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).
Design and engagement mechanism of a hand starter for an engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 183\M22\ img132 | |
| Date | 1st October 1920 | |
| Contd. Hand Starter.- (For starting the engine from within the armoured turret by hand.) In the scheme brought by Mr. Day it was proposed to turn the engine by means of a pinion gearing with the edge of the flywheel in the manner used for electric starters. Mr. Royce suggested that to overcome the trouble due to the over-run of the engine on the compressions, the pinion should be driven by teeth of slower spiral than usual, which would allow the pinion to rotate in advance of its shaft without becoming disengaged. Mr. Royce further suggested that to facilitate the engagement of the pinion with the flywheel gear, the pinion should be mounted on parallel serrations or driving keys which would have the effect of allowing it to rotate without moving axially at the moment of engagement with the flywheel teeth. A spring would be used to push the pinion when free to the forward end of the parallel serrations. Mr. Royce thinks it may be found preferable to round the edge of the engaging ends of the gear wheel teeth on the flywheel and starter pinion, but suggests that they should be left with square edges until they are tested. In connection with the hand starter Mr. Royce suggested that the teeth might be cut on the clutch ring to avoid dismounting the flywheel or fitting an extra ring. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} R R 5297 100 3/12/18 (997 7) S-500 | ||