Patent GB-467168-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in power and transmission units for vehicles and for other purposes
IPC: B62M7/12
Filed: 1935-12-06
Abstract: 467,168. Motor wheels. LUTZ, E. C., and WALL, A. W. Dec. 6, 1935, No. 33818. [Class 79 (iii)] [Also-in Group XXVII] An internal-combustion engine and associated transmission gearing are carried on opposite sides of a supporting plate, each being enclosed by a separate cover detachably secured to the plate. The arrangement may comprise a stationary unit or may be applied, as shown, to a front steerable motor wheel for a bicycle or tricycle. The supporting plate 5, which is of roughly circular form, is mounted within the dished road wheel 24 so that the cylinder axis of a two-stroke engine 7 attached to one face of the plate lies substantially in the medial plane of the tyre 25. Long studs 10 with shoulders 11, riveted to the plate 5, carry the engine crankcase 8 secured thereon by nuts. An additional pin or stud 13 passing through the crank-case and extended on the opposite side of the plate 5 forms the supporting spindle for the road wheel hub 22. The engine crank-shaft 6 projects through the plate 5 into a change-speed gear-box through which the drive is transmitted to a loose coaxial pinion 19 meshing with a larger pinion 20 on the wheel hub 22. The change-speed gear may be of the epicyclic type controlled by brake bands 15, 16, a suitable form of gear being described in Specification 466,353, [Group XXIV], The gearing is enclosed by a cover member 21 detachably secured to the plate 5. On the opposite side of the plate, the crank-shaft 6 is extended to carry a flywheel 26 which may incorporate a magneto, an armature in the flywheel co-operating with coils supported on a stationary plate 27. The engine and related parts are enclosed by a separate cover member 32 which may carry a bearing 40 for the end of the crank-shaft 6 and starter mechanism comprising a handle or pedal associated with a toothed quadrant 28 meshing with a pinion 30 connected to the shaft 6 through a ratchet clutch 31. The flywheel may, moreover, be provided with fanblades to deliver cooling air to the engine cylinder 7, the cover 32 being arranged to form a volute chamber to direct the air along the fins of the cylinder and, further, enclosing the head of the cylinder with apertures for the induction and exhaust pipes 34, 35 and an opening 36 for the sparking plug. The pipe 35 may have a closed end and slots 37 through which the exhaust gases pass into an expansion chamber 38 secured by a screw 39 on the end of the pipe. The wheel is pivotally connected to an arcuate arm 44 extending from the frame of the vehicle by a vertical or inclined pin 45 mounted in bearings 46 in a cylindrical housing 47 secured between the plate 5 and a second plate 41 attached to the outer side of the crank-case, compression springs 48 around the pin 45 being disposed above and below the arm 44 with ball-bearings 49 interposed and the walls of the casing being cut away at 50 to allow clearance for swinging. The wheel is steered by means of handle bars or a hand wheel secured to a stem 51 disposed coaxially with the pivot pin 45, the base 52 of the stem being attached by a plate 53 to a bracket 55 extending laterally from the top of the plate 5 whilst on the other side a fork blade 56 connects the base 52 to the extremity of the wheel spindle 13. The base 52 may also carry a mudguard 57 incorporating a fuel tank 58. Instead of the pivot pin 45, the wheel may be connected to the arm 44 by a ball or other universal joint. When a ball joint is used, the exhaust gases may be conveyed through the joint, the arm 44, and the rear frame of the vehicle which are formed hollow for this purpose. The invention may be applied to a rear, non-steerable wheel. For use as a stationary unit, the plate 5 may be extended downwardly and provided with a foot to be bolted to a floor or structure, the hub 22 then forming part of or carrying a driving pulley or the equivalent.