GB410158A - Improvements in clutch control mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

410,158. Operating clutches. BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION, 105, West Adams Street, Chicago, U.S.A. Oct. 11, 1932, No. 28290. Convention date, Oct. 12, 1931. [Class 80 (ii).] The rate of engagement of the clutch of a motor vehicle increases with the opening of the engine throttle. In the form shown, the clutch-operating cylinder 10, Fig. 1, is controlled by a valve 28, Fig. 2. The pedal 68 is normally urged upwards about its pivot 70 by a spring 62 so as to pull the valve 28 to the right by the cord 56 against the pressure of the spring 66, in which position the pipe 21 leading from the left compartment of the cylinder 10 is connected to the induction pipe 20 through the ports 34, 32 and the clutch is disengaged. In the first part of its depression, the pedal 68 allows the piston 28 to be moved to the left by the spring 66, thus connecting the pipe 21 to atmosphere through the ports 38. The first part of the movement of the piston 12, Fig. 3, is rapid, the air in the right-hand chamber escaping between the bush 19 and the piston rod 14. When the clutch is nearly engaged, the projection 17 on the piston fills the hole in the bush, and the remaining air escapes through an adjustable opening into the pipe 54. In its further movement, the pedal 68 presses down the accelerator pedal 78 to open the throttle 76 and also allows the valve 28 to move still further to the left. The cylinder 10 now 'bleeds' through pipe 54, port 48, tapered annular groove 44 in an extension 42 of the valve 28, and an adjustable hole 52, the rate of 'bleed' depending on the position of the groove 44, and thus increasing with the throttle opening. In a modified form, a spool valve uncovers one by one a succession of adjustable ports such as 52. This valve is operated directly by the accelerator pedal, which has a lost motion connection with the throttle. Specification 388,569 is referred to.