Abstract:
An anti-locking braking device for a wheel of a motor vehicle for reducing jerky braking, wherein a fluid operated brake cylinder is connectable, when the wheel is about to lock, to a fluid outlet comprising first and second flow paths leading to a reservoir. In the first flow path a restriction is provided downstream of a first chamber whose volume is increased by movement therein of a spring biased first piston under the effect of pressure of the fluid admitted to the chamber. Such movement is arranged to open a first valve in the second flow path, and fluid form the brake cylinder to the reservoir can by-pass the restriction and thus a faster rate of pressure drop in the brake cylinder can be achieved, provided a second valve, also in the second flow path is open. Movement of this second piston controls opening and closing of the second flow path by the second valve which is open when fluid pressure in the first flow path upstream of the restriction exerts a lower force on one side of the second piston than the force exerted on the other side by a spring.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a device for mounting an element on a body support having an inner surface and an outer surface utilizing resilient clips formed integrally with said element, the clips adaptable to be inserted from the outside of the outer surface of the support into apertures formed in the support, the clips each provided with projections for locking the element on the support with the free ends of the clips being solely accessible from the inner surface of the support after the element is mounted. The invention also relates to a vehicle employing this device wherein the element is comprised of an optical unit and is mounted in a cavity or recess formed in the bodywork of the vehicle to receive the unit, and the bodywork provides the support for the optical unit.
Abstract:
An electrically operated valve comprises a distributor having a slide operative to selectively place a fluid actuated device in communication with a source of pressurised fluid, or with a fluid outlet. The slide is actuated by an electrodynamic motor in response to a control signal, whereby the fluid pressure in the device is dependent on the signal.
Abstract:
The suspension comprises an arm fast to a hub mounted on the body of the vehicle by means of a transverse rotary bearing, the hub being anchored to the end of a transverse torsion bar arranged in a tubular transverse member. The suspension comprises elastic means with variable flexibility arranged between the body and at least one arm fast in rotation to the tubular transverse member, the elastic means exerting on the arm an effect tending to oppose oscillating movement of the wheel upwardly with respect to the body. The suspension is particularly useful as a rear suspension for a light vehicle with front wheel drive.
Abstract:
An axle wherein the independent wheel carriers each rock around a transverse longitudinal member adapted to rock inside a corresponding dished support; each pair of parallel dished supports being interconnected by a hollow cross-beam and connected to the chassis through elastic means, a hydroelastic shock-absorbing suspension enclosed at each end of the cross-beam and bearing against the latter to control the rocking of the corresponding wheel carrier around the transverse axis through the agency of a lever rocking in unison with the wheel carrier around the same axis between predetermined limits.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a telescopic device for transmitting rotary movement, utilizable in particular for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising a sleeve, a shaft inside the sleeve and sliding with respect to this latter and a lining made of deformable material disposed between the sleeve and the shaft and fixed to one of these two elements, a sufficient clearance being provided between the zones opposite the sliding members in order to avoid requirement for their adjustment, wherein the clearance is eliminated over a portion of the zones opposite the lining and the element sliding with respect thereto, this ensuring a localized assembly with locking due to a deformation upon assembly of the lining.
Abstract:
A transmission device for a vehicle comprises a common linearly movable selector rod for selecting the drive mode of the transmission and for actuating a parking brake. The driving mode is determined by a rack formed on the rod and engageable with a pinion, and the parking brake is actuated by means of a lever controlled by a cam carried by the rod.
Abstract:
An improved inertia switch having a variable threshold and operating time comprises a flywheel, a driving member, electrical contact elements carried respectively by the driving member and the flywheel and return means coupled between the driving member and the flywheel. The contact element carried by the flywheel comprises on the one hand a contact terminal integral with a support coupled by friction to the flywheel, the contact terminal co-operating with a part of the contact carried by the driving member, and on the other hand, a contact surface integral with the flywheel co-operating with a second contact part carried by the driving member. The switch is particularly applicable for detecting imminent locking of a vehicle wheel.
Abstract:
An inertia switch for detecting impending locking of a rotaty member, such as a vehicle wheel, and having a variable deceleration detection threshold has a flywheel rotatable on a shaft adapted to be driven by the rotary member, a flywheel drive element on the shaft and biased by a spring into engagement with a stop on the flywheel, the flywheel and drive element carrying respective contacts of a pair of closable contacts which are open when the drive element is engaged with the stop, and a weighted lever pivoted on the flywheel eccentrically of the shaft, and co-operable with the drive element to apply a force dependent upon the rotational speed of the flywheel to oppose closing of the contacts. A rigid link on the spring may connect a free end of the lever with the drive element, and the lever may be a bell crank having one weighted limb and a second limb which abuts against the drive element and to which the spring can be attached. The tension in the spring and the maximum separation of the contacts are adjustable.
Abstract:
A device for controlling the braking of at least one wheel of a vehicle travelling along the ground comprises apparatus for comparing the speed of the said one wheel with the speed of the fastest wheel of the vehicle. When the ratio of these speeds falls below a predetermined value the pressure in the braking circuit is reduced whereby to reduce the braking effect. The predetermined value is reduced as the speed of the vehicle is reduced to prevent reduction in the braking effect, for example when the vehicle is travelling around a relatively tight curve at a relatively low speed without any wheel slip.