US445144A - Rudolph m - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.)

R. M. HUNTER.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY GAR.

No. 445,144.. Patented Jan. 20,1891.

STATES fin PATENT CFFICE.

RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, CF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE ELECTRIC CAR COMPANY OF AMERICA, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECTRIC-RAILWAY CAR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,144, dated January 20, 1891.

Application filed October 4, 1386. Serial No. 215,199. (No model.)

To all whom t may conc/71711:

Be it known that I, RUDOLPH M. HUNTER, of the city and county of Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented an Iliiprovementin Electric-Railway Cars, of which the following is a specification.

My invention has reference to electric railways; and it consists in certain improvements, all of which are fully set forth in the following specification, and shown in the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof.

In applying an electric motor to an ordinary street or passenger carit has been the custom to support the motor on a frame suspended from the car-axles, so that the connection between the said niotor and axles is iixed, no matter how much the car-body may rise and fall upon its springs. The disadvantage of this construction lies in the fact that the motor is necessarily located in a position in which it is difficult to attend to it, and defects are not readily perceived. Of course it has been proposed to mount the niotor on the car-body and connect it by belts or chains with the axles; but such mechanical connections between the motor and axles are obj ectionable in many respects and will never be used to any extent.

My object is to provide asuitable construction whereby the motor may be positively geared or connected with the axles and yet be wholly supported by the car-body and be arranged under the drivers platform in the front of the car, whereby suitable trap-doors may be provided by which the motor may be easily inspected. In carrying out this part of my invention I provide, preferably, the rear axle with a worin-wheel and locate the motor under the front platform, as above explained. The motor-shaft is made to extend back, and is provided with a worm which meshes with the worin-wheel on the rearaxle, whereby motion is imparted tothe car. The rear end of this shaft is supported in bearings which are journaled upon the axle. It will now be evident that the ordinary movements to the carbody will not affect the inotor-connection. This construction might be still more iniproved by supporting the motor on trunnions.

Another portion of my invention has reference to a brake device for an electricallypropelled car of the nature herein set out. In the construction of this part of my improvement I provide the motor-shaft with a conical brake-shoe which normally runs out vof contact with a conical socket brake-sui'- face. If the relative speed ofthe motor is slackened below that of the worm-wheel, the shaft is caused to move longitudinally and press the brake-slice upon the brake-surface, arresting the rotation of the motor-shaft, and consequently the car-axle. This is an ex tremely simple and automatic device and effective in its action. Then it is desired to run backward, this brake is prevented from coming into action by means of an adj ustable thrust-block being thrown into position to prevent the longitudinal movement of the motor-shaft.

My object is also to provide a system of electric conductors which shall combine overhead and surface conductors, 011e being the positive and the other the negative. rIhe overhead conductor is preferably the positive and the surface or underground conductor the negative. The surface conductor I pi'efer to make into sections, arranged upon the road-surface and combined with an embedded supply-coiiductor with automatic switches, which shall connect the supply-conductor with the section of working-conductor in connection with one of the collectors of the inotor or cai'. By this means the negative working-conductor may be exposedon the surface of the roadway and have normally no injurious current passing through it; and, further, sucli method of normally cutting out the sections prevents undue leakage. The principle of these electric switches with sectional workingconductors. and continuous-supply conductors is fully set out in my application tiled June 2l, 1886, and numbered 205,770. It is understood that the surface sectional conductor may be the positive and the overhead or suspended conductor the negative, if desi red, though the former arrangement is preferable. The collector whiclitravels o n the suspended conductor is so constructed that it constantly grips the conductor with a fixed IOO ' larged sectional elevation of nection with the car-axle and brake, substantially as setout in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an elevation of the overhead collector. Fig. 5 is a cross-'sect-ionfof the road-bed, showing the surface conductor; and Fig. 6 is an elevation showin gthe construction ofthe electric switch for the section surface working-conductor.

A are theY rails.

Bis the car-body, and is supported upon i the usual springs D.

