Self-adjusting clutches for automotive vehicles
US7172061B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20414
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Self-adjusting clutches for automotive vehicles include a hydraulic cylinder as part of a clutch linkage connecting a clutch foot pedal to a clutch plate biased by a clutch spring to urge a friction disk into engagement with a flywheel of an engine. The hydraulic cylinder has a housing with a stop thereon that engages a bracket fixed to the vehicle when the clutch is engaged under the bias of the clutch spring. A piston within the housing is connected through a linkage in the form of a cable or rod assembly to the clutch. As the clutch wears, the piston is pulled toward the clutch for elongating the hydraulic cylinder to compensate for clutch wear by adjusting the length of the clutch linkage. A valve within the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the clutch pedal and is closed upon pressing the clutch pedal to retain the elongated length of the hydraulic cylinder and thus the adjusted length of the clutch linkage while the clutch is disengaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.