GB526264A - Improvements in or relating to a device for the absorption of kinetic energy - Google Patents

Abstract

526,264. Pit props. GERLACH, K., and BACHMANN, G. March 10, 1939, No. 7884. Convention date, April 14, 1938. [Class 20 (ii)] [Also in Groups XXXII and XXI] A shock-absorbing device or spring comprises two co-operating series of wedges or friction surfaces arranged in parallel and adapted to float or move freely in a direction perpendicular or substantially so to the axis of the wedges which automatically centralize themselves. The invention may be applied to spring suspensions, buffing and draw-gear for vehicles, mine props, recoil gear for ordnance mountings, engine mountings, and bearings between rails and sleepers. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 suitable for a buffer or a drawbar of a vehicle or a pit prop, the load is applied through a wedge 1 sliding in a casing 2 and bearing against one set of floating wedges 4 acting in conjuncion with another set 3. The end wedges 3 bear against springs 8 on a through rod 5 having a tensioning nut 6 or wedge to adjust the spring pressure. The end wedges 3 may be fixed, the shock being absorbed in this case by one or more elastic members 9 placed behind one of the wedges 3 or at the end wedges. The casing wall 20 against which the wedges 3 bear is parallel to the adjacent edge of the main wedge 1. Stops 21 may be provided on the wedge 1 and the wall 20. If the wedge 1 has a friction surface a return spring 27 is provided. In the construction shown in Fig. 2 applied to a vehicle spring suspension the frame 12 is supported upon the axle bearing 11 by the wedges 3, 4 the action of which is resisted by spring 41. In the construction shown in Fig. 5 applied to a pit prop the load element 1 has two wedge surfaces arranged stepwise. Elastic members 19 are provided to limit the movement and absorb shock. Modifications are described, in Figs. 6-8 (not shown), in which the wedges 3 bear against a wall 20 one part of which is adjustable relatively to the other part by means of screws or wedges. The wedges 3, 4 may be of any suitable material, and they may be hollow and elastic so as to act as springs.