C are the axles, and 7a the car-wheels. Upon the rear axle is secured a worm-wheel K. Y

FY is the electric motor, which is preferably supported Vunder the front platform E, and, if desired, hung to the car-body by trunnions e. In place of hanging the motor on trunnions, it might be rigidly connected. lf'the motor is under the platform, hinged doors f would be arranged over the same to allow of ready inspection of the motor either during running or when stopping.Y It is evident that Ythe motor might be supported farther back under the car-body, if desired-for instance, over the front axle. The motor-shaft G extends rearward and is provided witha wormwheel I, which meshes with the worm K on the rear axle. This shaft G is supported in the rear by bearings H, the rear one of which has thrust-diskt'and an adj ustingscrew J. The forward part of the bearing-frame H is provided with the conical brake-surface M, into which fits the conical brake-shoe N, which is secured'fast to the'sh'aft G on worm-wheel I. Normally the brake-shoe does not run in contact with the surface M, as the tendency of the worm is to draw the shaft G and its shoe N back, and this is still further insured by the spring fn. From this construction it will be seen that when the car is being propelled forward the worm tends to move back and the shaft G works against the thrust-plates t' in the rear bearing. If now it is desired to stop the movement of the car, the motoris slowed down, andas its speed is reduced there is a time when the tendency'of the worm to rotate exceeds the tendency of the worm to rotate it. Hence the effect is to move the shaft G longitudinally sufficient to cause the shoe N to come into contact with the brake-surface M and tend to bring the car quickly to rest. This construction would enable a fastspeed worm to be used and would arrest the tendency of the worm-wheel to revolve the worm. The spring fn tends to oppose the ac- Vtion of the brake-shoe, so as to assist in rcstoring the parts to their normal workin g condition. To prevent the brake being applied when the motor is reversed, athrust-collar m is placed upon the shaft Gand a thrust-block O is forced up in front of said collar by a handlever o before reversing the motor, and when running backward a sim ple movement of lever o to withdraw the block O will apply the brake. The shaft G may, if desired, be divided with a longitudinally-sliding coupling q to admit of the longitudinal action'of thershaft in' applying the brake without moving the armature to any extent. Such a coupling is shown in Fig. 3. The iiexible connection g in themotor-shaft G and arranged between the motor F and the worm I, being formed with a grooved socket and feathers orkeys uponthe respect ive portions of the shaft, permits the longi tudinal and lateral movement of the motor with respect to the worm Ywithout interfering with the proper running of the motor. It obviates all binding and Vcompensates for the various movements thatY might take place to the motor with respect to the axle to which it is geared. This flexible coupling in the motor-shaft provides for all strains andtwists which the shaft might sustain. Any other suitable flexible coupling device may be employed, if so desired, and it is obvious that` this arrangement of motor and flexible shaft may be employed for transmitting power for various other purposes.

By the foregoing eonstructionfifV thercar- Y S body rides up and down upon its springs the movements will not'aifect the connection of the motor with the axle.

It will be observed that the vehicle-body is mounted onA springs and to it the motor is connected so as to ride vertically, and by the bearing H and shaft G the motor is hinged to the axle, so that it may move concentrically with respect to the axle.

F is a dust shield or cover to protect the entire motor or working parts of same from the great dust raised by the car rushing over dirty streets. It is immaterial to mv invention how this dust shield or cover for protecting the entire motor is formed or of what material it is made, and it is also to be understood that I do notlimit myself to the location of this shield as being under the front platform, for it would be located about the motor no matter where said motor might be located upon the car. In many cases the protecting covering or shield to the motor would be lo: cated between the axles, and might be formed of metal, wood, or fabrics.

L is a longitudinal bar connecting two frames Z, one on each axle to hold them in posit-ion, and to one of said frames is secured the collector-brush X, which makes contact with the surface conductor R. Any other form of collector may be used, if desired. The

motor F is formed with its field-magnet cores and armature-shaft in substantially the same plane and extends across the car, beingjour- IOC IIO

IIS

`naled on each side of the car at e'. It will thus be seen. that the motor is supported in swinging bearings beneath the car.

