Citroën DS Plan 314.04 — Re-clutching corrector, sections A and B (22 September 1955)

In this document

This technical plan from the Citroën Design Office (B.E.A.) bears the designation "CORRECTEUR DE REEMBRAYAGE" (Re-clutching corrector), referenced No. DS 314.04 p. 1 / No. D314_04 p. 2. It is drawn by Herblin, dated 22.9.55 p. 1 and confirmed "22-09-05" p. 2, with verification at the Pompon laboratory, at the M.T. by Caneau and at the B.E.A. by Cadiou p. 1-2.

Sections and dimensions

The plan presents two cross-sectional views, SECTION A and SECTION B, detailing the interior of the mechanism. Numerous precision dimensions are noted, including:

Assembly conditions

A handwritten note specifies that before assembly, "parts shall be cleared of all abrasive particles" and that rubber parts must be soaked "in VF10B fluid" p. 1-2. Another annotation, associated with dimension 617 008, indicates a "tight fit by crushing", "orientation unimportant", and a "slight matting of the pin at its ends" p. 1-2.

References and modifications

Multiple part marks appear on both views (D314.129, D314.113, D433.92, 4114 S, 4903.S, 4905.S, 4917.S, 2709.S, among others). The title block mentions a series of successive modifications: "m2 refait 24093", "m3 53/43 24271", "m4 15/33 24H36", "m5 46/44 35953", "m6 29/58", "m7 29/45 28H77" p. 2, as well as "MODIF (m1) 28/45 28/77" p. 1. The plan is identified as sheet no. 1 of a set of several sheets p. 2. The weight is referred to a "detail" not provided here, and the coating is noted "A, prohibited on F" p. 1-2.

Context

The re-clutching corrector is a component associated with the hydropneumatic suspension developed by Paul Magès for the Citroën DS, launched in 1955. This type of corrector regulates hydraulic pressure during the re-clutching of the circuit, contributing to the constant ride height characteristic of the DS — but this precise role is not explained in the transcripts themselves.

The reference "B.E.A." designates the Citroën Automotive Design Office, where Magès worked during this pivotal period of development for the DS, presented to the public in October 1955.

Archivist's perspective

Dated 22 September 1955, this plan is therefore situated in the very last months of development before the official presentation of the DS. The numerous modifications listed in the title block (m1 to m7, spread over several years until 1958) show that this part had a long industrial life, probably adjusted through test feedback.

The level of detail of the dimensions (balls calibrated to the tenth of a millimeter, angles at ±5°, very precise assembly conditions) illustrates the requirement for reliability sought on a sensitive hydraulic component of the Magès system.

This document appears to be an execution plan intended for the workshop rather than a schematic diagram, which distinguishes it from other more conceptual pieces in the collection.