NL1037790A

NL1037790A - Mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement and vice versa, device comprising such a mechanism, method of balancing such a mechanism or device.

Info

Publication number: NL1037790A
Application number: NL1037790A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jacob Vaalburg
Original assignee: Vaalburg Res B V
Priority date: 2009-03-09
Filing date: 2010-03-09
Publication date: 2010-09-13
Also published as: NL1037790C2

Description

Mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement and vice versa,device comprising such a mechanism, method of balancing such a mechanism or device.

This invention relates to a mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotationalmovement and vice versa, device comprising such a mechanism, method of making and use ofsuch a mechanism or device. Application of such mechanisms is e.g. in (piston)engines,(piston)pumps, (piston)compressors, (valve)actuators, control and movements in automatedfabrication processes, sawing machines, windscreen wiper drive mechanisms etc., etc.

Although the invention can be used for many applications e.g. as mentioned above, the inventionwill be described with reference to the application in the field of piston engines. The invention ishowever in no way limited to this application.

Prior art.

Such mechanisms or devices suitable for piston engines are e.g. known from EP-A-0 708 274.

In figure 20 of this document a conventional crank-connecting rod mechanism is shown. Amajor drawback of this mechanism is that the connecting rod does not move in a straight line butrather in a pendulum like way, thereby introducing extra vibrations and side forces on thecylinder wall. Another drawback is the complicated form of the crankshaft which is thereforerelatively expensive to produce.

Furthermore, this document describes a mechanism whereby the connecting rod is attachedeccentrically to a gear wheel, the gear wheel being mounted on a crank and tumable in astationary ring with internal teeth. Although the movement of the connecting rod is rectilinear, itis not easy to install the ring with internal teeth in the engine block. Also the fabrication costs ofsuch a ring are relatively high. Furthermore, a crankshaft is still needed which is complicated tomake.

In US-A-4 077 267 several elliptical gear wheels are used, whereby a central elliptical wheel iskept in engagement with four other elliptical wheels (connected to the pistons) by means ofconnecting links. Also in this embodiment extra vibrations due to the non linear motion butpendulum like movement of these links arise. Furthermore, the fabrication of the ellipticalwheels is relatively complicated.

In FR-A-2 443 575 a connecting rod connects to a crankshaft to which latter a secondcrankshaft is connected via eccentrical gear wheels. Here, the connecting rod does not move rectilinearly and a non favourable crankshaft is needed.

In FR-A-2 545 890 a connecting rod connects to a crank between two eccentrically arrangedgear wheels with sliding bearings. These gear wheels are engaged with an eccentrical gearwheel having a fixed bearing and are kept into engagement with connecting elements which areformed around the outer circumference of the eccentrical wheels. Apart from the enormousfriction that occurs, the connecting elements do not move rectilinearly but like a pendulum andcause beside the connecting rods extra vibrations.

DE-A-3232974 describes a mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotationalmovement and vice versa, using at least three gearwheels one of which is freely rotateablearound the axis through its centre. One embodiments shows the connection of the wheels tothree crankshafts, which are difficult to manufacture.

Another embodiment shows the freely rotateable wheel being provided at its rotational axisthrough its centre with a difficult to produce crankshaft. The other wheels are coupled in theirrotation by further means in the form of a surrounding belt. This belt establishes only a frictionalconnection between the wheels, which allows for slip of the belt and relative movement of thecentres of the wheels with respect to each other, especially when the belt tension is decreasingdue to wear, resulting in a malfunctioning of the mechanism.

Finally, DE-A-4430423 describes a similar mechansim using two excentrically rotating gearwheels, only one having a fixed excentrical rotating axis, whereby the wheels are kept engagedby a connecting rod connecting the centres of the wheels. In one example it is described that athird gear wheel can be arranged for guiding the freely roataing wheel. How this third wheel iskept engaged with the other wheels is not disclosed and it is even recommended not to use three(or more) wheels. Other embodiments show rods with grooves in which pins are guided whichresult in enormous frictional losses. Always connections are provided at the rotational axisthrough the centre of the freely rotating wheel resulting in limitations to connect thereciprocating member at both sides of the freely rotating wheel.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to realize a mechanism and a device for converting a reciprocatingmovement into a rotational movement and vice versa, a method of making and use of such amechanism or device, such that at least one of the above drawbacks or complications is obviatedor reduced.

