GB815761A - Improvements relating to devices for regulating automatically operated clutches in motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

815,761. Clutch control. DAIMLER-BENZ A.G. March 15, 1957 [March 15, 1956], No. 8667/57. Class 80 (2). In a motor-vehicle clutch control, wherein the clutch is disengaged when, during gear-shift, a switch 38 on the shift lever or its mounting energizes a solenoid 37 to move right a spring- loaded valve 33 causing engine-manifold depression 8 to reach a chamber 15 and act on a diaphragm or piston on the clutch-rod 6, the rate of re-engagement of the clutch, when the solenoid is de-energized on completion of shift, is controlled by three passages regulating return of atmospheric pressure to the chamber 15. These comprise a first passage 21 having a constant restrictor 23; a second passage 25 controlled by a piston valve 30 linked to the clutch-rod 6 to close after initial engagement of the clutch, both these passages being communicated with the diaphragm chamber 15 only when the solenoid valve 33 is de-energized; and a third constantly connected passage 24 controlled by a piston valve 26 linked to the accelerator pedal to increase clutch-engagement rate with accelerator depression and thus cause slow clutch engagement at light throttle openings, e.g. on starting or after downshift. The clutch may be preceded by a centrifugal clutch or fluid coupling to act as a separating clutch, or may be used alone and be automatically disengaged at idle speeds by governor or generatorresponsive control.