GB205880A - Improvements in pneumatic shock absorbers - Google Patents

Abstract

205,880. Werner, W. A. P. July 25, 1922. Pneumatic springs.- Relates to shock absorbers, particularly fcr motor vehicles, comprising piston and cylinder devices which during operation pump air into a reservoir for use in actuating a horn or for other purposes. The escape of air from the outlet of the cushioning chamber is arrested at an earlier or later moment in the stroke of the device so as to vary the volume of the air cushion. As shown in Fig. 1, the shock absorber comprises a cylinder a secured to the chassis b, and a cylindrical plunger c connected to the axle by a rod e preferably of adjustable length. A piston d connected by a rod d<1> to the cylinder a is mounted within the plunger c and suitable valve-controlled ports c<2>, c<1>, d<2> are provided so that relative movement between the axle and chassis causes air to be forced into the upper end of the cylinder a which is provided with a passage g<1> leading to a valve chamber g having an outlet g<2> leading to the reservoir. The outlet g<2> is controlled by a valve h adjustably secured to the plunger c. In a modification, the lower end of the cylinder a is closed bv a cover provided with inlet valves, and an additional pump chamber may be fitted at the upper end of the cylinder a, the piston of the additional chamber being connected to the plunger c by a rod passing through the upper end of the cylinder a. The stroke of the shock absorber may be varied, as described in Specification 22024/14, bv connecting the plunger to a spring-lever which is pivoted to the chassis and adjustably connected to the axle. In a further modification applicable to heavy vehicles, the devices hereinbefore described may be mounted in any suitable positions on the vehicle and employed to deliver air to a piston and cylinder shock absorber k, l, Fig. 4, mounted between the chassis and axle and provided with an adjustable outlet valve h.