GB2423641A - Rotary and linear electromagnetic reciprocating machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An electromagnetic reciprocating machine comprises elongate magnetically permeable members 2 located about a common axis and generally extending in an axial direction. The permeable members 2 include slots into which conductive windings 4 may be located. The machine also has magnetic poles 6N, 6S symmetrically disposed about the common axis in a heteropolar arrangement. The machine is arranged such that during operation the relative position of magnetic poles 6N, 6S to windings 4 changes by axial movement followed by rotational movement sequentially or rotational movement followed by axial movement sequentially. The machine may operate as a motor or a generator using or supplying direct current without commutation or alternating current. A quadrilateral arrangement of permeable members 2 may be employed, where the said members may be aligned or angled relative to the direction of the common axis. Ring, arc or straight members 1 may be located between adjacent ends of the permeable members 2. These members 1 may be made from magnetically permeable or non-permeable material.

Description

RECIPROCATING MOTORS

Field of the Invention

Solenoids and other electromechanical devices.

Prior Art

GB 1585363, EP0004995 Al, EP022 1228 Al, US3 135880 A.

Summary of the Invention

A mechanism for producing or utilising continuous sequential rotational and axial motion. According to the invention there is provided an arrangement of electrically conducting conductors and magnetic poles, so oriented as to develop interactive electrical and electromotive force comprising: - A plurality of magnetically permeable members located about a common axis and where these members are slotted in part or whole to accommodate an arrangement of electrically conducting conductors in the form of windings, located in part or whole on these members, together with a heteropolar arrangement of magnetic poles symmetrically disposed on or about this common axis. A mechanical transmission means is provided, located on the common axis, mechanically connecting these poles or alternatively, the arrangement of conductors, directly or indirectly to the output.

Conductors and poles being capable of relative motion, both axially along this common axis and rotationally at the ends of their axial motions, in conjunction with simple mechanical or electro-magnetic guidance means.

Whereby to achieve continuous unidirectional current generation or continuous sequential rotational motion, the relative positions of poles to windings are transposed by translating axial motion to rotational motion or rotational motion to axial motion, sequentially at predetermined positions.

Preferred Embodiment A preferred embodiment is a concentric arrangement with a stationary set of conductors on the outside and a reciprocating and rotatable magnetic pole system connected to a mechanical transmission means on the inside.

Referring to Figure 1, a two-pole machine. Items 1 and 2, are the ferrous parts that carry the magnetic flux. Item 3 are fixing holes for the stationary location of the stator.

Item 4 is the winding, in this example wound anti-clockwise, continued on the rings, also anti-clockwise.

The winding in this example starts on the left, proceeds to the right continues on the rings and returns on an adjacent member.

In this case the lower member.

Item 5 is the mechanical transmission means to remove or insert rotational or axial energy or a combination of both (see Figure 3).

Attached to the mechanical transmission means 5 are a plurality of poles 6 (individual poles may be designated 6N for North Poles or 68 for a South Poles) which can be electromagnets or permanent magnets. If electromagnets they may be supplied with electric current via slip-rings (not shown). Whether slip rings are required or not is a design decision. 8 is the yoke, or equivalent thereof, providing magnetic connection for the poles.

If the start position at X is as depicted, outside of the magnetic influence to a large degree of the adjacent winding on the ring and the machine is in motor mode, with a complete winding 4 energized in an appropriate direction and magnetic polarities of the poles as shown. The poles 6N and 68 will move axially from the ring on the left to the ring on the right, driven by the winding on the horizontal members. At the end of its horizontal travel, in this example, the poles will be influenced by the radial field of the right-hand ring winding, causing the poles to rotate 180 degrees equal to one pole pitch. The winding 4 on the members will now act to move the poles back again axially, because the upper pole is now a South pole and the lower pole is now a North pole, to the ring on the left, but each pole now moving on a different adjacent member.

At this point the pole will feel the influence of ring one left field and rotate 180 degrees back to its start position.

Angled slots 7 containing part of the winding 4 may be provided at any change of direction junction, correctly oriented to assist a change from rotational to linear motion or the converse, being part of a guidance means.

This sequence may start and stop at any point in the sequence.

The direction of rotational motion of a pole relative to the conductors at each ring axial location is a function of design.

In this patent pole pitch' is the distance that a pole moves relative to the conductors, or the converse, during one axial or rotational displacement or stroke.

