CA1167352A - Graphite filament conduit - Google Patents
Graphite filament conduitInfo
- Publication number
- CA1167352A CA1167352A CA000364415A CA364415A CA1167352A CA 1167352 A CA1167352 A CA 1167352A CA 000364415 A CA000364415 A CA 000364415A CA 364415 A CA364415 A CA 364415A CA 1167352 A CA1167352 A CA 1167352A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- set forth
- guide means
- core element
- tubular member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Flexible Shafts (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path in-cluding a flexible motion transmitting core element supported by a flexible conduit including a tubular member defined by braided carbonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off or dispersed into micro-particles having inherent lubricity for engaging the core element for facilitating movement thereof.
A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path in-cluding a flexible motion transmitting core element supported by a flexible conduit including a tubular member defined by braided carbonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off or dispersed into micro-particles having inherent lubricity for engaging the core element for facilitating movement thereof.
Description
;'7~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(l) Field of the Invention The subject invention relates to a motion trans-mitting remote control assembly of the type used in trans-mitting tension and compression or rotation in a curvedpath by a flexible motion transmitting core element. The assembly generally includes a flexible conduit, a core element supported for axial movement within the cor,duit, anti-friction members for facilitating movement of the core element within the conduit and end fittings at both ends of the conduit for attaching the assembly to a support structure.
t2) Description of the Prior Art A motion transmitting remote control assembly should be strong enough to be used in adverse environments, inexpensive to manufacture and have means provided therein for minimizing the friction that is generated by the movement of the core element therewithin. Various at-tempts have been made to solve the problem of friction by providing a surface having high lubricity between the core element and outer casing of the conduit. For example, many conduits include a flexible plastic inner tubular member having low frictional resistance such that the core element is movably supported within the tubular member.
2S Even though cables of this class are, to a degree, self-lubricating, it is frequently necessary to supplement these cables with added lubricant. However, the lubricant is usually wiped out of the bearing areas of the core ele-ment and sheath by movement of the core element and, hence, 7~
areas of high -friction develop.
Further development has been made in using al-ternative plastics and o~her ma~erials of high lubrici~y to coat the inner core member. The preferred organic poly-5 meric materials have been teflon~ nylon and polyalkylenes,such as polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers.
Even though these organic polymeric materials have con-siderable inherent lubricity, it is still sometimes nec-essary to provide additional lubricant. Therefore, the problems previously mentioned still exist.
Another problem which exists with the use of cables having plastic sheath inner core members is the added thickness to the diameter of the cable which is con-tributed by the plastic sheath.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention provides a motion trans-mitting remote control assembly of the type for trans-mitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element. The assembly comprises a motion transmitting core element movably supported by a guide means. The guide means includes a tubular member defined by braided car-bonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off into microparticles, the microparticles having inherent lubricity. The tubular member engages the core element such that movement of the core element friction-ally breaks off the microparticles for facilitating move-ment of the core element within the guide means.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
The U.S. Patents 3,192,795 to Pierce, issued e ~YI d~
July 6, ls65~ and 3,359,822 to Hurlow, issued December 26, 1967, are examples of push/pull cables with plastic-lined sheaths. The Pierce patent teaches a core element movably (rotatably and longitudinally) supported within an inner tubular member. The tubular member is made from materials such as nylon or teflon~ The Hurlow patent teaches a push/pull cable consisting of a core element received in a sheath, the core or sheath being coated with a plastic material designed to reduce friction. The multiplicity of reservoirs formed by the spaces between the coils of plastic lining assists in lubrication of the core element.
As with other push/pull cable assemblies having plastic-lined sheaths, the Pierce and Hurlow inventions require added lubrication. This lubrication is not uniformly applied to the cable. Furthermore, the additional plastic liners add measurably to the smallest necessary diameter of a functional cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention;
FIGURES 2 and 3 are enlarged views partially broken away and in cross section of alternative preferred embodiments constructed in accordance with the instant invention;
* Tr~le~olrk ~ ~ ~7~
FIGIJRE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken sub-stantially along line 4-4 o-f FIG'JRE 2;
FIGIJRE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken sub-stantially along line 5-5 of FIGURE 3; and FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view o-f the tubular member defined by braided carbonous filaments.