Solution

These objects are achieved with a mechanism according to claims 1 and 2 and/or a method ofbalancing according to claim 14.

Especially, when starting from a mechanism according to the prior art as described in DE-A-4430423 the objects are achieved with the characterising features of claims 1 and 2.

Especially, because the second and third wheels are also positively coupled by further means, areliable engagement of all wheels is achieved, whereby the position of the centres of the wheelsis kept at all times and disengagement of the second and third wheels from the first wheel isobviated.

Because the further means rotate together with the second and third wheels, the friction in themechanism is kept to a minimum.

As an alternative solution magnetism can be used in order to keep the wheels engaged e.g. thewheels could be magnetised so that they attract each other.

Preferably, several means for rotateable connection with rectilinear reciprocating members arearranged such that at least two means follow perpendicular rectilinear reciprocating movements.With this arrangement balancing of the mechanism connected to reciprocating membersbecomes very easy.

Prefereably, the further means can be formed by centrical and/or excentrical gearwheels or ringgears. Also a chain, a toothed belt, hypoid gear wheels or any other transmission using positiveengagement (different from frictional engagement) can be used. Also a simple rod e.g. with holesat its ends rotateably and positively connecting to shaft stubs on e.g. the second and third wheelscan be thought of.

In particular the wheels have a toothing which can be helical and preferably is a symmetricalhelical toothing, e.g. a fish-bone toothing.

Preferably, the centres of the wheels stay arranged on a straight line during motion. With thisarrangement embodiments can have a relatively small height.

The mechanism can be used in all kind of devices.

It can for example be used in a device like an engine, a pump, a compressor or combinations thereof, whereby the rotational axis of the first wheel or both rotational axis of the second andthird wheels are connected to at least one piston, possibly via a connecting rod, wherebypreferably the connecting rod is fixedly mounted to or integral with the at least one piston,whereby the at least one pistons is arranged in at least one cylinder. Because the pistons do notneed to be hingely connected, a complicated hinge connection as used in conventional enginesbetween connecting rod and piston can be obviated. Not only the piston(s) but also theconnecting rods do make a pure rectilinear reciprocating movement. Vibrations causing noiseand powerloss are herewith strongly reduced or even obviated.

Preferably, the device comprises means for cooling and/or lubrication, whereby in particular thereciprocating parts comprised of the connecting rod and/or the piston have a channel for coolingand/or lubrication purposes.

Preferably, the compression ratio is adjustable by varying the position of the rotational axis (andthus the bearings) of the second and third wheels in the chassis of the device (or of the axis ofthe first wheel in the chassis, in case this axis has a fixed bearing) with respect to the position offor example the cylinders.

Preferably, the compression ratio is adjustable by varying the distance between the rotationalaxis of the first wheel and the side of the at least one piston facing away from the first wheel orthe distance between the rotational axis of the second and third wheel and the side of the at leastone piston facing away from these wheels. This can be realized relatively easily, as thereciprocating movement of the connecting rod and piston is purely rectilinear.

Preferably, the second and third wheels are mounted on straight shafts, whereby preferably alongtheir length several second and third wheels are arranged with a different orientation with respectto each other. With this construction it is possible to combine several mechanisms having simplestraight shafts and to fabricate embodiments in which vibrations of the mechanisms are balancedor reduced.

By using straight shafts standard bearings can be applied. The bearing rings do not have to besplit like the main bearings and big end bearings on the cranks of a crankshaft in a conventionalengine. The use of ball bearings and roller bearings is therefore extremely advantageous. Thesebearings have as a further advantage, that the efficiency is much higher than conventionalhydrodynamic sliding bearings, especially with low temperatures and/or high rotational speeds.Furthermore, the mounting is substantially simplified because the bearings can be simply pushedover the straight shafts.

With the device according to the invention wear and internal friction are reduced to a minimum.The movement and the position of the engagement point of the connecting rod, in particular theeccentrical rotational axis of the first wheel, is dynamically determined. This engagement point,or this eccentrical rotational axis, makes a rectilinear reciprocating movement which is strictlydetermined by the turning and the position of the second and third wheels. Side forces introducedby the connecting rod on the piston and thus side forces from the piston perpendicular to itsrectilinear movement on the cylinder wall as in conventional engines are therefore not present indevices according to the invention.

