GB2250798A - Vibrator - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibrator is switched between vibration and non-vibration modes by moving an out of balance weight 2 on rotating shaft 4 to a balanced position by turning the weight 90 DEG on axis 5 at 90 DEG to the axis of the shaft 4, thereby enabling the shaft to run continuously. The weight 2 is turned about axis 5 by the action of a push member 3. Mass elements 7 can be added to or subtracted from the weight 2 as desired. <IMAGE>

Description

A VIBRATOR WITH FAST 'ON-OFF' RESPONSE AND LOW POWER REQUIREMENT This invention relates to a new type of vibrator unit for use in machines where the manufacture process requires vibration to be switched on and off at frequent intervals.

A standard vibrator consists of out of balance weights which are usually linked directly to an electric motor. These are not successful in the above type of machine because vibration frequency and amplitude varies during acceleration and retardation of the motor. They also require high power motors to accelerate the vibrators and their 'on-off' response is slow.

Vibrators are available which vibrate when being driven but run 'smooth' when the motor is switched off. These are suitable for use in the above machines but they require high power motors to drive. There are also available 'high technology' vibrators which run continuously and in which the vibration is switched on and off by highly sophisticated drives.

This invention relates to a simple vibrator which runs continuously and which can be switched between vibration and non vibration by a simple mechanical device. Because the angular momentum of the system is maintained much less power is required to drive the vibrator and because there is no acceleration or retardation the response time is fast. Thus fast efficient output can be achieved by any manufacturing process using this vibrator.

A specific application for the invention would be in the manufacture of building blocks using a static block making machine.

Referring to the drawings:- The vibrator consists of three main components. The frame 1, The weight 2 and the push mechanism 3. All three parts rotate together at the same frequency on axis 4-4. The weight 3 can pivot inside the frame on axis 5-5 which is centred on axis 4-4 and at 90 to it. When in the vibration mode centrifugal forces on weight 2 cause it to sit in the position shown in Figure 1.

To stoup the vibration the push mechanism 3 causes the weight to rotate 900 about axis 5-5 to the position shown in Figure 2. The system is then balanced and vibration ceases even though the unit remains rotating at the same speed. To enable the push mechanism to operate efficiently bearings 6 are mounted inside the weights 3. The vibration force can easily be changed by adding weights 7 to the unit.

Vibration frequency can be varied by fitting a variable speed motor to drive the unit.

Claims (3)

- CLAIMS

1) A vibrator unit which rotates continuously and which can change from vibration mode to non vibration by mechanically rotating its weight through 900 on an axis which is centred on the axis of 0 rotation of the unit and at 90 to it.

2) A vibration unit as in Claim 1 where a push mechanism is used to rotate the weight into the non vibration mode.

3) A vibration unit as in Claims 1 and 2 where the amplitude of the vibration forces can be easily changed by adding or subtracting weights.