US1738742A - A corpora - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 10, 1929. E. w. TERHUNE SASH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed July 9, L925 2 Sheets-Sheet Dec. 10, 1929. E. w. TERHUNE SASH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Ju1y 9, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet Patented Dec. '10, 1929 Ennrren stares earner EH65,

EDW' IN W. TERI-IITNE, OF IRVINGTON ON THE HUDSON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNQR TO LORD & BUENHAIVI COMPANY, OF VTION. OF NEW YORK.

IRVINGTON ON THE'HUDSON, NEW YORK, A CORPORA- Application. filed July 9,

' ing a main line shaft of a structure, such as a green house or other structure, wherein suitable mechanism is provided to co-operate with the shaft to effect movement ofa run of sash. w

It is desirable in sash operatingdevices to be able to controland-eifect movement of the sash throughout any extended run or length, froma single point of control. In comparatively short runs of line shaft, this may readily be done, but as the length of the structure increases, say for example to over one hundred and fifty feet, the problem becomes increasingly dificult. As the control mechanism is actuated usually by hand, there is a practical limit to the force and energy applied. .It' is desirable therefore to obtain the required movement of the sash throughout the entire lengthof the line shaft,.or, of the structure, from a common point, and this with a minimum expenditure of force and energy.

In very long green houses this feature of efiecting control from a single point is of particular importance, because if there is sudden change. in temperature, say for example by' a sudden drop in temperature, or other change; in weather conditions it becomes 5 points from which movement ofthe sash was effected; neither would the rapid closure of the sash be likely tobe effected if the mechanism were slow in action and required considerable force to operate. g I a In order to provide a sash operating mechanism to meet the more exacting requirements in the development-of the art, the mechanism should efl'ect movement of the sash with V a minimum expenditure of force in as short a time'as possible. In producing a mechanism tomeet the above mechanical requirements, it

is "alsorhighly' desirable, particularly in a 1925. Serial No. 42,555.

green house, to keep the parts as small and compact as possible in order to reducev the shadowy effect to a minimum. It is further desirableto keep the mechanism small so as to reduce the weight and to afford a pleasing andneat appearing device. I

If the device is too bulky, in addition to the greater shadow effect obtained, and the unwieldy appearance, difficulties are encountered in providing a suitable mounting or support under the varying conditions and requirements of use. One of factors to be considered under the latter head, is the method of supporting'the line shaft actuating mechanism in operative relation to the line shaft. In some instances the mechanism may be supported on a post or column from below, and in other instances it becomes necessary to suspend'the mechanism from a rafter or other part ofthe structure from above. It becomes desirable therefore to provide actuating mechanism for the line shaft so arranged as to be readily adapted to be supported interchangeably in either one of a number of positions without necessitating rearrangement or special design of the casing for the mechanism to meet the varying conditions of use.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide line shaft actuating mechanism for operating sash or the like, which will embody and meet the desirable features above set forth.

A further object is to provide line shaft actuating mechanism which is small, compact and neat in appearance, and which is lighter in weight than mechanism heretofore employed for the similar requirements.

Still a further object is to provide worm gear mechanism for actuating the line shaft in which the worm gearis reduced to a minimum diameter and other parts are so arranged and constructed that when used for heavy duty involving a relatively long run of line shaft, a maximum opening'of the sash is effected in a minimum time with an expenditure of force and energyless thanthat heretofore employed in devices for this urpose. The result of tests of the device in actual use has demonstrated that, in comparison withdevices heretofore employed, for a tion due to end thrust and of the rotating parts is reduced to a minimum, and in which the parts are so arranged relative the line shaft and sash that the worm gear serves as a stop or brake at all-times to prevent accidental dropping or closing of the sash. This braking function is effected without the necessity for use of extra braking or stop, mechanism such as pawl and ratchet or other stops such as used in some devices of the prior art.

One selected embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification, for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation showing in section a sash and portion of the roof, and showing the arrangement of the line shaft actuating mechanism supported. from below and detachably mounted on the top of a column, the worm being actuated from below by a hand wheel through chain and sprocket mechanism.

Figure 2 is a side elevation ofFigure1show ing also by a dot and dash line a method of operating the worm above by chain alone, in case the lower hand wheel and sprocket is not used.

Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 1 but without the column, the shaft actuating worm and mechanism being suspended from above from the rafter.

Figure 41 is a side elevation of Fig. 3 and also shows by dot and dash line that the worm may be actuated by chain in the event that the lower hand wheel and post is not used.

Figure 5 comprises an enlarged front and side elevation showing more clearly the detachable mounting of the worm and gear casing on the column.

Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevation showing more clearly the detachable mounting of woicm gear casing when suspended from a rafter.

Figure 7 is an elevation partly in section showing the worm and gear assembly detachon a horizontal plane passing through the bearing of the line gear shaft of Fig. 8, the gear not being shown.

Figure 10 is a broken fragmentary view in elevation and partly in section, showing the lower hand wheel by which the worm is actuated' and the'means for adjusting-the wheel upon a post or column to obtain theproper chain adjustment and tension.

