Patent GB-868206-A (GB)
Title: Automatic speed control device
IPC: B60K31/08
Filed: 1958-02-05
Abstract: 868,206. Controlling vehicles. PERFECT CIRCLE CORPORATION. Feb. 5, 1958 [March 26, 1957], No. 3751/58. Class 79(5). A governor operated speed control device connected to a throttle control member 41 Fig. 2 of a motor vehicle, comprises bellows 23 having a valve 120 for applying a vacuum on one side for advancing the control member 41 to the predetermined speed position as determined by movements of a governor 103 for a control valve 62, 64 which applies a vacuum on the opposite side of the bellows for resisting further movement of the throttle when the predetermined speed is obtained. Means is provided to prevent the manual operation of the valve 120 until the predetermined speed has been reached and to close the valve automatically upon operation by the driver of either the accelerator or brake pedals. The control member 41 is connected to the accelerator pedal 50 (not shown) through a spring loaded telescopic connection 180 which permits over-riding control by the driver and is coupled to a sleeve 33 sliding in the body 22 of the control valve. An end plate 30 of the bellows 23 is coupled to the sleeve 33 through a lost motion connection comprising a collar 52 and spring 60. A valve actuating rod 63 is slidable within the sleeve 33 to positions determined by movements of the governer 103 which is connected at 101 to a speedometer drive and has its speed settings controlled through a manually operated cable 115 to compress the governor spring 86. The outside of the rod 63 is connected to a vacuum source; such as the exhaust manifold, through a connection 73 and passages 35, 65 while an internal passage 74 of the rod 63 is connected to atmosphere through radial passages 75. In operation valve members 62, 64 control the vacuum to the chamber 22 surrounding the bellows 23 to resist further movement of the plate 30 and sleeve 33 when a predetermined speed has been reached. In order to hold the vehicle at the predetermined speed without operation of the throttle control by the driver a valve 120 is actuated to connect the inside of the bellows 23 to the vacuum source 73. The valve 120 is actuated by a solenoid 147 within the bellows 23 and coupled through a lever 140 to operate the valve 120 against a spring 131, The valve 120 is controlled from a switch in the driver's cabin and further limit switches 170, 174 within the bellows 23 serve to hold the solenoid in operation after release of the driver controlled switch and to release the solenoid in the event of a slight movement of the sleeve 33 in the event of the driver operating the throttle. A further limit switch 160 Fig. 7 (not shown) prevents the solenoid from being operated until a vacuum exists within the bellows 23. A switch 185 Fig. 10 (not shown) is also provided to be operated by initial movement of the brake controls to cut out the solenoid. A check valve 190 is provided to close the vacuum source 73 when the vacuum in the intake manifold falls, as during accelerating, so that a vacuum of the required pressure is maintained at the bellows under all operating conditions. The check valve 190 may also be manually operated through the governor speed control 115 and rever 113 to cut off the supply 74 and disable the control device.' Specification 868,205 is referred to.