US926060A - Variable-drive mechanism. - Google Patents

Description

S. B. GRAY, DECD. B. s. GRAY, nxEcUToR.

VARIABLE DRIVE MEGHANISM. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 1s, 190e. RENBWBD APR. ze, 1909.

4Patented June 22, 1909.

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S. B. GRAY, DECD.

Patented June 22, 1909.

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S. B. GRAY, DEGD.

B. s. GRAY, PxEcUToR.

VARIABLE DRIVE MECHANISM.

APPLICATION MLPD SEPT. 1a, 190e. BPNBWHD APB. ze, 1909.

Patented June 22. 1909.

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S. B. GRAY, DEGD.

B. S. GRAY, EXIIOUTOB.

VARIABLE DRIVE MBGHANISM.

APPLICATION IILED SEPT. 13, 1906. BENBWED APB. 28, 1909.

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STEPHEN GRAY, OF JACKSONVlLLE, lLLlN 01S; BARTLETT S. GRAY EXECUTOR Ol" SAID STEPHEN l5. GRAY, DEOEASED.

VARIAB LE -DRIVE ME CHANISM.

Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented June 22, 1909.

Application led September 13, 1906, Serial No. 334,383. Renewed April 26, 1909. Serial No. 492,314.

To all 'whom it may concern:

Be it known that l, STEPHEN B. GRAY, a resident of Jacksonville, in the county of Morgan and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Variable-Drive Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The invention relates to variable drive mechanism.

The invention designs to provide an improved construction for a variable pulley embodying a screw-adjustment for the rimsections.

The invention further designs to provide improved variable drive-mechanism comprising a pair of pulleys having screw-adjusted rim-sections and means for simultaneously adjusting the pulleys for different speeds. The invention also designs to provide an adjustable pulley of improved construction and variable drive-mechanism of improved construction.

The invention consists in the several novel features hereinafter set forth and more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a horizontal section taken through the centers of the pulleys of avariable speed-mechanism, embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a central vertical section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a side elevation. Fig. t is a section on line 1 -1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-section on line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Variable speed-mechanism of the type herein involved usually comprises a pair of adjustable pulleys connected together by a belt. The mechanism shown comprises pulleys A and A of like construction, connected to be driven, one from the other, by a belt D. The pulleys may be mounted upon a frame C of any suitable construction.

The body of the improved pulley comprises hubs 10, one at each side of the pulley, each having a hollow spindle 11 secured thereto. A pulley-side 12 is secured to each hub as at 13 and a drum 111 has its ends secured to the pulley-sides respectively as at 15 to secure the hubs and sides together. Rimsections 16 are each adjustably connected to the body of the pulley by a screw or screwthreaded rod 17 which has its outer end journaled in a bracket 18 and its inner end in a lug 19, integrally formed with one of the pulley-sides. Screws 17 are radially disposed and extend through correspondingly screw-threaded openings in the rim-sections and thereby the sections may be adjusted radially and positively when the screws are turned. Each of the screw-rods 17 has secured to its inner end within drum 111 a beveled pinion 21.

Simultaneous and equidistant rotation of all of the screws 17 is necessary in adjusting the rim-sections. Screws 17 of each series are simultaneously rotated by a gearrlng 22, having teeth 2S which mesh with pinions 2l which are secured to the inner ends of the screws. This gear-ring is revoluble with respect to the wheel, is mounted in the wheel-drum 1-1 and is held against lateral displacement by lugs 211. Gear-rings 22 for the pulley-sides respectively are simultaneously rotated with respect to the wheel by a gear-mechanism comprising a gear-wheel 25 mounted on a shaft 26 which is j ournaled in bearings 27 secured to the drum 14. At either side of gear 25 is mounted a pinion 2S with which it intermeshes. Each pinion 28 is mounted on a shaft 29 journaled in bearings 30 and 31 fixed in the drum and is secured to drive a beveled pinion 32 which meshes with a series of teeth 33 formed on the inner face of one of the gear-rings 22. Rotation of gear-wheel 25 will, by means of pinions 28 and' 32, cause the gear-rings 22 to be rotated with respect to the wheel and resultantly operate all of the pinions 21 of the wheel to simultaneously and equidistantly rotate all of the screws 17 which will effect equidistant and simultaneous shifts of the rim-sections, in either direction, according to the direction in which the gear 25 is rotated. V

