WO2014124478A1

WO2014124478A1 - Improvements relating to gear mechanisms

Info

Publication number: WO2014124478A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/000142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zeming Yang
Original assignee: Ultimate Power & Energy Limited
Priority date: 2013-02-18
Filing date: 2013-02-18
Publication date: 2014-08-21

Abstract

A gear mechanism (2) comprising: a rotatable member (22); a track member (24); a first axle member (40) disposed on the rotatable member (22); a first gear member (26) adapted to rotate on the first axle member (22), and rotatably track along the track member (24), during rotation of the rotatable member (22); and a second gear member (28) adapted to be linked with the first gear member (26) so as to enable transmission of motion between the first and second gear members (26 & 28).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO GEAR MECHANISMS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to gear mechanisms. In a particular aspect, the invention may relate to the inclusion of gear mechanisms in altering the electricity output of electricity generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure herein.

Mechanical energy sources including those in the form of rotating bodies such as turbines of steam engines, waterwheels, rotors of motors or combustion engines, wind turbines, and hand cranks, may all be used by electricity generating apparatus in converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Of course, there are always energy losses and inefficiencies in harnessing the mechanical energy, as well as in converting the mechanical energy from the rotating bodies into electrical energy. Further, it may sometimes be desirable simply to increase the electricity output of electricity generating apparatus. Thus, it may be advantageous to provide a new gear mechanism, or apparatus using such a gear mechanism, which reduces, limits, overcomes, or ameliorates some of the problems, drawbacks, inefficiencies, or disadvantages associated with the prior art, or provides an effective alternative. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a gear mechanism comprising:

- a rotatable member;

- a track member;

- a first axle member disposed on the rotatable member;

- a first gear member adapted to rotate on the first axle member, and rotatably track along the track member, during rotation of the rotatable member; and

- a second gear member adapted to be linked with the first gear

member so as to enable transmission of motion between the first and second gear members. Rotation of the first gear member may result in concomitant rotation of the second gear member.

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The first gear member may orbit around the track member during rotation of the rotatable member.

The gear mechanism may comprise a second axle member on which the second gear member is mounted, the second axle member being adapted to rotate during rotation of the second gear member. The second axle member may be adapted to rotate with respect to the track member.

The second axle member may be aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotatable member. The first gear member may orbit around the second axle member during rotation of the rotatable member. The track member may be supported by a supporting structure and remain stationary with respect to the supporting structure.

The rotatable member may be adapted for connection with a mechanical energy source.

The rotatable member may be adapted to drive a moveable body of a mechanical or electromechanical device. The moveable body may be a rotatable body.

In a particular aspect, the rotatable body may be comprised by an engine, wheel axis, propeller, or turbine, of a vehicle such as a car, helicopter, tank, jet or aeroplane. Multiple gear mechanism may be linked with and adapted to drive the rotatable body. Thus, there may be further improvements in efficiency with the linking of additional gear mechanisms.

The rotatable member may be adapted for connection with one of a magnetic field generating portion and armature portion of an electromechanical device.

The second gear member may be adapted for connection with a mechanical energy source. The second gear member may be adapted to drive a moveable body of a mechanical or electromechanical device.

The second gear member may be adapted for connection with one of a magnetic field generating portion and armature portion of an

electromechanical device.

The armature portion may comprise a rotor of the electromechanical device. The armature portion may comprise a stator of the electromechanical device.

The magnetic field generating portion may comprise a rotor of the

electromechanical device.

The magnetic field generating portion may comprise a stator of the

electromechanical device. The mechanical energy source may comprise a motor rotor, turbine, waterwheel, hand crank, compressed air, or any other source of mechanical energy. It may comprise a rotatable body which harnesses mechanical energy. The gear mechanism may be connected with the rotatable body. The link may comprise a gear member. In a particular form, the link may comprise a third gear member articulated between the first and second gear members.

In another form, the link may comprise at least one of teeth and receptacles.

In another form, the link may comprise an elongate member.

