GB875691A - Improvements in or relating to motor-driven vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

875,691. Motor vehicles. MEILI, E. July 15, 1958 [July 16, 1957; Oct. 17, 1957], No. 22732/58. Classes 79(1), 79(2), 79(3) and 79(5). [Also in Group XXXII] A motor vehicle for surmounting obstacles comprises wheeled front and rear sections 5, 7 and 6, 8, respectively, so coupled to a horizontal wheeled axle 2 or to a central section 1 embodying such an axle that the angle between the longitudinal axes of the sections may be varied by hydraulic means which may also lock the sections in their adjusted positions. The wheels are driven by chains or shafts or pneumatic or hydraulic means from an engine in the unit 1. In an alternative construction, the sections are pivotally connected to the axle 2 and have centrally pivoted auxiliary units at their outer ends to carry the wheels. The front sections may be pivoted to an auxiliary axle or be replaced by a pair of sections of different lengths. Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment in which the wheels are carried by units 44, 45 pivotally connected with frame halves 40, 41 one of which may be rigid with the central section 1 while Fig. 12 shows a modification of this embodiment having endless tracks 55 and 56 and hydraulic cylinders 57 to raise the rear half frame. Steering is effected by braking one track. In further embodiments front and rear wheeled sections are pivotally connected to a central section having twin driven axles or endless tracks and provided with a body, which may be in swivellable halves, extending over the front and rear wheels. The front wheels 105, Figs. 18 and 19, may be independently sus pended and be driven through a differential gear and a transmission 111 from a differential gear 104 for the centre wheels 106. The rear wheels 107 are mounted on pivoted arms 113 and chain driven from the wheels 106. An engine 102 drives the differential 104 and two oil pumps 121 supplying hydraulic cylinders 130, 131 forming part of the front wheel suspension and cylinders 124, 125 for pivotal actuation of the arms 113. An arrangement of valves enables the cylinders on one side of the vehicle to be disconnected from those on the other side, the two rear cylinders from those in front and the front cylinders from one another. The front wheels may thus be lowered individually or together while the rear wheels may be raised or lowered individually or together. In addition, all the cylinders may be placed in communication and the system subjected to the pressure of mechanical springs 140, 141 to form a joint suspension. The underside of the vehicle may be closed by a tub-like casing and the central section may be fitted with endless tracks. The invention may be applied to a mount for a gun.