In variable drive-mechanism embodying a connected pair of pulleys, the size of the rims thereof are increased and decreased respectively and simultaneously. The mechanism for simultaneously operating the geartrains of the pulleys whereby the size of one will be increased and the size of the other correspondingly decreased, comprises an endless chain D operatively connected to a sprocket-wheel 35 in each of the pulleys and which are connected to rotate wheels 25 of the gear-trains for the adjusting mechanisms. The chain D consists of a series of links 86 having enlarged ends 37 fitting into socket-links Se), the links ot' the chain being so formed as to permit the revolution ot one link with respect to another, z'. e., to torni a series of links connected by swivel or universal joint to permit a portion thereoiC to rotate while another portion of the chain is stationary. rllhe purpose ot the universal joint chain is to permit those portions of the chain which are held in sprocket-wheels 35 to revolve with the pulleys while the longitudinally extending portions of the chain are stationary. rlhe chain extends through hollow spindles ll in each ot which an oil-pocket or recess -l-l is formed and extends at one side through a tubular guide or casing' l() and trom the spindle of one et the pulleys to and through tne spindle ot the other pulley. The other side of the chain extends troni the hollow spindle ll ot one ot the pulleys through a stationary guide or housing in which is arranged a sprocketwheel t3 around a portion of which the chain extends so the chain can be shifted longitudinally in its guides to rotate sprocketwhcels to operate the gear-trains in the pulleys to adjust the rim-sections of the pulleys. Chain-guide l() is also stationary and the portions of the chain in engagement with sprocket-wheels 35 are held in engagement with the teeth of said wheels in the wheel-drum lt by curved guides etat. Chainguides l() and l2 are usually formed of sections litting' together to inclose the chain and sprocket-wheel d3. Several sectional links 38 may be provided tor convenience in lapplying the chain. Sprocket-wheel Llf3 for shitting the chain to adjust the pulleys is secured to a shaft t6 mounted in bearings l? and t8 which may be connected to theI A handate the shaft l5 from some other point, a`

sprocket-wheel 50 may be provided which may be connected in any suitable manner to a lever or handle at any desired point.

To compensate for the diilerences in the straight reach of belt when the pulleys are set in ditlerent positions, and tovtake up any slack in the belt, an idler-pulley 5l is provided which serves to keep the belt taut at all times. idler 5l is connected to a shaft 'which is journaled in bearings 53, secured to supporting-bars 5l which are pivotally sustained as at `When the pulley-rims are substantially the same in diameter, the straight portion Vot the reach ot the beltis somewhat less than when the pulley-rims are materially dilierent in size and for the purpose of compensating for this difference or variation, a vdifferential pressure mechanism is provided for the idler or tightener.

rlhis mechanism comprises a lever 56 pivotet. as at 57 to the trame, having its tree end connected to one end of the idler-supporting lever 5l by a spring 5S which is adapted to take up any variation in the belt length and to keep the belt taut. Said mechanism also comprises a collar 60 connected by screw-thread 6l to the controller-shaft 46. Collar 60 is connected by a link 62 to an aim 63 which is connected to a rock-shaft 64; having' arms 65, one at each side of the traine, provided with rollers 66 at their lower vends which are adapted to engage cams 67rone of which is secured to each of the levers 56. Canis 67 are shaped to allow lever 56 to be positioned so that the idler 5l will be held by spring 5S in proper relation with respect to the belt without substantial variation ot' the pressure of the idler against the belt. ln other words, this mechanism provides a tension-device for the idler which is adjustable to compensate for the various positions of the belt and its diferent positions as the pulleys are adjusted.' Collar 60 being connected to the controller-shaft which operates the mechanism for adjusting the pulleys, is simultaneously adjusted to shift arms so the cams 6T will allow the idler and tension-device to be simultaneously adjusted in accordance with the adjustment ot the pulleys.

