GB637901A - Improvements in or relating to self-aligning joints or bearings - Google Patents

Abstract

637,901. Resilient mountings. SILENTBLOC, Ltd., and HUTTON, P. C. March 23, 1948, No. 8531. [Class 108 (iii)] A self-aligning joint or bearing comprises inner and outer members arranged one within the other with an annular space separating them, at least one of the surfaces bounding the annular space being of part-spherical form, a split annular member having a part spherical surface engaging the part spherical surface constituting one of the surfaces bounding the annular space, and a bushing of rubber or like resilient material interposed and radially compressed between the other of the surfaces bounding the annular space and the adjacent surface of the split annular member to maintain the spherical surface of latter in close frictional contact with the spherical surface, with which it engages. In the construction according to Fig. 1, an axially elongated and radially compressed rubber bushing D is disposed between an outer member C and a split socket B, the inner surface of which is part-spherical and is in frictional contact with a corresponding partspherical portion A<SP>2</SP> of an inner member A. The arrangement is such that limited relative movements of the inner and outer members is resisted by the rubber bushing D without slip between the socket B and the inner member A, while greater relative movements cause slip between the socket and the member A, after which any further limited relative movements are again resisted by the bushing D. The joint is assembled by forcing the inner member A and socket B, preceded by a tapered mandrel, into the bushing D within the outer member C, the latter being initially cylindrical. In an alternative construction, Fig. 3, a rubber bushing H having an internal cylindrical surface engaging with a corresponding surface of a portion E<SP>2</SP> of an inner member E, has a part-spherical external surface which engages a correspondingly shaped sleeve G in frictional engagement with an internally part-spherical outer member F. In a similar construction, (Fig. 4, not shown), the internal surface of the bushing and the co-operating surface of the inner member, are both part-spherical. In a modification of these constructions (Fig. 5, not shown), the friction sleeve is disposed between the inner member and the rubber bushing. In both constructions, the inner and outer members and the sleeves are held in their correct relative positions and the rubber bushing is then forced between them. In a further construction, Fig. 6, an internallycylindrical rubber bushing N is disposed. between a cylindrical inner member J and a split socket L, having a part-spherical external surface which frictionally engages a partspherical internal surface of an outer member K. The outer surface of the bushing N comprises frusto-conical surfaces L<SP>1</SP>, L<SP>2</SP> which engage similarly shaped inner surfaces of the socket L. The ends of the bushing bear against flanges J<SP>1</SP> at either end of the member J. The joint is assembled by assembling the outer member K, socket L and bushing N, forcing the inner member J within the bushing N and securing the flanges J<SP>1</SP> to the member J. In all cases the bushing in its free state may be cylindrical or shaped to conform with the space in which it is compressed. According to the Provisional Specification, the friction sleeve or socket may be of metal, moulded plastic or other frictional material, or the material may be incorporated in the surface of the rubbey bushing. In one construction according to the Provisional Specification, the outer member of the joint comprises two similar annular members which abut at adjacent ends. The inner surface of the outer member is spherical and is spaced from a spherical inner member by two similar rubber bushes or rings, each having a cup-shaped friction member interposed between it and the outer member. In all cases the rubber bushing may be bonded either to the friction members or to the inner or outer member with which it engages directly.