In Figure 1 is shown a rafter 16 and portion; of a roof in section, a sash 20 being shown pivoted at the ridge of; thereof". The sash however may be pivotally supported either at one side or between the ends in a manner well known in the art. by a rack bar 18, having one end pivotally connected to the sash frame as at 21. The

rack bar 18 is preferably curved as shown in Fig. 1 but it is understood that a straight rack bar 18 may be used as shown in Fig. 3.

The teeth of the rack bar engage the teeth of apinion fixed on the line shaft 14. The rack bar 18 is retained in operative relation to the pinion by a yoke 19 more clearly indicated in Figs. 2 and 4. It is understood of course that the various sashes throughout the length of the structure are actuated by the rack bars and pinions distributed along the line shaft. The rack bar and pinion arrange- The sash is opened ment is preferable to the jointed pivoted arm arrangement at times used, particularly in very long runs of the line shaft,because of the decreased moment arm in thecase of the pinion effective to cause torsion of the line shaft.

The line sh aftl l is actuated by a worm and mechanism contained within the casing 2 and. cover 15 Figs. 1 to 6) and more clearon the worm shaft is rotated from below by a chain 2% which may hanglcosely as indicated at 29, by dot and'da-sh line (see Figs. 2 and 4) or the chain may pass around another sprocket wheel 25 which may berotated by the handle 26 (Figs. 1 to .t'). i i

In Figures 1, 2 and 5 the casing 12 containing the worm gear is detachably mounted on an intermediate member such as a cap 11, by screws 11 which cap in turn is detachably mounted on the top of the column 10 by a set screw 55 or other suitable means. If conditions are such as to render it necessary ordesirable to mount or supportthe same casing on the rafter 16, the worm gear casing 12 may be detachably mounted '.'on another intermediate member such as a bracket 17,

(Fig. 6) which bracket in turnmay be de;

tachably mounted on rafter 16hr other part of the building structure fromfabguea This .tures' of the device.

ard type of line shaft actuating mechanism is effected by providing an intermediate meme her or base element upon which'the casing 121s detachably mounted. This feature effects economy in manufacture and is very convenient in mounting it in use. i

As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 6 the arm bracket I 1Tinay be detachably fixed to the rafter. by

i and the bearing 32 in the casing.

bolts 22 passing through the arm22 of the bracket 17. Thecasing 12 housing the worm gear mechanism for actuating the line shaft 14, is detachably mounted on the base 17 of the intermediate member or bracket. hen the casing 12 is suspended from above, as from a rafter 1.6, the sprocket wheel 23 on the worm shaft 13 may be rotated either by the chain 29 loosely hanging, or from a hand wheel 25 which may be mounted on a, shorter post 30; the longer column 10 of course is not necessary. i 7

Figures 7, 8, and 9 show more clearly the construction. arrangement and assembly of the worm and gear mechanism for actuating the line shaft. The casing 30 is provided with bearings 31, 32 (Figs. 7 and 9) for the ends 45, 44.1'espectively of the shaft of the worm 42. One end of the worm, shaft 44 is sup? ported in the bearing 32 of the casing. The other end 45 of the worm shaft is carried in a roller bearing 46 mounted in" the bearing housing 31 of the/casing.v The end45 of the worm shaft extends outward from the casing 12 and has a sprocket wheel 23 mounted thereon; (this is thesame wheel as designated as 23 in Figs. 1 to 4). The rollerbearings reduce the friction at the end of shaft where the power is applied to the worm 42 through the wheel 23. A spacing washer 47 is arranged between the bearing 46 and the hub 42 of the worm. The end thrust of the worm is considerable during operation and while holding the sash in open position. In order to minimize the friction due to this end thrust, a ballend thrust bearing 48 is interposed bet-ween the hub. 42 of the worm Theworm wheel 43 is mounted on the line shaft 49 (Figs. 7 to 9) (designated as 14 in Figs. 1 to 6) and serves as the actuating means for transmitting rotary movement to the line shaft. The worm wheel 43, may be held in normally fixed position on the line shaft 49, by a key 65, or by other suitable means well known in the art. As the gear teeth are con stantly in mesh with the worm teeth, the worm wheel maintains or looks the line shaft in any given position, thus holding the sash any desired position without the necessity for stopsor catches as has been necessary insome other devices heretofore used.

The shaft 49 of the worm gear is rotatably Supported in ballbearings 35, 36 one on each side of'the gear 43, and the cups or races of said bearings being in turn housed or carried in the bearing housings 33, 34 of-the casing 30. The gear shaft 49 may be'separate and fixed to gear wheel, 43, any suitable coupling means well known in the art being provided to connect the gear shaft in alignment with and in driving relation with the line shaft.

A removable cover or cap 37 of a general semi circular form is detachably secured to the casing by screws 38 or other suitable means, on the top of the bearings'31, 32 for the worm shaft. Such a construction permits the convenient assembly of the gear in the casing 30 and further enables the ready inspection of the worm and gear, when desired as the removal of the cover 37 leaves the gear wheel almost entirely exposed. The two upstanding bearing housings 33, 34 form a U portion of the casing 30. which when the cover is in place houses the gear.