rllhe operation of the improved mechanism will be as follows: Assuming one of the pulleys to be driven trom any suitable source, and the belt B held in operative relation with both pulleys it will transmit power trom one pulley to the other, the pulleys with their adjustable rim-sections and the gear-mechanism in each pulley revolving therewith. Those portions of the adjusting-chain D which extend around the sprocket-wheels in the pulley, will revolve with the wheel and sprocket the universal joints between the links of the chain permitting such revolution of such portions of the chain while the otherl portions ot the chain remain stationary. idler 5l being held in engagement with the belt B by the springs 58 ot the tension-device will keep the belt taut and compensate tor any slight wear or stretch vof the belt or variation in belt length as the pulleys are adjusted. lVhen the speed of the driven pulley is to be varied, the operator will turn controller-shaft -l6 to which sprocket-wheel is secured, and such rotation will shift the adjusting-chain D longitudinally and elliect simultaneous rotation of the sprockets 35 in the pulleys about shafts 26 and operate the gear-trains for the adjustable rim-sections. Gear-wheels 25 will rotate the oppositely disposed pinions 29, 32, to rotate Vthe gear-rings 22 with respect to the pulley. These gear-rings will turn the pinions 21 to which the radial screw-rods 17 are secured and eilect equid-istant and simultaneous shift of the riin-sectioiis 1G which are adj iistably sustained thereby. rl`he gear-mechanisms ot' the pulleys and the adj usting-chain respectively are connected to operate the screwsha'fts in opposite directions, i'. e., when the chain is adjusted to rotate the screw-rod 1T of one pulley to shift the rim-sections thereoi inwardly, the 0ear-mechanism oit' the other pulley operates the screw-shafts of the latter in opposite direct-ion to correspondingly shiit the rim-sections thereof in opposite direction and resultantly as the size ot' one pulley is increased and other is coirespondingly decreased. This adjustment can be eitected while the mechanism is in operation. Simultaneously with the adjustment of the pulleys by controller-rod 46, screw-threaded collar 60 on said shaft is shifted longitudinally to adjust arm 65 to allow the levers 5G and idler 5l to adjust themselves according to the position of that portion ot' the belt with which the idler engages, e. g., assuming that the pulleys are adjusted to be operated at substantially the same speed, the idler adjusting device will be in position indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. Itl the controlling mechanism is operated to adjust the pulleys so they will be materially ditl'erent in size the straight reaches of the belt will be longer and the arms 65 will be shifted into such relation with respect to cam 57 that arms 56 will move upwardly or yield to allow the idler 5l to maintain the belt under the desired tension. rIhus it will be seen that by adjustment of the controller, the screw-rods for both of the pulleys will both be simultaneously operated to adjust the riin-sections and vary the relative size ot the pulleys and the idler will be simultaneously adjusted.

The invention provides an improved pulley embodying a series of simultaneously and screw adjusted rim-sections. A screw adjustment is preferable over other forms because the rims can be adjusted with accuracy and because it is not necessary to provide a pulley with any laterally adjusting elements against which strain is exerted when the belt exerts pressure on the rim. The invention also provides screw operated adjustingmechanism :t'or the pulley which can be operated while the pulley is revolving. The invention further provides an improved variable drive-mechanism embodying pulleys having screw-operated adjListing-mechanism and means for simultaneously adjusting both pulleys, and furthermore provides mechanism or such type otl pulleys whereby they can be adjusted while the mechanism is in operation. The tension-device tor the idler which keeps the belt taut is adjustable siiniiltaneously with the controlling mechanism to avoid unnecessary tension on the belt in its different adjustments.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details shown and described but may be varied by the skilled mechanic without departing from the spirit and scope oi the invention.

laving thus described the in'vention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters la tent, is:

l. In a pulley, the combination of a body comprising a hollow spindle, a series of adjustable rim-sections, a series of adjusting screws for the sections, mechanism for conjointly operating the screws, and means extending throiigh said spindle for operating said mechanism.

