WO1982001219A1

WO1982001219A1 - Auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1982001219A1
Application number: PCT/US1980/001299
Authority: WO
Inventors: D Karraker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-10-01
Filing date: 1980-10-01
Publication date: 1982-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 1983-04-01
Also published as: GB2084660B; GB2084660A; CA1151962A

Abstract

Appareil (10) d'arret d'un moteur depuis un endroit eloigne par rapport a un poste de travail d'un operateur. Un appareil d'engagement (20) qui est deplacable entre une premiere et une seconde positions est engage avec un organe d'arret d'un moteur (19) qui, lorsqu'il est deplace de maniere rotative par l'appareil d'engagement (20) entre deux positions correspondant a la premiere et a la seconde positions de l'appareil d'engagement (20), peut permettre le fonctionnement du moteur ou induire l'arret du moteur. Une tringlerie d'actionnement (24) interconnectee avec l'appareil d'engagement (20) est deplacable, lorsqu'elle est soumise a une force externe appliquee momentanement, entre les positions de fonctionnement du moteur et d'arret de celui-ci. Un ressort (30) sollicite l'appareil d'engagement (20) vers la premiere et la seconde positions lorsque la tringlerie d'actionnement (24) occupe les positions de fonctionnement et d'arret du moteur, respectivement. Des forces appliquees exterieurement sur la tringlerie d'actionnement (24) ne sont pas transmises directement a l'organe d'arret(19) du moteur etant donne que le ressort (30) complete le mouvement de l'appareil d'engagement (20) vers la premiere et la seconde positions en reponse au mouvement de la tringlerie d'actionnement (24). En consequence, l'organe d'arret (19) n'est pas endommage mais l'arret du moteur est assure.Apparatus (10) for stopping an engine from a location remote from an operator's workstation. An engagement device (20) which is movable between a first and a second position is engaged with a motor stopper (19) which, when rotatably moved by the engagement device (20) between two positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the engagement device (20), can allow the operation of the engine or induce the stopping of the engine. An actuating linkage (24) interconnected with the engagement apparatus (20) is movable, when subjected to a momentarily applied external force, between motor operating and motor off positions. A spring (30) biases the engagement apparatus (20) to the first and second positions when the actuator linkage (24) is in the motor on and off positions, respectively. Forces applied externally to the actuator linkage (24) are not transmitted directly to the motor stopper (19) since the spring (30) completes the movement of the engagement device (20). ) to the first and second positions in response to movement of the actuation linkage (24). Consequently, the stop member (19) is not damaged but the stopping of the engine is ensured.

Description

Auxiliary Engine Stoppage Apparatus

Technical Field

This invention relates to engines, and more particularly, to means for insuring engine stoppage by application of a momentary force thereto.

Background Art

Numerous techniques exist for stopping an engine in the normal course of operation such as valving off a fuel line at any one of several possible locations and reducing the engine speed below that necessary to maintain operation. On industrial engines it is common practice to include a governor or engine speed main¬ taining device which adjusts the quantity of fuel sent to the engine combustion chambers so as to maintain constant engine RPM for various loads imposed thereon. The governor usually has a shut-off member which, when moved from an operational position to a shut-off posi¬ tion, halts the engine by overriding the governor's spring which is used to maintain the speed of the engine. The governor shut-off members are typically acti ated by electrically actuated solenoids or other displacement devices whose control is accessible from the engine operator's work station. Adverse circumstances sometimes occur that necessitate engine stoppage from a location remote from the operator's work station. Such circumstances include emergency conditions where the controls to the normal shut-off activation devices are inaccessible or in- operative. When such adverse conditions arise, it has been found desirable to have an auxiliary engine stop¬ page device accessible from a location spacially sepa¬ rated from the operator's work station. A device used heretofore for remotely stopping an engine constituted a flexible cable which was attached to the engine's governor shut-off member. Stoppage of an engine so equipped required cable.withdrawal and securement thereof in the withdrawn positioμ until the engine revolutions gradually slowed and the engine shut¬ down. Securement of the cable in such withdrawn posi¬ tion was necessary since, without such securement, the engine governor's own spring for maintaining the operator- selected speed would retract the cable and again main¬ tain the engine in the operational mode. In an emer¬ gency situation it was found to be impractical for one to hold such cable in a withdrawn position except for a very short period of time. Additionally, excessive force on the cable sometimes damaged the cable and/or other governor components since the cable was connected directly to the governor shut-off member. As such, the previously-used device had some characteristics which proved disadvantagous. More recently, a cable and latching mechanism were used in concert to stop the engine by withdrawing a flexible cable which displaced the governor shut-off member to a shutdown position and then latching the cable in the withdrawn position to prevent retraction of the cable and return of the governor shut-off member to the operational position by the governor spring. Such latching mechanism must, by necessity, be installed in an easily accessible location which typically means it is subjected to weather and other adverse elements which could reduce the latch mechanism's operability. Further¬ more, use of such latching mechanism did not eliminate the possibility of governor damage when the flexible cable was rapidly withdrawn such as during an emergency situation. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to overcome one or .more of the aforementioned problems.

^~~ λ T Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention an auxiliary apparatus for stopping an engine is provided in association with a governor apparatus having an engine stoppage member which may be moved between engine operation and engine shutdown positions. The present invention generally includes a stationary frame member, an actuating link which is in sliding engagement with the frame member and is displaceable between operationaϊ and shutdown positions, and an engagement apparatus which is attached to the engine stoppage member and is displaceable to operational and shutdown positions when the actuating link occupies operation and shutdown positions, respectively. The engagement apparatus and actuating links are pivotally connected and an arrange¬ ment is included for biasing the engagement apparatus to the operational and shutdown positions when the actu¬ ating link is displaced to its operational and shutdown positions, respectively. The present invention assures engine stoppage when the actuating link is moved to its engine stoppage position while damage to the governor apparatus is prevented. Furthermore, the engine operator needs only apply a momentary force to the actuating link to move- the engine stoppage member to its shutdown position without requiring continued operator presence and force application to the engine stoppage member until engine shutdown is achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a scraper tractor apparatus in which the invention is exemplified;

^■r Fig. 2a is a front elevational view of a first, engine operating configuration of the present invention;

Fig. 2b is a side elevational view of- Fig. 2a; Fig. 3a is a front elevational view of an intermediate configuration of the present invention;

Fig. 3b is a front elevational view of a second, engine stopping configuration of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the present invention occupying a configuration to which the invention has been moved by other means;

Fig. 5a is a front elevational view of a first, engine operating configuration of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5b is a side elevational view of Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6a is a front elevational view of an intermediate configuration of the alternate embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6b is a front elevational view of a second, engine stopping configuration of the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring now to the drawings in detail, an engine stoppage apparatus 10, embodying the principles of the present invention, is shown in Fig. 1 in associ¬ ation with a scraper tractor 11 which includes an operator work station 12 and an engine compartment 14 which houses an engine (not shown) . A governor 18 (illustrated in Fig. 2a-6b) is mounted on the engine and includes an engine stoppage member or stoppage shaft 19.

The engine stoppage apparatus 10, better illustrated in Fig. 2a-6b, has an engagement apparatus 20 (including an engagement link 22) , an actuating link

CMPI 24, a first stationary frame member or pin 26, means such as an interconnecting bolt 28 for pivotally con¬ necting the actuating link 24 and the engagement link 22, and means such as a spring 30 for biasing the engagement link 22 to operational and shutdown posi¬ tions. Spring 30 has first and second ends 30a and 30b which are respectively connected to the engagement link 22 and the actuating link 24. Radial engagement between the engagement link 22 and stoppage shaft 19 is provided by a bolt and nut, 32 and 34, respectively, which trans¬ versely compress engagement link 22 across an opening 35 formed therein. Engagement link 22 is pivotable about a primary axis 36 and stoppage shaft 19 is rotatable about an axis 37 which is coaxially arranged with primary axis 36. Engagement link 22 and stoppage shaft 19 are arcuately displaceable between a first, engine operation position illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b and a second, engine shutdown position which is illustrated in Figure 3b. Interconnecting bolt 28 causes engagement link 22 and actuating link 24 to pivot about a secondary axis of rotation 38. Actuating link 24 is in sliding engagement^' with stationary pin 26 so as to cause actuating link 24 to slide thereagainst during its pivotal movement about secondary axis 38.- Actuating link 24 includes a stop- ping segment 24a which restricts its movement beyond the first position by abutting engagement link 22 when the engagement link 22 is in the first, engine operation position. Actuating link 24 further includes an acti¬ vating appendage 24b which has an opening 24c of pre- determined size extending therethrough.

