Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and a device for transmitting force by means of spring interaction and/or magnetic interaction. According to the invention, a plurality of supports are provided for receiving or positioning one or several springs, shock absorbers, or similar, each support being disposed on bearing means. Each support is connected to one or several freewheeling means, e.g. freewheel bearings, such that each support is rotatably or movably guided in a single direction about an axis of rotation or along a straight or curved axis of translation. Furthermore, each support is fitted with one or several individual springs, shock absorbers, or similar in a predefined arrangement. A plurality of such supports are positioned at a distance from each other in such a way that a momentum transmitted to a first support is transmitted by said first support to an adjacent second support by means of spring interaction, is transmitted by said second support to the third support that adjoins the second support, etc. An essential characteristic of the invention lies in the fact that virtually the entire momentum is transmitted to the next closest respective support as a support that has been set in motion is prevented by the freewheeling means from travelling in the reverse direction such that an initial momentum that is transmitted once from an external source of momentum to the magnetic force-transmitting device can be transmitted practically free of loss across long distances similar to a wave. The momentum can be maintained for an extended period of time at low frictional resistance if the path of travel is closed, e.g. in a circle.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention relates to a device for mechanical and/or magnetic transmission of force with the aid of movable springs, shock absorbers, magnets and the like that interact with one another.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Mechanical or magnetic force transmitting devices have long been known in which a driving force is transmitted from a first rotatably supported body to a second rotatably supported body. Such force transmissions are used in rigid clutches or so-called shaft compensation clutches. These can be obtained worldwide in many designs and on many principles.  
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The object of the present invention is to furnish an improved method and device for mechanical or magnetic force transmission, in particular pulse transmission, with which the torque transmitting capacity in particular can be improved. A further object is to furnish both a method and a device for mechanical force transmission with which pulses can be transmitted over long distances. It is also an object to propose a device with which some of the pulse energy can be caught.  
       DESCRIPTION  
       [0004]     According to the invention, the object is attained by a device in accordance with the preamble to claim  1 , which is characterized in that the supports are each rotatably located on their own, independent axle. This device according to the invention has the advantage that transmission devices of arbitrary length can be constructed. Moreover, a device according to the invention can comprise identical units or elements.  
         [0005]     Advantageously, for forming a pulse transmitting element, two supports each, spaced apart from one another, are disposed on a common axle in a manner fixed against relative rotation. Furthermore, a plurality of such pulse transmitting elements can be provided, which are disposed coaxially and spaced apart from one another along a common axis of rotation such that the springs, shock absorbers or magnets of one element can cooperate at least with those of an adjacent element. By the type of interaction, it is possible to transmit rotary pulses practically without loss. Expediently, the axle of the support or of the element, each rotatably disposed on a stationary frame, and the freewheel means (backstops) are solidly joined to the frame, so that the support or the element is rotatable in only one direction of rotation.  
         [0006]     As already described above, one support can be embodied as a movable carriage, and a plurality of carriages can be disposed movably in only a certain direction in one row and spaced apart from one another on a rail, so that a starting pulse transmitted from an external pulse transducer to the first carriage is transmitted to the last carriage on the rail. Alternatively, as the support, a disk or ring may be provided, and a plurality of disks or rings may be located on one common axis of rotation or on a plurality of axes of rotation and spaced apart from one another in the form of a lineup of disks or rings. The geometries described are easy to achieve in practice and prove to be especially favorable.  
         [0007]     Advantageously, a disk, ring, split ring or the like acting as a support is retained by a central or noncentral freewheel bearing, which assures that the support is supported and is rotatable in only one direction of rotation. The freewheel bearing may be a combination of a conventional bearing and a freewheel bearing. To keep the load on the freewheel bearing low, the rings, disks, carriages, etc. are expediently each located on suitable separate bearings, or are kept movable by them in at least one direction, and separate freewheel bearings are used that control the direction of travel or motion, for instance in combination with the gear wheel which cooperates with a corresponding toothing on the ring or on the disk. One skilled in the art can see that in the case where a plurality of bearings are used, they may be located on the inner and/or outer circumference of a ring.  