2. In a pulley, the combination of a body comprising a hollow spindle, a series of adj uslable rim-sections, a series ot adjustingscrews it'or the sections, mechanism for conjointly operating the screws and a chain eX- tending through said spindle l'or operating said n'ieclianisin.

In a pulley, the combination of a body comprising a hollow spindle for the body, a series ot' adjustable rim-sections, a plurality ot adjusting-screws tor the sections, gear-mechanism for coiijointly operating the screws to adjust the sections, comprising a toothed wheel mounted to revolve with the pulley, and means for operating the toothed wheel extending through said spindle.

et. In variable drive-mechanism, the combination of a pair of pulleys, each comprising a series of adjustable rim-sections, a belt connecting the pulleys, adj ustable-screws for the rim-sections, and means for conjointly operating the screws ot both pulleys comprising a flexible element operatively connected to both of the pulleys.

5. In variable driVe-inechanism, the combination of a pair of pulleys each compris` ing a plurality of adjustable rim-sections, adj usting-screws for the sections, a belt connecting the pulleys, and gear-ineclianisin connecting the screws of each pulley and revoluble with the pulley, and a chain for conjointly operating the gear-mechanism.

G. In variable drive-mechanism, the combination of a pair o'l pulleys each comprising a series of adjustable rim-sectioiis and hollow spindles for the pulley, adjustingscrews for the riin-sections, a belt connecting the pulleys, gear-mechanism for simultaneously operating the screws to adjust the sections, and means for conjointly operating the gear-mechanisms of both pulleys extended through said spindles and connecting said mechanisms respectively.

7. In variable driif'e-incchanism, the combination of a pair of pulleys each comprising adjustable rim-sections, mechanism for coiijointly adjusting the sections ot' the pulleys, a belt connecting the pulleys, a belttightener, and means for differentially operating the tightener to correspond with the adjustment of the pulleys.

8. In variable drive-mechanism, the combination of a pail` of pulleys each comprising adjustable rim-sections, mechanism for conjointly adjusting the sections of the pulleys, a belt connecting tlie pulleys, a belt-tightener, a tension-device for the tiglitener, controlling-means for the adjlisting-mechanism, and means for adjusting the tension-device 1when the pulleys are adjusted.

9. In Variable drive-mechanism, tlie com` binaticn of a pair 0In pulleys each comprising,` adjustable rim-sections, mechanism for eenjointly adjusting` the sections of the pulleys, a belt. connecting` the pulleys, a belttiglitener, a tension-device for said tightener, and a screw for adjusting said tension-device when tlie pulleys are adjusted.

10. In variable drive-mechanism, the coinbinati-On of a pail1 of pulleys eacli comprising adjustable `Tim-sections, mechanism for conjointly adjusting the sections of the pull'eys, a belt connecting the pulleys, a belt tiglitener, a spring for holding the tiglitenei in engagement with th'e belt and mechanism for adjusting` the spring When the pulleys are adjusted.

ll. In Vaiiable drivemechanism, the combination of a pair of pulleys each comprising a series of adjustable rim-sections, adjusting-screws for the sections, a belt cennccting` the pulleys, a tension-device for the belt, and mechanism for conjointly adjusting the screws of both pulleys to adjust the rim-sections.

STEPHEN B. GRAY.

Witnesses FRED GnRLAc-I, LESNE S. RUSSELL.

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