GB683049A - Improvements in and relating to clutch control devices - Google Patents

Abstract

683,049. Controlling clutches. BOCHORY, M. Jan. 8, 1951 [Jan. 7, 1950; Feb. 9, 1950; April 17, 1950] , No. 570/51. Class 80 (ii). A suction servomotor 42 operating the clutch of a motor vehicle is controlled by two solenoid-operated valves 18, 35. The spring-closed valve 18 controls supply of suction from the engine intake manifold 41 through pipe 62A to chamber D connected to the servo 42 through pipe 62, the circuit of its solenoid 14 having two parallel branches, one containing a switch 39 which is closed only when the accelerator 49 is released and, in series therewith, a switch 53 which closes only when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined limit, and the other branch containing a switch 51 which is closed only when no gear is engaged. The spring-closed valve 35 controls entry of atmospheric air to chamber D via a chamber G open to atmosphere through a filter 37, and the circuit of its solenoid 31 includes a switch 39A opened only when the accelerator is released and switches 50, 52 in parallel, one or other of which is closed only when any gear is engaged. Thus, the clutch is always disengaged when the gears are moved to neutral, and is also disengaged when the accelerator is released, provided the vehicle speed is below the predetermined limit. On the other hand, the clutch engages when any gear is engaged. Clutch engagement is rapid until a switch 44 or 45 in series with the switch 52 or 50 is opened by the movement of the servo 42 so as to break the circuit of the solenoid 31 and cause valve 35 to close, the speed of the final engaging movement being determined by the degree of depression of the accelerator by means of a spring-opened valve 2 which controls communication between chambers G, D and against which acts an adjustable abutment 65 on the accelerator. Switch 53 may additionally be closed by application of the vehicle brake. In a modified form, switch 39A is actuated by the valve 18, and valve 2 is not controlled by the accelerator but constitutes a permanent adjustable bleed to the chamber D. Compressed or hydraulic fluid may be used instead of suction.