, tenth, fourteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, and twenty-first divergent right triangular segments, for preventing the flow of exhaust gases therebetween.
4. The nozzle as recited in claim 3, further comprising:first and second actuator frames, the first frame disposed circumferentially about the convergent section and the second frame disposed circumferentially about the divergent section, further comprising first, second, third, and fourth linear convergent actuators, the first convergent actuator disposed between the first frame and the first rectangular flap rearward edge, the second convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward end of the long leg hinge disposed between the fourth and fifth convergent flaps, the third convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward edge of the eighth rectangular convergent flap, and the fourth convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward end of the long leg hinge disposed between the eleventh and twelfth convergent flaps; and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth linear divergent actuators located axially intermediate the upstream and downstream ends of the divergent section, and wherein the first divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the second and third right triangular segments, the second divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the fourth and fifth right triangular segments, the third divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the sixth and seventh right triangular segments, the fourth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the eighth and ninth right triangular segments, the fifth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the tenth and eleventh right triangular segments, the sixth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the thirteenth and fourteenth right triangular segments, the seventh divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the fifteenth and sixteenth right triangular flap segments, the eighth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the seventeenth and eighteenth right triangular segments, the ninth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the nineteenth and twentieth right triangular segments, the tenth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the twenty-first and twenty-second right triangular segments.
5. A yaw, pitch, and roll thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine having a central axis, a rearwardly disposed divergent section, and a flow of exhaust gases passing generally axially into the divergent section, wherein the divergent section comprises:a plurality of generally planar triangular segments, each segment extending the full axial length of the divergent section, arranged adjacently and circumferentially to define a movable duct receiving the flow of exhaust gas, the plurality of divergent planar triangular segments comprising, in sequence, a first, isosceles triangular shaped segment, the base thereof disposed forwardly, a second, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the first leg of the first isosceles triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a third, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the second right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a fourth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the third right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fifth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fourth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the fifth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a seventh, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the sixth right triangular segment, and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eighth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the seventh right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a ninth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the eighth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a tenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the ninth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eleventh, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the tenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twelfth, isosceles triangular shaped segment, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the eleventh right triangular segment and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a thirteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the twelfth isosceles triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fourteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the thirteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, a fifteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the fourteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fifteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a seventeenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the sixteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, an eighteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the seventeenth right triangular segment, a nineteenth, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the eighteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twentieth, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the nineteenth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twenty-first, right triangular shaped segment, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the twentieth right triangular segment and the short leg thereof disposed forwardly, and a twenty-second, right triangular shaped segment, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the twenty-first right triangular segment, the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly and the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the first isosceles triangular segment.
6. The nozzle as recited in claim 5, further comprising:an actuator frame, disposed circumferentially about the divergent section, and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth linear divergent actuators located axially intermediate the upstream and downstream ends of the divergent section, wherein the first divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the second and third right triangular segments, the second divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the fourth and fifth right triangular segments, the third divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the sixth and seventh right triangular segments, the fourth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the eighth and ninth right triangular segments, the fifth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the tenth and eleventh right triangular segments, the sixth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the thirteenth and fourteenth right triangular segments, the seventh divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the fifteenth and sixteenth right triangular flap segments, the eighth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the seventeenth and eighteenth right triangular segments, the ninth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the nineteenth and twentieth right triangular segments, the tenth divergent actuator is disposed between the divergent frame and the long leg hinge between the twenty-first and twenty-second right triangular segments.
7. A yaw, pitch, and roll thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine having a central axis, a forwardly disposed convergent section, a flow of exhaust gases passing generally axially through the convergent section, wherein the convergent section comprises,a plurality of generally planar flap segments arranged adjacently and circumferentially to define a first movable convergent duct, the plurality of planar flap segments comprising, in circumferential sequence, a first rectangular shaped flap having a forward edge and a rearward edge, each forward and rearward edge lying in a corresponding radial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, and first and second lateral edges, the first and second lateral edges each lying in a corresponding axial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, a first right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the first lateral edge of the first rectangularly shaped convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed axially rearwardly, a third, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the second right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a fourth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the third isosceles convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a fifth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fourth right shaped convergent flap and the base thereof disposed rearwardly, a sixth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the fifth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a seventh right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the sixth isosceles convergent flap, and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, an eighth, rectangular shaped convergent flap having a forward edge and a rearward edge, each forward edge and rearward edge lying in a corresponding radial plane defined with respect to the nozzle central axis, and first and second lateral edges, the first lateral edge thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the seventh right convergent flap, a ninth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the second lateral edge of the eighth rectangular convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a tenth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the hypotenuse of the ninth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, an eleventh, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the tenth isosceles convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a twelfth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the eleventh right convergent flap and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly, a thirteenth, isosceles triangular shaped convergent flap, the first leg thereof hingedly secured to the long leg of the twelfth right convergent flap and the base thereof disposed forwardly, a fourteenth, right triangular shaped convergent flap, the hypotenuse thereof hingedly secured to the second leg of the thirteenth isosceles convergent flap, and the short leg thereof disposed rearwardly and the long leg thereof hingedly secured to the second lateral edge of the first rectangular convergent flap, and wherein the forward edges of the first rectangular convergent flap and the eighth rectangular convergent flap are hingedly secured to a static frame, and the bases of the third, sixth, tenth, and thirteenth isosceles convergent flaps further comprise corresponding gas tight seals, disposed between each base and the static structure for sealing against any flow of exhaust gas therebetween.