The elongate member may comprise a teeth, perforations or indentations, . adapted for articulation with a gear member.

The definition of 'teeth' throughout this specification may include cogs, sprockets and other projections within its scope.

The elongate member may comprise an encircling member. The encircling member may be adapted to encircle the first and second gear members.

The elongate member may comprise a belt, chain or cable. The electromechanical device may comprise an electricity generator or motor. One or more of the gear members may comprise circumferential teeth. The circumferential teeth may be adapted for articulation with an elongate member or another gear member.

One or more of the gear members may comprise: a circumferential channel, teeth, perforations, or indentations, adapted for articulation with the elongate member.

One or more of the gear members may comprise a wheel. One or more of the gear members may comprise a cogwheel, sprocket or pulley.

The rotatable member may comprise a wheel. The track member may comprise a track. The track may comprise an external circumferential track. In another form, the track member may define an aperture comprising an internal circumferential track.

The track may comprise teeth. In another form, the track may comprise a channel. The channel may comprise a flat base, teeth, perforated base or indented base adapted for articulation with a gear member.

The track member may comprise a wheel. The radius of the track member may be greater than the radius of the second gear member. The radius of the track member may be greater than the radius of the first gear member. The radius of the track member may be generally the same as the radius of the third gear member. The radius of the track member may be less than the radius of the rotatable member. The radius of the first gear member may be generally the same as the radius of the second gear member.

The circumference of the track member may be greater than the circumference of the second gear member. The circumference of the track member may be greater than the circumference of the first gear member. The circumference of the track member may be generally the same as the circumference of the third gear member. The circumference of the track member may be less than the circumference of the rotatable member. The circumference of the first gear member may be generally the same as the circumference of the second gear member. The second gear member may be centrally aligned with respect to the track member. The track member may be centrally aligned with respect to the rotatable member.

The second gear member may be adapted to rotate faster than the rotatable member.

In another aspect, the invention may provide an electromechanical device comprising:

- an armature portion;

- a magnetic field generating portion; and

- a gear mechanism comprising:

- a rotatable member adapted to be rotated by a mechanical energy source;

- a track member;

- a first axle member disposed on the rotatable member; - a first gear member adapted to rotate on the first axle member, and rotatably track along the track member, during rotation of the rotatabie member; and

- a second gear member disposed on the first rotatabie member, the second gear member being adapted to be linked with the first gear member so as to enable transmission of rotational motion between the first and second gear members, the second gear member being connected with, and thereby adapted to cause rotation of one of the magnetic field generating portion and armature portion.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of gearing a mechanical energy source comprising:

- rotating a rotatabie member via the mechanical energy source;

- concomitantly rotating a first gear member disposed on the rotatabie member so that the first gear member rotatably tracks along a track member; and

- concomitantly rotating a second gear member via a motion

transmitting linkage of first the and second gear members.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of operating an electromechanical device comprising:

- rotating a rotatabie member via a mechanical energy source;

- concomitantly rotating a second gear member via a motion

transmitting linkage of first the and second gear members, the second gear member being connected with a magnetic field generating portion or an armature portion of the electromechanical device. The rotational velocity of the second gear member may be greater than that of the rotatable member. Alternatively, the rotational velocity of the second gear member may be less than that of the rotatable member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative examples only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side view of an electricity generator connected with a gear mechanism in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the gear mechanism as assembled with the electricity generator;

Fig. 3 is a top view of the gear mechanism prior to operation;

Fig. 4 is a top view of the gear mechanism during operation;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating armature and magnet portions of an electricity generator during operation without use of the gear mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating armature and magnet portions of an electricity generator during operation with use of the gear mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a top view of an alternative gear mechanism prior to operation wherein first and second dynamic cogwheels are linked by a chain rather than a third cogwheel; and

Fig. 8 is a top view of the alternative gear mechanism during operation. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gear mechanism 2 for, or as part of, an electromechanical device. In the embodiment shown the

electromechanical device is in the form of an electricity generator 4. As best shown in Figures 1 and 6, the electricity generator 4 comprises an armature portion 32 and a magnetic field generating portion 34. The armature portion comprises an outer shell 6 with electrically conductive members 8 mounted internally thereon. The magnetic field generating portion 34 comprises a rotatable central core 10. The core 10 comprises magnetic field generating members in the form of permanent magnets 12 mounted on a central axle 14.

