GB522063A - A safety automatic stopping device for automobiles and the like vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

522,063. Vehicle collision guards. YAMADA, K. Jan. 3, 1939, No. 140. [Class 103 (ii)] [Also in Groups XXXI and XXXIV] A safety device for automatically applying the brakes in collisions comprises a pilot beam or bumper 9 projected forwardly by compressedair means to a position corresponding to the vehicle speed, a switch 32 closed when the beam 9 is pushed back by an obstacle, and electrically-operated valves controlled by the said switch to release the beam from its forward position and to apply pneumatic brakes. In the construction shown the beam 9 is connected through springs 9 to piston rods 12 having pistons 15 sliding in cylinders 14 on the vehicle, springs 16 tending to. hold the beam in its rearward position. An engine-driven pump 5 supplies compressed air to a reservoir 8 from which it passes to the cylinder 14 through a pipe 22 and a valve, Fig. 3 controlled by a centrifugal governor 23 driven at a speed corresponding to the vehicle speed, so that the amount of air passing to the cylinder varies with the vehicle speed. The pistons 15 are moved forwardly by the compressed air against the thrust of the springs 16, and uncover spaced holes 17 in the cylinder walls until the air escaping through these holes equals that supplied through the valve 21, and thus the pistons and the beam 9 are held at a position corresponding to the vehicle speed. If the speed increases or decreases the beam is moved further forwards or backwards. When the beam 9 strikes an obstacle it compresses the springs 13 and closes switch 32 which completes two circuits. One circuit is that of a solenoid 30, Fig. 3, which opens a valve 26 and allows air to escape from the cylinder 14; the other circuit is that of a solenoid 43, Fig. 4, which opens a valve 40 and admits air from the reservoir 8 through pipe 41. to the brake cylinder 37 to apply the brakes. The brake cylinder acts on the usual shaft 49 connected to the brake pedal 50 and hand brake lever (not shown).