GB850448A - Improved device for controlling the engagement of automatic clutches, particularly for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

850,448. Gearing for stopping and starting machinery. FICHTEL & SACHS A.G. Sept. 18, 1958 [Nov. 9, 1957], No. 29961/58. Class 80 (2). The re-engagement of the main clutch of a motor car following a ratio shift is speeded up by an inertial mass responding only to acceleration of the car to actuate the clutch controlling mechanism. The disengagement of the clutch may be effected by oil pressure, compressed air or vacuum servomotor means. In one form, movement of the car gear shift lever energizes a solenoid 2, Fig. 1, which acts upon an armature 3 to open a valve 4 against the bias of its spring 5, thereby connecting a passage 7, leading to the engine inlet. manifold, through a port 8 to a servomotor (not shown) disengaging the main clutch. When the newly selected ratio has been established and the ratio shift lever released, the solenoid 2 is de-eneigized and the spring 5 closes the valve 4, at the same time connecting the port 8 leading to the vacuum servomotor to a bleed hole 17 through which air seeps for gentle re-engagement of the clutch. If the throttle of the motor car is opened to produce rapid acceleration, a mass 13 pivots and, through a strut 16, opens a valve 10 so that air is admitted through the valve 4 and the port 8 to the servomotor for rapid clutch re-engagement. The compression of the spring 11, and accordingly the fierceness of the acceleration necessary for the mass 13 to open the valve 10, is adjusted by a screw 12. In another form, compressed air or oil under pressure is admitted through a port 25, Fig. 3, and through a valve 22 to a port 26 leading to a servomotor disengaging the main clutch, when the ratio shift lever is moved with consequential energization of a solenoid 20 causing an armature 21 to move against the bias of a valve-closing spring 23. On establishment of the newly selected ratio, the solenoid 20 is de-energized and the spring 23 shuts off the supply of compressed air &c. Pressure in the clutch disengaging servomotor is gradually reduced by compressed air &c. leaking out through the port 26 and an adjustable bleed-off hole 28. If, following establishment of a new ratio, the motor car throttle is opened to produce rapid acceleration, a mass 30 pivots to open a needle valve 32, through which the compressed air &c. pressure in the clutch disengaging servomotor escapes rapidly for quick re-engagement of the clutch.