Two-pedal Control in 6-cwt. Van

21st September 1956, Page 126

21st September 1956

Page 126

Page 126, 21st September 1956 — Two-pedal Control in 6-cwt. Van

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By introducing the Newton centri-fugal clutch and a solenoid control unit with its switch on the gear lever, the Standard Motor Co., Ltd., Coventry, are now able to offer their 6-cwt, van with two-pedal control.

:.The 'unit is fitted With a ccinttoi valve which takes into account all kinds of driving technique, because the gear is in no sense of the semi-automatic or automatic type.

It is known as the Standrive twopedal control system. The three major components are the centrifugal clutch, the servo-operated withdrawal cylinder and the control-valve unit. Auxiliary components include a gear-lever knob switch, vacuum cylinder, non-return valve and inter-connecting cables.

When changing gear, the act of

gripping the gear-lever knob Closes the contacts of the switch and, in turn, the solenoid in the control unit is energized. The effect is to allow the vacuum from the inlet manifold to take effect in the clutch-withdrawal cylinder. With the clutch disengaged, gear selection is' made in the normal manner.

Snatch during re-engagement of the clutch is controlled by a cable interconnected between the Withdrawal cylinder and the carburetter throttle valve. This section is independent of the accelerator pedal.

For making fast changes, there is an additional valve operated in conjunction with the accelerator pedal, which increases the rate of entry of atmospheric air to the withdrawal cylinder during the re-engagement. As

this control is directly coupled to the accelerator, the more the pedal IS depressed the faster will be the speed of re-engagement of the clutch.

Fitted in the control-valve unit is a valve which enables the vehicle to be driven in the "choked" condition. This' valve is connected directly to the carburetter-choke control and works in conjunction with it when operated from the dash panel.

With the choke in use, the valve changes ports in the control unit to enable the vacuum to hold out the clutch, as when changing gear in the normal manner.

The gearbox fated to the Standard 6-cwt. van is a four-speed unit with synchromesh mechanism for geond, third and top ratios.