DESCRIPTI ON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A flexible motion-transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element con-structed in accordance with the instant invention is generally shown at 10 in FIGURF. 1.
The motion transmitting remote control assembly 10 includes a guide means generally indicated at 12 and a flexible motion-transmitting core element 14. The core element 14 may take various forms, but in the preferred embodiment it is shown as a metal wire element having loops 15 at each end thereof for attachment to control members for transmitting motion therebetween.
The guide means 12 includes a tubular member 16 defined by braided carbonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off into microparticles that have inherent lubricity. The braided carbonous filamen~s o~ the tubular member 16 comprise a plurality of strands 17 which are woven together to define a diagonal pattern as illustrated in FIGURE 6. Each strand 17 comprises a plurality of hair-like fibers. The individual strands 17 cross one another at a helical angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The tubular member 16 engages the core element 14 such that movement of the core element 14 frictionally breaks off microparticles of the braided carbonous filaments for facilitating movement of the core element ~ithin the guide means. The broken-off microparticles either adhere to the core element, remain freely suspended between the strands 17 and the core ele-ment, or lodge among the fibers making up the strands 17.
The movement of the core element also results in conferring a charge on the microparticles relative to the core ele-ment which also attracts microparticles to the coreelement, Therefore, the core element is coated with micro-particles resulting in a lubrica~ing coating thereabout.
In the preferred embodiment, the hair-like fibers are composed of graphite. Other carbonous com-pounds having the above-described properties can be used in accordance with the instant invention.
Fibers and strands thereof which may be utilized are marketed under the trademark "PANEX" by Stackpole Fibers Co., Inc. of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Referring to FIGURF, 2, a flexible solid tube 18 surrounds the woven carbonous filaments defining the tubu-lar member 16. The flexible tube 18 is made of a suitable plastic or organic polymeric material. Surrounding the flexible tube 18 is a load-bearing means for carrying tension forces as the core element 14 is moved axially and in some instances providing hoop strength. The load-bearing means includes a plurality of long lay wires 20 wrapped helically about the flexible tube 18. A casing 22 is disposed about the long lay wires 20. The casing ~ ~ ~'7~ ~
22 can be made of a suitable plastic or organic polymeric material and extruded about the long lay wires 20.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the guide means 12 in-cludes at least one end Eitting 24 of organic polymeric material secured to the outer casing 22 and is adapted for attachment to a support structure. The fittings 24 are pre-ferably made of an organic polymeric or plastic material and are molded about the casing 22. In one possible embodiment the casing 22 may have grooves or other deformities therein so that a mechanical inter-locking engagement is made when the fitting 24 is molded thereabout.
The guide means 12 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 is flexible so that the assembly is adapted to negotiate bends in the environment in which it is used.
FIGURE 3 shows another possible embodiment of the instant invention. The core element 14 is again sup-ported within a guide means generally indicated at 12.
The guide means includes the tubular member 16 defined by braided carbonous filaments for engaging the core element 14 and for facilitating movement thereof. A load-bearing means consists of a plurality of long lay wires 20 wrapped helically abou~ and in engagement with the tubu-lar member 16. A casing 22 preferably made of an organic polymeric material, is disposed about the long lay wires 26. In the embodiment of FIGURE 3 the long lay wires 26 directly engage the tubular member 16.
In both embodiments there is a significant de-crease in the diameter of the assembly as compared to prior art assemblies. This is particularly true of the embodiment of FIGIJR~ 3 by not including the inner flexible tube 18. Therefore, the instant invention can assume an embodiment which includes a means for minimizing the friction of the rotational and longitudinal movement of the core element and adds very little to the bulk of the assembly. Also, the braided carbonous filaments provide a continuous lubricating surface to the core element throughtout the flexible conduit assembly.
The invention has been described in an illus-trative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(l) Field of the Invention The subject invention relates to a motion trans-mitting remote control assembly of the type used in trans-mitting tension and compression or rotation in a curvedpath by a flexible motion transmitting core element. The assembly generally includes a flexible conduit, a core element supported for axial movement within the cor,duit, anti-friction members for facilitating movement of the core element within the conduit and end fittings at both ends of the conduit for attaching the assembly to a support structure.
t2) Description of the Prior Art A motion transmitting remote control assembly should be strong enough to be used in adverse environments, inexpensive to manufacture and have means provided therein for minimizing the friction that is generated by the movement of the core element therewithin. Various at-tempts have been made to solve the problem of friction by providing a surface having high lubricity between the core element and outer casing of the conduit. For example, many conduits include a flexible plastic inner tubular member having low frictional resistance such that the core element is movably supported within the tubular member.
