US1284186A - Energy-transformer for rolling-stock. - Google Patents

Description

J. D. FAILYER.

ENERGY TRANSFORMER FoR ROLLING STOCK.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-26,1916.

Patented Nov. 5, 1918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET lnv e TIT: 1-

His REluvne s J. D. FAILYER.

ENERGY TRANSFORMER FOR ROLLING STOCK.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 2a. 1916.

1 ,284:, 186.. Patented Nov. 5, 1918.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

7% WEE/21mm J. D. FAILYER.

ENERGY TRANSFORMER FOR ROLLING STOCK.

APPLlCATlON FILED FEB. 26, 19I6.

Patented Nov. 5, 1918.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3 UNITED STA'lES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN D. FAILYER, 0F SEYMOUR, MISSOURI.

ENERGY TRANSFORMER FOR ROLLING-STOCK.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN D. FAILYER, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Seymour, in the county of Webster and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Energy- Transformer for Rolling- Stock, of which the following is a specificai use in lighting, heating or as the motor power for refrigerating plant, etc., on rolling stock; second, to provide such 'mechanism as may be applied to existing cars without altering the trucks or under rigging of the car; third, to provide such mechanism as may be quickly and effectively moved into or out of operative relation to the rails; fourth, to insure proper traction of the power transmitting wheels during inclement weather; fifth, to guard against overloading any of the mechanism due to shock, as Whencoupling or switching the cars; sixth, to embody in the mechanism .an electric generator including parts having predetermined direction of rotation for .practical operation and means for rotating said parts in said direction, regardless as to the movement of the car; that is, forward or backward; and, seventh, to provide means for automatically controlling the voltage of the current generated so as to maintain a substantially uniform voltage, regardless of the speed of the car.

Further objects of my invention are to embody in said mechanism a circuit for the electric current, including a storage battery, a load, such as electric lamps for lighting the car, and means for switching said current to the battery or load. and to provide means for automatically switching the load in circuit with such batteries, when the generator is inactive.

Other objects of the invention will appear in the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which drawings:

Specification of Letters Patent.

the relative position of mechanism con- Patented Nov. 5, 1918. Application filed February 26, 1916. Serial No. 80,633.

structed according to my invention, with respect to one of the trucks of the car.

F 1g. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the lower-portion. of a car anddisclosing the mechanism constructed accordlng to my invention, with the casing removed.

Fig. 4: is an enlarged sectional View on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3. V

Fig. 5 is a sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detailed view in elevation of a clutch means forming a part of my inventlon.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the lines 7--7 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing electrical circuits.

Fig. 9 is a detailed view partly in plan and partly in section disclosing a detail of circuit control means. j

In the drawings, where similarcharacters refer to similar parts throughoutthe several. views, A designates generally rolling stock,- or a car having the usual supporting wheels B to run on rails C; D a guide frame secured to or supported by and beneath car A in any practlcal manner; E a

frame guided by frame D and movable toward or from the floor of car A; F traction wheels carried by frame E, which are rotated by engagement with the rails C; G an electric generator, carried by frame E, embodying a work shaft H; I means for transmitting circumferential movement of wheels F to work shaft H; J pneumatic means for raising the frame E, or forcing it downward; K mechanical means for raising or lowering frame E; L mechanism for regulating the strength of the electric current generated by G, and operable by means I; M a storage battery; N a load, such as an electric lamp for lighting the car; and. O mechanism for switching said generator into circuit with the load. N only when the wheels F are r0tating and switching the storage battery M in circuit with load N,

when the wheels F are idle.

It has already been proposed to operate a generator by power derived from the axle of support-ing wheelsof a car. In a practical application of my invention, no alteration of the existing trucks or under rigging of the car is necessar the mechanism being applied to the un er portion of the car, preferably in close proxlmity to one of the trucks, as clearly shown in'Fig. 2. In this way, all danger of weakening the car axle, or complicating the truck structure is avoided and the invention may be applied to existing rolling stock with a saving in time, labor and ex ense. The main guide frame I) may be ma e up of rolled sections, preferably of channel shape, and consist of upper member 10, uprights 11, and lower cross member 12 'oined in any suitable manner. Each u rig t is provided with a guide slot 13 exten ing to the lower portion of the member but closed after assemblage by means of cross member 12. Member 10 may be secured to the longitudinal members 14 of the car as by brackets 15 and bolts 16. The frame E may consist of I beams 17 movable vertically in frame D, and bearings 18, of any suitable type, each bearing having a depending bracket 19 to which the beams 17 are secured. It is to be observed that there'is a bearing 18 at each upright 11 of frame D and is slidable in slot 13, and may be provided with guide flanges 20 embracing the main body portion of such upright.

