GB853578A - Compensating steering system for automobiles - Google Patents

Abstract

853,578. Steering vehicles. FERAND, B. M. G. May 30, 1957 [June 11, 1956], No. 17187/57. Class 79(5). In a steering system for independently sprung front wheels which are restrained to move in a substantially vertical rectilinear path by pivoting extensible linkages L1, L2 Fig. 1, telescopic steering rods 2 which are automatically varied in length with the changes in length of the linkages L1, L2 to compensate the steering for movement of the wheels. In one example the link L1 Fig. 3 comprises an extensible piston and cylinder 12, 14 crosscoupled through a hydraulic circuit A, B to the ends of a corresponding piston and cylinder 16, 18 forming the steering rod 2. The piston 16 is yieldingly held at the normal length by springs 20, 21 but movements of the piston 12 resulting from changes in length of the link Ll as the wheel deflects are transmitted to the piston 16 to cause a corresponding change in length of the steering rod 2. The, steering system comprises a transverse rack bar 7 Fig. 2 which may be downwardly curved to provide stabilized equilibrium and is guided between pinion pairs 8, 9, one of which is rotated by the steering wheel. The rack bar 7 engages toothed sectors 10 mounted on vertical pivots 6 in the vehicle frame and carrying operating arms 5 which are coupled to the steering rods 2. Ports 23, 24 in the cylinders 14, 18 are opened to supply feed in the retracted position of the pistons 12, 16 or in modifications (not shown) feed ports may be opened by valves operated mechanically or electromagnetically. Specification 840,818 is referred to.