GB541253A - Improvements in tractor type vehicles especially applicable to military tanks - Google Patents

Abstract

541,253. Endless track vehicles. CARR, A. E. June 10, 1940, No. 10070. [Class 79 (i)] [Also in Group XXI] An endless track vehicle A is provided with a detachable auxiliary track unit B or B<SP>1</SP> at either or both ends, the inclination of these units being adjustable. In the construction shown the main endless tracks t pass round sprockets s on shafts a driven from an engine E through clutches g and chains r, and the auxiliary tracks t<SP>1</SP> pass round driving sprockets s<SP>1</SP> on shafts a<SP>1</SP> co-axial with the shafts a and normally coupled thereto through dog or pin clutches 3 maintained engaged by a cam m on a shaft w<SP>1</SP>. The two auxiliary tracks at each end are connected together by an apron plate n and a plate b to form a unit. If a unit is damaged it can be released by rotating the cam shaft w<SP>1</SP> through 90 degrees, when the cam m becomes inoperative and a cam m<SP>1</SP> rocks levers z to allow springs j to disengage the clutches 3 and allow the auxiliary track to be removed. Normally the auxiliary tracks lie flat as shown-in full lines in Fig. 1 but when an obstacle is encountered the leading track unit pivots about the shaft a, and being driven through the sprockets s, s<SP>1</SP> assists the main part of the vehicle to climb the. obstacle. The pivotal movement of the auxiliary track unit automatically causes the main tracks t to become convex to the ground by the lowering of their roller trucks 6; these trucks are controlled by a known suspension cable 5 wound on a drum 4 connected by a driving chain e<SP>1</SP> to a sprocket e on a shaft f having a pinion u engaging with sector teeth on the track unit B or B<SP>1</SP>. Thus, when the track unit pivots upwards to climb an obstacle the cable 5 is tightened and the trucks 6 lowered. The shaft f is further controlled by a shock-absorber cylinder having a radial vane w<SP>1</SP>, this cylinder also acts as a servomotor when required, being furnished with a controlling walve d, an inlet pipe 9 and exhaust port 10, so that the auxiliary tracks can be raised and lowered at will by means of the servomotors. Armouring vehicles. The vehicle is provided with armour having sloping sides as shown in Fig. 5.