Preferably, a suitable lubricant is carried in the lower chamber of the casing containing the worm, in which the latter may run.

The base of the worm gear casing 30, is preferably formed flat and is adapted to be detachably mounted by bolts 40 on a table 41 of a corresponding form on an'intermediate cap member 54 which is inturn adj ustably and detachably fixed on the top of a column 53 by the set screw 55. As heretofore set forth,'the intermediate member may be a bracketif the casing is to be suspended from a rafter or other portion of the building structure.

The lower sprocket wheel 51" is adjustably mounted on the column 53 and preferably suitable means are provided for permitting ready adjustment up or down in order to obtam proper tension of the chain connecting the two sprocket wheels. For this purpose the set screws 62, or other suitable means may be provided. As shown the shaft 59 on which the sprocketwheel 51 is mounted extends through a locking collar or barrel flange 57, which is integral with the sleeve 56, 56. A set screw '6 which secures the locking collar on the shaft 59. A nut 60 is provided on the end of the shaft 59 which extends outward of'the barrel 57. This mounting for the lower wheel sprocket provides a firm mounting and substantial bearing.- The hollow barrel construction cuts down the weight ofthe support.

lVhile one preferred form of the invention has -been shown and described for purposes of illustration, it is understoodthat various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in 'the art. without departing from the spirit and'scope of the invention.

' What I claim'isi- 1; In sash actuating mechanism of the self braking type, the combination of a sash mounted for movement, a line shaft rotatably mounted,means actuated by the shaft for effecting movement of the sash, and means including worm and gear for effecting rotary movement of the line'shaft, a casing for said worm and gear, said casing having a substantially flat base below the worm, a fixed support and means for mounting said casing on said fixed support, said means including an intermediate member interposed between the fixed support and the base of the casing,

and means for detachably securing said intermediate member to the base of the casing and adjustable means for securing said intermediate member to the fixed support.

2. In sash actuating mechanism of the self braking type, the combination of a sash mounted for movement, a horizontal line shaft rotatably mounted, a pinion fixed on the line shaft, a rack bar actuated by the pinion for effecting movement of the sash, worm and gear mechanism for rotating the line shaft, said gear being mounted on said line shaft and said Worm being below said gear, a casing providing bearings for the worm and gear, and a substantially semi-circular shaped cover detachably secured to the casing and substantially housing the gear, said. casing having a flatbase, and an intermediate support detachably fixed to said fiat base and adjustable means for mounting said inter mediate support on a fixed support.

3. In sash operating mechanism of the self braking type compris ng a sash, a line shaft and means connected between the line shaft and the sash for moving the latter, a worm and gear for actuating said shaft, said gear being mounted on the line shaft, a casing for the worm and gear, said casing having asubstant ally flat base, and means for supporting said worm and gear in operative relation to the line shaft, said means including an intermediate support detachably fixed to the base of the casing, and means for detachably securingsaid support to another fixed ob ect.

In sash operating devices of the self braking type comprising a sash. a line shaft and means co-operatin therewith for moving the sash. worm and gear mechanism for rotating the line shaft, said gear being mounted on the line shaft, and a cas ng; for the worm and gear, said casing comprising an upper portion having upstanding bearlngs for the ivorm gear forming a U shaped portion. a removable cover semi-circular in form adapted to fit over the upstanding bearing portion and enclose the worm gear, bearings in the lower part of the casing for the worm shaft, including a roller bearing at one end of the worm shaft and a thrust hearing at the other end of the ivorm, the base of said casing beingsubstantially flat, a fixed support and an intermediate support interposed between said fixed support and the base of the cas ng. 5. The combination of a column and means mam for adjustably supporting a sprocket Wheel thereon, said means comprising a sleeve, meansfor adjustably supporting the sleeve on the column, a barrel flange integral with the sleeve and having bearings therein at I opposite ends of the barrel, a. shaft mounted" in said bearings and extending through said barrel flange, the ends of the shaft extending beyond the bearings, one end of the-shaft having a sprocket wheel mountedthereon, and locking means of the other end of the shaft to prevent axial movement thereof.

6. In sash operating, mechanism of the self braking type comprising a sash, a line shaft,

and means, between the sash and line shaft for:

shaft, the space bet-ween said bearing sun-,

ports being open to permit insertion of the worm gear without disturbing the position of the worm and the bearings for the worm and gear, and a removable cover for the open space between the bearing supports adapted to house the gear.

7 In sash operating mechanism of the self braking type including a line shaft, a worm gear mounted thereon and worm. means for supporting said worm and gear in co-operative relation to each other and to the line shaft, said means being arranged to permit removal of the worm gear independently of the worm and withoutdisturbing the bearings for the worm or gear, said means including a casing having a lower portion for receiving the worm, upstanding side portions integral with the casing, said side portions having apertures therein adapted to receive anti-friction bearings for the line shaft, said side portions also being spaced a suflicient distance aparttopermit insertion and removal of the worm gear, without disturbing the assembly of the worm and bearings, a cover detachably secured to thecasing and bridging the upstanding side portions;

In testimony whereof I a flix my signature.

' EDWIN W. TERHUNE.

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