2S Even though cables of this class are, to a degree, self-lubricating, it is frequently necessary to supplement these cables with added lubricant. However, the lubricant is usually wiped out of the bearing areas of the core ele-ment and sheath by movement of the core element and, hence, 7~
areas of high -friction develop.
Further development has been made in using al-ternative plastics and o~her ma~erials of high lubrici~y to coat the inner core member. The preferred organic poly-5 meric materials have been teflon~ nylon and polyalkylenes,such as polyethylene, polypropylene and their copolymers.
Even though these organic polymeric materials have con-siderable inherent lubricity, it is still sometimes nec-essary to provide additional lubricant. Therefore, the problems previously mentioned still exist.
Another problem which exists with the use of cables having plastic sheath inner core members is the added thickness to the diameter of the cable which is con-tributed by the plastic sheath.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention provides a motion trans-mitting remote control assembly of the type for trans-mitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element. The assembly comprises a motion transmitting core element movably supported by a guide means. The guide means includes a tubular member defined by braided car-bonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off into microparticles, the microparticles having inherent lubricity. The tubular member engages the core element such that movement of the core element friction-ally breaks off the microparticles for facilitating move-ment of the core element within the guide means.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
The U.S. Patents 3,192,795 to Pierce, issued e ~YI d~
July 6, ls65~ and 3,359,822 to Hurlow, issued December 26, 1967, are examples of push/pull cables with plastic-lined sheaths. The Pierce patent teaches a core element movably (rotatably and longitudinally) supported within an inner tubular member. The tubular member is made from materials such as nylon or teflon~ The Hurlow patent teaches a push/pull cable consisting of a core element received in a sheath, the core or sheath being coated with a plastic material designed to reduce friction. The multiplicity of reservoirs formed by the spaces between the coils of plastic lining assists in lubrication of the core element.
As with other push/pull cable assemblies having plastic-lined sheaths, the Pierce and Hurlow inventions require added lubrication. This lubrication is not uniformly applied to the cable. Furthermore, the additional plastic liners add measurably to the smallest necessary diameter of a functional cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention;
FIGURES 2 and 3 are enlarged views partially broken away and in cross section of alternative preferred embodiments constructed in accordance with the instant invention;
* Tr~le~olrk ~ ~ ~7~
FIGIJRE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken sub-stantially along line 4-4 o-f FIG'JRE 2;
FIGIJRE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken sub-stantially along line 5-5 of FIGURE 3; and FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view o-f the tubular member defined by braided carbonous filaments.
DESCRIPTI ON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A flexible motion-transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a motion transmitting core element con-structed in accordance with the instant invention is generally shown at 10 in FIGURF. 1.
The motion transmitting remote control assembly 10 includes a guide means generally indicated at 12 and a flexible motion-transmitting core element 14. The core element 14 may take various forms, but in the preferred embodiment it is shown as a metal wire element having loops 15 at each end thereof for attachment to control members for transmitting motion therebetween.
The guide means 12 includes a tubular member 16 defined by braided carbonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off into microparticles that have inherent lubricity. The braided carbonous filamen~s o~ the tubular member 16 comprise a plurality of strands 17 which are woven together to define a diagonal pattern as illustrated in FIGURE 6. Each strand 17 comprises a plurality of hair-like fibers. The individual strands 17 cross one another at a helical angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. The tubular member 16 engages the core element 14 such that movement of the core element 14 frictionally breaks off microparticles of the braided carbonous filaments for facilitating movement of the core element ~ithin the guide means. The broken-off microparticles either adhere to the core element, remain freely suspended between the strands 17 and the core ele-ment, or lodge among the fibers making up the strands 17.
The movement of the core element also results in conferring a charge on the microparticles relative to the core ele-ment which also attracts microparticles to the coreelement, Therefore, the core element is coated with micro-particles resulting in a lubrica~ing coating thereabout.
In the preferred embodiment, the hair-like fibers are composed of graphite. Other carbonous com-pounds having the above-described properties can be used in accordance with the instant invention.
