GB518848A - A vehicle with a device for counter-acting the inclination of the vehicle body when travelling in a curve - Google Patents

Abstract

518,848. Preventing lateral tilting of vehicles. MULLER, H. Sept. 9, 1938, No. 26346. Convention date, Sept. 9, 1937. [Class 108 (ii)] Apparatus for counteracting tilting of a vehicle when rounding curves by means of a pressure medium supplied from a central source to cylinders which with their pistons are connected in parallel to the vehicle springs on opposite sides of the vehicle to load the inner springs and relieve the outer ones.is characterised by using a non-compressible liquid in a system exerting resilient counteracting forces to permit yield to an extent corresponding with the spring movement. Fig. 2 shows the springs 5 and 6 at each end of an axle of the vehicle supplemented by pistons 12 and 13 in cross-connected cylinders 14 and 15 having pipe connections 16 and 17 with a valve cylinder 19. The pressure side of a toothed wheel pump 24 driven by the vehicle engine is connected by a conduit 23 with a space 18 in the valve cylinder, and its suction side with a space 25. A slide valve 20 working in the cylinder is connected with' a pendulum 22, and normally, during straight travel, a port 29 in the valve provides a communication between the spaces 18 and 25 by way of a passage 28 and a cylinder 30<1>. moreover both pipe connections 16 and 17 are in communication with the space 18 so that the pistons 12 and 13 move freely in their cylinders. On entering a curve the pendulum 22 either raises or 'lowers the valve 20 which closes the connection between the valve spaces 18 and 25 by way of passage 28 and opens a connection through itself from space 25 to either of pipes 17 or 16 whilst leaving the other pipe in communication with the pressure space 18. The tendency of the vehicle body to tilt is consequently opposed by the action of the pistons 12 and 13 acting in opposite directions. Springing of the vehicle is effected by a piston 30 subject to a compression spring 31 whilst the pistons 12 and 13 are in action. Alternatively springs may be interposed between the pistons 12 and 13 and the vehicle axle. A restricted opening controlled by an adjustable valve 27 maintains a permanent connection between the valve spaces 18 and 25 to equalize the pressure during slow travel. Valve 27 may be adjustable manually, by means of a pendulum subject to centrifugal force or by means of a connection with the steering gear. The valve 20 may, alternatively, be operated by the steering gear, cr by laterally movable members operable by the driver's foot and located on either side of a pedal actuating a pump which replaces the power driven pump 24. In a further modification rotating vanes working in cylindrical casings are employed in place of the pistons 12 and 13, each pair of vanes being connected by torsion rod and radius arm to an end of the axle. A single casing with rotating vanes may be employed, the casing being similarly connected to one end of the axle and the vanes to the other end.