P is the overhead or suspended conductor carried upon shoes p at intervals apart, and which shoes are secured upon posts P'. This conductor may connect directly with the generator Z or source of electric energy, or may be connected therewith through a supplyconductor l), connecting the distant end of conductor P with the generator, whereby the A line-resistance through the motor and return may be equal for all positions of the motor on the line, as set out in my application No. 171,625, ofJuly 14, 1885, orNo. 200,400, of April 28, 1886. The sectional surface conductor R may be made continuous or in sections, the latter being preferred. In cross-section it is preferably T-shaped and embedded in concrete or other suitable hard insulating material A2, contained in a trough A', arranged parallel with the track and, if desired, between the rails thereof. The particular location is immaterial. The trough A may be made of wood or metal, and, if desired, may be dispensed with.

In place of using' a separate conductor, one of the railsmay be used as a conductor. lf the conductor R is made in sections, a supply-conductor a must be used connecting with the generator an d connected at intervals with said sections of surface working-cond uctor by branches s, which may contain suitable switches R', to normally cut out said sections of working-conductor. The supplyconductor, if desired, may be embedded in the concrete, and the switches are located in suitable boxes or cases A3, arranged in the roadway. The conductor-sections R may be held down by bolts r, which pass through the concrete and fasten to the bottom of the trough, or they may be simply held in the concret-e, and the upper surface of the conductor is on a level with or a little above the concrete and is arranged with a concrete insulation on each side.

The preferred construction of switches R is shown in Fig. G, in which it will be seen that the working-conductor R and supplyconductor c are connected through a branch circuit s, including a high-resistance magnet S, having an armature S2, which operates a spring circuit-breaker s' in said circuit s, whereby the high-resistance magnet may be cut in or out of circuit. S' is a lowresist ance magnet, also acting upon armature S2; but this low-resistance magnet is normally cut out of circuit. When, however, the armature S2 is attracted, it operates a spring circuit-closer s2, to close the circuit S3 around the high-resistance magnet and simultaneously breaks the circuit s. The springcon taets s' s2 are so arranged that one contact is made before the other is broken, and vice versa. Normally no current is passing to the section R; but as soon as the car runs upon a section the current will flow, as indicated by arrows, Fig. G, and the armature S2 will be attracted, which on rising closes the circuit through the low-resistance magnet and then cuts the high-resistance magnet and the current passes in great strength to the workingconductor. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 the circuit-breaker s' is dispensed with.

The current is collected from the suspended conductor by a traveling truck Q, dragged after the car by a cable This truck Q is shown in Fig. 4, and is shown as consisting of two wheels Q', connected together in a frame Q2.

Q4 is a gripping-wheel arranged upon the under side of the conductorand j ournaled in the bell-crank Q3, which is in turn hinged or journaled to the frame Q2 and drawn toward it, so as to grip the conductor between the wheels Q' and Q, by a spring q. The tuggingcable Q5 connects with the free end of the bell-crank Q2, and is so arranged that the line of tension orpull is somewhat below the axle of the leading wheel Q. By this means the grip on the conductor will be constant. At the points of support or union of two ends of conductor there will be an enlargement, and to pass these enlargements without materially changing the degree of tension upon the conductor the wheel Q4 must be somewhat lowered. This is accomplished bythe pull upon the cable Q5 by the car when the carriage Q is temporarily arrested by the enlargement, which increased pull oscillates the bell-crank Q3 and lowers the grippingroller Q4. (See dotted lines, Fig. 4.) This enables the friction contact to be constant or practically constant at all times, and provides automatic means to positively operate the collector-can riage to quickly pass over obstructions.

T is the motor-circuit, and is subdivided into a circuit T', which includes the armature, and a circuit T2, which includes the fieldmagnets of the motor F. Each of these circuits has its own independent resistancechanger t, and the armature-circuit T' has also a current-reverser U for reversing the motor. This enables a strong field to be used at starting, and a gradually -increasing armature strength, and as the motor approaches its maximum normal speed the field may be reduced. This enables a perfect working of the motor and embodies the construction set out in my application No. 214,309, filed September 23, 1886.

To use the motor as a braking-dynamo iii the manner set out in my application No. 195,742, tiled March 18, 1886,'1 provide a circuit V, having preferably a variable resistance lV, whichcircuit may be cut in by switch Uto short-circuit the armature of the motor, converting it into a dynamo. To stop the car it will only be necessary to cut in circuit V, short-circuiting the armature and offering a resistance to its rotation,which action would also apply the brake, as before set out.