lVhen a car rounds a curve its longitudinal axis is thrown out of vertical alinement with the axis of the track, and for this reason I prefer to rovide flangeless traction wheels F relative y wider at the tread portion than the supporting wheels B of the car. By this construction they remain in operative relation to the rails regardless as to whether the car is moving on a straight section of track or rounding a curve. I 'iiese wheels are supported from frame E by shaft 21 extending through bearings 18, this shaft forming a part of t e means I for transmitting circumferential movement of the wheels to work shaft H of generator G. The generator is also supported from frame E, as by U shaped supports 22 secured to and resting upon beam 17 and engaging the under side of platform 23 upon which generator G is mounted. In addition to including shaft 21, means I may comprise a pair of comeshing gears 24 and 25, the former being free on shaft 21 and embodying clutch mechanism 26, more specifically shown in Figs. 6 and 7, while gear 25 is rigid with work shaft H; and a train of three gears 27 28 and 29, the first of which is similar to gear 24, while gear 29 is rigid with work shaft H. The intermediate gear 28 is supported by shaft 30'rigid with platform 23, as by support 31. Work shaft H having a predetermined direction of rotation, the function of clutch means 26 in each wheel 24 and 27, is to adapt means I so that it will transmit movement to shaft H in a uniform direction, regardless as to the direction of rotation of wheels F. Wheels 24 and 27 being free on shaft 21, a collar 32 may be provided adjacent each of these gears to prevent longitudinal movement thereof in one direction on shaft 21, and a hub 33, keyed to shaft 21 prevents movement in the other direction. This hub 33 has a plurality of fingers 34 pivoted thereto, as at 35 and disposed at an acute angle to the radius. These fingers are also pivoted to a ring 36, as at 37, such as a rivet, which passes through an elongated opening 38 in each finger. These fingers are adapted to engage an annular flange 39 rigid with the gears and con-' centric thereto. The operation of the clutches is as follows,-assuming that the direction of rotation of shaft 21 is as indicated by arrow Fig. 6, the hub 33 being rigid with the shaft has a tendency to swing fingers 34 about pivot point 37. This draws the fingers toward the radius of hub 33, whereupon they engage the internal periphery of flange 39, causing the gears to move with shaft 21. If the shaft is moved in a counter direction, the action is to withdraw the fingers from engagement with flange 39, and in assembling gears 24 and 27 into operative relation to shaft 21 the clutch means 36 is so arranged in operative relation to gear 27 that while the clutch means of gear 24 is active for transmitting movement of shaft 21 to the gear, the clutch means of gear 27 is inactive, and vice versa. 100 From the. foregoing it is to be observed that the work shaft H is not subjected to shocks due to a change in direction of movement of the car since the fingers 34 do not act quickly but have a tendency to gradually 105 assume a gripping position in operative relation to the gears.

. IVhen it is desired to render the wheels F inactive, frame E may be raised toward the floor of the car, whereupon said wheels are 110 drawn out of frictional engagement with the rails C. To accomplish this I may provide a pneumatic means J comprising cylinders 40 secured to the uprights 11 in any suitable manner; a piston 41 in each cylinder 40 op- 115 eratively connected with hearing 18, as by piston rod 42 and yoke 43; pipes 44 and 45 leading to the upper and lower portion, respectively, of cylinder 40; regulating valves 46 and 47 in pipes 44 ar. 45, respectively; 120 a three-way valve "8 with which pipes 44 and 45 have connections, said vali e 48 having an exhaust opening 49; and, a pipe 50 1n communication with valve 48 and having connection with a source of fluid pres- 125 sure, not shown in the drawings. The operaticn of this pneumatic means is as follows:

Assuming that it is desired to force the wheels F into operative relation to the rails C, three way valve 48 is operated to open 180 pipe 45 to the atmosphere and introduce fluid pressure through pipe 44 to the upper portion of cylinder 40. Valves 46 and 47 are adjusted so that the desired pressure may be obtained regardless as to the amount of pressure in pipe 50. If it is desired to not impose pressure upon the wheels F through means J, the valve 48 is operated so that both pipes 44 and 45 are opened to the atmosphere. When it is desired to raise the wheels, as hereinbefore described, the valve 48 is operated to open pipe 44 to theatmosphere and introduce fluid pressure under piston 41 through pipe 45.