         [0008]     It is conceivable to provide a circular disk as a support for the springs, shock absorbers, etc., and to locate a plurality of these disks in a common plane and spaced apart from one another rotatably in only a certain direction of rotation (with the axis of rotation perpendicular to the common plane), so that a starting rotary pulse transmitted from an external pulse transducer to the first disk is transmitted as far as the last disk in the arrangement of disks. The possibility exists of locating the disks such that all the disks rotate in the same direction of rotation or alternatingly in opposite directions of rotation, if the disks are located not one after the other but side by side. It is also conceivable to locate the disks in the form of a stack and in a circle.  
         [0009]     In the case of a linear arrangement of supports cooperating with one another, it is conceivable to provide means for transmitting or feeding the pulse from the last support back to the first support again. Such means may for instance be an axle which connects the last support to the first support. As a bearing means for the supports, bearings of all kinds can be used, such as ball bearings, slide bearings, running bearings, or the like. The only significant aspect is that transporting or motion of the supports be assured with as little loss as possible, so that of the energy input externally in the form of a pulse, an excessive amount is not lost through friction.  
         [0010]     In an especially preferred embodiment, for forming a single pulse transmitting element, two supports each, spaced apart from one another, are disposed on a common axle in a manner fixed against relative rotation. This has the advantage that the lengths of the force transmitting device can be made arbitrarily long. A plurality of such elements can be provided. They may be located along a common axis of rotation, coaxially and spaced apart from one another, in such a way that the spring means of one element are able to cooperate with at least one adjacent element.  
         [0011]     Expediently, the supports are supported freely rotatably by means of a plurality of bearings located outside on the periphery, and on the inside of the ring a toothing is provided, with which a gear wheel retained by a freewheel bearing meshes. The common axis of rotation of the supports can be located on a straight line or on a curved path, preferably a circular path. Preferably, one or more first gear wheels, carrying the supports, are disposed on one or more axles in a manner fixed against relative rotation, and spaced from the axis of rotation of the aforementioned axles, at least one further second axle, with second gear wheels disposed on it with backstops, is provided, which second gear wheels can be brought into engagement with the first gear wheels directly, or by means of a chain or belt. By means of the second gear wheels, some of the pulse energy can be transmitted to an external pulse energy collector or caught.  
         [0012]     Advantageously, means are provided for blocking or locking at least one element in a defined rotary position. These locking or blocking means can be formed by a locking bar, a gear wheel, a clutch or the like and can cooperate, preferably by positive engagement, with at least one element, preferably the second element, of a device. By means of the blocking means, the second pulse transmitting element of a corresponding device can for instance be locked, so that a first drive element can be subjected to the desired spring tension. Although in principle each support can be equipped with only one spring, in a preferred embodiment, each support is equipped with at least two springs spaced apart from one another.  
         [0013]     Advantageously, additional inertial parts, such as flywheels, are disposed on the supports, pinions, gear wheels, backstops or axles, for increasing the pulse energy that is capable of being stored by the device. Thus the kinetic energy that can be stored in the device can be varied. In a preferred embodiment, a mechanism is provided for adjusting the maximum compression and/or relief of the spring. This makes it possible to maintain a residual tension between the springs of adjacent supports. For that purpose, the adjusting mechanism may be a frame disposed on the spring, or a threaded pin with a nut, for limiting the maximum compression and/or relief of the spring.  
         [0014]     Expediently, the position and shape of the magnets on the individual supports is selected such that a residual tension which is always &gt;0 is established between the magnets disposed on adjacent supports. In the case of springs or shock absorbers as well, their form or nature as well as their position on the individual supports are selected such that a residual tension between the springs or shock absorbers disposed on the adjacent supports is established which is always &gt;0. Advantageously, the gear wheels, pinions or the like cooperating with one another are disposed such that the energy of motion from the individual elements can be carried to the outside, and the pinions or gear wheels can continue running with or without flywheels. To accomplish this, additional backstops can be provided on the inner, first gear wheels.  
         [0015]     A preferred embodiment provides disposing one or more first gear wheels with backstops on one or more axles, and providing, spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the axles aforementioned axle, at least one second axle with second gear wheels, disposed thereon in a manner fixed against relative rotation, or second gear wheels with backstops, disposed thereon, which second gear wheels can be brought into engagement with the first gear wheels directly, or by means of a drive chain, belt, toothed belt, or the like. Furthermore, for attaining a variable dynamic pulse behavior, by a controller can be provided by providing that the energy of motion is carried to the outside from only every other element, or every third or every fourth element, and so forth. For instance, the energy can be carried to the outside from the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth element, etc., or from the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth element, etc. 
     