The pistons will reciprocate purely rectilinearly, and not as in conventional engines, slap againstthe cylinder walls due to changing side forces. Since the so called piston slap is not present, thenoise produced will be lower.

For mechanisms according to the invention standard gear wheels, preferably with symmetricalhelical teeth, can be used. The helical teeth help to reduce noise. With symmetrical teeth no sideforces are introduced by the teeth on the wheels during rotation.

Beside the standard gear wheels, simple straight shafts can be used, so that complicatedcrankshafts are redundant. Also complicated connecting rods and hinge connections of thepistons are not needed. The production costs are therefore substantially reduced.

When standard round gear wheels are used they can have a bearing or shaft arranged atexcentrical rotational axis i.e. axis which do not coincide with the centres of the wheels.

Such wheels can be easily balanced with respect to their rotational axis for example by addingextra mass on the wheel or by taking away mass at the side of the centre of the wheel.

By correctly balancing the wheels and/or the shafts on which the wheels are mounted vibrationsin a mechanism or a device according to the invention can be reduced to a minimum. Furtherseperate balancing shafts as often used in conventional engines are therefore not necessaryanymore. With a symmetrical arrangement of the pistons vibrations of the reciprocating masscan also be eliminated. Therefore also the flywheel mass can be minimized.

The mechanisms and devices according to the invention have minimal vibrations and reducedwear which makes them very suitable for high revolutional speeds.

Normally, in the device according to the invention the rotational axis of the second and thirdwheels have a fixed bearing on a fixed chassis, whereas the eccentrical rotational axis of the firstwheel reciprocates. At the axis of the second and third wheels the rotational input and/or outputis arranged. A rectilinear drive or driven element engages the eccentrical rotational axis of thefirst wheel.

Of course, also the excentrical rotational axis of the first wheel can have a bearing on a fixedchassis and the eccentrical rotational axis of the second and third wheels can have a bearing on amoveable chassis part that reciprocates with respect to the fixed chassis. In this case a rectilineardrive or driven element engages the movable chassis part with thereon the bearings of therotational axis of the second and third wheels. The rotational input and /or output is thenarranged at the first rotational axis.

The reciprocating part (with one or two wheels) is for efficiency reasons and depending on thecircumstances made as light as possible and e g. made of a relatively light metal, titanium,carbonfiber material or combinations of these materials.

When the wheels have positively engaging teeth there belongs to every position of the wheelsonly one predetermined position of the pistons, so that the mechanism is kinematicallydetermined.

Slipping of the wheels is then impossible, so that the transmission of high power is possible.

The invention will now be explained with examples of embodiments according to the inventionand will be described by using the following figures:figures la-lc, mechanism according to the invention figure 2a, coupling of the wheels (2,3) by means of the first wheel (1) and the wheels (T,2',3')

figure 2b, coupling of the wheels (2,3) and wheels (2',3') by means of rods S

figure 3a, mechanism with a piston for e.g. Straight engines figures3b, two mechanisms coupled for V-engines figure 3c, mechanism with two pistons for boxer engines figure 3d, two mechanisms coupled with two pistons figure 3e, mechanism with piston reciprocating under different angles figure 3f, mechanism with two wheels rotateably connected to a connecting rod with two pistons figure 3g, mechanism with four pistons and four wheels figure 3h, mechanism with three pistons and a ring gear figure 3i, mechanism with two set of pistons reciprocating perpendicularly, using a ring gearfigure 4, several mechanisms with two pistons arranged next to each other (8 cylinder boxer)figure 5, device according to the invention with variable compression ratio and cooling and/orlubrication.

In figures la-lc a mechanism according to the invention is shown, comprising a first wheel (1)arranged between a second wheel (2) and a third wheel (3). The wheels have a radius r and at the eccentrical rotational axis (lb,2b,3b) of the wheels shafts or bearings are arranged with aneccentricity e with respect to the centres (la,2a,3a) of the wheels. The eccentrical rotational axis(2b,3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3) are fixed at a constant distance 4r (see figure 1 c).The angular velocity of the second and third wheels (2,3) is the same but opposite to the angularvelocity of the first wheel (1).

