GB473121A - Improvements in motor vehicle suspensions having shock absorbing or damping means - Google Patents

Abstract

473,121. Controlling shock-absorbers. GODSAL, C. P. L. Jan. 6, 1936, No. 459. [Class 108 (iii)] A resilient suspension for a motor vehicle includes at least one pair of double-acting, non-resilient, hydraulic shock-absorbers each having inertia-actuated means comprising an eccentrically-pivoted weight controlling a liquidrestricting valve, and stop means for limiting the movement of the weight so disposed that the weight can only leave its neutral position to restrict the flow of liquid in response to centrifugal force directed outwards relatively to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As shown in Figs. 2, 4 the shock-absorber comprises a double-vane 15 integral with the operating spindle 12 and co-operating with partitions 17 projecting inside the casing 10 to force liquid from chambers 18a, 18d to chambers 18b, 18c respectively, and viceversa, through pairs of ducts 19a, 19b and 19c, 19d and slots 22, 22x in a valve spindle 21 rotatably mounted in a transverse passage 20. A centrifugally-acting eccentric weight 23 is secured to one end of the spindle 21 and enclosed in a housing 24 integral with the casing 10, the weight normally being pressed against an adjustable screw-stop 27 on one side of the housing by a bow-spring 26. The same shock-absorber may be used on the right or left-hand side of the' vehicle as required by the provision of an alternative threaded boss for the screw 27. In order to dispense with packing for the valve spindle 21 the housing 24 is made oil-tight and connected with the casing 10 by a passage 30 controlled by a non-return valve 31. In a modification, the screw-stop 27 is replaced by a slidable stop connected by a push-and-pull member with a dashboard control. Fig. 6 shows another construction in which the controlling valve of a standard shock-absorber, mounted coaxially and rotatably in the spindle, has a projecting end 35 provided with an arm 36 engaging a fork 37 mounted on a spindle 38 rotatably supported in brackets 39 secured to the operating arm 11. A further arm 40 fixed to the spindle 38 carries the inertia weight 41 which, when swung outwardly by centrifugal force, rotates the spindle 38 which moves the fork 37 to rotate the valve member 35. The weight is maintained in its inoperative position by spring means 26‹ which pulls the fork against an adjustable stop 27‹. According to the Provisional Specification, in order to prevent excessive pressures in the shock-absorbers, the control valve may be arranged not to close completely or a small auxiliary leak may be incorporated in the valve or may byepass the valve. It is also stated that the resistance of the shockabsorbers may be further regulated by the driver.