Disabling engine speed limiters during centrifugal clutch installation

US7314430B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• James DeVore · Laurinburg, US
• Charles E. Allen, Jr. · Rochester Hills, US
• Winfried Sturmer · Euerbach, DE
• Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann · Meckenbeuren, DE
• Ludger Ronge · Eriskirch, DE
• Loren Christopher Dreier · Southern Pines, US
• Robert Sayman · Eriskirch, DE
• Ronald Muetzel · Southern Pines, US
• Muneer AbuSamra · Southern Pines, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 18, 2005
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 6, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D2500/5116
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A master clutch includes a pressure plate adjacent to a friction disc. A centrifugal weight forces the pressure plate and friction disc into engagement when in a desired install position. A locking device retains the centrifugal weight in the desired installed position. A controller sends an electronic command to a system component, such as an engine, to disengage the locking device. In one example, the electronic command may be an engine speed command that is above an engine speed limit in a normal vehicle operating mode. Commanding the engine to run at a speed greater than the typical engine speed limit moves the centrifugal weight out of the desired installed position making the master clutch operational.