With reference now to Figure 5, prior to inclusion of the gear mechanism 2, the electricity generator 4 may be operated by connecting the rotor of a motor to the central axle 14, thereby causing the magnets 12 to rotate (as indicated by arrows 16) inside the stationary electrically conductive members 8, resulting in electricity generation and conduction through the electrically conductive members 8. Thus, without inclusion of the gear mechanism 2, the outer shell 6 with electrically conductive members 8 acts as the stator, and the central core 10 acts as the rotor. However, it is envisaged in other embodiments in

accordance with the invention that the outer shell 6 may act as the rotor and the central core 10 may act as the stator, or both may act as rotors. Further, it is envisaged that the magnetic field generating members may be located in the outer shell 6 whilst the armature members may be centrally located in the core.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the electricity generator 4 is shown mounted onto a support structure in the form of a frame 18 which is bolted onto base 20. As shown in Figure 2, the gear mechanism 2 comprises:

- One of a pair of rotatable members in the form of circular end discs, 22 and 23 respectively, attached to opposite ends of the electricity generator 4, the circular end discs, 22 and 23, being adapted for rotation by a rotor of a motor. In this discussion, it is the circular end disc 22 which is taken to embody the rotatable member, although it is to be appreciated that, for instance, both circular end discs, 22 and 23, with armature portion 32 therebetween, could be taken together as embodying the rotatable member of the invention.

- A track member in the form of static cogwheel 24 which is immovably fixed to frame 1.

- A first gear member in the form of a first dynamic cogwheel 26

disposed on the end disc 22 proximate the static cogwheel 24, the dynamic cogwheel 26 being adapted to rotatably track around the static cogwheel 24 during rotation of the first dynamic cogwheel 26.

- A second gear member in the form of a second dynamic cogwheel 28 disposed on the end disc 22 proximate the static cogwheel 24, the second dynamic cogwheel 28 being connected with the magnetic field generating member via a central axle 14.

- A third gear member in the form of a third dynamic cogwheel 30

disposed on the end discs 22 proximate the static cogwheel 24, the third dynamic cogwheel linking the first and second dynamic cogwheels, 26 and 28 respectively, so as to enable transmission of motion therebetween.

In the illustrated example, the circular end discs, 22 and 23, have a diameter of 161 mm and are affixed to opposite ends of the outer shell 6 of the electricity generator. A tube 36 projects out centrally from end disc 23, the tube 36 comprising a central passage that is adapted to receive a motor rotor therein. The motor rotor is connected with and held in position within the tube 36 by passing a locking key or screw through connection hole 38 until it abuts against the motor rotor. Thus, rotation of the motor rotor causes concomitant rotation of the tube 36 and circular end disc 23, which in turn causes rotation of outer shell 6 and circular end disc 22 of the gear mechanism.

The first dynamic cogwheel 26: has circumferential teeth, is 39 mm in diameter, articulates between the second dynamic cogwheel 28 and static cogwheel 24, and is peripherally displaced with respect to the circular disc 22. The first dynamic cogwheel 26 has a central aperture which enables it to rotate on an axle 40, which axle is fixed to the circular disc 22. The axle 40 does not itself spin, but takes a circular path (see Figure 4) during rotation of the circular disc.