Figures la-lc show three consecutive orientations of the wheels (1,2,3) respectively for anglesphi=0,45 and 90 degrees when the wheels rotate from phM) to 360 degrees.

In figure la the position of the eccentrical rotational axis (lb) is at its most right position. Whenthe wheels rotate to the position in figure lb, the eccentrical rotational axis (lb) has moved to theleft, whereas in figure lc the position of the eccentrical rotational axis (lb) has moved exactly tothe middle between the eccentrical rotational axis (2b,3b) (point x). When the wheels rotatefurther the eccentrical rotational axis (lb) will be moved towards the most left position at phi is180 degrees, and will be moved to the point x again when phi is 270 degrees. At phi is 360degrees the eccentrical rotational axis (lb) is back at its most right position as for phi is 0degrees.

Thus when the wheels rotate, the rotational axis (lb) reciprocates horizontally between the axis (2b,3b) with an amplitude 2e about the point x. The stroke of the rotational axis (lb) equals 4e.The first wheel rotates thereby around its centre (la), whereas the centre (la) rotates with aradius e around the point x. For every angle phi the centre (la) lies on the horizontal line throughthe centres (2a,3a) of the second and third wheels (2,3). Thus during rotation the centres(la,2a,3a) of the wheels (1,2,3) do always stay arranged on a straight line.

The distance s between the rotational axis (lb,2b) of the first and second wheels and the distancebetween the rotational axis (lb,3b) of the first and and third wheels satisfies the formula s=2r-2e*cos(phi), in which phi is the rotational angle of the wheels.

Similar movements apply to other rotational axis (lb') and (lb") of the first wheel which, justlike the rotational axis (lb), are located on a circle with radius e and with a centre (la), asindicated in figure lc. The rotational axis (lb1) is shifted 180 degrees with respect to the axis(lb). When the wheels rotate, the rotational axis (lb') reciprocates vertically, under an angle of90 degrees with the line between the rotational axis (2b) and (3b). A rotational axis (lb") locatedbetween the rotational axis (lb) and (lb1) reciprocates along a rectilinear line (dashed line infigure lc) which makes an angle alpha with the line through the rotational axis (2b) and (3b) andwhich crosses the line through the rotational axis (2b) and (3b) in the middle at point x.

The wheels (1,2,3) are preferably of the same dimensions. The wheels are preferably standard gear wheels with the same radius r. The wheels have preferably helical teeth. The helical teethare preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis thatdivides the thickness of the wheel in two identical halves, e.g. as with fish bone toothing. In thismanner, there are no side forces working on the wheels.

The wheels (2,3) are - apart from being connected via a the first wheel (1)- connected via furthermeans, such that these wheels have always the same orientation and angular speed (see figure2a). In this embodiment the further means are realized with centrical wheels (l',2',3') (i.e. wheelsmounted rotatable at their centres) of the same dimensions. All the wheels, except the first wheel(1) have in this case a fixed bearing on the chassis.

In embodiments in which the wheels (2,3) or (2',3') are attached at the ends of the shafts at therotational axis (2b) or (3b), the further means can be realized with a simple rod S (see figure 2b).It also possible to realize the further means by means of excentrical gear wheels, i.e. gear wheelsmounted rotatable about an eccentrical axis, such as for example with a second mechanismaccording to the invention, as shown in figure 4.

In figure 4 four mechanisms I-IV are shown, each having a connecting rod (4). To eachconnecting rod (4) two pistons are connected (in the figure only the connecting rod (4) of theupper mechanism I is shown). Even when only two mechanisms I,II are coupled next to eachother, the second and third wheels of the first mechanism I are, apart from being coupled via thefirst wheel of the first connecting rod, coupled via the first, second and third wheels of thesecond mechanism Π, such that the second and third wheels of both mechanisms can neverdisengage.

The connecting rods are shown with grooves through which the wheels can pass. Also groovesperpendicular to the plane of he drawing are arranged here, so that the shafts at the rotationalaxis (2b) and (3b) can pass through the rods. In some arrangements the connecting rods could beguided in these grooves. With the connecting rods extending on both sides of the first wheels,forces between the excentrical rotational shafts (lb) of the first wheels and the connecting rodscan be transferred symetrically with respect to the central axis of the connecting rods, so that nocouple is induced on the rods.