8. The nozzle as recited in claim 7, further comprising:an actuator frame disposed circumferentially about the convergent section and first, second, third, and fourth linear convergent actuators, the first convergent actuator disposed between the first frame and the first rectangular flap rearward edge, the second convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward end of the long leg hinge disposed between the fourth and fifth convergent flaps, the third convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward edge of the eighth rectangular convergent flap, and the fourth convergent actuator disposed between the convergent frame and the rearward end of the long leg hinge disposed between the eleventh and twelfth convergent flaps.
| 1988-05-24 | en | 1989-11-07 |
US-35628564-A | Electric wire junction
Jan. 31, 1967 F. L. CHRlSTENSEN 3,391,941
ELECTRIC WIRE JUNCTION Filed March 51, 1964 INVENTOR. Al ey/w: 0 622/5" TEA/SEN IQTTOPA/Y.
United States Patent 3,301,941 ELECTRIC WIRE JUNCTION Frank L. Christensen, Saratoga, Calif., assignor to Tempress Research Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., a corporation of Utah Filed Mar. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 356,285 6 Claims. (Cl. 174-88) pulls and other types of stresses that might otherwise tend to disrupt the electric connections are prevented from being transferred through the electric wires themselves at their point of interconnection.
Another object of the invention is to provide an electric wire junction which can be made in a small size, and still possess comparatively large mechanical strength, low electrical resistance, and high temperature resistance.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a junction between electric wires, and the like, in which good electric connection between adjacent wires, appropriate insulation of the connection, and its protection are secured essentially through mechanically attaching the parts to one another.
This invention possesses many other advantages and has other objects which may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of a form embodying the invention. This form is shown and described in the present specification and drawings accompanying and constituting a part thereof. They will now be described in detail, for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Referring to the drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal section, portions being shown in side elevation, of an electric wire junction embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section, parts shown in side elevation, illustrating the initial steps in making the electric junction disclosed in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating additional steps in forming the electric wire junction;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating yet a further step in manufacturing the electric wire junction disclosed in FIG. 1.
The electric junction illustrated in FIG. 1 provides electric connections between the wires 10, of an electric resistance type of heater and the wires 11, 11 of insulated electric conductors 70 running from a suitable source of current, which is to flow through the resistance heater. As specifically shown, the heater wires 10 are disposed within a stainless steel sheath or tube 12 and are surrounded by insulating material 13 within the sheath or tube, which material may be magnesium oxide. The heater. wires 10 project beyond the terminal or end portion 14 of the stainless steel sheath, which is piloted within a companion central passage 15 through the base portion 16 of a terminal cup 17 which, for example, may be made of stainless steel. This cup has a skirt portion 18 extending forwardly from its base portion, there being a cavity 19 in the cup through which the heater wires 10 can pass. The cavity opens into a counterbore 20 in which an insulated spacer member-or supporting washer 21 is disposed, which may be made of electrical insulation material, such as a suitable ceramic material. This washer engages a shoulder or base 22 of the counterbore and is held in assembled position against the shoulder by ice rolling over or fianging inwardly the terminal portion 23 of the cup skirt 18.
Mounted within the insulated support member 21 are a pair of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced conductive terminal tubes 24, which may be made of nickel or nickel-like material. Each of these tubes has a reduced diameter portion 25 extending within a companion longitudinal passage or bore 26 in the insulated washer, a shoulder 27 On each tube engaging the outer surface of the washer. The inner end of each tube is riveted or flared outwardly to provide a flange 28 engaging the inner surface of the insulated washer, as well as a flaring mouth 29 through which a heater wire 10 can be inserted into the bore or passage 30 in the tube.