    
       [0016]     The invention is described in further detail below in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a disklike support with two mounts, facing one another, each for attaching one spring or shock absorber;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows the support of  FIG. 1  with springs located on the bases;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  shows the support of  FIG. 2  located on an axle;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of two supports (=a single pulse transmitting element) located rotatably on a common axle and spaced apart from one another;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  shows a support, located rotatably on an axle, with a drive mechanism for driving or abutting the support (drive element);  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  shows the support of  FIG. 5  with an additional mechanism for locking a rotating support in a defined rotary position;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary view of a device according to the invention with a drive element (see  FIG. 3 ) and a pulse transmitting element;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  shows the device of  FIG. 7  with an external shaft for catching pulse energy;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, having a plurality of supports spaced apart from one another along an axis of rotation;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  shows the device of  FIG. 9  in a second operating position of the supports;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  shows a further embodiment of a support with two magnets located facing one another;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  shows a pulse transmitting element comprising two supports of the kind shown in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a gear mechanism comprising two pulse transmitting elements of the kind shown in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  shows the pulse transmitting element of  FIG. 12  with a backstop and a gear wheel;  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  shows a gear mechanism comprising two pulse transmitting elements as in  FIG. 14  and an extraction gear mechanism located at a distance from the gear mechanism;  
         [0032]      FIG. 16  shows the pulse transmitting element of  FIG. 14  located on a frame;  
         [0033]      FIG. 17  shows a gear mechanism comprising a plurality of pulse transmitting elements, located in line with one another and in engagement with one another, and a decoupling gear mechanism;  
         [0034]      FIG. 18  shows the gear mechanism of  FIG. 17  with a different gear ratio;  
         [0035]      FIG. 19  shows the device of  FIG. 18  with flywheels additionally located on the decoupling gear mechanism;  
         [0036]      FIG. 20   a ) is a schematic illustration of the magnetization of the magnets of two adjacent elements;  
         [0037]      FIG. 20   b ) shows the position of repose between the two elements of  FIG. 20   a );  
         [0038]      FIG. 20   c ) shows the location of two magnets of two adjacent elements when tension has been built up (“compression”);  
         [0039]      FIG. 21  shows a first embodiment of a basic arrangement for energy catching with pinions;  
         [0040]      FIG. 22  shows a second embodiment of an arrangement for energy catching with gear wheels meshing with one another;  
         [0041]      FIG. 23  shows a third embodiment of an arrangement for energy catching;  
         [0042]      FIG. 24  shows a fourth embodiment of an arrangement for energy catching;  
         [0043]      FIG. 25  shows a fifth embodiment of an arrangement for energy catching with a flywheel. 
     
