GB1342372A - Multi-layshaft transmissions - Google Patents

Abstract

1342372 Change-speed gear; universal joints VAUXHALL MOTORS Ltd 31 Aug 1972 [23 Sept 1971] 44383/71 Heading F2D and F2U In a change-speed gear for a motor-vehicle, wherein wheels 24, selectively dog-clutched to a floating output mainshaft 22, mesh wheels on two or three rigidly mounted countershafts 10, 12, driven, by a input shaft 18, a final output member, e.g. a propeller shaft 30, is rotatably mounted in the casing and universally connected to the mainshaft 22 by means such as a double Hooke's joint 32 or internal flexible shaft (90, Figs. 8, 9, not shown), which permits both universal and radial movement between the shafts, and the mainshaft 22 is mounted in bearings 38, 40, carried in the casing by means which, at both loadings above a design value, yield radially to permit equalization of mesh, such bearing mounting comprising spring-loaded flat or coned collars 46, slidable on fixed pins parallel to the mainshaft, and interposed between the transmission casing and arm members 42, 44 extending from the mainshaft bearings 38, 40. In Fig. 1, the bearing support arms 42, 44 have clearance openings for the countershafts, and are pivoted at 70 to the easing to allow the radial movement. A spring (74, Fig. 3, not shown) may act on one end of an arm member 42 to support the weight of the mainshaft. Figs. 6 and 7, not shown, have three countershafts and the mainshaft bearing supports have three arms supported by two springs, and each having friction mountings as above. In Figs. 8 and 9, not shown, a flexible output shaft (90) is carried inside a hollow mainshaft to which it is splined or electron-beam welded at its input end, and carried in a self-aligning ball-bearing at its output end. The mainshaft is supported by a single bearing in an arm such as 42, Fig. 1.