The second dynamic cogwheel 28 also has circumferential teeth, has a diameter of 39 mm, articulates with the third dynamic cogwheel 30, and is centrally placed with respect to, and in between, the circular disc 22 and static cogwheel 24. The second dynamic cogwheel 28 has a central aperture which receives and connects with the central axle 14 such that rotation of the second dynamic cogwheel 28 causes rotation of the central axle 14, and vice versa. The third dynamic cogwheel 30 has circumferential teeth, is 57 mm in diameter, articulates between the first dynamic cogwheel 26 and second dynamic cogwheel 28, and is peripherally displaced with respect to the circular disc 22. The third dynamic cogwheel 30 has a central aperture which enables it to rotate on an axle 42 which is fixed to the circular disc 22. The axle 42 does not itself spin, but takes a circular path (see Figure 4) during rotation of the circular disc.

The static cogwheel 24 has circumferential teeth, is 57 mm in diameter, articulates with the first dynamic cogwheel 26, and is centrally placed with respect to the circular disc 22. The static cogwheel 24 has a central aperture which receives the central axle 14. The central axle is adapted to spin within the central aperture while the static cogwheel 24 remains stationary. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the gear mechanism operates as follows:

- Circular disc 22 is caused to rotate in a clockwise direction, as

indicated by arrow 44, by the action of a mechanical energy source, which in this case is the rotor of a motor connected to the circular disc 22 via tube 36, circular disc 23, and outer shell 6_t

- Clockwise rotation of circular disc 22 causes, commitment movement in a clockwise circular orbit (as indicated by the dashed outlines in Figure 4) of the first and third dynamic cogwheels, 26 and 30 respectively, about the central axle 14.

- The orbital motion requires the first dynamic cogwheel 26 to run

circumferentially around the teeth of static cogwheel 24, resulting in clockwise rotation of the first dynamic cogwheel 26, as indicated by arrow 46. Given its peripheral displacement with respect to the circular disc 22, the first dynamic cogwheel 26 must rotate much faster than the circular disc 22 (and therefore motor rotor) in order to keep during its orbit around the static cogwheel 24.

- Clockwise rotation of the first dynamic cogwheel 26 causes

concomitant anticlockwise rotation of the third dynamic cogwheel 42, as indicated by arrow 48.

- Anticlockwise rotation of the third dynamic cogwheel 30 in turn causes clockwise rotation of the second dynamic cogwheel 28, as indicated by arrow 50. Given that the diameter of the second dynamic cogwheel 28 is the same as that of the first dynamic cogwheel 26, the rotational velocity is also the same.

- This rotation of the second dynamic cogwheel causes commitment clockwise rotation of the central axle 14. The rotational velocity of the central axle 14 is the same as that of the second dynamic cogwheel, that being much greater than the rotational velocity of the mechanical energy source i.e. the rotor of the motor. It is envisaged that the orbits and rotations may occur in the opposite directions to that discussed above. Moreover, the process may be run in reverse so that the central axle 14 is caused to spin by a mechanical energy source, thereby causing concomitant rotation of the second, third and first dynamic gear members, orbiting of the second and third dynamic cogwheels, and rotation of the circular disc 22. Thus, in alternative arrangements the central axle 14 may be connected with a source of mechanical energy rather than the circular disc 22. It is also envisaged that the gear mechanism may be used to improve, increase or alter the efficiency or output of various other mechanical and electromechanical devices including steam engines, windmills, waterwheels, motors, propellers, and combustion engines. Thus, the gear mechanism may potentially be used to increase the force, torque, or rotational velocity of a rotatable body to which the gear mechanism is connected.

