US1398796A - Self-starting device for internal-combustion engines - Google Patents

Description

F. L. RAPSON.

SELF STARTING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED ocr. I6, 191g. Patented NOV. 29, 1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET l.

F. L. RAPSON.

SELF STARTING'DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTIOVN ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED ocT.1e. 191s.

4.13,598,796. PanteaNOv. 29,1921.

ETS-SHEET 2.

F. L. RAPSUN.

SELF STARTINGv DEVICE FOR INTERNAL GOMBUSTION ENGINES.

L APPLICATION FILED ocT.16, 191. 1,398,796. Patented Nov. 29, 1921o 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Pa'gr.

F. I. RAPsoN. SELF STARTING DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES.

l APPLICATION FILED ocr. Ie, 1918. i 1,398,796. Patented Nov. 29, 1921.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

fija/v60 ra UNITED STATES FREDERICK LION-EL RAPsoN, 'or LIvEnrooL, nrrenlntn.l

SELF-STARTING 'DEVICE FOR NTERNIAL-COMBUST'ON ENGINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

rra-temen Nov. 29, 1921.

Application-filed October 16, 1918. Serial No. 258,425.y

To all iff/1,0m t moy concern Be it known vthat fl, Fnunnurcn LIONEL RArsoN, a Subject of His Majesty the King of England, vand resident lof Liverpoohin the county of Lancaster, Kingdom of England, have invented a certain -new and useful Self-Starting Device for Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to automatic mechanical engine starters orto self-starting devices Yfor interna-l combustion engines.

1With aeroplanes or seaplanes-it is impossible at present for a pilot to start his ma-V chine, except 'by a second person turning the propeller, which in Acase -of forced landings, after the pilot has rectified the faul-t to his engine, he Amust obtain some one to turn the propeller, while in the case of a seaplane this is impossible. It is not practicable to lfit aeroplanes with electric dynamo and accumulator engine starters as the weight and upkeep of the accumulators is Atoo great. In performing stunts for instance the acid in the accumulator would empty.

The present invention vhas for its object to provide a mechanica-l device, operable preferably from the drivers or aviators seat, which device is adapted to start an internal combustion engine of, for insta-nce@ an aeroplaneseaplane, or `a motor car by giving a powerful impulse tothe crank shaft after which the engine will automatically take up its cycle of operation, and thus eliminate the above defects.

A further object of 'this invention is to provide a 'highly efficient yet cheap mechanical device which will start an internal combustion engine simply by touching a. small foot pedal or a hand lever, and further lto provide either automatic or hand operated means to return the device to its initial position ready for the next operation. The entire mechanism is limited 'to Va single shaft and is especially distinguished in that eX- ceptional power is transmitted from two sources through anti-friction screw gearing which enables the engine to be turned at a higher speed than is obtainable with any other device used for the same purpose. Moreover, as numerous other mechanical starters hitherto in use usually require a-second and sometimes a third .sh-aft to rewind the mechanism, it wil-l 'be readily understood that with one shaft the device isfmuch more compact, consequently very easily atj tached to the chassis or fuselage'. @nce `fitted this device, which is yproof against back fires, etc., will vgive no further trouble other than lubricating' at rare intervals, nthus overcoming the `many difhculties connected with the upkeep of -accumulators on electric starters and leakage; with compressed air and hydraulic starters.

With vthese and other objects in view the invention consists in providing a device com prising a member adapted `to move axially 'or longitudinally upon, or in relation to, a second member and rotate the same, the 'arrangement bei-ng suc-h that when it is desired to start the engine the Vmembers are released from a normally inoperative con- .dition and the first member imparts rotary motion to the second member to start the engine. Y

The invention further consists-in providing manually operated or automatic means toreturn the mechanism of the device to its initial position for a further operation.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of oneform of automatic mechanical engine starter, showing the parts in their normal or inoperative position; y

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectionalelevation thereof with the parts in similar positions to those shown in F ig. l;

Fig. 3 is a plan thereof;

Fig. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig'. 6 is a similar view to n ig. 2 showing the parts about to be brought back to their initial position;