    
       [0044]     In  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a circular support  11  is shown, on which mounts  13 , facing one another, for spring means  15  are provided ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The mounts  13  comprise parts of approximately trapezoidal outline, which are fixedly located on the support  11  by means of screws or rivets  17 . The mounts  13  are located at the edge  19  of the support  11  in such a way that the long base edge  21  of the trapezoidal mounts  13  is located on the outside, or may be flush with the support edge  19 .  
         [0045]     The trapezoidal mounts  13  have a base face  23 , which rests on the support  11 , and an end face  25 , spaced apart from the base face  23 . The base face  23  and end face  25  are fixedly joined together by a middle part  27 . The middle part  27  together with the side edges  29 ,  29 ′ of the base face  23  and end face  25  forms a U-shaped seat, oriented toward the side, for the spring means  15 . Round recesses  33  for receiving a pin  35  are provided in both the base face  23  and the end face  25 .  
         [0046]     In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the spring means  15  are disposed on the mount  13 . The spring means  15  include a spring  15 , which is located on a foot part  37  and is located fixedly or detachably on the middle part  27  by means of a bolt or screw  39 . The spring  15  is fastened between the foot part  37  and the screw head  41 . A radially protruding pin  43  is provided on the screw head  41  and can act as a stop.  
         [0047]     In  FIG. 3 , a support  11 , equipped with springs  15 , is fixedly located on an axle  45 . The axle  45  is received in a bearing  47  not shown in further detail, which is located on a strut  50  of a frame  49 . A “backstop” (reverse travel block)  51 , located on the strut  50  and cooperating with the axle  45 , assures that the axle  45  can rotate in only one direction of rotation  53  (which is the direction of pulse transmission). In principle, it is conceivable for the backstop  51  to be connected in a manner fixed against relative rotation to either the support  11  or the axle. For instance, it is conceivable for the axle  45  to be fixed against relative rotation and the backstop  51  to be fixedly connected to the support  11 . The only aspect of significance for the function of the device is that the backstop  51  acts between the axle  45  and the support  11  and enables a rotation of the support  11  in only one direction of rotation  53 . Via a pinion  55  connected to the axle  45  in a manner fixed against relative rotation, the energy from a given pulse can be carried to the outside.  
         [0048]     In  FIG. 4 , a pulse transmitting element  12  comprising two supports  11   a,    11   b  is shown. The supports  11   a,    11   b  are spaced apart from one another and fixed against relative rotation on an axle  45 , not shown in  FIG. 4 . Extending between the supports  11   a,    11   b  is a strut  50 , protruding at a right angle from the frame  49 , with a round recess for the axle  45 . At least one annular backstop  51  is fixedly located on the strut  50  and permits a rotation of the axle  45  in only one direction of rotation  53 . The mounts  13  and spring means  15  are located on the outward-oriented sides of each of the disks  11   a,    11   b.    
         [0049]     An element  12  as shown in  FIG. 4  forms a single pulse transmission unit. A plurality of such elements  12  can be located, spaced apart from one another, on a common axis of rotation  52 , so that a pulse transmitted to a first element  12  can be transmitted to an element  12   a  adjacent to the first element  12 , from that element to the next element  12   b,  and so forth.  
         [0050]     In a device comprising a plurality of elements  12  located on an axis of rotation  52 , the elements  12  provided at the beginning and end of the device may, as shown in  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 5 , have only one support  11 . The elements provided between the end elements can then, as in  FIG. 4 , each be embodied with two supports  11   a,    11   b.  Such a device makes it possible to transmit a pulse from a first element  12  to the last element in a row of elements.  
         [0051]     The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5  differs from that of  FIG. 3  in that instead of the pinion  55 , a gear wheel  59  is located on the axle  45 . A driving gear wheel  59  cooperating with the gear wheel  57  makes it possible to put the support  11  in motion. In this exemplary embodiment as well, the backstop  51  assures that the axle  45  and the support  11 , located on the axle  45  in a manner fixed against relative rotation, can rotate in only one direction  53 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment in which the drive side of a device according to the invention is shown. The first element  12  of the drive side has only one support  11  with springs  15 , which are capable of cooperating with an adjacent element  12   a  located on a second axle  45   a.  The elements  12 ,  12   a  are at such a spacing from one another that the springs  15 , located on sides oriented toward one another of the elements  12 ,  12   a,  meet the mounts  13 ,  13   a  of the support  12   a  upon a relative rotation of the elements  12 ,  12   a.  If in operation a rotary pulse is transmitted to the element  12  via the driving gear wheel  59 , the element  12  rotates in the direction of rotation  53  (arrow  53 ), and the springs  15  meet the mounts  13   a  of the element  12   a.  Because of the inertia of the mass, the springs  15  are initially compressed, until the element  12  begins to move. Since the first element  12  is prevented by the backstop  51  from moving in reverse, in the opposite direction from the direction of rotation  53 , all the energy is transmitted from the element  12  to the element  12   a.  In  FIG. 6 , the device is shown at a moment in which the spring  15  shown is tensed.  
