A NOVEL REVERSE FOR PROLONGED RUNNING.
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New Renault Design Which Makes all Gearbox Ratios Available for Forward or Backward Movement.
ANJNORNIOUS reversible final drive has recently been patented by M. Louis Renault, which it is intended should be used in additiod to an orthodox gearbox. The gear ratios are thus made available for both forward and backward movements, and the reverse gear in the box can be used for manoeuvring in preference to shifting the back axle reverse. The .patent specification shows the idea applied to three pairs of driven wheels, and it is obvious that it is primarily in
tended for use on petrol railcars and loco motives. —
Two crown wheels are provided in the back axle housing, one being placed at each side of the driving pinion. The crown wheels arc in One piece with a sleeve, which is slidably splined on the solid back axle. Mechanism is provided whereby either of the crown wheels can he engaged with the pinion, causing a reversal in the direction of rotation of the back axle.
The way in which the sleeve is moved i
axially is ngenious, and the mechanisin ensures that the gears shall mesh to the correct extent. .Thrust races mounted on the sleeve engage with a cylinder. screwed into the axle casing. This cylinder is provided with teeth in mesh .with a pinion, which, in turn, is driven by shafting and bevel gears connected to a handle operated by the driver. When this handle is operated the screwed cylinder rotates and moves axially, carrying with it the sleeve and crown. wheels.
To ensure the correct meshing of the wheels a spring plunger is provided which engages with slots cut in a flange whieh is part and parcel with the cylin
der. This plunger engagea and prevents further movement when the gears
are meshed. When it is desired to operate • the reverse the handle must be pushed in, this motion being transmitted by a cable and levers so that it results in the withdrawal of the plunger from the slot.
As a further .precaution there is a collar on the handle which prevents it from being withdrawn until the disc which covers it has made one complete revolution. This device will be seen in the sketch reproduced. Finally, an ignition switch may be incorporated so that the engine could not be started unless one or other of the alternative final drives was fully engaged.
it will therefore be seen that this new gear is practically foolproof.