GB260740A - Improvements in shock absorbers for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

260,740. Rogers, F. H., (Eclipse Machine Co.). Oct, 5, 1925. Vibration-dampers.-In apparatus for vehicles of the type in which friction surfaces are pressed together by a spring, the pressure of the spring is automatically removed when movement takes place in one direction so as to reduce or remove the frictional effect, and is automatically applied when movement takes place in the reverse direction. In the construction shown, an arm 12 connected to the axle operates a disc 13 which moves between a friction plate 1 fixed to the frame and a friction plate 8 having a limited movement, friction-facing strips 14, 15 being secured to the disc 13. A central stem 20 projecting from the base 1 carries a disked plate 26 which forms an abutment for a low pressure spring 24 and a high pressure spring 23. The spring 24 acts constantly on the movable friction plate 8. The spring 23 bears against a shoulder on the stem 20 during the upward movement of the axle, but during downward movement it forces the plate 8 into engagement. The plate 8 is screwed on to a shifter 5 which is prevented from rotating but is slidable longitudinally on the stem 20. During upward movement of the axle, the plate 8 is rotated by the friction member 15 and moves the shifter 5 towards the base 1, the pressure between the parts 8, 15 being reduced until slip occurs. During downward movement of the axle the plate 8 screws the shifter 5 away from the base 1 until it lifts the spring 23 off its shoulder on the stem 20. The plate 8 at the same time comes into contact with a flange 11 on the shifter 5 whereby its rotation Is checked and maximum braking effect is exerted on the disc 13 connected to the arm 12. In a modification the spring 23 is always in contact with the end of the shifter and the cover 27 is secured to the plate 8. In further modifications', the disc 13 is held between the friction plate 8 and an additional friction plate which is movable slightly towards and away from the plate 8 but rotates therewith. In other constructions, a shorter arm is employed and a reduced frictional effect obtained by decreasing the radius of the friction element separating the disc 13 and the base 1. The spring 23 may bear only on the shifter.