         [0053]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a toothing  61  is provided on the circumference of the second element  12   a;  it meshes with the toothing  63  of a further gear wheel  65 . The gear wheel  65  is connected to an electromagnetic or mechanical brake  67 . The electromagnetic or mechanical brake  67  makes it possible to prevent the element  12   a  from rotating until the rotary pulse energy has all been converted into the spring energy. Thus if by means of the gear wheels  59  and  57  a spring tension is built up between  12  and  12   a,  this spring tension can instantly be released by release of the brake or clutch  67 . Such a device should expediently be provided between the first and second elements  12 , 12   a,  or between the first and third, or first and fourth elements  12 ,  12   a,  and so forth, so that a strong starting pulse can be generated. In principle, a plurality of such brakes or clutches may be provided.  
         [0054]      FIG. 7  shows an embodiment in which a plurality of elements  12   a,    12   b,  etc. cooperate with one another. The element  12   a  is fixedly located on a first axle  45   a,  the element  12   b  is fixedly located on a second axle  45   b,  which is independent of the first axle, and the element  12 c is fixedly located on a third, independent axle  45   c  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). For the sake of simplicity, certain parts, such as the backstop  51  and the frame  49  with the strut  50  for securing the shaft  45   b,  have been left out of the drawing (for them, see  FIG. 8 ). If a pulse is transmitted to the axle  45   a  and thus the element  12   a  via the driving gear wheel  59 , drivable by means of a drive shaft, and the gear wheel  57 , then this pulse is transmitted by the springs  15   a  practically completely to the element  12   b  and from it to the element  12   c  (of the element  12   c,  only its support  11   a ″ is shown). In this way, a pulse, once transmitted to the device, migrates consecutively from one element to the next, until it has finally reached the end of the of a plurality of elements  12   a,    12   b,  etc. in line with one another. In principle, it is conceivable for the pulse then to turn around and migrate back to the site where the pulse was first transmitted to the device. For that purpose, respective spring means  15   a,    15   b,  etc. may be provided on the mounts  13   a,    13   b,  etc. of adjacent elements  12   a,    12   b,  etc. Such a device can in principle be used to store kinetic energy for a certain length of time.  
         [0055]      FIG. 8  shows a mechanical pulse transmitting element with three elements  12   a  through  12   c  in line one after the other. The element  12   b  has a gear wheel  67 , located in a manner fixed against relative rotation, on the axle  45   b  between the supports  11   b  and  11   b ′. The gear wheel  67  can cooperate with a gear wheel  69 . The gear wheel  69  is located on a shaft  71 , which extends parallel to the axis of rotation  52 , with a backstop  51 . By means of the gear wheels  69 , energy from the pulse transmitting element can be transmitted to the shaft  71 . To that end, the pinions  67  and  69  can be connected movably to one another with a chain, toothed belt, or the like, or directly, in the form of two gear wheels meshing with one another. When the support  11   a  rotates, the support  11   b  and thus the axle  45   b  are set into rotation as well. Via the pinions  67 ,  69 , energy can be transmitted to the shaft  71 . In principle, for the sake of catching energy, the backstops can be provided on either the pinion  69  or the pinion  67 . The shaft  71  with the gear wheel  69  may be part of a pulse energy collector.  
         [0056]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show a pulse transmitting element with four elements  12 , in line with one another, in various operating positions. In  FIG. 9 , at a defined time t, the spring  15   a  is tensed and the springs  15   b  and  15   c  are untensed. At a subsequent time t+x, the pulse is transmitted from the element  12   a  to the elements  12   b  and  12   c,  and the springs  15   b  are tensed.  
         [0057]     Preferably, spring means which make it possible to fix a residual tension setting should be selected. This can be attained by means of a mechanical device of the kind used in a shock absorber. The springs may also preferably be constructed such that upon complete relaxation, the engagement moment (shortly before the relaxation point) is still located relatively close to the maximum tension point. Preferably, a spring means of the kind in which the residual tension can be adjusted is employed.  
         [0058]     The energy drawn should preferably be selected such that of the residual spring tension, for instance of 1000 kg, of the individual spring, it attains the torque of no more than 80% (800 kg). It is thus attained that the pulse is put relatively quickly and uniformly through the system (that is, the arrangement of a plurality of elements). If magnets are used, care must be taken that a residual magnetic tension (MRS) is preserved.  