Figure 6 shows the resultant motion of the electricity. generator 4 with the gear mechanism included as described above. Rather than remaining fixed, the electrically conductive members 8 mounted on outer shell 6 now rotate (as indicated by arrows 54) by virtue of their connection with, and at the speed of, the rotor of the motor. The permanent magnets 12 also rotate in the same direction as the outer shell 6 (as indicated by arrows 56) by virtue of their connection with the central axle 14. As the central axle 14 rotates at the same speed as the second dynamic cogwheel 28, the permanent magnets 12 rotate and central axle 14 rotate at a much faster velocity than the outer shell with electrically conductive members 8. Applicant has found there may be significant improvements in efficiency or output of the electricity generator 4 when applying the gear mechanism in the manner described. For example, applicant has measured up to approximately 50% increases in output of the electricity generator. It is envisaged that the sizes and ratios of the gear members may be adjusted to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the magnets, or armature, or relative rotation of speed difference therebetween. It is also envisaged that, rather than connecting both armature and stator portions of the electricity generator with opposite ends (i.e. circular disc 22 and second dynamic cogwheel 28) of the gear mechanism, only one end of the gear mechanism be connected to either the armature portion or stator portion, whilst the other end of the gear mechanism is connected to a mechanical energy source. Thus, for example, the rotatable member (which in this case is circular disc 22) may rotate separately from the outer shell 6, thereby avoiding rotation of the outer shell.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the third dynamic cogwheel 30 has been omitted and instead a chain 58 is used to link the first and second dynamic cogwheels, 26 and 28 respectively. The chain 58 encloses and articulates with the circumferential teeth of the first and second dynamic cogwheels, 26 and 28 respectively, such that rotation of one cogwheel, 26 or 28, causes

concomitant rotation of the other. Thus, the chain 58 has the same motion transmitting function as that of the third dynamic cogwheel 30.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). The present invention is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

Finally, as the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components to be grouped therewith.

Claims

1. A gear mechanism comprising:

- a rotatable member;

- a track member;

- a first axle member disposed on the rotatable member;

- a second gear member adapted to be linked with the first gear

member so as to enable transmission of motion between the first and second gear members.

2. The gear mechanism according to claim 1 comprising a third gear member by which the first and second gear members are linked for motion transmission.

3. The gear mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising an elongate member by which the first and second gear members are linked for motion transmission.

4. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first gear member orbits around the track member during rotation of the rotatable member.

5. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a second axle member on which the second gear member is mounted, the second axle member being adapted to rotate during rotation of the second gear member.

6. The gear mechanism according to claim 5 wherein the second axle member is adapted to rotate with respect to the track member.

7. The gear mechanism according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the second axle member is aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotatable member, and the first gear member orbits around the second axle member during rotation of the rotatable member.

8. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the track member is supported by a supporting structure and remains stationary with respect to the supporting structure.

9. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second gear member is adapted to rotate faster than the rotatable member.

10. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable member is adapted for connection with a mechanical energy source.

11. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable member is adapted to drive a moveable body of a mechanical or electromechanical device.

12. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable member is adapted for connection with one of a magnetic field generating portion and armature portion of an

electromechanical device.

13. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second gear member is adapted for connection with a

mechanical energy source.

14. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second gear member is adapted to drive a moveable body of a mechanical or electromechanical device.

15. The gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second gear member is adapted for connection with one of a magnetic field generating portion and armature portion of an

electromechanical device.

16. An electromechanical device comprising:

- an armature portion;

- a magnetic field generating portion; and

- a gear mechanism comprising:

- a rotatable member adapted to be rotated by a mechanical energy source;

- a track member;

- a first axle member disposed on the rotatable member;

- a second gear member disposed on the first rotatable member, the second gear member being adapted to be linked with the first gear member so as to enable transmission .of rotational motion between the first and second gear members, the second gear member being connected with, and thereby adapted to cause rotation of one of the magnetic field generating portion and armature portion.

17. A method of gearing a mechanical energy source comprising:

- rotating a rotatable member via the mechanical energy source; - concomitantly rotating a first gear member disposed on the rotatable member so that the first gear member rotatably tracks along a track member; and

- concomitantly rotating a second gear member via a motion

transmitting linkage of first the and second gear members.

18. A method of operating an electromechanical device comprising:

- rotating a rotatable member via a mechanical energy source;

- concomitantly rotating a first gear member disposed on the rotatable member so that the first gear member rotatably tracks along a track member; and

- concomitantly rotating a second gear member via a motion

transmitting linkage of first the and second gear members, the second gear member being connected with a magnetic field generating portion or an armature portion of the electromechanical device.