An extension assembly 40 is preferably used to exert an external force on actuating link 24 through its activating appendage 24b. Such extension assembly 40 includes a "T" handle 40a which is graspable from a location remote to the operator's work station 12 as seen in Figure 1. Extension assembly 40 also includes an elongated element such as a flexible push-pull cable 40b which is joined to "T" handle 40a and extends through opening 24c. A first and a second abutting element 40c and 40d, respectively, are joined to flexi¬ ble push-pull cable 40b on opposite sides of opening 24c and respectively constitute a spherical and an annular shaped member both of which are larger than opening 24c so as to preclude their passage therethrough. A second stationary frame member or stop pin 42 acts as a stop¬ ping member to prevent pivoting motion of engagement link 22 beyond the predetermined second or engine shutdown position which is better illustrated in Figure 3b. ' The flexible push-pull cable 40b is guided through a protective sheath (not shown for the sake of clarity) which is firmly attached to a stationary frame member.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention which provides an auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10' . In the fol- lowing description thereof it is to be understood that elements like those described in the 'preferred embodi¬ ment are indicated by like reference numerals but with a prime character added. Governor 18 includes stoppage member or stoppage shaft 19 which is rotatable about stationary axis 37. An engagement apparatus 20' in-

- eludes an engagement link 22' and a bushing 44 which is secured to engagement link 22*. A pin 46 is disposed through bushing 44 in rotatable sliding engagement therewith and a frame member 48 such that bushing 44 and engagement link 22* are pivotable about a primary stationary axis 36 which is coaxially arranged with pin 46. Engagement apparatus 20' further includes a translatable plunger 50 and a torquing member 52. Plunger 50 is guidable through frame member 48 and is abuttably engageable with engagement link 22'. A

C PI torquing member 52 is in radial engagement with stoppage shaft 19 about axis 37 and has a radial extension 54 with circumferential sides 54a,54b. A first end 50a of plunger 50 is engageable with engagement link 22' and a second end 50b of plunger 50 is engageable with circum¬ ferential side 54a of torquing member 52. Engagement link 22' and attached bushing member 44 are also pivot- able about the secondary axis 38 about which pin 28' is disposed. A second radial extension 56 of torquing member 52 has circumferential sides 56a,56b.

An actuating link 24' has a pair of legs 24a' and 24b', an opening 24c' therethrough, and a steeply ramped locking notch 24d' within which pin 26 may be captured. A pin 28' extends through legs 24a' and 24b' as well as engagement link 22' which is sandwiched therebetween so as to provide a pivoting motion between the actuating and engagement links 24' and 22' respec¬ tively. As illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, a first spring attachment pin 33 extends through actuating link 24' while a second spring attachment pin 39 extends through engagement link 22' wherein such spring attach¬ ment pins are joined at each end by a spring 30. Actuating link legs 24a' and 24b' as well as engagement link 22' are disposed between- the two springs 30 and are thus pivotable in a plane parallel to 'the springs.

An extension assembly 40' through which actuating link 24' is activatable includes a "T" handle 40a, a flexible push-pull cable 40b, a hemispherically enlarged abutting member 40c', and an annular shaped, enlarged abutting member 40d. Abutting members 40c' and 40d are joined to flexible push-pull cable 40b on opposite sides of an opening 24c in actuating link 24'. Abutting members 40c' and 40d are larger than opening 24c so as to preclude their passage therethrough for travel in either' direction of flexible cable 40b.