         [0059]     The centrifugal force of the individual elements or supports can also be mechanically increased, by selecting a large piston on the axle of the particular element and an equally small pinion outside in the “pulse energy collector”, but combines this with a large flywheel. The weight of the elements is thus mechanically moved upward. The flywheel and the backstop can for instance be embodied as a single unit. It is also conceivable for the inner pinion to be equipped with a backstop. Furthermore—as shown in  FIG. 8 —backstops may be provided on both the outer and the inner gear wheel  69  and  67 , respectively.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show a further embodiment of a support  1   1  with two magnets  73  on one side of the support. The magnets  73  are solidly connected to the support  11  by means of a housing  75 . In the center of the circular support  11 , there is a flange  76  with a round hole  77  for receiving an axle  45 . A groove  79  serves to receive a pin or splint, with which the support  11  can be disposed on an axle  45  in a manner fixed against relative rotation. The magnets  73  are oriented such that the magnetic field vector is oriented in the direction of repose, and no axial forces occur. The unit shown in  FIG. 12  forms a so-called pulse transmitting element  12 .  
         [0061]     In  FIG. 13 , two pulse transmitting elements  12 ,  12 ′ are shown, located one behind the other and together forming a gear mechanism. The poles of the cooperating magnets  73  are oriented counter to one another, so that when the magnets approach each other, a force of repulsion is built up between the magnets. Consequently, the magnets pass the pulse onto an adjacent element  12  without touching one another.  
         [0062]      FIG. 14  schematically shows a pulse transmitting element  12  with a backstop  51 , located on the axle  45 , and with a pinion  55 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 15  shows a gear mechanism comprising two elements  12 ,  12 ′ and an energy collector  81 . The energy collector  81  has an axle  83 , on which there are pinions  85  with a backstop. The spacing of the pinions  85  is equal to the spacing of the pinions  55 . The pinions  55  and  85  can enter into engagement either by means of a chain, belt or the like, or directly, in the form of gear wheels and can thus drive the energy collector  81 .  
         [0064]     In  FIG. 16 , an element  12  is located on the strut  50  of the frame  49 .  
         [0065]      FIGS. 17 through 19  show gear mechanisms comprising a plurality of elements  12  with an energy collector  81  that is located parallel to the gear mechanism.  
         [0066]     A small gear wheel, pinion on the element combined with a large gear wheel on the energy collector brings about an increase of torque at the energy collector axle ( FIG. 17 ).  
         [0067]     A large gear wheel, pinion on the element combined with a small gear wheel on the energy collector brings about an increase of speed at the energy collector axle ( FIG. 18 ). Preferably, two gear wheels of medium size compared to the diameter of a support should be used, one on the element and one on the pulse collector. By the additional combination of the pinion/gear wheel with backstop on the “pulse energy collector” with a flywheel  89 , the optimum energy yield can be attained ( FIG. 19 ).  
         [0068]     In conjunction with  FIGS. 20   a  through  20   c,  the energy transmission will be described below as an example (M 1   b +M 1   a  are the first element; M 2   b +M 2   a  are the second element): In the position of repose, for instance between the magnets M 1   a +M 2   a,  a residual tension (arrow  74 ) of 500 Nm prevails; that is, all the magnets are in the balanced position. The significant aspect is that the residual tension is &gt;0 Nm. It is thus attained that upon the pulse transition, the torque is never below the respective residual tension. This applies equally to exemplary embodiments with magnets and exemplary embodiments with springs. The spacing (gap) between the magnets M 1   b  and M 2   b,  and M 1   a  and M 1   b  (arrows  78 ) corresponds to the tension built up characterizes.  
         [0069]     For energy catching  
         [0070]      FIG. 21  schematically shows a basic arrangement in which a pinion is located in a manner fixed against relative rotation on an axle  1  or support/disk. The backstop  1  permits the rotation of the axle  1  only in the pulse direction. The pinion  2  is fixedly connected to the backstop  2 . The backstop makes it possible to transmit the applicable pulse, which is obtained from pinion  1  via pinion  2 , to the axle  2 . Once the pulse has been fully transmitted and the pinion  2  comes to a stop, then the pinion  2   b  with the backstop  2   b  and pinion  2   c  and backstop  2   c,  etc., located in line on the axle  2 , can transmit the pulse, running through the arrangement, to the axle  2  without the other pinions, which are stopped, being carried along with it, since the applicable backstop  2  allows looping. The pinions can be connected to one another by a chain or belt. Instead of the pinions, however, gear wheels or the like may be used, as is shown in  FIG. 22 . In both examples ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ), the energy of the total pulse can be picked up at the axle  2 , and the axle  2  may also be subdivided (a plurality of individual generators for one long pulse chain). In principle, the axle may also be subdivided by means of clutches.  