In figures 3a-3d examples are shown of different embodiments of devices according to theinvention, which are in particular suitable for straight engines (figures 3a,3e), V- engines (figures3b,3e), boxer engines (figures 3c,3d,3f,3g) or star engines (figures 3h,3i).

In these embodiments the first wheel (1) is rotatably connected to connecting rod (4) at aneccentrical rotational axis (lb) e.g. by means of a bearing or shaft. In the examples the connecting rod (4) is non hingedly connected to a piston (5) or two pistons (5,6). The pistons arerespectively guided in a cylinder (7) or cylinders (7,8). The first wheel (1) is always arrangedbetween a second and third eccentrical wheel (2,3) which have eccentrical rotational axis(2b,3b), at which axis (2b,3b) the wheels have a fixed bearing on a chassis. When transmissionchains or belts are used to drive a camshaft of the engine, these chains or belts can also be usedas the further means for coupling the second and third wheels (2,3) in their rotation.

In figures 3a-3c the rotational axis of the wheels cross the line of symmetry of the cylinders.

In figure 3d the rotational axis of the wheels cross a line parallel to the lines of symmetry of thecylinders. In this embodiment, possible unbalance between the axis is cancelled out and sideforces in particular perpendicular to the movement of the pistons are completely obviated. Alsothe connecting rod can be kept short such that the cylinders can be arranged between the wheels.The rotational axis (2b,3b) can then be arranged in the vicinity of the cylinderheads, so thatpossibly present overhead camshafts can be driven directly with further gear wheeltransmissions. Transmission chains or belts are then not needed anymore.

In figures 3a-3c, the connecting rods (4) can also be arranged parallel to and completely next tothe line that crosses the axis (2b) and (3b) perpendicularly. A groove or slot in the connectingrods for the axis (2b) and (3b) is then not necessary, so that the assembly of the device issimplified.

In the embodiment according to figure 3e the connecting rod is attached to the rotational axis(lb1), such that the piston reciprocates vertically. With this construction the length of theconnecting rod can be minimized. Furthermore, the connecting rod can be extended like in figure3c, so that two pistons can act on the connecting rod.

The choice of rotational axis (lb,lb',lb") where the connecting rod is rotatably connected to thefirst wheel determines the angle alpha of the reciprocating movement with respect to the linethrough the rotational axis (2b,3b). The connecting rod can be connected to the first wheel at anyrotational axis (lb”) between the axis (lb) and (lb1) and lying on the circle with radius r andcentre (la). The angle alpha can therefore be chosen according to the circumstances, whichallows for a flexible design.

Figure 3f shows an embodiment having further means in the form of a gear wheel (Γ) wherebytwo wheels (1,1') are rotateaby connected to one connecting rod. The connecting rod is guided ina very stable manner, so that the pistons can act with a minimum force on the cilinder walls (notshown).

Figure 3g shows a similar embodiment with four pistons using only four wheels.

Figure 3h shows an embodiment comprising futher means in the form of a gear ring (14), the mechanism having only one fixed rotational axis (lb). One connecting rod is connected to twowheels (2,3). The vertical connecting rod could be extended so as to be guided by a shaft at theaxis (lb).

Figure 3i also shows an embodiment comprising a gear ring used as further means, themechanism having only one fixed rotational axis (lb). The connecting rods of the verticallyreciprocating pistons can e.g. be connected at the front of the wheel (1) and connecting rods ofthe horizontally recipocating pistons can e.g. be connected behind the wheel (1). Thisembodiment is particularly easy to balance with only one mass on the first wheel counterbalancing the forces of the connecting rods and pistons.

Also the mechanisms of all other embodiments can be easily balanced even when used alone. Incase there is no set of connecting rods whereby the rods move in perpendicular directions thebalancing can be easily achieved by the method comprising amongst others the step ofmounting a counter balancing mass at a location on the at least one wheel which is provided withthe means for rotateable connection with a rectilinear reciprocating member, whereby saidlocation and the means for rotateable connection with a rectilinear reciprocating member arepoint symmetrical with respect to the centre of the at least one wheel (1,2,3). Furthermore, masscan be added with respect to at least one fixedly rotateble shaft, preferably on an excentricallymounted wheel on that shaft at the side opposite of the centre, or by taking away mass at the sideof the centre of the wheel.

