GB355988A - Improvements in or relating to continuously variable friction gearing - Google Patents

Abstract

355,988. Variablespeed friction gearing. ROBERTSON, J. H., 1, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, London. Sept. 27, 1930, No. 28988. [Class so (ii).] In variable-speed friction gearing of the type in which a driven number c making face contact with a coned axially-movable disc a is moved transversely automatically to vary the speed, manual means is provided for limiting the range of automatic action. The driving-disc a, Fig. 1, moved axially by a governor as described in Specification 306,752, [Class 80 (ii), Gearing, Variable-speed &c.] causes the driven member to swing eccentrically from low-speed position c through a middle-speed position c<2> to the direct-drive position c<1>. According to this invention, the member c, Fig. 2, can be moved manually along the cone a to middle-speed position c<4>, or all the way to direct-drive position c<3>. At position c<4> the automatic action has been limited to the range between positions c<4> and c<5>, and the cone a disengages the drive at c<4> on slowing down. At position c<3> the cone a either drives directly or disengages, as when the engine on a vehicle runs idly. The member c swings on an arm e, Fig. 3, and on sleeve e<1> about fixed axle f, a thrust bearing h not interfering with the swinging. Bearing h is supported by a key h<1> on a plunger h<2> connected by link h<3> and lever i, Fig. 4, to shaft j secured to control lever k, by which means the axial position of member c is manually controlled. The member c is biased towards its lowest position of Fig. 2 by a claim m passing over a guide m<1>, Fig. 4, to a lever l loose on shaft j and pulled by gear-control spring o. Lever k, when moved to the left, limits the extension of spring o, and therefore the range of automatic action by bringing an adjustable screw p on an arm p<2> against the lever l. In the position A of lever k, the full automatic action is allowed. In the position B, the direct drive only is possible. At intermediate' positions, a limited automatic action is possible corresponding to the fine swing of lever l between positions c<4>, c<5> of Fig 2. This variable-speed gear may be used in series with a conventional change-speed gear on a vehicle, the movements of lever k beyond position A to the right of Fig. 4 controlling the latter gearing while the full automatic range of the friction gear is in operation.