Patent GB-419694-A (GB)
Title: Improved method and apparatus for controlling excessive movements in sprung bodies on motor driven road vehicles
IPC: B60G21/00
Filed: 1933-12-29
Abstract: 419,694. Vehicle spring-suspensions; hydraulic springs. OYSTON, W. R., 45, Spring Street, Melbourne, Australia. Dec. 29, 1933, No. 36620. Convention date, Jan. 24. [Classes 108 (ii) and 108 (iii).] In vehicle spring-suspensions means are provided whereby the pitching movements of the vehicle are utilized to generate energy and to control stored energy which latter is applied to dampen or smooth out such pitching movements. Figs. 1 and 2 show diagrammatically an arrangement for controlling such pitching movements. Crank members CM are carried in bearings on the body or chassis and linked to the axles so that on the front of the vehicle depressing the rear elevates and causes the contiguous ends of the members CM to move in opposite directions. These members operate pistons P, P<1> by means of slots and, say, cause piston P to rise and P<1> to fall compressing the fluid in circuit D to resist the movement. An inertia member I is pivoted to the vehicle and connected at each end to a valve mechanism V, V<1> in such a manner that the valve is actuated only on recession of the pendulous member HC<I>. The valve V will therefore be operated to put port V<2> in circuit between the storage chamber 5 and the cylinder C thereby adding pressure to resist the movement of the pistons, any excess of energy caused by the movement of the piston being stored in the storage chamber S. Meanwhile the upper part of cylinder C<1> remains in communication with the reservoir R since the valve V<1> is not operated. Conversely the reverse movement of the vehicle opens valve VI to place the cylinder C<1> in communication with the storage chamber S. Figs. 7, 8, 11, 13 show a preferable arrangement. The casing 15 is shown secured to the chassis members and carries in bearings shafts 24 operatively connected to the wheel axles and carrying cranks 26 for driving the pistons in the cylinders 17, 18. An inertia device 22 is pivoted in the casing and is pendulously connected to the starter pistons 28. When one of the latter pistons rise suction is created in its cylinder 29 thereby closing the flap 30 and causing the whole cylinder to rise and with it the pivoted lever 31. The rise of the lever 31 by means of the pin 33 lifts the starter valve 33a from its seating and permits pressure from the storage chamber 21 via the passages 21<a>, 21b to depress the diaphragm 34. This forces the member 35, valve disc 36, valve seating 37 and pin 38 to descend to force valve 39 off its seating permitting pressure from the storage chamber to pass through the passages 40 to one or other of the cylinders 17, 18 to oppose the drive of the pistons. When the suction effect in the cylinder 29 ceases either by the restoration of the relative position of the inertia device 22 or by the forcing off its seating the flap 30 of the cylinder 29 by means of a fixed stop the lever arm 31 with pin 33, urged by pressure on the diaphragm 42, Fig. 11 and 13, will be restored to its normal position to close the starter valve 33<a>. This removes operative pressure from the diaphragm 34 and permits valve 39 to be closed under the influence of its spring 39<a>. To ensure against excess fluids and voids in the system communication with the reservoir 16 via the passages 40 occurs into the reservoir by the pressure lifting the valve disc 36 from seating 37 to provide a passage way through ports 43 to the reservoir 16. Breathing from the reservoir 16 occurs to the passages 40 by suction past the spring retained flexible ring valve 45 via passages 43,44. Pressure trapped between the diaphragm 34 and the starter valve 33<a> when closed is relieved by means of a byepass in the valve and an axial aperture in the pin 33.