GB587344A - Improvements in or relating to automatic adjusting means for transmission linkages - Google Patents

Abstract

587,344. Clutch-operating mechanism. AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CO., Ltd., and BROCK, W. H. J. Jan. 5, 1945, No. 538. [Classes 80 (ii) and 80 (iii)] [Also in Group XXXIV] Automatic adjusting means for transmission linkages for operating clutches, brakes, and other parts, comprises members 13, 16, connected together by a pair of oppositely acting unidirectional clutches and movable about a common axis, the parts being arranged to allow of automatic relative adjustment of the members 13, 16. As shown, the member 16 is fixed to a shaft 14 and is connected by links 51, 52, to a release pad 48 for a clutch 40, 41, 44. The member 13 is connected by a link 12 to a pedal 10, which, in the clutch-engaged position, is held by a spring 18 against a stop 19. Between the member 13 and the shaft 14 are clutch means comprising sets of balls or rollers 24, 25, carried in cage 23. The latter can move relatively to the member 13 due to a pin-and-slot connection 30, 32. Flats 21 in the member 13 co-operate with the balls 24, 25 and a lug 34 on the cage 23 is engageable with a stop 35 in the clutch engaged position. The member 16 is acted on by a spring 36 weaker than the spring 18. When disengaging the clutch, the pedal 10 is moved clockwise and the balls 24 are jammed between the flats 21 and shaft 14 to move the member 16 and hence the clutch pressure plate against the action of the clutch springs 45. Upon release of the pedal 10 the clutch is re-engaged. Just before the end of this movement the lug 34 engages the abutment 35 so that the balls 24 are moved away from the flats 21 and the shaft 14 is then free to move to take up any play that has developed in the mechanism. The balls or rollers 25, are each carried in a long slot 27 in the cage 23 and acted on by a spring 28. Thus during the final movement of the pedal 10 against the stop 19 the balls 25 are jammed between the shaft 14 and the flats 21 and a small movement is given to the member 16 so that the pad 48 is slightly spaced from the release lever plate 47. When applied to a brake mechanism the usual pulloff springs for the shoes may be provided, but these will be weaker than the spring 36. The engagement of the auxiliary balls 25 during the return movement of the parts thus provides a predetermined clearance between the shoes and the drum.