XVhile I prefer the construction herein shown, do not limit myself to the details IOO TIO

thereof, as they may be modified in various ways without departing from my invention.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-body supported thereon by springs, an electric motor carried by the car-body, located below the oor and independent of the truck, connecting-gearing between the motor-shaft and axle of the truck, and a frame for the gearing and motor-shaft sleeved on the axle independent of the carbody.

2. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-body supported thereon by springs, an electric motor carried by the car-body and suspended below the iioor in front ofthe forward axle oi' the truck and having its shaft arranged longitudinally on the car and below the floor thereof, and connecting-gearin g between the motor-shaft and rear axle of the truck, also located below the floor of the car-body.

3. In an electric railway, the combination of a car-truck, a car-body supported thereon, an electric motor carried by the car-body and located Wholly under the front platform, connecting-gearing between the motor and axle of the truck located below the car-body and independent of it, a regulator for the motor arranged upon the platform, and connecting circuits between the regulator and motor.

4. In an electric railway, the combination of the car-truck, a car-body supported thereon, an electric motor carried by the car-body under the front platform independently of the axles of the truck, a door on said platform to expose the motor, and connecting-gearing between the motor and axle of the truck.

5. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon, an electric motor supported by the car-body, a longitudinal bea-ring independent of the car-body for the motor-shaft, journaled upon and adapted to move concentrically with the axle to keep the end of the motor-shaft always in a fixed relation to the said axle, and connecting-gearing independent of the car-body between said shaft and axle.

6. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon by springs, an electric motor supported by the car-body, bearings for the motor-shaft independent of the car-bod y, adapted to move concentrically with the axle to keep the end'of the motor-shaft always in a fixed relation tothe said axle, and connecting-gearing independent of the carbody between said shaft and axle.

7. The combination of the car-axle, the carbody supported thereon, an electric motor pivoted or hinged below the car-body, a motorshaft adapted to move concentrically with the axle to keep the end of the motor-shaft always in a fixed relation to the said axle, a bearing arranged below the car-body and supported on the axle independent of the carbody to support the end of the motor-shaft, and connecting-gearing between said shaft and axle.

S. The combination of the car-axles, the carbody supported thereon by springs, an electric motor arranged under the forward platform, a motor-shaft extending obliquely rearward to the rear axle, a bearing for said shaft on the axle to hold it a given distance from the axle, and connecting-gearing between said axle and shaft.

9. The combination of the car-axles, the carbody supported thereon, an electric motor arranged under the forward platform, a motorshaft extending rearward to the rear axle, a bearing for said shaft on the axle to hold it a given distance from the axle, connectinggearing between said axle and shaft, and a removable platform over the motor.

10. The combination of the car-axles, the car-body supported thereon by springs, an electric motor arranged under the forward platform, a motor-shaft extending rearward to the rear axle, a bearing for said shaft on the axle to hold it a given distance from .the axle, connecting-gearing between said axle and shaft, and an adjustable thrust-box at the rear end of the motor-shaft.

ll. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, and a stationary brake-surface placed so that` as the motor slows down thel brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface.

12. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, and a movable thrust-bearing to prevent. the longitudinal movement of the motor-shaft.

13. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, a movable thrust-bearing to prevent the longitudinal movement of the motor-shaft, and a hand-lever to operate the thrust-bearing.

14. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary thrust-bearing at one end, a spring to press the shaft against said bearing, and a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brake-shoe is thrust against the brake-surface.

15. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinallymovable jointed mo- IIO , I ...li

the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried tor-shaft, the two parts thereof being` connected by a sliding coupling, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, and a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brake-shoe is thrust against the brake-surface.

16. The combination of a motor, a vehicle propelled thereby, a mechanical connection between the motor-shaft and axle of the vehicle, and a brake-shoe actuated by the inotor-shaft placed so that the brake is put into action when the revolution ot' said shaft is slowed down.

17. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried bythe shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, a source of electric energy, and means to reverse the current in the motor.

1S. rlhe combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm andv worm-wheel connection between by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, a source of elect-ric energy, a motor-circuit, and

means to short-circuit the armature to make' the motor act as a generator and assist the mechanical brake.

