Automatically adjusting friction clutch with over adjustment protection and reset mechanism
US6109412A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D13/757
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An adjustment mechanism for a frictional clutch for a motor vehicle includes a pressure plate, a first annular cam member, a second annular cam member, a cam spring, a cam control finger, an anti-rotation feature, and a control finger drag spring. The pressure plate has an axis of rotation and an engagement surface substantially normal to the axis of rotation. The first annular cam member is concentric with the axis of rotation and has a plurality of first ramped cam surfaces. The first annular cam member is rotatively fixed with respect to the pressure plate. The second annular cam member is rotatable relative to the first annular cam member and has a plurality of second ramped cam surfaces in engagement with the first ramped cam surfaces. The second annular cam member, together with the first annular cam member, define an effective pressure plate thickness. The second annular cam member also has an engagement step at its outer periphery. The cam spring is functionally disposed between the cam members and rotatively biases the cam members toward an increased cam height. The cam control finger is slidably disposed within an aperture in the pressure plate. The cam control finger has…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.