The devices as described with reference to figures 3a-3i can be arranged alone or in anycombination next to each other. By arranging embodiments next to each other balancing canoften already be achieved without adding balancing masses.

In figure 4 an example of this is shown, with several devices according to figure 3c placed nextto each other. Forces and moments due to the reciprocating movements are balanced and thusvibrations are kept to a minimum.

In the figure it is clearly shown, that the axis (lb,2b,3b) coincide with simple straight shafts. Onthe shafts the gear wheels are mounted with shifted angles with respect to each other. The secondand third gear wheels of the first and fourth mechanism (I,IV) are shifted 180 degrees withrespect to the second and third wheels of the second and third mechanism (Π,ΙΠ). When thepistons of the mechanisms I and TV move to the right, the pistons of the mechanisms II and IIImove to the left and vice versa.

Because of the purely rectilinear reciprocating movement of the connecting rod, it is relatively easy to vary even during the motion the length of the connecting rod or to adjust the pistonrelatively to the connecting rod so that the compression ratio can be varied. Furthermore, it isrelatively easy to arrange a cooling and/or lubrication for the bearing of the first wheel on theconnecting rod and/or the pistons.

An example hereof is shown in figure 5. An axial piston pump (10) pumps oil into the hollowconnecting rod (4), so that oil can flow from the pump (10) to the rotational axis (lb) and thepiston for cooling and lubrication, whereby in this case the piston of the pump is formed by theconnecting rod (4) itself. The connecting rod is composed of two parts which are connected by ascrew thread (4'). By turning the left connecting rod part (4") by means of a rack mechanism (9),this part will be axially adjusted with respect to the right connecting rod part. Thus the lengthbetween the rotational axis (lb) of the first wheel and the piston (5) is varied, so that thecompressed volume and as a consequence the compression ratio will be varied. The length can ofcourse also be varied hydraulically or electromagnetically.

Furthermore, the compression ratio can be varied by varying the position of the bearings of theaxis (2b) and (3b) on the fixed chassis (or of the axis (lb) on the fixed chassis, in case this axishas a fixed bearing therein) with respect to the position of the cylinders (7,8). This is indicatedwith arrow P in figure 5.

What is claimed is: 1. Mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement and viceversa, the mechanism comprising at least three wheels (1,2,3) working together,at least a first wheel (1) with a centre (la) which wheel is rotatable around a first excentricalrotational axis (lb,lb',lb”) and at least second and third wheels (2,3) with respective second and third centres (2a,3a) which wheels arerotatable around respective second and third excentrical rotational axis (2b,3b), wherebythe first wheel (1) is arranged with respect to the second and third wheels (2,3) such that duringrotation of the wheels (1,2,3) the position of the centres (la,2a,3a) of the wheels with respect toeach other stays the same and the excentrical rotational axis (lb, lb', lb") of the first wheel (1) reciprocates rectilinearly with respect to the excentrical rotational axis (2b,3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3); the second and third wheels (2,3) being positively coupled in their rotation via the first wheel (i); at least one wheel (1,2,3) is provided with means for rotateable connection with a rectilinearreciprocating member at a location of a crossing with at least one of its excentrical rotational axis (lb,lb',2b,3b) and the at least one wheel being rotateable around an axis through its centre(la, 2a, 3a),characterized in that, the second and third wheels (2,3) are also positively coupled in their rotation via further means (1-,2-,3-,14), and the at least one wheel (1,2,3) which is provided with means for rotateable connection with arectilinear reciprocating member is not provided with means for a rotateable connection at theaxis through its centre (la,2a,3a).

2. Mechanism for conversion of a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement and viceversa, the mechanism comprising at least three wheels (1,2,3) working together, at least a first excentrical wheel (1) with a centre (la) which wheel is rotatable around a firstexcentrical rotational axis (lb,lb',lb”) and at least second and third wheels (2,3) with respective second and third centres (2a,3a) which wheels arerotatable around respective second and third excentrical rotational axis (2b,3b), wherebythe first wheel (1) is arranged with respect to the second and third wheels (2,3) such that duringrotation of the wheels (1,2,3) the position of the centres (la,2a,3a) of the wheels with respect toeach other stays the same and the excentrical rotational axis (lb, lb',lb") of the first wheel (1) reciprocates rectilinearly withrespect to the excentrical rotational axis (2b,3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3);the second and third wheels (2,3) being positively coupled in their rotation via the first wheel (i); at least one wheel (1,2,3) is provided with means for rotateble connection with a rectilinearreciprocating member at a location of the crossing with at least one of its excentrical rotationalaxis (lb,2b,3b) and the at least one wheel being rotateable around an axis through its centre(la,2a,3a),characterized in that, at least two wheels are coupled by means of magnetism, so that the wheels can not disengagefrom each other.

3. Mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, several means for rotateable connection with rectilinear reciprocating members are arranged such that at least two meansfollow perpendicular rectilinear reciprocating movements.

4. Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the further means (l’,2',3',14) are formed by centrical gear wheels and/or excentrical gearwheels, by hypoid gear wheels, a ringgear, a toothed belt, a chain or a rod.

5. Mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheels have a toothing, preferably a helical toothing, which is especially symmetrical.

ó.Mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centres(la,2a,3a) of the wheels (1,2,3) stay arranged on a straight line.

7 Device comprising at least one mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims Ι¬ό.

8. Device, for example an engine, a pump, a compressor or combination thereof, according to claim 7, whereby the rotational axis of the first wheel (lb,lb',lb") or both rotational axis(2b,3b) of the second and third wheels are connected to at least one piston (5,6) preferably viaa connecting rod (4), whereby preferably the connecting rod is fixedly mounted to or integralwith at least one piston (5,6), whereby the at least one piston is arranged in at least onecylinder (7,8).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that, the connecting rod (4) comprises two open grooves perpendicular to each, the first groove for allowing a shaft to pass through and thesecond groove for allowing a gear wheel, perpendicularly arranged to the shaft, to passthrough.

10. Device according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized in that the connecting rod and/or thepiston have a channel for cooling and/or lubrication.

11. Device according to at least one of claims 8-10, characterized in that the compression ratio isadjustable by varying the position of the bearings of the axis (2b,3b) of the second and thirdwheels in the chassis of the device (or of the axis (lb) of the first wheel in the chassis, in casethis axis has a fixed bearing) with respect to the position of for example the cylinders (7,8).

12. Device according to at least one of claims 8-11, characterized in that the compression ratio is adjustable by varying the distance between the rotational axis of the first wheel (lb,lb',lb")and the side of the at least one piston facing away from the first wheel (or the distancebetween the rotational axis of the second and third wheel and the side of the at least onepiston facing away from these wheels (2,3), when the axis (lb) has a fixed bearing).

13. Device according to at least one of claims 7-12, characterized in that, the second and thirdwheels are mounted on straight shafts, whereby along their length several second or thirdwheels (2,3) are arranged preferably with a different angular orientation with respect to eachother.

14. Method of balancing the mechanism according to least one of claims 1-6 or the deviceaccording to at least one of claims 7-13, comprising amongst others the step of mounting acounter balancing mass at a location on the at least one wheel which is provided with themeans for rotateable connection with a rectilinear reciprocating member, whereby saidlocation and the means for rotateable connection with a rectilinear reciprocating member arepoint symmetrical with respect to the centre of the at least one wheel (1,2,3) and the step ofadding mass with respect to at least one fixedly rotateble shaft, preferably on an excentricallymounted wheel on that shaft at the side opposite of the centre or by taking away mass at theside of the centre of the wheel.

