GB498613A - Improvements in the construction of and disposition of parts on motor road vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

498,613. Motor vehicle bodies. LEYLAND MOTORS, Ltd., and PILKINGTON, V. W. Sept. 14, 1937, No. 24972. [Class 108 (i)] [Also in Group XXXI] To enable large passenger and other vehicles to be built so as to afford the driver a near view of the road ahead and on each side, the engine is placed behind the front wheels, under the floor, with its cylinders and crankshaft substantially horizontal, and the radiator is set back alongside and lower than the driver's seat, which is located in a cab glazed to or nearly to its floor level and extending only to the centre line of the vehicle, the coachwork 24 in front of the radiator thus being reduced substantially to the outline of the front wings. The engine 1 is placed beneath the chassis longitudinals 2, 3, in rear of the front wheel springs, the crankshaft axis 6 being preferably to the off side of and parallel to the centre line of the chassis, with the cylinders 9 projecting outwardly and the crank chamber 8 extending upwards. A sump 7 and oil pump 10 are shown. A pin on the front end of the cylinder block, mounted in a rubber bushed support 13 on a cross frame member 11, and a tubular trunnion of large diameter surrounding the rear universal joint, mounted in a bonded rubber bushing in a bracket 14 secured to a second cross frame member 12, provide pivots for the engine, allowing rocking about air axis passing through its centre of gravity, excessive oscillation being prevented by a limiting stop on the rear trunnion projecting between rubber abutments on the frame cross member. The gearbox or torque converter 15 may be arranged to the rear of the trunnion mounting 14 as shown or may form a unit with the engine block in front of the mounting. The radiator 16 is set back, either in front of or behind the axle 17, or if of reduced height, it may be placed above the axle or, with independently sprung-front wheels, it may be anchored upon a cross frame member. The driver's cab, glazed on three sides nearly to floor level, extends from the off side to the centre line of the vehicle, the floor being level with the upper part of the radiator and normal access being provided by a sliding door from the interior of the vehicle. The near side window 25 is arranged to swing outwards serving as an emergency exit.