Self-adjusting mechanisms for clutches
US8292055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 23, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2023/126
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In transmissions having input clutches, a lever arm configured as a second class lever is pivoted at one end, applies force to a clutch bearing near its middle and is acted upon by a linear actuator at its opposite end. The present invention relates to mechanisms for adjusting the location of the pivot to compensate for clutch wear. The fixed pivot is replaced by a linear one way clutch mechanism. As the clutch facing wears and the clutch is activated, an extension of the actuating lever arm abuts a stationary stop beyond the one way clutch pivot which translates the pivot point provided by the one way clutch mechanism toward the clutch to reduce pre-travel and compensate for clutch facing wear. Hydraulic and spring biasing of the pivot point are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.