It may also be desirable to provide mechanical means for raising or lowering the frame E, and in connection with means K, it may comprise a shaft 51 supported by uprights 11 and extending longitudinally of shaft 21; a hand wheel 52 for rotating shaft 51; a pawl 53 and ratchet wheel 54 to counteract rotation of shaft 51 in one direction; and, flexible means, such as cable 55 having one end secured to shaft 51 and the other to bearings 18, as at ring 56. By this means, upon rotating wheel 52 the cables 55 are wound about shaft 51, and the frame E may be maintained in a raised position, pawl 53 acting upon ratchet wheel 54. If it is desired to lower the frame E, pawl 53 is dis placed and shaft 51 permitted to turn, as is obvious from an inspection of the drawing. It is to :be observed that the means K in no way affect the means J, if the cables 55 are slack, however, if it is desired to lock the frame E in a raised position, so that operation of valve 48 will have no effect thereupon, the pawl 53 and ratchet wheel 54 serves such a purpose.

In consideration of the fact that the speed of rolling stock varies, mechanism L is provided to regulate the strength of the electric current generated by generator G, and may comprise a rheostat 57 mounted on platform 23; a suitable centrifugal governor 58 operable by means I, as by being mounted on work shaft H; and means 59 for transmittifig movement of the governor through the arm 60 of'rheostat 57. This means 59 preferably comprises an oscillatable link 61 connected With the movable part 62 of governor 58, as by yoke 63, said links being pivoted intermediate its end as by lever 64; a reciprocable member 65 supported by bearings 66 and having connection with member 61 as by pin and slot arrangement 67 and a pin 68 connecting the arm 60 with perforated segment 69 of member 65. It is to be observed that, as work shaft H speeds up the free member 62 of governor 58 is drawn away from electric generator G. This action swings member 61 about a pivotal connection with lever 64 and forces member 65 in a direction changing the relative position of lever 60 with the contacts of the rheostat.

The perforations in segment 69 are provided so that by removing pin 68 a relative position of lever 60 with respect to member 65 may be changed to adapt the mechanism to the particular requirements of the rolling stock. In other words, more resistance is thrown in as the shaft H speeds up, and by which a substantially uniform voltage is supplied at the outlet terminal of the rheostat.

Referring now to the circuit of generator G, the storage battery M is provided to provide a source of electrical energy when the car is not moving. While I have shown the load N as being electric lamps for lighting the car, I do not wish myself limited to the particular application of the invention to a lighting system. When the generator G is operating, it may supply current for either the load N or for charging storage battery M, but mechanism 0 is provided so that the generator G will be in circuit only when wheels F are rotating. This mechanism 0 may comprise a governor 70 mounted on shaft H; a two way switch 71, supported from platform 23 and levers 72 and 73 for moving the oscillatable switch members 74 from one set of points 75 to the other set designated by character 76. One pole of generator G is in conducting communication with the arm contact 77 of rheostat 57, as by wir 78, while the other pole of the generator is in conducting communication with one of the points 75 as by wire 79. The resistance of rheostat 57 is in conducting communication with the other point 75, as by wire 80. Points 76 are in connecting communication with storage battery M, as by wires 81 and 82. I may find it desirable to I provide a second two way switch 83, the leads which are in connecting communication with the leads of switch 71 as by wires 84. When this two way'switch- 83 is interposed between switch 71 and the load N, one pair of its points 85 are connected with the load, while the other set 86 are in conducting communication with the wires 81 and 82 leading to the terminals of battery M.

As clearly shown in diagram Fig. 8, the load N is supplied by battery M when the wheels F are inactive. However, should the mechanism J or K be operated to lower the frame E,whereupon the wheels F 0011- obvious from an inspection of the drawing.

If the wheels F are moved out of engagement with the rails, or the car ceases to move mechanism 0 will at once operate to switch the load in circuit with the battery.

It may be desirable to insure proper traction of wheels as with rails C by the provision of a spring 90 above each bearing 18, this spring encircling a guide rod 91 passing through bearings 92 rigid with up right 11 the spring being interposed between one of these brackets and abutment 93, such as a Washer resting upon nut 94 having crew threaded engagement with rod 91. This rod is secured to the bearing 18 in any suitable manner and has a tendency to not only hold the frame E in place, but also to press the wheels F firmly in contact with the rails. The operation of the energy transformer is as follows:

Assuming that thecar is in motion and it is desired to bring the wheels F into opera" tive relation to the rails C, the three ways valve 48 is operated to provide for slow release of the air from beneath piston 41 through pipe 45, and fluid pressure is brought upon the piston, forcing the frame E downwardly at both sides of frame D. The engagement of the wheels with the rails prevent the piston from coming in contact with the lower portion of cylinder 40, while the springs 90 prevent engagement of the piston with the upper portions of the cylinder. If efficient tractlon is obtained, due to the weight of the mass com'ing upon the wheels F, in addition to the expansion of springs 90, fluid pressure need not be main tained above piston 41 although it is to be appreciated that, by regulating valves 46 any desired pressure may be obtained according to the load. Transmission means will impart movement to the shaft H of generator G and when such shaft is rotating sufficiently to operate means 0 the current generated may be utilized on the rolling stock. If means J is operated to raise frame E, while the car is moving at a high rate of speed, wheels F continue to rotate due to the momentum they have obtained, and no shock is thrown upon the generator G. Wheels F come to rest slowly, andthe clutch mechanisms 26 are in readiness to rotate shaft H in a uniform direction, regardless as to the movement of the car, either forward or reverse.

