From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Meeting with Mr. Humfrey regarding a free-wheel clutch attachment for a gearbox.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\2\ scan0011 | |
| Date | 24th January 1931 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Re. Humfrey-Sandberg Free-Wheel Clutch. Replying to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}1/S23.1.31. Mr. Humfrey called here today with a Morris car which had a special free-wheel attachment on the gearbox to provide an easy change. The scheme was, two clutches are embodied in the unit working in opposite directions. The clutch which transmits the forward drive is left permanently in engagement but of course can over-run when the speed of the vehicle exceeds that of the main gearbox shaft. The second clutch transmits drive either when reversing or for allowing the vehicle to drive the engine when it is required to use the latter as a brake. When driving with this reverse clutch in engagement (i.e. fixed gear) controls are arranged so that when the main clutch pedal is depressed it also withdraws the levers clutch and the gearbox is free from the road wheels. On releasing the clutch pedal the reverse clutch first takes up and speeds the gearbox at car speeds and the main clutch subsequently speeds up the engine. The change gear on the car could be made quite silent once one had got used to the operation. That is, you had to depress the clutch pedal well out before you attempt to move the gearlever. I told Mr. Humfrey that there was very little chance of us being interested in this scheme, one reason being that it was a considerable complication and did not go far enough. He did discuss the possibilities in a constant mesh box similar to that proposed for 'Japan S' but it would be possible to use their type of free wheel as clutches for the top and third speeds. He left with the idea that he would let us know what amount of room they would require. I saw him before I received your memo Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}1/S23.1.31. but we quite agree with E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} and Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}'s. comments. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||