GB685598A - Improvements in motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

685,598. Spring suspensions; wheel arrangements; changing wheel gauge. HANNOYER, R. May 10, 1951 [May 10, 1950; Nov. 7, 1950], No. 11090/51. Class 108 (ii). An automobile vehicle comprises a shell of which the maximum width does not exceed the space occupied by one person, a seat in the shell, a parallologram link suspension device at each side of the vehicle, wheels carried by the devices and means whereby the devices may be deformed in such a manner as to cause the wheels to have the maximum track in the normal position, while in the garaging position the wheels are positioned below the vehicle by lifting the latter. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, front steerable wheels are connected to a tubular chassis 1 through parallelogram link suspensions and each of a pair of rear wheels 8, 8 is connected to the chassis through a pivoted link 9, one of the wheels 8 being driven from an engine 12. Each front suspension comprises an upper rigid arm 2 pivoted to the chassis and to a wheel carrier 15, and a leaf-spring 16 pivoted to the chassis and to a lower extension of the carrier 15. The spring 16 normally bears against a stop 21, Fig. 2. Steering is effected through a rack-and-pinion and an articulated track rod 7. In one arrangement, Figs. 10 and 11 (not shown), the track rod is adjustable in length. Locking means may be provided to retain the suspension in its operative position, or in its reduced track position. In another arrangement, Fig. 4 (not shown), the vehicle comprises a single steerable front wheel and a pair of reducible track wheels at the rear. In both arrangements coil or torsion rod springs may replace the leaf-springs 16. In another arrangement, Figs. 5 and 6 (not shown), the parallel link suspension is attached to a cradle member which is secured to the vehicle body. In an arrangement for attaching a rear wheel system, the end part of the body is formed as two ribs which are connected together by U-shaped vertical plate members between which are clamped a pair of longitudinals forming an engine cradle and a pivot for a wheel carrying arm. In a coil-spring suspension arrangement, Fig. 12 (not shown), the spring is secured to a lower rigid suspension link and normally bears against an abutment on the cradle while in the reduced track position the spring is disposed horizontally between the lower link and the wheel. In this arrangement the upper and lower links comprise tubular forks, Figs. 13 and 14 (not shown).