' Changes in details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention; but

I claim:

1. An energy trans former for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a traction wheel, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to the shaft of said generator in a uniform direction.

2. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a flangeless wheel, pneumatic mechanism for bodily raising or lowering said wheel, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

3. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a traction wheel, mechanism for bodily raising or lowering said wheel, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to the shaft of said generator in a uniform direction.-

4. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a traction wheel, means normally forcing said wheel downwardly, and means for transmitting circumferential movement from said wheels in either direction to the shaft of said generator in a uniform direction.

5. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a fiangeless traction wheel, means normally forcing said wheel downwardly, mechanism to raise said wheel against action of said means, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to said generator in a uniform direction.

6. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a traction wheel, pneumatic means for bodily raising or forcing said wheel downwardly, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator. 7 7. An energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, an electric generator, a traction wheel, mechanical means for raising or lowering said wheel and retaining it in an adjusted position, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

8. In an energy transformer, the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting traction wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to the shaft of said generator in a uniform direction.

9. In an energy transformer, the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, mechanism for bodily raising or lowering said wheel, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

10. In an energy transformer, the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, mechanism for bodily raising or lowering said wheel, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to the shaft of said generator in a uniform direction.

11. In an energy transformer, the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels. of a supplemental traction wheel, an electric generator, means normally forcing said wheel downwardly, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel in either direction to said generator in a uniform direction.

12. In an energy transformer, the com bination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, means normally forcing said wheel downwardly, mechanism to raise said wheel against action of said means, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

13. In an energy transformer, the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, pneumatic means for bodily raising or forcing said Wheel downwardly, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

H. In an energy transformer the combination with rolling stock including the usual supporting wheels, of a supplemental wheel, an electric generator, mechanical means for raising or lowering said wheel and retaining it in an adjusted position, and means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said generator.

15. In an energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, a traction wheel, a work shaft, a transmission shaft rotatable with said traction wheel, motion transmitting means operatively connecting said shafts for rotating said work shaft from said transmission shaft in a uniform direction, but releasable upon movement of said transmission shaft in a counter direction, and second motion transmitting means operably connected with said shafts for rotating said work shaft in a direction counter to that of movement of said transmission shaft, but releasable upon effective operation of said first mentioned motion transmitting means.

16. In an energy transformer for rolling stock comprising in combination, a traction wheel, a work shaft, a transmission shaft rotatable with said traction wheel, a pair of co-meshing gears, one on each of said shafts, and one gear embodying a clutch whereby the gears are rendered active as motion transmitting means only when said transmission shaft is rotated in a predetermined direction, and a train of three gears, the extreme two of which are carried by said shafts. one of said gears embodying a clutch whereby the gears are rendered aethe as motion transmitting means only when said transmission shaft is rotating in a direction counter to that first mentioned.

17. In an energy transformer for rolling stock, the combination with a car, having the usual supporting wheels, of a supporting frame capable of movement toward or from the floor of the car, a work shaft, supported by said frame, a traction wheel carried by said frame for engagement with rails on which the ear moves, means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said shaft, and means for moving said frame toward or from the floor of the car, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In an energy transformer, the combination with a car having the usual supporting wheels, of a supporting frame capable of movement toward or from the floor of the car, a work shaft supported by said frame, a traction wheel carried by said frame for engagement with rails on which the car moves, means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said shaft, a cylinder, a piston in said cylinder operatively connected with said frame to raise or lower the same by reci rocation, and means for introducing uid pressure at either side of said piston within said cylinder.

19. In an energy transformer, the combination with a car having the usual supporting wheels, of a supporting frame carried by said car, capable of movement toward or from the floor thereof, a work shaft supported by said frame, a traction Wheel carried by said frame for engagement with the rails on which the car moves, means for transmitting circumferential movement of said wheel to said shaft, a second shaft carried by the frame, means to restrain movement of said shaft in one direction, and flexible means connecting said shaft and frame, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

JOHN D. FAILYER.

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