OMPI Industrial Applicability

Engine stoppage apparatus 10 is illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b in the first, engine operation con¬ figuration. When it is desired to stop the engine in question, "T" handle 40a is withdrawn in a direction toward the lower left of Figure 2a. Upon such with¬ drawal, flexible push-pull cable 40b and abutting elements 40c,40d are also displaced in a direction generally toward the lower left of Figure 2a. Such direction of cable withdrawal will hereafter be referred to as the first direction.

First-abutting member 40c engages the acti¬ vating appendage 24b at some point during its travel in the first direction. Further movement of abutting member 40σ in the first direction causes a simultaneous displacement of activating appendage 24b in the first direction and a sliding motion of actuating link 24 against pin 26. Such simultaneous motion of actuating link 24 causes the interconnecting bolt 28 to be pivoted in a generally clockwise direction relative to primary axis 36. Since bolt 28 connects actuating link 24 and engagement link 22 about secondary axis 38, engagement link 22 is also caused to pivot about primary axis 36 in a generally clockwise direction. As motion in the first direction is continued, spring ends 30a,30b are in¬ creasingly'separated so as to gradually elongate spring 30 and provide increasing biasing force on engagement ^• link 22 to induce it to return to its operational position. Such return biasing continues until the configuration of Figure 3a obtains wherein the spring 30 is at its maximum extension and secondary axis 38 is aligned with the ends 30a,30b of spring 30. Any further movement of actuating link 24 in the first direction causes bolt 28 to move out of alignment and permit spring 30 to bias engagement link 22 to a shutdown position.

CV?I The second or engine stoppage configuration of engine stoppage apparatus 10 is illustrated in Figure 3b wherein stoppage shaft 19 has been rotated in a clock¬ wise direction to its engine stoppage position and engagement link 22 which is connected therewith has pivoted about axis 36 into contact with stop pin 42 or to the maximum rotation position of shaft 19 depending on the design of the governor. As a result, the motion of interconnecting bolt 28 which extends through actu- ating link 24 and engagement link 22 is stopped. Since actuating link 24 remains in sliding contact with pin 26 and bolt 28 is motionless, actuating link 24 is also brought to rest in its second, engine stoppage position. Thus, when secondary axis 38 and coaxially arranged bolt 28 are situated on a first or operational side of a line connecting spring ends 30a,3Ob, the spring 30 biases, the engagement link 22 to the operational position. However, when secondary axis 38 and bolt 28 are situated on a second or shutdown side of a line connecting the spring ends, the engagement link 22 is biased to the shutdown position as illustrated in Figure 3b. The aforementioned kinematic behavior tends to lock the engine stoppage apparatus 10 in one of the two stable positions - operational or shutdown. When it is desired to restart the subje'ct engine, extension assembly 40 is again activated by pushing on or otherwise retracting "T" handle 40a. Such retraction causes the second abutting member 40d to move in a second direction (opposite that of the first direction) and abut activating appendage 24b. Continued movement of abutting member 40d in a direction to the upper right of Figure 2a (second direction) causes actuating link 24 to pivot in a generally clockwise direction since it is. in sliding engagement with sta- tionary pin 26. Interconnecting bolt 28 continues to

OMPI move in a generally counterclockwise direction relative -to primary axis 36 until the present invention's con¬ figuration illustrated in Figure 3a obtains. Further movement of "T" handle 40a in the second direction causes spring 30 to drive the actuating link 24 and engagement link 22 to their operational positions wherein the engine stoppage apparatus 10 assumes the engine operation configuration. Displacement of the engine stoppage apparatus 10 in the second direction is stopped by abutment of stopping segment 24a of actuating link 24 against engagement link 22. When stopping segment 24a engages engagement link 22 and actuating link 24 is in sliding engagement with pin 26, further relative movement between actuating link 24 and engage- ment link 22 is precluded. Thereafter, link 24 and link 22 act in concert as a single unit which is free to move with shaft 19 between its operation and shutdown posi¬ tions independent of extension assembly 40 and in response to forces from sources other than extension assembly 40 as hereinafter described.

Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of engine stoppage apparatus 10 resulting from stopping the engine in a normal mode such as by an electric solenoid or other device which is routinely activated to halt the engine. Actuating link 24 pivots with engagement link 22 away from stationary pin 26 when the engine stoppage shaft 19 is rotated by such routinely activated engine stoppage means. As such, the auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10 permits free movement of stoppage shaft 19 by normal shutdown means by allowing actuating link 24 to be rotated out of contact with pin 26.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate alternate auxil¬ iary engine stoppage apparatus 10' in the first, opera¬ tional position. When "T" handle 40a is withdrawn, abutting member 40c' engages actuating link 24' causing it to simultaneously pivot about the secondary axis 38 and move in sliding engagement with pin 26. As actu¬ ating link 24' pivots in a counterclockwise direction about secondary axis 38, engagement link 22' is pivot- ably driven in a generally clockwise direction about primary axis 36 while springs 30 are stretched until their maximum extension is realized. Such maximum spring extension is illustrated in Figure 6a and occurs when secondary axis 38 is aligned with spring ends 30a and 30b. As engagement link 22' rotates in a clockwise direction about primary axis 36, it abuts first plunger end 50a and causes it to move to the right when viewed from the vantage point of Figures 5a, 5b, and 6a. As the translatable plunger 50 translates to the right, its second end 50b engages circumferential side 54a of radial extension 54 so as to rotate torquing member 52 and cause engine stoppage shaft 19 which is engaged therewith to likewise rotate to a second, engine stop¬ page position. Figure 6b illustrates the auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10' in the second, engine stoppage configuration. Movement of engine stoppage apparatus 10' from the configuration illustrated in Figure 6a to that illustrated in Figure 6b is compelled by springs 30 which complete the displacement of actuating link 24' and engagement apparatus 20' upon movement of pin 28' to a position slightly beyond alignment with spring ends 30a,30b. Subsequent urging by the governor 18 to return stoppage apparatus 10' to the configuration of Figure 6a is resisted by the biasing force in springs 30 and the locking action obtained from disposition of pin 26 in the notch 24d' of actuating link 24'.

Normal engine stoppage is typically provided by an electric solenoid or other means which engage the circumferential side 56b of second radial extension 56 of torquing member 52 and cause it and stoppage shaft 19 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. As such, auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10' does not re- - strict normal engine stoppage by the previously men- tioned solenoid or other means when engine stoppage apparatus 10' is in its first, operating configuration as illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b.

Returning the engine stoppage apparatus 10' to its operational configuration requires only a push or other externally applied force on "T" handle 40a in a second direction^' opposite that with which it was with¬ drawn. Movement of the attached abutting member 40d in such second direction causes actuating link 24' , when engaged by abutting member 40d, to pivot about secondary axis 38 and slide against stationary pin 26. The sliding motion of link 24' causes movement of inter¬ connecting pin 28' and thus engagement link 22'. Movement of engagement link 22' is constrained to be pivotal about the primary axis 36. Such aforementioned cooperative movements continue until pin 28' and co¬ axially arranged secondary axis 38 move through and slightly beyond alignment with spring ends 30a,30b. At such time springs 30 cause actuating link 24' and engagement link 22' to be driven' to their operational positions with a force independant of the externally applied force. The rotative movement of engagement link 22' allows plunger 50 to translate to the left and permit engine stoppage shaft 19 to assume its opera¬ tional position. When the aforementioned auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10 and 10* are provided on devices such as earthmoving scrapers, the engine powering such devices can be shut down from a location remote from the operator's work station 12 in a positive manner which requires only momentary actuation and which avoids damage to the governor 18. The momentary actuation compels extension of at least one spring 30 which com¬ pletes the movement of the governor stoppage shaft 19 to the engine shutdown position and prevents governor damage with suitable selection of spring constant and spring end attachment locations. All components of the engine stoppage apparatus 10 and 10' are housed within the engine compartment 14 except for the "T" handle 40a which must be grasped by the operator or other person and must, by necessity, be readily accessible on the external side of the engine compartment 14. While such auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus 10 and 10' may seldom, if ever, be utilized, its availability is extremely important since engine stoppage from a posi- tion remote from the operator's work station can reduce the hazard in stopping the engine and the expense which may be incurred in repairing the utilizing device if its engine cannot be readily stopped. Moreover, the auxi¬ liary engine stoppage apparatus 10 and 10' can easily be returned to the operational configuration with only a push on the "T" handle 40a. The engine stoppage apparatus 10 and 10' also permit normal, end-of-the-day type engine stoppage from the operator work station 12 without interfering therewith. . It should now be apparent that an auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus has been provided which responds to a momentary activation by an operator by stopping the engine and,' at the same time, avoiding ^" governor damage and obviating the need for the opera- tor's presence and his continued force application thereto in the vicinity of the engine stoppage appa¬ ratus.