The terminal portion of each heater wire is disposed within the cavity 19 and also into the bore 30 of an associated tube 24. Similarly, the terminal portion 11 of each lead wire is inserted into the tube 24 through its opposite end, and may overlie or be disposed adjacent to an associated heater wire 10. The electrically conductive terminal tube 24 is crimped or flattened laterally so that its crimped or flattened portion 31 clamps both the heater wire terminal 10 and the lead wire terminal 11 firmly to the tube, forming a good electrical connection between the heater wire and the lead wire, which may be provided by direct contact of the wires 10, 11 with one another, or by good mechanical contact between the heater wire 10 and tube 24 and the tube 24 and the lead wire 11, or by a combination of the aforementioned types of contact.
The crimped tubes 24 are covered by a flexible tubing 32 of insulating material which, for example, may be a vinyl resin, the tubing extending along a substantial length of the insulated portions 33 of the electric conductors 70, the inner end 32a of the insulated vinyl tubing terminating closely ajdacent to the insulated washer or support 21.
A secure attaching of the terminal cup 17 to the stainless steel sheath 12 is obtained, as by use of silver brazing material 35 integrating the base portion 16 of the cup with the periphery of the stainless steel sheath or tube.
A jacket or housing 36 encloses the terminal cup 17, insulated washer 21, terminal tubes 24, lead wires 11, and a portion of the insulating tube 32, and serves to mechan ically interconnect the insulated conductor members 70 and insulated tubing 32 with the terminal cup. As disclosed in FIG. 1, the jacket or housing 36 includes a main body portion 37 of relatively large diameter and a tail portion 38 of substantially smaller diameter, the tail portion having a passage 39 therethrough adapted to receive the insulated conductor wires 70 and the insulated tubing 32. Forwardly of its tail portion 38, the jacket provides a chamber 40 larger than the lateral dimension of the insulating tubing 32 mounted on the terminal tubes 24, this chamber terminating in a shoulder 41 adapted to abut the forward end 23 of the terminal cup 17. This shoulder merges into an enlarged diameter jacket portion 42 adapted to snugly fit over the periphery of the terminal cup skirt 18. With the shoulder 41 engaging the forward end 23 of the terminal cup, the end of the jacket extends slightly beyond the cylindrical periphery of the cup, the end portion 43 of the jacket being rolled or flanged over in an inward direction against the tapered transverse surface 44 of the cup base 16, so as to firmly secure the jacket to the cup. Part 45 of the tail portion of the jacket is then flattened or crimped inwardly to compress it against the insulating tubing 32 at a location substantially spaced from the terminal tubes 24, the insulating tubing 32 also being flattened to some extent against the insulation or sheath 33 of the conductive wires 70.
In the manufacture of the electric wire junction illustrated in FIG. 1, the terminal tubes 24 are inserted in the bores 26 of the insulated washer 21 and their rear ends 28 then riveted or flared over. The washer and tube subassembly is then inserted in the counterbore 20 of the terminal cup 17 and the forward end 23 of the latter flared over the end of the insulated washer to secure the washer to the terminal cup (FIG. 2). The stainless steel sheath 12 with a pair of heater wires projecting from its forward end is then inserted in the central passage of the cup, each of the heater wires 10 being disposed in its associated bore or passage 30 in a terminal tube 24, after which the terminal cup 17 is secured to the stainless steel tube 12 by silver brazing material disposed between the end of the terminal cup and the periphery of the stainless steel tube.
The exposed lead wires 11 of the pair of conductor members 70 are then each located in its associate bore 30 of a terminal tube 24, with the insulation 33 substantially abutting the outer end of the tube 24, each tube then being crimped or flattened inwardly to mechanically connect the conducting tube 24 with the heater wire 10 and the lead wire 11 disposed in its bore, as disclosed in FIG. 3. The tubing 32 of insulating material is then pulled over the conductive wires 70 and is stretched over the terminal cup 17, the vinyl tubing 32 conforming to the flattened or crimped portions 31 of the tubes, thereby insulating the tubes 24 and preventing external contact therewith by other conducting elements. The partially completed junction assembly is then in the condition illustrated in FIG. 4.