Variations Many variations are possible. Figure 2 shows a four-pole machine, in which the members, rods or bars are angled relative to the common axis, as shown.

They are slotted and carry a similar winding as in Figure 1 except that windings would not be required on the rings in this instance. Also the magnetic connections between bars may take place at bar ends, eliminating if required, the necessity of magnetically permeable rings. Part of winding 4 is shown illustrating the principle of a ring winding as a helical winding continuously clockwise wound, or continuously anticlockwise If the start position is at X and the windings on the members are similar to Figure 1 but connected for four-pole operation and the machine is in motor mode, using the upper inside N pole as a reference, the N pole will proceed along member 2A returning on member 2B, out on member 2C returning on member 2D, out on member 2E, returning on member 2?, out on member 2G, returning on member 2H to the start position. This sequence is repeated. It will be noted in this design, that when the poles move between rings they also rotate. The other poles will trace out similar paths.

Figure 3 shows top and side elevation of Prior Art relating to mechanical means for translating reciprocating motion and rotational motion, into rotational motion. Other variations are possible.

Shaft 5 is the output shaft of the mechanism converted to rotary motion via linkage 55 to ball socket 56, which allows rotational motion while still enabling reciprocating motion.

Rotational motion is transmitted to splined gearwheel 50 (held in axial position by restraining means 51) transmitted to gear 52 and beveled gear 53 to drive gear 54.

Other prior art means are well known.

Figure 5 is another variation of a machine. This one is inverted relative to Figure 1, in which the winding is on the inside moving portion, which in turn is fixed to mechanical transmission means 5.

Items 1 and 2 are the magnetic assembly with a winding 4. Item 6 are the stationary poles. Item 8 is the yoke, providing magnetic connection between the poles. Operation is similar to Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a variation of Figure 5, which illustrates the principle that the number of members is equal to a multiple of the number of poles in this type of machine. In Figure 5 the multiple is one, in Figure 6 the multiple is two, giving two poles and four bars.

Any multiple may be suitable, depending on the design.

All designs can be designed for motor mode and/or generating mode, utilising or producing direct current or alternating current.

If using alternating current the ring winding may follow normal practice, split winding plus a capacitor on a single phase supply (not shown).

A simple winding is shown in Figure 4, which is a schematic representation of an opened out four-pole direct current motor, similar to Figure 1 but four pole, in which 4 is part of the ring winding commencing at X, which is connected to a negative supply (for a DC machine) proceeding to Y which in turn connects to other parts of the winding, including the diagonal slots.

The sequence of connections is not shown in detail for clarity purposes and is dictated by design. The arrows indicate current flow direction.

Item 6N is a North pole, one of a set of four-poles. Item 68 is a South pole, one of a set of four poles, with the magnetic structures 1 and 2 held stationary, and all of the poles 6 free to move in unison.

Using Fleming's right-hand rule for motors, it will be seen that pole 6N will be induced to move left to right by current flow in conductors 4. On reaching the right-hand junction, the diagonally placed conductor will deflect pole 6N radially downward to the junction below, where it will be induced to travel right to left to another junction, where it is deflected downward.

The sequence is repeated.

Referring now to the lower pole 68, which is a South Pole, being part of a four-pole arrangement mechanically fixed in quadrature to the mechanical transmission means. This South Pole 68 will, at the same time as North Pole 6N, move to the right, by interaction with the conductors (opposite polarity plus opposite current direction). As can be seen, all four poles, each on their own member, will move in unison left to right, then all together down one radial pole pitch; then all will move right to left, each on a new member adjacent to the previous one.

A similar result is apparent when the machine is a generator of Direct Current power, using Fleming's left-hand rule.

Figure 7 is a derivative of Figure 1. It is similar in most respects.

It has two magnetically permeable rings 1, but rotated 90 degrees. It has two magnetically permeable slotted members 2.

It has a ring winding 4 and a prior art mechanical linkage 5, converting part linear and part rotational motion to external utilisation means (details not shown). There are four poles 68 and 6N being two south and two north poles.

Angled guidance slots are not required. With an arbitrary start position at 63, in motor mode all four poles will move in unison to position 64 whereupon simple mechanical means (not shown) will initiate rotation of the four-pole assembly, clockwise in this case, for a distance of one pole pitch, with the North pole now replacing the South pole and the South pole occupying the position of the North pole, the pole assembly will return to position 63. Rotation again takes place followed by linear motion as before. This sequence is repeated as previously described.

