GB928231A - Storage of energy by means of stretching rubber cords or steel springs on a frictionless surface drum - Google Patents

Abstract

928,231. Spring power-storing mechanisms. W. G. HOLLOWAY. Feb. 16, 1960, No. 5518/60. Class 10. [Also in Group XXIV] An energy-storing device comprises an input and an output coupling member mounted for relative rotation on a shaft, one or more elastic cords or helical coil springs secured at opposite ends to the coupling members and a cage arranged concentrically around the shaft, which cage comprises a plurality of spindles fast with the input coupling member and each being provided with rollers, the arrangement being such that the input coupling member drives the output coupling member through the cords or springs, which should the input exceed the output requirments, are stretched around the cage so as to store energy which is released when the input is less than required. An energy-storing device comprises input and output coupling members 1, 2, Fig. 1, mounted for relative rotation on a shaft 3 and having the opposite ends of an elastic cord 8 or coil spring attached thereto by clamping devices 9. The cord 8 is mounted about a cage arranged concentrically around the shaft 3, which cage comprises spindles having rollers 12 to form a frictionless surface, the spindles being secured to flanges 7, 11 of a sleeve 6 of the input member 1. The input member is rotated by means 15 and ratchet 16 to drive the output member 2 through the cord at a controlled rate by means (not shown) any excess input being taken up by the cord being stretched around the cage. Stops 13, 14 on the members 1 and 2 respectively limit relative rotation therebetween. In a modification, Fig. 4, a second cage is mounted concentrically around the cage, the outer ends of the spindles of the outer cage being fixed to an annular flange ring 17 in an annular recess 18 of the output member 2 and the outer ends of the spindles of the inner cage being attached to a flange 19 of a sleeve 20 mounted on the shaft 3. The input member is driven by a pinion 21 on the sleeve 4 through a chain or gear 22 and a further pinion 23 on the sleeve 4 is engaged by a ratchet mechanism 26. The output drive is via a pinion 24 on the flange 5 through a gear 25 and a ratchet 26 controlled by a brake 27 controls the output member. A plurality of cords 8 are provided for each cage and are attached at opposite ends to the input and output members. A mechanism for controlling the output member and the release of stored energy comprises a variable speed gear-box .38, Fig. 5, controlled via sleeve and pinion members 28, 29 associated with input and output members respectively which rotate on stub axles 30, 31 on a frame 32 to which the shaft 3 is secured. The members 28, 29 support an externally screw-threaded shaft 33 so that differences in rotation of the members causes the threaded shaft to be exchanged between them so as to cause movement of a rocker arm 37 controlling the gear-box 38 via a wheel 34 on the shaft 33 and an associated block 35 which is slidably mounted on a spline 36.