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).
Article from 'THE AUTOCAR' magazine reviewing electric lighting and starting systems for motor cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61\2\ scan0210 | |
| Date | 9th November 1923 | |
| 990 THE AUTOCAR, November 9th, 1923. Electric Lighting and Starting Systems. [Column 1] tors, of the cylindrical pattern, are also manufactured as separate units, in various types, concentric or eccentric armatures, and of a wide range of outputs. The starter motors are of accepted type with Bendix pinion drive, and it is claimed that their torque has been materially increased in the latest designs, whilst in many instances the dimensions and weights have been reduced. With regard to batteries, it is interesting to note that these are manufactured throughout, even including their ebonite casings, in the company's own works. Amongst the A section of the Rotax starter motor and driving pinion. exceed it. Thus the speed of the pulley may be very high indeed, but that of the armature will remain at its predetermined maximum. A great advantage of this mechanical system is that it, allows an ordinary two-brush shunt-wound generator to be used, thereby eliminating wastage of power through eddy currents resulting in a general heating-up of the machine. Considerable attention has been paid in the P. & H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} headlamps to the method of fastening the front glass and also the parabolic reflector. This is carried out in a simple and robust manner which allows for ready accessibility, and at the same time does away with small external projections. These head lamps are fitted with a special diffusa glass which is claimed to enhance the useful driving light and to eliminate glare. A very interesting and useful detail which this firm have placed upon the market, and for which a vogue should soon be established, is a combination dimmer and horn switch. This contrivance is both simple in exterior form and of small dimensions, and is adaptable to be fitted either on the Interior of the F.T.I. Rotax switchboard. spoke of the steering wheel or on the instrument board. The dimming device is brought into action by turning the knurled knob, whilst the horn is blown when the knob is bodily depressed. The device is made to cover various voltages and candlepowers, so that it can be used in conjunction with any lighting set. ROTAX. (440) The name of Rotax (Motor Accessories), Ltd., is identified with a very comprehensive range of electrical specialities, all of which bear an excellent reputation, which is not altogether disconnected with the fact that in its design regard is had to the requirements of the owner-driver. Thus, for instance, one finds that in the Rotax switchboard, irrespective of whether they are elaborate or of the simplest possible type, the internal arrangements are such that they can not only be easily got at, but that inspection and adjustment are facilitated. A strong feature is, of course, made of the combined lighting and ignition dynamos. Genera- F 56 [Column 2] head lamp and side lamp designs, all of which are distinguished by a graceful symmetry of outline, light weight, and ease of cleaning, one finds a very attractive new type suitable for mounting on the wings, yet of a power adequate for the provision of a good driving light. In this the wiring is internally concealed, but both the bulb and the parabolic mirror are instantly accessible, whilst all external projections are entirely eliminated. A detail accessory of considerable interest is the Rotax dimmer switch. This is a reliable and thoroughly practical device designed to be attached to the steering column, where its extended lever renders it extremely easy and convenient in operation, that is to say, it can be either carefully adjusted or hurriedly thrown over according to circumstances. SCINTILLA. (107) Amongst well-known cars which adopt electrical equipment manufactured by the Scintilla Magneto Co., Ltd., is the Minerva. Many strikingly original features, together with remarkable external neatness, mark the design of the Scintilla starting and lighting sets. Not least interesting is the arrangement of the starter drive. In place of the usual axially-displaced inertia pinion this embodies a combination of plain spur pinions, one of which engages with the flywheel rack by a radial motion. The meshing is thus rendered quiet and free from jar. This movement is controlled by a relay, and the action is such that the moment the engine fires the pinions are completely released automatically. The dynamos, which are, of course, made in a variety of types and outputs to suit various duties, are equipped with an ingenious form of voltage and current regulator. This is of the vibrating diaphragm pattern, controlled, differentially, by both the dynamc charge and the battery voltage, and thus ensuring a charging rate answerable to the demands and conditions of the latter. When the cells are full up the delivery of current is of the order of ¼ to 1 ampère, but this is automatically increased when load is applied. It is thus claimed, with some justification, that the accumulators are only called upon to supply current when the car is standing still, and when the starting motor is in operation. In one very interesting design of dynamo a Scintilla magneto is embodied with the generator, forming a single tandem-driven unit of remarkable compactness. The switchboard is an exceedingly good example of what such devices should be, for though it is, externally, of unobtrusive shape, small dimensions, and notable simplicity, it effects an unusual range of service. The lamps are controlled by a semi-rotary master switch, securable by lock and key. When this latter is withdrawn altogether the ignition system is earthed, the lamp switch is locked, the horn is out of circuit, and the starter button is rendered immovable. Two easily detachable fuses are in the form of screw plugs. The starter is brought into operation by swinging the locking key to an extreme position towards the left. The switchboard is completed by a masked indicator lamp which lights up when the dynamo circuit is closed and is extinguished the moment that charging takes place, through the automatic cut-out; this latter is incorporated in the dynamo itself. Special reduction gearing in the Scintilla starter motor reduces possibility of shock to the armature. S.E.V. (498) The various types of lighting and starting equipment carrying this well-known French marque are exhibited by Ripaults. One of the most interesting machines is a combined single-unit starting motor and generator, suitable for engines of moderate capacity, and bearing evidence of very careful construction. In this type, as in the separate unit dynamo, the system adopted to secure regulation of the volume of current delivered, and also of its voltage, consists of a regulator of the vibrating armature pattern. This is neatly enclosed within one of the detachable end plates, and is of a type the absolute dependability and constancy of which have already been amply demonstrated. This regulator is susceptible to battery influence, that is to say, it passes a charging current proportional to the needs of the battery at the moment, a larger charge being delivered when, for example, the cells are somewhat run down, or when the lamps are switched into circuit, than when the cells are adequately charged. All the generators and motors of S.E.V. manufacture have cylindrical carcases, and a The S.E.V. dynamotor, with cover plate removed, showing voltage regulator. commendable degree of attention has been paid to the accessibility of their simple and robust brush gear. The starter motors are furnished with Bendix pinion drive. As might be expected, the remaining details of the equipment, switchboard lamps, etc., are conspicuously neat in construction, a very desirable feature of | ||