US2151755A - Rocker arm construction - Google Patents

Description

C. FARRIS March 28, 1939,

ROCKER ARM CONSTRUCT ION Filed May 26, 1937 I 'ENTOR. (ans, MM ATTORNEYS I Y W6 Patented Met. 28, 1939 UNITED .STATES PATENT OFFICE ROCKER ARM CONSTRUCTION ration of Delaware Application May 26,

Claims.

The present invention relates to rocker arm constructions and embodies more particularly an improved form of rocker arm construction whereinthe structure is formed to facilitate proper 5 lubrication thereof during operation. A further characteristic of the present invention resides in the fact that the construction is such as to facilitate the accurate assembly of the elements of the rocker arm in order that it may be adapted for use in connection with varying assemblies..

The invention is of particular utility in connection with spring suspensions wherein dual axles are used to support a vehicle frame. In such constructions, it is frequently desired to equalize the action of the springs which are carried by the two axles and .this may be done by means of shackle connections between adjacent ends of the springs upon each side of the vehicle and a rocker arm which is journaled upon the vehicle. Proper lubrication of this rocker arm during operation becomes an extremely important matter and an object. of the present invention is to provide a rocker arm construction wherein lubrication thereof is carried out effectively during operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a rocker arm construction wherein one or more of the journaled members may be secured in a desired position with respect to the rocker arm in order that the rocker arm assembly may be adapted for varying types of construction.

Further objects of the invention will be apparent as it is-described in greater detail in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure l is a view in side elevation showing a spring suspension wherein a rocker arm is embodied, the rocker arm being constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view in side elevation, showing the rocker arm of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view partly broken away and in section, showing the rocker arm construction.

Referring to the above drawing, Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle side frame member iii to which a bracket H is secured. Dual axles i2 and I3 are mounted upon the frame by means of springs l4 and I5, respectively, the adjacent ends of these springs being connected to shackle members I 6 and II, respectively. The spring I 4 may be connected to shackle members l6 through a link l8 and the lower ends of the links l6 and H are connected to a rocker arm l9, by means of suitable journal connections to be described hereinafter. The foregoing elements, save the rocker arm, form no part of the present invention but simply serve to illustrate the manner in which the 1931, Serial No. 144,810 (01. zso 1o4) rocker arm of the present invention may be used.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the arm is is illustrated as being formed with a hollow interior shown in dotted lines at 20 in Figures 2 and 3. The arm is provided with a journal bearing 2| by means of which it may be journaled upon a supporting member such as the bracket I I. The ends of the arms are formed with bearings 22 and 23 in order that such ends may be journaled to suitable connecting members such as the links I 6 and m I! in Figure 1.

In assembling the rocker arm for use as illustrated in Figure 1. it is sometimes necessary to have the bearing 22 positioned in one axial position, whereas, in other constructions, this axial position must be changed. For example, in one vehicle, the lateral position of spring ll with respect to the frame I0 and bracket ll may vary with respect to the position of these elements in another construction. In order to provide for such variations, the present invention provides a structure and method by means of which the rocker arm may be readily adapted for such varying installations. Accordingly, as illustrated in Figure 3, the bearing 22 consists of a sleeve 24 a which is received within an aperture 25 formed in the arm l9. When positioned in a proper axial position, the sleeve 24 is welded to the arm. as illustrated at 26. In this fashion, a standard rocker. arm construction may be adapted efl'ec- :ively for use in connection with varying strucures.

In order that the bearings 2|, 22 and 23 may be eflectively lubricated, they are provided with bores 21 which are preferably formed adjacent the upper portions thereof. These bores form oil ducts which communicate with the interior of the arm. Plugs 28 may be provided in the rocker arm where it is necessary to drill through the structure thereof in order that the boring or duct work 21 may be formed. An aperture provided with a filler plug 29 is provided in the upper portion of the arm in order that a lubricant may be introduced thereinto. In operation, as the arm 45 pivots about the journal bearing 2|, the lubricant is splashed about and falls in the bores 21 in order that the journals may be efiectively lubricated.

It is to be noted that normally the level of the, lubricant within the rocker arm need not reach 50 the bores 21 inasmuch as effective lubrication is accomplished during operation by reason of the splashing as above described.

While the invention has been described with reference to the specific construction shown in II the aocompanyini drawini, it is not to be limited save as defined in the appended claims,

I claim: a

1. A rocker arm comprising ,a hollow body adapted to hold a quantity i. lubricant, bearing means carried .by said body adapted to receive a horizontal supporting journal, whereby the same will rock in a vertical plane, additional bearing means carried by said body. the upper portion only of at least one oi said bearing means being provided with a lubricating passage communicatingwith the interior of said body, said passage being disposed at a higher elevation than the quantity oi lubricant when the arm is in a horizontal position, and means for introducing lubricant into said body.

2. A rocker arm for vehicle spring suspensions comprising a hollow body adapted to hold a quantity of lubricant, said body having means for mounting same for rocking movement in a vertical plane,.bearing means adjacent the ends of saidbody adapted to receive spring connections, the upper portion only of said bearing means being provided with a lubricating passage communicating with the interior of said body disposed at a higher elevation than the quantity of lubricant when the arm is in a horizontal position, and means for introducing lubricant into said body.

3. A rocker arm for vehicle spring suspensions comprising a hollow body adapted to hold a quantity of lubricant having bearing means intermediate the ends thereof for supporting the body on a vehicle so that the same may rock in a vertical plane, bearing means adjacent the ends of said body, all of said bearing means lying substantially in a common plane, the upper portion only of each 01' said bearing means being provided with a lubricating passage communicating with the interior of said body, said passage being disposed at a higher elevation than the quantity of lubricant when the arm is in a horizontal position, and means for introducing lubricant into said body.

4. The method of manufacturing a rocker arm for vehicle spring suspensions comprising the steps of forming a hollow body having means by which the body is adapted to be mounted for rocking movement, forming an aperture through the hollow body. inserting a bearing-forming sleeve in a desired position in the aperture, welding the sleeve to the walls of said body, and forming a lubricating passage through the upper portion of the sleeve.

5. The method of manufacturing a rocker arm for vehicle spring suspensions comprising the steps of forming a hollow body containing a hearing structure by which the body is adapted to be mounted for rocking movement, forming an aperture through the hollow body, inserting a bearing-forming sleeve in a desired position in the aperture, welding the sleeve to the walls of said body, and forming a lubricating passage through the upper portion of said bearing structure and said bearing-forming sleeve for communication with the interior of said hollow body.

CLAYTON FARRIS.

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