         [0071]     In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 23 , the pinion  1  is secured to the backstop  3 , and the pinion  2  is located on the axle  2  in a manner fixed against relative rotation. In this exemplary embodiment, the backstop  3  performs the task of the backstop in the first exemplary embodiment.  
         [0072]     The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 24  corresponds to a combination of the exemplary embodiments 1 and 3.  
         [0073]     The fifth exemplary embodiment ( FIG. 25 ) shows an arrangement with a flywheel. By the combination with a flywheel, an even more-perfect pulse transmission is attained. An increase in the centrifugal force is achieved as well. The use of flywheels has the further advantage that the desired intrinsic weight of the inner disks can be reduced (weight saving), if the flywheels are mounted on the outside of the pinions or backstops.  
         [0074]     What is essential in the device of the invention is that a pulse or torque is transmitted by means of springs, shock absorbers, magnets, or the like from one support in a defined direction to a movably supported second support to the adjacent third support located movably in the same direction, and so forth. What is significant here is that each support is in communication with suitable means, for instance freewheel means such as freewheel bearings, so that the support can rotate or move forward in only one certain direction. Because the reverse travel of a support that is been put in motion is made impossible by the freewheel means used, a practically complete pulse transmission to the respective next support is accomplished, so that a starting pulse transmitted first from an external pulse transducer to the magnetic force transmitting device can be transmitted on the order of a wave practically without a loss over long distances. For the reader familiar with this subject matter, it is clear that within the scope of this invention, the most various arrangements and embodiments are conceivable and can be realized, without departing from the fundamental concept of the invention.  
         [0075]     A perfect, self-compensating symmetry exists when each element of an arrangement adjusts automatically (that is, one after the other) to a new position once one or more elements of an arrangement is or are changed in its or their basic setting. It is advantageous if the direction of motion of all the elements in one and the same direction of rotation is limited. The number of elements does not matter, as long as  
         [0076]     a) the internal tension in equilibrium of the individual elements to one another is higher than the total friction in the mechanical system;  
         [0077]     b) at least one and preferably all the elements (on which forces act) are limited in one and the same direction of rotation.  
         [0078]     1. The first primary principle of a dynamic, self-compensating mechanical and/or magnetic symmetry:  
         [0079]     An asymmetrical, dynamic, self-compensating symmetry (of an arrangement of elements) that is not at rest is automatically restored symmetrically by means of its internal forces/torque-tensions of the individual elements, as long as the force/torque-tension acting on one another between each element interacting is greater than the sum of the friction in the total system; or more simply:  
         [0080]     An asymmetrical, dynamic, self-compensating symmetry that is not at rest is restored from its own internal force, as long as the torque-tension acting in equilibrium with one another among the individual elements is greater than the sum of the friction in the total system.  
         [0081]     2. The second primary principle of a dynamic, self-compensating mechanical and/or magnetic symmetry:  
         [0082]     The amount of energy that is generated (that can be picked up at one or more collector axles) after one or more complete (in all elements) “restorations” (a pulsating element or pulsating elements cause asymmetrical→symmetrical reaction) can be greater (for a corresponding number of elements) than the initial energy (change in the position of one or more elements because of pulses) that causes an asymmetry, or more simply:  
         [0083]     The amount of energy that is released in a symmetrical restoration of a dynamic, self-compensating mechanical and/or magnetic symmetry can be greater, when the number of elements is increased, than the amount of energy that causes or creates a pulselike symmetry in the system.  
         [0084]     Gear wheels on the elements (see  FIG. 14 ) put any asymmetrical step (driven pulse) outside the arrangement; gear wheel and backstop units (reference numeral  85  in  FIG. 15 ) conduct the force (energy) onward individually, but in flowing fashion (overrun-clutch effect) to an axle, which is coupled to a generator. This “nonrepose” initiated (pulse at the first element) is pulsed during operation of the system constantly in sequences (repeated; to achieve synchronism, the second and third sequence is initiated immediately before the first and second pulse reaches the other end of the arrangement), time-shifted, but flowingly stored additional motion is converted into “energy”.  
         [0085]     Numerical example, with 50 elements:  
                                   Energy Input at the 1st Element (Initiated Pulse, 60 Degrees)       ↓       Energy Output at the 2nd through 50th Element       49 × 60 Degrees (Driven Pulse 2940 Degrees)       ↓       Compensation of the Symmetry Causes “Energy Production”                  
 
