GB627902A - Torque and load transmitting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

627,902. Springs; vehicle suspensions. STEWART, G. M. May 8, 1947, No. 12506. [Classes 108 (ii) and 108 (iii)] [Also in Group XXIV] In a flexible torque-transmitting unit comprising an inner member normally coaxial with, and partially enveloped by, an outer member, and a number of spaced, flexible, rubber elements connected to one or both of the members through a ferrule or ferrules to which the elements are bonded, ventilating apertures are formed in the rubber elements in parallelism with the inner and outer members. The inner member 12, Fig. 1, is connected to the outer 13 by radially-tapered rubber annuli 18 and intermediate cylindrical shells 14, 15, which latter assist cooling. To improve stress distribution, the inner shell 15 may be connected by a flanged disc 16 to the outer member 13, and the outer shell 14 by a flanged disc 17 to the inner member 12. Axial and radial holes 18 ... 21 allow circulation of cooling air and also the introduction of curing fluids when the rubber is vulcanized. In a modification, Fig. 3, the inner member 22 is splined internally and has a partspherical centre 23 which is connected by radially-tapered rubber annuli 24, 26 and an intermediate part-spherical shell 25 to the outer member 27, cooling holes 28, 29 being provided. The rubber annuli, which need not all be of the same thickness, may taper radially inwards and, to reduce deterioration, be coated with a plastic or other elastic finish. For use in a vehicle suspension, the centre member is connected to the chassis and the outer to a wheelsupporting arm, the rubber being pre-loaded.