GB371923A - An improved regulating device for an automatic automobile clutch - Google Patents

Abstract

371,923. Controlling motor vehicle clutches ; electric switches. JANDER, H., 51, Emdenerstrasse, Berlin. Jan. 27, 1931, No. 2637. Convention date, Feb. 3, 1930. [Class 79 (v).] The clutch of a motor vehicle is operated by a motor which is controlled either by means mounted on the gear lever, so that the clutch is disengaged whenever the gear lever is operated, or by means depending on the engine speed and acting as soon as the engine speed is reduced to a predetermined low limit, the latter means being put out of action when the accelerator is operated. The servomotor may be pneumatic or electric. In the construction shown in Fig. 1 the clutch (not shown) is disengaged by means of a fluid-pressure semi-rotary motor 7 the vane 8 of which is connected by a wheel or pulley 5 and cable 3 to the clutch pedal 1. The chamber 9 of the motor is always open to the atmosphere at 11 and the chamber 10 is connected by a pipe 12 with a valve casing 13 whereby it can be connected either to atmosphere or to the engine induction pipe 19, Valves 15, 17, secured together in the casing 13, can be operated by (1) a lever 32 mounted on the gear lever 33, (2) a centrifugal governor 39 driven in accordance with the engine speed, and (3) the accelerator pedal 24. In the position shown the accelerator is released, the engine is idling, and the governor 39 is rotating-at low speed and acts on the valves 15, 17 through a cable 37 and rod 34, so that the valve 15 is closed and 17 is open. The motor chamber 10 is thus placed in communication with the induction pipe, the vane 8 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 25 and the clutch is disengaged. When the accelerator pedal 24 is depressed to open the throttle 20 it also acts through the rod 23 and a lever 45 on the valves 17, 15, closing 17 and opening 15, so that the chamber 10 of the motor is open to the atmos. phere and the clutch is allowed to engage. When the gear lever is grasped to change gear the lever 32 thereon is operated and acts through connections 31, 29, 27, 26 to close the valve 15 and open 17 so that the clutch is disengaged as long as the gear lever is grasped. If, when the accelerator has been released, the engine speed is high the governor 39 pays out the cable 37 and allows a compression spring 43 to close the valve 17 and open 15, so that the clutch is engaged and does not become disengaged until the engine speed has dropped to a predetermined low limit. In the modification shown in Fig. 2, the valves 15, 17 are controlled by a solenoid 46 which is energized from a battery 50 to close the valve 15 and disengage the clutch whenever a wire 51 is earthed. This is effected (1) when the gear lever 33 is grasped and contacts 52 are brought together, and (2) when the accelerator pedal 24 is released to close a switch 55, and a centrifugal switch 54, 60 is closed at low engine speeds. The switch comprises sliding weights 56 controlled by adjustable springs 58, the contact 60 being carried by a spring 57 which connects the weights 56. The contact 54 is made aa an electromagnet in order to check oscillations of the contact 60 at speeds near the critical speed. Modifications of the construction shown in Fig. 2 are described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4 (not shown) in which, instead of the special centrifugal switch 54, 60 use is made of the usual automatic dynamo switch that acts in accordance with engine speed. In these modifications a second solenoid controls the completion of the circuit of the main solenoid 46. The main solenoid 46 may form the motor and may act directly on the clutch instead of controlling the valves of a pneumatic motor.