Item 9 is part of the simple mechanical guidance means, which facilitate linear motion of the poles supported on rotatable means.

Item 1 is part of each ring located between members 2.

Figure 8 shows a modification to Figure 7 in which the only changes are to substitute straight members in place of the inner curved sections of rings 1. These substitute straight members are labeled lB in Figure 8. The end rings 1 in Figure 6 are now end semi-circles labeled 61, in Figure 8.

Substituting straight sections does not improve performance, but greatly simplifies manufacture.

Figure 9 shows another variation in which an arrangement of electrically conducting conductors and magnetic poles on a common axis are so oriented as to develop interactive electrical and electromotive force.

A plurality of magnetically permeable semi-circles 61, axially located with their diameters vertically oriented at these axial locations symmetrically located about a common axis together with a plurality of magnetically permeable members 2 substantially of equal lengths located parallel to the common axis, symmetrically disposed and magnetically connecting the semi-circles one to the other at their diameter circumference junctions and where the semi-circles and members are slotted in part or whole to accommodate an arrangement of electrically conducting conductors in the form of a winding 4, with co-operating windings on the magnetically permeable semi-circles, and with all conductors so oriented as to develop interactive electrical and electromotive force with said arrangement of magnetic poles.

A heteropolar arrangement of magnetic poles 68 and 6N are symmetrically disposed about the common axis.

The four poles comprise two North Poles 6N and two South Poles 68. All four poles are mechanically connected to move as one axially and be free to rotate on axis 65. Rotation may be initiated at centreline positions 63 or 64. Assuming the machine is in motor mode and all four poles are on the centreline position 63, when winding 4 is energised in the appropriate direction (arrows indicate current flow direction in this example) all four poles will move left to right. On arriving at centreline 64 the poles will rotate 180 degrees, due to electromagnetic means, windings on rings for motor mode, and mechanical guidance means (not shown) for generating mode.

The poles are now reoriented, North Poles replacing South Poles.

On completion of this rotation, the poles will be constrained to travel axially back to centreline position 63, whereupon the poles will once more rotate 180 degrees. This sequence repeats.

Mechanical output (not shown) is taken from the axis 65 as a linear stroke between centrelines 63 and 64. The motion between poles and winding are relative, therefore the winding may move with the poles stationary if required.

The presence or absence of windings on members or rings or ellipses in part or whole, is a function of design. Windings on rings or ellipses accentuate rotational motion. Windings on members accentuate linear motion.

Suitable windings for a machine according to the invention, may be a ring winding, lap winding or wave winding, either alone or in combination. Figure 10 illustrates a combination of ring and lap windings, being an opened out view, similar to Figure 4 in which 1 are the magnetically permeable rings, 2 are the magnetically permeable members, 7 are diagonal portions of the winding. 6N and 6S are North Poles and South Poles above the windings. One winding commencing at X and terminating at Y is a ring winding on the members 2. The other windings are lap wound, permanently connected to the supply as shown. Inter- connections are a function of design (e.g. lap or wave or ring).

Figure 11 shows a variation of Figure 9. Its method of operation is virtually the same as Figure 9. There are two differences, firstly items 61 in Figure 9 are now straight verticals and secondly they do not require windings. This variation is optimized for linear motion, the rotary motion is an essential but a non-productive part of the cycle.

The interconnections of series and parallel circuits are design functions, as are the number of coils.

Claims (1)

1. (1) An arrangement of electrically conducting conductors and magnetic poles on a common axis so oriented as to develop interactive electrical and electromotive force comprising: - (a) A plurality of magnetically permeable members located about a common axis and where said members are slotted in part or whole to accommodate an arrangement of electrically conducting conductors in the form of windings located in part or whole on said magnetically permeable members; (b) A heteropolar arrangement of magnetic poles symmetrically disposed about said common axis capable of executing movements of rotation and translation relative to said conductors; (c) A mechanical transmission means, located on the common axis mechanically connecting said poles or alternatively said arrangement of conductors to the output or input; Whereby to achieve continuous unidirectional current generation or continuous sequential rotational and axial motion, the relative positions of poles to windings are transposed by translating axial motion to rotational motion or rotational motion to axial motion sequentially at predetermined positions.

   (2) A mechanism in accordance with claim one where said members in part or whole are disposed in angular relationship to said common axis.

   (3) A mechanism in accordance with claim one where said members form a quadrilateral.

   (4) A mechanism in accordance with claim one where translation is accomplished by simple mechanical or electromechanical means.