.According to one form of this invention as shown in Figs. l to 6 `a shaft or rod l is rotatably mounted in suitable anti-friction and 'th-rust ball bearings 2 and 3 at each end carried by brackets 4 from a trough 'like fra-me or the likeV 5 which may be` providedv with lugs or other suitable means for connecting it to the chassis of a vehicle or t0 an i aeroplane or the like. Upon the shaft or rod l is slidably mounted a nut, sleeve or runner block 6. A helical semicircular groove or the like 7 is cut along a portion of thelength of the-shaft or rod 1 `and a similar coperating groove 8 is also ,cut in the interior of the nut or block 6, these cooperating helical rooves or recesses 7 and 8 is disc J. u

posed a number of ant-rfriction rollers or balls 9. These balls or Arollers 9 are adapted to return and circulate through a channel or pipe 1() formed or provided in the said nut or block 6. On one end of the threaded shaft or rod 1 preferably the front end adjacent to the thrust bearing 3 is secured a ratchet wheel 11 provided with ratchet teeth 12. Adjacent to the ratchet wheel 11 is slidably mountedr on a squared or other suitably' shaped portion 13 of the shaft 1, a pinion, gear wheel or the like 14 which is adapted to engage, when in its operative position, with the flywheel 15 ofthe enginewhich is formed or provided with vteeth 16 to enga-ge with the said pinion 14., The teeth 16 on the said flywheel 15 and gear or pinion wheel 14 are preferably tapered or pointed their ends as shown at 17 tofacilitate their engagement. The pinion 14 is adapted to be moved into engagement with the teeth 16 on the fly wheel 15 by'means of a suitable control mechanism or by an operating lever or pedal 18. bracket 19 secured in the trough like frame 5 is Jforked at its lower end to engage with a pin 20 provided on a sliding bar 21. To the sliding bar 21 is secured a bracket 22 formed with a depending fork 23 which'is adapted to engage in an annular groove' 24 formed in a collarY provided at one end ofk the said pinion wheel 14. The sliding bar 21 which is normally pressed inwardly by a spring 25, is extended forwardly and formed with a slot 26 whichis adapted to engage one end of a lever 27 pivoted at 28 to a bracket 29 preferably formed integrally with the bracket 4. The other end of'this lever 27 is connected to a boss 8O of a member 31 which is adapted to slide on tl e main shaft 1. The slidable member is prevented from rotating by linedy guides 92 secured to the bracket 4 and? passing through. slots 33, formed in the said member. The slidable member 3.1 is also provided with one or more spring pressed pawls 34 which are adapted to engage with the ratchet teeth 12 formed on the side of the ratchet wheel 11 to hold the latter wheel 11 and theshaftv 1 against rotation. The ratchetwheel 11 and the slidable member 31 are formed with coperating cone shaped es 35 and 36 respectively to Vfrictionally engage and gradually stop *the rllhis lever 18 which is pivoted to a` 15 before the shaft 1 is unlocked through the medium of the lever 27 and members 11 and 31. Between the rear end of the runner block 6 andthe rear bracket 4 or a ball race thereon', and surrounding the shaft 1 is disposed a strong coiled compression spring 39, preferably square in cross section, which is adapted to force the said block 6 along the threaded shaft 1 when the latter is disengaged by the members 11 and 31. Nithin this coiled spring 39 and surrounding the shaft 1 is disposed a winding coiled tension spring 40 which is secured at one end 41 to the shaft 1 and at its other end 42 to a sleeve 43 freely mounted on the said shaft 1. This latter spring 40 which is normally wound to a high tension is adapted to rotate the threaded shaft 1 when the previously mentioned pawl carrying member 31 is moved out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 11 and thus provide an initial turning of the shaft at a high speed; which rotation is continued by the pressure of the other or compression spring 89 on the runner block 6. rllhe sleeve 43 is provided with preferably a pair of outwardly spring pressed plungers 44 which are adapted to co-V operate with and engage in suitably arranged slots 45 cut in the end of acylinder 46 connected to the rear face of the Yrunner block 6 in such a manner that the cylinder 46 engages with the sleeve 43 and rotates the latter to rewind the inner or tension spring 40 when the runner block 6 is revolved on the shaft 1 in the manner to be hereinafter described. The spring pressed plungers'44 are placed sleeve 43 to facilitate the enn `:rement 'of the cylinder 46 with this sleeve. fixed Xtensions were provided on the sleeve 43.. it might happen thatthe cylinder 46, when rotating, would not'engage. By .mking the ends with the projection movable, should any such slip occur. a positive engagement would be permitted during a further rotation of the cylinder 46. The outer periphery of the runner block 6 is formed with longitudinal grooves or teeth 47 which are adapted to coperate with longitudinul. teeth or grooves 48 formed on a portion of the inner peripheryof an outer cylinder 49. Upon a reduced flanged extension 50 of this outer cylinder 49 is slidably mountedapinion 51 which is Vadapted to engage withthe teeth 16 on the flywheell when moved into engagement by the runner block 6. The outer cylinder 49 is slidably mounted and adapted to rotate freely on the shaft 1 when the 'runner block 6 is being brought back to its initial position by the engine. A plurality of plungcrs 52 are secured to the pinion wheel 51 whichcare .erative position.

