GB215829A - Improvements in or relating to endless track vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

215,829. Variable Speed Gear, Ltd., Dreyer, J. T., and Ingoldby, M. K. Feb. 14, 1923. Steering-gear; deflectable axleends and intermediate connections therefor.-Relates to endless-track vehicles of the kind in which the tracks are operated by the frictional engagement of driving wheels with the tracks so that if the latter are removed the vehicle will be propelled by those driving wheels that are then in contact with the ground, and comprises steering means whereby the track is caused to assume a curved form when viewed from above and thus effect or assist in the steering. In the construction shown there are six pairs of driving wheels A' .. A<6>, of which some or all may have removable flanges and some idle wheels may be provided. The wheels are driven from an engine (not shown) through a longitudinal shaft B and differential gear and telescopic cardan shafts on each axle. A longitudinal steering shaft C' swivels the wheels A<2>, A<5> through links C<5> for steering, and traverses the wheels A', A<6> positively through links C<3> and the wheels A<3>, A<4> through spring links C<1x>. The wheels on each axle are connected together through casings a<1x> - - a<6x> so that they partake of the same traversing movements. The traversing movement of the wheels A<1>, A<6> and the wheels A<3>, A<4> also effects their swinging movements by means of rods D, D<2> respectively sliding in sockets d<1>, d<2> pivoted on the axle casings a<2x>, a<5x>, a<1x>, a<6x>. To assist in steering, two of the axles have their differential shafts coupled through two hydraulic pumping units E in fluid communication with each other, the relative speeds of the units being varied by means of arms E<1> on the steering shaft.