GB470227A - Improvements in or relating to spring suspension means - Google Patents

Abstract

470,227. Vehicle spring-suspensions; springs. MAIER, F. E. Dec. 18, 1936, No. 34883. Convention date, Dec. 18, 1935. [Classes 108 (ii) and 108 (iii)] A resilient support for a vehicle wheel mounting comprises a telescopic tubular guide device incorporating a torsionally-rigid spring which controls the relative telescopic movement of the moving parts of the device while resisting the torque tending to cause relative angular displacement of the moving parts. As shown, the guide comprises a guide cylinder d, rigidly, connected to the vehicle body or frame, into which extends a tube c screwed to the lower end of a sleeve b integral with or secured to a horizontal bearing bush a on which the stub-axle revolves. The steering- lever k is fixed to a hollow spindle i splined to washers g, h bearing against opposite faces of a collar f on the upper end of the cylinder d. Steering movements are transmitted to the sleeve b from the lever k by a torsion-resisting spring l secured at its upper and lower ends respectively to the spindle i and tube c, the spring being formed from tubular spring steel by milling slots therein separated by bridges alternately spaced at 90‹ from each other. The upper portion of the spring is guided by the outer surface of the spindle i and the lower portion by the inner surface of the tube c. Vertical shocks are absorbed in addition to the spring by hydraulic means comprising a tapered extension m on the spindle co-operating with three inwardly-projecting parts s of the spring, the device being partly filled with oil. Internal lubrication of the device is effected by means of a spring-pressed ball-valve t at the end of the spindle-extension m, which permits entry of oil on compression of the device, the oil gradually rising to the level of holes u in the washer h, then passing through the holes to the inner surface of cylinder d, and finally to the space between the cylinder and tube c from which it returns to the interior of the tube c past spring-pressed valves o and through a hole p. In a modification the lower portion of the spring is smaller in diameter and thickness than the upper portion. Moreover, it is stated that the diameter and thickness of the slot-separated parts of the spring may be varied over the entire length of the spring or any portion thereof. In another modification the central part of the spring is replaced or reinforced by a rod of substantially smaller diameter than the outside diameter of the spring parts. Instead of being formed as shown, the spring may comprise (1) a helical spring inserted in a second helical spring of opposite pitch, the points where the coils cross being connected ; (2) interengaging, serrated rings ; (3) a helically-wound flexible tube the fabric sleeves of adjacent turns of which are connected to one another ; or (4) interconnected cup-shaped resilient members. Specification 453,808 is referred to.