O PI

Claims

Clai s

1. An auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus (10,10') for an engine governor (18) having an engine stoppage member (19) which is arcuately displaceable between first and second positions which respectively permit engine operation and induce engine shutdown, said auxiliary engine stoppage apparatus (10,10') comprising:' a first stationary frame member (26) ; an actuating link (24,24') in sliding engage¬ ment with said first frame member (26) , said actuating link being displaceable by an external force between first and second positions; an engagement apparatus (20,20') joined to said engine stoppage member (19) for displacing said engine stoppage member (19) between its first and second positions in response to displacement of said actuating link (24,24') between its first and second positions, respectively, said engagement apparatus (20,20') in¬ cluding an engagement link (22,22') which is pivotable about a stationary primary axis (36) and is displaceable between first and second positions which respectively correspond to engine operation and shutdown; means for pivotably connecting (28,28') said actuating link (24,24') to said engagement link (22/22') about a secondary axis (38) ; and means for biasing (30) said engagement link

(22,22') to said operational and 'shutdown positions with a predetermined, independent force when. said actuating link (24,24') occupies first and second positions, respectively.

OI P

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said biasing means constitutes a spring (30) having first (30a) and second (30b) ends pivotally connected to said engagement link (22,22') and said actuating link (24,24') respectively, said spring (30) biasing said engagement link (22,22') to said operational and shutdown positions when said rotatable connecting means (28,28') is on first and second sides, respectively, of a line con¬ necting said spring ends (30a,30b) .

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further com¬ prising: a second stationary frame member (42) for restricting the motion of said engagement link (22) beyond said second position.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuating link (24) has a stopping segment (24a) which is engageable with said engagement link (22) and co¬ operates with said first frame member (26) to restrict said actuating link's (24) movement when said engagement link (22) is in said first position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further com¬ prising: an extension assembly (40,40') having a graspable member (40a) ; an elongated member (40b) joined to said ^• graspable member and extending through an opening (24c) in said actuation link (24) ; and (Claim 5 continued) first (40c,40c') and second (40d) abutting members disposed on opposite sides of said actuating link's opening (24c), said abutting members (40c,40c*, 40d) being larger than said opening (24c) and being engageable with said actuating link (24) to provide displacement thereof during movement of said graspable member (40a) and elongated member (40b) in a first and a second direction, respectively.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said engine stoppage member (19) constitutes a shaft which has an axis of rotation coincidental with said primary axis (36) and is radially engageable with said engage¬ ment link (22) such that said shaft (19) is circum- ferentially displaceable when said engagement link (22) is pivoted about said primary axis (36) .

7. The linkage of claim 1, said engagement apparatus further comprising: a torquing member (52) radially engaged with said engine stoppage member (19) , said torquing member (52) constituting at least one radial extension (54) having circumferential sides (54a,54b) ; and a translatable plunger (50) having first and^' second ends (50a,50b) respectively abuttable with said engagement link (22') and a circumferential side (54a) of said radial extension (54) so as to arcuately dis¬ place said engine stoppage member (19) when said en-? gagement link (22') is pivoted about said primary axis (36).