GB308636A - Improvements in or relating to steering and propelling mechanism for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

308,636. Heath, A. R. N., and Roberts, J. M. Dec. 23, 1927. Driving steering-wheels; change-speed gearing. -A combined steering and propelling unit comprises an axle K supported on wheels K<1> driven through a differential gear from a vertical shaft K<3> driven by an internal combustion engine, a vertical sleeve L surrounding the driving shaft and rotatably connected for steering to the vehicle frame B, and a pivotal connection K<2> between the axle and the lower end of the sleeve. According to another feature of the invention the vertical shaft K<3> is driven from a horizontal transverse engine shaft D' through an epicyclic variable gear F<4> co-axial with the vertical shaft. In the construction shown, the vehicle frame B is provided with transverse members A to which is fixed a tube L<1> on which the sleeve L rotates. The engine, which is preferably air-cooled, is bolted to a plate C fixed to the frame members A and drives the epicyclic two-speed gear through bevel gearing E<2>, F. The epicyclic gear comprises a sun-wheel F<2> fixed to the bevel wheel F, planet pinions F<3> carried by the planet-carrier F<4> fixed to the driven shaft G, and an internally-toothed wheel F<5> adapted to be either (1) locked to the planet-carried by a friction clutch G' for the direct drive, or (2) held stationary by a brake band F<6> for a low-speed drive. The clutch and brake are simultaneously-controlled by a pedal J<7> and linkage J<6>, J<4>, J<3>. The shaft G drives the shaft K<3> through sliding and universal joints N<3>N. The sleeve L is rotated for steering by means of a hand-wheel M<2> and chain gear L<4>, L<3>. Two similar units may support one end of a vehicle frame, the units being rotated simultaneously for steering, and simultaneous control being also provided for the variable gears.