| 摘要 |
1,179,481. Gyroscopic stabilizers. T.O. SUMMERS. March 31, 1967 [March 31, 1966], No.14708/67. Heading G1C. A vehicle mounted on two wheels 172, 227 comprises a gyro rotor mounted for rotation in a frame 193, which is in turn mounted for precessional movement about a vertical axis in response to roll of the vehicle the precessional movements of the frame being used to control hydraulic pistons as 310 which actuate pivoted arms, as 340, carrying wheels 342, are being mounted on each side of the vehicle centre line, the forces exerted by the hydraulic pistons being used to retain the vehicle in its normal upright position. The front wheel 172 of the vehicle is steerable from a steering wheel 255. An internal combustion engine 242 is provided to power the vehicle and this drives a hydraulic pump 250 which is in turn used to drive the gyro rotor and hydraulic motors attached to each of the wheels 172, 227. The pivotal axis of the frame 193 of the gyroscope is offset from the rotor axis so that as the vehicle tilts about its roll axis the frame becomes pendulous and precesses about its axis under the action of gravity. This movement is mechanically coupled to a valve arranged to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to one or other of the pistons as 310 to return the vehicle to its upright position. An indicator (not shown) is mounted in the centre of the steering wheel 255 to indicate the position of the frame 193 relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis. In an alternative arrangement the pendulous mounting of the frame 193 is despensed with and auxiliary hydraulic vains are used to pivot the frame 193 in response to movements of the steering wheel controlling a further valve (not shown). Also, the frame axis may be horizontal with the gyro rotor spin axis vertical if desired. Telescopic parking struts 282 are provided on the vehicle with pads 290 to engage the ground when the gyro is inoperative. In the event of failure of the pump 250, the gyro rotor is arranged to power the other hydraulic apparatus until its energy of rotation is dissipated. |