The jacket or housing 36 is then moved over the insulated tubing 32 and the conductor members 70 therewithin, and is shifted over the periphery of the terminal cup 17, until its shoulder 41 engages the end 23 of the cup, the end 43 of the jacket then being rolled or flanged inwardly to engage the tapered end portion 44 of the terminal cup. The tail portion 45 of the jacket is then flattened or crimped inwardly to mechanically secure it to the insulated tubing 32 and to the insulated conductors 70. The entire assembly has thus been completed, being illustrated in FIG. 1.
The electric wire junction illustrated in FIG. 1 prevents mechanical stresses from being imposed upon the connection between each heater wire 10 and its associated lead wire 10 with a tube 24. Any mechanical pulls or other strains imposed on the heater tube 12 or on the electric conductors 70 are transferred through the rigid cup 17 and rigid jacket 36, and do not pass through the junction portions of the wires themselves. Lateral bending or other forces imposed upon the jacket or housing 36 are not transmitted to the wires within the terminal tubes 24, but are resisted by the jacket or housing. The same is true of compressive forces imposed upon the parts. Any longitudinally inwardly directed forces on the conductors 70 or the insulated tubing 32 are transmitted through the crimped or flattened portion 45 of the jacket to the jacket 36, and through its shoulder 41, terminal cup 17, and the silver brazing material 35 to the stainless steel tubing 12. Inwardly directive or compressive forces originating from the heater end of the'apparatus is transmitted in a reverse direction through the cup 17 and housing 36 to the insulated tubing 32 and the conductors 70. The stresses themselves are not transmitted through the electrical connecting portions between each heater wire and its associated lead wire.
The above connection has been found to possess grea mechanical strength, despite the fact the junction, and particularly its heater wires 10 and lead wires 11, are of a relatively small size. The large conductive areas between the heater wires and lead wires and each terminal tube 24 result in very low electrical resistance at the connecting points. The particular connection also enables it to resist high temperatures, such as might be due to conductive flow of heat from the heater wires 10 to the junction. Substantially all contacts are mechanical.
The only nonmechanical connection is the silver brazing connection 35 between the cup 17 and the stainless steel heater tube 12.
The entire assembly is made of parts that are compartively simple, being capable of manufacture on screw machines, or of being molded easily. The assembly of the parts to one another is rapid and inexpensive, particularly in view of their mechanical interconnection. Even the silver brazing of the terminal cup to the heater .tube 12 is effected in a rapid manner. The simplicity of the parts and their essentially mechanical interconnection to one another makes the assembly of the complete junction capable of accomplishment in a rapid and relatively simple manner. Despite the relative low cost of making the junction, it possesses great mechanical strength and has a long life, since electrical contact between the lead wires 11 and the heater wires 10 is retained, not being susceptible to disruption because of transfer or bypassing stresses around the electrical contact location. The electrically conducting parts are fully insulated from one another, minimizing the danger of short-circuiting.
I claim:
1. In an electric wire junction: a terminal member having a passage; an insulated support in said member; a conductive tube secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said terminal member; a first electrical conductor extending from said sheath and disposed in said tube from one end thereof; a second sheath adjacent to said tube and having a second electrical conductor extending therefrom and disposed in said tube from the opposite end thereof; said tube being mechanically connected to the portions of said first and second electrical conductors disposed therein; insulating means disposed over said tube; and a jacket surrounding said terminal member, tube and second sheath and secured to said terminal member and second sheath to transmit mechanical forces between said first sheath and second sheath.
2. In an electric wire junction; a terminal member having a passage; an insulated support in said member; a conductive tube secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said terminal member; a first electrical conductor extending from said sheath and disposed in said tube from one end thereof; a second sheath adjacent to said tube and having a second electrical conductor extending therefrom and disposed in said tube from the opposite end thereof; said tube being pressed inwardly to connect it to the portions of said first and second electrical conductors disposed therein; an insulating tube disposed over said tube and second sheath; and a jacket surrounding said terminal member, tube and insulating tubing and secured to said terminal member, said jacket being pressed inwardly against said tubing to press said tubing inwardly against said second sheath, whereby mechanical forces are transmittable between said sheaths without passing through the portions of said first and second conductors disposed in said tube.
3. In an electric wire junction; a terminal cup having a central passage; an insulated support within and secured to said cup; a conductive tube secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said cup; a first electrical conductor extending from said sheath and disposed in said tube from one end thereof; a second sheath adjacent to said tube and having a second electrical conductor extending therefrom and disposed in said tube from the opposite end thereof; said tube being pressed laterally inwardly to conect it to the portions of said first and second electrical conductors disposed therein; an insulating tubing disposed over said tube and second sheath; and a jacket surrounding said cap, tube and insulating tubing, said jacket having a thrust shoulder engaging an end of said cup remote from said passage to transmit longitudina-l forces in one direction between said jacket and cup, said jacket having an inwardly directed flange engaging another portion of said cup to transmit longitudinal forces in the opposite direction between said jacket and cup.
said jacket being pressed laterally inwardly against said tubing to press said tubing inwardly against said second sheath, whereby mechanical forces are transmittable between said sheaths without passing through the portions of said first and second conductors disposed in said tube.