when pressed .forwardly bythe compression spring 39 vand .move Vthe .rewinding :pinion 51 into engagement with :the flywheel 15. vWhen the rewinding pinion lwheel l51 yengages the flange 54 .on .the Yreduced -portion ofthe cylinder49 .the latter will `hecarried forward 4a short distance. To fthe rear .end of the outer cylinder 49 is secu-red Yfa ratchet wheel 55 which is -adaptedto be'engaged yloy a springgpressed pawl 56fcarried hy a casing 57 mounted on the frame 5 of the idev-ice. The `pa-.wl 56 is adapted fto .engage withthe ratchet A55 and ,hold .the cylinder 49 .against rotation inthe-opposite direction during .the rewinding -of the tension .spring 40 rand prevent rotation .of the cylinder 49 when the parts are returned to their normal :or :inop- To Vallo-w for the sliding movement of :the .cylinder 49. the teeth -on the ratchet :wheel 55 .are made wider than the pawl 56. The ,pinion wheel 51 'lnay he formed with ,tapered :engaging teeth, previously described, to engage with the teeth 16 on the flywheel l5 when :moved Joy the runner block 6 yor the :alternate :teeth 16 Yof the flywheel may he vcut back, .as shown,

Vto facilitate the engagement or disengagement. Vhen the starting gpinion 14 .on the shaft 1 is moved out ofengagement with the {ly-wheel 1'5 the rewinding (pinion .51 at the other side `of the flywheel 15, .returns the mechanism to its normal position. 'This latter pinion 'wheel 5l is fmoved out of Vengagement Zby the Vrunner .block .6 engaging vstops 58 which are formed or provided at the rear end of the internal grooves 48 in the outer cylinder 49 and also by ythe springs on fthe plungers 52. A suitable cover or casing of a-hnninium` or other material may be provided over the device to keep the same clean and prevent the .entry of dint and dust if `so desired.

- In order to prevent the device from becoming damaged in the event of the engine backfiring with .either the starting or rewinding pinions or both in mesh with the flywheel 15 the pawl 56 is slidably mounted in the lcasing 57. This pawl 56 which is normally pressed into engagement with the teeth 55 by a spring 59, isnpivoted inacarrier 60 which is slidahly mounted and movable on a rod 61 against the action of a spring 62. The pawl 56 is provided with extensions or rollers 63 which are adapted to engage with cam shaped surfaces 64 formed on the lower portion of the casing 57. Thus when the cylinder rotates in the opposite direction, under excessive pressure, the pawl 56 will be carried around by the ratchet 55 and be disengaged automatically and thereby cause no damage to the starting mechanism of the device.

It will be understood that when the device is fitted on a motor car or an aeroplane the operating lever 18 may be operated from the A 13 .of the shaft 1 of the device.

Adrivers seat or other convenient Apart of .the vehicleor `:machine through the medium of levers, 'links or other connecting devices, or the lever may be ,operated from al foot pedal 65 connected thereto yby a swivel con- .nection v65 .as show-n in the drawings.