         [0086]     Explanation:  
         [0087]     The torque of the pulse, in our example, ranges between 1000 Nm (=maximum tension) and 500 Nm (=residual tension)=&gt;750 Nm.  
         [0088]     A skeptic will say that since friction is involved, this symmetrical arrangement will stop somewhere in the middle.  
         [0089]     This is wrong, since 50 elements, for instance, in succession have a total distribution, including the collective, of 50 Nm of torque loss (500 Nm-50 Nm=450 Nm; 1000 Nm-50 Nm=950 Nm).  
         [0090]     min 450 Nm, max 950 Nm  
         [0091]     Average 700 Nm are continuously available, since the pulse is continuously repeated.  
         [0092]     To obtain a rapid sequence of pulses, in practice 50% of the average torque (in this example, 350 Nm) is carried away to a generator.  
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0093]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 11 
                 Support 
               
               
                 13 
                 Mounts 
               
               
                 15 
                 Spring means 
               
               
                 17 
                 Screws or rivets Screws or rivets 
               
               
                 19 
                 Edge of the support (periphery) 
               
               
                 21 
                 Base edge of the trapezoidal mounts 
               
               
                 23 
                 Base face 
               
               
                 25 
                 End face 
               
               
                 27 
                 Middle part 
               
               
                 29, 29′ 
                 Side edges 
               
               
                 31 
                 U-shaped seat 
               
               
                 33 
                 Recesses 
               
               
                 35 
                 Pin 
               
               
                 37 
                 Foot part 
               
               
                 39 
                 Bolt or screw for fastening the spring 15 
               
               
                 41 
                 Screw head 
               
               
                 43 
                 Pin 
               
               
                 45 
                 Axle 
               
               
                 47 
                 Bearing 
               
               
                 49 
                 Frame 
               
               
                 50 
                 Strut of the frame with a recess for the axle 
               
               
                 51 
                 Backstop 
               
               
                 52 
                 Axis of rotation of the axle 45 
               
               
                 53 
                 Direction of rotation 
               
               
                 55 
                 Pinion 
               
               
                 57 
                 Gear wheel 
               
               
                 59 
                 Driving gear wheel 
               
               
                 61 
                 Toothing on the circumference of the support 
               
               
                 63 
                 Toothing of the electromagnetic or mechanical brake 
               
               
                 65 
                 Gear wheel of the electromagnetic or mechanical brake 
               
               
                 67 
                 Gear wheel between the supports 
               
               
                 69 
                 Gear wheel on the axle 71 
               
               
                 71 
                 Axle of the pulse energy collectors 
               
               
                 73 
                 Magnets 
               
               
                 74 
                 Arrow for residual tension 
               
               
                 75 
                 Housing 
               
               
                 76 
                 Flange 
               
               
                 77 
                 Round hole 
               
               
                 79 
                 Groove 
               
               
                 81 
                 Energy collector 
               
               
                 83 
                 Axle 
               
               
                 85 
                 Pinion 
               
               
                 89 
                 Flywheel

Technology Classification (CPC): 5