ELEMENT FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTING VIBRATION-DAMPING SPRING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract: An element for use in constructing vibration-damping spring assemblies for use as mounting and support means for instruments, machines with shaft couplings and the like is formed as a straight piece of steel wire rope (1) with a coupling means (2) at each end thereof. The coupling means (2) are formed for engagement with corresponding grooves in the base plates of the spring assembly.

Description: _____EME_S[T FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTING "vTBEATION-rftMPING SPRING ASSEMBT.TFS. The invention relates to an element for use in constructing vibration-damping spring assemblies. The vibration-damping, elastic elements of the invention can be adapted for use in many different applications. The element can be utilized together with a second, corresponding elastic element, so that the elements in conjunction give a desired effect. Moreover, it is possible to connect a number of such elements in different ways, in parallel or in series, in orde thereby to provide a desired vibration-damping spring effect of predetermined strength. The element of the invention can be produced by mass production in a simple and inexpensive manner. The dimensions (length times diameter) can be varied within a wide range. In a vibration-damping spring assembly construct ^ with the elements of the invention, the dimensions of the element and its geometric centerline configuration will determine its elastic properties (rigidity) . All of the above objectives are obtained with an element whose characterizing features are recited in the 20 appurtenant patent claims. The invention utilizes the elastic and energy- dissipating properties possessed by bent steel wire rope, and these properties are used in applications in which it is desired to minimize or reduce the effect of oscillations/ 25 transient vibrations/shocks generated by or applied to the - , construction in question. The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following discussion of exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the figures, ^ Figure 1 shows an elastic steel wire rope element in accordance with the invention, including coupling means or end pieces, Figure 2 shows a vibration-damping means for light instruments or the like, wherein four elastic elements are 5 mounted such that their centerline forms approximately 90 of an arc. Figure 3 shows two rigid flange rings elastically connected by means of identical steel wire rope elements at the outer peripheries of the flange rings. Figure 4 shows two rigid rectangular frames which are elastically intercoupled by means of a large number of identical steel wire rope elements, such that when one frame is securely fastened to a rigid foundation, the other frame will operate as a spring-like cushioning element for a machin or the like. Figure 5 shows a plurality of rigid flange rings, elastically connected with steel wire rope elements according to the invention which are mounted alternately at the inner and outer peripheries of the flange rings, wherein the individual steel wire rope elements are mounted such that their centerline forms approximately 180° of an arc. Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the assembly shown in Figure 5, wherein the steel wire rope elements are mounted such that their centerline forms approximately 90° of an arc, and Figure.7 shows a spring means of elongated configu¬ ration, composed of two base plates with intermediate steel wire rope elements. The vibration-damping elastic element of the inven¬ tion, which is utilized in the construction of vibration- damping spring assemblies, is shown in Figure 1. The element consists of a straight piece of steel wire rope 1 of a certai length and diameter. The piece of steel wire rope 1 is provided with two identical coupling means or end pieces 2 at the two ends thereof.to facilitate its attachment in a spring assembly. The coupling means or end pieces 2 may be cast onto the ends of the steel wire rope element. The end pieces 2 are of rectangular shape, and their cross section is quadratic. To enable the steel wire rope element of the inventi to be mounted on a construction, for example one of those shown in the following figures 2 - 7, the construction must b formed with square holes of quadratic cross section in the surface at the site of attachment, to permit the end pieces o coupling means 2 of the steel wire rope element to be pressed into the square cavities and thereafter to be secured in position with the aid of some appropriate means. Various types of securing means can be used, depending upon the application. Alternately, instead of providing square caviti for the element's end pieces, the steel wire rope element could be pressed in between a top member and a bottom member of respective base plates, as shown in Figure 7. In the top part and bottom part of each plate, square grooves of the correct size have been machined out of the plate material. When the top part and bottom part are connected, for example by means of bolts or machine screws, the opposing square grooves will thus form a square hole of dimensions adapted to fit those of the end pieces 2 of the steel wire rope element. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 - 6 show different uses or coupling methods for the steel wire rope elements of the invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 shows an instrument support means wherein the instruments are disposed on a disk which is retained with the aid of the vibration-damping elements in a ring placed on a foundation on the like. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 shows a symmetrical rotational means which could be utilized, for instance, as an elastic shaft coupling between two machines. In Figure 4, the elements are utilized for constructing a vibration-free machine member, for instance a machine shoe. Figures 5 and 6 show how the element of the invention can be utilized for constructing a device intended to ' withstand large axial displacement movements, while at the same time absorbing the energy. in Figure 7, an embodiment which again could be utilized as a machine shoe is shown. To provide stability and rigidity and to prevent collapse, the steel wire rope elements are in this case obliquely positioned by placing them in a vertical plane disposed at an angle in relation to the transverse perpendicular plane of the plate members. If a component of force is brought to bear in one direction, the oppositely slanting steel wire rope elements in the group O will resist the one-sided load and prevent the spring member from collapsing. It will be obvious to the skilled person that many modifications of the invention are possible within the scope outlined above. For instance, the end pieces or coupling members must not necessarily have the rectangular form illustrated herein; they might also be given a conical shape, or a sleeve could be clamped onto the ends of the steel wire rope. The essential condition is that the coupling means must enable the wire rope element to be securely connected to the other parts of the spring assembly.

Claims: Patent Claims 1. An element for use in constructing vibration-dampin spring assemblies, characterized in that it comprises a straight piece of steel wire rope (1) with a coupling means (2) provided at each end thereof, said coupling means (2) being formed for engagement with corresponding grooves in the base plates of the spring assembly. 2. An element according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (2) is cast on the end of the steel wire rope (1) . 3. An element according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (2) has a rectangular shape, prefer- ably quadratic. 4. An element according to calim 1, characterized in that the coupling means (2) has a conical shape. 5. An element according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling means is a sleeve clamped onto the end of the steel wire rope. 6. An element according to one or more of the precedin claims, characterized in that it is disposed between grooves in the base plates, lying in a vertical plane that is dispose at an angle in relation to the transverse perpendicular plane of the plates (Figure 7) . 7. An element according to claim 6, characterized in that the base plates are formed by two plate members which are fastened together with screws.

Inventors: AMBLE SIGVART, PEDERSON REGNOR, AMBLE, SIGVART, PEDERSON, REGNOR
Applicants: PEDERSON REGNOR, PEDERSON, REGNOR
Application year: 1983
Main classification: F16F7
IPC codes: F16F1, F16F7