4. In an electric wire junction; a terminal member having a passage; an insulated support in said member; a plurality of spaced conductive tubes secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said terminal member; a plurality of first electrical conductors extending from said sheath, each of said conductors being disposed in an associated tube from one end thereof; a plurality of other sheaths adjacent to said tubes and having electrical conductors extending therefrom and each disposed in a tube from the opposite end thereof; each of said tubes being mechanically connected to the portions of said electrical conductors disposed therein; insulating means disposed over said tubes; and a jacket surrounding said terminal member, tubes and plurality of other sheaths and secured to said terminal member and other sheaths to transmit mechanical forces between said first sheath and other sheaths.
5. In an electric wire junction; a terminal member having a passage; an insulated support in said member; a plurality of spaced conductive tubes secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said terminal member; a plurality of first electrical conductors extending from said sheath, each of said conductors being disposed in an associated tube from one end thereof; a plurality of other sheaths adjacent to said tubes and having electrical conductors extending therefrom and each disposed in a tube from the opposite end thereof; each of said tubes being pressed laterally inwardly to connect it to the portions of said electrical conductors disposed therein; an insulating tubing disposed over said tubes and said other sheaths; and a jacket surrounding said terminal member, tube and insulated tubing and secured to said terminal member, said jacket being pressed laterally inwardly against said tubing to press said tubing inwardly against said other sheaths, whereby mechanical lfOICGS are transmittable between said first sheath and said other sheaths without passing through the portions of said conductors disposed in said tubes.
6. In an electric wire junction; a rigid terminal cup having a central passage; an insulated support within and secured to said cup; spaced conductive tubes secured to said support; a first sheath in said passage secured to said cup; electrical conductors extending from said sheath, each conductor being disposed in an associated tube from one end thereof; a plurality of other sheaths adjacent to said tubes, each of said other sheaths having an electrical conductor extending therefrom and disposed in an associated tube from the opposite end thereof; each of said tubes being pressed laterally inwardly to connect it to the portions of said electrical conductors disposed therein; an insulating tubing disposed over said tubes and other sheaths; and a rigid jacket surrounding said cup, tubes and insulated tubing, said jacket having a thrust shoulder engaging an end of said cup remote from said passage to transmit longitudinal forces in one direction between said jacket and cup, said jacket having an inwardly directed flange engaging another portion of said cup .to transmit longitudinal forces in the opposite direction between said jacket and cup, said jacket being pressed laterally inwardly against said tubing to press said tubing inwardly against said other sheaths, whereby mechanical forces are transmittable between said first sheath and said other sheaths without passing through the portions of said conductors disposed in said tubes.
No references cited.
LEWIS H. MYERS, Primary Examiner.
DIL. CLAY, Assistant Examiner.
1. IN AN ELECTRIC WIRE JUNCTION: A TERMINAL MEMBER HAVING A PASSAGE; AN INSULATED SUPPORT IN SAID MEMBER; A CONDUCTIVE TUBE SECURED TO SAID SUPPORT; A FIRST SHEATH IN SAID PASSAGE SECURED TO SAID TERMINAL MEMBER; A FIRST ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR EXTENDING FROM SAID SHEATH AND DISPOSED IN SAID TUBE FROM ONE END THEREOF; A SECOND SHEATH ADJACENT TO SAID TUBE AND HAVING A SECOND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR EXTENDING THEREFROM AND DISPOSED IN SAID TUBE FROM THE OPPOSITE END THEREOF; SAID TUBE BEING MECHANICALLY CONNECTED TO THE PORTIONS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS DISPOSED THEREIN; INSULATING MEANS DISPOSED OVER SAID TUBE; AND A JACKET SURROUNDING SAID TERMINAL MEMBER, TUBE AND SECOND SHEATH AND SECURED TO SAID TERMINAL MEMBER AND SECOND SHEATH TO TRANSMIT MECHANICAL FORCES BETWEEN SAID FIRST SHEATH AND SECOND SHEATH.
| 1964-03-31 | en | 1967-01-31 |
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