19. The combination et the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and worm-wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface placed so that as the motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake-surface, a source of electric energy, a motorcircuit, means to short-circuit the armature to make the motor act as a generator and assist the mechanical brake, and a resistance-changer in said armature-circuit.

20. In an electric car or vehicle, the vehicle axle having a iixed vertical relation to the earth, in combination with a motor having its body supported on springs independently of the axle, but connected thereto so that it may move in the are et` a circle about said axle, and connecting-gearing supported by the axle independently of the motor-support and arranged between the axle and motorshaft.

21. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of the vehicle axle, a frame supported upon the axle with provision for vertical movement and also capable of moving upon the axle as an axis, an electric motor having its held-magnets connected to the frame and being also hinged to the axle through said frame and the motor-shaft and gearing, and connecting-gearing between the motor shaft and axle.

2i. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the

combination of the vehicle-axle,a frame supported upon said axle through the lmediation of springs with provision for vertical movement and capable of moving upon the axle as an axis, an electric motor having its fieldmagnets connected to the frame and being hinged to the axle through the said frame and the motor-shaft and gearing, connectinggearing between the motor-shaft and axle supported independently of the frame, and circuits and regulating apparatus carried upon the vehicle for controlling t-he current leading from the source of electrical energy to the motor.

'.13. In an electric ear, the combination of the axles, a frame supported upon said axles,`

an electric motor positively and directly connected to one axle through the shaft and gearing and movable with respect to the other axle, whereby it may move in the arc of a circle about the axle to which it is connected and vertically with respect to the other axle, and an elastic support for the motor, whereby its weight is elastically supported and sustained by both axles.

2t. In an electric railway, the combination of a suspended conductor, a collector-truck adapted to run thereon and consisting of one or more wheels provided with grooves resting against the said conductor, a pivoted arm connected to the frame carried by said first-mention ed wheel or wheels, a spring connecting the pivoted arm with the said frame, a grooved collector-wheel carried by the free end of said pivoted arm and movable against the conductor upon the side opposite to the iirst-nientioned wheels, a traveling vehicle, and a connecting-conductor connecting the collector with the vehicle.

25. In an electric railway, the combination of an electrically-propelled vehicle, a suspended working-conductor, a collector-truck adapted to run thereon, provided with a pivoted springlever carrying a tension-wheel, and a connectingconductor connecting the spring-lever of the collector with the vehicle.

2G. The combination ot the electrically-propelled vehicle with suspended working-conductor I), collector Q, consisting ot` truck Q2 and its wheels Q', pivoted lever Qi", carrying tension-roller Qi, spring q, and conductor Q1", connecting the lever Q3 with the traveling vehicle.

27. In an electric railway, an electricallypropelled vehicle, in combination with a suspended conductor, a gripping collector-truck running upon said conductor and provided with springpressed gripping-rollers, and a towing-com luctor connecting it with the vehicle and directly acting against the spring of the gripping portion of the collector, the said devices working to automatically reduce the gripping action when the collector meets with obstructions or excessive resistance.

2S. In an electric railway, the combination of an electrically-propelled vehicle, a motor IOO arranged below the car-floor, and a dust-case independent of the motor, inc'losing said motor or the working parts thereof.

29. The combination of the motor, the caraxles, a longitudinally-movable motor-shaft, a worm and Worm Wheel connection between the said shaft and axle, a brake-shoe carried by the shaft, a stationary brake-surface so placed that aslhe motor slows down the brakeshoe is thrust against the brake surfaee, a movable thrust-bearing to prevent the longitudinal movement of the motorshaft, a source of electric energy, and means` to reverse the current in the motor.

Y30. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of a Worm-wheel on the axle, a motor, a loose shaft-connection between the motor and worm, so that the motor may move longitudinally independently of the Worm,

and independent supports 'for tho motor and worm.

3l. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of Vthe axles, a spring-support on thel axles, an electric motor carried by the springsupport, a flexible motor-shaft having one end connected to the motor and the other end connected to the axle through gearing, gearing between the motor shaft and axle, and a frame carried bythe axle `independent of the spring-support for holding the end of the flexible shaft and gearing ina fixed relation to the axle.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand. i

RUDOLPH H. HUNTER. lVitne'sses:

RICHD. S. CHILD, J r., E. M. BREGKINREED.

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