GB395881A - Improvements relating to clutch control mechanism for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

395,881. Controlling motor vehicles. BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION, 105, West Adams Street, Chicago, U.S.A. Aug. 15, 1932, No. 22829. Convention date, Aug. 14, 1931. [Class 79 (v).] In automatic clutch mechanism for motor vehicles, of the kind including an engine-suction servomotor 32, Fig. 1, controlled by an accelerator operated valve 38, the connection between the throttle-rod 18 and the valve comprises a flexible wire &c. 44, the slack in which is taken up by a transversely-applied adjustable tension to vary the timing of the valve in relation to the throttle 14. As shown, the wire 44 is acted on by a tension spring 62 adjusted by an eyebolt 64 and is adjustably coupled at 46 to the rod 18, which has preferably slotted connection with the throttle arm 16. In a modification, the spring 62 is replaced by a Bowden connection to a spring-pressed knob on the change-speed lever, so that, during gear-changing, the slack in the wire 44 can be fully taken up and the valve 38 caused to move slightly before the throttle closes. The valve 38 comprises a piston-member 42, Fig. 2, controlling communication of the servomotor pipe 36 with the induction manifold 12 or atmospheric ports 54, the valve spring 48 being lighter than the returnspring 50 for the accelerator-pedal 20. Motion of the member 42 to the right-hand or declutching position may be slowed by a friction disc 60 and an air dashpot effect produced by a non- return valve 58 and small aperture 56. The clutch may be disengaged also by a pedal 66 so contacting with the arm 26 operated by the servomotor piston, diaphragm, &c. 30 as not to be depressed by servomotor action. The pedal 66 may also be the service-brake pedal, so that declutching is effected prior to braking.