Fibers and strands thereof which may be utilized are marketed under the trademark "PANEX" by Stackpole Fibers Co., Inc. of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Referring to FIGURF, 2, a flexible solid tube 18 surrounds the woven carbonous filaments defining the tubu-lar member 16. The flexible tube 18 is made of a suitable plastic or organic polymeric material. Surrounding the flexible tube 18 is a load-bearing means for carrying tension forces as the core element 14 is moved axially and in some instances providing hoop strength. The load-bearing means includes a plurality of long lay wires 20 wrapped helically about the flexible tube 18. A casing 22 is disposed about the long lay wires 20. The casing ~ ~ ~'7~ ~
22 can be made of a suitable plastic or organic polymeric material and extruded about the long lay wires 20.
Referring to FIGURE 1, the guide means 12 in-cludes at least one end Eitting 24 of organic polymeric material secured to the outer casing 22 and is adapted for attachment to a support structure. The fittings 24 are pre-ferably made of an organic polymeric or plastic material and are molded about the casing 22. In one possible embodiment the casing 22 may have grooves or other deformities therein so that a mechanical inter-locking engagement is made when the fitting 24 is molded thereabout.
The guide means 12 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 is flexible so that the assembly is adapted to negotiate bends in the environment in which it is used.
FIGURE 3 shows another possible embodiment of the instant invention. The core element 14 is again sup-ported within a guide means generally indicated at 12.
The guide means includes the tubular member 16 defined by braided carbonous filaments for engaging the core element 14 and for facilitating movement thereof. A load-bearing means consists of a plurality of long lay wires 20 wrapped helically abou~ and in engagement with the tubu-lar member 16. A casing 22 preferably made of an organic polymeric material, is disposed about the long lay wires 26. In the embodiment of FIGURE 3 the long lay wires 26 directly engage the tubular member 16.
In both embodiments there is a significant de-crease in the diameter of the assembly as compared to prior art assemblies. This is particularly true of the embodiment of FIGIJR~ 3 by not including the inner flexible tube 18. Therefore, the instant invention can assume an embodiment which includes a means for minimizing the friction of the rotational and longitudinal movement of the core element and adds very little to the bulk of the assembly. Also, the braided carbonous filaments provide a continuous lubricating surface to the core element throughtout the flexible conduit assembly.
The invention has been described in an illus-trative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (12)
1. A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element, said assembly comprising: guide means; a motion transmitting core ele-ment movably supported by said guide means, said guide means including a tubular member defined by braided car-bonous filaments having the property of being frictionally broken off into microparticles, said microparticles having inherent lubricity, said tubular member engaging said core element such that movement of said core element friction-ally breaks off said microparticles for facilitating movement of said core element within said guide means.
2. An assembly as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said braided carbonous filaments of said tubular member comprise a plurality of strands woven together in a regular diagonal pattern.
3. An assembly as set forth in Claim 2 wherein each of said strands comprises a plurality of hair-like fibers.
4. An assembly as set forth in Claim 3 wherein said hair-like fibers are of graphite.
5. An assembly as set forth in Claim 2 wherein said guide means includes load-bearing means surrounding said tubular member.
6. An assembly as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said load-bearing means includes a plurality of long lay wires wrapped helically along said guide means.
7. An assembly as set forth in Claim 6 wherein said guide means further includes a casing disposed about aid long lay wires.
8. An assembly as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said guide means includes at least one end fitting secured to said casing and adapted for attachment to a support structure.
9. An assembly as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said casing is made of organic polymeric material.
10. An assembly as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said long lay wires are wrapped about and in engagement with said strands.
11. An assembly as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said guide means further includes a flexible tube sur-rounding said strands, said long lay wires being disposed about said tube.
12. An assembly as set forth in Claim 11 wherein said tube is made of organic polymeric material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11148480A | 1980-01-14 | 1980-01-14 | |
| US111,484 | 1980-01-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1167352A true CA1167352A (en) | 1984-05-15 |
Family
ID=22338807
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000364415A Expired CA1167352A (en) | 1980-01-14 | 1980-11-12 | Graphite filament conduit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1167352A (en) |
-
1980
- 1980-11-12 CA CA000364415A patent/CA1167352A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |