Patent GB-191410209-A (GB)
Title: Improvement in Mechanically Operated Gear Changing Mechanism for Automobiles.
Inventor: LEWIS DEAN CHEENEY
IPC: F16H63/46
Filed: 1914-04-24
Granted: 1915-01-07
Abstract: 10,209. Lewis, D. C. May 16, 1913, [Convention date]. Controlling-apparatus, arrangements of hand, foot, and transmission gear in conjunction with; controlling different functions by same handle or lever; guarding against wrong movements; controlling-handles associated with hand steering-devices; setting and retaining devices.-The operating-rods of a change-speed gear are selected by means of a handle mounted on the steering-column, and are then operated by the main clutch pedal. In the form shown, there are three rods b, c, d, Figs. 1 and 4, operated by arms e, f, g mounted loosely on a shaft h. This shaft carries a striker o, and is first rotated to bring the striker opposite one of a number of bars 1 which act on the arms e, f, g, and is then moved axially to operate the selected bar and so bring the desired speed into operation. The bars are arranged around the circumference of a fixed sleeve j, and each carries a roller m adapted to engage a cam-surface n on the hub of one of the arms e, f, g. Fig. 8 shows a development of the bars and the hubs of the arms. A similar bar N has three rollers and so acts on all three hubs, and is arranged to bring the arms and the gears they operate into neutral position. The bar N is always operated during the first part of the axial movement of the shaft h by means of a sleeve i, which slides with the shaft but can rotate slightly thereon. This sleeve moves the bar N by means of a pin p working in a side slot r in the sleeve; but when the bar reaches the end of its stroke, a projection u thereon acts on a cam x and rotates the sleeve sufficiently to bring a long slot s opposite the pin p. The pin p and bar N are thus freed from the control of the shaft h, and a spring t returns the bar to its normal position by the time the shaft h has completed the first half of its stroke. The striker o then comes in contact with the selected bar 1 and brings the corresponding gear into operation. The shaft h is rotated to select the gear by means of a handle 13 which is mounted on the steering-column and rotates a pulley 11 connected by an endless cord 10 to a pulley z on the shaft. A spring-controlled lever carries a roller which coacts with a notched wheel 16 on the shaft h to ensure that the shaft is set in the correct positions by the handle 13. As this lever is raised out of the notches by the rotation of the wheel on the selection of a different speed, it operates a cam on the sleeve i and brings the pin p into the side slot r again, so that the next axial movement of the shaft h first operates the bar N. The main clutch pedal 23 is connected to a slotted link 25, which operates an arm 26 mounted loosely on a shaft 27 and connected by a spring 29 to an arm 30 operating the shaft h. During the first part of the movement of the clutch pedal, the arm 30 moves freely; it is then held by a stop 34, and the spring 29 is strained until a cam 35 releases the arm from the stop and allows the spring 29 to make the arm rapidly complete its stroke.