In operation and when it is `desired to start the engine, the operating or control -lever of the device 18 is turned on its fulcrum to slide the 5:11221 .against the action ofthe ,spring 25 and slide -the .starting pinion or gear wheel 14onthe forward squared end 18 of .the shaft 1 into engagement with the Hy wheel 15.. Further movement of the lhar 21 will turn the :lever 27 on its `pivot .and withdraw the member `31 andthe pawls 34'out of engagement withthe ratchet wheel 11 on the shaft land allow the shaft 1 to be rotated yat .a high speed .by lthewinding tension spring 40 and also vloy the main-compression spring 39 .pressing on the runner bloclc. Thus the iiy-w-heelf1-5 will :he givenseveral .revolutions to start-.the engine through the V-rnedium of the vpinion'wheel 14 .on the squared portion Vithen the runner block :6 vreaches the -end ofy its travel along thescrewed portion ofthe shaft 1 the springs 53 -on the plunger-s 52 are compressed, .the .rewinding pinion 51 is moved into en- ,fgagement with' the iywheel 15 and the cylinder 49 is carried forward. When the pedal or operating lever 18 is released the spr-ing 2.5 ,retunnsthe sliding bar 21hack to its nor- .m-a-l position .and the starting pinion 14 is moved out of engagement with the flywheel 15. At :the samev time thel member 31 is brought into engagement with the ratchet wheel 11 by the operation of Ythe lever 27. Thus the shaftl is first .frictio-nally engaged hy the shoes 37 engaging ,the ratchet wheel 11 and then positively locked'against rotation Jay the pawls 34 engaging the ratchet teeth 12. It will be' understood 'th at the teeth 12 of the ratchet wheel 11 may he shaped to ldisengage -the pawls 34 in the event of any runner block 6 hack to its normal position,

rewind the coiled spring 40 through the medium of the slotted cylinder 46 and sleeve 43, and compress the main coiled spring 39. The runner block 6 then engages the stops 58 on the interior of the outer or covering cylinder 49 and moves the same rearwardly to withdraw the rewinding pinion wheel 51 out of engagement with the flywheel 15. The rewinding pinion 51 will be withdrawn ofthe movement of the cylinder 49 by the springs 53 on the plungers 52. The device is now ready for further'use when desired.

' clear of the flywheel 15 at the latter portion i runner block to cause it to rotate the shaft,

means to connect the shaftand gear, and means thrown into action by the movement of the runner block and driven by said gear to place the spring means under tension.

2. A mechanical engine starter comprising, a gear connected with the crank shaft of the engine, a main shaft extending parallel with the aXis of the gear, a runner block having screw threaded-engagement with the shaft, spring` means cooperating with the runner block to move it longitudinally of the shaft for rotating the shaft, means to connect the shaft and gear, means Ato turn the runner block upon the shaft to cause it to travel in an opposite` direction thereon to place the spring means under tension, and means operated hyv the movement of therunner blockfor moving the turning means into operative position.

3. A mechanical engine starter comprising, a gear connected with the crank shaft of the engine, a main shaft extending parallel with the axis of the gear, a runner block having screw threaded engagement with theV shaft, spring means cooperating with the` runner block to move it longitudinally of the shaft for rotating the shaft, means to connect the shaft and gear, means to turn the runner block upon the shaft to cause it to travel in an opposite direction thereon to place the spring means under tension, means operated by the movement of the runner block for moving Vthe turning means into operative position, and means adapted to hold the shaft against rotation and to release the same.

A A Vmechanical engine starter compris- I. .LL

ing, a gear connected with the crank shaft of the engine, a 'main shaft extending parallel with the axis of the gear, a second gear carried by the shaft to rotate therewith and be shifted longitudinally thereof liao' and out of engagement with the l'irst named gear, 55

shaft, spring means coperating with the runner block to -move it longitudinally of the shaft for rotating the shaft, means to turn the runner block fupon lthe shaft to causeit to travel in an opposite direction upon the shaft toL place the spring'means under tension, and means operated by the movement of the runner block for moving the turning means into operative position.

'5. A mechanical engine starter comprising, a gear, connected with ythe crank shaft of the engine, a mainvshaft extending parallel withthe aXis of the gear, means to hold the shaft against rotation and to release the same, a cylinder surrounding the shaft, a runner block arranged within the cylinder 'to movelongitudinally thereof and turn therewithv and having screw threaded engagement with the shaft, spring means arranged within the cylinder and vengaging the runner block to move it longitudinally of the cylinder, pawl and ratchet means to prevent the cylinder from turning inl one direction, a second gear connected with the cylinder to turn it, means operated by the movement ofthe runner block to shift the second gear into' and out of engagement with the .first named gear, a third gear driven by said shaft, and means to shift the third gear into engagementy with the first named gear.

6. A mechanical engine starter comprising, a rotatable shaft, means for connecti ing the shaft with the engine for starting the engine, a torsional coil spring surrounding-the shaft and connected therewith to turn it, a runner 'block having' screw threadedv engagement with the shaft, and meansv to-cause the runner lolockV to travel longitudinally of the shaft including a compressible coil spring surrounding the shaft and engaging the block. i

In testimony whereof IV havey hereunto signed my name. K

FRED. LIONEL RAPsoN.'

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