Claims

Mechanism for converting a reciprocating motion into a rotating motion and vice versa, the mechanism comprising at least three cooperating wheels (1.2.3), with at least one first wheel (1) having center (la) rotatable about a first eccentric rotation axis (1b, 1b ', 1b ") and at least second and third wheels (2,3) with respective second and third centers (2a, 3a), which wheels are rotatable about second and third eccentric rotation axes (2b, 3b), the first wheel (1) being arranged relative to the second and third wheels (2, 3) such that during rotation of the wheels (1, 2, 3) the position of the centers (1a, 2a, 3a) of the wheels remains the same and the eccentric axis of rotation (1b, 1b ', 1b ") of the first wheel (1) reciprocates linearly with respect to the eccentric axis of rotation (2b, 3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3); second and third wheels (2, 3) are formally coupled in their rotation through it first wheel (1); at least one wheel (1,2,3) is provided with means for a rotatable connection with a linearly reciprocating part at the location of an intersection of at least one of its eccentric axis of rotation (lb, lb ', 2b, 3b) and the at least one wheel is rotatable about an axis through its center (1a, 2a, 3a), characterized in that the second and third wheels (2, 3) are also interlocked in their rotation via further means (Γ, 2 ', 3', 14), and the at least one wheel (1,2,3) provided with the means for a rotatable connection with a reciprocating part is not provided with means for a rotatable connection at the location of the axle through its center (1a, 2a, 3a). 2. Mechanism for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotating movement and vice versa, the mechanism comprising at least three co-operating wheels (1.2.3), with at least one first wheel (1) with center (la) rotatable about a first eccentric rotation axis (1b, 1b ', 1b ") and at least second and third wheels (2,3) with respective second and third centers (2a, 3a), which wheels are rotatable about second and third eccentric rotation axes (2b, 3b), the first wheel (1) being arranged relative to the second and third wheels (2, 3) such that during rotation of the wheels (1, 2, 3) the position of the centers (1a, 2a, 3a) of the wheels remains the same and the eccentric axis of rotation (1b, 1b ', 1b ") of the first wheel (1) reciprocates linearly with respect to the eccentric axis of rotation (2b, 3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3); second and third wheels (2, 3) are formally coupled in their rotation via the e first wheel (1); at least one wheel (1,2,3) is provided with means for a rotatable connection with a linearly reciprocating part at the location of an intersection of at least one of its eccentric rotation axes (1b, 1b ', 2b, 3b) and the at least one wheel is rotatable about an axis through its center (1a, 2a, 3a), characterized in that at least two wheels are coupled by means of magnetism, so that the wheels cannot become detached from each other.

A mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of means for a rotatable connection with linearly reciprocating parts are provided so that at least two means follow perpendicular linearly reciprocating movements.

Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the further means (Γ, 2 ', 3', 14) are formed by centric and / or eccentric gears, by hypoid gears, a ring-shaped gear, a toothed belt, a chain or a rod.

Mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheels have a toothing, which is preferably slanted and which is in particular symmetrical. Mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the centers (1a, 2a, 3a) of the wheels (1,2,3) remain positioned in a straight line.

Device provided with at least one mechanism according to at least one of the preceding claims 1-6. A device, for example a motor, a pump, a compressor or a combination thereof, according to claim 7, wherein the axis of rotation (1b, 1b ', 1b ") of the first wheel or the axis of rotation (2b, 3b) of the second and third wheels is connected to at least one piston (5,6), preferably via a piston rod, the piston rod preferably being rigidly connected or integral with the at least one piston, and wherein the at least one piston is arranged in at least one cylinder (7,8). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the piston rod (4) has two open grooves perpendicular to each other, the first groove to pass through an axis and the second groove to allow a gear wheel perpendicular to the axis Device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the piston rod and / or the piston provision are provided with channels for lubrication and / or cooling.

Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the decompression ratio is adjustable by the position of the rotational axes (2b, 3b) of the second and third wheels (2,3) in the chassis of the device (or the axle (lb) of the first wheel in the chassis, in case this axle has a fixed bearing) to vary with respect to, for example, the position of the cylinders (7,8).

Device according to at least one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the decompression ratio is adjustable by varying the distance between the axis of rotation (lb, lb ', lb ") of the first wheel and the side remote from the first wheel of the at least one piston (or the distance between the axis of rotation of the second and third wheel, respectively, and the side of the at least one piston remote from these wheels, in the case where the axle (1b) is mounted).

Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the second and third wheels are mounted on straight axes, wherein they are provided with two or two wheels (2,3) along their length, preferably with an angular rotation relative to each other to be.

A method for balancing the mechansime according to at least one of claims 1-6 or the device according to at least one of claims 7-13, including inter alia the step of mounting a counterweight at a location on the at least one wheel that is provided with means for pivotal connection with a linear reciprocating component, wherein location and means for pivotal connection with a linear reciprocating component point are symmetrical with respect to the center of the at least one wheel and the step of adding weight relative to at least one fixed rotating axle, preferably a wheel arranged eccentrically on said axle on the side opposite the center point or by removing weight on the center point side of the wheel.